NAMM Encourages Open Discussion About Industry Changes with Launch of Independent Retailer Online Forum
indie.namm.org Gives Industry Members a Place to Share Ideas, Develop Solutions and Address Hot Industry Topics in Real Time
NAMM, the International Music Products Association, recently launched the Independent Retailer Online Forum at http://indie.namm.org, a place on the Web for NAMM Members to share ideas and facilitate open discussion about issues and challenges specific to independent retailers.
The site’s launch was prompted by the packed presentation of the “Independent Retailer Town Hall Meeting” at the 2006 Summer Session in Austin, Texas, where a long line of NAMM Members waited to take their turn at the microphone to express their opinions.
“During this time of intense industry change to the traditional retail model, we believe it is more important than ever to have open, honest communication between retailers, suppliers, distributors and reps on the tough industry issues,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. “This forum is designed to be our 365-day-a-year virtual town hall where anyone can share ideas, suggestions and success stories in a completely open forum.”
NAMM has appointed a subcommittee of the Board of Directors to study the issues faced by independent retailers and to submit a report to the full Board next April on how NAMM and the industry can better serve this critically important part of the music products industry.
The committee consists of Aaron Soriero of Music Matters, Beth Houlihan of Kidder Music, Chris White of White House of Music, Craig Gigax of Meridian Music, Dan Vedda of Skyline Music, Gayle Beacock of Beacock Music, Jim Rupp of Columbus Pro Percussion, Joel Menchey of Menchey Music, Todd Trent of Ontario Music, Johnny Thompson of Johnny Thompson Music, Mark Depotakis of Progressive Music, Pat Oliver of Treble Clef Music, Rosemary Rodd of Leo's Pro Audio, Don Ulrich of Yenney's Music, Larry Garris of Corner Music, Bob Battersby of Cornerstone Music, Don Middleton of Don's Music Land, Ltd. and committee chairman Chip Averwater of Amro Music.
For more information or to participate in the forum, interested parties can visit http://indie.namm.org or call 800.767.6266.
Media Contacts
NAMM Communications - John Dolak, Director
johnd@namm.org
619.735.4028
VITTEK PR – Josh Vittek
josh@vittekpr.com
760.505.5674
The Lippin Group
namm@lippingroup.com
201.317.6618
About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit trade association representing the $18.1 billion global music products industry, with a mission to strengthen the music industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. Comprised of more than 9,000 member companies and individual professionals worldwide, NAMM supports an industry that employs more than 400,000 people globally. Through its programs, events and advocacy efforts, NAMM advances a shared vision of a thriving, innovative and inclusive music products industry where every person has access to the joy of music-making. NAMM also operates The NAMM Foundation, investing in the future of music through the support of education, global grantmaking and featured programs that expand participation in music across all ages and stages of life. Headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., NAMM serves as a leading voice for the global music products industry through public policy, advocacy, education and other member services. For more information, visit NAMM.org, and learn more about NAMM’s Vision, Mission & Objectives at NAMM About Page.