Letter from the President

By Rose Fetter

As President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), it is my honor to welcome you to our website, and to our 2009-2010 program year. I am pleased to be associated with the wonderful group of professionals that comprise the membership of our Chapter, and look forward to a year of excellent business development and educational programs, as well as the development of new business relationships that invariably result from the interactive and collaborative environment that is inherent in our Chapter’s events.

Our theme this year, “Going Above and Beyond” addresses the challenging times faced by many businesses. While the economic downturn and its impact on the design and construction industry is unsettling we, at SMPS, believe in the resiliency of our business and know that most firms will survive and go on to prosper when the economy recovers. I want to remind our members that SMPS is here for you, and that even during these uncertain times there are countless opportunities and resources to tap into. For every challenge, there is a solution and, often, the toughest times can unearth our best thinking.

To our members, I ask you to consider how SMPS can help you -- whether with educational programs, sponsored webinars, membership drives, or socials. There is much we can do together without much cost to you. This year the Chapter will be reducing program costs by 20%. Hopefully, this will offset the cost to our members whose employers are reducing their budgets. In addition, the Chapter is waiving the cost for any unemployed member to attend our monthly programs, principals’ forums and marketing essentials. This added benefit will allow these individuals to network and seek employment opportunities.

To our sponsors, your support will help us continue to elevate the level of educational offerings, increase our membership, and heighten the awareness of SMPS as the premier A/E/C marketing organization in Philadelphia. Like the reduction in costs for our members, the Chapter will also be reducing sponsorship program costs by 20%. The Chapter understands that during the current economic crisis, firms must choose to spend their dollars wisely and we want your firm to gain optimal benefit and return on your investment.

The Philadelphia Chapter is committed to increasing the level of involvement of our members in all aspects of Chapter operations. We look forward to providing support and leadership opportunities to our members, and hopefully you will see the benefits of membership as we move ahead to our 2009-2010 program year and give back to our members during these anxious times.

Remember, this is an important moment for us to continue learning from you. If you have thoughts about unique programs we should offer or how we can improve our website, please contact me or any of our Board members. As always, we remain ever grateful to all of you who are advancing the mission of serving as a significant resource for the advancement of our individual members and member firms in the A/E/C environment. Thank you for your efforts – they are more important now than ever.

Finally, I want to thank this year’s Board of Directors for their unwavering support for our programs, members, sponsors, and mission.

With best wishes for much success in the year ahead,

Rose Fetter
President