Businesses in the Virgin Islands community are lining up in partnership with the TEMPO Network for its anniversary event, “Tempo Turns 4” slated for November 14th at the Randall “Doc” James racetrack.
“We are grateful that businesses in the Virgin Islands community continue to recognize the benefits the TEMPO concerts bring to the territory from an economic standpoint. This is certainly a win-win for all of us and we will work to make sure their investment is realized,” said TEMPO Chairman, Founder & CEO Frederick A. Morton, Jr.
Sponsoring companies for TEMPO Turns 4 represent the government of the Virgin Islands, along with a variety of businesses, including utility companies, car rental agencies, and media outlets.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is the Presenting Sponsor for Tempo Turns 4. The event aligns well with the Department’s efforts to draw more visitors to St. Croix.
Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson Doty said, “We are pleased that Tempo is celebrating its fourth anniversary on St. Croix and we hope to draw on many Caribbean nationals across the region to share in this celebration with us.”
The success of previous partnerships with the TEMPO Network has inspired a number of companies to enthusiastically return as sponsors for TEMPO Turns 4.
Innovative Communications Company is one such returning sponsor. The company’s cable outlet, Innovative Cable TV was one of the first cable outlets to carry the TEMPO Network and has been a great source of support since the beginning.
Budget Rent-A-Car St. Croix was a sponsor for TEMPO Turns 1, as well, and was more than happy to put support behind TEMPO Turns 4.
Budget Rent-A-Car’s Vice President and Operations Manager Careel Shillingford said, “We started with TEMPO from the inception four years ago. The exposure that Budget Rent-A-Car has received as an advertiser on TEMPO is second to none. Because of our commercials on TEMPO people in the Virgin Islands and the wider region are more aware about our vehicles, our customer service, and community work.”
Tropical Shipping is another company back on board.
Tropical Shipping, owned by Nicor, Inc. (NYSE:GAS), and founded in 1963, is one of the leading containerized cargo carriers to The Bahamas and The Caribbean. From its headquarters at the Port of Palm Beach, Tropical currently operates 15 vessels, serves 28 ports with 43 office and receive locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Bahamas, Caribbean, and Puerto Rico.
Linda Benjamin, Virgin Islands Trade Manager for Tropical Shipping, said, “Tropical has been an enthusiastic supporter of Tempo and their annual birthday event for the last three years. We are proud to again support this year’s event because of our mutual commitment to deliver the highest level of service to our customers and the Caribbean communities we serve. We wish Atty. Fredrick Morton Jr., son of one of Tropical Shipping's early customers - Tree Top Grocery--and the entire Tempo Team a Happy Birthday.”
Other transportation-related sponsors include two Virgin Islands-based flight companies--both signing on as first-time sponsors.
Sea Flights is the newest passenger flight service between St. Thomas and St. Croix. The airline, which features a number of daily flights between the two islands, will provide flight service for TEMPO artists, staff and production staff.
Seaborne Airlines will also provide support with transporting staff and artists for the event.The Virgin Islands Lottery is another first-time sponsor joining the TEMPO anniversary event.
Sponsoring media companies include WTJX, JKC Communications and WSTA radio. WTJX, the flagship public television station in the Virgin Islands, will provide production support for the concert and tape a number of key events for broadcast.
JKC Communications and WSTA radio stations are providing promotional support for TEMPO Turns 4.
TEMPO Turns 4 “Lights, Camera, Action!” takes place November 14, 2009 at the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix.
Headlining the show will be Jamaican dancehall sensation Shabba Ranks.One of the hottest salsa bands from Puerto Rico—N’Klabe—will perform. Also on the lineup are two of the top rising stars in reggae today—Tarrus Riley and Gramps Morgan.
Trinidad’s three-time Soca Monarch Champion Iwer George will sing from his wide selection of hit songs.
Jamaican dancehall diva Ce’Cile returns for her second TEMPO concert on St. Croix. Ziggy Rankin also makes his second St. Croix appearance, bringing his new single, Gotta Get You Girl.
Notably, a number of local St. Croix artists are on the bill, including Mada Nile, Road March Champions UMB Soldiers, and 2008 VI Idol Winner Cherise King.
The night begins with a 4 p.m. pre-show featuring Hart Attak band, Sabor Latino, Junior P, Sabbatical Addah, DJ No Limit (Antigua), DJ Devon (Trinidad), Fyah Emblem, DJ Saigon, and DJ Cool and Deadly.
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, and Morgan’s Enterprises.
ST. THOMAS: International Records and Tapes, VI Sea Trans, Essentric Shoe Boutique, Jens Gourmet Deli, Stride Rite Tutu Park Mall, Urban Threadz.
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.
US Virgin Islands News