(openPR) - The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Arts Foundation are developing a closer partnership, which they believe will enhance the community through the infusion of the arts and boardroom boundaries of the business community.

Clearwater, FL, August 17, 2009 - Studies have shown that art has a significant economic impact on the economy. Knowing that cultural institutions are a key part of economic revitalization, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) and the Clearwater Arts Foundation are forming an alliance. The CRCC and the Arts Foundation feel that by forming a partnership their impact on Clearwater will also prove advantageous.

The Chamber will also work in conjunction with the Arts Foundation to host artist's symposiums in order to work on marketing and strategic planning and other related topics. The CRCC will become a clearinghouse for artists and the two organizations will link to each other’s web sites.

In support of the new partnership the chamber will be introducing a new committee open to all Clearwater Chamber members. 'Cultural Tourism' is the subset of tourism concerned with a country or region's culture, specifically the lifestyle of the people in those geographical areas, the history of those peoples, their art, architecture, and other elements that helped shape their way of life. It is generally agreed that cultural tourists spend substantially more than standard tourists do. This form of tourism is also becoming generally more popular throughout the world.

Arts and culture enrich our lives, enhance our community and broaden our boundaries. The Clearwater Chamber and its many partners are making systemic changes to bring life and the vision of a better world into the business community for the sake of the economy.

Established in 1922, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce set out with the vision to be the premier Voice of Business in the Clearwater region. Representing more than 1,400 member businesses, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) is one of the largest chambers in the Bay area and has become a large and powerful voice for its members through its ability to partner with other agencies and advocate on behalf of business and its members. CRCC's mission is to enhance the business environment and promote economic health and growth in the Clearwater region. Visit www.clearwaterflorida.org/

401 Cleveland Street
Clearwater, FL 33755
United States