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
Jeanne O'Keefe
The Lippin Group for NAMM
jokeefe@lippingroup.com
818.399.2464
About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $19.5 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of 15,400 global member companies and individual professionals with a global workforce of over 475,000 employees. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music and advance active participation in music-making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org.