FROM:Andrew J. Groveman
Belz Enterprises
The Tower at Peabody Place
100 Peabody Place/Suite 1400
Memphis, TN 38103
901/260-7348

CONTACT: Rubenstein Associates, Inc.
Public Relations, Tel: 212/843-8036
Filomena Maiello


BELZ FACTORY OUTLET WORLD - LAKELAND AND VISION QUEST HOST "BLINDNESS AWARENESS DAY" EVENT

(Lakeland, Tenn.) October 7, 2002 - Belz Factory Outlet World - Lakeland, in conjunction with Vision Quest, a community-wide coalition of agencies, organizations and professionals serving the needs of the blind and visually impaired, will host a "Blindness Awareness Day" event at the outlet mall on Saturday, October 12th. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., representatives from area agencies will be on hand at booths throughout the mall walkways to increase public awareness of agencies and services that assist persons with vision limitation. There will also be a "Sight Van" parked in front of the main mall entrance to give free eye exams to shoppers throughout the event.

Among the services offered by participating community agencies are: rehabilitation and adjustment counseling; skills training for coping with the demands of everyday life; job placement counseling and vocational training; orientation and mobility instruction; low vision evaluations; recreational activities; and peer support and advocacy services.

"Even the most technologically-advanced medical procedures may not fully restore lost sight," said Andrew J. Groveman, President of the Factory Outlet Division of Belz Enterprises. "These services can help improve the quality of life for affected individuals. We urge everyone to attend this important event and learn more about the extensive resources available to the community."

Located at 3536 Canada Road in Lakeland, Belz Factory Outlet World is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

With headquarters in Memphis, Belz Enterprises is a multi-faceted real estate company with more than 30 million square feet of developed property including over 40 shopping complexes, ranging from community shopping centers to regional malls. Belz developed and manages Factory Outlet Worlds in Lakeland and Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Las Vegas, Nev., St. Augustine, Fla. and Orlando, Fla., where the company also operates the Belz Designer Outlet Centre. In 2001, the firm opened Belz Factory Outlet World-Puerto Rico, the first enclosed factory outlet mall on Puerto Rico. In addition, Belz operates the 100 Oaks Mall in Nashville, Tenn. The company has also developed and owns a group of premier hotels, including the flagship Peabody Hotels in Memphis and Orlando and the recently opened Peabody Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas.

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