THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 3, 1996 TAG: 9607030461
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAT DOOLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 42 lines
Al-Anon Family Groups World Service Office, which oversees more than 30,000 global support groups for people affected by someone who drinks alcohol, has completed its move from New York City to Corporate Landing Office Park in Virginia Beach.
Al-Anon employs 52 people, including five administrative directors, and is the second-largest 12-step, self-help program, behind Alcoholics Anonymous, said Richard J. Keilly, director of business services.
Its new $2.5 million, 33,000-square-foot building combines administrative offices and a warehouse, formerly headquartered in Manhattan and the Bronx.
A nonprofit organization supported solely by member donations, Al-Anon will save $600,000 annually in the move, completed this week, Keilly said. Some of the dollars will be used to help its more than 600,000 members in 112 countries, through programs, and brochures produced and distributed through the Beach offices.
In 1991, Al-Anon's board of directors voted to move the headquarters, which had been in various New York locations since its founding in 1951, Keilly said. Virginia Beach was chosen over possible sites in Goldsboro, N.C.; Dayton, Ohio; and Tampa, Fla.
The area's accessibility, airport service, cost of living, quality of life and moderate climate made it attractive, Keilly said.
Al-Anon hopes to draw visitors from around the world - some of whom may be vacationing in Virginia Beach, he added.
Al-Anon will add five employees to its roster in the near future, he said. It also will hold its annual conventions in Virginia Beach, beginning in April, when more than 100 delegates are scheduled to gather at the Sheraton Inn Ocean Front.
Al-Anon was founded by Lois W. - wife of Alcoholics Anonymous' co-founder Bill W. - and Lois' neighbor, Ann B.
Members use only their first names to protect their anonymity.
Al-Anon also oversees 4,100 groups for Alateen, the 12-step, self-help organization for children and teens affected by someone else's drinking. by CNB