31 October, 2012
Montes del Plata and area residents celebrate Conchillas` 125th anniversary
On 24 October, the town of Conchillas celebrated its 125-year anniversary with a large event held at the Plaza 25 de Agosto.
In attendance were local officials, area residents and representatives the Montes del Plata company. Montes del Plata actively participated in various commemorative activities held throughout the week.
Days before the event, the four projects that will receive financing were presented. These projects stemmed the local Community Development Forum, an open sphere of participation promoted by Montes del Plata to channel proposals to improve Conchillas. Approved projects include improvements for the Pueblo Gil sports plaza, a roadway safety campaign aimed at children and area residents, improvements to mitigate the dangerous curve at the entry to Conchillas and a series of projects and actions to support the local children`s football team.
On 21 October, Montes del Plata welcomed area residents to the construction site. This activity was greatly appreciated by the residents. Nearly 300 people were able to familiarize themselves with the site being built in Punta Pereira. The main event, held on 24 October, was attended by Lilián Kechichián, Minister of Tourism and Sport. The Minister had already visited the Montes del Plata site, which includes a modern cellulose pulp industrial processing plant, a port and a renewable source power generation unit.
During the main event, Montes del Plata general manager Erwin Kaufmann unveiled a commemorative plaque made by Colonia-based ceramics artist Ariel Chape and expressed his gratitude for the manner in which the company has been welcomed in the area. New signs set up by Montes del Plata to point out the various historic points throughout the area were also displayed for the first time.
A photography exhibit about Conchillas comprised of large scale images of the town`s past and present was also opened. The exhibit will be on display until the end of the month at the emblematic Edificio Evans building. The objective of Montes del Plata for this travelling exhibit is to promote Conchillas and the surrounding area as a tourist attraction. In the context of the 125th anniversary of the town, the National Intendant Congress was held at Puerto Conchillas on 25 October. That same morning, departmental leaders toured the Punta Pereira construction site accompanied by the Montes del Plata team and led by the company`s general manager.
The town of Conchillas has welcomed many important visitors and has witnessed emotional celebrations foretelling a new and auspicious future for the town.