CCMA News

SiriusXM TOP OF THE COUNTRY COMPETITION
ANNOUNCES EIGHT SEMI-FINALISTS
VYING FOR COVETED TITLE

FROM COAST-TO-COAST, CANADA’S TOP EMERGING COUNTRY STARS
WILL COMPETE FOR  $25,000 GRAND PRIZE AND MORE

Toronto, ON (March 23, 2022) — Today, SiriusXM Canada announced the eight semi-finalists for its fourth annual Top of the Country competition, where emerging artists compete to be named Canada’s next big country music star. Shining a spotlight on Canadian talent is a priority for SiriusXM, and in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA), this competition is the ultimate platform to do so. Opportunities to perform at some of the biggest country music events in Canada, a SOCAN songwriting camp, industry mentorships and $25,000, are up for grabs as they proceed to the next stage of the competition.

“We are always so impressed by the caliber of musicians who participate in the competition, and this year is no different. We are thrilled by the submissions we’ve received and for Canadians to learn more about these talented and vibrant artists in the Canadian country music community,” says Paul Cunningham, Senior Vice President, Marketing, SiriusXM Canada. “Our next step is to have these incredibly gifted semi-finalists record their own original tracks and in-studio videos, and then voting will be in the hands of country music fans across Canada!”

“At CCMA we are committed to educating, elevating and celebrating the next generation of country performers and our partnership with SiriusXM makes all of this possible,” says Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “We love seeing the new talent that applies for this competition each year and we know that these semi-finalists will shine on the national stage provided by SiriusXM. We’re so looking forward to following the journey of these artists as they work their way toward the Top of the Country finale in Calgary this fall!”

Representing 6 provinces across Canada, the 2022 SiriusXM Top of the Country semi-finalists are:

• Devin Cooper – Innisfail, AB
• Mallory Johnson – Conception Bay South, NL
• Five Roses – Montreal, QC
• Josh Ross – Burlington, ON
• Danielle Ryan – Pitt Meadows, BC
• Kyle McKearney – Calgary, AB
• SACHA – Warkworth, ON
• Shantaia – Spiritwood, SK

To learn more about the artists, please visit www.siriusxm.ca/topcountry. For high resolution images of the eight semi-finalists, please click HERE.

The next stage of the competition brings an exciting opportunity for the finalists to record their own original tracks and in-studio videos, which will be shared online for country music fans to vote for their favourites later this Spring. After the voting period is complete, three finalists will be selected to participate in industry mentorships and perform at various showcases, including Country Music Week 2022 in Calgary, Alberta this September, where the grand prize winner will be announced.

“The Top of the Country competition provided me with invaluable opportunities and experiences and opened the door towards taking my music career to the next level,” said Tyler Joe Miller, the reigning Top of the Country winner. “This next step of the competition is so exciting for these artists. My advice to this year’s semi-finalists would be to enjoy every moment, foster new relationships within the industry and thank your fans for being there every step of the way.”

SiriusXM Top of the Country in partnership with the CCMA is part of SiriusXM’s ongoing tradition of promoting and elevating the best emerging Canadian music. SiriusXM continues to offer a leading platform for Canadian artists through its significant financial contributions and North American-wide reach.
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About SiriusXM Canada
Sirius XM Canada Inc., operating as SiriusXM Canada, is the country’s leading audio entertainment company. SiriusXM creates and offers ad-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; podcasts; and exclusive talk and entertainment. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company, as well as on smartphones and all connected devices on the SXM App. For more information, visit siriusxm.ca.

Join SiriusXM Canada on Facebook at facebook.com/siriusxmcanada, on Twitter at @siriusxmcanada, on Instagram at @siriusxmcanada and on YouTube at youtube.com/siriusxmcanada.

SiriusXM radios and accessories are available from retailers nationwide and online at SiriusXM. In addition, SiriusXM Music for Business provides ad-free music to a variety of businesses. SiriusXM is also a leading provider of connected vehicles services, giving customers access to a suite of safety, security, and convenience services including automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and turn-by-turn navigation. SiriusXM Canada has been designated one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies 12 years in a row and is currently a Platinum Club Member.

About the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA)
Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Sponsors of Country Music Week 2022 and the 2022 CCMA Awards Show include FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s “Canada Music Fund,” Radio Starmaker, Tourism Calgary and the Government of Alberta.

Executive Assistant/Office Coordinator

ROLE OVERVIEW

As the Executive Assistant / Office Coordinator, you are at the heart of our team’s business operations and activities and the soul that keeps the team moving forward. Reporting to the President, this role is responsible for providing administrative level support to the President’s Office and supporting the executive team.

A vital member of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) team, the successful candidate will ensure the efficient and smooth day-to-day operations of the CCMA Office.

This role requires a candidate who has strong organizational and diplomatic skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve a common goal. This role best suits an upbeat and flexible attitude and a desire to work in a small, fast-paced, not-for-profit office environment that demands a team player approach. Must be capable of occasionally working outside of regular business hours.

This entry-level full-time position is located in downtown Toronto.

RESPONSIBILITIES
This position’s responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Manage and organize the CCMA President’s schedule, including internal and external meetings
• Ensures effective communication flow to and from the President’s Office
• Book travel and accommodations for CCMA Staff and Board of Directors
• Answering phone calls, redirecting calls and handling general inquiries with tact and diligence
• Fulfill all administrative services and office management, including mass email distribution, letter mail processing, courier services, filing, printing, photocopying, managing and ordering supply inventory
• Assists in grant preparation & reconciliation
• Manage the Country Music Week schedule and any updates as directed by CCMA Staff
• Responsible for the CCMA staff hotel block at Country Music Week
• Provide bookkeeping support to the Head of Operation
• Assist other staff members and perform other administrative duties as required
• Other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in event or music business management or a combination of education and experience that would be considered equivalent, preferably in a not-for-profit or association environment
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and manage multiple priorities under pressure and in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines/turnaround times
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills to coordinate a variety of event variables and communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of internal and external stakeholders
• Strong knowledge and ability in using business support processes and tools; i.e. Microsoft Office skills (Word, Outlook, Excel) and database entry systems
• Will be required to travel to event locations across Canada
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a busy and distracting environment
• Patience, energy and a sense of humour

ABOUT THE CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CCMA)

Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards broadcast.

The CCMA office is located in downtown Toronto and prides itself on its inclusive, casual and friendly environment. We are pet friendly and have fabulous canine collogues!

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to: [email protected]
Please note that only those accepted for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or visits please.

Posting closes Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are a critical component of business at the Canadian Country Music Association, and we are committed to making these values an integral part of our culture. The CCMA encourages applications from all qualified applicants, including women, men, non-binary identifying and persons with disabilities, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), people from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual + (LGBTQ2SIA+) community, and other equity-seeking groups.

Head of Marketing

We are searching for a creative, innovative and entrepreneurial person to join our team here at the CCMA. If you love the music industry and are a results driven data focused marketing individual we would love to meet you!

Reporting to President, you will be driving the associations marketing strategy, leading the team to executing all aspects of the marketing department’s day to day initiatives translating business objectives into actionable marketing strategies. The ideal candidate is an Influential individual, extremely ambitious, and a creative professional hungry to make change and develop forward industry leading ideas that push boundaries and resonate with our audiences. In addition to being organized, analytical, strategic and resourceful, you must possess strong business judgment and communication skills needed to interact with a variety of people and job functions.

This is a high-impact role where you will be a key player in the decision-making process of our brand evolution, marketing execution, consumer growth, and business development. This role is both strategic and tactical, we’re therefore looking for someone who can wear different hats and thrives in such an environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The position’s primary responsibilities include the following:

• Build and maintain a strong and consistent brand through a wide range of online and offline marketing channels
• Track and analyze the performance of campaigns, managing department budget and ensuring that all marketing material is in line with our brand identity
• Collaborate with our sponsorship team and colleagues to translate partner KPIs into innovative effective concepts and ideas that align with our association objectives
• Lead strategy and day to day operations of our consumer facing brand and e-commerce site ‘Live Country’
• Prepare regular reporting of key performance metrics and communicate findings, figures, and insights
• Prepare and monitor the marketing budget on a quarterly and annual basis and allocate funds wisely showing ROI of investment
• Test learn tell with a variety of organic and paid acquisition channels like content creation, content curation, pay per click campaigns, event management, social media, lead generation campaigns, copywriting, performance analysis
• Produce valuable and engaging content for our owned properties building a robust and engaged audience
• Build strategic relationships and partner with key industry players, agencies, and vendors
• Consistently working to develop and evolve processes within the department to best serve company and key stakeholders
• Influence internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization to take action based on insights to capture business opportunities
• Keep abreast of industry news, trends, and digital innovations, consistently sharing with stakeholders and applying where relevant

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years marketing strategy, content ideation experience, with proven experience building, executing, and scaling cross-functional marketing strategies
• Creative thinker who takes initiative and is capable of building, launching, and managing projects and programs that drive results for our core business objectives
• A sense of aesthetics and a love for great copy and witty communication
• BSc/MSc degree in Marketing or related field
• Absolute passion for the digital space with deep understanding of social platforms
• Must have proficient knowledge of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tik Tok
• Experience with paid reach campaigns and consumer journey funnels
• Direct to Consumer eCommerce Experience (Shopify platform knowledge)
• Understanding and application of data driven approach
• Motivated and a self-starter
• Exceptional communication, organizational & priority setting skills
• Strong written and communication skills. Bilingual (French) is an asset
• Ability to problem solve & react in time-sensitive situations
• Highly efficient, solution oriented individual
• Proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.
• Experience using social listening tools (Meltwater specifically is an asset)
• Eye for detail, thoroughness, and accuracy
• Team spirit, creativity, and enthusiasm
• Passionate interest in music, entertainment, and pop culture and up to date with the latest news, trends and discussions

ABOUT THE CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CCMA)

Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards broadcast.

The CCMA office is located in downtown Toronto and prides itself on its inclusive, casual and friendly environment. We are pet friendly and have fabulous canine collogues!

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]
Please note that only those accepted for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or visits please.

Posting closes Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are critical components of business at the Canadian Country Music Association, and we are committed to making these values an integral part of our culture. The CCMA encourages applications from all qualified applicants, including women, men, non-binary identifying and persons with disabilities, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), people from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual + (LGBTQ2SIA+) community, and other equity-seeking groups.

RETURNING TO CALGARY FOR ITS 10TH YEAR,
COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK 2022 TO TAKE PLACE
SEPTEMBER 8-11

2022 CCMA AWARDS TO BE RECORDED LIVE
FROM CALGARY ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

March 2, 2022 (Calgary, AB) — Today the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA) has announced that September 8-11 will be the official dates for Country Music Week 2022. Culminating with the 2022 CCMA Awards on September 11, Country Music Week 2022 will see the CCMA returning to Calgary for the tenth time, making the market the most visited by the coveted national Awards show.

“The decision to return to Calgary was not a difficult one to make,” said CCMA President, Amy Jeninga. “Our local Host Committee is so incredibly supportive, the city’s ongoing promise to elevate and celebrate the arts aligns perfectly with our overall mandate as an organization and Alberta country music fans are some of the most dedicated fans we’ve seen. We cannot wait to get back to Calgary for what we know will be an incredible week of celebration!”

Recognized as an emerging music city, country music is in Calgary’s roots. “Hosting Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Awards is a great opportunity to showcase Calgary as a music city,” says Ben Graham, Chair of the local CCMA Host Committee.  “Our emerging music scene has been growing and thriving over the last 10 years with the building of new music venues, festivals and attractions. We’re home of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Music Mile, over 30 year-round music festivals and the greatest outdoor show on earth, The Calgary Stampede – which showcases country music’s best artists every year.”

With details to come surrounding Country Music Week 2022 programming, fans can be sure that Calgary will come to life over the course of four days this September. From Songwriters Series’ to artist meet and greets, Alberta’s country music fans definitely have something to look forward to.

“Tourism Calgary is proud to be bringing the CCMAs back to Calgary,” says Cindy Ady, CEO and President of Tourism Calgary. “This exciting event is expected to generate a potential $12 million impact into the local visitor economy which is critical as we continue supporting the recovery of Calgary and Alberta’s tourism industry. We cannot wait to be ultimate hosts of an outstanding Country Music Week and CCMA Awards this fall.”

Calgarians are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming ticket on-sale information later this spring.

For more information regarding Country Music Week 2022 programming, stay tuned to the CCMA official Instagram account and Tourism Calgary.

About the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA)
Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Sponsors of Country Music Week 2022 and the 2022 CCMA Awards Show include FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s “Canada Music Fund,” Radio Starmaker, Tourism Calgary and the Government of Alberta.

About Tourism Calgary
Tourism Calgary is the official destination marketing and development organization for Calgary’s tourism industry. For more than 60 years, the organization’s primary purpose has been to promote Calgary and area as the destination of choice. With a vision of making Calgary the ultimate host city, Tourism Calgary markets the city locally, nationally and internationally and advocates for its ongoing development as a destination. The organization hosts and attracts visitors and events and activates the city by fostering the growth of shareable, memorable experiences. Pre-pandemic, Calgary’s tourism industry contributed approximately $2.5 billion in visitor spending by over 7 million visitors annually. For more information about Tourism Calgary, please visit www.visitcalgary.com or follow @tourismcalgary on social channels.

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Media Contacts
For Calgary:
Tracy Larsson, Tourism Calgary
[email protected], 403-470-1086

For CCMA:
Tiffany Astle, penelopePR
[email protected], 416-554-7329