Hello Ramona Marketing Plan: Project HR Ben Ingram, Zach Newcomb, Lance DeShane, Andrew Sharp, Ryan Dell

BUS330 Principles of Marketing Dr. Amy E. Kramer PhD 3/29/12

Marketing Plan Table of Contents

Executive Summary3 Introduction4 Prospective Organization...5

Organizational History and Background..5 Organization Mission Statement...5 Industry6 SWOT Analysis.7

Marketing Strategy9
Marketing Objectives. 9 Target Markets 10 Competitive Analysis... ...11 Marketing Mix Factors...12

Tactical Action Plan........15 Marketing Staff..20 Marketing Budget21 Monitoring Results.22 Conclusion...23 References...24

Executive Summary Hello Ramona is a 5- piece electronic rock/pop-punk band hailing from the Quad City area of Iowa/Illinois. As an independently operated act, Hello Ramona has grown to be quite a success throughout the Midwestern regional area, and all over the globe through the utilization of Internet media sharing. By observing Hello Ramonas success near their roots it is obvious that it is time to effectively share and spread their music to international levels of popularity. In order to do this Hello Ramona is striving to make it as a commercial act signed to one of the music industries big four recording labels. Through the methods of touring new places, reaching new fans, and further utilizing Internet resources to share their innovative and catchy new music Hello Ramona will attract the attention of a minor record label. Hello Ramona is actively involved in reaching this goal. The band is presently hard at work on their first full length CD titled Diversity and is working on promoting it to the masses. Hello Ramona currently sells its music and merchandise directly through merchandise tables at concerts, and through online stores such as iTunes, and Big Cartel. The band also takes advantage of fundraising opportunities through services such as Kickstarter. The band is also a front runner in the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands competition which if victorious will be a momentous opportunity to the band to perform along some of alternative pop/punk rocks most notorious bands and travel to California to break into an entirely new geographical market.

Hello Ramona Marketing Plan Introduction Hello Ramona has caused an uproar in the Quad Cities area with their unique fusion of electronic, pop, and rock music. They have accumulated hundreds of fans in their hometown but it is now time to broaden their horizons and let the world know about their amazing talent. Through the use social media, digital music services, live shows, and word of mouth Hello Ramona is now looking to expand their territory and capture the hearts and ears of currently unaware musical enthusiasts. The most effective way to accomplish this goal is to grab the attention of record labels that will sign Hello Ramona, distribute their records, and take over the marketing of this band to reach a wider audience and broaden demographics. The effort to achieve these goals is known as Project HR. Project HR is being overseen by a consulting group consisting of a team of marketing students close to the band who are thrilled by the opportunity to promote Hello Ramona. Members include Zach Newcomb, who is using past marketing experience to bring knowledge to the team, Ben Ingram, an avid fan of Hello Ramona involved in many social circles that fall under the bands target markets, Andrew Sharp, who brings an assertive business mindset to tackle potential markets and close deals, Ryan Dell, whose past research experience will prove valuable in determining the best course of action, and Lance DeShane, Bassist for Hello Ramona who will bring inside information and invaluable direction to the cause.

Prospective Organization Organizational History and Background In two years, Hello Ramona has been a force to be reckoned with. After graduating from high school in 2011, their new style of music has taken the local music scene by storm. You wont come across a band like Hello Ramona everyday. The 5 piece band out of the Quad Cities, Iowa/Illinois formed in October 2010 when members of previous bands joined together combining their unique sounds, and not only crosses multiple borders to spread their music, but they cross genre lines as well. These young men have been featured on Bryan Stars, Fearless Radio, & The List Magazine (Feature, 2011). They have released their first EP Young, Dumb, & Full Of... Fun on iTunes June 16th, 2011. The pop scene is struggling in Iowa, which is why Hello Ramona is aiming to be something new and different. Mixing pop, rock, hardcore, electronic, and even dub step genres, Hello Ramona is nothing but original. Starting 2012 with a fresh new line-up including recently added members Lance DeShane (Previous vocalist for From Gardens to Graveyards), and David OBrien (previous guitarist for Save Us Hollywood) Hello Ramona is on the verge of releasing their second EP this coming winter. Organization Mission Statement The mission of Hello Ramona is to create and spread a new and energizing genre of music that will inspire and speak to its listeners while performing exciting live shows and making sure that fans are having an all around good time.

The mission statement of Project HR is to use social media, digital music services, live shows, and word of mouth Hello Ramona to expand Hello Ramonas fan base and to grab the attention of record labels that will sign Hello Ramona, distribute their records, and take over the marketing of this band to reach a wider audience and broaden demographics. Industry The music industry is a 67.6 billion dollar industry worldwide (Music, 2011). It is used to describe those who sell musical recordings and live performances. Everyone from artists and bands, record labels, and the technical workers such as producers and engineers are part of the music industry. Along with signed artists, there are also unsigned or independent artists such as Hello Ramona. Hello Ramona is looking to attract the attention of major and independent record labels to sign a record deal with. Major labels consist of one of the big four music distribution companies including SONY-BMG, UNI, and WMG, and EMI (IFPI, 2005). These enormous companies produce and supply records to music stores across the world. Below major labels are the major-distributed independent labels. The overall goal of the independent label record is to find talent and steer them to major record label deals. The major competitors in this market include UNI, and SONY-BMG. Once an artist is discovered by one of these record labels, they work their way up in the music industry. Hello Ramonas initial goal is to sign to one of these labels. The band must compete against other unsigned artists to attract the attention of these independent record labels. Some of the factors in the market environment for record labels include legal issues such as the growing problem of music piracy and

copyright issues. An estimated 12.5 billion dollars in revenue is lost in the music industry due to the unauthorized use, reproduction, and distribution of intellectual property (Kerin, Hartley, & Rudelius, 2011, P.94). Copyright infringement not only leads to lost sales but also lost jobs, royalties, wages, and tax revenue (Kerin, Hartley, & Rudelius, 2011, P. 94). While these actions have been deemed illegal through the United States Copyright law, a large majority of the public perceives the actions as okay to do. The likely reason for such acceptance of infringement is the economic strain on consumers. Many music lovers have the desire to purchase records from their favorite artists but not the ability to. At current prices 19% of adult music listeners say that music prices are too expensive (Music, 2011). That equates to quite a large audience and potential millions of dollars not being spent. The great recession of 2009 saw stock prices rapidly drop and the effects are still being felt today. While the economic outlook is improving, unemployment still sits at a high 9% and consumers confidence in spending is low as they save money for fears of another financial crisis (Paradis, 2009). The fight against copyright infringement includes the passing of bills such as the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA bill. Other non-legal methods involve technological tools and social media through services like Pandora Radio, and Spotify music services that give users free access to digital music and premium plans for paying users. SWOT Analysis The following SWOT Analysis shows the internal and external factors affecting market opportunities for Hello Ramona. Favorable factors include the

bands strengths and opportunities, while unfavorable factors include opportunities and threats. Type of factor Location of Factor Favorable Strengths Band members are very talented musicians with composing expertise, a unique style, and creativity. The band has created a very loyal fan base in Iowa and online. Taken advantage of every social media tool available to reach more ears. Strong desire and combined passion for playing music. Created a stable source of revenue through music sales, live shows, and merchandise. Opportunities Upcoming summer brings chance to tour and focus on the band. Battle of the Band competition to perform at Vans Warped Tour. Kickstarter projects to raise funds. Unfavorable Weaknesses Limited by funds to tour and play more venues across new areas. Poor allocation of band revenue. Distraction by other duties/responsibilities. Need for new music. Limited audience both geographically and by age.

Internal

External

Threats Competition from already established bands and others unsigned. Lost revenue due to music piracy. Poor economy makes it hard to complete sales.

In Hello Ramonas favor internally are its strengths of very talented and passionate musicians who have created a stable source of revenue through its established fan base in the Iowa/Illinois area and online. Favorable external factors include the bands opportunities this summer to focus on touring and performing

with renowned bands in Chicago at Vans Warped Tour. The band also is making use of Kickstarter to raise funds for their projects. Unfavorable factors include internal weaknesses such as being limited by funds, and poor allocation of the bands resources. Also threats from other bands competing in the same market and music piracy affect the band. Marketing Strategy Marketing Objectives The goal for Hello Ramona is to maintain a positive, strong growth of music sales throughout the year. The budget for the band is limited so Hello Ramona must make use out of every dollar and ensure that every dollar being used is for the wellbeing of the band. Hello Ramona also hopes to achieve a wide variety of music fans and become sought after music group popular locally, nationally, and hopefully internationally. Hello Ramona hopes to leave their mark on the music industry and let the world know that they are here for the long run. These are the goals for the next 5 years. Current Market: Hello Ramona currently tours in bigger cities in Eastern Iowa. The fan base for the band is currently strong with 3,000 Facebook Fans. Our goal is to get their name out locally before they hit the national stage. Hello Ramona is currently looking for smaller record labels to get signed by. New Market: By the year 2015, Hello Ramona will have expanded its boundaries from Eastern Iowa to the national stage. The goal is to gain a new fan base while still maintaining a strong bond with original fans. Another goal is to increase revenue every year while still maintaining the quality music that we have

already established. For these goals to become a reality, a major record label must sign Hello Ramona. Nonfinancial goals 1.) To retain its image of being a top quality band that continuously competes with other bands. 2.) Expand our market from the Quad City area to a national level. 3.) Tour the country and get our music known to the public. 4.) To be signed by a minor record company by the year 2013 5.) To be signed by a major record company by 2015. Financial goals 1.) To obtain a return on investment. 2.) To increase ticket sales by 500%. 3.) To increase merchandise sales by 200%. 4.) Maintain growth of 125% for the first two fiscal years. 5.) Double profit for years 2015/16 Target Markets
The primary target market for Hello Ramona includes a large audience due to their relatable lyrics and high-energy performances. Most of their audience is younger and ranges from ages 13-25.

Potential Customers Below 13 years 13-25 years Above 25 years Total

Growth 2012 Annually 20% 2,500 100% 50% 21,000 6,000 29,500

2013 3,000 42,000 9,000 54,000

2014 3,600 84,000 13,500 101,100

2014 4,320 168,000 20,250 192,570

2015 5,184 336,000 30,375 371,559

* Numbers based off of social media fans, iTunes sales, and video counts

Music can be marketed to many demographically varied individuals because of how the listeners are open to interpret and enjoy it and choose what they listen to and purchase at any age. Due to the fact that the song lyrics are written in English the market is likely to be largely English speaking, not really a problem though since English is spoken around the world. Geographically the band will be operating within the United States with its 9,826,675 sq km and 313 million potential fans (The World, 2012). Knowing that the largest groups of fans are between 13-25 years of age, a critically important demographic to notice is university students. College campuses are definitely areas of opportunity to be taken advantage of. The fans of Hello Ramona purchase their music on iTunes, which has generated approximately 300 dollars in the past three months as well as purchase their merchandise both online and at their live performances. This artist is striving to continue to expand its target markets as well as create new target market in order to create a following that will be strong and produce profit. Competitive Analysis International and local signed musicians and bands. One category of competition for Hello Ramona is the already established commercial bands in existence. Commercial music makes up 71% of retail music sales (IFPI, 2011). Commercial artists are a huge roadblock for Hello Ramonas success because major label companies stick with them, as they are already huge profit makers for the companies, drawing in listeners by their name alone. Independent musicians and bands. - There are thousands of unsigned artists competing to catch the attention of record labels. Every other band that is signed to a label represents a missed opportunity for Hello Ramona. Hello Ramona sets themselves

apart from the competition through their unique mix of electronic and rock sounds. The band also has a strongly loyal fan base helping propel them to the national recognition that both the band and unaware music lovers everywhere deserve. One way they are competing against unsigned artists is by the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands. This competition sponsored by companies such as Guitar Center and ReverbNation seeks out the best of undiscovered talent in order to give them a chance to play the Ernie Ball stage at Vans Warped Tour in California. Hello Ramona is first competing to play the tours venue in Chicago, Illinois and if the judges, well known names in the industry, pick them, they will be awarded with the stage in California. This is a huge opportunity for the band considering all the attention they will receive if successful especially in the entertainment and media capitol of the country. Currently the band is in 2nd place trailing just a few votes behind the front-runner. Marketing Mix Factors The four marketing mix elements for Hello Ramonas marketing program are detailed below. Product Strategy Hello Ramonas product strategy focuses on what products Hello Ramona is selling, how product quality is ensured, and how the products will be sold. Product Line. Hello Ramona focuses its sales on three distinct areas: record sales, merchandise sales, and of course concert sales. Record sales currently include its premiere debut EP titled Young, Dumb, & Full Of Fun. Hello Ramona also recently released the single What You Want, a track from their upcoming full length CD Diversity. Merchandise includes graphic tee band shirts, wristbands,

and pins, and concerts are largely focused around the Iowa/Illinois area but expand to include areas all over the Midwest when touring. Product Quality. Currently all of Hello Ramonas music is self-recorded through band member Travis Harms recording studio. Travis has state of the art recording equipment and expertise in the field, which proves a major advantage for the band since they are able to record high quality professional sounding music while saving an estimated 1500 dollars in recording costs that Travis charges other clients. After signing with a record label the band looks forward to recording in a professional recording studio. Merchandise is designed by the band members themselves and then brought to reality through the clothing company Big Cartel who manufactures the merchandise and then sells it through their online store at helloramona.bigcartel.com. Concerts played by Hello Ramona are high quality through the high quality of their instruments, amplifiers, and technical effects. Methods of sales. Hello Ramona sells its music through two different methods. Fans can currently purchase a hard copy of the bands EP, or purchase songs individually through the iTunes music store. Currently the band relies on concert dates to sell their hard copy because no record company has distributed their music through retail. Merchandise is also largely sold directly by the band during their concerts and also through Big Cartel as stated before. After signing to a record label Hello Ramona hopes to be able to get their merchandise sold through local and eventually nationwide Hot Topic locations.

Price Strategy Hello Ramona sets prices differently depending on the medium of purchase such as online sales and concert sales. The EP Young, Dumb, & Full Of Fun sells for $5.94 on iTunes and $5.00 directly from the band. Digital copies of single tracks are $0.99. Merchandise also differs between mediums of purchase. At live shows wristbands are $5.00, shirts $15, and pins $1.00. Through Big Cartel the prices are $3.99, $13.99 respectively and pins are not available for online purchase. Prices for these products are standard to the market and arent subject to much change if the band is signed to a label. Concert tickets on the other hand will most likely see substantial increases in price if signed. Currently tickets range from $5 to $20 depending on the venue and the other bands playing. Promotion Strategy Hello Ramona uses a wide variety of methods to promote their band and get their music heard in new places. In order to reach new fans, Hello Ramona occasionally offers single songs as a free download online. The band also jumps on any opportunity to open up for an already established band, often free of charge or even by selling tickets for the performance. Hello Ramona takes advantage of every popular form of social media from Twitter to Pure Volume in order to build a connection with their fans. Future possibilities for promotion include requesting local radio play, and widening their market reach by playing at critical locations such as college campuses, and bars.

Place (Distribution) Strategy As stated before Hello Ramona is largely responsible for the distribution of their music and merchandise. Services such as iTunes and Big Cartel assist in getting their products into the hands of more consumers. As the bands popularity and resources increase distribution will be shifted to the responsibility of the bands manager and record company. Records will be distributed to various music retail stores and merchandise to various clothing outlets. Tactical Action Plan Based upon the Marketing Mix Factors listed earlier, Hello Ramona will use a specific route and specific actions to complete their goals. The first part of the tactical action plan is to describe each of the components of it and what approach is going to be used specifically. Advertising To reach the audience that exists and reach a new and larger audience Hello Ramona will advertise using strategies that have proved to be useful for other artists. The first part of advertisement that will be addressed is social media websites. By using websites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and many other page based resources Hello Ramona will have a free way to advertise to their fans. This is something that they already do and do well. They will post at least one status a day in relation to one of the following; new music that will release soon, any new or old merchandise and deals on merchandise that now exist on their online stores, the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands, the Kickstarter project they are involved in, any new promotional photos or photos that support the band, and any place that fans can download and purchase music made by

Hello Ramona. Also with these free social media websites this artist has the option of paying to have their fan page put on the side panel of Facebook and pay to advertise the page to many new members. This can be done by creating an advertising account where you can pay up to $1.29 per person that clicks on the artists advertisement. In this advertising section of Facebook the user can then create a budget that limits the amount of money that they can spend on advertising. This is something that Hello Ramona should experiment and invest $250 dollars into and see what results will come from the advertisement placed. This growth can all be tracked on the website and is very useful. (http://www.facebook.com/business/ads/) Many businesses have shown large results from using this method and Hello Ramona should see a large growth as well. Another main form of advertisement that Hello Ramona needs to get involved in is YouTube. Through YouTube, Hello Ramona may place music, live videos, updates, music videos and interviews on the Internet for fans to view for free. This form of advertising can really get the band advertised to new people because based on how similar the videos the artist posts are to other popular videos, your video can be seen on the side of the screen under related videos. Hello Ramona currently has two songs videos up that have broken over 35,000 views. This is a great start for the band but they need to release a music video and strive for a million views on this website. This type of advertising could be great for sales of records and merchandise as well as catch large attention from record labels. Public Relations Hello Ramona needs to begin reaching the community and doing things of importance to them. This artist must begin playing some free shows, and doing hosting

benefits where all money made will go to charity. This type of an event can prove to be advertisement that can reach newspapers and even magazines if a large amount of money is raised. This is an advertising style that Hello Ramona needs to get involved in for it can become very beneficial to them because any form of good publicity is substantial for the artist. Artists such as U2 have very successfully done charity work and have shown substantial success from it. One tour that U2 were planning on putting on had massive amounts of charity donations. Irish rockers U2 are planning to donate almost $12 million (8.3 million) of the profits from the band's upcoming world tour to charity. (U2, 2009) Another form of Public Relations that can be done would be meet and greets. This is where the artist will set up a time where fans and other people can come and meet them and develop a personal relationship with the band members. This type of public relation should be done bi-monthly in the form of free shows or simple signings and giving away samples of music and other merchandise. Sales Strategies The incentive programs for representatives and distributors as well as prospective customers will be both efficient and effective. The strategy of selling products produced by Hello Ramona will be through personal sales at shows and events as well as through an online merchandise store and iTunes. At events that Hello Ramona plays, the artist will set up a table or counter where they can distribute their products to customers. This table will need to look catchy and professional at the same time. To do so the artist should set it up with 2 different mannequins that model 2 different shirts that consumers and fans may purchase. Behind the 2 main shirts their other shits shall be put on display by being hung up on an overhead banner that will have a place to present these other shirt

designs. Also on this table the Young Dumb and Full of Fun EPs must be placed as well as 2-inch wristbands that the band has for sale. Right in front of everything should be a mailing list that fans can sign up for. To boost sales, the band members need to go and talk to different fans that are out in the crowd after they play to build a relationship and get them to purchase their merchandise. The other way that the band sells their merchandise is through the Internet. The first method of online sales is through an online store called bigcartel.com where people can order shirts, CDs, wristbands, etc. When people place an order through this store their order is sent to the artist where they can then ship out the order to the address provided. The other method of selling items online specifically relates to selling the music by Hello Ramona. This store is called iTunes. On iTunes, the artist sets up an account and can place their music on the iTunes store and money is sent to their account through this site every time a person purchases their album online or individual tracks online. Eventually, this marketing plan will help Hello Ramona to achieve their goal of becoming a signed band. When this goal is achieved, merchandise will begin to go to major distributors like Hot Topic, Best Buy, Target and many other large retail businesses. This will help the sales of Hello Ramona substantially. Product Line Hello Ramona has two parts of their product line because they are both an entertainment service that people can pay money to see perform and an artist that offers merchandise for its fans to use. As a service, Hello Ramona is an artist that performs for money in front of fans and other spectators. Through these live performances Hello Ramona makes $100-$250 as a fee charged for their service as an entertainment act. This is something that will continue to profit this artist and will continue to get larger. In the

future they plane to charge up to $1000 dollars a show and this guarantee will only get larger the longer they are a band and the more popular they grow. The other part of the product line is the bands merchandise. Right now the band has four different shirt designs, one EP, and some wristbands for sale at different prices that were described earlier. These prices are not subject to change because most artists charge a similar price for their merchandise but Hello Ramona will need to get a larger variety of items. They should at least have ten different shirts to sell as well about 2 different tank tops. Also, the band needs to invest in getting hoodies and booty shorts for women. Adding these different items will help to increase sales of merchandise and give the consumer more of a variety to choose from. The hoodies should cost around 30 dollars and the booty shorts 15 dollars. Posters should be made that have promotional pictures of the band and their logo on them and sell for five dollars. Another thing that will be available soon is their debut album titled Diversity. This album will sell for about 10 dollars. Also, this should be sold as a purchase deal where the customer can get the new album plus a shirt and poster all for about 20 dollars. This promotion will boost the sales of shirts and posters and get them sold quicker. Package pricing successfully administered to Hello Ramonas merchandise so that more items get sold together. Distribution Strategy As far as the distribution strategy that Hello Ramona is currently using, it needs to be slightly revamped and more efficient. The band needs to get the new items and sell them at a more adequate rate. This would include creating excel charts so that they can monitor their sales, expenses, and other things more specifically. They will continue using online stores and live concerts to sell their merchandise but as a future goal will

begin to have distribution into large stores and companies that distribute musicians and artists products. This will get them into the main stream and help them to break all their previous sales numbers and will help them to continually grow into an artist that everyone will want. With this tactical plan, Hello Ramona will be able to reach their goals and impress and gain the support of record labels all around. They are on the right track and need to continue to break new grounds and use new strategies and plans of action to reach their dreams of becoming a financially successful and popular band that makes a living playing music and performing for fans. Marketing Staff The tactical action plan is to be carried out by the band members of Hello Ramona and the Project HR marketing staff. It is the role of the band to implement the pricing and product strategies outlined and to commit to the public relation goals set. Project HR, in addition to putting together this marketing plan will support Hello Ramonas endeavors by acting as publicists, spreading the bands news and music to new audiences through their own personal connections. The key individual within the Project HR is Lance, as hes a member of Hello Ramona and knows how the band operates from within. Lance is responsible for making sure everyone s doing what he wants to see gets done with the promotion; he knows what his band (Hello Romano) needs. A large part of the marketing group will consist of Andrew Sharp, Zach Newcomb, Ben Ingram and Ryan Dell. Our jobs are to make sure that we are fully aware of what everyone else is doing for promotion, so we are not executing the same promos. Each of us has to decide what would work and what wouldnt work. Our overall goal is to establish Hello Ramona has a band to be reckoned with.

Marketing Budget The following budget was made to reflect the next years operating revenue, expenses, and net profit in a general fashion, predicting the numbers to the best ability. Included are revenues from live performances and merchandise sales with subtractions of common expenses such as traveling and lodging costs, and advertising fees.

The following bar chart takes the net profit calculated by our marketing budget and projects its growth over the next five years according to our financial goals.

Monitoring Results When evaluating the results and success of this plan, we must evaluate the bands growing popularity and income. Goals, both nonfinancial and financial have been set for the band and if actual results match up with these goals then the marketing plan has been a success. If this marketing plan helps Hello Ramona reach out to new audiences and also creates new streams of revenue, then we have accomplished what we wanted. We are using different charts and graphs to illustrate these changes. One way to monitor progress according to the plan is to hold periodic evaluation sessions. These meetings held once a month will include all band members and us, the marketing team helping them succeed. During these meetings we will discuss achievements and weaknesses holding success back, and what needs to be down to stay on that path towards success. All in all, we believe that Hello Ramona is an extremely marketable band and has what it takes to

achieve superstar status. We also believe that the plan that we are implementing greatly helps the bands efforts in getting signed by a record label. Conclusion All in all, this concludes Project HRs marketing plan and analysis for the band Hello Ramona. Through the extensive research and speculation of factors such as industry, competition, the marketing mix, and the tactical action, this plan reflects the values and goals set forth by Hello Ramona. By following this plan diligently, continuing to learn and observe the music industry, and by continuing to follow their passion for music and what they do Hello Ramona will surely move forward on the accomplishment of these goals.

References
IFPI releases definitive statistics on global market for recorded music. (2005, August 2). www.ifpi.org. Retrieved April 22, 2012, from http://www.ifpi.org/content/section_news/20050802.html Feature Artist: Hello Ramona!. (2011, March 21). www.thelistmagazine.biz. Retrieved April 22, 2012, from www.thelistmagazine.biz/2011/03/feature-artist-hello-ramona.html Kerin, R. A., Hartley, S. W., & Rudelius, W. (2011). Marketing (10th ed.). Boston: McGrawHill/Irwin. Music Industry Statistics, Industry Figures, and Information - GrabStats.com. (n.d.). GrabStats.com - Directory of Industry Statistics, Facts, Figures, and Information. Retrieved April 22, 2012, from http://grabstats.com/statcategorymain.asp?StatCatID=9 Paradis, T. (2009, October 10). The Statistics Of The Great Recession. Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. Retrieved April 22, 2012, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/10/the-statistics-of-the-gre_n_316548.html The World Factbook: United States. (2012, April 13). www.cia.gov. Retrieved April 22, 2012, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html U2 | U2 To Donate Tour Profit To Charity | Contactmusic. (2009, March 31). Official Music Videos | Movie Trailers | Music and Movie Reviews | Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Celebrity Pictures | Contactmusic.com. Retrieved April 22, 2012, from http://www.contactmusic.com/news/u2-to-donate-tour-profit-to-charity_1099173