Canadian Country Music AssociatioAnnounces New Board of Directors

(Toronto- September 21, 2007) - The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has announced its 2007-2008 Board of Directors. The CCMA Board is comprised of eight Elected Directors who are voted on by membership, and up to seven Appointed Directors, named by the Elected Board.

"As in past years, the CCMA is once again fortunate to have such dedicated industry professionals volunteering their time and invaluable expertise to help guide and lead the CCMA. Their involvement and guidance will ensure the continued success and development of the association and its programming as the CCMA looks to the future under the leadership of the new Executive Director, Carmen Celestini. It is with great enthusiasm I look to the coming year, stated Heather Ostertag, Chair of the CCMA Board of Directors.


The 2007-2008 Elected Directors are:

Chair Heather Ostertag, of FACTOR, Toronto, ON
1st Vice Chair Jackie-Rae Greening of CFCW/Big Earl, Edmonton, AB
2nd Vice Chair Jim Cressman, of CSA, Calgary, AB
Secretary Treasurer Lynne Foster, Toronto, ON
Brian Depoe, of Standard Broadcasting, Toronto, ON
Nick Meinema, of LiveTourArtists, Oakville, ON
Ralph Murphy, of ASCAP, Nashville, TN
Louis OReilly, of 306 Records, Saskatoon, SK
Dawn Woroniuk, of HOT 93, CJWW 600, MAGIC 98.3, Saskatoon, SK


The Appointed Directors are:
Mike Caddell of Harbour Station, Saint John, NB
Deane Cameron of EMI Music Canada, Toronto, ON
Claude Lelievre of Active Mountain Entertainment, Merritt, BC
Jeff Walker, of AristoMedia/Marco Promotions, Nashville, TN


Since 1976 the Canadian Country Music Association has been a pivotal member of the entertainment industry in Canada as a federally charted, non-profit trade organization. For 30 years the CCMA has worked to protect the heritage of; advocate the development of; and enact laws favourable to the Canadian country music industry domestically and internationally. Through the use of educ! ation, m arketing and communications, plus recognition, the CCMA works on behalf of its membership and the industry throughout the year and during pivotal events such as Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards each September, to heighten awareness and increase exposure for Canada's country industry.