By Shawn Magrath

Sun Staff Writer

smagrath@evesun.com

NORWICH – Arts, like any industry, has a significant economic impact.

That was the message carried away by business leaders, elected officials and art enthusiasts from across the county after gathering at the Canasawacta Country Club Wednesday for a presentation relating arts and economic prosperity.

Randy Cohen, vice president of research and policy for Americans for the Arts, was invited as the evening’s special speaker to present findings of a recent research study, titled “Arts and Economic Prosperity IV,” conducted by the Washington, D.C. based institution to examine the economic role played by the arts in the community. With the annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival this weekend, attendees took a close interest in the findings.