Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and ArtsBridge Foundation recently released their joint 2015 Annual Report, which celebrates a year of Exceeding Expectations.

Based on an economic impact study performed by an independent consulting firm, the venues created 1,360 jobs in 2015 and generated approximately $143 million in overall economic impact for Cobb County and the State of Georgia.  Approximately $7.6 million in sales, income, local option, hotel/motel and liquor by the drink taxes are directly attributable to events held at the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Centre. In 2015, the convention center produced a total of 635 events with attendance of 348,000. The performing arts center hosted a total of 226 events with attendance of 232,000.

ArtsBridge Foundation, the arts education outreach arm of the Cobb Energy Centre, reached 32,683 students and educators in 2015 through field trips, master classes, educational experiences and the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards – Shuler Hensley Awards. An impressive 172 schools participated in field trip programs, and 50 high schools were part of the Shulers. ArtsBridge programs impacted students from 32 Georgia counties.

“Through our venues’ operations, we bring visitors to the area, create and sustain jobs, generate direct and indirect spending and increase tax revenue,” said Michele Swann, General Manager and CEO of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority, the governing body for Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and ArtsBridge Foundation.  “2015 was also a banner year for growing the ArtsBridge brand and expanding our reach throughout the region.”