Building Stronger Communities Through the Performing Arts
Al. Neyer, a company with a rich history spanning 130 years, has long recognized the vital role the arts play in fostering a thriving community. Originating as a
family-owned construction company in Cincinnati, Al. Neyer has evolved into an entirely employee owned enterprise, with each team member playing a crucial role in the company’s success.
“We’ve been season ticket holders for a long time,” shared Patrick Poole, Vice President and Nashville Market Leader at Al. Neyer. “We use it for client relations, and a lot of times, introducing them to TPAC for the first time.” This tradition not only strengthens business relationships but also broadens the cultural horizons of their clients and their families.
That’s why Patrick believes so strongly in supporting the community, and more
specifically, the arts. “We empower our employees to be ambassadors in the
community. The arts are a way for us to ensure we have a thriving and
engaging city.”
But being a corporate leader for the arts has been a consistent value of the
company for many generations. “We find that the communities with the strongest
arts sector correlate to a thriving business ecosystem. In Nashville, that is easy to see as we benefit from a wide array of arts offerings, and the performing arts is
unique to us.”
What started in Cincinnati as “Arts Week” at Al. Neyer, has expanded to the Nashville office where employees are encouraged to donate to an arts organization of their choosing, and Al. Neyer and their foundation matches each personal contribution 2:1. “We value what the arts do for the community,” added Poole.
While the company plays a vital role in philanthropic support of the arts, Patrick has a personal passion for the arts and Tennessee Performing Arts Center. “My
father is a painter, and my family has always been invested in music. I grew up going to the theater at a very young age and have a deep love for musical
theatre. In Nashville, a city renowned for its music, musical theatre offers a unique experience that many locals might take for granted amidst the bustling cultural scene.”
Recalling on his own experiences, “I went to TPAC for the first time as an elementary school student on a field trip.” Today, Patrick is a father of three young
children, and is excited for them to develop a passion for the performing arts. “I love the idea of getting my kids involved in theatre as a participant, because if you’ve done it, you appreciate it so much more. TPAC’s exposure to our youth is a great segue into their participation at the local level.”
Patrick’s belief in TPAC’s nonprofit mission is strong and resonates through
his leadership at Al. Neyer. “I echo our company’s sentiment in that the arts play a huge role in individual and business growth – and engaging the community.”
Al. Neyer’s support for TPAC underscores a profound understanding of the transformative power of the arts. Their investment in the community not only enhances their business relations but also contributes to a vibrant, culturally enriched Nashville, ensuring a legacy of artistic excellence and community engagement for generations to come.
“What I’ve seen first-hand is that the stronger engagement we have with TPAC, we are able to help elevate its nonprofit mission, getting the best shows in the country. And the more engagement they have from us patrons, the better impact it’s going to have on the community.”