Todd Halstead, Director of Government Relations & Strategy Development at NATO offers the following update on advocacy efforts performed by NATO and its members. Reprinted from Boxoffice Pro’s March/April 2022 issue.

“Representing more than 35,000 screens, NATO is the nation’s leading trade association dedicated to advancing the moviegoing experience. NATO achieves its mission through member-driven strategic initiatives that range from industry advocacy and promotion to development of tools and resources that help exhibitors succeed as cultural and economic hubs in their communities. A keystone of NATO’s strategic foundation is advocating on federal legislative and regulatory policies to create a pro-exhibition business environment. These advocacy efforts not only benefit exhibitors—large and small, chains and independents—but they are also critical to the success of the local communities that NATO members serve and the nation’s economy.

In addition to the more than $16 billion that U.S. cinemas generate in nonpandemic years, a recent Ernst & Young study commissioned by NATO found that moviegoers drive billions of dollars in national spending to nearby businesses. This study confirmed what we already knew: cinemas are business anchors and economic multipliers from Main Street to the nation’s urban centers. That’s why NATO and its affiliated Regional Associations have spent decades shaping local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory policies. Through these nonpartisan efforts, we champion public policies that create an environment where cinemas can invigorate and revitalize neighborhoods, drive foot traffic to local businesses, foster cultural vibrancy, and create employment opportunities in communities where jobs can be few and far between.”

Read more about Emelyn’s work with NATO here