(Lake Worth/October 21, 2014):  As the primary supporter of cultural organizations in Palm Beach County, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County is hosting its fourth annual “SmARTBiz Summit” on Tuesday, October 28 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. SmARTBiz was created to strengthen the connections between cultural organizations and the business community.

“Arts and culture generate nearly $250 million in economic impact in Palm Beach County each year,” said Rena Blades, president and CEO of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, “so it is clear that when the arts thrive, the economy thrives.”

The daylong event consists of seminars and interactive learning sessions for non-profit arts organizations of all sizes, the business community and individual artists. The programs are presented by experts in arts fundraising, audience development, marketing, and business development for individual artists.

Keynote speaker, Ben Cameron, program director for the arts at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, will discuss the unique grant-making process at his foundation, the needs and issues of artists, stability verses sustainability of arts organizations and the role of a board of directors.

PNC bank, the co-creator of SmARTBiz with the Cultural Council, is leading the “Boot Camp” for small and emerging organizations, and has had a long history of partnering with local programs that strengthen local communities like SmARTBiz.

Cressman Bronson, PNC regional president for eastern Florida said, “At PNC, we understand that a rich arts community is a significant driver of our economic success. Ultimately, the collaboration between SmARTBiz and the grant recipient organizations will present many opportunities for training that will lead to concrete connections between business and the arts and the partner institutions.”

The afternoon workshop about re-engaging audiences will be led by Matt Lehrman, principal at Audience Avenue, LLC. Registration information and additional details about seminars and speakers can be found at palmbeachculture.com/smartbiz.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Interviews and photo opportunities with Rena Blades and other speakers may be arranged in advance of the October 28 event. High resolution images of speakers are available for downloading at SmARTBiz 2014.