TORONTO, Ontario - The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) hosted their Annual General Meeting (AGM) earlier today, welcoming members and industry stakeholders to observe the virtual election of the 2024-2027 Board of Directors.   The AGM opened with official business led by CIMA Board Chair, Tim Potocic, who guided attendees through the approval of key agenda items. Potocic then highlighted several key points from the last year including funding challenges, the second annual Make it Music conference and an announcement that 2025 would celebrate CIMA's 50^th anniversary.

  "In today's ever changing music market CIMA stands out as an advocate and shining star, standing up to support the entire independent music community in Canada,” says Potocic.

  CIMA’s President, Andrew Cash, provided an update on the association’s initiatives and achievements over the past year, while offering insights into CIMA’s ongoing efforts to advocate for the independent music sector and its strategic direction moving forward.

  “With the potentially disruptive challenges presented by A.I., the dominance of a few powerful global tech giants to dictate commercial terms and legal challenges to regulations around Bill C-11, CIMA is focused on building a strong, equitable and dynamic music eco-system in which our members can thrive in today’s global music market,” says Cash.

  During today’s AGM, members re-elected the following incumbent Directors to new 3-year terms: Kesi Smyth (604 Records), Kieran Roy (Arts & Crafts), Sandy Pandya (ArtHaus Media Inc / ArtHaus Community) and Shauna de Cartier (Six Shooter Records). Newly elected to the Board this year is Jeff Nedza (Cadence Music Group).

  These Directors will be joining incumbents:

• Tim Potocic (Sonic Unyon Records)
• David Cox (CLK Creative Works)
• Simon Mortimer-Lamb (Nettwerk Music Group Inc.)
• Gord Dimitrieff (Aporia Records)
• Justin West (Secret City Records)
• Amanda Rheaume (Ishkode Records)
• Gourmet Délice (Bonsound)
• Meagan Davidson (Tiny Kingdom Music)
• Susan de Cartier (Starfish Entertainment)
• Daniel Turcotte (Monstercat)

In the weeks ahead, the newly elected Board will also appoint two additional Directors to one-year terms. These appointments will aim to enhance the Board’s representation by addressing imbalances and gaps in diversity – whether in terms of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, geography, skillsets, or musical genres.   CIMA extends its heartfelt congratulations to the incoming 2024-2027 Board of Directors and expresses gratitude to the 2023-2024 Board for their leadership and dedication to advancing the independent music community. CIMA Media Contact: For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: Jenia Schukov Communications & Export Programming Officer p: 416-998-3705 e: jenia@cimamusic.ca   About CIMA: Founded in 1975 CIMA is the not-for-profit national trade association representing over 350 Canadian-owned music companies connected to over 6000 artists in every province and territory in Canada. CIMA's membership ranges from individual artists and solopreneurs to Canadian-owned global music companies. Its membership also includes music publishers, managers, agents, songwriters, as well as other industry associations, provincial MIA’s and industry adjacent service companies including in digital marketing, public relations and content creation.