Front Row L-R Broc Barnes, Dustin Blocker, Bryan Ekus, Greg Schoener, Michael Greig Thomas.
Rear Row L-R Don McInnis, Alex Cushing & Yoli Mara
Nashville, TN, June 30, 2022 -The Vinyl Record Manufacturing Association (VRMA) is a new professional Trade association of independent businesses committed to the continued advancement of vinyl record manufacturing through collaboration, advocacy, standardization, and education. The following new Executive Board members were elected during the founder’s meeting, which was held after the recent Making Vinyl Conference in Nashville.
President Dustin Blocker, Hand Drawn Pressing
Vice President Yoli Mara, Welcome to 1979
Treasurer Michael Greig Thomas, Echo Base
Secretary Greg Schoener, ADS Group / Copy Cats
Board Member Chris Jackson – Blue Sprocket Pressing
Board Member Alex Cushing, Hand Drawn Pressing
Board Member Vincent Slusarz, Gotta Groove Records
Board Member Chuck Gorman, MonoStereo Label Service
Board Member Don McInnis, Record Technology Inc. (RTI)
Board Member Broc Barnes, Third Man Records
Board Member Scott Lemasters, Vinyl Lab
The Vinyl Record Manufacturers Association (VRMA) now comprises more than 30 companies from every level of vinyl production: record labels, mastering, lacquer cutting, electroplating, record pressing, printmakers, equipment manufacturers, brokers, raw material suppliers, and even logistic service providers.
“We are extremely excited to bring this organization to life. The complex ecosystem of our industry’s supply chain makes it wildly important that collaboration and communication amongst its independent suppliers remain interdependent for the benefit of the whole, said Dustin Blocker. I look forward to serving alongside this board and our membership to benefit our amazing vinyl community!”
The VRMA is currently focused on business-to-business collaboration in the western hemisphere, with plans to roll this concept out globally.
“I am delighted to be joining the Board of the VRMA, said Yoli Mara. I look forward to working collaboratively with all the stakeholders to help drive the future of the vinyl record industry.”
The organization also plans to provide outreach and education to consumers worldwide to highlight the processes of cutting and plating while forming internal buying groups that focus on affordable raw goods, which opens less expensive options for record labels and artists.
Also appointed was Bryan Ekus, the co-founder of Making Vinyl, to serve as the VRMA’s first Managing Director.
New members are welcome.
Membership is now available to all organizations, companies, and individuals interested in participating.
For further information about the VRMA, please visit www.vrmagroup.org
