In Friday’s (6/24) Intelligencer (Wheeling, West Virginia), Jennifer Compston-Strough writes, “The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra remains fiscally sound and has no plans to cancel any scheduled concerts, contrary to reports by other media outlets. Executive Director Bruce Wheeler said plans always called for the symphony to use the $25,000 it won in the Chase Community Giving’s Facebook Challenge for general operating expenses. That money was never intended to fund free concerts; however, had the symphony won $500,000 in a second round of the competition, that money would have been applied to a ‘whole different plan’ and additional programming, Wheeler said. ‘We’re strong, we’re healthy,’ Wheeler said. ‘Did we have to make some adjustments because of the downturn in the economy? Sure, but I think everybody did.’ … Wheeler admitted sponsorships and donations have declined with the economy during recent years. But he said they are beginning to rebound, especially those from individuals. He said he believes it takes businesses a little longer to rebound from economic difficulties, and he hopes sponsorships and contributions by them will increase in the future.”
Posted June 24, 2011
