PowerPoint Presentation

1SituationTier 1 countyLack of civic prideDefunct historical museum

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3Unique public/private partnershipCitizen-drivenAward winning501(C)3 non-profitTwo catalyst projectsShelby, NC

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The Nashville Sound

Scruggs-style 3 finger roll4Why Don & Earl? Both were natives of our community who achieved worldwide recognition and respect for their impacts on music. Both also exemplified cultural characteristics of the community and region. They both worked on a farm and in the mills before achieving their fame.

Don GibsonIs best known for what became the Nashville Sound. Two of his most popular songs are I Cant Stop Loving You which was recorded by over 700 Artists and Sweet Dreams which many folks know from Patsy Clines recording of it.

Earl Scruggs Defined the voice of the banjo and what is now known as the Scruggs Style. This style, built upon the three finger style, became the primary method of playing the 5-string banjo. Earl was an innovator both in the way he played the banjo but also in the fact that he was always looking to the future and for new ways to do things. He played with musicians across many genres including Joan Baiez, Ravi Shankar and many others. He and his sons also had the Earl Scruggs Revue. It has been described as a psychedlic rock band with banjo. In pop culture Earls music showed up in the Beverly Hillbillies, Martha White and the Grand Ole Opry, Petticoat Junction and the movie Bonnie & Clyde.4

The State Theatre in the 1940s

5The Don Gibson Theatre is located in what was previously the State Theater. The State Theater opened in 1937 as a movie house. The Don Gibson Theatre opened in November of 2009 in the beautifully restored and expanded building. Staying true to the original art deco style of the State Theater was important in the design plan while also creating a space that functioned well in the 21st century.5

6The Don Gibson Theatre in 2010This part of the Don Gibson Theatre is what was originally the State Theatre. An addition of almost the same size was added to seamlessly flow from the original building into the addition which houses a special event space, a full bar and a catering kitchen. The addition is also where the green room, star dressing rooms and backstage area is located.6Uptown Shelby Court square1907 Historic Cleveland County Courthouse7

The Earl Scruggs Center is located in the beautifully restored 1907 Historic Courthouse located on the Uptown Shelby square. Growing up, Earl thought it was the most beautiful building he had ever seen. The building, owned by Cleveland County had been beautifully maintained by the county. The contents of a failed history museum (which operated from1976 2004) had been abandoned in the building which sat for two years. The interior was in terrible disrepair at the time the original task force met to discuss what was to be done about the stuff (objects and archives) that had been abandoned.

7Out of Carolina GalleryEarl Scruggs Center8

8ExcellenceEngagementEducation9

9Exploration2-Day VisioningTravelResearch Studies10

10InvestigationStrategic Plan Audience ResearchTheatre Feasibility Analysis 3 Year Proformas Capital Campaign Feasibility AnalysisCultural InventoryMaster Plan

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11CollaborationGibson and Scruggs FamiliesLicensingAgreementsScript reviewMerchandiseMarketing

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Worked with Don Gibsons widow to secure licensing agreement for the Don Gibson Theatre. For the Earl Scruggs Center, we worked with Earl and his family to secure the licensing agreement for the Earl Scruggs Center. In addition, the exhibit script, panels and all merchandise are reviewed by the Scruggs family representative. 12CollaborationGovernmentLocalRegionalStateFederal

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13Determination14

14Focusing of Vision15

15PerseveranceCommunity Engagement16

16PerseveranceEconomic CrisisSeasoned LeadershipOne chance to get it right!17

17ResultsOngoing collaboration with City, County and StateAward winning theatre and CenterNew restaurants, lodgingand other retail 18

18Results$9 million raised of $10 million capital goalUnique public/private partnership - example for the stateModel for other communities National and international accolades19

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Adelaides Welcome

Introduction of our team.20