New Study Highlights Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s Powerful Role in Driving Regional Growth, Investment, and Tax Revenue
Westmoreland Cultural Trust (WCT), a 501(c)(3) cultural arts non-profit organization based in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has been confirmed as a major economic force in Westmoreland County and the Greater Pittsburgh and Laurel Highlands region, according to a new independent study conducted by Fourth Economy. Westmoreland Cultural Trust owns and operates four facilities, including the historic Palace Theatre, the multi-use Greensburg Garden & Civic Center—as well as the Union Trust and Stark/James buildings.
In 2024, Westmoreland Cultural Trust expenses, including capital investments, resulted in an economic impact of more than $12.88 million in earnings and almost 700 jobs in Westmoreland County. Since its inception in 1992, Westmoreland Cultural Trust has invested more than $18.8 million into the regional economy through facility improvements, programming, and restoration projects, securing its role as a significant driver of cultural and economic growth in Westmoreland County and the surrounding region.
“For nearly 100 years, Westmoreland Cultural Trust has been more than a steward of the arts — we have been an engine for economic development, community pride, and regional investment,” said Benjamin Luczak, Chief Executive Officer of Westmoreland Cultural Trust. “This independent study confirms the depth of our impact: creating jobs, supporting local businesses, generating tax revenue, and strengthening the very foundation of Westmoreland County’s growth. As we approach our Centennial in 2026, we proudly reaffirm our mission to serve, inspire, and strengthen the region we have called home for nearly a century.”
The report highlights that WCT’s more than $9.5 million in direct investment into the local economy produced an additional $1.75 million in indirect impact and $1.6 million in induced impact, demonstrating a very strong return on community investment.
An organization’s economic impact is measured in terms of direct, indirect, and induced earnings and job effects, as well as tax impact. The Fourth Economy study captured the spending, employment, and tax contributions of WCT operations and facilities. Operational and capital expenses were separated for future comparison.
Key Takeaways
Westmoreland Cultural Trust (WCT) is a major economic contributor to Westmoreland County and the Greater Pittsburgh and Laurel Highlands Region.
· WCT contributed $12.88 million in value and almost 700 jobs to Westmoreland County in 2024.
· With more than $9.5 million in direct investment into the local economy, WCT produces over $1.75 million in indirect and $1.6 million in induced impacts.
· WCT directly employs 102 workers, 44 on a full- or part-time basis, and 58 as contracted 1099 workers. In addition to the employees, 79 volunteer ushers assist WCT with programs and events.
· In 2024, the Palace Theatre, including box office and presenting revenue, resulted in an economic impact of more than $8.5 million in earnings and almost 450 jobs in Westmoreland County.
· In 2024, the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center resulted in an economic impact of more than $780,000 in earnings and 20 jobs in Westmoreland County.
· In 2024, the rents of the Union Trust Building and Stark/James Building resulted in an economic impact of $1.37 million in earnings and 22 jobs in Westmoreland County.
· Despite WCT’s nonprofit status, it contributes to downstream tax impacts of almost $288,000, in addition to real estate and employment taxes.
· Using the Americans for the Arts’ 2023 average per-person audience expenditure of $38.46, 90,253 WCT patron visits in 2024 supported $3,471,130 in local spending.
In summary, Westmoreland Cultural Trust is a major regional economic contributor, bringing $12.88 million in value and almost 700 jobs to Westmoreland County. Within the $12.88 million, capital improvements are responsible for $1.55 million. Each of WCT’s facilities—The Palace Theatre, Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, the Union Trust Building, and the Stark/James Building—contribute to its economic impact, as well as its overall operations and free programming.
About Westmoreland Cultural Trust (WCT)
Westmoreland Cultural Trust is a Greensburg, PA-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to be a conduit for communities to thrive. We do so by welcoming broad forms of artistic expression, forging purposeful partnerships and programming meaningful arts education and engagement activities. We seek to engage, empower, and serve the community through consequential programming, arts education, and cultural experiences for all. More information about WCT can be found at: www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org
About Fourth Economy:
Fourth Economy is a national community and economic development consulting firm that helps to create strong communities, impactful organizations, and thriving economies. Fourth Economy helps communities and organizations create strategic, equitable, and resilient futures. They help foster innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, partnering to create actionable strategies that enable public, private, and nonprofit clients to take meaningful steps toward lasting change: www.fourtheconomy.com