Anniversary Special: The Phil

The second is anticipating how audience tastes will change. She cites the success of a recent cooking event featuring the Food Network's Alton Brown. "A celebrity cooking event so well received in 2006 would probably not have been so popular 20 years ago," she comments.

Another challenge is maintaining an excellent customer-service department, tailored to the particular needs of the local clientele. Market research, she says, is essential in forecasting what the public will want to see and hear. It's a technique the Phil values in its attempt to stay ahead of the curve. Luring the best of the best to Southwest Florida is imperative, Daniels declares. She credits the presence of Erich Kunzel and Jorge Mester for the growing stature of the symphony orchestra and its consistent popularity with audiences.

Escalating costs are a cause for concern. "Salaries go up, utilities cost more," she says. "Our electric bill can run $40,000 a month. And then there's the matter of production costs. People don't realize it, but bringing in a musical can cost $400,000."

Ticket prices have always been a matter of concern in the community, but expenses continue rising.

The CEO claims her prime goal is sustaining community support. "We have always sought to be of use to the entire community, and we can't survive without its support."

She lights up when she tells of the woman who made $10 contributions to the building fund from her monthly Social Security check. "She came in like clockwork every month and told us we were doing a great thing for the community," she recounts. "On opening night, she attended, formally dressed, pedaling up on the bicycle she always rode."