The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO) is an undertaking by a number of energetic individuals in the country music industry in Ontario. There is currently no Country Music Association that represents all of Ontario. Working with existing associations in the North and Ottawa area, we hope we can fill the gap and make a difference for all. The goal of the Country Music Association of Ontario is to foster and support the growth and development of Country Music in Ontario, as well as its artists - singers - songwriters - musicians - bands - as well as promoting the same to Canada and the World! When we speak of country music, we speak of its subs as well, such as: folk; alternative; bluegrass; roots; Canadiana; etc. The Association is in the beginning stages. Join us. Our Mission Statement CMAO will draw upon the leadership and experience of our members to promote the talent and emotion of Country Music provincially, nationally and internationally. While fostering a spirit of community and sharing we will educate and encourage creativity and the unique contributions of our entire industry. The CMAO would like to acknowledge the Founding President Rob MacArthur and Founding Patron Linda Wright for their definitive roles in the Country Music Association of Ontario.

CONTACT US ____________________________ CMAO 42 Lingarde Drive Toronto, Ontario M1R 1X6 E-MAIL  Phone:  647-231-CMAO (2626) ____________________________

EXECUTIVE
Heather Ostertag, President With over three decades of working in the not-for-profit sector of the Canadian music industry, Heather Ostertag has earned her respected Industry profile. She began her career in Canadian music in 1977, as the administration manager at the Canadian Talent Library (CTL). After CTL merged with FACTOR in 1986, Heather assumed several executive positions before being appointed President in 1999 and then CEO in 2006. Currently, FACTOR operates with just over $16 million in annual funding. Heather serves as a member of the National Advisory Board for the Aboriginal Music Awards, and is the past chair of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) currently she operates her own consulting company Heather Ostertag and Associates. In 2003, Heather was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in recognition of all the volunteer work she has done on behalf of the Canadian music industry.
Anya Wilson, 1st Vice-President CMAO,is the founder and President of Anya Wilson Promotion & Publicity, one of Canada's leading radio promotions and marketing agencies. Over the years, Anya has represented such artists as David Bowie and Paul McCartney, T.Rex, Yes and Bryan Adams in the UK. In Canada, George Canyon, Hey Romeo. Jo Hikk, Julian Austin, Deric Ruttan, Shari Lynn, John McDermott, Kenny Rogers, Patricia Conroy, Jimmy Buffett and Michelle Wright as well as TNN/CMT in the U.S. Prior to forming her own company in Canada, Anya handled national media campaigns for Nana Mouskouri and Johnny Cash.
Bruce Good, 2nd Vice-President After more than three decades, Bruce Good continues to perform with his twin brother Brian, and younger brother Larry, in one of Canada’s best known country acts, The Good Brothers. Renowned for a unique blend of country, rock and bluegrass, The Good Brothers have garnered numerous Big Country Awards (predecessor of the CCMA Awards) as well as 8 Juno Awards for top country group. In 2004, The Good Brothers were inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. The band continues to tour and record and this spring will mark their 32nd tour of Europe.
Sam Arraj, Treasurer Sam is a Chartered Account with years of experience auditing the financial statements and filing annual returns for charities and not-for-profit organizations. He brings the important ability to develop and maintain an accounting system that is well suited for a not-for-profits -- and one that conforms to the Canadian Accounting Standards. Sam holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and experience in providing consulting services through work at various companies such as Bennett Gold. He also brings a computer programming diploma, along with the knowledge to work in advanced computerized environments and to resolve certain Information Technology issues that may come up for the CMAO.
Jeff Sheppard, Secretary Jeff is a fresh face in the Country Music scene.  Starting out as just a music fan and now working hand in hand with Sudbury, Ontario based recording artist Larry Berrio as his manager. Not only is Jeff working with Larry Berrio, he is also a real estate professional in the Waterloo region working for Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty. These have both been recent career changes for Jeff. As he previously spend his last 10 plus years working in the transportation industry. Over the past few years Jeff has also been volunteering on committees for KW Oktoberfest, The KW Real Estate board and the Kitchener/Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Jeff now looks forward to bringing some of his passion to the Country Music Association of Ontario.
DIRECTORS
Brian Allen A veteran of the music business, Brian’s first successful venture was as a member and principal songwriter for the band Toronto in the ‘80s, logging 4 platinum albums. Following the band’s breakup, Brian saw success as a co-writer of “What About Love” which propelled Heart to a 10 million seller. Attic Records then recruited Brian as head of A&R, a post he held for 15 years. During his A&R tenure, Brian doubled as producer for a select number of artists on the Attic roster, which yielded 2 double platinum sellers each for Lee Aaron and Haywire. Brian’s latest productions include Marshall Dane and Darrelle London. Currently in the oven are productions from Roveena and Mike Lynch. Brian has earned 25 gold, platinum and special achievement awards as an artist, producer, songwriter and his A&R duties.
Catherine Faint Catherine Faint owns and operates CFE Inc. (Catherine Faint Entertainment). She started her 35 year music career as an agent back in the ‘70’s. As head of the country division for ‘The Agency’, she worked with many of Canada’s top country artists. She was very humbled to receive Booking Agent of the Year from 1994 through 1998 for her work ensuring Canadian artists were being showcased both nationally and internationally. Soon thereafter, Catherine created CFE Inc. expanding her entertainment services to include production services for many corporate and live events. It was not long before Casino Rama and Fallsview Casino became clients and special events and labour requests allowed the company to grow, now employing more than 100 people Catherine has continued to stay connected in the Canadian Country music business, serving on the Awards and Balloting committee, attending Country Music Week annually and, just last year, sponsoring the All-Star Band Awards in Edmonton.
Wendell Ferguson Wendell Ferguson started playing guitar at 7 years old. As he says, “It’s taken me over 40 years to become a child prodigy.” He’s played and recorded with some major names in the business, straddling several genres: Shania Twain, The Dixie Chicks, Gordon Lightfoot, Sylvia Tyson, Keith Urban, Jane Siberry, Patty Loveless, Emmylou Harris, Quartette, Terri Clark, Tommy Emmanuel, Paul Brandt, Bob Snider, Suzie Vinnick, Lynn Miles, Prairie Oyster... the list is endless. He’s won the CCMA Guitar Player of the Year 6 times (1995 to 2001). He received a Juno nomination for his band Coda the West. Plus his live CD “The $#!T Hits The Fans” was nominated for the Album of the Year (2006 CCMAs). “Menage A Moi”, his first all instrumental CD, won the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for “Best Instrumental Album”.
Sandy Graham Sandy Graham is a seasoned music industry professional, with experience in radio, records, live entertainment and brand/image marketing. With years as a Music Director and broadcaster in the major market in Montreal, Quebec, Graham has experience with the Francophone and English music fields. She was also Eastern Promotion Director for BMG (RCA) Records, produced major live events (1050 CHUM, Skydome, March of Dimes, Tall Ships in Toronto) owned and operated nightclubs (Route 66, Arnold’s, O’Toole’s, The Horseshoe Tavern). Graham worked with major legacy artists (The Hollies, Hall & Oates, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Bobby Curtola, KC & The Sunshine Band, Andy Kim) and was contracted as a Choregrapher and Musicologist for Atlantis Films. Currently she holds the position of Editor-In-Chief and COO of the music industry icon, Cashbox Canada and is CEO of Entertainment Music Group.