(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) has released a comprehensive Economic Impact Study detailing its powerful role in shaping the economic vitality of Englewood, Bergen County, and the greater North Jersey region.
Conducted by Benecke Economics, a nationally respected real estate and economic development consultant, the study finds that bergenPAC generates over $14 million in annual economic activity and supports more than 250 local jobs, reinforcing its role as a cultural and economic cornerstone. The study estimates that about “75% of the economic impact is felt in Englewood or $10.4 million”.
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.
"Every time bergenPAC lights up its marquee, it brings people downtown who then come into our restaurant," said James Du, owner of Blue Akai. “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.”
“Whenever there is a scheduled performance in town, we see a significant increase in customers, often including many new faces,” says Eddy Sujak, the owner and operator of Sofia Restaurant. “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.”
Alexander Diaz, Executive Director of bergenPAC, passionately states “bergenPAC is more than a stage, it’s a cultural catalyst. Hosting legends like Diana Ross and Cher, and collaborating with platforms like Netflix and HBO, we bring world-class artistry to our community’s doorstep. These moments don’t just entertain; they inspire, elevate, and remind us that the arts are a driving force in shaping identity, opportunity, and pride in our region."
In addition to performances, bergenPAC anchors a vibrant 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.
As one of Englewood’s defining institutions alongside Englewood Health, MacKay Park, Flat Rock Brook, Bergen Family Center and others, bergenPAC contributes to a rich community fabric and is central to Englewood’s identity and future development.
In a 2023 Economic and Social Impact national study prepared by Americans for the Arts that included surveying patrons visiting Bergen County cultural institutions, 75% said the venue was an “important pillar for me within my community,” while 82% said they would “feel a great sense of loss” if the venue was no longer available. Seventy nine percent said that patronizing the venue was their way of “ensuring that this activity or venue is preserved for future generations.”
“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.”
Founded in 2003, Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is a leading cultural institution located in Englewood, NJ. It presents a wide range of world-class entertainment and provides vital arts education through its Performing Arts School. With a long-standing commitment to excellence and community enrichment, bergenPAC serves as a regional destination for inspiration, education, and economic growth. bergenPAC is a Theater of and for the community dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through the Arts while stimulating a culture of equity within the community and fostering the future talent of tomorrow. bergenPAC’s mission is to make live performing arts and arts education accessible to its diverse community by building a creative home for artists and teachers of excellence who entertain, enlighten, inspire and inform audiences and students.
The bergenPAC Performing Arts School offers instruction in music, dance, theater, and the visual arts to students from infancy through early adulthood. With 1,000 students enrolled on-site and outreach to 10,000 more annually through schools, assisted living facilities, and community organizations, the school remains committed to accessibility through its robust scholarship fund. Alumni have gone on to prestigious arts programs and careers on stage and screen.
