There is no doubt the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is a cultural and economic cornerstone. The institution plays a powerful role in shaping the economic vitality of Englewood, Bergen County and the greater North Jersey region.
To that end, a recent Economic Impact Study conducted by Benecke Economics found that bergenPAC generates over $14 million in annual economic activity and supports more than 250 local jobs. The study estimates that about “75% of the economic impact is felt in Englewood or $10.4 million”.
“Every time bergenPAC lights up its marquee, it brings people downtown who then come into our restaurant,” James Du, owner of the Tex-Mex & sushi restaurant Blue Akai said. “The theater keeps our city alive.”
“BergenPAC is the heartbeat of Englewood. It’s why people still come to our downtown,” added The Bittan Family, who own several businesses including the popular restaurant Mezcal. “When there’s a show, the whole street has energy.”
bergenPAC’s impact extends far beyond the theater walls. The organization fuels regional growth through its year-round performances, educational programming and the drawing of cultural tourism, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
“Whenever there is a scheduled performance in town, we see a significant increase in customers, often including many new faces,” Eddy Sujak, the owner and operator of Sofia Restaurant said. “To take advantage of this opportunity, we have introduced a prix fixe dinner special before our regular dinner service begins. This offering serves as an additional incentive on evenings with performances. BergenPAC is essential to the vitality of businesses, not only throughout Bergen County but also specifically in downtown Englewood,”
In addition to performances, bergenPAC anchors a cultural ecosystem that includes the Performing Arts School at 1 Depot Square, which educates more than 1,000 students annually, with many from Englewood itself. The school’s outreach programs expand access to the arts to over 11,000 additional students across Bergen County and beyond proving that bergenPAC is not only creating economic opportunity, but educational access as well.
The study also highlights over $6.2 million in annual wages tied to the jobs created and sustained through bergenPAC’s operations, amplifying its long-term benefit to the local economy.
“Arts and culture play a crucial role in New Jersey’s economy,” stated Frank Huttle III, Founder and Trustee at bergenPAC. “bergenPAC drives cultural tourism, creates jobs, and increases city revenues. Its role in Englewood’s revitalization cannot be overstated.”
