A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

February 22, 2018

Message from Barry Bergman, MMF President:

It’s a New Dawn, New Day at the MMF—
Let’s Embrace It!

Ever since our formation in 1993, the MMF has stood for progressive, enlightened approaches to problem solving within our constantly evolving industry. We’ve tackled every challenge with enthusiasm and dedication and I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your unwavering support. We’ve traveled a long road together, but our journey is, in many ways, just beginning...

As we move forward, I want to let you know we’re going to continue our mission with trademark passion, but we’re going to have some new tools at our disposal to help us get our important message out to both our valued membership and the public at large.

Specifically, I’m referring to our newly created interactive web site, designed and built by Craig & Heidi Lyons. It features a private forum, RSS feeds along with FaceBook, LinkedIn and Twitter capabilities as well as up-to-the-minute news from Billboard, Pollstar, The R.I.A.A., ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and others. We’ll be able to communicate with each other, and the world, more effectively—and instantly—than ever. That’s an important key to our continuing to have a significant impact on the creative community we serve.

We’re proudly emphasizing our respected MMF Spotlight and are launching this section with a profile of veteran Paul Geary of Azoff, Geary, Paul & Smith Management. As many of you know, Paul was a key member of the Grammy-nominated band, Extreme, for whom he also cut his management teeth while serving as their drummer. The Boston native was responsible for building Extreme’s national profile which resulted in their 1987 deal with A&M Records.

After his playing days, he refocused his energy on bringing new talent to the world and quickly helped turn Godsmack into a multi-platinum phenomenon that have already earned four Grammy nominations. After folding his Global Artist Management into L.A. based Azoff Music Management (with the legendary Eagles’ manager), he partnered with Jared Paul and has taken Smashing Pumpkins, Creed and Godsmack to dizzying new heights. His management philosophy is enlightened and candidly refreshing: “I work for each artist and take direction specifically from them,” he says. I’m sure our membership will be edified by the comprehensive profile/Q&A of Paul which we present in our new MMF Spotlight.

The MMF wouldn’t have achieved the distinction or success we’ve enjoyed without your help and contributions, so we want to know what’s on your mind—what you’d like to see/discuss on the MMF site. We’re going to highlight your responses to our newly launched MMF Poll and think you’ll agree with us that this section will be viewed as a vital cog in our future growth. And please don’t forget that your dues and important news items are vital to our continued growth.

As part of our expansion, I’m pleased to announce the addition of well respected accountant, Steve Zelin, CPA, and veteran publicist, David Budge of Red Rooster Publicity to our team of pro-bono specialists. Steve will be helping us deal with our fiscal challenges and operating needs. David, a former Editor-in-Chief of Cash Box Magazine, worked for Columbia Records and headed EMI’s Publicity department before opening his own company in 1987. He’s represented Etta James, Taj Mahal, George Thorogood, Fabulous Thunderbirds and John Mayall in addition to a plethora of stars during his record label years (Springsteen, Dylan, Bowie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc). Steve and David are excited about assisting MMF members with whatever fiscal management and PR/media needs they may have. Please let me know if you’d like their contact information.

So, it’s with a sense of personal excitement and urgency that I say to all of you, let’s get busy! We have demonstrated our collective strength and proven our capabilities many times, but let’s not rest on our laurels. The next big challenge is coming with the new dawn and we have to be ready for it. Branch Rickey, who was responsible for breaking baseball’s color barrier by bringing Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers said, “Luck is the residue of design.” Let’s re-dedicate ourselves to ensuring that we do everything in our power to establish a climate favorable to making sure the MMF’s luck is good luck.

Sincerely,

Barry Bergman

President, MMF