Event Details

Event Details

‘Cause It’s the Right Thing to Do
Cause marketing; it’s good for your business, good for your community

• DATE: July 15th, 2009
• VENUE: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28206 map
  NOTE: Overflow parking available at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 East Morehead Street
• SPEAKERS:
  • Cecily Durrett
    In The Public Interest

  • Dianne Bailey, Esq.
    Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson

  • Mary Barr
    The Jimmie Johnson Foundation,

  • Elisa Rodriguez Gordon
    The Alan Gordon Law Firm

  • Chef Jim Noble
    Noble’s Restaurants

• ATTIRE: Business Casual
• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program

• PRICE:
  $20.00 AMA members/students paid online

  $28.00 Affiliate members paid online: Includes employees of not-for-profit organizations (Special Offer for this program)
  $35.00 Non-members paid online & all on-site registration
  

Learn how businesses are increasingly leveraging cause marketing as a powerful outreach and sales tool.

Cause marketing has become a “game changing” marketing tool for professionals looking to gain a competitive edge.  A 2004 Cone Institute study found that 86 percent of Americans would change their buying habits if a company is associated with a good cause. It also showed that a cause / community affiliation impacted other decisions – when doing business (85%), where to work (81%) and products and services they would recommend (74%). 

Learn best practices in cause marketing from our distinguished panel listed above.

Facebook: No longer just a teen’s obsession, it’s your business branding - in real time

• VENUE: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28206 map
• SPEAKER: Mike Haines
• ATTIRE: Business Casual
• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program

• PRICE:
  $20.00 AMA members/students paid online

  $28.00 Affiliate members paid online
  $35.00 Non-members paid online
  
  

Podcast Preview coming soon

Facebook: No longer just a teen’s obsession, it’s your business branding - in real time

AMA Charlotte is pleased to host Mike Haines, director of sales for Facebook’s Southeast Region, at its monthly meeting on June 10, at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, regarding the benefit of social media and its ability to build a brand.  Join us from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to learn about Facebook’s best practices and how this useful tool can help you more effectively connect to your customers and prospects. 

Mike will discuss the following …

-       The history of Facebook

-       The evolution of Facebook as a marketing tool

-       User behaviors

-       How businesses, of all sizes, can establish a Facebook platform

-       Relevant case studies that help direct marketers on how to use social media and viral marketing to impact consumers and build brand

Mike joined Facebook a little over a year ago after having a successful career with MSN. He oversees an array of client portfolios, including a handful of local Charlotte giants, that include Bank of America, Lending Tree and Lowe’s Home Improvement.

May Event: MySpace

April 8th, 2009: Re-Energizing Your Brand to Energize Your Sales

• VENUE: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28206 map
• SPEAKER: Leslie Gillock
  
• ATTIRE: Business Casual
• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program

• PRICE:
  $20.00 AMA members/students paid online

  $28.00 Affiliate members paid online
  $35.00 Non-members paid online
  

Listen to Podcast Preview with Leslie Gillock

Download her presentation

RE-ENERGIZING YOUR BRAND TO ENERGIZE YOUR SALES

As marketing professionals it’s important to understand the value of branding, specifically how to build a brand, differentiate it from the competition and create customer loyalty.

Join us at our monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 8 from 5:30 – 8 p.m., at Dilworth Neighborhood Grill, as guest speaker Leslie Gillock, a senior marketing executive with extensive experience in brand building, marketing and licensing, discusses how to apply the fundamentals of brand building with innovative thinking. Attend, and you’ll walk away with a better understanding of:

• The definition of brand positioning and why is it so important
• How to organize, implement and evaluate your brand positioning
• How segmentation and targeting can build your brand/sales
• How to analyze segments and select who to target

Don't Miss this Event. Onsite registration opens at 5PM.

Celebrate Spring in Style with AMA Charlotte

After a winter season that brought two snow storms to the Charlotte metro area, the AMA Charlotte Chapter understands that you may be experiencing a bit of spring fever.

That’s why we’re inviting you to kick off the spring season in style and join us for our April Social event at the Pewter Rose’s Tutto Mundo on Wednesday, April 1 from 5 – 9 p.m. Meet fellow Charlotte marketers and enjoy Absolut vodka drink specials and free appetizers. This isn’t “April Fool’s,” we’re serious!

The event is free to all AMA-Charlotte members; however there’s a $10 fee for non-members. So if you haven’t joined AMA-Charlotte, sign-up before April 1 to take advantage of this great networking opportunity!

Pre-registration is now closed. On-site registration will begin at 5PM.

March 11th, 2009: Social Media Marketing- Rethinking Traditional Marketing Plans

• NEW VENUE: McIntosh's Steak & Seafood 1812 South Blvd
  (near corner of East & West Blvds) Charlotte, NC 28203 map
• SPEAKER: Ron Edelen, Myjive
  
• ATTIRE: Business Casual
• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program

• PRICE:
  $20.00 AMA members/students paid online

  $28.00 Affiliate members paid online
  $35.00 Non-members paid online
  

Listen to Podcast Preview with Ron

Go to Ron's Blog

Social Media Marketing- Rethinking Traditional Marketing Plans
Charlotte AMA Provides In-depth Look Into The Next Dimension In Marketing

Myjive business owner Ron Edelen made several “gauntlet-throwing” statements in January to Charlotte’s leading sales, marketing and advertising executives, “Print is dead, Social Media Marketing (SMM) or “life streaming” on the web is how successful businesses will be marketing now and in the future.” But what is SMM and how can local businesses adapt their traditional marketing efforts to embrace this next generation of client interaction?  Marketing professionals will get an in-depth look at this new marketing tool at the March meeting of the Charlotte Chapter of the American Marketing Association (CAMA).  The event will be held on Wednesday, March 11th at McIntosh’s Restaurant, 1812 South Blvd. The event begins with a networking reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m.  

Prior to cofounding Myjive in 2005, Ron Edelen worked in Los Angeles as an Art Director for traditional media outlets including ABC, BET, HGTV and the NFL network. He has shown continued success through directing award-winning interactive projects for the Discovery Channel Store and Warner Brothers Home Video. Additionally, his experience included conducting progressive research in on-line education (the virtual classroom) and earning a 2-year Fellowship at the Digital Worlds Institute.  In 2007, Edelen expanded and relocated Myjive to Charlotte and currently has sales affiliates in Los Angeles, New York and Orlando. 

At CAMA’s March meeting, Ron Edelen will be sharing his insight into the development of the “newest” age of consumer interaction and how business owners and local marketing leaders benefit from this new technology.  Takeaways from the CAMA meeting include:    

1.  Better understanding of what social media is from an overall marketing perspective – examples of companies which have embraced SMM and its impact on traditional marketing efforts.  
2. What are the benefits and results business owners and marketing leaders can anticipate by integrating SMM into their traditional marketing plans.

And, most importantly

Don't Miss this Event. Register now.

Celebrate Spring in Style with AMA Charlotte

After a winter season that brought two snow storms to the Charlotte metro area, the AMA Charlotte Chapter understands that you may be experiencing a bit of spring fever.

That’s why we’re inviting you to kick off the spring season in style and join us for our April Social event at the Pewter Rose’s Tutto Mundo on Wednesday, April 1 from 5 – 9 p.m. Meet fellow Charlotte marketers and enjoy Absolut vodka drink specials and free appetizers. This isn’t “April Fool’s,” we’re serious!

The event is free to all AMA-Charlotte members; however there’s a $10 fee for non-members. So if you haven’t joined AMA-Charlotte, sign-up before April 1 to take advantage of this great networking opportunity!

We hope to see you there!

February 11th, 2009:  Latest CRM Practices

• NEW VENUE: McIntosh's Steak & Seafood 1812 South Blvd
  (near corner of East & West Blvds) Charlotte, NC 28203 map
• SPEAKER: GEOFF ABLES, Customer Connect
  
• ATTIRE: Business Casual
• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program

• PRICE:
  $20.00 AMA members/students paid online

  $28.00 Affiliate members paid online
  $35.00 Non-members paid online
  

Never has Customer Relationship Management (CRM) been a more vital business concern. Once thought of as simply contact database management, CRM has evolved in ways designed to accelerate marketing, sales and service – and even other areas of the business such as dealer management, project management and equipment tracking.

Today's CRM approach is not limited to just a software installation - it has to touch all aspects of the organization and resonate with the employee base to ensure the organization's health and success.

Join us for this compelling "deminar" (seminar + demo), led by Geoff Ables, President of Customer-Connect, as he demonstrates how businesses of all sizes are using CRM systems to secure and expand their customer base.

You will walk away with an understanding of how CRM is working today, plus practical tips how you can use CRM to:

• Get customers faster,
• Keep them longer and,
• Build relationships that last

Geoffrey Ables is the founder of Customer Connect and an expert in accelerating sales, marketing and customer service performance through technology and better business processes. During his career, Mr. Ables has founded and managed CRM and database marketing divisions for Wachovia, BrannWorldwide and Quaero.

Geoff is a frequent speaker and writer. His insights into customer focused sales and marketing have been seen and heard through many international venues, including: BusinessWeek, National Public Radio, USA Today, The International Journal of CRM, DM News, EuroForum, and The New Zealand Direct Marketing Journal. He is the author of the soon-to-be-released book Customer Connections endorsed by Ken Blanchard, co-author of The One Minute Manageras well as Dr. Jim Goodnight, President and CEO of SAS Institute. He also makes regular contributions to the Customer Connect blog on CRM: www.askcrm.com.

Recently, Mr. Ables was named as one of Charlotte, North Carolinas prestigious 40 Under 40 in recognition of his business accomplishments and commitment to the community.

Customer Connect specializes in identifying cutting edge solutions that deliver sales, marketing and service results. The company developed the LUCKTM process for CRM (Listening, Understanding, Connectingand Knowing your customers). They provide a unique blend of consulting, marketing, sales, technology, CRM and Web services. Their client list includes: Horry Telephone Cooperative, BroadStar, Professional Network Consultants, BB&T, MedImpact, Cardinal Distribution, Huber Engineered Woods, Barnhardt Manufacturing, Travelocity and Sunbelt Rentals.

January 14th, 2009:  2009 Marketing Forecast

• MODERATOR: Ritch Allison, Partner in Bain & Company's Atlanta office Podcast Preview
• PANELIST:
  Peggy Brookhouse President of Luquire, George Andrews
  Jeff Dowling Marketing Director, CPI Security
  Ron Edelen President of Myjive, Inc.
  Richard McDevitt Marketing Director, UNC Charlotte
• ATTIRE: Business Casual
• TIME: 5:00pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program

• PRICE:
  $20.00 AMA members/students paid online

  $35.00 Non-members paid online

It’s no secret that the U.S. economy is currently entering a period of weakness. Consumers are pulling back on purchases, either out of necessity or just plain worry about the future. This change in the consumer landscape dictates a change in marketing strategy and tactics. To survive 2009, marketers are going to be called upon to deliver their best.

How will consumer behavior change in 2009? Can consumers be motivated to resume previous purchase patterns? How are marketers going to tweak their messages to resonate with customers in this environment? What media channels will they choose to deliver them?

The Charlotte American Marketing Association, together with the local Business Marketing Association Chapter and event co-sponsor The Charlotte Business Journal, will seek to answer these questions during a special panel discussion – “2009 Marketing Forecast” – on January 14, 2009, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. (Networking will begin at 5:00 p.m.)

Moderated by Ritch Allison, Partner in Bain & Company’s Atlanta office, four of Charlotte marketing leaders will gather to share their views on such important issues as consumer behavior, market share strategies, creative and media tactics for both consumer and B2B markets in the challenging year ahead.

All four of the Panelists have been announced. See below for more information...

This is an event you don’t want to miss, so reserve your seat today! Click Here to register.

Moderator: Ritch Allison Listen to Podcast Preview
Partner in Bain & Company's Atlanta office

Panelist: Peggy Brookhouse
President of Luquire, George Andrews

Panelist: Jeff Dowling
Marketing Director, CPI Security






Panelist: Ron Edelen
President of Myjive, Inc.






Panelist: Richard McDevitt
Marketing Director, UNC Charlotte

December 10th, 2008:  Online Video Revolution

• SPEAKER: Glen Caruso, Tremor Media
• DATE: Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
• LOCATION: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28206
• ATTIRE: Business Casual
• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program

• PRICE:
  $20.00 AMA members/students paid online, by August 12, 2008

  $35.00 Non-members and all on-site payments

The explosive growth of YouTube is just one sign that online video consumption has dramatically changed.

119 Million internet users in the US now watch 7.5 Billion online videos each month on their computers and handheld devices. DVR and TiVO has penetrated over 30% of all TV households with virtually all skipping through television commercials.

Marketers are increasingly integrating full-motion video into their online marketing strategies, producing dramatic increases in site traffic, length of time spent on the site and, most importantly, conversion rates and SALES!

Our December speaker is Glen Caruso, an online video expert from Tremor Media - the largest online video ad network in the United States. Mr. Caruso specializes in all forms of Online Video Marketing:

- Pre-roll Ads
- Video-in-Banner
- Rich Media executions
- Widgets
- As well as Branded Online Video Alliances with top online video production companies such as Seth MacFarlane and his new online, animated comedy series, www.sethcomedy.com.


Join us on December 10 to learn:
• the different types of online video advertising executions
• how each is used to achieve your online goals and objectives
• how online video effectiveness is measured
• how to reach your target audience
• newest developments in online video such as downloadable Widgets and Branded Alliances for marketing partners

Come away with a state-of-the art understanding of online video and how to best use this important online marketing tool to achieve YOUR goals and objectives in order to increase sales and brand awareness.

November 12, 2008:  How to be Different and Stand Out in a Crowded Mailbox

• PARTNER: Joint meeting with Charlotte Direct Marketing Association
  
• SPEAKER: Cat Moriarty from: USPS
• DATE: Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
• SPECIAL LOCATION: Mint Museum, 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207map
• TIME: 5:00pm: for extended networking time, casual buffet and cocktails; 6:30pm: Program
• ATTIRE: Business Casual
• PRICE:
  $20.00 AMA members/students paid online, by November 11, 2008
  $35.00 Non-members and all on-site payments at the event

How to be Different and Stand Out in a Crowded Mailbox:

Direct Mail is an essential marketing pull tactic because of it's measurability and return on investment potential. However, once you've created your first campaign, the real challenge becomes whether or not you can beat your control. This month we'll demonstrate the power being different in Direct Mail and what affect that has in maximizing brand loyalty, conversion rates and customer engagement.

Cathrine "Cat" Moriarty Bio:

Direct Mail Advocate and Editor, Deliver Magazine/delivermagazine.com
U.S. Postal Service

As an Advocate of Direct Mail Programs with Corporate Advertising at the United States Postal Service (USPS) headquarters and Editor of DeliverTM Magazine /delivermagazine.com, Cat Moriarty is dedicated to the large business sector, developing marketing strategies to help senior-level direct marketers and advertising agencies maximize their integrated communications by utilizing USPS products and services.

Cat has been with the U.S. Postal Service since 1988, gaining exposure and expertise in various fields, including: customer services, sales and acquisitions and most recently, segment advertising and marketing.

A member of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), Cat serves as an ECHO committee member and has facilitated trainings on products and services of the USPS for the Association of Mailing, Shipping and Office Automation Specialists. An avid speaker, Cat has addressed audiences at various Printing Industry Association conferences, local and national DMA events and PCCs.

Cat earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where she majored in business administration and marketing.

October 8, 2008:  small is the new BIG.

• SPEAKER: Tom Barbitta from: Carolina Beverage Corporation, Cheerwine
• DATE: Wednesday, October 8, 2008
• LOCATION: Mint Museum, 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207map
• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking;
  6:30pm: Program
• ATTIRE: Business Casual
• PRICE:
  $20.00 AMA members/students paid online, by October 7, 2008
  $35.00 Non-members and all on-site payments at the event

Small is the new BIG.

How to gain leverage and stand out from the giants while growing a business on limited marketing dollars.

The food and beverage channels are becoming more and more cluttered. The Goliath's are taking over shelf space through massive marketing initiatives and international advertising campaigns. All of these messages are creating a fragmented and disjointed mix of media and messaging platforms for which brands must compete. Millions of dollars are being spent everyday by these massive global brands on getting there message, image and product in your face, and hopefully in your hands. Working with some of the leading conglomerate ad agencies, these brands are using television, radio, print and interactive campaigns to shove there messages down our throats.

So, how does a small, locally manufactured, regional brand compete against these challenges. By taking advantage of what others might see as weaknesses. Using there size and geographic location, smaller brands are able to be nimble, efficient and engaging brand experiences. This new breed of thought-driven leaders is not tied to tradition and can produce multi-faceted, brand-building campaigns, generally faster and with more awareness and consumer applause than the big guys.

Take away:

• Learn how to grow from your brainpower not brawn.


• Discover the unlimited capabilities of being small.


• Learn how your size can compete and win against mid to large sized competitors.


• Why you should make branding programs instead of advertising.


• Find out how to become a corporate asset rather than a marketing expense.


• The importance of Brand development know-how.


• Drive deep emotional connections with heart, passion, strategy, creativity and some luck.

• Brand/Company History


• Renewal Strategy/Brand Rebirth Plan


• Process to Break-out


• How a small/iconic Brand uses all resources to be viewed as “big” by consumers

Tom Barbitta, Vice President Carolina Beverage Corporation

Tom Barbitta has over 20+ years of sales and marketing “global brand” experience focused on innovative brand strategy, bringing new products to market, and sales planning and execution. With his tenure, Tom has acquired a deep understanding of consumers and their behaviors relative to “where brands today need to be”. His experience spans a wide range of U.S. based multinational company’s specific to the food, beverage and tobacco categories.

Tom’s background includes field sales assignments with the Miller Brewing Company and Thomas J. Lipton (Unilever). His brand marketing/sales management experience includes 6 years with T.J. Lipton, and 11 years at Nabisco (RJR/Nabisco) responsible for the Planters nut franchise. In 1995, Tom was recruited by the Oberto Company in Kent Washington to help the Oberto Beef Jerky brand move to the next level. His team’s success directly led to the creation of a distribution alliance with Frito-Lay/PepsiCo, and national distribution for the Oberto brand.

Later Tom broadened his experience by joining the Chesapeake Corporation as their VP of marketing. Chesapeake is a leader of in-store merchandising and display innovation, specifically around packaged goods retail environments. From 2000 to 2005, Tom held the position of Senior Vice President at Coyne Beahm Shouse Marketing & Advertising, where he played a significant role in helping the Reynolds American Doral brand grow to be a dominant share leader in the mid-priced cigarette segment. Tom also serves as a consultant to numerous Southeast Asian firms in Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia assisting them create marketing and selling strategies by conducting numerous in-country seminars as well as advising top level leadership.

In 2005 Tom joined the Carolina Beverage Corporation as their Vice President of Marketing overseeing the marketing of Cheerwine, www.Cheerwine.com. This highly potent regional brand competes in the U.S. soft drink category, coexisting among brands from companies such as Coca Cola, Pepsi –Cola and Cadbury Schweppes. Tom’s stewardship has contributed to the widespread expansion of Cheerwine in the U.S. and the recent launch of the highly differentiated Savage Energy drink, www.Savagenergy.com.

Charlotte AMA August 2008 Event: Tune out the static in your mobile marketing buzz

• SPEAKER: Francis Shepherd, Senior Systems Engineer, Apple
• DATE: Wednesday, August 13, 2008
• LOCATION: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28206
• ATTIRE: Business Casual
• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program

• PRICE:
  $20.00 AMA members/students paid online, by August 12, 2008

  $35.00 Non-members and all on-site payments

Event Summary:

There is no way to avoid it, shift is happening everywhere. User driven content and "back channel" conversations are shaping brand recognition in unique ways. As users become mobile, understanding the landscape and developing a "smart" Web 2.0 strategy is essential.

Extensible platforms like the iPhone and the iPod Touch leverage your brand's buzz through innovation. Rich media content provides new marketing opportunities to deliver your mobile message. Join in the conversation and explore Apple's creative technologies, to fine tune your mobile impact and extend your online presence while engaging emerging trends.

Francis Shepherd Bio:

Francis Shepherd is a Senior System Engineer for Apple in North Carolina. With over 30 years experience in the communication arts field, his career has transcended advertising photography, print and web design, interactive media, software development, visual FX production, and technology consulting. Before coming to Apple, he worked as an advertising photographer in Dallas,TX and Cologne, Germany, founded Digital Valley Design in Chadds Ford, PA, and served as creative director for DADA DATA in Cary, NC. He is the founder of the Carolina Final Cut Pro Users Group and publishes an Arts & Creative News feed ( http://www.carolinafcpug.org/blog/  ). Francis is a frequent technical presenter at conferences, workshops, and media events. His focus areas include integrating media into learning environments, mentoring content innovators in digital media initiatives, meme tracking, and exploring new trends with emerging technologies.

Charlotte AMA July 2008 Event: Improving Marketing ROI with Web Analytics

SPEAKER: Kyle Bumgardner, Director of Business Development, WebsiteBiz
DATE: Wednesday, July 9, 2008
LOCATION: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28206
TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program
PRICE: $20.00 AMA members and students, $35.00 non-members and at the door
Companies are increasingly looking to web analytics as a tool for clearly defining the ROI of their online marketing campaigns. Please join us at our July meeting as Kyle Bumgardner, Director of Business Development with WebsiteBiz, discusses how marketers can use web analytics data to make informed media decisions and improve ROI across online and offline marketing initiatives. Using a WebsiteBiz client as a case study, Kyle will discuss best-of-breed web analytics platforms currently in use throughout the industry, along with key metrics that helped the client make informed marketing decisions.

About the Speaker:
Kyle joined WebsiteBiz in 2002 as Director of Business Development. He is a leader in helping marketers evaluate online marketing initiatives that drive results. His extensive knowledge of results driven online marketing coupled with his breadth of business experience have helped marketers achieve and surpass their goals. Kyle is an active member of the interactive marketing community and participant in national industry events.

June 2008 meeting: Market Research: The Key to Marketing and Planning

• SPEAKER: Olaf Kinard, Divisional Manager for Marketing & Communication, Charlotte Area Transit System

• DATE: Wednesday, June 11, 2008
• LOCATION: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28206
• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program
• PRICE: $20.00 AMA members and students, $35.00 non-members and at the door

Market research is the key to planning and implementing effective marketing and communications strategies. Please join us at our June meeting as Olaf Kinard, Divisional Manager for Marketing & Communication with the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), leads attendees through a case study of CATS’ market research and strategy development processes.

Among the issues to be discussed:

• A review of research commissioned by CATS, how it is interpreted, how it influenced decisions, and how it is used to measured outcomes.

• How recent research uncovered opportunities for improving CATS system features, and influenced the decision not to carry transit advertising.

• An overview of CATS’ integrated marketing approach, and the key marketing messages that are used to compel ridership.

• How CATS uses geo-targeting direct mail to strategically communicate with potential riders.

About the Speaker:
Olaf Kinard is the Divisional Manager for Marketing & Communication for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS).  He is responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing, communication and customer service plans for CATS. Prior to joining CATS, Olaf spent 14 years in the private sector in sales and marketing for IBM, and as Director of Advertising and Strategic Planning for Rack Room Shoes.

May 2008 meeting: Creating Success in a Green Marketplace

• SPEAKER: Billy Taylor, Product Champion, Cox Industries
• DATE: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
• LOCATION: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28206
• TIME: 4:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6pm: Program
• PRICE: $20.00 AMA members and students, $35.00 non-members and at the door

The green movement has created a generation of eco-minded consumers who are driving demand in the marketplace for a range of environmentally friendly and sustainable products.

Please join us at this special event co-hosted with the Business Marketing Association as Billy Taylor, Product Champion with Cox Industries, shares with us the keys to his company’s success in reaching out to customers who prefer to do business with environmentally conscious companies.

This event will also offer extended networking opportunities for attendees, with cocktails and networking beginning at 4:30pm.

About the Speaker:
Billy Taylor is Product Champion for South Carolina-based Cox Industries, a producer of quality outdoor wood products for residential, commercial industrial and utility applications. A primary pillar of Cox’s business philosophy is environmental sustainability.

April 2008 meeting: Entertainment, Comedy and New Media: A Conversation with Cartoonist Bob Camp

• SPEAKER: Bob Camp, noted cartoonist and co-creator of The Ren and Stimpy Show

• DATE: Wednesday, April 9, 2008

• LOCATION: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28206

• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program

• PRICE: $20.00 AMA members and students, $35.00 non-members and at the door

Join us at our April meeting as Bob Camp, noted cartoonist and co-creator of The Ren and Stimpy Show, leads a discussion on the state of advertising and the changing marketplace for animated works.

The growth of new media outlets such as YouTube, the popularity of Anime, and the emergence of a generation schooled in online gaming have all contributed to a marketing environment that is particularly open to animation and comedy as a major element of the promotional mix.

Bob will share his insights into how marketers can use entertainment as a sales tool, along with practical tips on how to incorporate animated works into marketing outreach efforts.

Other topics to be discussed include:

• How to produce compelling ads that don’t get TiVo’d.
• The new "brand loyalty", and how to create messages people want to hear.
• Creating the ideal mix of entertainment, comedy and new media in your promotional activities.
• Involving the viewer in the creative process.
• Creating work environments that focus on honesty, flexibility, creative freedom and fun.

To learn more about Bob, visit his blog at: http://bobcampcartoonist.blogspot.com

Marketing bootcamp to be held April 3 - 4, 2008

The Charlotte AMA is hosting a marketing bootcamp at the CPCC Harris Conference Center April 3 - 4, 2008.

Presented by: the American Marketing Association and Co-Sponsored by the Charlotte American Marketing Association and the Charlotte Business Journal

The bootcamp will focus on the basics of marketing, and targets marketing professionals who have recently moved into positions with responsibilities such as marketing, sales and sales management, advertising, promotion, brand building, and pricing.

Among the topics to be covered:

For more information or to register, please visit the national AMA web site.

Sponsored By:

March 2008 meeting: Experiential Marketing Demystified

• SPEAKER: Marc Kirsch, Experiential Marketing Manager, RED F
• DATE: Wednesday, March 12, 2008
• LOCATION: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28206
• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program
• PRICE: $20.00 AMA members and students, $35.00 non-members and at the door

Experiential marketing has emerged as a powerful marketing platform. According to recent surveys of experiential marketing professionals; more than 25% indicated their clients were looking to invest more of their ad budgets in this medium.

Please join us at our March meeting as Marc Kirsch, Experiential Marketing Manager with local marketing services company firm Red F, shares techniques for increasing awareness and supporting sales objectives through the use of experiential marketing strategies.

About the speaker:

Marc Kirsch brings over six years of expertise in experiential marketing, as well as client services and research management.  His experience includes promotional events execution, staff management and training, relationship-building with national venues, and sports teams and key consumer intercepts.  He has managed marketing initiatives for such companies as Wachovia Bank, Pepsi Brands, Axe Body spray, McDonald's, and Daimler Chrysler/Jeep/Mercedes.

February 2008 meeting: GIS Technology and the Changing Marketing Landscape

• SPEAKERS: Todd Willems, Commercial Account Manager, ESRI-Charlotte; Pete Rothfuss, President, Redfoot Geographics, Inc.

• DATE: Wednesday, February 13, 2008

• LOCATION: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28206

• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program

• PRICE: $20.00 AMA members and students, $35.00 non-members and at the door

GIS technology is revolutionizing the way that companies prospect for clients. This informative presentation will cover GIS concepts related to marketing and market analysis. Todd Willems and Pete Rothfuss will share GIS case studies of customer profiling, site location analysis, market penetration, and targeted marketing studies.

NEW SPEAKER: January 2008 meeting: "Learning from Your Mistakes: New Year’s Resolutions for the Marketer"

• SPEAKER: James Warder, COO, Mike Minter Enterprises
• DATE: January 16, 2008

• LOCATION: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28206

• TIME: 5:30pm: Casual Buffet, Cocktails and Networking; 6:30pm: Program

• PRICE: $20.00 AMA members and students, $35.00 non-members and at the door

Join us at our first event of 2008 as James Warder, COO for Mike Minter Enterprises, shares the keys to successful marketing and promotion.

Attendees will learn about strategies for formulating a marketing budget, based upon a cost of acquisition formula and reverse engineering. In addition, James will offer tips for formulating a network and word of mouth marketing plan.

About the Speaker:
James Warder is the COO for Mike Minter Enterprises. The company, founded by the former Carolina Panther, encompasses a wide range of business ventures including Minter Consulting, property development, The Cabarrus Business Magazine, Imaj Salon & Spa and many others. James has also led a home builders association and managed a leading mortgage company in Daytona Beach, FL.

December meeting and holiday event: "The Target Story"

• December 12, 2007
• Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200
• 5:45pm - 8pm

Please plan to join us at our holiday meeting event for a special presentation on the consumer retail phenomenon that is Target.

Bob Prokay, Store Team Leader with Target Stores, will discuss the marketing, branding and research strategies that have made Target a leader in the field of upscale retailing.

Event attendees will receive a holiday gift consisting of assorted items donated by local marketing professionals.
 

November meeting event: "On the Page, On Camera, On Demand, On the Air, On Line…What’s On the Horizon?"

Date: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Time: 5:45 – 8pm
Location: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28206

Make plans to join us at our November meeting for a special panel discussion focusing on future trends in media. "On the Page, On Camera, On Demand, On the Air, On Line…What’s On the Horizon?" will feature representatives from The Charlotte Observer, WNKS-FM, WKQC-FM, and Fox Charlotte. One would be hard pressed to name an industry more dramatically impacted by the onslaught of Internet users than the media industry.  Publishers are working on a digital convergence of media types like newspaper, radio, TV, Web, and even wireless. Learn what these media organizations are doing to creatively respond to the challenges their organizations are facing in today’s hi-tech media marketplace.

About the panelists:

Cecily Newton Durrett

Cecily Newton Durrett (Moderator)

Keith Cornwell

Keith Cornwell
Keith Cornwell is the Vice President & General Manager, CBS Radio Inc. Keith started his career in radio 15 years ago as an account executive; he joined CBS Radio 10 years ago as a General Sales Manager for WNKS FM. His drive & passion for radio catapulted him to his current position of VP/GM and Director of Sales for the six CBS stations in the Charlotte market.

 

Jason Silverstein

Jason Silverstein
Jason Silverstein leads the Interactive Products team at The Charlotte Observer. He has 13 years of media experience, 11 of which have been primarily focused in online products and operations.  Jason's internet focus started at the National Basketball Association, where he produced some of the first licensed videos delivered online.  He also directed and produced the Tar Heel Sports Network's radio, TV and Internet content programming, overseeing the most popular college sports fan site (goheels.com) online at that time. Prior to his current position, Jason spent seven years at Yahoo! Inc. (yahoo.com) and was most recently the director of business operations for the video engineering division. 

 

Jim White

Jim White
Jim White has served in media for over 25 years.  His roles have included local and national television sales and sales management and new business development.  Currently Jim serves as Station Manager at Fox Charlotte and is actively engaged in developing the direction for new media applications including relaunching the Web Channel, mobile technology and HDTV.

 

Beth Whitehead

Beth Whitehead
Beth Whitehead has been with The Charlotte Observer for 14 years and has held various positions within the advertising division including sales and sales management. Beth is Special Initiatives Manager with The Charlotte Observer.  In this capacity she creates and researches new product development and execution for The Observer and charlotte.com.  This position is the first of it's kind within the McClatchy newspaper network. 

Engage Your Customers or Die

• Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2007
• Time: 5:45 – 8pm
• Location: VanLandingham Estate Inn & Conference Center
• Presenter: Cord Silverstein, Director of Engagement Marketing, Capstrat
• View presentation

In this presentation, Cord Silverstein will unite the power of technology and marketing to help clients not only reach their audiences but rouse and engage them. To deliver the best results, he explores and integrates any possible combination of online and offline tactics, from Webcasts and social networking to viral and word-of-mouth marketing.
Cord has pioneered integrated marketing for more than 15 years. While at MetLife, he launched the insurance company’s first ecommerce initiative, generating more than $5 million in the first six months. As the manager of IBM’s online store, he developed analytics to track the success of its online marketing campaigns. Previously vice president of client services and operations at MarketSmart Interactive in Raleigh, Cord developed online marketing programs for clients such as Lowes Home Improvement, Motorola, CitiFinancial and Black & Decker.
Catch Cord’s latest ruminations on his blog, Marketing Hipster.
Raleigh-based Capstrat (http://www.capstrat.com/) is a strategic communications firm that helps organizations tell their stories powerfully and effectively.

Consumer Trends Influencing Tomorrow’s Marketplace

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007
• Time: 5:45 – 8pm
• Location: VanLandingham Estate Inn & Conference Center
• Presenter: Reggie Pasterczyk, Vice President – Client Services, Bellomy Research, Inc.

Reggie Pasterczyk is a leader in positioning research as well as product/concept testing, market segmentation, advertising communication, and brand awareness and perception research. Reggie, formerly president of Intrepid Marketing Services, holds an MBA and has over two decades of client side experience including positions with Ford Motor Company and RJRT. For 18 years she worked in the consumer packaged goods industry in consumer research.
She has taught Marketing Research as an adjunct instructor at Salem College and has been a recognized speaker on consumer demographics trends for KBIS, International Home Furnishings Market, and CMRC. Her background, insight, and perspectives collectively deliver an informed point-of-view valued by clients.
Winston-Salem-based Bellomy Research Inc. (www.bellomyresearch.com) was recently listed in the Top 50 US companies in the marketing research industry by the Marketing News (June 15, 2007).

June 2007: How To Create Advertising That Changes Behavior

• SPEAKER: Troy Tarwater, Senior Vice President & Senior Account Director - BBDO/GMR
• DATE: Wednesday, June 13th, 2007
• LOCATION: Van Landingham Estate
• PRICE: $25.00 AMA members and students, $37.00 non-members
• View meeting photos

May 2007: Getting Results From Integrated Internet Marketing

• SPEAKER: Eric Dudley, founder and president of WebSiteBiz, Inc. and Kyle Bumgardner, vice president of sales. Visit their Website here.
• DATE: Wednesday, May 9, 2007
• LOCATION: Van Landingham Estate
• View presentation
• View meeting photos

April 2007: Generational Marketing 101

• SPEAKER: Chuck Underwood, Founder and President, The Generational Imperative, Inc.,
• DATE: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 5:45 PM - 8:00 PM
• LOCATION:  Van Landingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina  28205
• View presentation
• View meeting photos

We all know about the Boomers, but what about the Millennial Generation, GenXers, a Silent or a G.I.?

Does when you were born really determine your preferences as a consumer? You bet it does! Marketers, advertisers, retailers, trade associations, PR professionals and media and marketing communicators of all kinds are beginning to comprehend the astonishing influence of generational values and attitudes on lifestyle preferences, career choices and purchases.

But how exactly does the Generational Dynamic work?
Why does it work?
How does it apply to how I, or my clients, talk to customers?

Join us and learn from Chuck Underwood, founder and president of The Generational Imperative, Inc., or TGI, a research-driven generational business consultancy based in Cincinnati. A pioneer of generational marketing, he will discuss not only what events shaped each generation, but how you can learn to identify formative events and how they will influence consumer attitudes.

March 2007: Brand Charlotte: How To Build A Compelling Image That Will Grow The City?

• SPEAKER: Bob Morgan, President, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
• DATE: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 5:45 PM - 8:00 PM
• LOCATION:  The VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
• View presentation
• View meeting photos

Charlotte is already one of the fastest growing cities in the country, but is it a destination? Why should businesses relocate here and people move here? What defines Charlotte as a great place to live, work and play? What should Charlotte be known for?

Bob Morgan, President of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce will be giving us his perspective on all this when he presents the Chamber’s vision of Brand Charlotte at the Van Landingham Estate on Wednesday, March 14th. We’ll hear all about plans to grow and transform Charlotte’s image as a business, sports, entertainment and tourism destination. Branding a city is a far cry from branding consumer products!

This is a marketing discussion that you’re not going to want to miss.

February 2007: Tuning in with Satellite Radio

• SPEAKER: Jerry Hall, Director of Sales and Marketing Solutions for the Southeastern U.S., XM Satellite Radio.
• DATE: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 5:45 PM - 8:00 PM
• LOCATION:  Van Landingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina  28205
• View presentation
• View meeting photos

"HEAR MORE OF WHAT YOU LOVE......EFFORTLESSLY. WITH OVER 170 CRYSTAL CLEAR DIGITAL CHANNELS, GIVING YOU THE MOST ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES WHEREVER YOU ARE"

With that promise - and lots of skepticism that anyone would pay for radio programming - the satellite radio marketing war began. Today, nine years after being licensed by the FCC, the nation's two satellite radio companies are on track to spend $2 billion launching satellites, hiring talent and luring subscribers. As of late last year, they had signed up more than 12 million by offering an unprecedented variety of programming, including commercial-free music channels, shock jocks and the broadest array of sports play-by-play coverage in the history of electronic media.

When either company will turn a profit remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain - they have changed the landscape of radio "broadcasting" forever.

What can marketers learn from satellite radio's meteoric rise? More importantly, how can you leverage XM's vast reach into the nooks and crannies of the American market to sell products, services and ideas?

Come to our February meeting and find out for yourself from Jerry Hall, the Southeast director of sales and marketing solutions for market leader XM Satellite Radio. Jerry will talk to us about XM's massive marketing campaign, which has so far persuaded 7.2 million Americans to plunk down $12.95 a month for its approximately 100 channels. He will also talk about what's on the horizon for programming and marketing in one of the most expensive marketing battles in new media.

January 2007: Marketing the Whitewater Center

• SPEAKER: Jeff Wise, Executive Director, U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte, N.C.
• DATE: Wednesday, Jan. 10; Tour: 5-5:30 PM; Reception: 5:45-6:30 PM; Dinner and Presentation: 6:30-8 PM
• LOCATION: U.S. National Whitewater Center, Hawfield Rd., Charlotte. Visit www.charlotteama.com for directions.
• View meeting photos

Many think the $36 million U.S. National Whitewater Center ten miles southwest of Charlotte has put the region on the map. It's Class II, III and IV rapids are already attracting Olympic paddlers and international sporting events. Some say it will help shift Charlotte's image as a one-dimensional, button-down banking center to that of a hipper, enviromentally progressive city.

Regardless, the park has put the community on the leading edge of outdoor recreation at a time when many fear the nation is becoming more obese and sedentary.

So what's to keep the nearly 300-acre shrine to human-powered outdoor sports from becoming a white elephant? After all, the non-profit must spend $1 million a year on electricity, just to keep its massive pumps running. With that kind of overhead, its marketing team can't afford too many misteps.

With that in mind, CAMA has invited USNWC Executive Director Jeff Wise to address our January meeting. A graduate of Davidson College, a lawyer, entrepreneur and outdoor enthusiast, Jeff's challenge is as big as his vision. To keep the rafts full and the pumps running, his team must lure hundreds of thousands of people away from their creature comforts to cavort in the great, man-made outdoors.

Come join us for a rare peak inside the marketing of this high-profile, cutting edge concept unfolding right in our backyard.