US VICE PRESIDENT PENCE AND SENATOR SCOTT VISIT THE MEETING PLACE TOWN CENTRE

Bishop ERIC J. Freeman Hosts white house visit for inaugural National Opportunity zone

COLUMBIA, SC— Bishop Eric Freeman and the First Lady of the Church Coleen Freeman had the privilege of hosting United States Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, along with US Senator Tim Scott, for a nationally televised on-the-ground visit of The Meeting Place Church Center on 21 February, 2019. The dignitaries from the White House and Congress were presented with the shining example of a model revitalization project initiated and completed by TMPC and Spotlight Cinemas, highlighting the prototype for the type of investment and leadership that is destined to be the hallmark example of future Opportunity Zone projects throughout the United States.

Opportunity Zone projects are a Federal program initiated by the SC Junior US Senator Scott, designed to provide support and revitalization to traditionally underserved areas of the US which have been selected to receive funding and resources to stimulate growth, jobs, and rebirth within the community. The Meeting Place Church was selected for a visit by Vice President Pence and Senator Scott because of the successful investment and buildout of The Meeting Place Centre with its 300-seat banquet hall, state of the art 8-Cinema theater, and surrounding businesses that make TMPC the magnet to future revitalization efforts in the community and across the nation.

After a tour of the cinema and facilities, and introduction to TMPC staff, the Vice President and his entourage were treated to an inspiring a cappella performance by The Meeting Place Gospel Choir, which by all accounts “brought the house down.” A small group then received Mr. Pence and Mr. Scott in the chapel, introduced by Bishop Freeman in an inspiring reminder of what is possible through faith, vision, providence and hard work, all of which have created the landmark TMPC facility, provided the opportunity to host the White House delegation, and which portend even greater things to come.

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