A Philanthropic Guide to the Gems of Aurora [Video]

Joel Friend is the Director of Corporate Giving and Sponsorships at Paramount Theatre in Aurora. Passionate about fostering relationships between the business and arts communities, his commitment to philanthropy supports the Paramount Theatre, RiverEdge Park, the Copley Theater, and the newly opening Stolp Island Theater. Joel’s background in performing arts management is rooted in his lifelong interest and varied experience within the Chicago theater realm.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• [0:00] Intro
• [1:52] How Joel Friend’s love for performing arts led to a purposeful career in theater management
• [3:39] Joel talks about the unique experiences Paramount’s venues offer
• [6:48] A sneak peek into Paramount’s upcoming lineup of shows
• [9:52] What is the “Bold Series” theater experience?
• [13:47] The concept behind the Stolp Island Theater and its engaging, immersive atmosphere
• [21:14] How the Paramount School of the Arts offers real-world performance experiences
• [31:52] Joel’s approach to securing corporate sponsorships and partnering with businesses to support the arts

In this episode…
The arts and business communities can create symbiotic relationships that benefit both sectors. Giving back allows companies to harness authentic experiences that bolster their brand images. Can corporate sponsorships unlock the secret to greater community engagement?

As a champion for harmony between the arts and the business landscape, Joel Friend notes that philanthropy can create a thriving cultural sphere. Engaging with local artists through corporate sponsorships and giving offers businesses a platform to connect with their communities and share their brand stories. Through his philanthropic work with Paramount Theatre, Joel enriches the city of Aurora with arts and culture, inviting local businesses to participate and make an impact.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith chats with Joel Friend, the Director of Corporate Giving and Sponsorships at Paramount Theatre, about forming partnerships that serve both business objectives and nonprofit goals. He provides insights into corporate giving, the comprehensive offerings of the Paramount enterprise, and his journey in performing arts management.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:
• Paul Feith on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgregorymedia
• Paul Gregory Media (PGM) – https://paulgregorymedia.com
• Joel Friend on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelfriend
• Paramount Theatre – https://paramountaurora.com

Sponsor for this episode…

Today’s episode is sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, an 18-year-old digital marketing agency in downtown Naperville, Illinois.

They are one of the few thousand Certified B Corporations worldwide, demonstrating PGM as a leader of a global movement to use business as a force for good, meeting high standards of accountability, transparency, and community involvement. They have been trusted by hundreds of organizations since 2006.

PGM is recognized as one of the top marketing agencies in the region, earning more awards than many of its competitors combined. They have the passion, commitment, and expertise to get it done.

To learn more about the services PGM offers or how they can support you with your marketing needs, visit https://paulgregorymedia.com or email them at [email protected].