When budgets shrink, marketing is often one of the first items to be eliminated.  At the Chamber’s April Business & Breakfast, attendees learned the importance of maintaining a marketing presence throughout tough times as well as free ways to make an impact.

CPS Investment Advisors sponsored the program, titled “Marketing in a Down Economy.”  CPS Regional Director of Retirement Services, Brian Mau, moderated a panel discussion and Q&A session with representatives from Madden, a brand identity firm in Lakeland.  President Steve Madden, Creative Director Allen Reed, and Creative Account Manager Michelle Ledford shared insights about national and local marketing trends and trendsetters.

A recurring theme of the breakfast was the importance of maintaining a marketing presence in order to gain marketshare.  The Madden team presented some great ideas for marketing outside of the proverbial box as well as some key ways to market at little to no cost.  In addition to using email blasts, attendees were encouraged to establish themselves as experts in their fields, use PR for free publicity, and implement or update customer referral programs.

Guests were treated to an excellent breakfast and beautiful scenery at the Grasslands Country Club.

For audio of the event, please download the second episode of the Chamber podcast or subscribe here.

The Lakeland Chamber Podcast

Tags: podcast

This entry was posted on Friday, April 17th, 2009 at 10:35 am and is filed under Announcements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.