UNITED STATESPress Release
Shell Extends Jazz Fest Sponsorship Through 2010
28/04/2007
Partnership viewed as vital to recovery of New Orleans culture and tourism.
Shell, a major force in bringing both corporate and cultural life back to the city of New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina, has signed on to extend its presenting sponsorship of Jazz Fest through the 2010 event, executives from both organizations announced today.
"It is exciting to see the relationship we launched 15 months ago extended for another 3 years," said Marvin Odum, Executive Vice President for Shell Exploration & Production Company– Americas Region. "We view our support of this world-class event as one of the most important things we can do to help New Orleans, the surrounding region, its culture and economy continue to recover," added Odum.
The announcement was made on the second day of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell at the Fair Grounds Race Course. The Festival continues tomorrow and concludes next weekend, May 4-6.
Quint Davis, Producer/Director of Jazz Fest, said, "Shell’s partnership with us last year made Jazz Fest happen—and in a big way. We, along with everyone who loves Jazz Fest, will always be grateful for Shell’s timely and crucial support. Now the Festival is building on the success of this alliance. With Shell as the presenting sponsor of Jazz Fest for years to come, we are poised to help lead the cultural renaissance that is essential to the greater renaissance of New Orleans."
Over the last 18 months, Shell has taken a number of steps to actively assist in the area’s recovery. In addition to returning its 1,000 strong employee base to One Shell Square early last year, the company has also provided financial and volunteer support to a number of initiatives in South Louisiana since the 2005 hurricanes. A few examples are the industrial ice-making facilities (3 with total capacity of 60 tons/day) it provided to help the Louisiana commercial fishing and seafood industry recover in southeast and southwest Louisiana, its support for the expansion of Café Reconcile and its training programs as well as sponsoring the Elder Musicians in Residence duplexes in Musicians Village.
"As a New Orleans native who grew up in the Ninth Ward I am so proud of my company, Shell, and the way it has responded to this City and Region at it’s most difficult time," said Frank Glaviano, Vice President - Production for Shell's Americas Region. "I think our actions deliver on our principles of Social Performance and as the son of a musician, the Jazz Fest relationship is the crowning jewel for me."
Pre-Katrina estimates of Jazz Fest’s economic impact on New Orleans and the state of Louisiana were nearly $300 million annually. The Festival’s strong return since the storm has helped spark the resurgence of the tourism industry in the state.
"Thanks to a long term investment from Shell, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will continue to offer world class entertainment to visitors, who come to Louisiana to experience our unique culture," said Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu. "Tourism is the state's second largest industry, and major events have been a driving force in the economic recovery of our state. As a result of this year's Jazz Fest, tens of millions of dollars will go directly into the hands of Louisiana businesses, and that money fuels our continuing rebirth," he said.
Randy Phillips, President and CEO of AEG Live, said, "There is no finer example of a corporation exercising social responsibility than Shell's support of a great American Institution like Jazz Fest. Their support has proved vital to keeping Jazz Fest alive and, through this investment, the continued recovery of New Orleans, its inhabitants and its culture."
“By supporting Jazz Fest, Shell enables the Foundation to fulfill its year-round mission of promoting the music and culture of our region,” said D. Joan Rhodes, president of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation’s board of directors. “We are deeply grateful for their long-term commitment to our goals.”
Shell is the Presenting Sponsor of the Festival. Acura, People’s Health, Miller Lite, AIG, Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, Fair Grounds Race Course (A Churchill Downs Company), AT&T, Southern Comfort, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, Capital One, Borders, Rajen Kilachand, Zatarain’s, St. Charles Vision are all also official Jazz Fest sponsors.