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

You may have seen the Chamber’s video livestream earlier this morning of Congressman Adam Putnam’s presentation at the Lakeland City Hall Commission Chambers.  If you would like to hear the audio from the Congressman’s presentation, you can play the mp3 below or follow our podcast at http://blog.lakelandchamber.com/?feed=podcast.

The Lakeland Chamber Podcast