Guests of Business After Hours treated to inside look at new Discovery Park of America

Robert E. Kirkland and his wife, Jenny, speak to guests of Thursday's Chamber Business After Hours about the new Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn. First State Bank in downtown Dyersburg played host to Thursday's event where guests were treated to an evening of networking, hors d'oeuvres, and a presentation on the new park. The Kirklands are longtime supporters of education in the area and their Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation is Discovery Park's principal benefactor. Their foundation has donated or committed approximately $80 million to the creation of Discovery Park and has created a program of $2 million-$3 million continuing support after opening for operational support and expansion. Discovery Park of America is an educational complex with exhibits and interactive experiences in the areas of nature, science, technology, history and art. It is set to open this November. First State Bank is the sponsor of the Children's Gallery at the park, which will offer activities for all ages. For more information on Discovery Park go to http://www.discoveryparkofamerica.com or to see photos from the Business After Hours event visit the photo galleries at www.stategazette.com.