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SGPA MEETINGS HUGE SUCCESS

The Southern Gospel Promoters Association held their Annual Banquet and Business Meetings on May 18th & 19th at the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

The banquet was held on Wednesday night and according to SGPA President, Jim Hefner, it was the largest crowd to ever attend. Almost every Agency of the Industry was represented. Gold City provided great gospel music and what an excellent job they did.

Charlie Waller, Executive Director of the SGMA Hall of Fame and Museum was the keynote speaker. And, as usual, a message right on target with the current conditions of our industry. There is no doubt that Charlie is the right man to have in charge of the Hall of Fame and Museum. I urge everyone to support Charlie in everyway possible.

SGPA member and long-time West Coast Promoter, Ralph Dean was honored for his many years of dedication to Southern Gospel Music.

Others attending were Liz Autry of SGMA, Judy Nelon, President of the SGMG, Ed Harper of Harper Agency, Teresa Parker of the Parker Music Group, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Davis of the Dominion Agency, Beckie Simmons Bates and husband, Glenn Bates, and Todd and Melinda Hames, Dixie and Angelina McKeithen representing the Beckie Simmons Agency, Eddie Crook and Cathy Thomas from the Eddie Crook Agency, and Susan Lynch of Susan Lynch Agency.

Artists attending included Ivan Parker, Danny Parker of the Harvesters Quartet, Kevin Spencer, The Browns, The Roarks, the Wright Family, Robbie Maxwell of New Ground, and Tracy and Libbi Stuffle of The Perrys. Also attending was DJ Man, Phillip Emery.

It was a night to remember. The annual business meeting was held on Thursday morning at which time many issues were addressed that involves everyone in our industry. Although there are some who do not admit that there are serious problems within our industry, they do exist and we must all continue to work to find solutions to these issues that we do face daily.

Kudos to Beckie Simmons Bates who was present for the entire meeting. She fielded questions from the promoters and responded with some good ideas. She did not back away from tough questions. No doubt, progress was made at the meetings.

SGPA’s 1st Vice President, Paul Shannon, presented a proposal of an accounting recap sheet for concerts that was adopted by the membership. This format would allow the promoter to itemize all expenses and income thereby insuring that the promoter would no longer carry the loss of money from the concert.

Two years ago a survey revealed that 82% of all SGPA member concerts lost money. This year the survey for the same period of time revealed that this figure had dropped to 51%. BUT, we must get that figure to “zero” percent. We are making progress.

On Thursday afternoon, the Annual Election of Officers was held and the following officers were elected:

Jim Hefner, President
Paul Shannon, 1st Vice President
Mike Wheeler, 2nd Vice President
Rickey Lackey, Treasurer
Cindy Lackey, Secretary
Robbie Maxwell, Public Relations Director
David Hartfield, Membership Chairman

Mr. Herb Henry from Modesto, California was appointed as SGPA West Coast Advisor.

Jim Hefner stated that he was thankful for the support of the SGPA members and officers and was extremely proud to have Herb on board. And that Herb’s appointment would help consolidate the great promoters on the West Coast with other promoters around the country. Herb Henry is very active in southern gospel music as a pastor, an artist, and a promoter. Herb brings a wealth of integrity and knowledge with him.

Hefner stated that he looks forward to the coming meetings and was up to the challenge that faces all of us in gospel music.

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