FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2004 1:00 p.m.

Co-Directors Announce Northern Migration

State Accepts New Job in Chicagoland

BARNES PLACE (ATLANTA, GEORGIA) - “Our work in the South is done,” proclaimed Director of Ambiance and Entertainment Timothy State. “We’ve done all we can do, and now it’s up to them to save themselves.” State is referring to their pending Northern Migration, set to commence on Friday, September 10, 2004 when State will travel to Chicago, Illinois, where he has accepted a new position with Lake Forest College as the Director of Special Projects, set to begin Monday, September 13. Director of Catering and Guest Relations Anthony Dornacher will stay in Atlanta until Barnes Place can be sold, and then will relocate to Chicago, transferring with American Express.

The announcement comes as a shock and a surprise to many, who are left with more questions than answers. To others, particularly those up North, the announcement is being greeted with celebration. State and Dornacher’s departure will end a decade of Yankee Occupation.

In their time in the South, the two co-directors have gained an appreciation for Southern Style, and completely infused local customs and flare into their sophisticated Yankee ways. Their ongoing study has helped to blur the lines between blue and grey that define distinct regional cultures.

State graduated from Lake Forest College in 1993. He’s been a volunteer with the Alumni Board of Governors for several years now, and was recently inducted onto the Board last spring. Preparing to join the Development Department Staff, he’s stepped down from his volunteer post. As the Director of Special Projects, State will oversee the development of many of the marketing and communications materials associated with the College’s Annual Fund, as well as other programs. In this role, State will assist several departments within the Development department, implementing new programs and initiatives. The position will tap into his professional project management, marketing and special events background, as well as his volunteer community-building experience.

Personally, both State and Dornacher are looking forward to being closer to family, as well as a strong peer network of friends. They’re also looking forward to being closer to Illinois’ riverboat casinos.

“While we are reluctantly leaving a lot behind in Atlanta, we are moving to so much in Chicago,” said State. “This simply is a great career opportunity that will get us closer to family and friends, and significantly more opportunity for Tony professionally than what is available here in Atlanta.”

A special website has been created to answer questions about the move to Chicago. Simply direct your browser to http://move.barnesplace.com.

Houseboys Dan and Sean had little to say, other than, “Chicago better know what it’s getting – again.”

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