Richard Green (EMI Christian Music Group Exec. VP & General Counsel) was the official speaker covering "State of the Music Industry: Surviving the Digital Era" during SGMG’s board meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Pictured Seated L-R: Rhonda Thompson, Judy Nelon, Richard Green, Chris White; Standing L-R: Joy Fletcher, Emily Higinbotham, Ed Harper, Tammy Kirkland, Donnie Williamson, Melinda Hames, Cricket Lee, Clarke Beasley, Beckie Simmons Bates, Ed Leonard, Gary Casto, Michael Davis. (photo by Crystal Burchette-Johnson)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"SGMG Announces New Executive Board "

--Richard Green Speaks During First Official Board Meeting--

Nashville, Tenn - The SGMG (Southern Gospel Music Guild) elected their 2008-2009 Executive Board during an annual membership meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. Newly elected officers include Judy Nelon, President; Beckie Simmons-Bates, Vice-President; Clarke Beasley, Vice-President; Les Butler, Vice-President; Gary Casto, Vice-President; Ed Harper, Vice-President; Zane King, Vice-President; Crystal Burchette-Johnson, Publicist; Melinda Hames, Treasurer and Rhonda Thompson, Secretary. The Executive Board is pleased to announce the SGMG will be hosting it's annual Harmony Honors on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the Renaissance Hotel Ballroom located downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The event will be presented during the annual GMA Week/Dove Awards, April 18-22, 2009.

The SGMG held its first official board meeting in Nashville, Tennessee at the BMI building located on Music Row. Executive Vice-President and General Counsel for EMI CMG, Richard Green was the featured speaker. Green handles all the legal issues that face EMI CMG, but has done extensive work on the legal aspect of problems that face today’s music industry. He spoke to SGMG members about illegal downloading, new laws to protect performers and writers, as well as where regulations are headed in the future. Green also encouraged everyone to join together and uphold a high level of recordings and use cyberspace to our advantage as much as possible for marketing purposes. SGMG President, Judy Nelon concluded the meeting by encouraging new members to join the SGMG in order to take advantage of speakers like Green during upcoming meetings.

In September, the SGMG recognized Bill and Gloria Gaither with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at a special VIP reception held during the 2008 National Quartet Convention. Newly elected SGMG President, Judy Nelon presented the honor where a group of industry friends and colleagues gathered to share in the special occasion. The afternoon celebration included congratulations and numerous stories from Les Beasley, NQC Executive Vice-President Clarke Beasley, ASCAP’s Dan Keen, Ken and Lisa Abraham, Ben Speer and Sue Dodge. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who exhibits and upholds the SGMG Mission Statement which states, “With Jesus Christ as our cornerstone, to create a cooperative environment designed to encourage excellence, education, awareness and growth, while preserving the essence of Southern Gospel Music” over a lifetime. Bill and Gloria concluded the event with separate speeches of appreciation to the southern gospel industry and the SGMG. The celebratory afternoon of recognition was sponsored by the National Quartet Convention.

For more information on the SGMG, to join the SGMG and for up-to-date details on the 2009 Harmony Honors, log on to www.sgmg.org.

--Higher resolution photo available by e-mailing aaron@thejudynelongroup.com--

SGMG
In 1986, several Southern Gospel music leaders decided the industry needed an organization to foster the growth of the Southern Gospel music genre. Through the years, the Guild has grown to include every facet of the Southern Gospel music industry, encompassing artists (full-time and part-time), record companies, radio, promoters, publishers, distributors, talent management, media representatives, and booking agents. Looking beyond the needs of today, the Southern Gospel Music Guild hopes to affect the future of the industry. Through communication and education, we hope to significantly impact the image and awareness of Southern Gospel music for generations to come. This is accomplished by a variety of means: getting Southern Gospel music introduced to new audiences and promoting quality and professionalism within the industry. By working together we can learn how to better utilize our skills. Through extensive, persistent efforts, we can increase the visibility of and appreciation for our music, thereby touching tomorrow....today.

SGMG Press Contact: Crystal Burchette-Johnson crystalpr@comcast.net