News Release

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2009

For more information contact
Marketing Strategies, Inc.
Denise Blackburn, APR or Sarah George, APR
(843) 692-9662
pr@marketingstrategiesinc.com

Myrtle Beach Ad Executive Presents Marketing Workshop

Myrtle Beach, SC--“Continue to consider all options in the marketing mix, and be efficient by ensuring that all communications are in line with your audience so that there is strategic consistency in how you are marketing online, in person and through traditional media.” Those are the words of Myrtle Beach ad executive, Denise Blackburn-Gay, President of Marketing Strategies, Inc., a marketing and public relations firm headquartered in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Blackburn-Gay recently concluded a two-part workshop for business owners throughout the Pee Dee.

Sponsored by Clemson University Extension Services, and held in conjunction with the Marion County Economic Development Commission and the Mullins and Marion Chambers of Commerce, the workshop series is intended to help small business owners during what has been described as ‘the toughest economic conditions in more than three decades’.  According to Beth Stedman, Program Coordinator, “Denise’s two-part workshop on advertising and public relations was the first in our series. Our topics are driven by the requests of area businesses and tend to reflect the current economy,” she said.  “Denise’s presentation was timely and well received.  She presented ideas that will help businesses thrive and not just survive,” she continued.

According to Blackburn-Gay, “Firms cannot afford to forego advertising during a recession. The key is to advertise more intelligently. With slight economic growth predicted for the second half of 2009, smart marketers will remain poised for the upturn.
A recession is a good time to shake up the status quo. It allows us to take a hard look at our priorities and strategize. Businesses should ask the following questions:  Is the critical task growing market share or increasing engagement?  Should I focus on maximizing the profitability of my existing client base or look for new markets?  Is my current marketing mix really the best use of my resources?  Are there new and more relevant ways to engage with my customers and potential customers?”

Denise Blackburn-Gay, APR is considered an industry expert on the subjects of marketing and public relations.  She was recently named President of the Marketing and Communication Agency Network, MCAN, one of the country’s oldest and most respected advertising/public relations trade associations.  She is available for consultations and speaking engagements and may be reached via email at denise@marketingstrategiesinc.com