New executive leadership team announcement demonstrates community commitment

Milwaukee, Wis. – September 27, 2007 – At today’s annual meeting the Milwaukee Ballet executive leadership team announced that the Ballet ended its’ 2006-07 fiscal year with a positive operating result of $44,255 (before depreciation and adjustments). Total revenue of $5,436,074 increased by more than 3%, over the previous year, against operating expenses totaling $5,391,819. The strong financial performance was in part due to an 11% increase in contributed income as well as a strong performance in both ticket sales and school registrations.

“As demonstrated by our recent financial performance, the Milwaukee community is committed to sustaining a world-class ballet. We’ve worked hard to reach out to new audiences while keeping our loyal patrons satisfied, and we’ve seen our revenue grow as a result of those efforts,” said Dennis Buehler, the Ballet’s new executive director. Community commitment to the Ballet was further demonstrated by the surprise announcement of a multi-year major gift. The Einhorn Family Charitable Trust will underwrite the Milwaukee Ballet II program. Established in 1978, MBII touches more than 24,000 students through education outreach to area schools each year. In addition, the program nurtures and develops aspiring dancers giving them the technical and artistic skills required for a professional career in ballet.

This is the first time the MBII program has been supported by a major underwriter. The Einhorn Family Charitable Trust, based out of New York City, made the generous gift in honor of long time Ballet supporter and Ballet Board School Chair Nancy Einhorn and will sponsor MBII for the next three years.

“Milwaukee Ballet II is an integral part of the Company’s artistry and outreach programming,” said Buehler. “We’re grateful that Nancy’s family chose to honor her contributions to the Ballet in such a special way.” At the meeting, it was also announced that Artistic Director Michael Pink’s contract has been renewed through the 2010-11 season. “We’re thrilled that Michael is on board to continue laying out the Ballet’s artistic vision,” said Artistic Chair Katie Heil. “With Dennis and Michael at the helm, our recent financial successes, and the renewed passion and commitment from our supporters, our Milwaukee Ballet is in a position to serve as one of the nation’s defining ballets for years to come.”

Additional Announcements

The Milwaukee Ballet Board elected the following officers: Mary Hill Leahy, Chair/President; Linda E. Benfield, Secretary/Chair of Personnel/Past Chair; and Dorinda Floyd, Treasurer/Chair of Finance. Nita Soref was newly elected to the Board. Directors re-elected include Donna Baumgartner, Jane Bell, Katie Heil, and Sarah Kimball.

Additional awards presented include: Grand Jetè Award, Argosy Foundation; Daniel Forlano Award of Note, Carmen Haberman; Pas de Deux Award, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation; Leadership Award, Frederic Friedman; Employee of the Year, Alyson Vivar; Volunteer of the Year, Kathleen Allen Crocker; and School Employee of the Year, Nancy McCloud.

Finally, Sam Bahr, CPA, has joined the Milwaukee Ballet staff as business manager.

About the Milwaukee Ballet Company
Founded in 1970, the Milwaukee Ballet Company strives to inspire its audiences to think within and beyond traditional ballet through the presentation of quality performances and the implementation of educational opportunities. With an annual operating budget of $5 million, the Milwaukee Ballet Company is able to present more than 40 performances to more than 50,000 people each year.