COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Jan. 26, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Singing Machine Company, Inc. ("Singing Machine" or the "Company") (OTCBB:SMDM) proudly announces the promotion of Fernando Moreno to Director of Operations for the Company's Corporate and Logistics operations and Cathy Novello to Customer Service Manager.
Fernando Moreno has been with the Singing Machine since March of 2009 as Operations Manager for the Company's wholly-owned California subsidiary, SMC Logistics, Inc. During that time, Fernando has shown tremendous leadership and expertise in implementing new procedures and reorganizing the Company's 100,000 square foot warehouse facility. During Fernando's tenure, he has significantly reduced vendor compliance charge-backs, substantially improved process efficiency and inventory management, and has been instrumental in reducing operational expenses by over $400,000. As Director of Operations, Fernando will continue to oversee logistics, inventory management, vendor compliance, budget responsibilities, and USA warehouse operations for Singing Machine and the entire Starlight Group of Companies.
"It is a sign of success when a Company can promote from within," commented Gary Atkinson, CEO. "Words cannot express how fortunate I am to have Fernando on our Management team. He has a strong, infectious desire to constantly find ways to do things better and he is always striving for improvement. His dedication to leadership, communication, and being proactive has rubbed off on the entire team from top to bottom." Atkinson furthered, "Fernando has built a strong team that consistently performs above expectations and delivers under budget. Their budget-saving efforts have been instrumental in helping the Company turn its financials around."
Cathy Novello joined the Singing Machine in 2001 as a customer service representative. During her 10 years with the Company, Cathy has trained customer service reps, managed our e-commerce website, and has been a customer service supervisor for the past 5 years. Recently, the Company finalized a deal to take over the customer service department for its parent company, Starlight, a manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronic products. As Customer Service Manager, Cathy will manage the transition and will oversee customer service for both Starlight and Singing Machine companies.
"During Cathy's long career with the Singing Machine, she has exhibited many qualities and traits worthy of recognition. Cathy has a persistently positive attitude and is never afraid to take on new tasks or responsibilities," remarked Atkinson. "Her team-oriented attitude, attention to detail, patience and grace while on the phone with our customers make her a perfect fit to oversee all customer service departments."
The Company congratulates Fernando and Cathy for their achievements and look forward to continually improving under their guidance.
About The Singing Machine
Incorporated in 1982, The Singing Machine Company develops and distributes a full line of consumer-oriented karaoke machines and music under The Singing MachineTM, SMDigital™, SoundX™, and Sound X Kids™ and other brand names. The first to provide karaoke systems for home entertainment in the United States, The Singing Machine sells its products in North America, Europe and Australia. The Singing Machine is also the first to offer digital music downloads for play on home karaoke machines. See for more details.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward‑looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward‑looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management and include, but are not limited to statements about our financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. You should review our risk factors in our SEC filings which are incorporated herein by reference. Such forward‑looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward‑looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
CONTACT: Company Contact: Gary Atkinson (954)596-1000 GaryAtkinson@singingmachine.com www.singingmachine.com