Ashland, Ky. — In this dismal economy, the Paramount Arts Center shares a story of success and simple tips for change in a new book titled, “Change. A lot of little things: A nonprofit success story.”

The book offers easy-to-implement tips to help a nonprofit go from ‘survive to thrive’ and keep a rose-colored attitude in the process.

In the toughest economic environment since the depression, The Paramount Arts Center, a nonprofit performing arts venue, was facing a quarter million dollar loss this time last year. The staff, board of directors and a group of committed volunteers united to turn things around.

The Paramount found new ways to save money, make money, add events, apply for new grants and created every opportunity to rise above the gloomy outlook. In just six months, the deficit was whittled down by $220,000.

This isn’t the first time the Paramount has faced tough times. It was built in 1931 and got off to a really rocky start.

Paramount Pictures chose one city in every state that they deemed a thriving area to build fancy theaters and show Paramount movies. The Depression came and elaborate plans were scrapped. But a group of business people in Ashland got together and found the money to fund and build this great historic landmark.

Paramount began showing movies and did so until the early ‘70s when it became a performing arts center.

The mission of the Paramount is to inspire, educate and entertain. In addition to a season of performances ranging from Broadway to concerts, a Youth Education Series serves 30,000 kids from throughout the Tri-State with plays, movies and performances designed to supplement educational curriculum.

A copy of the book is available by emailing Jenny@paramountartscenter.com and is available on Amazon.com.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, supports the Paramount Arts Center with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Support is also provided by the Paramount Woman’s Association and private donations.

Programs and facilities are accessible to the disabled. Services include audio description for the blind and low visioned, hearing amplification equipment and deaf interpretation, wheelchair access and seating.

Please make requests two weeks prior to performance.