CMRRA is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, at the same time as the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA). Both organizations have worked to develop Canada’s music industry since 1975, and have cooperated many times to support Canadian talent. CMRRA will be in attendance at CIMA’s 2015 Awards Gala and 40th Anniversary Celebrations event later this month!
Over their shared 40 year history, CIMA and CMRRA have each benefited from the services of exceptional industry leaders. The legendary Brian Chater served as both CIMA’s president and a director for CMRRA, and left an indelible mark on both organizations as well as the Canadian music industry at large. This year, Pegi Cecconi – VP of SRO-Anthem and a director for both CMRRA and CIMA – is being honoured with the inaugural Brian Chater Leadership Award. CIMA is also marking its 40th anniversary by recognizing each of their eleven founding members with the association’s Founders Award; this includes Frank Davies who also served on CMRRA’s board of directors for nearly two decades.
As both organizations celebrate 40 years of history, their thoughts turn to the future as the industry landscape continues to change. “More than ever, the importance of cross-industry collaboration and unity cannot be understated,” says CMRRA President, Caroline Rioux. “Rightsholders and rightsholder organizations must come together whenever possible to protect, foster and realize the full value of the music that is enjoyed by countless music fans both in Canada and around the world.” Most recently, CIMA, CMRRA, and the Canadian Music Publishers Association (CMPA) have joined SOCAN and many other industry representatives in a coalition to advocate for music policy in Ottawa. “The age and state of the Canadian music industry is a testament to its strength” says CIMA President Stuart Johnston, and “we are most powerful when speaking together with a single voice, working towards unified objectives.” Moving forward beyond their 40 year legacy, CIMA’s focus is on ensuring that the next generation has a climate to maintain and further the achievements of the Canadian music industry’s pioneers.
CMRRA is proud of the 40 years it has shared with CIMA and we look forward to many more years of collaboration to ensure music remains an important and valued cultural asset to Canadians.
