Saskatoon Announced as Host City for PotashCorp Country Music Week 2017

The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) is pleased to announce that Saskatoon, Saskatchewan has been selected to host PotashCorp Country Music Week, to be held September 7 – 10, 2017. This four-day annual event – part music festival and part industry conference – will culminate with the Canadian Country Music Association Awards™ broadcast on Sunday, September 10.

Formally announced this morning in Saskatoon by Don Green, CCMA President, this will be the second time that Saskatoon has hosted Canada’s premier event for country music. “Saskatoon has certainly left an impression on us,” notes Green, “We championed record attendance at our 2012 CCMA Awards Show, and PotashCorp Country Music Week 2012 boasted new events and strong partner activations. The results speak for themselves. We look forward to building upon the successes fostered in Saskatoon in 2012, and working once again with our title sponsor, PotashCorp.”

“Hosting national events and celebrations, like Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards, contribute significantly to our strong, diversified economy,” Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan, said. “PotashCorp Country Music Week 2017 is the latest in many national and international events that Saskatchewan has hosted, raising the profile of our province as the best place to live, work and play.”

“This is exciting news for country music and the City of Saskatoon,” says Donald Atchison, Saskatoon Mayor. “We are pleased to host this first class event which will bring the top talent in the country music industry to our community in 2017. I know our hospitality industries will join the CCMA to create a warm and welcoming Saskatoon experience for visitors.”

Dawn Woroniuk, Chair of PotashCorp Country Music Week 2017, is honoured that this event is coming back to Saskatoon after a very successful PotashCorp Country Music Week 2012. “Country music is one of the most popular genres of music and that is evident with two successful country radio stations in this market. We are thrilled to be able to showcase the talent that this country has to offer. Saskatoon will be a wonderful host and we look forward to welcoming music fans and industry representatives from across North America.”

Once again joining Country Music Week as title sponsor is PotashCorp. “You can find a lot of country songs written about the things we care about at PotashCorp – like family, community and working together to build a better future,” says Jochen Tilk, PotashCorp Chief Executive Officer. “We’re proud to lend our name and support to PotashCorp Country Music Week, and to help bring another national event to our home province. We look forward to celebrating the music that brings our community and our country together.”

The ongoing support of FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters and The Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s “Canada Music Fund” is pivotal in the continued success of Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards.

Those in attendance at the Country Music Week 2017 announcement were treated to live performances by Saskatchewan artists Jess Moskaluke, the reigning Female Artist of the Year for the CCMA, and Codie Prevost, a multi-CCMA Award nominee.

Saskatoon’s strong network of music industry professionals, established volunteer network, large country music fan base and proven track record of Country Music Week success made it a standout choice for the home of Country Music Week and the 2017 CCMA Awards. Locally, Tourism Saskatoon was the driving force behind this winning bid, with support from Tourism Saskatchewan. The economic impact of bringing the event to Saskatoon will be approximately $6 – 8 million dollars and upwards of 2,000 hotel nights.

Before heading to Saskatoon, this year’s Country Music Week and CCMA Awards will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from September 10 – 13, 2015. In 2016 the events will be held in London, Ontario. For more information about the Canadian Country Music Association, Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards, please visit www.ccma.org.

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About the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA)
Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. For more information, visit www.ccma.org.

About Tourism Saskatchewan
Tourism Saskatchewan is a Treasury Board Crown Corporation with a vision for a vibrant, entrepreneurial tourism industry that offers year-round compelling and memorable Saskatchewan experiences. In addition to marketing Saskatchewan as a destination, Tourism Saskatchewan engages in industry-government partnerships to advance tourism. These include programs that support communities throughout the province with hosting major cultural and sports events. For more information on tourism in Saskatchewan, visit www.tourismsaskatchewan.com.

About Tourism Saskatoon
Tourism Saskatoon is a membership-based, non-profit visitor and convention bureau marketing Saskatoon and region as a destination of choice for leisure and business travel. Services include convention and events attraction, media relations, membership services, and advocacy. Tourism Saskatoon is proud to be an internationally accredited destination marketing organization. A place of unexpected surprise and discovery, Saskatoon provides visitors from near and far with the opportunity to experience the unforgettable. Where prairie skies meet urban parkland, Saskatoon is host to unique and captivating events, attractions and natural treasures, just waiting to be explored. With an open heart and vibrant energy, Saskatoon welcomes the world. For more information, visit www.tourismsaskatoon.com.

About PotashCorp
As the world’s largest crop nutrient company, PotashCorp plays an integral role in global food production. The company produces the three essential nutrients required to help farmers grow healthier, more abundant crops. With global populations rising and diets improving in developing countries, crop nutrients such as potash, phosphates and nitrogen offer a responsible and practical solution to help produce the food we need, from the land we have.