Music industry veteran Steve Sheldon, former owner of Rainbo Records, received the prestigious Industry Icon Award at the recent Making Vinyl conference held in Minneapolis. The esteemed accolade recognizes Sheldon’s remarkable contributions and lasting impact on the vinyl manufacturing industry.
Presented June 7 during a special ceremony at the close of the first day of the conference at the Loews Hotel, the honor was bestowed upon Sheldon by Connie Comeau, COO of The ADS Group, a leading media and packaging company, and Sarah Robertson, CEO of A to Z Media, a renowned music manufacturing and distribution service provider.
As a pioneer and influential figure in the vinyl industry, Sheldon’s achievements are unparalleled. Since the early 1970s, he played a pivotal role in shaping the vinyl manufacturing landscape, overseeing numerous successful projects and fostering innovation in the field. His dedication, expertise, and generosity to the recently reborn industry, especially newcomers that emerged to the burgeoning field in the past decade.
“We are thrilled to present the Industry Icon award to Steve Sheldon,” Comeau said. “His visionary leadership and unwavering passion for vinyl have left an indelible mark on the industry. His contributions have helped propel vinyl into a renaissance, and his expertise continues to inspire others.”
Robertson echoed Comeau’s sentiments, stating: “Steve Sheldon’s unparalleled knowledge and experience have been instrumental in advancing the vinyl manufacturing industry. He has been a true pioneer, and we are honored to recognize his outstanding achievements.”
Humbled by the recognition, Sheldon expressed his gratitude to the organizers and fellow industry professionals. “Receiving the Industry Icon award is a tremendous honor,” Sheldon said. “I am deeply grateful to the Making Vinyl conference, Connie Comeau, and Sarah Robertson, for this recognition. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of everyone in the vinyl community who has worked tirelessly to make this format thrive.”
Since 2017, the Making Vinyl conference has become the premier gathering of industry professionals, providing a platform to discuss the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in vinyl manufacturing. The event attracts leaders and enthusiasts from around the globe who share a common passion for producing quality vinyl records.
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