Chordant Distribution, a division of EMI CMG and the market leader in Christian music distribution, was named the CBA Supplier of the Year at the CBA 2002 Impact Awards during the Christian retail trade association's International Convention.

This is the third time that Chordant has won the prestigious award. Chordant was previously awarded the Supplier of the Year Award in 1998 and 1999. The Supplier of the Year award is voted on by CBA member retailers and recognizes overall exceptional business practices. Chordant is the only music company to ever win this honor.

"These awards are gratifying and very much appreciated. I'm excited for the recognition they bring our employees and the indication that we continue provide strong sales, marketing and service to our retail partners," Rich Peluso, co-president of Chordant, said.

Chordant also won individual honors for sales and marketing, total promotion music campaign, service and distribution, and sales team of the year. The company was a finalist in four other categories.

The Impact Award for Sales and Marketing acknowledged Chordant's industry leadership because of programs such as StockWatch, a quarterly audit of retailers to determine product availability and consumer promotions like the Simply Sampler series, a promotion targeted to bring in young consumers during the summer season. Chordant's total music promotion award was for last summer's "Simply Survival" campaign.

"I think the quality of marketing programs and materials across CBA are at an all-time high. To win two of the Marketing related Impact Awards is very gratifying for our team. What's more important though, is that these awards indicate that our marketing is helping to sell music and spread the message," David Crace, vice president of marketing.

The 2002 CBA Service & Distribution Award recognizes consistent excellence in customer service, prompt product delivery, fast and accurate follow-up support, and responsive and friendly attitudes. Chordant, whose distribution center is located in Jacksonville, IL, was noted for its high fill rate, order accuracy and order turn time. At Chordant, the fill rate is 95% for a catalog of more than 4,000 items.

"Service is at the core our business strategy and a big part of our company culture. We encourage all departments to operate with a "service first" attitude and it frames our overall approach to business. That is why it is particularly gratifying to win the Service and Distribution Award for the fifth consecutive year," said co-president Rod Huff.

The Chordant Sales Team award reflects how the company has reorganized to better serve its customers. At Chordant, part of the field sales team's responsibility is to help retailers build local and in-store marketing plans that create "sell through" to consumers. From local marketing plan creation to cooperative funding, Chordant reps play a vital role in helping stores sell more music. Reps also regularly assist retailers by building in-store displays, ranging from endcaps to major feature-wall merchandising. These were among the practices noted as reasons for Chordant's being honored in this category along with the company's weekly reports and quarterly sales conferences which allow the sales team to communicate retailer issues and concerns directly with company leaders.

"I know how hard our sales team works and how much they care for our retail partners. It's great to have them recognized in this way," said Troy Vest Sr., Director, Major Account Group.