Sponsorship Opportunities

2011-2012 Season Partners

Sponsor Spotlight

Raymond james & Associates
Raymond James & Associates is a different kind of financial services firm, one that takes its legacy of individualized service seriously in every realm. “We’ve always believed that the best results come from having a full understanding of each client’s unique needs and goals,” says David Hilgendorf, Jr., senior vice president and branch manager of the Grand Rapids office. “There are no canned solutions. Our independent advisors develop personal relationships with their clients, and as a result, they are better able to help clients meet their financial goals. ”

The personal touch extends to the larger community as well. As a company, Raymond James & Associates is known for making philanthropy a corporate priority and supporting a wide variety of organizations. “Giving back to the community where we live and work is an absolute value,” explains Mark Oberlin, senior vice president of investments. “We believe it’s part of our mission and is one of the best ways we can say thank you to our clients and the community.”

Formerly Roney & Company, the Grand Rapids office opened in 1928. To improve national reach, add state-of-the-art technology and expand service offerings, the company joined Raymond James in 1999. Today, 16 financial advisors and 12 staff members manage approximately $1 billion in assets. To date, they’ve never had a losing quarter.

Approximately 90 percent of the company’s clients are local, so corporate support is directed toward organizations that touch the lives of people in Grand Rapids. Oberlin says the Fine Arts Center is a natural choice. Many of the firm’s clients are interested in the arts, and the subscription series offers an outstanding opportunity for greater involvement. Raymond James & Associates has routinely advertised in event programs, but this year decided to
increase their support to sponsor a show––country powerhouse LeAnn Rimes on Friday, Oct. 1.

“We thought it was time to step up our involvement,” says Oberlin. “The Fine Arts Center consistently offers a variety of shows that are enticing for the whole family. We can treat clients and their families to a fun evening out and know the experience will be fantastic.”

A parent of Forest Hills students, Oberlin also enjoys sharing the Fine Arts Center with clients who may not have been there before. “The facility is one of the most incredible assets any school system could hope to have––with the best technology, beautiful acoustics and gorgeous surroundings,” he says. “It’s a tremendous community resource.”

Sponsor Spotlight

Ameriprise Financial
Ameriprise Financial is in the business of helping people achieve their dreams, says Michael Lawson, field vice president for the Great Lakes Market Group. “We see our involvement in the Fine Arts Center as an ideal expression of that commitment,” he explains.

In its third year of sponsorship, Ameriprise generally chooses shows that will provide baby boomers with an event to remember. This year, the company is sponsoring Three Dog Night; past performances include Styx and Mannheim Steamroller. “Music is an important part of life for many of our clients,” Lawson says. “The Fine Arts Center delivers such a special experience – excellent entertainment in an intimate venue and a staff that provides a truly personal touch.”

Individualized attention to clients comes naturally to Ameriprise advisors, financial planners who pride themselves in their ability to assist clients in the process of assessing what is important to them and formulating plans to accomplish their goals. Lawson says the company is the largest financial services institution in the country, but more importantly, it has a unique three-part approach that makes it stand apart.

“Define your dream, develop your plan, and then track your progress,” Lawson says. “Careful attention to those three components lays the groundwork for true success. Our advisors work with clients to open their imaginations to all that is possible and potential routes to get there. It’s much more than managing investments; we’re partners in the whole process.”

Originally part of American Express, Ameriprise Financial offers a wide spectrum of services in addition to financial planning, including credit and lending, insurance, personal trusts and banking. The company’s roots date back to 1894 and it has been in the Grand Rapids market for at least 50 years. Believing in the importance of strong communities, Ameriprise has backed countless endeavors that enhance quality of life in areas where its advisors and their clients live.

“The Fine Arts Center’s presence strengthens Grand Rapids and Western Michigan,” Lawson says. “Supporting it is a natural choice for us.”

Ameriprise sponsors meet with Styx backstage.

Ameriprise sponsors enjoy show reception festivities

Sponsor Testimonials

Centennial Securities Company
"Centennial Securities Company has sponsored the Artist in Residence Program for three years. During this time, we have appreciated the attention to detail and assistance from the entire Forest Hills Fine Arts Center staff. The marketing exposure has been excellent, and the ideas for new ways to position ourselves within the Fine Arts Center have been top notch, but the one thing I did not expect was the impact our sponsorship has had on the kids of Forest Hills. That alone has made our partnership with the Fine Arts Center worth every cent."

Randall L. Hansen, President
Centennial Securities Company

Regent Broadcasting
"Regent Broadcasting has been thrilled with the partnership we share with Forest Hills Fine Arts Center! Our listeners have greatly enjoyed the high quality events, and we're proud to be associated with such a fabulous facility and great people."

Phil Catlett, Vice President and General Manager
Regent Broadcasting

MVP Sportsplex
"We find great value in our relationship with the FH Fine Arts Center. They provide great quality performances that we have enjoyed being associated with. As our members are also many of the families who attend the shows, we feel like our sponsorship is a natural fit."

Benny Hardouin, Director
MVP Sportsplex

Forest Hills Foods
"Forest Hills Foods is proud to help sponsor the community's s dedication to the arts through a wonderful partnership with the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center."

Jeff VandenBerge, President
Forest Hills Food

Macatawa Bank Sponsors with Clint Black

Regent Broadcasting sponsors enjoy show reception festivities