NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Peter Gordon, president of Thirsty Ear Recordings and a founding board member of the American Association of Independent Music(A2IM), will assume the office of acting president on October 1. The organization is also finalizing its plans to open a New York home office. Gordon steps into the office currently held by Boston-based Don Rose, who was unable to make the permanent move to Manhattan. Rose has led A2IM since its launch in June 2005 and through its successful first year of accomplishments and membership growth.
Gordon brings 30 years of experience in the independent music industry in the US and abroad. The search for an executive to permanently lead A2IM has begun and should be completed by early 2007.
"Don Rose's dedication over the past eighteen months has helped A2IM build a solid foundation and we owe a great deal of thanks to Don for successfully leading the organization through its first year," says Gordon. "As we near our goal of opening a New York headquarters, we will continue striving to forge new opportunities that provide our members with additional access to the marketplace and that will, in turn, enrich the music community by nurturing cultural diversity."
"It has been thoroughly rewarding to see the organization grow at such a rapid pace while also making major accomplishments towards leveling the playing field for independent record labels," says Rose. "Times of change bring opportunities for those who act upon their entrepreneurial spirit and I have never seen more change and opportunity for independent labels than I do today. Indies are gaining prominence in the culture and market share is rising. I have been proud to represent this community with the formation of A2IM and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve."
A2IM now counts over 200 members and has made strides in establishing itself as a respected presence in the music industry and in Washington DC. Under A2IM's umbrella, seven committees have been organized to specifically address matters of interest ranging from International, Radio, Retail, Publishing, Digital, Legislative and Membership. The upcoming year's agenda includes representing the independent labels' interests on a global level in regards to wireless downloads, video-on-demand, and satellite radio recording devises. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
