MEDIA CONTACT:
Kymberly Drake
Public Relations Manager
NAMM
760-438-8007, ext. 162
Fax: 760-438-8257
e-mail: kymberlyd@namm.org

Scott Robertson, APR
Director of Marketing & Communications
NAMM
760-438-8007, ext. 102
Fax: 760-438-8257
e-mail: scottr@namm.org

NAMM ISSUES WORLDWIDE CALL FOR WORTHY PROGRAMS TO CREATE MORE ACTIVE MUSIC MAKERS
Association to Invest Trade Show Revenue Back Into the Music Products Industry

CARLSBAD, Calif., April 12, 2004—NAMM, the International Music Products Association, today announced its intent to invest the largest dollar amount in the association’s 102-year history back into the music products industry in the form of new market building programs and initiatives.  The association is now searching for worthy programs and ideas from within and outside of the music products industry.

NAMM’s core business model revolves around giving back by channeling the association’s revenue back into building the industry it serves.  Some examples of previously funded efforts include NAMM’s current offering of market development programs, awareness-generating public relations efforts in conjunction with AMC, the American Music Conference, high-profile events such as the industry’s Rose Parade float, valuable music-brain research and the association’s continuing partnership with Sesame Street.

“NAMM is fortunate in that our Members own and control our industry’s trade show,” said Paul Heid, chairman, NAMM.  “This association is now and will always be laser-focused on serving the needs of our diverse group of Members.  This unprecedented commitment of funds underscores our ongoing work toward the association’s mission of leading the global music products industry and creating more active music makers.”

To qualify for the seed money, programs and initiatives must meet the following criteria:

• Designed to enhance or develop the market for music products
• National and/or international intentions, impact and outreach
• Intent to become self-sufficient within a reasonable period of time
• Serve a unique need (without duplication of existing programs or activities)
• Demonstrated ability to fulfill stated objectives and successfully implement the program

NAMM is currently accepting applications from Member companies, industry organizations, non-profit organizations and other worthy groups.  To apply, interested parties may send an introductory e-mail to NAMM’s market development department, at marketdev@namm.com or call 800-767-NAMM for more information.

About NAMM
NAMM is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $16 billion international musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of more than 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).