Business Structure
The Musarium will function as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a governing board of no more than 15. All proceeds from the Musarium will be funneled back into the project.

Reason for this structure
This structure will ensure that the Musarium is a community project designed with the intention of stimulating the revitalization of the region and presenting to the world its proud heritage.

Background
The business is being formed on a concept similar to the Chattanooga Tennessee Aquarium, as well as other aquariums, that have succeeded in revitalizing their areas.

Why this not-for-profit business will succeed
The Musarium will succeed because it will be the first museum/aquarium combination anywhere in the world. It will also be the first formal organization to utilize the virtually untapped resources of heritage available in this region.

Statistics which support our business concept
A survey of six other aquariums revealed that organizations similar to this project have consistently held attendance records of over one million visitors per year. The Musarium will offer a unique experience because it will not only capitalize on this same success, but also will offer the added advantage of exploring the historical aspects of the region and becoming a center for educational research.

Association values
The Association’s values are to ensure that this is a regional project that will aid in the growth of the area, unite participation of communities within the area influenced by the Allegheny River, and elicit the highest standards of commitment to these communities, as well as distant travelers.

Association objectives
The mission of the Musarium will be to make Warren County and the surrounding area a “destination." This will mean attracting not only local visitors, but national and worldwide visitors. It will also be an opportunity for school field trips within a 2-3 hour drive and group tours interested in the historical, aquatic, horticultural and wildlife aspects of the area.

Products and services
The Musarium not only will be a major attraction geared toward eco-tourism, but also will be a facility which offers opportunities to senior and youth volunteers, and educational and research facilities for universities and corporations.

Possible additional or complementary products
Addition of an IMAX Theater, a village of local artisans, restaurants and shops similar to the Tamarack West Virginia is being considered.

Competitors
Other museums and aquariums in the region will be complementary to the Musarium. It is the goal of the Musarium board to support and encourage tourists to visit the existing museums and attractions in the region.

Factors in choosing location
A 30-acre parcel on Rt. 6, West of Warren has been donated to the Musarium. This site has good visibility and access, and is surrounded by many acres of developable land.

Financial
The Musarium will be funded through major corporations, grants, donations, memberships, paid attendance, gift shop proceeds, group tours and educational projects.

Funding Plans
The Musarium will spearhead an aggressive campaign to solicit funds from individuals, businesses and from major oil, timber and railroad companies, as well as the Seneca Nation, universities and other major corporations. Additional funding sources include local community fund drives, Adopt-an-Exhibit Program and local contributions.

Funds required
The Musarium will cost a total of $80 million.

Use of funds
Funds will be used for exploring use of alternative power sources, capital expenditures as needed, construction, maintenance and daily operations.

Description of our market
The Musarium will be located in an a region that has over 4 million people in metropolitan areas and 11 million total population within a 200 mile radius. It also is situated near the Allegheny National Forest which draws over 1.7 million tourists per year. It is within a 200 mile radius of the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh that draws over 1.6 million visitors per year and Presque Isle State Park that draws 4 million tourists per year.

Geographic scope
The Musarium will operate in the Warren County area with the ability to consistently draw day to day patrons from within Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Canada. It will also draw patrons from within the United States and throughout the world on an overnight and multiple-night basis.

Growth relative to local economy
Based on the success of the Tennessee Aquarium and similar attractions, the Musarium will provide the added benefits to generate the much needed revenue and aid in the revitalization of the local and regional economy.

Demographics
Our target customers will range in age from preschool to seniors.

Current Status
What we have accomplished:
     Obtained land
     Completed feasibility study by ConsultEcon
     Devoloped working relationship with Peter Sollogub of the Cambridge Seven Associates of Boston, Mass.
Where do we go from here?
     Hire exhibits planning and design firm....2008
     Hire professional fund raiser....2008
     Raise $80 millions....2010
     Construct Musarium....2011
     Grand Opening....2012