MEETING HELD IN COOPERATION WITH: Monday, March 23, 2015 11:45 A.M. (early start) Steelcase Ballroom DeVos Performance Hall MICHAEL KAISER Chairman DeVos Institute of Arts Management Topic: “Business of the Arts” Michael Kaiser, Chairman of the DeVos Institute of Arts Management and former President, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C., will offer remarks to a joint audience of Economic Club members and guests and attendees of the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Dubbed “the turnaround king” for his work at such arts institutions as the Kansas City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Opera House, Kaiser has earned international renown for his expertise in arts management. Over the course of Kaiser’s impressive career that earned him the reputation as a savior of companies on the brink of disaster, he has also established programs, educational opportunities, management consulting services to arts organizations, and more, worldwide. He is the cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department, advising performing arts organizations around the world on building institutional strength through marketing, strategic planning, and fundraising. Prior to his remarks focusing on the economic impact of performing arts and the enormous ability to strengthen communities, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy special brief performances by the Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Ballet, Opera Grand Rapids and Broadway Grand Rapids. This offers an exciting and unique opportunity to enjoy the wide array of performing arts available to us in our city and region. Each of these organizations has benefited from working with the DeVos Institute of Arts Management. To register: http://www.econclub.net. Click "Register for Events Now" link to begin. Members: $35 Guests: $42 Reservations requested by Thursday, March 19, 2015 (No cancellations after noon Thursday preceding the luncheon.) Next meeting: April 20, 2015 – David Hooker, President, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park 20th Anniversary presentation. Spring 2015 annual essay contest awards presentation. www.facebook.com/econclubgr @GREconClub