NARM works to recognize excellence in all aspects of the entertainment business. The following awards, recognizing the businesses and/or individuals who make a difference in the industry, will be presented during NARM's 50th Anniversary Convention. Check the Schedule of Events for dates and times of each presentation.
  

Chairman's Award For Sustained Creative Achievement
The NARM Chairman's Award recognizes sustained creative achievement within the industry. It was awarded for the first time in 1998. Past recipients include Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Stevie Wonder, The Bee Gees, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Leonard Bernstein, Nat King Cole, Rod Stewart, Garth Brooks, Lena Horne, Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Liza Minnelli, Carlos Santana, Quincy Jones, and Chicago.

Blues icon B.B. King, an American treasure who has recorded 150 albums and accepted 14 GRAMMY Awards, will receive the 2008 NARM Chairman’s Award For Sustained Creative Achievement. King will accept his Award during the 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner, which will be Wednesday, May 7.

“NARM’s membership — on whose behalf we bestow this prestigious Award — applauds King’s amazing career and the way he has inspired and influenced so many musicians over the years,” said NARM President Jim Donio. “Today King is more popular, more cherished and more relevant than ever. At the age of 82, he is still out on the road, playing for the people, making TV appearances, and cutting tracks for his next album. We are honored to have B.B. King join us as part of NARM’s 50th Anniversary celebration.”

Click here for the full press release.
 

Presidential Award For Sustained Executive/Industry Achievement
The NARM Presidential Award For Sustained Executive Achievement is one of the Association's highest honors, and is presented to individuals who have contributed greatly to the overall success of our industry. An esteemed list of former recipients includes such music industry luminaries as Clive Davis, Berry Gordy Jr., Dick Clark, Casey Kasem, Russ Solomon, Paul Smith, and Henry Droz, among others.

NARM President Jim Donio has announced that he will present Eric Paulson, Founder and Executive Chairman of Navarre Corporation, with the 2008 Presidential Award for Sustained Executive Achievement. Navarre Corporation is an international licensor and distributor of entertainment and interactive products.

"I am extremely honored to recognize Eric for the dedication and vision he has contributed to our industry and our Association over his 40-plus year career," said Donio. "Under his leadership, Navarre has been at the forefront of all forms of entertainment media, highlighted by a truly enterprising spirit and an unmatched zest for innovation. Eric has also been a very vocal and engaged member of the NARM community, having served on various committees and councils, as well as on our Board of Directors. We have all benefited greatly from his thoughtful views and insights."

For the full press release, click here.

In addition, as NARM celebrates its 50th Anniversary, it is only fitting that we honor two other organizations that have helped to grow and enrich the industry over the past 50 years. NARM President Jim Donio will present both the Country Music Association (CMA) and The Recording Academy® (which bestows the annual GRAMMY® Awards) with 2008 Presidential Awards for Sustained Industry Achievement.

"NARM is absolutely elated to recognize both the CMA and The Recording Academy for their many vital and lasting contributions to the music business and community, and to commemorate our golden anniversaries together," said Donio. "We have joined forces with these organizations on numerous occasions over the years to promote music, as well as to help educate and inform the industry and the consumer."

Click here to view the full release.

Merchandiser & Supplier Of The Year Awards
The Merchandiser & Supplier of the Year awards honor outstanding industry achievement among five member categories: Retailers, Distributors, Wholesalers, Entertainment Software Suppliers and Suppliers Of Related Products and Services.

NARM invites all of its members to nominate trading partners in the various industry segments (small, medium and large companies in each segment are categorized based on membership dues category), and those companies with the most nominations will be named as finalists. Trading partner companies will judge the finalist's performance on established criteria. The company with the highest score for each industry segment and size category will be declared the winner.

Nomination ballots for this prestigious industry award will be available online in mid-February.  Finalists will be announced in mid-March. Winners will be announced and recognized at the 50th Anniversary Dinner & Gala on Wednesday, May 7 from 7 - 11 PM at the San Francisco Marriott.

Advertising & Marketing Awards
The NARM Advertising & Marketing Awards recogonize outstanding achievement for advertising and marketing campaigns promoting music, video and other pre-recorded entertainment software products.

NARM is now accepting entries for the 2008 Advertising and Marketing Awards. The entry form highlights the competition rules for numerous categories, guidelines for submission and payment, and judging criteria. Deadline for submission is February 29, 2008. The winners will be recognized during the 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Wednesday, May 7, at the San Francisco Marriott.

If you have questions regarding the competition or an entry, please feel free to contact contest coordinator, Evelyn Dichter, at dichter@narm.com  or via phone at 856.596.2221.