Stacey Paine appointed Crown Center President

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Stacey Paine, a Hallmark vice president – finance, has been promoted to president of Crown Center Redevelopment Corporation. Paine will replace Bill Lucas who is retiring at year-end after serving 20 years as the president of Crown Center, the mixed-use community that combines hotel, office, retail, residential and entertainment attractions within its boundaries.

"For 20 years, Bill's strong leadership has continued to transform Crown Center making it a vibrant part of downtown Kansas City and one of the region's premier family entertainment destinations," says Don Hall, Jr., Hallmark CEO.

A "city within a city"
Since its inception, Crown Center has been an example of the good that results from civic, community and business partners working to achieve a single vision. The 85-acre complex attracts more than 6 million visitors annually and has provided a prestigious address to the many businesses that operate out of its more than 2.2 million-square-feet of office space. Crown Center's condominium complex is home for hundreds of urban dwellers and the world-class Sheraton and Westin Hotels provide out-of-town travelers with quality, comfortable accommodations.

Privately financed by Hallmark Cards, Inc., Crown Center is frequently cited as a model for mixed-use urban redevelopment. It has been a catalyst for change in Kansas City's urban core and was a pioneer in bringing quality working, living and entertainment facilities back to downtown.

"Recently, the addition of the SeaLife Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center have added to the many entertainment options available to Crown Center visitors," added Hall. "Bill's efforts in bringing those attractions to Kansas City, and his leadership in reinvigorating the center's retail presence, including the new Halls on Grand, will leave a lasting legacy in the community for many years to come."

An exciting future
In her new role, Paine will provide strategic leadership and direction for all Crown Center activities including hotel operations, office space leasing, retail operations, real estate and restaurant operations. She will report to CEO Don Hall and will become an officer of the company.

"Stacey brings a broad set of proven leadership and financial management experiences to her new position," Hall adds. "She was an integral member of Crown Center's leadership team focused on improving its distinctive retail landscape and elevating the popularity of its family-friendly entertainment options, including festivals, events and theater. These experiences have provided her with a deep understanding of Crown Center as a business and an appreciation for its distinct mission and role in our community."

"I am extremely energized about this new opportunity," says Paine. "I look forward to continuing to elevate the important role Crown Center plays in Kansas City and in Hallmark's portfolio of businesses."

Paine joined Hallmark in 1990 and has served in a variety of roles within the finance division. She previously served as Crown Center vice president – finance and administration and Halls vice president – finance and operations.

Paine holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Missouri and a master's degree in business administration in finance and marketing from Rockhurst University. 

About Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Hallmark makes the world a more caring place by helping people express what's in their hearts and connect in emotional ways with others. In the U.S., innovative Hallmark greeting cards and gifts are sold through leading mass retailers, the network of Hallmark Gold Crown^® specialty stores and online. Worldwide, Hallmark offers products in more than 30 languages available in 100 countries. Millions of households enjoy family friendly television programming offered by cable's top-rated Hallmark Channel and fast-growing Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Hallmark's Crayola subsidiary inspires artistic creativity in children through Crayola^® crayons and markers as well as other innovative art tools, crafting activities and creative toys. Privately held Hallmark is based in Kansas City, Mo., and continues to be led by members of the founding Hall family. Visit http://corporate.hallmark.com for more details. Connect at Hallmark.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

About Crown Center
Located on the southern edge of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, Crown Center offers fine hotels, entertainment, dining, shopping, offices and residential living. Home to the international headquarters of Hallmark

Cards, Inc., the complex attracts more than six million annual visitors.

Visit www.crowncenter.com for more information.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151020/278713

SOURCE Hallmark Cards, Inc.