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Coralville, IA – July 25, 2017 – West Music President & CEO, Robin Walenta, has been named Chair of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Executive Committee. Walenta’s appointment was confirmed by unanimous vote at the industry’s annual mid-year gathering, the Summer NAMM Show in Nashville, Tennessee (July 13-15).

In assuming this role, Walenta becomes the first female Chair in the organization’s 117-year history. Prior to her election as Chair, Walenta served as Vice Chair of the NAMM Executive Committee. She has also served as a board member of the National Association of School Music Dealers, treasurer for the Iowa Alliance for Art Education, and is a member of the SupportMusic Coalition, an advocacy group supporting music education in our schools.

“On behalf of our member companies and the NAMM Board of Directors, I am excited to welcome Robin as NAMM Executive Chair,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO upon the appointment. “Her vast industry experience will help guide our industry in addressing the challenges we face today, and to be ready for the opportunities of tomorrow. We thank her for her commitment to service on behalf of all members.”

“It is an honor to represent the National Association of Music Merchants and its 10,300 member companies across 104 countries in this role,” said Robin Walenta, West Music President & CEO. “The mission of NAMM is to strengthen the music products industry. To do so we must continue to create life-long music makers by eliminating all barriers for participation, assuring every student has access to a quality, sequential music education. In my role as NAMM Chair, I will continue to be a champion and advocate for music education. Through my career-long involvement with NAMM, I have learned that educational opportunities provide vital catalysts for new and ongoing musical ventures; and that in today’s world, music advocacy is more important than ever. As the first woman to lead our industry, I am excited to be at the forefront of continuing diversification and broadening inclusivity in both our members and the products and services we represent.”

2017 NAMM Board

From left to right – Tom Sumner, Senior Vice President, Yamaha Corporation of America; Joel Menchey, President, Menchey Music Services; Robin Walenta, President & CEO, West Music; Chris Martin, CEO, C.F. Martin Co.; Joe Lamond, President & CEO, NAMM

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately10,300 Member companies located in more than 104 countries. For more information about NAMM or the proven benefits of making music, interested parties can visit www.namm.org, call 800-767-NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

About West Music

West Music is a third generation locally owned and family operated business. For over 75 years, West Music has been the area’s leading partner in music education, specializing in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offering music instruction, repair, and music therapy services. With seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning ecommerce websites dedicated to servicing music education and percussion communities, West Music strives to encourage people of all ages and abilities to play now and play for life. For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.