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.

For the inaugural podcast, our presenter is  Dr. Franklin Schultz, who gave an engaging presentation on stress management.  The event was  hosted by the YMCA of West Central Florida, where attendees were treated to a delicious breakfast and a relaxing environment in which to learn about stress management.

Dr. Schultz clarified that our goal was not to eliminate stress, but to manage it.  He gave us a four step process for dealing with stress and encouraged us to practice it daily.  The very serious subject of stress (and the statistics about the damage it does to our bodies) was approached with an excellent balance of humor and relevant, helpful information.

Thanks to our podcasts, even if you could not attend, you can get all the great information for yourself!  You can play the presentation right from this window by pressing play below.  If you would like to subscribe to this and future podcasts, you can search the iTunes store for “Lakeland Chamber”.  For those of you using other devices, the feed can be found at http://blog.lakelandchamber.com/?feed=podcast.

If you are new to podcasting, there is excellent information available here.  We are looking forward to your feedback regarding the Chamber podcasts.  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them here or email Matthew at mwengerd@lakelandchamber.com.

Have you done your exercises today?