CRS 2011 Attendance Jumps 22 Percent

Mar 7, 2011 CRS 2011 Attendance Jumps 22 Percent

CRS 2011 Attendance Jumps 22 Percent New CRB Officers, Board Members Announced (Nashville, Tenn. – March 7, 2011)  Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® has announced an overall attendance figure of 2,649 registrants at CRS 2011, resulting in a 22 percent increase over last year’s event. The total number of CRS 2011 attendees was divided into 2,004 full registrants (attendees, exhibitors, panelists and sponsors) and 645 participant registrants.  Participant registrants are attendees that register for individual CRS events or purchase single day seminar passes.  Total attendance for CRS 2010 was 2,181 and CRS 2009 was 2,106. “I think this year’s attendance numbers speak directly to the success of Country Radio Seminar 2011,” says CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “Since 2009, our attendance has shown a 25 percent growth, which is extremely encouraging, particularly in a struggling economy.  Our Country Radio Hall of Fame event and our New Faces show both sold out, and our panelists, speakers and talent continue to set a high standard of excellence in the Country radio industry.  We’re excited about the momentum CRS has provided for the rest of 2011 and into next year’s seminar.” Changes to the CRS Agenda Committee and CRB Board of Directors have been announced.  The newly elected CRB Board officers and CRS Agenda Committee leaders are as follows: CRB President: Mike Culotta (WQYK / Tampa, Fla.) CRB Vice President: R.J. Curtis (Country Aircheck / Nashville, Tenn.) CRB Secretary: Carole Bowen (WKIS / Miami, Fla.) CRB Treasurer: Jeff Walker (AristoMedia/Marco Promotions / Nashville, Tenn.) CRS 2012 Agenda Chair: Annie Sandor (Curb Records / Miami, Fla.) CRS 2012 Vice Chair: Clint Marsh (Talking Stick Communications / Warsaw, Ind.) “The energy at CRS this year was off the charts!” says CRS 2012 Agenda Chair, Annie Sandor. “Everyone I talked to could really feel it as well.  You saw it in the panels, the live performances and the conversations between friends.  It’s such an awesome feeling to be a part of an amazing event like Country Radio Seminar.  We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and start planning for CRS 2012 already!” Three members who were previously appointed by the CRB President have been elected back to the CRB Board of Directors.  Clarence Spalding (Spalding Entertainment / Nashville, Tenn.) and Johnny Chiang (KKBQ / Houston, Texas) were elected to 3-year terms, and Dan Halyburton (RadioTime / Palo Alto, Calif.) was elected to a one-year term. Other CRB Board members re-elected for three-year terms include: Carole Bowen, R.J. Curtis, David Haley, Clay Hunnicutt, Royce Risser, Tim Roberts and Jeff Walker. Skip Bishop (Sony Music Nashville / Nashville, Tenn.) was elected to fill a one-year term. Newly re-elected CRB President Mike Culotta also appointed three new CRB Board members: John Esposito (Warner Bros. / Nashville, Tenn.), Brian O’Connell (Live Nation / Nashville, Tenn.) and Jerry Phillips (Big River Broadcasting / Florence, Ala.). Continuing their terms on the CRB Board are: Jim Asker, Tom Baldrica, Becky Brenner, Joel Burke, Natalie Conner, John Crenshaw, Mike Dungan, Keith Kaufman, Renee Leymon, Mike McVay, Charlie Morgan, Joel Raab, Denise Roberts, John Shomby, John Zarling and Director Emeritus Charlie Monk. “CRS 2011 was a tremendous success for our Board, our attendees and the Country radio industry,” says CRB President Mike Culotta.  “From the insightful Country radio research presentation, to our CRS smartphone applications, to the new Connections Lounge, this year’s seminar integrated a lot of new ideas to ensure Country Radio Seminar remains innovative and relevant as we move forward towards next year’s CRS 2012.”  CRS 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, at the Nashville Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.  Visit www.CRB.org for more information about Country Radio Seminar and the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. To view an online photo gallery of events and panels from CRS 2011, visit: www.flickr.com/AristoPR About CRS: The Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the country music industry.  Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.  CRS 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn. About CRB: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at 615-327-4487.

CRB, Inc. Names New Board Appointees Finalizes Director Slate for 2010-2011

Mar 29, 2010 CRB, Inc. Names New Board Appointees Finalizes Director Slate for 2010-2011

CRB, Inc. Names New Board Appointees Finalizes Director Slate for 2010-2011 Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® President Mike Culotta has finalized the CRB Board of Directors for 2010-2011 with three one-year term, At-Large appointments. This year’s appointees are:  Johnny Chiang (OM, Cox Radio Houston), Dan Halyburton (President, RadioTime) and Clarence Spalding (President, Spalding Entertainment).  Chiang and Halyburton are radio industry executives and Spalding is a music industry executive. In addition to the 27 elected CRB Directors and Director Emeritus Charlie Monk, the three board appointees join the CRB Board effective immediately and will serve through the completion of next year’s Country Radio Seminar 2011, to be held March 2-4, 2011. “I’m pleased to announce that we have finalized the CRB’s Board of Directors with these three At-Large appointments,” said CRB President Mike Culotta.  “Johnny, Dan and Clarence each bring a wealth of experience and passion to our Board from their respective backgrounds in the radio and music business, and we’re excited to have them.” Visit www.CRB.org for more information about Country Radio Seminar and the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. About CRB: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at 615-327-4487. About CRS: The Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the country music industry.  Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.  CRS 2011 will be held March 2-4, 2011, in downtown Nashville, Tenn.

Bill Mayne Named Executive Director of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.®

Mar 15, 2010 Bill Mayne Named Executive Director of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.®

The CRB Board of Directors has named Bill Mayne, of Nashville-based firm, Mayne Street Consulting, Executive Director of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc., effective as of April 1, 2010. “I am honored by this opportunity to serve as Executive Director of Country Radio Broadcasters and the confidence shown in me by the CRB Board of Directors,” says Mayne.  “This organization has a clear vision, a great staff and a dedicated Board to help craft the future course for the Country Radio Seminar and all its associated endeavors.  CRS 2010 was a successful first step in the process of serving the best interest of Country radio and the Country music industry in the years to come.” Mayne is a Country radio and music industry veteran with senior level experience in Country radio broadcasting, including programming and operations management at KZLA/KLAC (Los Angeles), KSCS/WBAP (Dallas) and KASE (Austin).  His resume also includes work in artist development, management and positions at major and independent record labels (Sr. VP General Manager and VP Promotion at Warner Bros Nashville, VP of Promotion and Artist Development at 903 Music). “We are exceptionally pleased and grateful to have Bill Mayne officially take over as Executive Director of CRB,” says new CRB President Mike Culotta.  “It became evident, during the difficult transitional period leading up to CRS 2010, that Bill had the leadership, passion and vision to steer the organization in the direction it needs to go.  We are confident that CRB is in good hands going forward.” Mayne is the owner of Mayne Street Consulting, a private entertainment consultancy providing analysis and guidance to clients in the entertainment field.  Clients include CRB, Inc., GAC, IEBA, Nexshow, Dualtone Records, Muscle Shoals Music Group, Fame Records and RGK Entertainment, among others.  Mayne Street Consulting assists companies in the radio and music industries with strategic planning, marketing, management and artist development opportunities.  Mayne also serves as current President of the Academy of Country Music. For more information about Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc., visit www.CRB.org. About CRB: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at 615-327-4487.

CRS 2010 Attendance Numbers Up 3.5 Percent

Mar 1, 2010 CRS 2010 Attendance Numbers Up 3.5 Percent

New CRB Officers, Board Members Announced Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® has announced the attendance figures for CRS 2010, reflecting a 3.5 percent increase over 2009 Country Radio Seminar attendance numbers. This year’s CRS 2010 total attendance was 2,181, with 1,576 full registrants (attendees, exhibitors, panelists and sponsors) and 605 participant registrants.  Participant registrants represent attendees that register for individual events or single day passes, but not the full three-day seminar.  Last year’s CRS 2009 total attendance was 2,106. "We are extremely pleased that CRS 2010 not only met our expectations, but exceeded them this year in many ways,” says CRB interim Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “The attendance, sponsorship, participation, and enthusiasm were especially heartening.  The level of artist talent was stellar, and the radio agenda panels were thought provoking and relevant.  We were encouraged to see the Country Radio industry really get behind this year’s seminar, and our attendance figures show that.  Every participant had the opportunity to walk away with valuable resources, relationships and ideas, and we look forward to continuing to improve the CRS experience as we move forward with this event for many more years to come.” Several changes to the CRS agenda committee and CRB board of directors have been announced, including the creation of an additional CRS Co-Vice Chair position. The newly elected CRB board officers and CRS agenda committee members are as follows: CRB President: Mike Culotta (WQYK, Tampa, Fla.) CRB Vice President: R.J. Curtis (Arista Nashville, Nashville, Tenn.) CRB Secretary: Carole Bowen (WKIS, Miami, Fla.) CRB Treasurer: Jeff Walker (The AristoMedia Group, Nashville, Tenn.) CRS 2011 Agenda Chair: John Paul (Dial Global, Denver, Colo.) CRS 2011 Co-Vice Chair: Clint Marsh (Talking Stick Communications, Warsaw, Ind.) CRB 2011 Co-Vice Chair: Annie Sandor (Curb Records, Nashville, Tenn.) “We feel it’s important to emphasize the sales side of Country radio at CRS 2011, so we have added another Vice Chair position to our agenda committee,” says Agenda Chair John Paul.  “With the addition of Clint Marsh, we now have a Vice Chair who comes from the General Manager side of things, while the other Vice Chair, Annie Sandor, comes from the label/promotion side.  With my experience in programming, we have nearly every angle of our business covered as we begin planning CRS 2011.” The newly elected CRB board members are Jim Asker (All Access, Nashville, Tenn.) and Charlie Morgan (Emmis Communications, Indianapolis, Ind.).  Both will serve three-year terms on the CRB board, along with re-elected members Becky Brenner, Joel Burke, Mike Dungan, Renee Leymon, Mike McVay, Joel Raab and John Zarling. Continuing their terms on the CRB board are: Tom Baldrica, Carole Bowen, Natalie Conner, John Crenshaw, Mike Culotta, R.J. Curtis, David Haley, Clay Hunnicutt, Keith Kaufman, Scott Lindy, Bill Macky, Michael Osterhout, Royce Risser, Denise Roberts, Tim Roberts, John Shomby, Jeff Walker and Rusty Walker. Newly elected CRB President Mike Culotta summed up CRS 2010 this way. “Wow!  What a vivacious, energetic Country Radio Seminar we had this year!  I think it proves that when we work together as an industry, even during these challenging times, there's nothing this event can't accomplish.  I've always been a huge believer in CRS, and we all need to believe in it now more than ever. Let’s continue to grow through learning and innovation, because that’s what distinguishes leaders from followers.” CRS 2011 will be held March 2-4, 2011, at the Nashville Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.  Visit www.CRB.org for more information about Country Radio Seminar and the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. About CRS: The Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the country music industry.  Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.  CRS 2011 will be held March 2-4, 2011, in downtown Nashville, Tenn. About CRB: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at 615-327-4487.

Mayne Street Consulting to Oversee Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® Through CRS 2010

Jan 20, 2010 Mayne Street Consulting to Oversee Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® Through CRS 2010

CRB, Inc.® has announced that Nashville-based consulting firm, Mayne Street Consulting, will continue to oversee the general operations of Country Radio Broadcasters leading up through CRS 2010 on Feb. 24-26, 2010. Mayne Street Consulting assists companies in the radio and music industries with strategic planning, marketing, management and artist development opportunities. “I have served on the Country Radio Broadcasters board for many years, and I am passionate about the future of this organization and the benefit it brings to our industry,” says Mayne Street Consulting President Bill Mayne, a 30-year industry veteran with experience in both radio broadcasting as a programmer and in the music business as a label GM, Promotion VP and artist manager.  “We have a great staff and Board who are committed to serving the interests of our constituents in Country radio and the Country music industry, both now and for the future.” Adds CRB President Becky Brenner, “During this period of transition, we felt it would be appropriate for the operations of CRB to be overseen by someone that has both significant experience in Country Radio broadcasting and a day-to-day affiliation with our organization.  Bill Mayne was a logical choice to help accomplish that goal and provide CRB with a greater sense of stability leading up to CRS 2010.” In addition to his duties as a CRB Board member, Mayne also serves as current President of the Academy of Country Music. For more information about Country Radio Broadcasters, visit www.CRB.org. About CRB: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at 615-327-4487. About CRS: The Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the country music industry.  Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.  CRS 2010 will be held Feb. 24-26, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn.  Regular Rate registration expires Jan. 31 and is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at 615-327-4487. Follow CRS 2010 on Facebook, or on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/OfficialCRS.

CRB, Inc. Finalizes Board of Directors for 2009-2010

Apr 20, 2009 CRB, Inc. Finalizes Board of Directors for 2009-2010

CRB, Inc. Finalizes Board of Directors for 2009-2010 Three New Appointees Named Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. President Becky Brenner has appointed three new executives to the CRB Board of Directors, two from the radio industry and one from the music industry. Following this year's CRS-40, revisions to the CRB by-laws created three additional, one-year positions on the Board. The new appointees are: Johnny Chiang - OM - Cox Radio Houston John Dickey - Executive VP / Co-Chief Operating Officer - Cumulus Media, Inc. Clarence Spalding - President - Spalding Entertainment All three new members will join the CRB Board immediately and serve through the completion of next year's CRS-41, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2010 at the Nashville Convention Center. "The CRB Board of Directors will benefit tremendously from the experience, wisdom and passion that these three gentlemen have for country radio and the country music industry.  We are honored that they have volunteered to serve," said CRB President Becky Brenner in a prepared statement. For more information about the Country Radio Broadcasters Board of Directors, visit www.CRB.org. About CRB: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure the vitality of the Country Radio format.  More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at 615-327-4487. About CRS: The Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the country music industry.  Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc

CRB Announces Addition of New Board Members

Jul 25, 2008 CRB Announces Addition of New Board Members

The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. has announced the addition of three new executives to its Board of Directors. Joining the Board effective immediately are Clay Hunnicutt (Senior Vice-President of Programming, Clear Channel Atlanta), Renee' Leymon (Senior Director of National Promotions at Lyric Street Records), and Keith Kaufman (Program Director at WSIX-FM Nashville). Hunnicutt fills a term left open when KEEY's Gregg Swedburg resigned from the Board recently. Kaufman and Leymon fill two newly created at-large positions, which expire in March 2009 and March 2010, respectively. Both are serving on this year's CRS-40 Agenda Committee, as well. In announcing the new Board appointments, CRB President Becky Brenner stated, "It is always a tough vote because we have so many deserving individuals who apply to serve on the board. These three individuals have been long time supporters of the Country Radio Broadcasters and the Country Radio Seminar. Their individual talents and passion will help to lead us into our next 40 years." About CRB: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure the vitality of the Country Radio format. More information may be obtained at: www.crb.org or at the CRB office at 615-327-4487.

Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. Elects Osterhout to Board of Directors

Oct 22, 2007 Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. Elects Osterhout to Board of Directors

Country Radio Broadcasters' President Becky Brenner has announced that Michael Osterhout has been elected to fill a vacancy on the CRB Board of Directors. Osterhout is Chief Operating Officer of Morris Communication’s MCC Radio LLC, Augusta, Georgia. Morris owns stations in Kansas,Texas, Washington, California, Alaska and the Republic of Monaco. In making the announcement, Brenner stated, “We are thrilled to have Michael join the CRB Board. As a past Agenda Committee member and frequent attendee to CRS, his knowledge will enable him to hit the ground running." Osterhout will serve on the Board through March 2009.