2005 U.S. Cultural & Heritage Tourism Summit
Mark A. Shugoll, Chief Executive Officer, Shugoll Research
L'Enfant Plaza Hotel
Washington, DC
October 7, 2005

Do You Know This About Business?

  • There are more than 13 million companies in the United States. About 11 million can give.
  • 96% are small and midsize - annual revenues of less than $50 million.
  • 89% of the businesses in the United States employ 40 individuals or less.

Do You Know This About Business Support to the Arts?

  • Business gave a record $3.32 billion to the arts in 2003.
    • 49% came from businesses with annual revenues of less than $1 million.
    • 40% came from businesses with annual revenues of $1 million to $49.9 million.
    • 11% came from businesses with annual revenues of more than $50 million.
  • 93% of all business support to the arts remains in a company's operating community.
  • 61% of companies have never been asked to support the arts.
Source: The BCA Report: 2004 National Survey of Business Support to the Arts

Why Don't More Small Businesses Support the Arts?
Because they:

  • Do not understand the need - or rewards.
  • Do not have contact with individuals from arts organizations.
  • Do not understand the value of the arts to:
    • the economic vitality and quality of life of a community.
    • their employees, customers, clients and their families.
    • K-12 education and improved SAT scores.
    • the success of business.
  • Are seldom or never asked for support.

Business Support to the Arts Is Good for Business

  • 88% of respondents are more likely to purchase products or services from companies that support the arts than those that do not, with all factors being equal, including price and quality.
  • 95% of respondents view a company more positively if it supports the arts.
  • 93% of respondents would rather work for a company that supports the arts over one that does not.
  • 94% of respondents feel that without business support for the arts, the quality of life in their community would decline.
Source: BCA Online Survey Results, Business Committee for the Arts, Inc.

Call To Action

  • Identify small and midsize businesses in your community.
  • Get involved in the community and get to know these companies.
  • Build relationships with small and midsize businesses.
  • Make the case for the value of the arts and cultural tourism.
  • Ask these businesses to invest in your organization and its projects.

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