PPB March 2020

Department Spotlight: Marketing This is the 11th installment in a year-long series of department profiles to help readers learn more about the PPAI staff members who serve them. The Marketing Department , which includes the Association’s research division, acts primarily as an internal marketing agency developing and implementing marketing plans and strategies for the products and services of the various internal departments. The research division of marketing does “internal” research to assist with PPAI’s marketing initiatives and “external” research designed to help the PPAI members. The public relations department exists chiefly to increase the awareness and use of promotional products. It does so through outreach to buyer audiences. PR uses a multichannel approach to accomplish its goals, including media relations, social media, direct mail, end-buyer show participation and the production of research-based tools that distributors and suppliers can use to ultimately reach buyers. Amy Bramhall Marketing Manager “In my spare time, I like to read, play with other people’s dogs and collect shoes. I know approximately 15 dogs at my apartment complex and maybe five people.” Gage Chariton Senior Manager, Marketing “I am an eighth-generation Texan.” Dara Cormany Marketing Coordinator “I used to work for Southern Methodist University (SMU) as a student athletic trainer. I worked with the wide receivers and quarterbacks, giving them water and helping with rehab set by staff athletic trainers. I was lucky enough to attend three bowl games with SMU and have two bowl rings to show for it. I also had the pleasure of meeting George W. Bush when he would attend football practice and games. My favorite trip was going to the Hawaii Bowl and beating Fresno State, 43-10. It’s fun to watch reruns of the game and find myself on the sideline or on the field. Now, I enjoy watching the players who went pro after SMU.” Gretchen Demke Creative Services Manager “I enjoy seeking out creativity in unexpected places, like water meter covers, hooptie 114 | MARCH 2020 | CONNECT