Paul Heid Named NAMM Chairman

The conclusion of this year’s Summer Session signified a change of leadership for NAMM, the International Music Products Association, with Paul Heid of Heid’s Music in Appleton, Wis., becoming the association’s 72nd chairman*.

Heid makes this move after serving a term on the NAMM board of directors and the last six years on the NAMM executive committee, contributing to all of the association’s activities including Sesame Street Music Works, SupportMusic.com and the successful transition of NAMM’s president/CEO position.

“This is a very exciting time for the music industry,” said Heid. “The number of people who play musical instruments has grown almost 25 percent since 1985, with more than 1 out of every 2 households in the U.S. today having family members who play a musical instrument. I am thrilled and deeply honored to have this opportunity to serve in this new role as chairman as we seek to fulfill NAMM’s mission of strengthening and unifying the music products industry and creating more music makers.”

“The NAMM staff and I look forward to the energy, passion and wisdom Paul will bring to the chairman position as our industry works toward the goal of long-term, sustainable growth,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM.

Heid follows the successful chairmanship of Steve West of West’s Music in Coralville, Iowa, and joins a list of distinguished industry leaders who have served in this prestigious post over the past 102 years.

Also elected with Heid were Vice Chairman Dennis Houlihan, president of Roland US; Treasurer Chip Averwater of Amro Music; and Secretary Tom Schmitt of Schmitt Music Company, who join Lamond on the Executive Committee.

In addition to his active role with NAMM, Heid’s other music-related affiliations include the position of Officer of the American Music Conference (AMC), a current member and past president of the National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD), a member of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, Wisconsin Bandmasters Association, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education and a founding member of the Wisconsin Coalition for Music Education. Locally, Heid is a member of the board of M & I Bank, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and holds the title “Commodore” at the Chain-of-Lakes Sailing Club.

About Heid Music, Inc.
Heid Music, with annual sales of more than $10 million, offers a full range of musical instruments, accessories, repair services and age-appropriate music education through full-line stores in Appleton, Green Bay and Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. Heid Music’s outstanding reputation is built on the talent and expertise of its 76 sales and repair professionals and more than 30 music educators, providing award-winning service, brand-name products and affordable pricing for families, schools and professional orchestras. Heid Music was founded in 1948 by Peter Heid to bring quality musical instruments and affordable music education to his community. That mission is still the driving force of the company today, 55 years later with three generations of Heids actively working the business. Interested parties can contact Heid Music toll-free at 800.236.4343 or visit www.heidmusic.com.