USVI GOVERNMENT PARTNERS WITH TEMPO TURNS 4

--Study Shows TEMPO Concerts a Boost to St. Croix Economy--

MEDIA ALERT
October,12 2009

CONTACTS:
Karen Gutloff
KGutloff@temponetworks.com
(340) 998-9260

TEMPO Founder, Chairman, & CEO Frederick A. Morton, Jr. announced Sunday that the Virgin Islands government is partnering with Tempo on the upcoming TEMPO Turns 4 celebrations scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2009 on St. Croix.
The government’s support is indicative of the strong economic impact TEMPO events have on the Virgin Islands business community. TEMPO has held events on St. Croix and St. Thomas, drawing thousands to what has now become the Caribbean’s signature music event.
“The Impact of TEMPO on the Economy of St. Croix and the USVI,” a report written in 2005 by Prof. Simon-Jones Hendrickson detailed numerous economic benefits to St. Croix economy as a result of the TEMPO events.

Among those:

• TEMPO Turns One, held in November 2006 contributed an estimated 0.02% of the GDP of the USVI.
• Ninety five percent of the businesses associated with TEMPO were local, Virgin Islands-based businesses.
• Area businesses saw significant increase in business and revenues, including hotels, car rental agencies, and restaurants.

The full report is available at www.gottempo.com

St. Croix stands to see similar economic gains when TEMPO Turns 4 takes place November 14th, Morton said.  “Everyone benefits, big businesses, small businesses, consumers…….which is the TEMPO way!  The idea is to positively impact the economy and at minimum create hope and some sense of joy and pride in our ability to thrive in even the worst of economic times.  I am one thousand percent committed to my home, St. Croix, the USVI and to doing my part in raising it up and am excited by the partnership with the USVI government to make it happen.”

It is this kind of economic boost that has prompted the legislative, executive and cabinet branches of the Virgin Islands government to put considerable support toward Tempo Turns 4.

On the cabinet level, the USVI Department of Tourism has signed on as the Presenting Sponsor for the concert and surrounding events.
Sponsoring events such as TEMPO Turns 4 fits in with the Department of Tourism’s major goal to increase tourism and give an economic boost to St.Croix. Similarly, the legislative branch of the VI government weighed in to commend TEMPO for boosting the economy of St. Croix.  Sen. Neville James sponsored and passed legislation providing financial support for Tempo Turns 4.

“We in the Virgin Islands are cognizant of TEMPO actually being born here in the Virgin Islands,” said Sen. James. “What TEMPO brings to St. Croix is ten-fold of what we bring to making TEMPO happen.  We hope to have Tempo as a partner for many years in the future.”

Lt. Governor Gregory Francis was on hand Sunday as Mr. Morton announced the VI government’s support of TEMPO. He later said, “In a very short time TEMPO has become an important venue to showcase the richness and diversity of our Caribbean culture, lifestyle and music. Through its mere existence, people across the Caribbean have learned more about the Virgin Islands and have been inspired to visit and experience our trademark Virgin Islands hospitality for themselves.”  

With TEMPO Turns 4 the network celebrates four years on air—and two years as an Independent and wholly-owned Caribbean Company.

“Lights, Camera, Action…Its TEMPO Turns 4!” takes place on November 14th at the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack.

Tickets are currently on sale at the following outlets: ST. CROIX: Alliance Clothing, Urban Threadz, La Reine Chicken Shack, Riddims, Pancho's, Parris Tees and Novelties, Essentric Shoe Boutique, and One Love Service Station. ST. THOMAS: International Records and Tapes, VI Sea Trans, Essentric Shoe Boutique, Jens Gourmet Deli, Stride Rite Tutu Park Mall, Urban Threadz, Smith’s Ferry. BVI: Smith’s Ferry. Tickets purchased prior to October 23, 2009 will be priced at $25 general admission, $35 bleacher section, and $100 VIP. After October 23, prices are $35 general admission, $45 bleacher section, $125 VIP.

For more information on TEMPO or the anniversary celebrations, contact Karen Gutloff, at (340) 998-9260; KGutloff@Temponetworks.com or 973.508.1000 or visit us at www.gotTEMPO.com.

About TEMPO Networks, LLC is the first and only pan-Caribbean media and entertainment company producing and offering culturally relevant content on all media platforms (on-air, online, on-mobile and on the ground). With its flagship cable Television Network, TEMPO captures and delivers the extraordinary Caribbean vibe by successfully producing and delivering Caribbean programming dedicated to music, culture, food, and social awareness initiatives. Envisioned by native son Frederick A. Morton Jr. (“Mr. TEMPO”), TEMPO is a true celebration of Caribbean life and seeks to elevate the region. Its content, therefore, is developed to arise beyond entertainment to inspirational, progressive and educational. TEMPO currently broadcast in 28 Caribbean islands, with approximately 5M viewers. Connect with TEMPO on cable in your island or at www.gotTEMPO.com. TEMPO is a registered trademark of TEMPO Networks, LLC.