Merrigan Emphasizes Local Business as AIBA President
January 28, 2009 by MaryEllen · Leave a Comment
“Local business always makes sense. It makes dollars and sense in a tough economic climate because statistics show dollars spent locally circulate more and thus mean more to the local economy.”
As this year’s president of the Albuquerque Independent Business Association, Mary Ellen Merrigan focuses on the power of grassroots. “The time to support each other is now,” she states. Small business owners need to band together. Business as usual is not a given.”
AIBA set a goal of 500 memberships, doubling in size for 2009. In response to a tightened economy, the group provided a stimulus with lowered membership pricing ($99) for the year. Value offerings for members include networking, educational events and advocacy.
Issues of particular concern include health care for small business; AIBA participates in a McCune Foundation study on that topic. The organization was also represented at the Mayor’s economic summit earlier in January.
The group sponsors “I Love ABQ” in February. Monthly think tanks serve as brainstorming opportunities for local members. A networking event each month is free to members as are monthly Lunch ‘N Learns which concentrate on web strategies.
AIBA is dedicated to preserving and improving Albuquerque’s unique character by supporting local, independent businesses. Mary Ellen serves as the fifth president. Other board members include: Mary Schmidt, immediate past president and special projects; F. Leroy Pacheco, The Loan Fund, vice president; Arian Gonzales, Cervantes Food Products and Martha Doster, Body Bueno, co-secretaries; Gail Martinez, Business Solutions, treasurer; Myra Ghattas, Slate Street Café, Marketing Chair; Ken Groggel, Designer’s Marketplace, sponsor coordinator; and D. J. Heckes, EXHIB-IT! Tradeshow Marketing, membership. Rebecca Dakota serves as Executive Director for the organization.
For a complete list of activities and information on joining the organization see keepitquerque.com.
Special Report About Online Media Rooms Posts on ProfitMeister Website
January 1, 2009 by MaryEllen · Leave a Comment
A Special Report, Tell the World! Step by Step to Publicity: The Starter Kit for Adding an Online Media Room, Press Room or News Center to Your Website, is now available in the resource section of ProfitMeister. Mary Ellen researched and wrote Tell the World in response to positive feedback as a result of presenting more than 10 Online Media Room Seminars.
The report emphasizes the ease of building an online media room and controlling your own publicity. While thousands of options exist for promoting your business, this one involves ideas you can implement that will work 24/7 on the Internet.
A 14-page document, Tell the World! contains examples of fact sheets, bio sketches, and news release calendars from projects produced by Connecting Point Communications during the past few months.
“Carpenters use the same basic tools – hammer, saw and nails – to produce dramatically different results. The same is true with Online Media Rooms. Use these three starter pieces and begin a more interactive communication with your prospects, customers, and potentially, the media,” Mary Ellen said.
Seminar participants frequently mention Mary Ellen’s easy-to-understand-style and practical information. One participant, Joan E Brugnone of Huggs and Friends said, “Very well presented especially to a media dummy.” Comments from other attendees include:
“I heard you speak about online media rooms at the Mile Hi Church Business Honoring Spirituality group last week. It was a great talk and I was inspired to set one up for the non-profit that I run (www.LifeSparkNow.org). I have created a fact sheet and I already have a couple of press releases.” Sandy Priester, www.LifeSparkNow.org
“Very good simple ideas that are easy to incorporate right now.” Miriam Ortiz y Pino, Professional Organizer http://www.morethanorganized.net/
“Presented key concepts of online media room and described its benefits. Presented “how-to” in a clear, non-threatening manner.” Sharon Steely, Sr. Graphic Designer, UNM (University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM)
“Mary Ellen’s program was clear and easy to follow. It was inspiring and practical.” Susan Zimmerman, artist
“Made me aware of where the info should be: new rules. High-priced advice and results at a bargain price!” Lawrence Kohlman, Owner, Kohlman Health
Keep abreast of all Special Reports from ProfitMeister.com by signing up for the free monthly newsletter. Access Tell the World! pdf now.