Business Memberships Offered by Philbrook
By D. J. MORROW INGRAM
Associate Editor
BRIAN FERRISO: The Philbrook Museum of Art executive director welcomes area business executives to take advantage of the services of Tulsa’s great museum.
SHARON CAMERON for GTR Newspapers
It’s the bane of corporate meeting planners everywhere. Where to hold a business meeting that stimulates creativity, is conveniently located, can provide the audio/visual equipment needed, serve a meal and is not the same place that is always used.
And then there are the human resources staffers who are looking for new ways to enhance employee relations or the marketing folks who need something new to help build client relationships.
The Philbrook Museum of Art has a solution to these problems – a Business Associate Membership.
“Businesses can take advantage of our key assets – our facilities and aesthetic environment – to create a competitive advantage,” says Brian Ferriso, executive director of the Museum. “At the same time, they are improving the quality of life in our community which helps attract and keep businesses and employees in Tulsa.”
Ferriso says one of the first things he did when coming to Tulsa to take the helm of Philbrook two years ago was to reconfigure the development department of the Museum.
“We created a position that is focused on corporate gifts – not so much to get them, although that is certainly part of their duties – but more to make sure we are taking care of our corporate donors,” he said. “We want ongoing communications with them to be sure they know of the many benefits of being a Business Associate.”
In addition to changing the department setup, the Philbrook staff also reviewed the benefits of all membership levels and made changes to create value that is consistent across the board.
“There are many ways a person can be a donor to Philbrook,” Ferriso says. “As a business or individual they may sponsor an exhibit, underwrite an event or make outright donations. All of these gifts are critical to our continued success and we want to be sure that all donors are properly acknowledged and that they are aware of the special privileges and programs available to them.”
Benefits range from facility usage for corporate meetings, entertaining clients, employee membership discounts and corporate free days. The Business Associate memberships begin at $1,000.
“When we get into higher levels of support of $25,000 or more, our staff can work directly with the company to design benefits that meet corporate goals in addition to those benefits we have developed,” Ferriso says. “The possibilities are endless.”
Facilities available to Business Associates (and individual Master Society members) include, as described in Philbrook literature:
La Villa Restaurant
Entertain clients or guests in this elegant atmosphere and indulge in delicious cuisine while overlooking the Westby Sculpture Garden. Offering a warm and inviting space suitable for casual cocktail receptions or formal dinners, la Villa Restaurant caters specially prepared menus as designated by you or your company.
Zink Rotunda & Mabee Reception Gallery
With its intricately patterned dome, geometrical marble floor and Rodin’s “Adam” sculpture, the Zink Rotunda and adjoining Mabee Reception Gallery provide an elegant setting for any special event. Docent tours of the Helmerich Special Exhibition Gallery and historic Villa Philbrook allow your guests to enjoy Philbrook’s splendid collections and traveling exhibitions.
Patti Johnson Wilson Hall
Whether planning your next annual stockholders meeting or featuring a distinguished speaker for your employees or clients, Patti Johnson Wilson Hall blends state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities with superb acoustics for film, voice, slide or computer presentations. Reservations can be made for luncheon meetings or day seminars.
The Charles P. Williams Conference Room
When a more intimate setting is required for a meeting or seminar, the Charles P. Williams Conference Room offers privacy and audio-visual capabilities. Catering is available by la Villa Restaurant at Philbrook for a Continental style breakfast, lunch or refreshments. Additional fees will be charged for the use of audio-visual equipment and/or a technician and catering for your board meeting or bridal luncheon.
For more information on investing in the Tulsa community through a business partnership with The Philbrook Museum of Art, contact Sharla Hall, Corporate Gifts Officer at 918-748-5348, or via e-mail at shall@philbrook.org.
Updated 07-25-2005
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