Shakespeare Festival Investment

Prescott’s Shakespeare Festival received an investment of $5,000 through Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation’s Community Economic Development funding program. Left to right, Brian Gartley, Vice Chairman of the Grenville CFDC, Gord and Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival.

Prescott - July 22, 2011 — Today, Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds–Grenville, joined Brian Gartley, Vice Chairman of the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC), to present the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Theatrical Company with an investment of $5,000 through GCFDC’s Community Economic Development funding program.

The funding will support costs directly associated with implementation of an outreach campaign, market expansion and enhanced visibility strategy.  Specifically, print and web advertisements in targeted mediums will be purchased, a professional brochure distribution network will be utilized, and street banners and front of house display signage to recognize donors and sponsors, will be purchased.

“The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival is entering its ninth season of presenting professional theatre in Prescott.  GCFDC has supported the Festival each year since its inception, investing in the Festival’s efforts to extend its reach beyond its established market in each succeeding year”, stated Brian Gartley, Vice Chairman, Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the important role that community based organizations play in strengthening the economy of rural communities,” stated Mr. Brown. “We are proud to support Community Futures Development Corporations who in turn support volunteer-led organizations in their efforts to grow and diversify the local economy.  The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Theatrical Company is an excellent example of a non-profit organization with a volunteer Board that has built the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival into a premier summer attraction in Eastern Ontario, contributing significantly to the growing economic importance of tourism in the region.”

“With this funding, the Festival will build new relationships with audiences, donors, sponsors and season pass holders through audience outreach, market expansion and enhanced visibility initiatives”, reported Rebecca Campbell, General Manager, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival.

GCFDC is a community-based, non-profit corporation funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario to deliver programs and services supporting

community economic development and small business growth.

The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival is committed to working with the local community to provide diverse audiences with an inspirational and accessible theatrical experience of the highest professional standard.

For information on GCFDC, visit www.grenvillecfdc.com.  For information on The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, visit www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca.