[Tango-A] NA-C: An announcement from the Chicago Tango Week organizers

[Shafqat Manzur]

Hello everyone,
 
Over the last few weeks, events have taken place that compel us to make a public statement. We want to clarify rumors that have been the source of confusion for our current and future participants about the future of Chicago Tango Week. Burak Ozkosem is no longer our partner and therefore has no involvement with Chicago Tango Week in any way whatsoever. It is unfortunate that we have to publicly announce this news but we have no choice but to make it clear to all who the organizers are and that future of the festival is safe and secure. No financial investment or work was put in by him during the past year to organize CTW. In addition, we recently discovered that he has embezzled funds from the business account and we have bank statements as evidence. Consider this a public service announcement: anyone doing business with him from hereon will do so at his or her own risk of being defrauded.
 
Unfortunately, he is repeating his actions involving financial issues.
 
http://mailman.mit.edu/pipermail/tango-a/2007-March/001714.html
 
http://mailman.mit.edu/pipermail/tango-a/2007-March/001725.html
 
We have worked hard for two years to elevate this festival to a premiere event in North America and will protect both the brand and our reputation and work in the interest of all those who have supported us and will do so in the future. As we travel across the US and Canada promoting our festival, we want everyone to know how much we value those who support us and strive to give them the best.
 
Our website is http://www.ChicagoTangoWeek.org and our email address is info @ ChicagoTangoWeek.org. Our Facebook group page is
http://www.facebook..com/group..php?gid=21188481464
 
Making this statement has been difficult and we have done it as a last resort. We regret having to share this information publicly but after much thought and discussion, we have no choice but to make this announcement, put this matter behind us and move on with next year's festival. Stay tuned for an announcement of Chicago Tango Week 2010 soon. We promise an exciting festival.

Shafqat Manzur and Maria Alferov
Chicago Tango Week