Background Information on Global Country

With its Head Office in Edmonton, Alberta, the Global Country Canada Foundation also known as "Global Country Canada” is a non‐profit organization, with charitable status. The origin of Global Country began in 1987 in the Province of Alberta as the Country Music Foundation. In 1992 the name of the Foundation was officially changed to Global Country Canada Foundation.

The overwhelming popularity of country music has inspired Global Country to devote its' time, effort, and resources, in developing new country talent and creating a lasting impression, proving that country music is an important part of our Canadian cultural heritage.

Since its inception, Global Country has a proven dedication to supporting Country Music, not only provincially, but also at the National and North American level. Twinned as Nashville's Sister City, Edmonton has developed an affiliation to strengthen friendship and international understanding. The Foundation has become the conduit between the two cities using "country music" as the common thread.

From one end of the country to the other, country music continues to flourish and grow in popularity with each succeeding generation. Global Country strives to keep this growing momentum by celebrating those artists who have made their way to the top, and by assisting in the development of those artists on their way up, producing an annual “Country Star Search Concert”, promoting country concerts in general, and supporting country music artists through educational programs.

Among the Canadian and International recording artists who have received early experience and exposure through Global Country programs, are Adam Gregory, Samantha King, Katie Mission, Mike Gouchie, Tiffany Dowhan, and Brett Kissel, plus newly charting Canadian country artists Kayla Patrick, Danielle Lowe, and others.

Guiding Principals at Global Country

The attitudes and actions towards the audience, employees, volunteers and the community are guided by the following values and operating principles:

Respect

Global Country treats all individuals with respect, dignity, equality and understanding.

Positive Environment

Global Country strives to be friendly, enthusiastic, kind and courteous.

Excellence

Global Country works with competence, commitment and pride. They are honest, flexible and lead by example. They give positive reinforcement and constructive criticism.

Clarity of Communications

Global Country is clear about performance expectations.

Teamwork

Global Country has shared vision and goals. They are supportive and share duties, information and expertise. They care about professional development and cooperation.

Community Responsibility

Global Country recognizes the tremendous value performing arts and culture adds to the quality of life in the community. They engage community members, act as a catalyst, and ensure that they play a positive role in the development of country music in Canada.

Core Business

Preserving the history of country music and developing new talent.

Maryanne Gibson has been the Chief Executive Officer, non-paying position, of Global Country since 1992. Maryanne brings to the position over thirty five years (35) in music, as a performer, mentor, artist manager, talent developer and promoter. In the early 60’s, along with her cousin, she formed a country band called “The Ballad Aires”. They played at country dances, weddings, and private functions. 

Maryanne’s full time position prior to retirement, was serving Albertans. She had an extensive career under the “Dome”  at the Alberta Legislature, working in Visitor Services and Protocol.  Maryanne worked on many royal visits and special mission groups responsible for the entertainment of dignitaries from around the world.    In 1981 Maryanne was secónded as Director of the Alberta Pavilion in Toronto during the Canadian National Exhibition.  And for the next five years, took ‘The Alberta Story’ to Central Canada.  Maryanne’s passion for Alberta artists and music was reflected through the string of provincial artists she gathered to perform on The Alberta Stage.

Maryanne was also involved in hiring and training young Albertans for other facilities, such as Man and His World in Montreal, Expo 86, the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, and other Alberta features.  Throughout these times, Maryanne always kept an eye open for opportunities to feature Alberta entertainers.

Maryanne’s passion for growing the music imdustry led to her to becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Global Country in 1992, and the Executive Director the Alberta Recording Industries Association. During her time with ARIA she was able to re-establish the goals and objectives for the association, which was later to become Alberta Music.  Maryanne also worked on a national level through FACTOR, the Canadian Country Music Association, CARAS, and later the North American Country Music Associations International. 

Maryanne was instrumental in securing Country Music Week back to Edmonton in 2000 and 2004, when she served a Co-Chair for the event.  In addition, along with the Mayor of Edmonton, in 2004 she was able to secure the Juno’s in Edmonton for the first time.

Alberta experienced a severe drought in 2002 & 2003, which affected the agricultural industry in a big way.   Maryanne, along with 7 other concerned individuals from the music industry, formed the Say Hay Benefits Committee to produce two big concerts that raised money for the purchase of hay for Alberta’s cattle farmers. This effort won The Say Hay Committee the Humanitarian and Event of the Year Awards at the 2003 CCMA’s.

Affiliations  

International Director, North American Country Music Associations International, based out of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Currently a Director, Events Edmonton, and former President of the Klondike Days             Association. 

Has served as a judge at many talent contests

Recognitions

Maryanne Gibson has been recognized on many occasions for her exceptional community service. 

• The Northlands Park Award of Merit for Outstanding Contributions
• The Cheechako Award from the Canadian Progress Club for Outstanding Service to Edmonton Klondike Days.
• The Hank Smith Award of Excellence from the CCMA’s
• The Thank You Award presented by the Canadian Academy of Recorded Arts and Sciences    

Events and Programs at Global Country

The Talent Educational/Development Program

This program provides much needed development, education, practice, and training for artists interested in a career in country music. Topics include stage presence, vocal training, public speaking, performance practice, learning to tour, on and off stage professional development, interviews, choosing a manager, working with a publicist, developing a promo kit and a marketing plan, applying for funding, choosing and working with a band, preparing for the studio, choosing an agent, recording a demo or a full album, acquiring radio airplay, and other seminars that will help launch the careers of new artists. The program helps emerging artists advance their careers. It basically teaches artists about the Business of Music.

Traveling Country Show - All Year

This is a show that is comprised of Global Country artists and alumni. It travels around Western Canada treating crowds to county music, featuring hits from the past and music of the Stars of Tomorrow. Marketing has begun and it is expected that we will average one – two shows per months to start.

Country Star Search

The Country Star Search is an exciting search for country music talent. The Semi-Finals for this competition are held in early May. This leads to the Global Country Star Search Concert, where the audience votes by ballot to determine the overall Star Search winner.

In addition to serving as the finale for the Country Star Search, this annual concert features Global Country artists, locally developed country artists and a headliner. The Five Finalists perform with a live band at the Winspear Centre where the audience vote determines the winner. The final winner then has the opportunity to fly to Nashville to experience the sights and sounds, and learn about the country music business, and also has the chance to compete in the North American Country Music Associations International competitions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Sponsorship Levels

In Kind Considerations

Audio/Visual Service         Photographer       Limousine             

Banners                      Posters               Hotel Accommodation

Flowers                          Wine                  Food & Beverage for reception

Printing material               Air Miles             Aero plan points                   

Studio Time                 Stage Lighting     Hair & Makeup services

Meeting Space                Trophies                                 

Sponsorship Benefits