Every year Americans for the Arts, and business and arts leaders, come together to celebrate amazing partnerships from across the country at The BCA 10. As we start gearing up for this year’s BCA 10: Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America gala we thought it would be fun to look back at what some of our past honorees had to say about the arts.

But first, here is the list of 2012 BCA 10 honorees:

Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY
Bank of America, Charlotte, NC
Chaves Consulting, Inc., Baker City, OR
Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Oklahoma City, OK
Earl Swensson Associates, Inc., Nashville, TN
First Community Bank, Corpus Christi, TX
Golden Artist Colors, Inc., New Berlin, NY
Jackson and Company, Houston, TX
MASCO Corporation, Taylor, MI
Tampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, FL

 Hall of Fame

The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL

Read up on this year's honorees and learn more about celebrating with us at this year's BCA 10 on October 4, 2012 at the Central Park Boathouse in NYC.

And now here are some highlights from a handful of our past honorees:

"Arts and cultural activities make a community attractive both to its citizens and to business. Simply put, the arts contribute to the quality of life for our people. The arts are good for business. Business should be good to the arts." - David R. Goode, former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Norfolk Southern Corporation

"We believe the arts enhance our ability to respond to an increasingly complex and fast moving world with new perspectives, ideas and insights. Partnerships between business and the arts embrace the vitality of the world around us and serve the human spirit." - Seth H. Waugh, former Chief Executive Officer, Deutsche Bank Americas

“Through our support of the arts, we’re investing in innovation. A vibrant arts scene fosters an atmosphere of creativity – the kind that brings new ideas into workplaces and classrooms, stimulating communities and preparing youth for tomorrow’s challenges.  Our employees and the Adobe Foundation are proud of the positive impact we have by championing creative expression.”- Shantanu Narayen, President and CEO, Adobe Systems Incorporated; President of the Board, Adobe Foundation

“Our support of the arts is as simple to understand as ABC—arts build communities. Vibrant arts environments draw people of diverse cultural experiences together and foster innovation and excellence in the Workplace.” - Jon A. Boscia, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Lincoln Financial Group

“It is in the best interest of every business – no matter its size – to support the arts.  Beyond their intrinsic value, the arts add to the economic vitality and quality of life of our communities.  They also unleash creative ideas in and out of the workplace, foster dialogues and increase understanding among people.”  - Henry W. Bloch, Honorary Chairman and Co-founder, H&R Block, Inc.

“Success is not built on what we accomplish for ourselves. Its foundation lies in what we do for others. Driven by my passion for music and excellence since childhood, I’ve incorporated this very philosophy into my agency’s signature brand, using its integrity as a foundation of influence to promote and preserve the future success of the arts.”- Trish Doll, owner, Publicity Works

“Darden is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where we live and work. One of the many ways we do that is through our support of the Arts. The sharing of artistic talent and heritage promotes cultural diversity and enhances the American story, serving as an inspiration for current and future generations.”- Clarence Otis, Jr., Chairman & CEO, Darden Restaurants, Inc.

"A deep appreciation for the power the arts have on a community resides in the heart of UMB's culture. It's our exposure as individuals and communities to visual and performing arts that drives creativity in business. I believe communities that have a strong focus on arts attract and retain a brighter and more creative work force."- Mariner Kemper, Chairman & CEO, UMB Financial Corporation

“Supporting the arts creates balance, sustains the cultural life of communities and offers opportunities for individuals of all ages to enjoy the arts. We are proud to help communities realizes what’s possible through the arts.” - Robert J. DeKoch, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Boldt Company

“We believe the arts have the power to create value and vibrancy for the communities we serve throughout the Intermountain West.  We strive to bolster the arts and education so that creativity will resonate through future generations.” - A. Scott Anderson, President and CEO, Zions First National Bank