CORALVILLE, IOWA (August 9, 2019) — West Music has been named a Top 100 Dealer by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the global association of music products and music retailers. The award honors retail music-dealers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their stores, neighborhoods, and customers who share the vision to create a more musical world through their local communities. To determine the list, an independent panel of judges reviews hundreds of submissions rated across categories including customer service, innovation, music advocacy, store design, marketing, and sales promotions. The award was presented at the industry’s annual mid-year gathering, Summer NAMM, on Friday, July 19, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Celebrations continued as West Music President and CEO Robin Walenta commemorated completion of her appointment as NAMM Chair in Nashville on Saturday, July 20. In assuming this role, Walenta became the first female Chair in the organization’s 119-year history. During her appointment, she pioneered the Smart Women In Music (SWIM) Fund to expand diversity, inclusion, and support for female leaders in the music product’s industry. Walenta commented, “I am proud to be at the forefront of the increasing diversity and broadening inclusivity within our industry. My sincerest hope is that I have challenged all to think differently. Today, it is more important than ever that we create and support a culture in which our differences are welcomed, celebrated, and valued.”
About West Music
West Music is a third-generation, locally-owned, and family-operated business. West Music has been the area’s leading partner specializing in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra, and print music, as well as offering music education, music instruction, instrument repair, and music-therapy services. With 7 retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning e-commerce 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.
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 approximately 10,400 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. To learn more about Smart Women in Music (SWIM), visit smartwomeninmusic.org.
