Trenton, NJ - Demonstrating the significance of the arts to economic growth, community development and job creation, Acting Governor Kim Guadagno visited the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown today as the third stop on her "Arts Mean Business" tour across the state. Regarded as one of New Jersey's leading performing arts venues, MPAC annually draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to top-notch performances and programs, boosting the local economy and enhancing the Morristown community.
"The Mayo has become a focal point for the whole area. Its expansion has brought full-time, part-time, and construction jobs that have brought an economic boost to Morristown and the state," said Acting Governor Guadagno. "Preserving this historic theater not only highlights New Jersey history, but establishes a sustainable engine of economic growth that can help keep this community and the region thriving."
The Mayo Performing Arts Center, formerly known as the Community Theatre, was built in 1937 and was once the crown jewel of Walter Reade's chain of movie theatres in New Jersey. After undergoing thorough renovations, the Theatre reopened in 1994 as a performing arts center. Now in its 17th season, MPAC houses a state of the art facility and hosts more than 200 performances annually, attracting more than 200,000 patrons and reaching more than 35,000 students through its running education program.
"For decades, this theater has been a hub of activity for this community," said Michael Fabrizio, executive director of Morristown Partnership, the organization responsible for furthering the interests of Morristown's central business district. "The impressive renovations of the past decade have transformed the performing arts center, positioning it as a major destination for tourists and residents, and contributing tremendously to the vitality of our downtown."
"My business increases on MPAC show nights by easily 50%," said Brick Oven Trattoria owner Eddie Matos.
State funds through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts support MPAC's critically-acclaimed performances, programs and services. This year the Mayo has again been designated a "Major Presenting Institution" by the State Arts Council in recognition of its long history of artistic excellence, substantial programming and broad public benefit.
The New Jersey Partnership for Action (PFA) supports the vital role business plays in advancing the state's economy and creating jobs. Led by Acting Governor Guadagno, the PFA is a three-pronged public-private approach to economic development and the starting point for all initiatives, policies, and efforts to grow New Jersey's economy and create quality, sustainable jobs in our communities. The three elements of the PFA include the Business Action Center, reporting directly to the Acting Governor and providing the business community with a single point of contact, applying a proactive, customer-service approach to businesses' interactions with State government; the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, serving as the state's "bank for business"; and Choose New Jersey, an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation created to encourage and nurture economic growth throughout New Jersey.
Businesses considering a move or in need of assistance are encouraged to call New Jersey's Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789 or visit the State's Business Portal at www.newjerseybusiness.gov.
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