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o�sou Tx <br /> F dx <br /> :J b <br /> W eFacE � � <br /> y� a 1, a2 <br /> 1865 <br /> Office of the Mayor <br /> NEWS RELEASE <br /> Thursday, May 17, 2007 <br /> 3 p.m. <br /> Now performing at the Morris: A $5.9 million impact <br /> Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications&Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876- <br /> 1564, or Dennis Andres, Executive Director, Morris Performing Arts Center, 235-5603 <br /> Each person who will attend an event at the Morris Performing Arts Center this year will <br /> spend, on average, another $33.72 in South Bend—nearly twice the level of spending <br /> generated by other U.S. arts venues, according to a new economic impact survey. <br /> The city-owned facility expects 165,000 patrons to attend 93 events in 2007 at the Morris <br /> Performing Arts Center complex, which would generate a $5.9 million indirect economic <br /> impact on the community. That figure does not include ticket sales. <br /> In just three years, that projected impact has increased nearly 80 percent when compared <br /> with a $3.1 million projected economic impact in 2004 from a similar study on which the <br /> new study is based. <br /> "The Morris is a strategic component in the promotion of tourism and economic <br /> development, and the general revival of the downtown South Bend area," said a market <br /> research study conducted by an award-winning Saint Mary's College graduating senior. <br /> The study projected a"$5.6 million indirect economic impact by spending of Morris <br /> Performing Arts Center patrons and an estimated $290,000 in food and beverages <br /> obtained from local vendors and provided by the Palais Royale." This brings the total <br /> indirect economic impact to nearly $5.9 million. In addition, event performers spend <br /> nearly $19,000 on necessities in the community and more than $11,000 for hotel <br /> reservations. The Morris also generates a sales tax revenue of more than $353,000. <br /> "Our dream of creating a first-class arts district downtown is not an impossible dream but <br /> a happening reality," said Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. "We've always known the Morris <br /> Performing Arts Center and the Palais Royale are twin jewels that beautify our <br /> downtown. This study shows that they also help drive its economic engine." <br />