FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CIMA Welcomes 2025-2028 Board of Directors at Annual General Meeting [Toronto, ON – October 22, 2025] - The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) is pleased to announce the results of its 2025-2028 Board of Directors election, held earlier today during CIMA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). The virtual event brought together members and industry colleagues from across the country for an overview of the past year, key achievements, and the election of the new Board. The meeting began with opening remarks and official business led by CIMA’s outgoing Board Chair, Tim Potocic, who guided members through the agenda and reflected on his tenure as CIMA Chair through a significant period of change beginning with COVID and beyond. He reflected on the growth areas for the organization including increased memberships and partnerships as well as new benefits and discounts. “CIMA's voice continues to be a strong advocate for the Canadian independent music community. It couldn’t be more important to have an organization like CIMA fighting for us in today's dynamic music market,” says Potocic. CIMA President and CEO Andrew Cash also shared key updates on the organization’s advocacy, programs, and industry impact. He also mapped out some of the continuing regulatory and funding challenges in the sector here at home while discussing some of the global challenges with which CIMA and its international partners are engaged - predominantly the effects of AI and global market consolidation. “This year CIMA celebrated 50 years of independent music advocacy, but also faced some of the most complex challenges in our history - from funding instability to shifting digital landscapes. Through it all, we’ve stayed focused on what matters most: empowering Canada’s independent music community to grow, innovate, and lead on the world stage,” says Cash. During today’s AGM, members re-elected the following incumbent Directors to new 3-year terms: Meagan Davidson (Tiny Kingdom Music), Amanda Rheaume (Ishkode Records), and Susan de Cartier (Starfish Entertainment). Newly elected to the Board this year are Audrey Sylvestre (Cult Nation), and Fannie Crepin (House of Supercool). These Directors will be joining incumbents:

• Tim Potocic (Sonic Unyon Records)
• David Cox (CLK Creative Works)
• Gord Dimitrieff (Aporia Records)
• Jeff Nedza (Cadence Music Group)
• Justin West (Secret City Records)
• Kesi Smyth (604 Records)
• Kieran Roy (Arts & Crafts)
• Sandy Pandya (ArtHaus Media Inc / ArtHaus Community)
• Shauna de Cartier (Six Shooter Records)
• Simon Mortimer-Lamb (Nettwerk Music Group Inc.)

In the coming weeks, the newly formed Board will appoint two additional Directors to one-year terms. These appointments will further strengthen CIMA’s governance by enhancing representation across areas such as equity, geography, professional expertise, and musical diversity. CIMA extends its congratulations to the incoming 2025-2028 Board of Directors and a sincere thank you to the outgoing 2024-2025 Board for their leadership and dedication to Canada’s independent music community.

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CIMA Media Contact: For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: Jenia Schukov Communications & Export Programming Officer p: 416-998-3705 e: jenia@cimamusic.ca About CIMA: Founded in 1975 CIMA is the not-for-profit national trade association representing over 650 Canadian-owned music companies connected to over 6,000 artists and music industry workers in every province and territory in Canada. CIMA's membership ranges from individual artists and solopreneurs to Canadian-owned global music companies. Its membership also includes music publishers, managers, agents, songwriters, as well as other industry associations, provincial MIAs, and industry-adjacent service companies including digital marketing, public relations, and content creation.