IBMA accepting Board of Directors nominations

IBMAHave you ever considered getting more involved with the International Bluegrass Music Association, the only trade organization dedicated to bluegrass music and the business of bluegrass?

If so, now may be the right time to act. The IBMA is seeking candidates for as many as six positions on its Board of Directors, which will be selected by the voting membership this summer. Nomination is open to any current member of the organization, though you can join or renew now to be considered for a Board seat.

Candidates are being sought to represent the following constituencies:

  • Associations
  • Artists, Composers & Music Publishers
  • Merchandisers and Luthiers

There is also an At-Large seat in contention, plus two Board-Appointed seats, one At-Large and one to represent International members. The two Board-Appointed seats may also be presented for selection by the membership if enough candidates can be found.

A candidate questionnaire form can be downloaded online. It includes basic personal information plus a number of questions about your involvement in the bluegrass industry. Each submission must also include an endorsement from two current IBMA members, though one can be yourself.

These applications are due by 5:00 p.m. (CDT) on July 1, 2016. All received by that time will be vetted by the existing Board and selected potential nominees will be contacted about their interest in running in an open election of the membership.

To submit your name for consideration, first download the form, complete it, and send it on to the Nominating Committee by email or postal mail no later than July 1.

Ben Surratt
IBMA Nominating Committee Chair
PO Box 160414
Nashville, TN 37216

Note that applications must be received by July 1, not postmarked.

Ballots will be sent to the membership for electronic voting in late July, with those votes due by August 15. The new Board will be announced soon thereafter, and officially seated during the World of Bluegrass convention coming up in September.

Whether you love the IBMA or find fault with their policies, serving on the Board is a fine way to express your concerns about the future of our music, and the operation of its only trade organization. Especially if you have skills and experience related directly to the bluegrass business, your participation could be extremely valuable to the organization.

More information about the current Directors can be found online.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.