Finalists Announced In 13th Annual FORTUNE Battle of the Corporate Bands

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Narrowed from a pool of more than 30 applicants, the nation's top eight company-sponsored bands are set to face off in a live competition at the 13^th FORTUNE Battle of the Corporate Bands on Sept. 28, 2013. Event proceeds will benefit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's educational activities.

Held annually at the Rock Hall in Cleveland, Ohio, the battle of the corporate bands competition showcases the social and economic benefits of recreational music programs within the workplace. In addition to fostering team-building and increased morale, research shows that the positive effects of workplace music programs extend far past the social sphere, improving employee wellness by reducing depression and reversing the human body's response to stress at the DNA level.

Consequently, recreational music programs helps companies save on costs related to employee stress and depression, which are estimated at $34 billion annually — $11 billion for treatment, $11 billion in decreased productivity and $12 billion in absenteeism. Depression affects approximately 19 million people, 70 percent of whom are in the workforce (Braun Consulting News).

FORTUNE Battle of the Corporate Bands is presented through a partnership with FORTUNE magazine and the Rock Hall, and is sponsored by the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants), Gibson Guitars, Marshall Fridge and Fender Premium Audio.

The 2013 FORTUNE Battle of the Corporate Bands finalists include:

• "Cassius King," Mesirow Financial – Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
• "Class Action," Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin – King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
• "Detached Retina," Excella Consulting – Arlington, Virginia
• "OTN Speedwagon," Ciena Corporation  – Hanover, Maryland
• "Peripheral Vision," Olympus – Center Valley, Pennsylvania
• "The Telematics," Kiewit Corporation – Valley, Nebraska
• "Toy Box," ePrize – Pleasant Ridge, Michigan
• "Toys 2 Men," Hasbro – Pawtucket, Rhode Island

This year's judges panel includes:

• Jeff Carlisi - Founding member of .38 Special
• Ricky Byrd - Former member of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
• Liberty Devitto - Drummer for Billy Joel
• Rob Arthur - Keyboards with Peter Frampton
• Antoinette Follet – Editor of Making Music Magazine

With the Rock Hall's increased focus on bringing music into the classroom, the Museum's educational offerings have become one of the most celebrated and award-winning activities from a fine arts museum in the nation. The Museum hosts a variety of events including year-round concerts and the Hall of Fame series featuring evenings with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. In addition, there are award-winning education programs for everyone from toddlers to college students, to teachers and adults.

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM's activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies located in more than 94 countries. For more information about NAMM or the proven benefits of making music, interested parties can visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. is the nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission through its operation of a world-class museum that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as its educational activities. 

About FORTUNE

FORTUNE is a global leader in business journalism with a worldwide circulation of more than one million and a readership of nearly five million, with major franchises including the FORTUNE 500 and the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For. FORTUNE Live Media extends the brand's mission into live settings, hosting a wide range of annual conferences, including the FORTUNE Global Forum. FORTUNE magazine's online home is CNNMoney.com, the most visited and utilized business destination website.

Media Contacts:  
Elizabeth Lascaze or Cristina Samiley – GolinHarris
Public Relations | Phone: 213-438-8719 or 213-438-8841
[email protected] or [email protected]

Margaret Thresher – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Public Relations | Phone: 216-515-1215
[email protected]

SOURCE NAMM