New Models Make Their Debut
Hailun Distribution, LLC announces the arrival of four entirely new models dubbed “Concert Performer Series”. Included in the new series are the H31P 52” Professional Upright and three grands: HG198 (6’5”), HG218 (7’2”) and HG277 (9’1”).
In claiming the leadership role in China piano manufacturing, Hailun factory recognized the importance of producing a concert-worthy, performance line of instruments. Calling on the expertise of respected artisans from the USA, Austria, France, Japan, Germany, Czech Republic and China, Hailun has crafted the “Concert Performer” Series with the discerning pianist in mind.
“The engineering and manufacturing prowess necessary to not only design, but put into production and have market-ready, a brand new product in less than two years is remarkable,” said Theresa Perry, President of Hailun Distribution. ”This is a noteworthy achievement which again illustrates the innovation, capability and capacity of Hailun.”
“Expressions of appreciation from dealers and consumers have been overwhelming”, added Steve Mills, Hailun Distribution Vice President of Sales. “We are hearing things like “Remarkable”, “Stunning”, “Playing characteristics and tone of much more expensive instruments”, “A new standard of expectation”. When dealers realize the value and price point advantages, there is no contest. We are excited to have these great new instruments in our line up.”
Hailun Distribution is headquartered in suburban Atlanta, Georgia.
Further Information:
Steve Mills
(770)381-3871
smills@HailunUSA.com
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“It was a great show for us,” declared Theresa Perry. “As a young company, we are at a bit of an advantage in the U.S. and Canadian markets – we have no direction to go but up!” To illustrate the point, she reported their NAMM Show sales were up nearly 350% from last year, “so we’re feeling pretty good about that.”
It was only the third NAMM Show appearance for the parent company, which has only been making pianos under the Hailun name since the mid-1990s. At the show they unveiled their larger grands: the HG 198 and the HG 218. The 6’5” and 7’0” models were extraordinarily well received, she said.
“We garnered a number of new dealers at the show, though we are selective about who becomes part of the Hailun family,” Perry said. “We are looking for those who are dedicated to this business and fair-minded and ethical, both with us and with the customer, and also those who can respond quickly and effectively to the customers’ needs.”
She maintains that there are people out there who will buy pianos during good and bad times, so the key is to help dealers find what strategies work best in a down market so they can continue to build market share and enjoy success.
While she began her adult life in the music business, Perry eventually got an MBA and took a detour to work in the high-tech industry -- so she’s no stranger to market upheavals. “The traditionalist may begin to believe the doom-and-gloom noises in the market and it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy,” she commented. “But we can transport success in a way that refuses to follow that trend. I believe piano dealers can position themselves positively during down times.”
More than just words of encouragement, Perry said that Haliun has some specific strategies they can share with their dealers to help them become more creative in their approach and more successful selling pianos. Otherwise, the importance is in the ability to focus on the task at hand: “If you set objectives, and won’t take ‘no’ for an answer, you’ll be more successful than if you just listen to the negativity around us. Our U.S. corporate motto is ‘Aspire to higher performance’ and we believe in that.”
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HAILUN DISTRIBUTION RECOGNIZED BY ROSIE O’DONNELL
At the recent Rosie’s Broadway Kids Gala Fundraiser held at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, Theresa Perry, President of Hailun Distribution, LLC, was thanked by Rosie O’Donnell for her leadership supporting the public school teaching program of the Rosie’s Broadway Kids Foundation.
Ms. Perry has supported the work of the Foundation since the formation of Hailun US operations in 2006. “Rosie’s Foundation, starting with a handful of the most unlikely kids seven years ago, has brought a fabulously enriching experience in music and performance to now over 1,700 young people. The work they are doing is changing lives for the better. We, in the music industry, know how much such an experience can mean to a person and I fully support the great commitment this organization demonstrates every day in the lives of these kids.”
Performing to a selection of songs from Broadway classics, Rosie’s Broadway Kids shone brilliantly as they wowed guests of the Gala. Following these polished young performers, the inimitable Paul Simon presented a concert whose finale was a joint presentation with the RBKids. The audience responded enthusiastically to the musical show. With Rosie at the podium, a raucous live auction raised $110,000 culminating a fund raising effort that totaled over one million dollars. The proceeds go directly to continue funding RBKids programming in Manhattan public schools, whose arts and music funding have been eliminated through budget cuts.
Ms. O’Donnell recognized the significance of the donation by Hailun Distribution of 5 pianos to the new state-of-the-art school, the Maravel Center, scheduled to open in March, 2008. In recognition of this great gift, the piano salon will be named in honor of Hailun.
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Brad Hobbs has been dreaming about a piano – a real piano – for years. This motivated young man loves piano music and wanted, since he was a child, to learn to play the piano. His only source had been a small 18 note keyboard, which he started playing at age 6, and he prevailed upon his piano playing friends to help him learn piano music.
Living in rural Kentucky coal mine country, Brad took advantage of his computer and reached out to the world to see whether he could obtain a used instrument somewhere with which to pursue his dreams. His mother Tracy and father Orville work very hard to provide a secure and loving environment for their son. But a piano was not in the realm of possibility.
BRAD’S INTEREST REACHES MEMBERS OF THE PIANO FORUM
As Brad explored the digital world, Piano Forum members took a real interest in this special young man and began to spread the word about Brad and his quest. “Two of our dealers, Matt Grossman of Vintage Piano Works, and Tony Hahn of Past Perfect Pianos, contacted our regional representative, Lauren Wallace. It was Lauren who made us aware of this effort.” said Stevan Mills, Hailun U.S. National Sales Manager. “We are happy that our new 123 fully agraffed upright has such an appreciative home!”
Hailun Distribution, LLC, has, as a corporate goal, the objective of having one annual community-focused project. “We have a substantial commitment, originally targeted for 2007, that has been delayed until Spring 2008. That left us with the special opportunity to participate in this effort,” stated Theresa Perry, Hailun US President. “Though we are still a very young company, we developed this annual community project in our very first three months of operation. It reflects our strong commitment to the intrinsic value of music in anyone’s life.”
“We encourage our dealers to let us know of special circumstances and we select one upon which we can act,” continued Ms. Perry. “We were pleased to be able to work with Brad and his family and also must acknowledge the assistance of Keyboard Carriage and Sally Phillips, who prepped and tuned Brad’s piano. The responsiveness of members of the Piano Forum provided the impetus for this wonderful happening and kudos to them.”
Tracy Hobbs shared her feelings about this happy turn of events. “There are people out there that care about you,” she said. “There is a song called “Angels Among Us” that pretty much says what I feel. Brad is not a spoiled child and he really appreciates everything that has happened. I want people to know to keep praying. Eventually, He will answer at the right time.” When asked if there was piano music in her home now, she replied “Oh yes, - lots!”
Brad, who is home schooled, has always liked music, choosing Classical style for relaxing, and he especially likes Beethoven. Quite eclectic in his preferences, he also enjoys Country and Hip Hop. His other serious interest is computers. “We wish Brad well and hope that he and his family enjoy many hours of music in their home”, said Ms Perry. “Truly, music is a life-changing and life-enhancing experience and we are happy to be able to participate in this event with the Hobbs family.”
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China marked the One Year Countdown to the 2008 Olympic Games with a national celebration in Beijing. Featured in the concert presentation was the recently unveiled Hailun 277 Grand Piano. Finished in the Chinese traditional red color for good fortune and happiness, the piano was central to the musical offerings of this special Olympic celebration.
The Chinese performing artist and renowned pianist, Lang’Lang, played the Hailun grand in concert selections. Additionally, invited Swedish pianist
Robert Wells also performed on this featured instrument occupying center stage in Tian’an Men Square.
“This is a special honor for our parent company, Ningbo Hailun,” said Theresa Perry, U.S. Distribution President. “Our Chairman, Mr. Hailun Chen, is a visionary and is at the leading edge of his industry in China. This honor is a tribute to his leadership in the development of quality performance instruments.”
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It was announced today that Joseph (Joe) Swenson has joined Hailun Distribution LLC as National Technical Manager. A Nebraska native, Mr. Swenson attended the University of Nebraska as a performance major (brass) and began working in a local music store. In 1978 he apprenticed to a local piano re-builder and his technical career was launched.
In 1982, Mr. Swenson began working as a private technician and as a service manager for piano dealers in Omaha, Nebraska and subsequently in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the intervening years, he has worked extensively as a technical consultant to factories in both Europe and China. “Working closely with engineers and technicians in the various cultures and piano building traditions has been an interesting and exciting part of my career,” stated Mr. Swenson. His responsibilities have included the establishment of regulation and voicing standards and the management of quality control initiatives.
In 2003, Mr. Swenson developed “the WorkSmart Program”, a week-long technician’s training seminar. Materials from this course have been used for a variety of National and Regional PTG conventions. Additionally, Mr. Swenson has worked with technicians throughout the country as a consultant for technical and warranty issues.
“We are so pleased that Joe has joined our organization”, said Theresa Perry, Hailun Distribution President. “His expertise and competence as a national technical consultant will help us to fully define our Technical Services area. We welcome Joe’s enthusiasm and know our dealers and technicians will enjoy his proactive customer-oriented attitude.”
Most recently with Geneva International Corp., Wheeling, Illinois, Mr. Swenson is relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, home of Hailun Distribution, LLC.
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Hailun Distribution, LLC. announces the affiliation of seasoned sales professional Joe Bednar as National Sales Manager for Canada and as District Sales Manager for the Northeastern Sales Region. In these new areas of responsibility, Mr. Bednar will be managing the development of a sound and structured dealer network, marketing and distribution throughout all of the Canadian Provinces. Additionally, he will have Regional Sales Management responsibilities for the Northeast United States from Maine to Washington, D.C.
“We are pleased that Joe Bednar has joined our organization,” said Theresa Perry, President, Hailun Distribution, LLC. “He brings a wealth of experience and a high level of enthusiasm for success. We are a lean, streamlined company and, therefore, we depend on every staff member to participate fully in our mission. Joe’s affiliation is a happy addition to our Hailun family.”
Bednar brings over forty years of experience in the piano business in both retail and wholesale operations. From his first job as a part time sales person during his college years, he went on to own a chain of retail piano stores from 1977 through 1990. Entering the wholesale arena in 1991, Bednar has held posts with Roland, Young Chang, Petrof and Pearl River.
“Hailun product continues to garner critical acclaim in the market,” continued Ms. Perry, “and we are confident that this partnership with Mr. Bednar will be one of great mutual support. We are excited to move on our marketing plan for Canada in the final quarter of our first year of U.S. operations and anticipate continued positive acceptance of the Hailun flagship piano line by dealers and customers alike.”
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Hailun’s 151 high polish Ebony grand piano featuring Piano Disc player recently stole the show at the Georgia International Consular Ball Silent Auction. Held in a Ballroom of the world famous Georgia Aquarium, surrounded by plexiglass walls looking into the undersea world of more than 100,000 fish including whale sharks and beluga whales, the Ball recognizes Georgia’s resident diplomats for their efforts in promoting world business and cultural ties with the Southeastern U.S. Fifty-seven governments from around the globe have established facilities in Atlanta.
“We are pleased to participate in such an important international effort”, said Theresa Perry, President of Hailun Distribution, LLC. “The world has many strong dynamics and the more we in the music industry can do to foster good communication and to raise one’s ‘finer spirit’ through music experiences, the better. We know that music truly is the international voice.”
Attended by the diplomatic corps, Georgia political movers and corporate executives, this year’s event featured a Silent Auction and the presentation of the “Citizen Diplomat Award” to Delta Airlines. Received by Delta Chairman, Gerald Grinstein, the award recognizes worldwide, individuals or institutions for significant efforts in furthering international understanding and cultural exchange.
The Silent Auction raises funds for the non-profit Georgia Council for International Visitors, which works to promote international understanding though its citizen diplomacy programs. Hailun’s Grand Piano was a center of attention as it performed using Piano Disc technology. A submission by Hailun Distribution, LLC, the piano was purchased by Jackie and Zack Parker of Atlanta. Seen here, the Parkers happily pose at their new piano. Surrounded by friends, Jackie Parker shares her joy at finding “the perfect piano for our newly-decorated home. I have been moving the furniture in our living room around and it just hasn’t felt right….it has been waiting for just this piano! Now our children can begin piano lessons on this wonderful instrument.”
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It was announced today by Hailun Distribution LLC that Hailun pianos are the pianos of choice in the School of Music of Stetson University, DeLand Florida. "We are so pleased at this partnership opportunity with Stetson”, said Stevan Mills, Hailun National Sales Consultant. “The Stetson School of Music provides a wonderful training ground for their talented student body and we appreciate the serious interest their administration exhibited in this selection process.”
“Hailun pianos received technical recognition at the recent International Trade Show in Anaheim as the best new piano,” continued Theresa Perry, Hailun U.S. President. “Our product was evaluated as a nice looking and well-engineered instrument while noting particularly the design, craftsmanship and quality of materials. It is gratifying that our pianos are being given the positive attention they deserve and that music majors at Stetson will have the opportunity to use them as they prepare for careers in performance and education.”
Stetson University School of Music provides a full scale music operation with 200 music majors and the opportunity for students in other majors to combine music study with their field of interest. “Our School of Music is widely recognized for its high performance standards,” said Music Dean James Woodward, “and the work is intense but the rewards are many. We are very pleased to now have these fine instruments in our facility.”
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Hailun Distribution, LLC announced the affiliation of Lauren L. Wallace as Sales Consultant for the Midwest Division. “We are excited about Lauren joining our efforts in the U.S. market”, said Stevan Mills, National Sales Consultant. “She is a person of integrity and works hard to meet the needs of her constituency. That is the basis of our staffing profile and we know that Lauren excels in these arenas.”
Lauren was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lived until attending Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Graduating with Honors in Biology, she taught school in Connecticut until she married and career moves relocated her to South America and to Europe. She began piano studies in Madrid under virtuoso pianist Daniel Kharatian and continued her studies until moving back to Cincinnati, where she started working for Baldwin Piano & Organ Company. Following the acquisition of Baldwin by Gibson Musical Instruments, Lauren continued in the piano business as General Manager for Seta Music in Cincinnati until January 1, 2007, when she joined Hailun Distribution LLC as Midwest Regional Sales Consultant.
Lauren is active in various music associations, has served on the Board of the Cincinnati Symphony Association and is past president of the Cincinnati Symphony Club. She continues her piano studies under Sergei Polusmiak, Professor at Northern Kentucky University, and has organized a series of Master Classes for adult piano students. She keeps fit and her busy life balanced by practicing Yoga.
“I am excited to be a part of this new and quality-focused market development,” said Lauren. “The product is excellent and I take pride in introducing Hailun to the many serious dealers who are now becoming familiar with these great instruments.”
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George F. Emerson, a leading piano designer in the United States and
member of the Hailun Dream Team, has received the highest honor
China awards to foreign experts for helping advance the development
of Chinese society, economy, technology, science, and education. Mr.
Emerson received the 2008 China Friendship Gold Medal Award, one of
only 50 foreigners to be so honored, out of 485,000 foreign experts
in China.
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