Moo Money
On May 22, Mad Cow Theatre announced an award of a $250,000 grant as part of the Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs Cultural Facilities program. This grant is matched with $250,000 in gifts from many donors across Central Florida. The money is said to be used for the build-out of a new facility at 54 West Church Street. The press release goes on to say that the grant is part of a larger project, which is ongoing and has raised over $1.7 million in cash and cash pledges, including $329,000 in in-kind professional services from L2 Studios and Holland & Knight. “This new theatre becomes a symbol of our community's investment in Mad Cow Theatre's mission,” the press release states. “It says we value Orlando artists who create unique work that inspires us and we want to keep them gainfully employed in Central Florida.” Mad Cow currently hosts 12-15,000 patrons at more than 200 performances and events annually. With an estimated economic impact of $1.2 million each year in direct and event-related spending, Mad Cow and patrons support an estimated 35.2 jobs in Central Florida. Increased capacity in the new facility will hopefully foster a greater artistic and economic impact on the community.
Move the Presses
After over 18 years in the same location, Orlando staple and LGBT owned Shelbie Press Printing and Graphics is moving”¦a block away. “The move has been a consideration for some time,” says owner and Metropolitan Business Association co-founder, Debbie Simmons. “Digital copies and wedding packages have become a large part of our business, so we decided it’s time for us to again go frontage/walk-in business. We’re streamlining our operation, continuing our focus on “green” offset printing, [using] soy/vegetable based inks and environmentally conscious solvents.” However, she says the main reason for the move has to do with ongoing landlord and roof issues. The new location, located at 1203 N. Mills Avenue will boast a second larger digital machine that is multi-functional including a booklet finisher, drill, stitcher and plenty of parking in the back of the plaza. July 5 will be the soft opening with an open house as soon as they're settled, Simmons says.
