VAN METRE CELEBRATES 50^TH ANNIVERSARY
Leading Creator Of Communities Hosts Event To Commemorate Milestone

BURKE, VIRGINIA - Van Metre Companies, Metropolitan Washington's strongest privately-held creator of communities, hosted a celebration to honor 50 years of successes on June 16 at Fairfax Square Apartments, located at 9860 Fairfax Square, Fairfax, Va.  Fairfax Square is Van Metre's very first mixed-use project, built in the 1960's.  It was the setting where Van Metre Companies marked a half-century tradition of creating high-quality homes, apartments, office buildings and shopping centers in the area.

Key political leaders were in attendance to help Van Metre Companies celebrate this milestone, including Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chairman Sean Connaughton, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Sharon Bulova and Virginia State Senators Richard L. Saslaw and Russ Potts.

"We have succeeded over the years through our family-oriented approach to the industry and long-lasting relationships with key community leaders, vendors and customers," said Al Van Metre, Sr., Van Metre chairman, CEO and founder.  "This event gave us an opportunity to thank these individuals for making our growth and success possible throughout this remarkable tenure, and to look forward to the next half-century."

This growth and success over the last half-century include establishing a family of brand names including Van Metre Homes, Marquis Custom Homes and Van Metre Investment Properties.  Also, Van Metre has participated in the creation of award-winning, mixed-use communities including Hayfield, Saratoga, Broadlands, Lansdowne on the Potomac and Stone Ridge.  In addition to Al Van Metre, the company has been able to retain five key principals who have a combined tenure of over 100 years with the company.

Also in honor of its 50th anniversary, Van Metre is selling a show house at Lansdowne on the Potomac and will be giving 25 percent of the proceeds to 10 selected charities including Capital Hospice, Inc., Children's National Medical Center, Fairfax City Lamb Center for the Homeless, Fairfax Parks Foundation - Bright Futures Program, Loudoun Community Free Clinic, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, Loudoun County Parks and Recreation - Tillett Park, Loudoun YMCA Capital Campaign, Loudoun Youth, Inc. and Prince William Interfaith Caregivers.

"Al Van Metre and the Van Metre Companies have been instrumental in shaping our region," stated Elaine N. McConnell, Springfield District Supervisor, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.  "I have worked with them on many projects over the years.  They are known for building quality communities and being an active participant in charitable activities."

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