Company: Sabroso Company
Headquarters: Medford, Oregon
Industry: Fruit Based Products
Company Size: Midsize (annual revenues of $50 to $250 million)

“Supporting the arts is more than supporting the community; it’s creating a community to provide a forum for the mingling of ideas, the sharing of stories and the honoring of all."

- James Root, Chief Executive Officer, Sabroso Company

Objectives
To spawn a new generation of arts patrons and to enrich the lives of its employees and the quality of life of the communities of Southern Oregon.

Process

• Recognizing that the redevelopment of the local Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater (CGRT) would spark economic development and increase cultural offerings in the city, Sabroso made the lead gifts to jump-start the redevelopment and helped secure additional funding.
• When CGRT faced a cash flow problem and wanted to develop an audience, the company purchased a $100 membership for full-time employees.
• Sabroso arranged meetings with the CRGT staff members and the Portland Trailblazers to discuss marketing, business development strategies, and customer retention and recognition programs.
  
• The company flew the CRGT Executive Director to Portland, Oregon, to meet with representatives of Wells Fargo Bank to develop partnerships.

Results
The redevelopment of CGRT has transformed the surrounding area, making it a true cultural destination that contributes to local economic prosperity.  Many of Sabroso’s employees who were given $100 memberships to CGRT have since renewed their annual memberships.  The Craterian has benefited from Sabroso’s business perspective by improving its marketing techniques and attracting and retaining patrons.  Further, the company became a model for others to follow when the meeting between CRGT and Wells Fargo led to a partnership that includes program sponsorships.  (2007)

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