Ace of Clubs: Plymouth?s American Marketing Association

Interested in a chance of dining for free at the Common Man Inn? Enjoy marketing? How about improving your resume? Giving back to the community and University? If you answered ?yes? to any of these questions, the Plymouth State University American Marketing Association may be for you. Stepping in as President this year, O?Halloran has committed to regaining the credibility and stature of Plymouth State?s American Marketing Association (AMA). O?Halloran has recruited a plethora of new members, about forty; a seventy percent increase over the prior year. For a cost of $39, plus a $5 charge that stays on campus, members become part of nationally and internationally recognized and respected group. All majors are welcome to join, yet O?Halloran stressed that he would like to see more Graphic Design Majors to aid with creating images. AMA members apply what they have learned in class to help market local businesses. This isn?t just practice, it?s real. Plymouth State?s AMA charges local businesses for their services, but at competitive prices of other marketing firms. Currently the club is working on a project for the Pemi Youth Center; assuming they receive the needed grant, to implement their plan. Working with advisor Dr. Bart Macchiette, and co-advisors Instructors Lisa Lindgren and Eileen Bennett, all representing the Business Department, the members are divided into four groups: On-campus; Off-campus; Alumni; and, Membership. The On-campus group coordinates fundraising events, such as raffling off a DVD Player in the HUB. This group also promotes/markets University events such as homecoming, art shows, and athletic events. The Off-campus group approaches, consults, and works with local businesses. The Alumni crew strives to keep graduates up-to-date. Finally, the Membership group helps to recruit new members. O?Halloran hopes that by getting serious, and increasing membership, Plymouth State?s AMA will become ?competitive with UNH.? ?I think pressure on the Business Department will only help us to grow? explains O?Halloran. Since the AMA is a nationally recognized organization, the club may be awarded for its efforts in aiding in their re-growth and betterment is Plymouth State University. The University has generously set aside a space on its homepage where the AMA can add a link; making it easier for prospective students and Alumni to keep in contact. The harder the club works, the more money they earn, which means the more activities they do. O?Halloran explains that the AMA uses their profits to ?participate in network conferences, travel to conferences, attract guest speakers, and tour actual marketing firm agencies.? The biggest conference of the year, in New Orleans, is where all of the top CEO?s can be found. This trip has a limited number of spaces, so members do their best in hopes that they?ll be one of the lucky few to attend. Becoming an AMA member takes commitment, but hard work is rewarded. A point system offers incentives for those serious about the club. Members accumulate ten points each time they attend a general assembly, eight points for committee meetings, and six points for actively partaking in fundraising events. At the end of the semester, the members with the most points will be recognized. The grand prize is a dinner for two at the Common Man Inn; second and third place prizes have yet to be announced. Additionally, the points play an instrumental role in deciding who gets to go to New Orleans. O?Halloran explains that, ?everyone is getting a Masters or Bachelors degree, so it?s good to bring something different to the table [i.e. AMA membership].? By becoming a member you will differentiate yourself. O?Halloran further suggests that members should ?develop a portfolio of work? to further increase self value. Although there is a joining charge, it?s worth it. In addition to supplementing your resume, ?free access to web conferences and helpful papers? is only offered to official AMA members. Your future and present life could be helped dramatically by the AMA. Could this be a club for you? If you are interested in joining, contact Plymouth State?s American Marketing Association (AMA) President, Dan O?Halloran, at, AMA.mail.plymouth.edu, or stop by any Monday night at 8pm in Hyde 120.