Every city has a story. Atlanta lives it, breathes it, and invites you to walk through it.

As marketers, we spend our careers trying to build brands and marketing connections that resonate on a human level, brands that stand for something. During Black History Month, Atlanta offers us a masterclass in exactly that. And with one week left, there is still time to experience it firsthand. This month has been an invitation to engage with the places, the stories, and the living history that make our city one of the most important in the American narrative. Here are some places to experience Black history this month.

The original brand story

In the 1940s and 1950s, Sweet Auburn thrived, the result of community building, entrepreneurial grit, and a shared identity so powerful it created an economic engine despite Jim Crow-era segregation. Sweet Auburn was home to more than 140 Black-owned businesses, from the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, founded by former slave Alonzo Herndon, to The Atlanta Daily World, the nation’s first Black-owned daily newspaper. The Rucker Building, Atlanta’s first Black-owned office building. The Royal Peacock Club hosted everyone from B.B. King to Gladys Knight. These entrepreneurs built a brand ecosystem rooted in community and economic self-determination. That is a brand strategy that any modern marketer can learn from.

Today, you can visit the APEX Museum (African-American Panoramic Experience), the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History, the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, and the churches that anchored the community, including Big Bethel AME and Wheat Street Baptist Church. The International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, where the shoe prints of Rosa Parks, Andrew Young, Thurgood Marshall, and other heroes are set in stone, sits behind the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park visitor center.

The birthplace of a message

Black history in Atlanta begins with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Born at 501 Auburn Avenue in 1929, King grew up in the church, the community, and the tradition of moral leadership that Sweet Auburn cultivated. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park includes his birth home, the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he, his father, and his grandfather preached, and The King Center. King was one of the most effective communicators in American history. A message that is simultaneously personal and universally resonant is something every marketer aspires to create.

Freshly expanded and more story to share

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a destination that captures the intersection of history and storytelling. The Center reopened in November 2025 after a $58 million expansion that nearly doubled its size, adding 24,000 square feet, six new galleries, three classrooms, and two new wings: the Shirley Clarke Franklin Pavilion and the Arthur M. Blank Inspiration Hall. Its flagship gallery, “Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement,” has been reimagined with expanded interactive experiences.

We spoke with Tenisha Griggs, VP of Marketing at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, who shared, “Atlanta is the birthplace of the civil rights movement and is an ongoing narrative for civil and human rights. Part of the Center’s mission is to present a complete history through immersive, interactive exhibits, where people hear authentic stories.”

The marketer’s takeaway

Black History Month in Atlanta is an active experience. Every site, every story, every institution in this city reinforces that the most powerful brands are those built on authenticity, purpose, and the courage to tell stories that matter. Atlanta gave the civil rights movement its voice, its strategy, and its spiritual center. As marketers living and working in this city, we have the privilege of walking through that history. There is still time in this last week to learn and experience our Atlanta landmarks firsthand.

About the Author

Victoria Jones is the founder of Brand Anthem, a fractional CMO and brand strategy firm serving mid-market, PE-backed, and founder-led B2B organizations. With 25+ years of marketing leadership spanning Fortune 500 companies, marketing agencies, and board positions, she specializes in helping companies build growth narratives and go-to-market strategies that drive measurable results. 

If there’s one thing marketers have learned over the past few years, it’s that the ground beneath us keeps shifting. But 2026 feels different. This isn’t a year of wholesale disruption. It’s a year of decisive action. The questions that have been swirling – how to operationalize AI, where discovery is heading, what role experiences should play, how to build trust in a skeptical world – are demanding not just answers but action.

We asked five senior marketing executives across Atlanta what’s shaping their strategies this year. What emerged was a strikingly unified vision, even across different industries. Here’s what they’re seeing, what they’re betting on, and what it means for the rest of us.

AI Gets a Real Job

The AI hype cycle may have peaked. Now comes the harder work: making it useful. According to Forrester, only about a third of employees feel confident adapting AI systems for work. With marketing being one of the professions at the forefront of AI adoption, that’s a gap marketing leaders are closing rapidly, moving AI from experimental toy to embedded teammate.

Jackie Choice, Senior Manager of Marketing at AJC Ads, puts it simply: “Casual use of Gen AI doesn’t feel like an advantage anymore. In 2026, the shift is embedding it consistently to improve speed, personalization, and decision-making without sacrificing brand judgment or quality.”

That sentiment is echoed across the board. At Truelio, AI is being deployed for real-time media optimization and predictive analytics. At G2, teams are moving from chatbots to automated workflows that boost productivity without replacing people. The common thread? AI is finally being treated as infrastructure, not innovation theater.

But as Patrick Blanchard, VP of Partner Solutions at Truelio, notes: “As AI accelerates execution, human judgment, taste, and strategic clarity become more, not less, valuable.” Smart teams are using AI for horizontal scale (breadth, variation, speed) while human talent goes vertical (strategy, creativity, emotional connection).

From SEO to AEO

Gartner predicts traditional search volume will drop 25% by 2026, thanks to GenAI solutions. Nearly 60% of Google searches already end without a click. The era of ten blue links is fading.

Enter AEO: Answer Engine Optimization. Palmer Houchins, VP of Marketing at G2, is betting big: “We are moving from an SEO era to an AEO one. We’re investing more into AEO, both in terms of content and measuring influence.” Success now means being cited as the trusted answer when someone asks ChatGPT or Perplexity a question.

The implications are profound. Success in 2026 won’t be measured by traffic alone, but by whether AI systems recognize your brand as the authoritative source worth citing. That requires structured, answer-ready content, consistent entity information across your digital presence, and the kind of earned credibility that comes from third-party validation.

The Experience Economy Grows

In a world drowning in digital content, real-world experiences have become the ultimate differentiator. The experience category grew 10.5% last year to $128 billion, according to Ad Age. People are hungry for connection, and brands that deliver memorable moments are winning.

Keisha Taylor Starr, CMO of The E.W. Scripps Company, sees 2026 as a turning point: “This year will be the year of experience. The brands that win will be the ones creating experiences people actively seek out, turning marketing into an event audiences want to participate in.”

The Netflix House launch is the kind of example that shows where this is heading: brands moving beyond screens and scrolling to actively engage audiences in ways that drive culture. For marketing teams, this means thinking beyond impressions to impact.

And this isn’t just about B2C pop-ups and brand activations. It extends to B2B. Palmer Houchins notes G2 is investing heavily in in-person events – both large and intimate – because “you just can’t replicate the in-person experience.”

Authenticity and Integration

As AI floods the market with content, a countertrend is emerging. The brands that survive won’t be the ones that scream the loudest with AI-generated content but the ones that make people actually feel something.

Raj Choudhury, CEO of Alloy, frames this as an existential challenge: “Brands are losing their soul by over-indexing on efficiency. The winners won’t be those who scream the loudest with AI-generated content, but those who use story-driven purpose to weave a central narrative that actually makes people feel something.”

Choudhury also sees the traditional divide between brand building and performance marketing collapsing: “You can no longer afford to treat them as separate stages of a funnel. Storytelling must drive immediate action, and performance tactics must build long-term brand equity simultaneously.”

Jackie Choice echoes the trust imperative: “Audiences are more fragmented and skeptical, making credible environments, first-party data, and authentic partnerships far more valuable than raw reach.”

First-Party Data and Community for Growth

First-party data has become foundational. Even though Google has delayed its cookie deprecation timeline, Safari and Firefox already block third-party cookies and the privacy landscape keeps tightening. According to Digiday, 71% of publishers now recognize first-party data as a key source of positive advertising results, and 85% expect its importance to grow in 2026.

Patrick Blanchard calls this a strategic priority: “Building stronger relationships through reliable, privacy-forward data collection supports more accurate measurement and more meaningful personalization across channels.”

Meanwhile, Palmer Houchins sees community as a growth lever: “Branded communities, peer-to-peer advocacy, customer advisory boards: third-party voices carry disproportionate influence, especially in B2B purchase committees. Communities extend retention and advocacy.”

Team Evolution

All of these shifts require new capabilities, new mindsets, and new ways of working. Our contributors described teams that are upskilling on AI, breaking down channel silos, and building muscle in areas (like experiential marketing) that demand both strategic thinking and hands-on execution.

Raj Choudhury’s philosophy captures the direction: “Scale horizontally with software, scale vertically with human intellect.” AI handles the breadth; humans focus on strategy, problem-solving, and emotional connection.

Keisha Taylor Starr offers a concrete example of this evolution in action: “We have continued to broaden the expertise of our internal event marketing team to build not only B2B, but also B2C activations. We are also actively engaging external agencies to support our growth in this area.”

The Year Ahead: Decisive Action

The single theme across these conversations: 2026 rewards marketers who act decisively on what they already know. The trends aren’t new. The question is whether you’re moving from experimentation to execution.

• AI needs to become operational.
• Discovery is shifting from search to answer engines.
• Experiences matter more than impressions.
• Authenticity beats volume.
• First-party data is your foundation.
• Community builds loyalty and influence.

The marketers who build their strategies accordingly won’t just survive 2026, they’ll define it.

• • •

Thank you to our contributors: Patrick Blanchard (VP, Partner Solutions, Truelio), Jackie Choice (Senior Manager, Marketing, AJC Ads), Raj Choudhury (CEO, Alloy), Palmer Houchins (VP of Marketing, G2), and Keisha Taylor Starr (CMO, The E.W. Scripps Company).

For nearly two decades, Georgia’s film tax credit has been the catalyst that turned this state into a $4 billion entertainment powerhouse. What started as a policy play has become a cultural crescendo – with studios, soundstages and a world-class crew that rivals anywhere in the country.

While the tax credit has always extended beyond film and TV, commercial and branded projects still remain a small minority of total certified productions. This imbalance seems to suggest a narrative challenge – that while Atlanta is synonymous with film and TV, many brands and agencies may not realize the same infrastructure can serve commercial work as well.

And now, the opportunity ahead isn’t just to use the credit – it’s to use it with intention.

Why This Matters for Brands

For brand leaders, this is more than a tax discussion. It’s a creative strategy session with real dollars on the line. Producing in Georgia could cut net spend by up to 20%. That’s real budget which can be reinvested back into creative, media campaigns or the community.

But here’s the key: it’s not about chasing discounts. It’s about building ecosystems. When brands produce locally, they tap into world-class crews, editors and post-houses – the same people behind some of the biggest entertainment franchises on Earth. And they are giving back to the city that raised them.

For Agencies: Turn Policy into Pitch Power

Agencies have the opportunity to flip the script. The smartest shops are already reframing this as a strategic differentiator, not just a rebate line item. It’s time for Atlanta’s agencies to act like the powerhouses that they are – remixing what it means to be a creative capital.

Imagine a new playbook where every campaign brief includes:

A local production partner

A tax credit item that can unlock up to 20% savings

A built-in sustainability story rooted in community reinvestment

That’s how we make Atlanta the #1 commercial production hub in the country. Not by talking about the potential, but by acting on it.

The Culture Multiplier

What happens when film meets marketing in Georgia? You get a creative ecosystem that runs year-round. Film crews find new work streams. Fortune 500 companies discover new storytelling muscle. Students from universities like SCAD, Spelman and GSU see a future that doesn’t require moving to LA, New York or Chicago.

This is more than economic development, it’s cultural development. The tax credit becomes a tool not just for production, but for belonging. It keeps talent home, fosters new collaborations and builds a creative identity that’s undeniably Southern, endlessly innovative and globally competitive.

Navigating the Tax Credit

Understanding Georgia’s film and entertainment tax credit can be a daunting task – full of  fine print, qualifying thresholds and timing rules that can make or break eligibility. That’s where partners like Three Point Capital (TPC) can provide support.

As one of the leading advisory firms in production finance and tax incentive strategy, TPC helps brands, agencies and production companies translate policy into practice, ensuring every qualifying dollar is accounted for, certified and maximized. Led by experts like Charli Traylor, the team guides clients through everything from pre-certification planning and budget structuring to post-audit compliance.

Partners like TPC allow brands and agencies to focus on the creative by taking the complexity off their plates.

If the South’s Got Something to Say, Now is the Time to Say It

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) has posted proposed amendments to the Film Tax Credit rules which could narrow existing eligibility formats.

The GDEcD will host its virtual hearing on Friday, December 5 from 3:00-3:30pm EST and the public comment period is open. This is the moment for marketers, producers and brand leaders to make their voices heard and ensure that the commercial marketing formats under review will remain a part of the incentive that built Atlanta’s creative foundation.

This public hearing isn’t just about line items and definitions; it’s about who gets to tell stories here, and how much creative capital stays local.

Information about the GDEcD’s proposed rules, how to submit a public comment and how to attend the virtual hearing on December 5th: https://georgia.org/film/rules

Keep it Local. Keep it Legendary.

Atlanta has already proven it can dominate entertainment. Now it’s time to own the content economy – the ads, campaigns and branded moments that drive business every day.

The infrastructure is built.

The talent is here.

The opportunity is real.

What we need now is alignment: brand leaders who see policy as possibility and production as partnership.

The next great campaign could be made right here, under Georgia’s own spotlight.

Because in Atlanta, we don’t just talk – we move, get out the way – and make it happen.

A City That Builds What Matters

Atlanta builds ideas, industries, and communities that reach well beyond the city skyline. It is a place where creativity and business move together, shaping how brands grow and how people connect.

Names like Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, UPS, IHG, and Georgia-Pacific are more than corporate landmarks. They are part of Atlanta’s cultural DNA. Each represents innovation, optimism, and community – qualities that continue to define the city’s marketing energy.

That same spirit runs through every campaign, startup, and creative partnership that takes root here. Atlanta brings together people who believe collaboration leads to impact. It is a city where strategy meets imagination and where creative ideas find both purpose and momentum.

Where Creativity Meets Commerce

Atlanta’s creative strength lies in how art and enterprise blend naturally. Local brands and agencies treat creativity as a way to solve meaningful challenges. They value storytelling that connects insight with empathy and scale with authenticity.

Across the city, collaboration fuels progress. Agency teams, university researchers, technologists, and filmmakers share space and ideas. Midtown coffee shops double as meeting rooms for global marketing leaders. The result is a culture that values both big thinking and close partnership.

Atlanta’s marketing community does not depend on any single industry or trend. Its creative rhythm reflects the city itself – diverse, adaptive, and forward-moving. The work produced here carries the honesty and warmth that come from a city proud of its roots yet always looking ahead.

A Community That Lifts Together

Community is Atlanta’s foundation. Collaboration is second nature, and it extends far beyond offices or events. The partnerships formed here between corporations, civic leaders, and nonprofits show that creativity thrives when purpose is shared.

AMA Atlanta is built on that belief. We exist to bring marketers together – to share knowledge, mentor new voices, and strengthen the creative network that powers this city. Every program, workshop, and event we host reflects one goal: to help Atlanta’s marketing professionals learn from one another and grow together.

What makes this community remarkable is its openness. Experienced leaders give their time freely. Startups learn from legacy brands. Agencies support one another’s ideas. The city’s marketing success has as much to do with generosity as with talent, and that combination continues to attract the next generation of creative leaders.

The Moment We Are In

Atlanta’s creative momentum has reached a new level of visibility. The city has become a gathering place for marketers who see opportunity in its mix of cultural influence and business leadership. The energy that has shaped Atlanta for decades is now visible on a national stage.

That recognition is reflected in Brandweek’s Why Atlanta Now session, hosted by AMA Atlanta at the Georgia-Pacific Center. Senior leaders from some of the city’s most respected organizations will explore how Atlanta continues to inspire global marketing innovation. The conversation affirms what our community already knows: Atlanta’s creative confidence comes from its people and the values they share.

This moment is not about discovery. It is about acknowledgment – of the work, collaboration, and commitment that have built Atlanta into a center for marketing excellence.

Defining What Comes Next

Atlanta’s story continues to evolve. Heritage brands and emerging startups are working side by side. Agencies are finding new ways to blend creativity with technology. Universities and civic groups are building programs that prepare future marketers for the realities of an AI-enabled, data-driven world.

For marketing leaders everywhere, Atlanta offers a glimpse of what modern brand leadership looks like. It proves that a creative city can also be a strategic one. It shows that innovation can grow from community, and that cultural awareness can strengthen commercial success.

At AMA Atlanta, we see that truth every day. The partnerships we help form and the conversations we host are reminders of what makes this city exceptional. Atlanta’s marketers are ambitious, collaborative, and grounded in purpose. They lead with ideas and back them with action.

Atlanta’s journey is one of progress – steady, confident, and collective. It is a reminder that when creativity is connected to community, marketing becomes more than communication. It becomes a way to inspire, to unite, and to build belonging.

Atlanta’s story is still being written, and every marketer here plays a part in shaping it. The world is paying attention because Atlanta has shown what happens when creativity, culture, and commerce move forward together.

Atlanta is the moment. And it continues to define what comes next.

Embarking on the journey of seeking a new opportunity in the marketing field requires a strategic approach and a lot of patience to land your ideal role. Here are seven things that you should know before embarking on your search for that next opportunity:

Craft Your Resume to Highlight Keywords 

The widespread use of AI in various sectors is evident, particularly in aiding the hiring process. AI assists by scanning resumes for specific keywords and streamlining the selection process for hiring managers and Talent Acquisition teams. This situation offers both an advantageous prospect and a potential obstacle for individuals seeking employment. The advantage lies in strategically incorporating relevant keywords and structuring your resume effectively. Although a human ultimately reviews your resume, the objective is to ensure it gets to the top of the “”stack.””

If you’re in a more creative role, the benefit is that humans will review your portfolio. Use black or white backgrounds for creative portfolios, so your work pops. Hiring managers won’t want to sift through a cluttered portfolio to find your gems—you need to lay it out so it’s easy to see your talents and past work.

Lean Into Your “Weaknesses”

The days of trying to spin your weaknesses into strengths or some kind of humble brag (“”You know, I just work too hard sometimes) are over. Most hiring teams (and professional recruiters) will see right through it. Instead, try a new approach: Lean into the things you’re not good at and address them head-on.

In Adam Grant’s book Think, he shares a story about a woman who wanted a Product Manager job but wasn’t remotely qualified for it based on the job description. Instead of first detailing her strengths that would transfer in the space (which she had many of), she talked about how she wasn’t the ideal candidate for the job but why they should consider her anyway. Describing her background and experience and how someone who didn’t necessarily match all of the qualifications would benefit the team worked out: She got the job.

The lesson: Will you be 100% qualified for every role you want? No. Should you still apply? Absolutely.

Never Assume (and get it in writing!)

No one likes making decisions under immense pressure, so when it comes to looking for a new job, if you have the option to look while you’re still employed, it’s always a better idea to do so if you can. Regardless of the circumstances, getting as much information as possible when looking at new jobs is critical to ensure you’re not making a decision you’ll regret. Assumptions are not your friend in the search process.

Interviewing can be a blur, especially when looking for your next move and under pressure from a time standpoint. Take notes, but get everything in writing. Did they say you could work fully remote? Confirm it! Did they tell you the salary was negotiable? That there’s a bonus structure? Get it all in writing. It’s never a fun time to get excited about an offer only to find out that they’re coming in below your asking, won’t allow you to work remotely, etc. And while we’re on the topic…

Ask for What You Want (and know your worth)

Be direct about what you want. Giving super broad salary ranges or saying you can make something work that will make your stress levels soar (like going into an office for five days with a horrendous commute) won’t serve you well.

Do research ahead of time. Talk to people in the same job in different industries. Run data. Ask recruiters for their insight.

Also, if you’re working with a Recruiter, ensure you know what you need and your career objectives for your next role. Clear expectations prevent disappointment on all fronts and prevent burned bridges in the future.

Never Quit on Your Worst Day

This is age-old advice that holds (in most cases). It’s less about a literal “”worst day”” and more about checking into what makes you dislike your job or feel it’s time to move on. It’s important to reflect and work to understand what you’re looking for in your next opportunity before you jump at the next thing to get out of your present job. Making a list, talking to people who have left your company, and speaking with your networks and Recruiters are all great ways to discuss what’s missing in your current role and verbalize what you need to clarify your thoughts and ensure you’re ready to move on.

Leverage Your Networks

Many people find jobs through networking. Much anecdotal evidence supports that networking is a powerful way to find your next role. But where do you start?

• Do a quick inventory: search your LinkedIn for former coworkers and contacts from college or grad programs. Make a list of everyone you’d feel comfortable reaching out to. Ask friends if they’ve heard of openings in your field. Take coffee meetings for exploratory conversations and proactive discussions before you ever need a job. Help other people when you can, and they will likely do their best to return the favor in the future.
• Make yourself easy to find. Ensure you have the Open to Work banner on your LinkedIn profile if you are out of work or have visibility turned on for Recruiters to see you’re open to a new opportunity if you’re still working. Many recruiters utilize these indicators on LinkedIn, so you will get noticed if you have them set accordingly.
• Industry-specific networking groups (like AMA Atlanta!) are also great starting places. There are often free or low-cost events you can attend where the sole purpose is to meet new people and forge new relationships. The AMA Atlanta Around Town events are excellent, casual ways to network with fellow marketers. Take advantage of those opportunities, and immediately follow up with those you meet via LinkedIn and email.

Consider Utilizing a Specialized Recruiter in Your Job Search 

Recruiters have a direct line to the hiring managers (in most cases) and insight into what they’re looking for. They also can offer a different perspective and represent the candidate better than a resume or portfolio of work can.

For example, we supported an e-commerce retailer searching for a new E-Commerce Marketing Manager. We presented several candidates, and the client said they did not want to interview one of them (who we will call Joe) due to their experience not aligning with their vision for the role. We pushed back, and the client said they’d give them a chance. After the interview process, the front-runner was clear: Joe. Not only did Joe get the job, but he was offered above asking.

The moral of the story? Recruiters are advocates. They are there to bridge the gap between the talent needed and a company’s overall vision for the role. They have a unique perspective that can help you get your resume to the top of the stack and challenge hiring managers with inaccurate assumptions.

The search for your next opportunity can feel like a job in itself. Don’t be discouraged. You are traveling a path that many have traveled; leverage the wisdom of those you know who have recently gone through the search process. You’ll be surprised how many people would love to share their advice on this topic – you need to ask!

———-

About the Author:

In the ever-changing world of marketing, mentorship plays a vital role in shaping the industry’s future leaders. It goes beyond simply sharing wisdom; it fosters a strong relationship that builds personal and professional growth. In this blog, we will highlight the perspectives of both a mentee and a mentor, sharing tips for a successful meeting and the elements that contribute to building a lasting mentor-mentee relationship.

From the Mentee’s Perspective: Preparing for the Meeting

1. Establish Clear Objectives: The initial step to prepare for a mentorship meeting involves establishing clear and attainable objectives. As a mentee, take the time to reflect on what you hope to achieve from the session. Are you in search of guidance on a specific marketing strategy, seeking career advice, or looking for feedback on a project? You can steer the conversation towards a focused and productive outcome by defining your goals.
2. Get Ready: Before the meeting, take some time to dive into your mentor’s background, achievements, and areas of expertise. By gaining insight into their journey, you show genuine interest and have valuable context to enhance your questions. Mentors appreciate mentees who come well-prepared as it demonstrates your initiative and respect for their time and expertise.
3. Embrace Openness and Receptivity: Approach the meeting with a curious and open mindset, ready to absorb new knowledge and perspectives. Embrace feedback, even if it may be challenging to hear. Constructive criticism plays a vital role in nurturing both personal and professional growth. Engaging in meaningful conversations, asking thought-provoking questions, and listening attentively to your mentor’s valuable insights will pay dividends. Remember, mentorship is a collaborative journey where both parties learn from each other’s unique perspectives.
   

From the Mentor’s Perspective: Guiding the Mentee

1. Foster a Supportive Environment: A great mentor understands the importance of creating a safe and welcoming space where the mentee feels comfortable sharing their challenges and aspirations. Encourage open communication and create an atmosphere of trust and understanding. Actively listen and empathize, fully grasping their perspective before offering guidance.
2. Provide Constructive Feedback: Honest, constructive feedback is incredibly valuable for a mentee’s growth. While praise boosts confidence, well-structured criticism is what drives improvement. As a mentor, it’s crucial to deliver feedback in a positive and supportive manner, focusing on specific areas for development and offering actionable suggestions. By balancing praise with areas for improvement, you help mentees understand their strengths while identifying growth opportunities.
3. Establish Realistic Expectations: Managing expectations in any mentorship relationship is essential. As a mentor, help guide your mentee by setting realistic and achievable goals. Break down larger objectives into manageable tasks, providing a clear roadmap for their journey. Encourage patience and perseverance, as success often comes through gradual progress. By setting attainable milestones, you inspire confidence and demonstrate your unwavering commitment to their growth and development.

Building a Lasting Relationship: A Mutual Endeavor

In marketing, mentorship goes beyond a professional partnership; it’s a relationship formed on mutual respect and shared aspirations. For both parties, building a solid relationship requires ongoing effort and dedication.

Mentees, remember to ask for guidance and keep your mentor updated on your progress. Show you value their time and insights and how their advice has influenced your decisions and projects. A heartfelt thank-you note can truly nurture this connection.

Mentors, make sure to stay connected with your mentees’ journeys. Regularly checking in and following up demonstrates your sincere interest in their growth. Celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small, and champion them through the challenges. Your support can be a foundation in their professional lives.

The mentorship journey is an exciting and mutually beneficial experience. By approaching meetings with clear objectives, active engagement, and genuine respect, both mentors and mentees contribute to a strong partnership. Remember, mentorship is not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about shaping the industry’s future, one meaningful connection at a time. So whether you’re a seasoned marketing professional or just starting your career, embrace the mentorship experience—a partnership that benefits everyone involved.

Author: Christine Elliott

Director, Sales & Marketing
TaxCredible

ATLANTA, March 31, 2023 – The 2023 Atlanta Marketer of the Year (AMY) Awards were presented at the 66th annual AMY Awards held on March 29, 2023, before a sold-out crowd at the Atlanta History Museum. Twenty-four outstanding marketers were acknowledged with the coveted AMY Awards Red Pencil, which represents the dedication and commitment it takes to produce award-winning creative.

Additionally, three individuals were awarded with the distinguished recognition of Marketer for Good, Volunteer of the Year and the AMA Lifetime Achievement Award. You can find a full list of our 2023 award winners below.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Moira Vetter, Founder & CEO, Modo Modo Agency

MARKETER FOR GOOD
Jo Ann Herold, Founder & Strategist, Herold Growth Consulting

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Robert Carnes, Marketing Manager, GreenMellen

ATLANTA MARKETER OF THE YEAR
Kris Delaney, VP of Marketing, Cobb Electric Membership Corporation (EMC)

ATLANTA RISING STAR AWARD

Tiffany Ujjin, Account Strategist, ModusMark

JANA FERGUSON MENTORSHIP AWARD: MENTOR

Joe Koufman, Found & CEO, Setup

JANA FERGUSON MENTORSHIP AWARD: MENTEE

Andre Medina, Program Manager, CX Strategy & Portfolio Management, Delta Air Lines

E-COMMERCE
CHOA: Heart Swap Foundation – The Partnership

BROADCAST

IHG Hotels & Resorts – Hotel Indigo: “So Much More to Discover” – Hothouse Inc.

EMAIL MARKETING
Driving Clicks for Parentseducation.com – Fire Bee

HEALTHCARE
Helping Georgia’s Medicaid Members Stay Informed & Stay Covered – Jackson Spalding

EVENT (B2B, B2C or NON-PROFIT)
ARIUM Presents Sounds of Summer 2022 – ARIUM

INFLUENCER

Living Real Change – Piedmont Healthcare

INTEGRATED CAMPAIGN: BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS

Integrated B2B Campaign to Establish & Amplify RentPath’s Complete Company Relaunch as “Rent.” – Rent.

INTEGRATED CAMPAIGN: BUSINESS-TO-CONSUMER

Leveraging Audience Insights for Big “Moves” to Gas South – Nebo

INTEGRATED CAMPAIGN: NON-PROFIT

Goodwill of North Georgia: Go Big on Good – Brunner

MULTICULTURAL ADVERTISING (B2B OR B2C)
Atlanta Housing Supplier, Diversity, and Inclusion Marketing – Atlanta Housing

OUT-OF-HOME (OOH)
IHG Hotels & Resorts: “Travel Like You Mean It” – Hothouse Inc.

PAID SEARCH/PPC

Saying “I Do” to Swan Coach House – Fire Bee

PRINT
Booster Impact Report 2021-2022 – Booster Enterprises, Inc.

Programmatic

First Watch Purple Haze Media Campaign – Vert

SEO
Atech Logistics SEO – GreenMellen

USE OF INNOVATION

RentSocial: TikTok Awareness Advertising for Multi & Single Family Real Estate – Rent.

USE OF PARTNERSHIPS

Alge Crumpler: Remaking a Pro – Emory Healthcare

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

First Watch Purple Haze Creator Campaign – Vert

VISUAL BRANDING/IDENTITY
State of Change – Piedmont Healthcare

WEBSITE/WEB CREATIVE

Driving Brand + Product Awareness with SnapAttack’s New Website – ModusMark

CONTACT: 

Evan Spessard

evan.spessard@newellco.com

About AMA Atlanta

AMA Atlanta is the go-to source for marketing knowledge, events, resources and networking in Atlanta.  We are the largest marketing organization in the city and one of the largest AMA chapters nationwide. That means AMA Atlanta members have access not only to an incredible amount of local talent, but also to the international reach of the entire AMA community.

Our members include professionals across the spectrum of the discipline: research, non-profit, public relations, advertising, branding, direct marketing, interactive, creative, multicultural and so much more.

For more information on AMA Atlanta, visit us at ama-atlanta.com.

Melissa and other honorees recognized at annual AMY Awards gala

May 25th, 2022

ATLANTA – The American Marketing Association’s Atlanta chapter (AMA Atlanta) announced that Melissa Proctor, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, has received the organization’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional professional achievements and contributions to the marketing industry in the city.

Melissa has held a series of senior leadership positions with the Atlanta Hawks, including responsibility for brand development and building marketing and business plans that advanced the organization’s long-term strategy. She began her career with Turner Broadcasting System, serving in brand development and strategy roles for Turner Entertainment Networks (TNT, TBS, Turner Classic Movies, truTV and Peachtree TV), Cartoon Network and Turner Media Group. She previously received the 2021 Adweek CMO Award and was named to Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list, among other honors.

Melissa accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Atlanta Marketer of the Year Awards (AMY Awards), AMA Atlanta’s signature event that celebrates the creative people and unforgettable campaigns that have achieved outstanding results in marketing during the preceding year.

In addition to Melissa, AMA Atlanta recognized other marketing leaders in the city:
● Shannon Watkins, global CMO, Jordan Brand at Nike, was named Marketer of the Year
● Joe Koufman, founder and CEO, Setup, was named Volunteer of the Year
● Keona Jones, social strategist, Havas Atlanta, was named Rising Star

AMA Atlanta also awarded AMY Awards to agencies and organizations for their outstanding campaigns. Winners included The A Pledge, Cxmmunity, Digital Additive, Emory Healthcare, FCB Chicago, Fire Bee, Havas Atlanta, Modo Modo Agency, Nebo, Pearl Agency, SCS, Tantrum Agency, The Coca-Cola Company, The Wilbert Group and YAH Agency.

About American Marketing Association’s Atlanta Chapter (AMA Atlanta) 
AMA Atlanta is the go-to source for marketing knowledge, events, resources and networking in metro Atlanta. Members have access to both local resources and the international reach of the entire AMA organization. Our members include professionals across the spectrum of the discipline: research, non-profit, public relations, advertising, branding, direct marketing, interactive, creative, multicultural and more. To join AMA Atlanta and/or view upcoming events, visit AMA-Atlanta.com.

Written by Ryan McSweeney, SEO Manager at Electric

Nearly every facet of marketing now lives online in one way or another. From lists of email contacts, to social media accounts, to the multitude of SaaS platforms that enable marketers to get their jobs done—it’s never been more imperative for marketers to ensure proper security protocols are in place to protect all these different digital elements. Marketing data is one of the core strategic data sets for any company. It must be kept secure.

There is a multitude of sensitive data that any marketer now encounters throughout any given day. It is essential to be mindful of cybersecurity because you are not just protecting your own data, but also that of your customers, partners, and fellow employees.

According to the Electric 2021 Cybersecurity Report, 96% of organizations have made at least some changes to their security strategy as a result of more people working from home during the pandemic. This is likely due to many employees working outside of traditional office environments. Because of this, the very device one works from has become increasingly important to secure.

We’ve compiled some tips for digital marketers to improve their cybersecurity posture and decrease the risk of a data breach at their organization.

1.    Automate Screen Lock on Your Devices

We recommend automating screen lock. This involves activating a computer’s sleep mode after being idle for a specified amount of time and prompts the user to re-enter their password upon returning. This helps ensure devices are not accessible if left unattended. We recommend automating screen lock after 10 minutes of idle time.

If a marketer leaves a device unlocked for even a moment while at an airport, coffee shop, or coworking space, that leaves a bevy of sensitive information available to whomever walks past. If a nefarious individual gains access to your computer, they may be able to start posting from corporate social media accounts, swipe sensitive customer data, or perform a host of other detrimental actions.

2.    Secure Your Home Network

If you’re still working from home, there are several things you can do to protect your home network from hacks and data breaches. One of the easiest things you can do to secure your home network is to change the default settings on your router–specifically the SSID (the router’s name), router password, and the password to the device’s administrator portal.

While keeping freeloading neighbors from using your wireless network is important, that’s not the only reason you should change these settings. Default router names like those that begin with the manufacturer’s name (TP-Link, Linksys, NETGEAR, etc.) can reveal what type of router you have. The default passwords for them are easily searchable online, and with them hackers can enter your home network.

3.    Enable Firewalls

This might seem obvious to some but ensure that the company devices you perform your marketing activities from has a firewall enabled.

A firewall is a type of software (or hardware device) that protects devices from being attacked over the internet. They monitor inbound and outbound activity coming from your network for suspicious activity, blocking items that are considered dangerous based on a set of security rules.

Firewalls prevent unwanted applications from accessing devices by controlling connections on a per-app basis.

Keeping these tips in mind will help improve the cybersecurity of all the platforms you utilize as a marketing professional and your entire employer organization as a whole.

About Electric

Electric is reinventing how businesses manage their IT. Providing real-time IT support to 25,000 users and centralized IT management to over 400 customers, Electric offers companies a 50% reduction in IT spend and standardized security across devices, apps, and networks, whether you’re on-site or remote. To learn more, visit https://www.electric.ai.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Matt Cochran, Cookerly Public Relations
matt@cookerly.com
404.816.2037

 THE ATLANTA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHES
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE
The new committee will support and amplify BIPOC voices within Atlanta marketing industry

 ATLANTA, Ga. (Feb. 03, 2021) – The Atlanta Chapter of the American Marketing Association officially announces the formation of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee. The committee will focus on helping individuals and companies support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry, and amplifying the voices of our black, brown, and indigenous communities (BIPOC).

AMA is proud to have Roy Broderick, Jr., president and CEO of Authentique Agency, lead the committee. Authentique Agency is a full-service marketing consulting firm focused on leveraging the power of identity. “My connections to marketing and Atlanta are very strong and this role will allow me to ensure African Americans, Hispanics, Asian-American, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans all are infused throughout our chapters programming, messaging and education,” said Broderick. “The tanning of America is happening, and Atlanta influences the culture.”

This committee was in the making under immediate past president, Kimberly Strong, the first black president in the chapter’s history. Current president Laura Thompson continued the momentum to make the committee official, and president-elect Jessica Dupee is eager to work with Roy and the committee in the near future. “Our chapter of close to 500 members includes corporate executives, college students and agency members of all backgrounds, races and industries. Establishing this committee will help us ensure we remain as diverse as the city we live in,” said Dupee.

As their first task, the committee developed a pledge in which they commit to use their platform in five distinct ways:

• Recruit and retain BIPOC representation within our board of directors, leadership teams, volunteers, and membership
• Increase BIPOC representation throughout our products and services, thought leadership, campaigns, programming, and distribution networks
• Build a pipeline of marketers that reflect the demographics of the populations we serve
• Partner with corporate, industry and community organizations that value diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Further educate ourselves as to the plight of racial injustice and will use our platform to facilitate courageous conversations that promote anti-bias and anti-racism within the Atlanta marketing community

The committee is excited to roll-out specific diversity, equity and inclusion programming throughout the year and see the impact it will have not only on AMA Atlanta, but the AMA network as a whole.

About AMA Atlanta

AMA Atlanta is the go-to source for marketing knowledge, events, resources and networking opportunities in Atlanta.

Founded in 1949, AMA Atlanta is a home for all marketers — from high school students in the DECA program and collegiate marketers to young professionals and experienced executives. Our membership represents all aspects of marketing from research, analytics and strategic planning to advertising, branding and communications.

In addition to our Board of Directors, we are guided by the expertise and experience of our executive advisory board consisting of past AMA presidents and executive level marketers from some of Atlanta’s leading organizations.