MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Business Marketing Association - Milwaukee Chapter is hosting a dinner presentation on Thursday, March 11, 2010 that features Jack L. Backstrom, Marketing Director - International for InSinkErator. Backstrom will discuss how a local company can become a global product category leader with a consistent brand image. The event will take place at the Italian Conference Center, located at 631 E. Chicago Street in Milwaukee.

Feature Presentation: (7:00 - 8:00 p.m.)

Creating and Maintaining a Global Brand: The InSinkErator Experience
Jack L. Backstrom, Marketing Director - International, InSinkErator (a division of Emerson)

Backstrom's presentation will focus on the experience of InSinkErator, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer that has a leading market position in food waste disposers and steaming hot water taps. Working across more than 20 languages and cultures involving as many as 15 communication agencies on three continents, guidelines must be clear. This presentation will cover the importance of clear management direction, global staff buy-in, a comprehensive brand guideline and a clear glossary of terms to define new-to-the-world concepts. InSinkErator's use of a digital asset management system will be discussed along with the importance of keeping abreast of global style trends and conducting in-country translation, revisions and checks to be sure the message fits the market.

Backstrom is InSinkErator's Marketing Director, responsible for the marketing efforts of InSinkErator in more than 100 countries. He oversees global market research and leads new product launch efforts. He also coordinates and leads the global marketing team for InSinkErator, which sets strategic direction for the department and coordinates the efforts of more than 15 independent marketing communications firms. The firms work on various projects aimed at growing InSinkErator's unique product categories: premium and sink appliance solutions. Fluent in Spanish, Backstrom is responsible for sales and marketing in Latin America and overseeing the Mexican warehouse. He has traveled extensively throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America conducting sales training courses and visiting InSinkErator's global distributors and global employee network.

Prior to working at InSinkErator, Backstrom worked in public relations for a major American corporate client. He holds a Masters of International Management from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) and a Bachelor of Arts in International Marketing and Economics and Spanish from Westminster College in the U.S.

Success Seminar: (4:30 p.m.)
Maximize Your Web Presence: Best Practices for Corporate Websites

Neal Linkon, Manager of Interactive Marketing at Northwestern Mutual

The rapid emergence of the Internet as a mainstream marketing, information and transaction medium has put new pressure on organizations to maximize their Web presence. But as use of the Web has evolved, so have standards and expectations for a pleasing and functional Web site design. Neal Linkon will discuss the most effective strategies B-2-B marketers can use to get the most from their organization's Web site.

Linkon is the manager of Interactive Marketing at Northwestern Mutual. His focus is on building client and recruit referrals through the various Northwestern Mutual Web properties.

Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Neal was senior vice president of Greystone.Net, a firm specializing in Internet consulting in the healthcare industry. Linkon's work has received numerous national awards for interactivity and e-business effectiveness.

Before joining Greystone.Net, he was responsible for interactive marketing at Aurora Health Care, where he led the planning and implementation of the health system's award-winning Web site and patient portal. Linkon's background includes 25 years in management at companies such as Motorola, Lockheed Martin, Johnson Controls and International Paper. In 1995, he began focusing on interactive marketing and subsequently served a variety of clients, including Pfizer, Kellogg's^® and the National Football League. Neal is a frequently requested speaker for national and local conferences.

How to Register

BMA members and non-members are encouraged to attend. Cost for members is $55 for the full evening, $20 to attend the seminar only, and $40 for dinner program only. Cost for non-members is $75 for the full evening, $30 for the seminar only, and $55 for the dinner program only. The cost for full-time educators is $20, $10 for full-time affiliate students and $20 for non-affiliate students (student spots are limited). Non-profit members are invited to attend the Success Seminar at member rates. All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About the Business Marketing Association:

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visitwww.bma-milwaukee.org.

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The University Outreach Committee of the Business Marketing Association - Milwaukee Chapter will host its fourth annual "Lightning Round" Speed Interviewing Event at 5:30 p.m. on February 23 at the Eisner American Museum of Advertising and Design, 208 N. Water Street. The event prepares undergraduate students for careers in advertising, marketing, public relations and communication arts with a series of mock interviews and resume and social media reviews.

Speed interviewing, resume review and networking prepare students for future workforce

Students will have a variety of opportunities to interact with BMA-Milwaukee members at the event.  During the speed interviewing portion, students will be placed in a series of one-on-one mock interviews with corporate and agency-side marketing industry leaders. With real-world questions and professional discussions at each interview, the students will have the opportunity to hone their interview skills in a welcoming, stress-free environment and receive personalized feedback from some of Milwaukee's top marketing professionals.

Students will also have the opportunity to have their resumes reviewed by BMA members throughout the night. They'll learn tips on what should be in their resumes, how the information should be presented, and how to catch an employer's attention with strategic writing and design.

New social media session teaches students to leverage online profiles

This year's event will feature a new social media workshop area, where students can learn how to present themselves professionally using social media websites like Facebook and LinkedIn. Students can log online at the event, pull up their social media profiles and have BMA members provide instant feedback on their photos, profile information and social media presence. Many of today's employers review the social media profiles of job candidates; this event will show students how these profiles can help - not hinder - their future careers.

Online registration available for students until February 19, 2010

Students can pre-register for the event online at www.bma-milwaukee.org/students. Admission to the event is $15 per student. Space is limited to 100 students; if the event does not sell out, admission will be available at the door for $20 per student. Online registration ends February 19, 2010.

For more information on the BMA-Milwaukee's Lightning Round Speed Interviewing event, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org/students.

About the Business Marketing Association:

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org.

Feature Presentation: (11:30 - 1:30 p.m.)

Up in the Clouds: The Next Generation of Information Technology - How Microsoft Sees Cloud Computing Transforming Business  

Melissa Roy, Business and Marketing Officer, Microsoft

The Internet has changed our world and now it's transforming the way Information Technology is consumed and delivered. Internet-based, or "cloud," technology has enabled companies to use software as a service to offset their IT capital costs and increase their competitive reach.  The advancement in technology, ubiquity of the Internet, and explosion of bandwidth has set a higher bar of expectations of consumers and businesses alike. Parallel innovation in marketing is more than necessary to leverage this new technological landscape; it has become an assumption.  Now, more than ever, it is important to understand the capabilities and trends occurring in the industry as it transforms the way businesses look at and leverage marketing.

Roy is Microsoft's Business Productivity Manager for the Midwest District (MWD) based in Chicago and leads the business productivity team for the tri-state area. The team is responsible for translating Microsoft's enterprise business strategy and innovative technology advancements into customer competitive advantages, business process re-engineering, and accelerated business productivity through all lines of business, including marketing, human resources, finance, and sales. Prior to her current role, Roy was the Business and Marketing Officer for the MWD. She has been in sales, marketing and business development for more than 12 years, focusing on technology and consulting services.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Roy held several diverse positions within the industry, and brings the perspective of sales, licensing, consulting and marketing.  She holds a Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University and an M.B.A. from the University of New Haven in Connecticut. Roy is also a project manager with her PMP certification from Project Leadership, and holds a certification from the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).

Lunch and networking will take place prior to Roy's feature presentation, which will begin at 12:30 p.m.  Lunch will be served at noon, and attendees are encouraged to arrive at 11:30 a.m. for professional networking.

How to Register

Be sure to hurry, the first 100 BMA members to register receive a FREE Windows 7 upgrade and all attendees will be eligible to win a Microsoft Zune! Cost for members who register by February 8 at noon is $40 and after is $50. Cost for non-members is $55 by February 8 at noon and after is $65. The cost for full-time educators is $20 and $10 for full-time students (student spots are limited). All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About the Business Marketing Association:

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org.

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Business Marketing Association - Milwaukee Chapter has opened the call for entries for its annual Business-to-Business Marketing Awards Competition, the BMA Bell Awards, hosted this year on Thursday, April 29, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Potawatomi Bingo & Casino.

Area marketers encouraged to submit Bell Awards entries by February 15

Between now and February 15, 2010, the BMA - Milwaukee Chapter invites  B2B marketers, creative firms and production firms to submit their entries into the 2010 Bell Awards.

With 45 different award categories in B2B marketing, the Bell Awards is a chance for marketers to submit their best work for review and recognition throughout the industry. The award entries are judged by a panel of marketing experts, who represent Fortune 500 companies and prestigious advertising firms from around the country. Winning entries will be showcased on display at a celebratory awards ceremony to be held on April 29, 2010.

2010 Call for Entries features intuitive online entry system, new award categories

This year's Bell Award competition features a new easy-to-use online entry system. With an FAQ section, "help files", online payments and 24-hour access, the new entry system offers an intuitive, user-friendly solution for submitting entries. Awards will be accepted until midnight on February 15, 2010.

The BMA has also added 13 new award categories to the list for this year's event, giving marketers even more opportunities to win. The new categories include: social media/new media; special event marketing; online marketing; podcasts and webcasts; new product launches; branding and re-branding; and advertising campaigns that feature broadcast, outdoor and online advertising.

For more information about the award categories, or to learn about Bell Awards judges, visit www.BMABellAwards.com.

BMA offers special discount offer to companies that submit multiple entries

Back again this year, the BMA is offering a special discount to those companies that submit multiple award entries: every company that submits four BMA Bell Awards entries will receive a fifth entry free of charge!

The BMA Bell Awards competition is available to all marketers in Southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. A BMA membership is NOT required for submission.

For more information about submitting award entries for the 2010 Bell Awards competition, visit www.BMABellAwards.com. Any questions regarding the BMA Bell Awards Entry Submissions can be directed to Siobhan Marks, BMA Bell Awards Chair, at smarks@xxlmd.com.

About the 2010 BMA Bell Awards:

This year's Bell Awards ceremony will take place at a new venue: the Potawatomi Bingo & Casino, located at 1721 W. Canal Street in Milwaukee. Appropriately themed "The Bell Lounge," the new venue will offer attendees an exclusive nightclub-like atmosphere. The BMA promises an exciting night of entertainment and celebration - "because your best work deserves to be recognized."

All entries will be shown at the awards ceremony with winning entries showcased in a special "Gallery of Winners" area at Potawatomi Bingo & Casino. After the ceremony, the winning work will be recognized and promoted using new social media marketing tactics, giving winners greater exposure beyond the ceremony itself. For more information about the ceremony, visit www.BMABellAwards.com.

About the Business Marketing Association:

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org.

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Business Marketing Association - Milwaukee Chapter is hosting a dinner presentation on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 that features General Electric's Jason Cordova, director of strategic marketing for GE, and his new techniques to acquire more reliable customer knowledge. Prior to the feature presentation, a Success Seminar will be held at 4:30 p.m. highlighting how a strong personal brand in today's tough economy is essential. Both events will take place at the Italian Community Center, located at 631 E. Chicago Street in Milwaukee.

Feature Presentation: (7:00 p.m.)

Best Practices in Acquiring B-to-B Customer Insight and Intelligence

Presented by Jason Cordova, Director of Strategic Marketing for General Electric - New York

At this month's feature presentation, GE's director of strategic marketing, Jason Cordova, will explore new techniques to acquire more reliable customer knowledge. He'll discuss how marketing, to influence behavior, has to be guided by an accurate understanding of the customer. Cordova will also explore if B-to-B marketers are truly getting into the minds of customers or just skimming the surface and at times potentially being misled.

Cordova is responsible for a number of key initiatives in his role at GE, including the management of efforts to grow segmentation/customer insights and how to manage the innovation process across the company. Prior to his current role, he served as manager of customer intelligence and is a graduate of the Experienced Commercial Leadership Program (ECLP) at GE.

Prior to joining GE, Cordova served as chief operating officer of Mentoring Minds, an educational publisher, where he was responsible for all marketing, sales, and operations activities. Cordova also spent time with IBM as a client executive for global enterprises in the manufacturing/distribution sector.  He holds a B.S. in Advertising/Public Relations and a M.B.A., both from Texas Christian University.

Success Seminar: (4:30 p.m.)

Presented by Robin Fisher Roffer, CEO & Chief Creative Officer of Big Fish Marketing - Los Angeles

In a tough economy, having a strong personal brand is essential to standing out from the pack and building value. During this success seminar, Fisher Roffer will discuss the eight steps she uses to create and evolve world-class brands like MTV and CNN, and how to apply this methodology directly toward development of their personal brands.

One of America's leading brand strategists, Fisher Roffer, CEO & chief creative officer of Big Fish Marketing, can help unearth what truly differentiates your company from the pack. Additionally, she helps cultivate a culture of fearless innovation that will propel your business forward even in these tough economic times. Fisher Roffer delivers her unique expertise in consulting sessions, keynote presentations, employee workshops and more.

Fisher Roffer's success seminar will be followed by a networking reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m. and the feature presentation at 7:00 p.m.

How to Register

BMA members and non-members are encouraged to attend. Cost for members is $55 for the full evening, $20 to attend the seminar only, and $40 for dinner program only. Cost for non-members is $75 for the full evening, $30 for the seminar only, and $55 for the dinner program only. The cost for full-time educators is $20 and $10 for full-time students (student spots are limited). Non-profit members are invited to attend the Success Seminar at member rates. All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About the Business Marketing Association:

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Business Marketing Association - Milwaukee Chapter is hosting a lunch presentation on October 8, 2009 that features Schneider Electric's unique approach to customer and market opportunity analysis - the "Opportunity and Fit" model. Tom Insprucker, worldwide director of web programs, will present a detailed explanation of how Schneider Electric approaches new customers, and how the "Opp-Fit" model has led to significant margin growth for Schneider Electric and other companies around the nation.

Feature Presentation: (12:30-1:30 p.m.)

"If the Customer Doesn't Fit, You Must Quit"

Presented by Tom Insprucker, Worldwide Director of Web Programs, Schneider Electric - Chicago, Ill.

At the presentation, Insprucker will explain Schneider Electric's homegrown strategy for evaluating new customer and market opportunities. Dubbed the "Opportunity and Fit" analysis, Schneider Electric's model assesses new customers and markets by analyzing how well they align with the company's strategic goals. Each opportunity receives a score, with the highest scores given to those in need of the exact offering that the company already provides - customers who spend the most money and cost the company the least to service.

The "Opp-Fit" approach has brought success to Schneider Electric's marketing strategies, including a 34 percent margin growth for Square D (now a subsidiary of Schneider Electric) in one year. The model has since been benchmarked by the Marketing Leadership Council, enabling companies around the country to share in Schneider Electric's success. Seven years after the Council posted an online case study about the model, it still remains among the top five percent of the most downloaded reports available. (The Council offers members more than 4,000 case studies for download.)

Insprucker joined the Schneider Electric team in 1985 and has held several leadership positions with the company, including vice-president of marketing, global vice-president of e-business, and director of OEM marketing. Today, he is responsible for leading the development, coordination and execution of priority web business programs for Schneider Electric's customers in 130 countries, as well as the company's business units worldwide.

A guest lecturer at North Carolina State and DePaul University and a member of the American Marketing Association's Speakers Bureau, Insprucker has more than 30 years of experience in marketing, advertising, radio and public relations.

Lunch and networking will take place prior to Insprucker's feature presentation, which will begin at 12:30 p.m.  Lunch will be served at noon, and attendees are encouraged to arrive at 11:30 a.m. for professional networking.

How to Register

BMA members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend. Cost is $40 for members, $55 for non-members. Full-time students can attend the meeting for $20, and BMA affiliate students can attend for $10 (student spots are limited). All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About the Business Marketing Association:

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit

www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (September 16, 2009) - The Business Marketing Association - Milwaukee Chapter welcomes a new President and Board of Directors for the beginning of its 2009-2010 program year. Joe Konop, Marketing Manager for Menomonee Falls-based Alto-Shaam has been elected President and will lead the new Board of Directors throughout the program year.

Joining Konop on the Board of Directors are officers Andi Kneeland of Johnson Controls as President-Elect, Lisa Stich of Pentair Water as Secretary/Treasurer, and Karen Conrad of Johnson Controls as the Immediate Past President.

The directors on the BMA board are marketing professionals Eric Vallee of Wennsoft; Noreen Fieber of Noreen Fieber Communications; Scott Baitinger of Mader Communications Group; Bonnie Hoeft of the Novo Group; Randy Will, Briggs & Stratton Corp.; Maureen Pauley, Johnson Controls; Tim Grove, Finn Digitial; Bethany Treichel, Brady Corporation; Joellen Bradach, Image Systems; Siobhan Marks, XXL Marketing+Design; Dee Jensen, Heritage Printing; and James Wolter, AJ Media LTD. Ilka Hoffins serves as the Administrative Executive for the BMA-Milwaukee.

For more information on the BMA's new Board of Directors, please contact Bethany Treichel at (414) 438-7067 or Bethany_treichel@bradycorp.com.

About the Business Marketing Association:

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit

www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Business Marketing Association - Milwaukee Chapter is kicking off another year of strong programming with its first meeting of the season on Thursday, September 10, 2009. An educational seminar on how to market successfully in a tough economy is followed by a feature presentation on micro business marketing from Best Buy - a Fortune 500 company and the largest specialty retailer of consumer electronics in the country. The meeting begins at 4:30p.m. at the Italian Community Center, located at 631 E. Chicago Street in Milwaukee.

Feature Presentation: (7:00 p.m.)

Micro-Business Marketing: Best Buy's Outreach to the Smallest of Small Business Owners

Presented by Chris Patka, Small Business Customer Team Director, Best Buy - Minneapolis, Minn.

The feature presentation for the evening will highlight Best Buy's recent marketing strategy to successfully leverage brand recognition in the relatively underserved small-business sector.  Patka and his team have reached out to micro and very small businesses - companies with one to 20 employees - through calls-to-action, list building, prospect identification and an integrated advertising campaign. Patka will share the tactics used to coordinate marketing, merchandising (both digital and physical), and online experiences targeting the micro-business customer, and how this work led to annual broad media advertising to small business customers, the inception of the "Professional Series" moniker, and the Small Business Center on BestBuy.com (www.bestbuy.com/business).

Patka has over a decade of experience in the retail sector, including multiple roles within the Customer Centricity initiative at Best Buy, as well as the original Asian international marketing strategy for the company. Prior to Best Buy, Patka worked at Accenture providing business development expertise to a variety of clients. Patka's expertise is focused on advertising effectiveness and advertising spend frameworks.

Success Seminar: (4:30 p.m.)

How to Market Successfully in a Tough Economy

Presented by Ian Heller, Senior Partner, Real Results Marketing - Boulder, Colo.

The success seminar jumpstarts the evening with a presentation from marketing consultant Ian Heller discussing how companies can successfully market in tough economic times.  Heller will share the results from a recent online survey of nearly 200 marketing leaders from around the country that share insights, experiences and specific tactics that these leading marketers are using to grow market share during this recession - and what they're doing to position their companies to grow when the economy improves.

In addition to the survey results, Heller will share experiences from his own past, having served as the top marketing or e-commerce executive for W.W. Grainger, Inc., Corporate Express, GE Capital Rail and Newark Electronics.  Heller is the founder of Real Results Marketing, Inc. and the author of the upcoming book Eat What You Kill Marketing, which outlines how to make the marketing function a profit center of an organization.

Heller's success seminar will be followed by a networking reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m. and the feature presentation at 7:00 p.m.

How to Register

BMA members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend. Cost for members is $55 for the full evening, $20 to attend the seminar only, and $40 for dinner program only. Cost for non-members is $75 for the full evening, $30 for the seminar only, and $55 for dinner program only. The cost for full-time educators is $20 and $10 for full-time students (student spots are limited). Non-profit members are invited to attend the Success Seminar at member rates.  All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.  Prices subject to increase after September 7^th.

About the Business Marketing Association:

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - The Business Marketing Association/Milwaukee Chapter will host an educational seminar and dinner presentation on Thursday, May 14, 2009, for all interested professionals, including non-members.  The meeting will be held at the Milwaukee Athletic Club located at 758 N. Broadway in Milwaukee.

Feature Presentation

Jeff Hayzlett, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Eastman Kodak Company, will present the feature program, The New Kodak, revealing how the company is successfully transforming itself into a leader in imaging innovation and will share his perspective on what it takes to succeed in the digital age.  Hayzlett, who leads Kodak's worldwide marketing operations, is recognized as an international marketing expert in numerous books, magazines and newspapers, has been featured on several television programs such as NBC's Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump.  He is also the recipient of countless global awards, including the Frost & Sullivan Lifetime Achievement Award for marketing and BtoB Magazine's "Business to Business Marketer of the Year."  Hayzlett currently chairs the BMA Board of Directors.

Success Seminar

The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with a Success Seminar, Connect the Dots Networking - How to Get More by Asking for Less and Doing More for Others, featuring Hank Blank, president of the advertising, public relations and marketing solutions company, Hank Blank Inc.  Blank will outline how to stay at the forefront of contacts' minds and avoid common networking mistakes in a world where 70 percent of all jobs and new business comes from referrals.   Having been featured on CBS Market Watch, Forbes.com and as a speaker at numerous national seminars, Blank brings 25 years of expertise to his networking seminars and training programs. His seminar will be followed by a networking reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m. and the feature presentation at 7:00 p.m.

Members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend. Cost for members is $55 for the full evening, $20 to attend the seminar only, and $40 for dinner program only. Cost for non-members is $75 for the full evening, $30 for the seminar only, and $55 for dinner program only. The cost for full-time educators is $20 and for full-time students is $10; Students may attend their first meeting at no cost, however student spots are limited. Non-profit members are invited to attend the Success Seminar at member rates.  All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About The Business Marketing Association

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit

www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - The Business Marketing Association/Milwaukee Chapter held its annual Bell Awards celebration April 7, 2009 at the Italian Community Center. The Bell Awards recognize area companies and creative firms that achieve excellence in the production of materials or development and execution of programs that promote products or services to a business audience.

The awards banquet was unique this year as it shifted to a technology-driven 2.0 program. From communications and marketing to judging and presentment, the entire program was conducted digitally. Enforcing the 2.0 theme, over 300 attendees browsed nearly 300 entries electronically on large plasma screens and selected their favorite entry on a touch screen monitor, determining the People's Choice award.

A total of 30 Bell awards were presented to companies whose entries placed best in each of 33 categories, and 53 Excellence awards were given to companies who exhibited outstanding work in B-to-B marketing.

The BIG winner for the evening was Nelson Schmidt who took home a total of eight Bell awards and two Excellence awards. Nelson Schmidt also took home Best of Show for the "Paid by ADP" campaign for ADP Small Business Services. Johnson Controls and agency Marx McClellan Thrun won the People's Choice award for the "Think Customer" campaign in the online communications division category. Other Bell award winners for the evening included Avicom Marketing Communications, Bader Rutter & Associates, Branigan Communications, Core Creative, Cramer-Krasselt, Derse, Exhibit Systems, Finn Digital, Fullhouse, Johnson Controls, JWD-Creative, LePoidevin Rickinger Group, Mader Communications Group, Marketing Images, Marx McClellan Thrun, McDill Design and THIEL Design.

A complete list of winners will be available on the BMA Web site at www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - The Business Marketing Association's Young Professionals Group (BMA YP) presents "Brewing a Recipe for Success at MillerCoors" on Thursday, March 26, 2009.  Milwaukee's iconic brand, MillerCoors wants to give young professionals the inside scoop on how community relations and brand public relations impacts their business.  A team of two, dynamic presenters will share the information YPs will want to know to expand their professional development.

Tami Garrison, Community Affiars Manager, MillerCoors will explain how getting involved in the comunity opens doors for young professionals and also makes a difference to the company's bottom line.  Tom Ryan, Economy Brand Public Relations Manager, MillerCoors will discuss the importance of brand PR and the role young professionals play from the consumer and employee standpoint.

Enjoy networking with other young professionals beginning at 5:00 p.m., the presentation at 6:00 and more networking until 7:30.  Attendees will be able to enjoy complimentary beer sampling throughout the evening and appetizers during the networking hour.

Cost for BMA members is $10 and cost for non-members is $15.  All attendees must register at www.bma-milwaukee.org.  The event will be held at Frederick J. Miller Pub, 3939 W. Highland Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53208.  For more information, contact Maureen Pauley at Maureen.A.Pauley@jci.com.

BMA YP is the young professionals group of BMA Milwaukee.  BMA YP was created by young professionals who want to take their careers to the next level through networking.

MILWAUKEE - The Business Marketing Association/Milwaukee Chapter will host an educational seminar and dinner presentation on Thursday, March 12, 2009, for all interested professionals, including non-members.

Feature Presentation

The feature program, Bridging the Sales-Marketing Gap, will feature CareerBuilder.com's Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Jason Ferrara, as he shares how creating a strong sales-marketing partnership played a key role in CareerBuilder becoming the largest online employment site in less than 5 years.  Ferrara will explain how CareerBuilder developed its B2B marketing function into what it is today, as well as discuss the importance of using your brand, the benefits of regular corporate e-mails and nurturing the relationship between marketers and their sales force.

Success Seminar

The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with a Success Seminar, The Latest Trends in B-to-B Search Engine Marketing, featuring industry expert Jim Grinney, Co-Founder of Denver-based 90octane.  Grinney will highlight new search engine marketing strategies, including organic optimization and pay-per-click advertising, that help marketers connect with qualified prospects throughout the buying cycle.  With over 12 years of interactive marketing experience serving international and Fortune 500 companies, Grinney will share his insights into the increasingly more popular search engine optimization industry.  This is followed by a networking reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m. and the feature presentation at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Italian Conference Center located at 631 E. Chicago Street in Milwaukee.

Members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend. Cost for members is $55 for the full evening, $20 to attend the seminar only, and $40 for dinner program only. Cost for non-members is $75 for the full evening, $30 for the seminar only, and $55 for dinner program only. The cost for full-

time educators is $20 and for full-time students is $10; Students may attend their first meeting at no cost, however student spots are limited. Non-profit members are invited to attend the Success Seminar at member rates.  All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About The Business Marketing Association

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit

www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - On Tuesday, February 24, 2009, the Business Marketing Association/Milwaukee Chapter will host its third annual "lightning round" interview workshop for college students interested in careers in advertising, marketing, public relations, design and communication arts.

At the event, students will have the opportunity to sit down with marketing professionals for a series of 6-minute mock interviews.  Students will be asked a variety of "real world" questions to help them gain solid interviewing experience.  In addition, students can have their resumes critiqued and will learn more about opportunities available to them through the BMA, including the BMA scholarship, Road Shows and student affiliation.

A new addition this year will be the opportunity for students to ask questions of members of BMA YP - the Business Marketing Association's group for young professionals - about how to get that first job in marketing.

"For the past couple of years we have been pleased to host our student interview workshop as a valuable networking opportunity connecting college students and local business marketing professionals.  This event offers a 'real world' link between the academic and professional worlds where students may gain solid interviewing experience and immediate feedback for their future job searches," said Joette Rockow, BMA Milwaukee University Outreach Committee Co-Chair.

The event will be held at The Eisner Museum of Advertising & Design, 208 N. Water Street in Milwaukee, from 5:30-7:30 PM on February 24, 2009.  Student attendees must register online at www.bma-milwaukee.org by February 23, 2009.  The cost is $10 for all attendees.

About The Business Marketing Association

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-

business marketers and communicators.  The organization develops and delivers benefits such as career services, information, skill enhancement, and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers.  For more information on BMA Milwaukee, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - The Business Marketing Association/Milwaukee Chapter will host its annual Bell Awards ceremony Tuesday, April 7, 2009 - however, this year it comes with a 2.0 twist.  Just as marketing strategies have evolved in response to the explosion in user-generated content, blogging and social media, so have the BMA Bell Awards.

This year, BMA Bell Awards will shift the entire awards process to a technology-driven program.  Instead of using traditional direct mail pieces to generate awareness of the program, all promotions, communications and submissions will occur online making entering work simple, easy and paperless.  For the first time, the distinguished judging panel, comprised of advertising and marketing professionals from across the United States, will review and judge entries online. And that's just the beginning.  At the awards program, all entries will be displayed electronically for guests to enjoy.

"As the leading BtoB marketing resource in the Milwaukee area, we are participating in the technology evolution that is transforming our industry.  All aspects of marketing from advertising and public relations to printing and production are becoming more interactive and rules are changing every day.  We want to show the Milwaukee business community that BMA Milwaukee is changing the rules too - allowing businesses and agencies to rediscover, redefine and rethink how we communicate together," said Karen Conrad, President of BMA Milwaukee.

Entries can be submitted online at www.bmabellawards.com until February 24, 2009.  The innovative awards ceremony will take place Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at the Italian Community Center located at 631 E. Chicago Street.  Registration to attend the awards show will be available online shortly.

About The Business Marketing Association

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - The Business Marketing Association/Milwaukee Chapter will host a lunch program on Thursday, February 12, 2009, for all interested professionals, including non-members.

The feature program, Managing and Reinventing Global Icons, will be presented by Sean Dee, Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer of Hard Rock International.  Dee will share how Hard Rock International has grown its brand portfolio, distribution, revenue and scope while remaining an authentic and credible force in music, entertainment, philanthropy and pop culture. He will provide insights into Hard Rock's brand heritage and evolution in its 38-year history from a single London café to a global multi-billion dollar hospitality brand. Dee, who has also served as Vice President of Marketing and Global Marketing Director-Media with Levi Strauss & Company, will share the fundamental success factors marketers need to help keep their brands fresh, relevant and iconic.

The program will begin with a networking reception at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon and the feature presentation at 12:30 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Italian Conference Center located at 631 E. Chicago Street in Milwaukee.

Members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend. Cost for the lunch program is $40 for members, $55 for non-members, $20 for full-time educators and $10 for full-time students.  Students may attend their first meeting at no cost, however student spots are limited. All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About The Business Marketing Association

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - The Business Marketing Association/Milwaukee Chapter will host an educational seminar and dinner presentation on Thursday, January 8, 2009, for all interested professionals, including non-members.

Feature Presentation

The feature program, What Does the World Think of Your City? Case in Point-Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid, will begin with Dennis Vicchiarelli, Managing Director, and Carolyn Kae Phillips, Director of Strategic Initiatives of World Business Chicago sharing how this economic development organization dedicates a mix of operations - research, strategic planning, business development and marketing communications - to help position the Windy City at the center of the world economy. Mark Mitten, Chief Brand Officer, Chicago 2016, will then tell the story behind Chicago's marketing strategies and tactics to be selected as Host City for the 2016 Summer Olympics and provide an up-to-date account of progress and what remains in the bid process.

Success Seminar

The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with a Success Seminar, Why Multichannel is the Future of Business Marketing Communications. Speaker Ron Jacobs, President of Jacobs & Clevenger, Inc. will help marketers understand the complex communication channels customers are increasingly using to make purchase decisions. He will share effective tools and techniques to plan, create, execute, and analyze emerging multichannel programs that are needed to create, keep and win-back customers.  He will also discuss how to integrate offline, online and hybrid channels while measuring success using Key Performance Indicators.  This is followed by a networking reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m., and the feature presentation at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Italian Conference Center located at 631 E. Chicago Street in Milwaukee.

Members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend. Cost for members is $55 for the full evening, $20 to attend the seminar only, and $40 for dinner program only. Cost for non-members is $75 for the full evening, $30 for the seminar only, and $55 for dinner program only. The cost for full-time educators is $20 and for full-time students is $10; Students may attend their first meeting at no cost, however student spots are limited. Non-profit members are invited to attend the Success Seminar at member rates.  All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About The Business Marketing Association

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit

www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - The Business Marketing Association/Milwaukee Chapter today announced it will host its third annual Fall student networking event for college students interested in advertising, marketing, public relations, design and communication arts on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Libiamo's Restaurant in Milwaukee.

At the event, students will be able to have questions answered from Milwaukee-area marketing professionals about what to expect when entering the "real world."  Students will be able to learn first hand some of the ins and outs of interviewing, internships and how to prepare for the first day on the job.  In addition to networking with industry professionals, students will also have the chance to learn more about opportunities available to them through the BMA, such as the BMA Road Show, scholarships, mentoring and other BMA affiliations.  As an added bonus, there will be an authentic Italian meal from Libiamo's Restaurant and great door prizes, such as Admirals tickets and gift cards to iTunes, Starbucks and Best Buy.

"We look forward to this event every year.  It is part of BMA's mission to educate college students about the opportunities they have here in Milwaukee upon graduation.  Through our networking events, we help bridge that gap and ease the transition from graduation to the professional world by offering students the opportunity to network with area professionals and learn how to prepare themselves for that next step," said Joette Rockow, BMA Milwaukee University Outreach Committee Co-Chair.

The event will be held at Libiamo's Restaurant in the heart of Schlitz Park of Downtown Milwaukee, 221 W. Galena Street.  Networking will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a brief presentation by Dan Austin, Director of Public Relations, Stir, LLC.  Open-table group discussions and face-to-face networking will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Pre-registration is required.  Student attendees must register online at bma-milwaukee.org/students by Monday, October 27.  The cost is $12 for all attendees.

About the Business Marketing Association

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators.  The organization develops and delivers benefits such as career services, information, skill enhancement, and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers.  For more information on BMA Milwaukee, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - The Business Marketing Association/Milwaukee Chapter will host an educational seminar and dinner presentation on Thursday, November 13, 2008, for all interested professionals, including non-members.

Feature Presentation

The feature program, HelloMoto: Motorola Puts Its B2B Marketing Online, will be presented by Eduardo Conrado, Corporate Vice President, Global Business and Technology Marketing and Communications, Motorola Corp.  Conrado, one of BtoB Magazine's Who's Who in B-to-B 2008, will discuss how he is leading the shift of Motorola's marketing mix from traditional methods to more than 50% online marketing for two of Motorola's three primary businesses - Home & Networks Mobility and Enterprise Mobility Solutions - with combined revenues of more than $18 Billion.   Conrado has redirected Motorola's marketing team to revolve more around customer segments rather than business units and is known around the world for his innovations in communication.  This presentation will center on how Motorola is focusing their online marketing strategy on the development of thought leadership campaigns through the use of search engine marketing, videos and other interactive marketing tactics to influence B2B technology buyers.

Success Seminar

The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with a success seminar, SEO Demystified: Unveiling the Secrets to Ranking High, featuring speaker Jen Keller, Search Engine Optimization Specialist, Fullhouse Interactive.  This seminar will provide a practical and easy-to-understand explanation on the essentials of search engine optimization.  After this seminar you'll never "Google" the same again!  This is followed by a networking reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m., and the feature presentation at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Milwaukee Athletic Club located at 758 N. Broadway in Milwaukee.

Members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend. Cost for members is $55 for the full evening, $20 to attend the seminar only, and $40 for dinner program only. Cost for non-members is $75 for the full evening, $30 for the seminar only, and $55 for dinner program only. The cost for full-time educators is $20 and for full-time students is $10; Students may attend their first meeting at no cost, however student spots are limited. Non-profit members are invited to attend the success seminar at member rates.

All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, Executive Administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About The Business Marketing Association

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit

www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - The Business Marketing Association/Milwaukee Chapter will host a lunch presentation on Thursday, October 9, 2008, for all interested professionals, including non-members.

Feature Presentation

The feature program, Creating a Word of Mouth Movement that Lasts, will be presented by Spike Jones, Firestarter™, Brains on Fire.  Jones will discuss how to leave behind the old mentality of campaign thinking in exchange for reframing the conversation with your customers.  He will discuss what being a part of a long-term, sustainable fan-led movement is really all about. Jones will also emphasize the importance of building relationships with customers and how to create a movement in your desired direction. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a networking reception, followed by lunch at 12:00 p.m., and the feature presentation at 12:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Italian Community Center located at 631 E. Chicago Street in Milwaukee.

Members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend. Cost for members is $40 for the lunch presentation and $55 for non-members. The cost for full-time educators is $20 and for full-time students is $10; Students may attend their first meeting at no cost, however student spots are limited.

All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About the Speaker and Brains on Fire

Spike Jones graduated from Baylor University with degrees in Environmental Studies and Journalism. He has been with Brains on Fire since 2000.  Jones also serves on the Board of Directors for the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA).  Brains on Fire is located in Greenville, S.C., and is the identity company dedicated to helping organizations discover and sustain excitement about who they are and why they exist.  Clients include BMW, Fiskars Brand, Find Great People International, Rage Against the Haze and South Carolina's youth anti-tobacco movement to name a few. PQ Media has named Brains on Fire as one of the top word of mouth marketing firms today. For more information, please visit www.brainsonfire.com or its blog www.brainsonfire.com/blog.

About The Business Marketing Association

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill

enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit

www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - September 12, 2008 - The Milwaukee Chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA) welcomes a new President and Board of Directors for the beginning of its new program year.  Karen Conrad has been elected President and will lead the new Board.  Conrad is with Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls and serves as Senior Marketing Communications Manager, North America, Building Efficiency.

Joining her on the Board are Officers Joe Konop of Alto-Shaam as President Elect, Marvin Mason of C&H Distributors, LLC as Secretary/Treasurer, Wyatt Webb of Marketing Images as Vice President of Communications, Erica Conway of C2 Graphics Productivity Solutions as Vice President of Member Services, Andi Kneeland of Johnson Controls as Vice President of Fundraising and Lisa Stich of Pentair Water as Vice President of Education.

The Board's Directors include Jessica Vollrath, Vollrath Associates, Inc.; Joellen Bradach, Image Systems; Tim Grove, Finn Digital; Noreen Fieber, Noreen Fieber Communications; Dee Jensen, Heritage Printing; Siobhan Marks, XXL Marketing + Design; Bonnie Hoeft, Novo Recruiting; James Wolter, AJ Media LTD; Chris Vitrano, Nelson Schmidt; Joette Rockow, UW-Milwaukee and Maureen Pauley, Johnson Controls.

Mike Stefaniak of Zizzo Group Advertising and Public Relations is the Immediate Past President, and the Administrative Executive is Ilka Hoffins.

BMA is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators.   The organization develops and delivers benefits such as services, information, skill enhancement, and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers.   For more information on the BMA Milwaukee, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org.

MILWAUKEE - The Business Marketing Association/Milwaukee Chapter will host an educational seminar and dinner presentation on Thursday, September 11, 2008, for all interested professionals, including non-members.

Feature Presentation

The feature program, Global Re-branding for Sustainability, will be presented by Monica Levy, Executive Director, Branding and Corporate Communications, Johnson Controls, Inc.  Levy will discuss the major re-branding process Johnson Controls underwent beginning in 2006, and talk about how sustainability emerged as the pivot point around which their brand coalesced, and thus began a global realignment of the company's brand.  In May 2007, Johnson Controls rolled out its new vision, logo and brand identity during Vision Week, a global undertaking that reached the 125 countries Johnson Controls serves through approximately 1,300 offices plants and 140,000 employees.

Success Seminar

The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with a Success Seminar, "Brand Sharpening" on a Budget, with speaker Anne Curley, President of Curley Communication.  Curley will discuss her streamlined, cost-effective process to use insights on current "perfect-fit customers" to build stronger brand identities and value propositions.  This is followed by a networking reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m., and the feature presentation at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Italian Conference Center located at 631 E. Chicago Street in Milwaukee.

Members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend. Cost for members is $55 for the full evening, $20 to attend the seminar only, and $40 for dinner program only. Cost for non-members is $75 for the full evening, $30 for the seminar only, and $55 for dinner program only. The cost for full-time educators is $20 and for full-time students is $10; Students may attend their first meeting at no cost, however student spots are limited. Non-profit members are invited to attend the Success Seminar at member rates.

All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About The Business Marketing Association

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit

www.bma-milwaukee.org.