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L to R: Ryan West, Jon Harris, president of Harris-Teller, and Robin Walenta
West Music Hands Out Awards Brian Higgins, Zach Myers and Tracey Higgins-Kern
Zach on the Attack
Hard rock guitarist and Paul Reed Smith signature artist Zach Myers visited Bill’s Music in Catonsville, Md. More than 50 fans lined up at the family-owned music store to meet Myers, several of whom even purchased a PRS SE Zach Myers Semi-Hollow body guitar so that they could have it signed at the event. Though Myers would play a show later that evening with his band Shinedown, he happily stayed until the very last autograph was signed. Store managers (and siblings) Brian and Tracey Higgins-Kern described Myers as “gracious, down to earth and fun to be around.” This was Myers’ second visit to Bill’s Music.
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West Music honored several award recipients at its Annual Celebration at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Vendor of the Year award was presented to Harris-Teller, Vendor Representative of the Year was awarded to Tracy Dean of Thunder Marketing and Business Partner of the Year was presented to Lynn Tuttle of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Regarding Harris-Teller: “This award-winning vendor is always open to new partnership ideas and collaborates with us on getting the absolute best for our customers,” said Robin Walenta, president of West Music. “Every interaction with this company proves that they are not just a supplier of goods, but that they are a company who partners with us to ensure that we are able to provide a high level of customer service.” Ryan West, executive vice president of West Music, discussed the Vendor Rep of the Year by commenting: “Tracy takes the ‘if you’re open, we’re open’ idea personally, and recognizes that honesty and integrity are the keys to success for any music or product trend. This rep is there to make sure we know of the latest and greatest products, he equips our team with the product knowledge, and he helps us engage our customers through events and promotions. He is an invaluable partner to the West Music organization.” Walenta also discussed the Business Partner of the Year award. “Through her partnership with the National Association for Music Merchants (NAMM) and many of the state music education associations, [the] winner has been a dedicated resource as we work to understand and leverage funding for school music education,” she said. “She has been very active in the state of Iowa, partnering with the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education, assisting in the planning of music and arts in-state accountability reporting systems, and identifying music and arts as potential uses for federal Title IV-A funds.” MAY 2019
