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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 13, 2012 

ARTS & BUSINESS COUNCIL TO CEASE OPERATIONS;
TWO CORE PROGRAMS WILL CONTINUE UNDER MANAGEMENT
OF VALLEY NONPROFITS

Financial Challenges Force Board Decision; Business on Board, BVA To Go On

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Sept. 13, 2012):  Following months of strategic conversations, financial reviews and discussions with community partners, the Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix (A&BC) Board of Directors has voted to suspend business operations in the next 30 days.  However, management of two core A&BC programs – Business on Board and Business Volunteers for the Arts (BVA) – will be taken on by different Valley-based nonprofit organizations.

“This was an incredibly difficult and gut-wrenching decision by a committed board of directors who worked hard to avoid making this announcement, “ said Arts & Business Council Board President Debra Kuffner.  “But, as it has been for many nonprofit arts and human service organizations, the financial challenges in today’s economy were simply too severe to overcome.  After significant study and discussion, the board determined that the current business model is not sustainable and the organization cannot secure the necessary financial or human resources to maintain or rebuild in a timely manner.”

Kuffner said that Business on Board, a leadership-training program to prepare individuals for service on nonprofit boards of directors, will be taken over by the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits (www.arizonanonprofits.org) within the next 30 days. The Arizona Alliance for Nonprofits is a statewide organization with a mission to serve, support, protect and promote Arizona’s nonprofit community.  “Business on Board naturally aligns with the Alliance’s goal to strengthen organizations through engagement with the community, and offers a new benefit to the nonprofits we serve throughout Arizona,” said Patrick McWhorter, President and CEO of the Arizona Alliance for Nonprofits.

Discussions to finalize the transfer of BVA management are continuing and “we will announce the name of the organization once we have completed all of the arrangements,” Kuffner said.

The Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix began operations in 1991 as Business Volunteers for the Arts under the auspices of the City of Phoenix Arts Commission, today the Office of Arts and Culture.   The organization expanded its scope and changed its name in 2003 as a chapter of Americans for the Arts and added several events to its roster, including the annual Business in the Arts Awards Breakfast and Martini’s & Masterpieces.

“We are particularly grateful to the volunteers, sponsors and community supporters who have, through the Arts & Business Council, made a tremendous impact for countless individuals and nonprofit organizations in the Valley,” Kuffner said.

For questions or additional information, contact Kuffner at info@artsbusinessphoenix.org.

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