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American Marketing Association Helps Members Grow
Personally and Professionally |
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Whether it’s
shooting pool, running relays, or visiting the Big Easy, the
American Marketing Association (AMA) at the University of South
Florida College of Business knows how to have fun while remaining
refined. After all, they were named one of the Most Outstanding
Collegiate Chapters by the National AMA for 2007.
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AMA members at the conference in New
Orleans |
Winning awards is something the AMA has
done well. In
their first year of entry into the Annual AMA Case Competition, they
placed in the top 16. The competition had the highest number of
entries ever, with quality that amazed the panel of judges.
The case required the student teams to develop a marketing plan to
rebuild New Orleans’s image as a travel destination for the 18-30
year old market. AMA also received one of 18 Undergraduate
Research Awards from USF for their hard work on this project; not
surprising considering the many opportunities members receive to
practice throughout the year.
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The AMA also
received a $1,000 community service grant from the national AMA
Foundation, one of just a handful of schools to receive
this notable award. “It is really an honor to have received the
grant,” said Marketing and International Business senior Carla
Castro, the group’s Vice President of Community Service. “We want
to do our part by working hard for the organization we have chosen.”
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The organization, All Sports, is a non-profit organization dedicated
to helping high school students recognize their potential. Founded
by former NFL player Tyrone Keys, All Sports aims to make college a
reality for students who may not believe higher education is within
their grasp. The program helps students obtain athletic and
academic scholarships and, in return, these new collegians tutor
middle and high school students.
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As marketing
students, the AMA members help the charity increase its name
recognition. They organized the upcoming ALL SPORTS BLITZ,
where members and other volunteers will visit Hillsborough County
high schools to help raise awareness. Members will speak with
students and advisors at these high schools, as well as distribute
brochures, hang posters, and generate “buzz” about the organization.
“We’re so excited,” said Castro. “It is a really good program and
an excellent opportunity to help the community as well as build our
resumes.”
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According to faculty sponsor and Marketing Instructor Victoria
Panzer, the AMA has set a goal to become the top AMA chapter in the
nation. Members are working impressively hard to achieve that
goal.
“Every year we benchmark off of previous successes, and consequently
are establishing protocols, events and value beyond my wildest
expectations,” said Professor Panzer.
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Panzer has
served as faculty advisor for ten years, and does so because of her
passion for adding value to the university experience. She enjoys getting to know the students, whom she described as “the best
of the best.”
Castro is one such student. Under her leadership, students from the
AMA have worked with a number of community activities. They worked
with the All Sport Community Service to assist with a marketing
campaign, co-sponsored the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life,
and participated in both the USF Dance Marathon and the Shriner’s
Hospital Fun Activity Week. They also worked with Junior
Achievement.
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AMA meetings are not complete without a guest speaker
from successful corporations such as H&R Block, Kraft, Busch Gardens
and The Tampa Tribune. These meetings are not only great networking
opportunities, but AMA members also have the chance to develop
marketing plans for many of these companies. "AMA is an organization
that really markets its students,” said Jamieson. “I am glad that I
have received the opportunity to take advantage of everything that
AMA has to offer me such as internships, full-time and part-time
jobs, amazing guest speakers, corporate tours, and community service
activities." |
“I am glad that I have received
the opportunity to take advantage of everything that AMA has to
offer me such
as internships, full-time and part-time jobs, amazing guest
speakers, corporate tours, and community service activities." |
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College
of Business Administration Quarterly Newsletter