Investments in the Arts Yield Returns for Business
By David R. Goode, Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer,
Norfolk Southern Corporation
"As future business leaders in this country - entrepreneurs, owners, partners and perhaps even railroad executives, you will face the challenge and responsibility of operating a successful company that produces quality goods and services, serves the best interests of its employees and investors, and provides the leadership and resources necessary to enhance the quality of life in the communities it serves.
It is important to remember that business is an integral member of any community and must take an active role. The most successful companies, regardless of size, are good corporate citizens in the communities they serve. Business in this country has a long and solid tradition of giving back to the communities it serves.
For me, there is a clear relationship between the arts and business. In fact, much of what I learned from my involvement in the arts helped me when I took over the helm of Norfolk Southern.
In the arts, the challenge is to run the organization in a business-like way without losing the creative spark. In business, the challenge is to spark the creativity that will make a business great.
In both business and the arts, you have to find the right combination, one that ignites creativity and manages the bottom line.
In business, you might get into trouble if you are missing the creative spark that enables you to get to the next stage of development or helps you meet a major challenge.
I urge you to remember that the arts are important to our quality of life and provide benefits to employees and customers. No society can be strong or hope to survive without encouraging the arts.
As a businessman who wants to build for the future, I believe in being
vigilant in supporting the cultural and artistic life of our communities
throughout the country. And this is a belief I hope you share with me."