arts & business council®

Business Volunteers for the Arts®

Testimonials

Here is what several of the Business Volunteers for the Arts participants have to say about their experiences with the organization:

This program (BVA) can make a significant difference in Westchester's cultural life. By giving organizations an opportunity to improve their management and business skills, we're helping them build a sound foundation for the future.

—Joan S. Gilbert, Manager, Community Relations, Texaco, Inc. (BVA/Westchester County, NY)

Working as a BVA consultant together with the people at MECA (Mission Economic and Cultural Association) has been a valuable experience—I met wonderful people and developed important skills in dealing with nonprofit organizations.

—Alicia Chang, Consultant, Edgar, Dunn & Co. (BVA/San Francisco)

When we first came for BVA help, we didn't even really know what we needed...Mike helped us to focus on our goals, and we ended up with a clear strategic plan to follow.

—Rosemary Tyrell, Founder, Icarus Puppet Company about Michael Grisdale, international business consultant (BVA/San Diego)

Jeff's company, Sacramento Savings, became interested in the project and how involved Jeff had become with the Hmong people. They quickly funded the printing of the original brochure concept so the Hmong Cultural Arts Center would have the promotional piece they needed for the general public.

—Mary Lynn Perry, Executive Director, BVA/Sacramento about Jeff Webster, Graphics Artist/Copywriter, Sacramento Savings Bank

I thought an architect would just begin the project for us. Not so. John's efforts took AIP through an individualized and extended process that met more of our needs than we thought possible.

—Esther Kaplan, Executive Director, Arts In Progress about John Freeman, Partner, Platt Anderson Freeman Associated Architects (BVA/Boston)

Larry donated well over 100 hours of his time to the project...Because of Larry's level of involvement, the work was done on a short six-month schedule, according to budget, and with as little disruption as possible to the museum's previously scheduled exhibits.

—Feliks Banel, Former Program Coordinator, BVA/Seattle about Larry Viene, independent architectural consultant

Our BVA volunteer has shared ideas with us that have opened many doors. Our program will grow because of his participation.

—Dale Andree, Artistic Director, Mary Street Dance about Larry Weisblatt, President, Ad-Astra (BVA/Miami)