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Columbia: economic and cultural boost The opening of the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Hammond in early 2002 is expected to be an economic, as well as cultural, boon for the north shore region. A conservative in-house estimate by Southeastern Louisiana University indicates that the restored theater will impact the area's economy to the tune of $4.4 million. National studies show that the Columbia's expectation of being an economic hit is well- founded. According to the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, the non-profit arts industry is a $36.8 billion business that supports $1.3 million full-time jobs. In a June 2001 "issues brief," the NGA Center said that arts and culture are "tools that unite communities, create economic opportunity, and improve the quality of life." Donna Gay Anderson, artistic director of the Columbia and Fanfare, Southeastern's 16- year-old festival of the arts, humanities and sciences, said the Columbia's potential as a business-booster is already being felt. When she gives a tour of the in-progress restoration, Anderson said that not all of the members of the tour group leave the downtown area after they leave the theater. "I've noticed people going into a downtown bookstore or going down the street to one of the local restaurants. Those are people who probably would not have been downtown that day," she said. "We haven't even opened yet, and the Columbia is already started to turn dollars over economically." The area is also buzzing with talk of planned new businesses from a sushi bar to a jazz club -- even a hotel -- being generated by the potential of increased activity downtown. Existing businesses and agencies such as the Tangipahoa Tourist Commission are also gearing up to accommodate Columbia crowds. "As people come in (to events at the Columbia), they are going to enjoy dinner, stop for gasoline. It can only be a great asset to the community," said Tourist Commission Director Betty Stewart. Stewart has already had discussions with the Columbia staff about arranging overnight entertainment "packages" that would include performance tickets, hotel, restuarants and other activities. Local restaurants have expressed interest in offering incentives to theater ticket-holders, such as a special pre-performance meal and post-performance dessert and coffee. "The Columbia," agreed Rickie Brocato, owner of a popular downtown bar, "gives people the opportunity to come downtown, enjoy the performance and the building and then stay downtown. It's another good reason to come downtown and enjoy a good evening." NGA Center for Best Practices figures show that, nationally, the arts generate $790 million in revenue at the local level. "Being a part of putting this together has been one of the greatest pleasures I've had since I've been in office," said Hammond Mayor Louis Tallo. "I think it's going to be one of the finest things Hammond has ever seen." |