News & Publications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sep. 10, 2002
CMA PRESENTS AWARDS TO INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY LEADERS
CALGARY, AB – International Country Music leaders were recognized on their home turf Sunday, September 8, when CMA Associate Executive Director Tammy Genovese and Jeff Walker, head of the CMA’s Global Markets Task Force, presented two of the Country Music Association’s most prestigious international awards during the Canadian Country Music Association President’s Reception.
At the event, Genovese and Walker presented the Jo Walker Meador International Award to Sheila Hamilton, the General Manager of the Canadian Country Music Association. Hamilton started working with the organization in 1977 after getting her start at Country radio station CFGM. She handled many responsibilities for the Canadian Country Music Association before taking the post of Executive Director in 1989. She assumed her new role as General Manager in August. The Jo Walker Meador International Award was established in 1994 to recognize outstanding achievement by an individual or company in advocating and supporting Country Music’s development internationally.
Genovese presented the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award to Country Music Television Canada. CMT Canada is Canada’s only 24-hour music and entertainment network that focuses on Country, folk, Celtic and roots music. It can be found in 7.8 million Canadian homes. Established in 1990, the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media, which contribute to the development of Country Music outside the United States.
“What a delight to be able to present these important Awards to these deserving people,” Genovese said. “It is very fitting that we were able to present them during Canada’s premiere Country week festivities.”