Art E. Schutte - Director of Business Development and Financial Planning

Mr. Schutte has over 30 years of experience in the theme park and leisure industry. After beginning his career in the retail field, Mr. Schutte began his theme park pursuits at the Coney Island Recreation Park in 1977. As Controller for the park, Mr. Schutte was responsible for establishing and managing the accounting and financial reporting systems. In addition, he was responsible for human resources, admissions, and cash control operations of the park. Establishing policies and procedures for all finance related operations, Mr. Schutte gained valuable experience in many facets of theme park planning and development.

In 1980, Mr. Schutte moved to the Corporate Headquarters of Taft Broadcasting as the Chief Accountant for the theme park division. Involved in the financial interpretation and analysis of data from five theme parks and the corporate office, Mr. Schutte rapidly streamlined reporting procedures for the entire theme park division. In 1982, Mr. Schutte gained additional responsibility as accounting manager for the theme park division. Added to his responsibilities were the collection and publication of primary and supplemental financial information for the annual reports of Taft Broadcasting. Mr. Schutte also coordinated the development of consistent policies and procedures that were subsequently implemented at all five parks.

In 1984, Mr. Schutte was named Director of Finance and Administration for Kings Productions, the design and entertainment division of Kings Entertainment Company (KECO.) As director, Mr. Schutte was responsible for financial reporting, creation of line item budgets, project accounting, implementation of a new information system, human resources, benefit programs, internal controls, and accounting policies and procedures. The primary scope and focus of his new assignment was to restore financial credibility, control expenses, and place the division in a break even position. After achieving greater than expected results, Mr. Schutte was named Vice President of Finance, Administration, and Human Resources for the KECO entertainment division. During his nine years with the division, they met and/or exceeded their budgetary goals.

In 1993, Mr. Schutte became Controller of Paramount's Kings Island. This regional theme park draws in excess of 3.5 million visitors per year and has revenue over $100,000,000 annually. Mr. Schutte's new capacity placed him closer to the day-to-day operations of the park. Safeguarding the company's assets, managing the finance division, and establishing various policies and guidelines were among his many responsibilities. Instituting a unique "partnering" program with other park divisions, Mr. Schutte provided Paramount's Kings Island with the distinction of being the most accurate and up-to-date operation of all Paramount Parks.

A graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in accounting, Mr. Schutte continues to be involved in the Greater Cincinnati community. Mr. Schutte is now serving a second term as President of the Memorial Community Center, a non-profit group serving low income citizens of the city with day care needs and providing assistance to social service agencies. Mr. Schutte also advises the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, and works with the Free Store/Food Bank helping those in need.

Mr. Schutte's experience in all areas of park operations provides a key component in project development. Working with all of ITPS' clients, Mr. Schutte can provide a solid basis for the development of all financial responsibilities associated with our projects.

Art E. Schutte
Director of Business Development and Financial Planning