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APA Wins Indiana Achievement Award

APA Awarded Sustainability Large, Indiana Achievement Award

INDIANAPOLIS (November 9, 2007) – The American Pianists Association has been awarded the 2007 Sustainability Large, Indiana Achievement Award.  The Indiana Achievement Awards are given annually to six nonprofit organizations to recognize their accomplishments statewide as a way to strengthen Indiana’s nonprofits.  Each award winner receives a $10,000 dollar cash prize and is recognized for their efforts at the IAA awards luncheon.

With a nearly 25 year history of supporting young pianists, the American Pianists Association had a strong following among its music loving loyalists, but an equally thriving future demanded the organization make a bold move to bring visibility to its programs and Fellows.

In 2002, the American Pianists Association recognized the acquisition of Indy Jazz Fest presented by Kroger as a growth opportunity offering numerous advantages to advance the APA’s mission and strategic plan while attracting national attention. 

In 2003, Indy Jazz Fest was officially transitioned to the American Pianists Association.

By 2004, a new plan was in place to reduce debt, diversify the Festival’s revenue streams, cap talent costs, and allow an army of supporters the opportunity to volunteer, drastically reducing the operations budget.

While stabilizing the event was an immediate priority, the APA resolved to keep its mission focused on support of young pianists.  As the Festival has been transformed into a profitable, well-organized, nationally attended event, it has provided growth for APA as a whole – and helped the APA identify the next generation of musical headliners.  As a result of this forward thinking model, the APA has received the 2007 Sustainability Large, Indiana Achievement Award.