Illinois State University Chapter Plan

2011-2012

Opening Letter……………………………………………………………………………………………………...1

Summary of Chapter’s Strengths and Weaknesses………………………………………………..2

S.W.O.T Analysis …………………………………………………………………………. 2-3

Professional Development ………………………………………………………………………………..3-4

Community Service …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4

Fundraising ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….4-5

Membership ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5-6

Internal/External Communications …………………………………………………………………...6-7

Chapter Operations …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8

Calendar of Events ……………………………………………………………………………………………….9

Budget………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10

Dear Esteemed AMA Colleagues:

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our 2011-2012 Chapter Plan. Illinois State University

American Marketing Association is venerated as one of the top student organizations on campus. Currently we

are 47 members strong and continuing to encourage growth within our members both academically and socially

through extra-curricular activities. After losing 44% of our members due to graduation (30 of the 68 national

roster members as of 9/12/11) we are amidst a rebuilding year lead by four senior executive board members. We

have successfully filled 90% of our director positions and already have seen 19 returning members and 28 new

members this academic year.

With the mission of our organization highlighting the belief of “advancing the education, professionalism, and

personal growth” of our members, we have planned another year filled with new and traditional activities for the

benefit of our members. Our 2011-2012 motto “Climbing to Success” encapsulates all of the transferrable skills

and knowledge AMA experiences provide to prepare our members for a future filled with individual achievement

and success. Our organization partners with businesses, organizations, and individuals within the

Bloomington/Normal, Illinois State University, and College of Business communities to motto into action.

ISU-AMA’s Chapter Plan contains a detailed outline of our objectives that state what we hope to accomplish this

year and the strategies that show how we plan on accomplishing those goals. With a variety of events/activities

planned throughout the academic year, we feel as though we have established a plan that will ensure the success

of this year and layout a platform for future years to reference.

Sincerely,

Eric Barbour Ashley Olson Maria Salova Brett Burba

President V. P. of Finance V. P. of Communications V. P. of Programming

Illinois State University American Marketing Association Collegiate Chapter

Illinois State University

322 College of Business Building, Campus Box 5590

Normal,IL 61761-5590

Phone: 309-438-7261

http://www.cob.iltsu.edu/AMA

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Overview of Key Goals ● ● ●

Raise $3000 through fundraising efforts Increase involvement in AMA Saves Lives and other National AMA events Provide diverse and unique speakers and opportunities to members Improve chapter website and social media presence Participate in at least ten community service events for the year Increase member and director accountability and responsibility Implement effective promotional strategies to increase awareness of the

chapter and attendance of special events in particular

● ● ●

Mission Statement

The Illinois State University chapter of the American Marketing Association is dedicated to advancing the education, professionalism, and personal growth of its members by providing marketing experiences within the campus, community, and professional setting, while adhering to the ethical standards set forth by the State Farm Hall of Business, College of Business Executive Council, and the American Marketing Association.

Strengths Reputation: As one of the oldest, most recognized student organizations operating within the College of Business at Illinois State University, ISU-AMA has established itself as a premier choice for student involvement. Its decorated history, which includes multiple conference and international awards, contributes to the chapter’s prestige. Faculty Advisor: In addition to his 25+ years as a marketing professor at Illinois State University, Dr. James E. Cox has over 23 years of experience as the AMA advisor. His guidance provides a clear vision of what a successful AMA chapter should embody. Support System: At the beginning of each academic year, ISU-AMA is showcased during the marketing department’s presentations to freshmen and juniors. This added attention from faculty brings ISU-AMA to the forefront of marketing students’ minds. Additionally, the chapter’s continued community involvement fosters goodwill toward the organization, prompting donations, sponsorships, and networking possibilities. Organizational Structure: ISU-AMA has adopted a top-down, vertical organizational structure. The executive board consists of the President and 3 Vice Presidents. Each oversees 4-6 related director positions and every director supervises his or her respective committee. The vertical chain of command establishes a clear line of communication and accountability, thus ensuring the organization’s plans are carried through. Weaknesses Lack of Experienced Directors: Of the 18 active director positions, 6 are occupied by returning ISU-AMA members. The 11 remaining directors are new to the organization and will require training to become future leaders of ISU-AMA. Website: The website’s outdated appearance prevents prospective and returning members from wanting to revisit important information on the site. The lack of web development skills within ISU-AMA is stalling the production of a new website. Underclassmen Recruitment: Recruiting freshmen and sophomore students has been a reoccurring problem for ISU-AMA in recent years, leading to a high turnover rate in membership after graduation. Alumni Relations: The organization is missing out on valuable insight and opportunities that a strong alumni network would otherwise provide. Opportunities Social Media: Developing various social media channels may prove an acceptable alternative for web communication while the website remains a work-in-progress. Underclassmen Recruitment: ISU-AMA can tailor more of its recruitment activities toward underclassmen, thereby reaching more freshmen and sophomore-level students. This would reduce the high-turnover rate for membership following graduation. Alumni Relations: Establishing and maintaining an alumni database will foster long-term ISU-AMA relationships and provide the chapter with further networking and programming possibilities. Partnerships with Registered Student Organizations: Illinois State University is home to more than 300 student organizations. ISU-AMA can partner with other campus organizations in order to access student segments not typically reached through traditional ISU-AMA promotional efforts.

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Threats Other Registered Student Organizations: There are approximately 22 student organizations in the College of Business at Illinois State University. Of these, 4 are closely associated with the marketing department. Each organization will continue to compete for prospective members, drawing from a similar target audience. Posting and Printing Limitations: The College of Business enforces strict policies and procedures that greatly reduce the potential of print advertising. ISU-AMA must adhere to these regulations in order to remain in good standing with the college as well as the university as a whole.

Professional Relationships Objective: Expand and maintain relationships with the Professional Sales Institute and other Illinois State University Organizations by partnering for at least two speaking & networking events each semester.

Professional Sales Institute events will cover a variety of topics including “First Impressions at Job Fairs” and “How to Stand Out.”

The ISU marketing faculty offers tremendous support to our chapter. To express our gratitude, we will provide them with monthly appreciation gifts. At the end of each semester, we will hold a faculty luncheon in recognition of their excellent support & service.

The successful alumni of our American Marketing Association chapter are notable contacts, so we want to invite at least one alumnus per semester to attend a roundtable discussion for our members. We plan to completely revamp our approach to networking with alumni by utilizing various resources, including old chapter materials, to organize communication with these alumni.

Professional Speakers Objective: Bring at least three outstanding speakers to the State Farm Hall of Business each semester. Each speaker will share their experience and knowledge, which can be transferred to our members’ educational and professional improvement.

Utilize outstanding speakers who have not spoken with our chapter in the previous year. Ensure coverage of the wide range of careers within the field of Marketing by providing speakers with

diverse backgrounds and experiences Practical Experience Objective: Create a variety of opportunities for members to apply marketing skills to succeed in their future careers. We plan to coordinate one or more monthly brand/event marketing opportunities through potential partnerships with the U.S. Cellular Coliseum and the Baby Fold.

There are four tours planned for the 2011-2012 school year. We will tour two different businesses per semester (1 local; 1 non-local) to observe the application of marketing skills in a professional setting.

We will partner with the Career Center to co-sponsor internship fairs and Meet the Firms. Additionally, all members will be encouraged attend all Career Center events including the Sales Career Fair to network with ISU’s various career partners.

We will also partner with the Career Center to provide at least one workshop each semester to improve our members’ marketability, especially upperclassmen looking for jobs and internships.

Member Marketability Objective: Increase member exposure to Illinois State University’s Career Center services, and by extension, increase members exposure to recruiting employees.

Employ on-going communication with alumni, professional members of AMA, and the Career Center. These resources will supply our members with deep insights into the job market.

Provide access to the AMA résumé book through our Career Center partnership for our members. Partner with the Career Center to provide at least one workshop for members.

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National Chapter Involvement Objective: Increase the chapter’s level of involvement by participating in at least one national competition each semester. Competitions are to be determined but possibilities include the Case Competition, Marketing Week, etc.

Goal: Organize a minimum of five community service events each semester, segmented into the College of Business Community, Illinois State University Community, and Bloomington-Normal Community Membership Participation Objective: Achieve at least 15% participation of total members at every community service or public relations event each semester.

Our various directors will create program event summaries to document activities, and they will pursue feedback from those members who attended the event.

College of Business Community Objective: Allocate at least 25% of community service events to the College of Business, its registered student organizations, faculty and students.

Participate in the College of Business Executive Council (COBEC) to ensure ISU-AMA is properly informed and actively involved in events within the College of Business.

Participate in College of Business sponsored events such as The Giving Tree at Christmas, COB Pride which involves cleaning the College of Business building, and participating in Business Week activities.

Illinois State University Community Objective: Devote at least 25% of community service events to Illinois State University campus, faculty, and students.

Organize at least one event the entire year that is associated with another registered student organization, outside the College of Business, in which we can strengthen relationships.

Promote and plan our own organizational blood drive in the fall semester as well as the joint-rivalry Challenge on 74 Blood Drive toward the end of January, encouraging all members of the ISU community to participate and assist the Red Cross.

Bloomington-Normal Community Objective: Coordinating special service events that directly facilitate toward the community. We will devote at least 50% of community service events to the Bloomington-Normal community.

Utilize at least one of these events per semester to directly serve the needs of an organization in the Bloomington-Normal community by means of advertising and providing a new target audience, presented in the college student body.

Promote participation in at least two (2) national non-profit philanthropic causes such as Relay for Life and The American Heart Association.

Collaborate with Illinois Wesleyan University’s AMA chapter for at least one of the events each semester. Objective: donate at least 20% of proceeds raised from special events in philanthropic efforts.

Host at least one event during the year in which proceeds will benefit a local organization, such as Home Sweet Home Ministries.

AMA Saves Lives Chapter Initiatives Our goal is to implement at least one AMA Saves Lives event into our chapter activities each semester, increasing the number of organ donors registered from one event to the next by at least 10 people.

Profitability Objective: Generate $3000 in revenue through fundraising events Host a “profit sharing” night with a local eatery the night following each all-member meeting.

o Estimated Revenue: $350

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Continues our relationship with University Directories to design and distribute a student planner, which include

promotional materials for the American Marketing Association. o Revenue: $700

Host our annual “ISU Idol” event in November. This event provides marketing experience to our members and recognition for our organization. Revenues are sought through ticket sales, raffle, sponsorship, and charitable donations.

o Estimated Revenue: $1,000 Consider hosting our “Mr. & Ms. ISU” event in April. Our first annual production was a success and we will look

into the opportunity to grow this into a consistent yearly event with large participation. Revenues are sought through ticket sales, “coin wars”, sponsorship, and “most popular” award to entice attendance.

o Estimated Revenue: $1,000 Member Experience Objective: Utilize marketing skills in at least two fundraising activities each semester. Seek fundraising opportunities from local business that provide strong involvement for our members.

o U.S. Cellular Coliseum: Integrated campaign for entertainment events Promote major fundraising events to the Bloomington-Normal and ISU communities using a variety of

promotional materials including flyers, handbills, TV10 News, newspaper advertisements, chapter newsletter, table tents, event websites, chalking, word-of-mouth, and the College of Business electronic bulletin board.

Objective: Have at least 40% of total members to participate in at least one fundraising event each semester (20% last year) Create innovative and engaging events that entice member involvement. Initiate incentives for member involvement that include fundraising events.

Sponsorships Objective: Obtain 30% of total earnings given as “prize money” through external sponsorship donations. (25% last year) Continue to build relationships with different organizations in the Bloomington-Normal community to create

long-term partnership opportunities. Provide meaningful sponsorships that will provide a return on investment to the participant. Meet with sponsors personally and deliver thank you letters and initiate future involvement

Sustainable Events Objective: Hold events that are sustainable and can be repeated annually to increased income possibility each year. “ISU Idol” and “Mr. & Ms. ISU” have been successful in the past and provide avenues for member engagement and

company sponsorship.

Total Membership Objective: Grow and develop the American Marketing Association network by recruiting and maintaining members across campus. Therefore, our measurable goal is to increase total membership to 65 members by Dec. 31st and 90 members by April 30th

Implement unique recruitment campaigns: two-day membership drives, presentations, recruiting SWAG, Planners, Bookmarks

Hold three membership drives in total during the year, with one specifically targeting specifically underclassmen

Promote upcoming events and publicize the benefits of joining by having slides on the each of the electronic boards In the College of Business, while also keeping in contact with those who showed interest in ISU-AMA through weekly emails.

Take part in campus wide events to spread the ISU-AMA name: Festival ISU, Passages, Junior Achievement, and Business Week

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Underclassmen Objective: Encourage underclassmen to get involved in ISU-AMA early in their academic career. Specifically our goal is to Increase freshmen and sophomore class standing to make up at least 5% of total membership

Post informational flyers throughout the underclassmen dorms and table tents in the dorm food courts to make underclassmen aware of upcoming events, monthly all-member meetings and the benefits of joining ISU-AMA.

Conduct classroom presentations in lower-level business classes and foster faculty relationships to encourage relationship building and membership.

Hold Underclassmen membership drives in the College of Business to promote the American Marketing Association development and networking opportunities.

Involvement Objective: Enrich every member’s experience by through event attendance, committee participation, and overall development.

Implement adjusted point system to hold directors and members accountable for their actions and commitment to their responsibilities.

Provide experiences to every committee member to further develop marketing skills Foster community through monthly social events

Unique Recruitment Objective: Promote ISU-AMA in a way that will differentiate us from other student organizations on campus.

Focus advertisements on previous accomplishments, outstanding activities, and opportunities for involvement.

Utilize Facebook to promote ISU-AMA by posting up to date information on future events while encouraging communication through the social network.

Conduct integrated campaign involving hands-on and often used items such as bookmarks, planners, and folders.

Recruit through creative advertisements targeting other departments at Illinois State University encompassing all majors and interest groups.

Advertising & Promotions Objective: Effectively advertise upcoming m eetings, social events, speakers, community service events, and special events by utilizing the expertise of our Advertising and Promotions co-directors and committee.

Design promotional materials that will engage the interest of our potential and active members. These materials include assorted paper with different designs.

Distribute these advertisements throughout high-traffic areas, within or surrounding campus. These distribution places include but are not limited to displaying table tents and flyers around the College of Business, advertisements on the College of Business Electronic Television Board, sidewalk chalking in the quad, table tents in the dorms, passing out flyers in class or throughout the quad, the ISU Daily Vidette Newspaper, and also make announcements of certain special events over the local radio stations.

Advertise upcoming all member events and any other special activities through the use of monthly calendars, ISU AMA website, Facebook groups, and sign up sheets passed around at each of the All Member meetings.

Promote upcoming community service events through the use of monthly calendars/newsletters, email, College of Business electronic bulletin board, Facebook account, sign-up sheets at each All Member meeting, the University Calendar and the College of Business website.

Encourage members to invite their friends to attend the all member meetings, regardless of their major.

Website and Social Media Development Objective: Maintain and revise the ISU-AMA Website and Facebook page on a weekly basis to guarantee members with the most up-to-date information concerning events and meetings.

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Post all upcoming meetings, events, recent news, and other important information on both the website and Facebook page, encouraging our members to spread this information by word of mouth.

Provide members with the contact information for the faculty advisor, officers, directors, and members to facilitate open communication on our website.

Personalize the website by incorporating the faculty advisor, all officers, and all directors biographies and pictures.

Publish any honors or awards given to members, directors, or the organization as a whole, and any moments of pride within ISU-AMA

Provide directors and officers special access to pages customized to their needs with necessary paperwork and relevant documents for operation of the chapter.

Objective: Create a twitter page for ISU-AMA that will provide meaningful contact and updates to our members,

potential members, and the ISU Community as a whole.

Photo Historian Objective: Visually document all AMA events through the use of digital photos, providing necessary resources to create updated accounts of the organization’s activities.

Prepare a digital slide show of the photos taken from the past month’s events for monthly all member meetings.

Update a scrapbook that will depict all of the recent socials, speakers, special events, programs, etc. that all of our members were able to enjoy.

Display these pictures and scrapbook on our Membership Drive table, to visually depict all of our activities for old members, new members, and potential members to view and hopefully partake in the new future.

Share all the photos with the director of internal communications, so the events photos can be posted in the newsletter and placed on the ISU-AMA website.

ISU-AMA Monthly Newsletter Objective: maintain an original newsletter that will be made aware to members at each monthly all-member meeting starting in October as well as displayed digitally on the ISU-AMA website.

The newsletter will include: News about the chapter’s previous months’ events, recent reports within the marketing/business world, and information about one officer, director, member of the month, or faculty advisor each monthly newsletter.

Devote a special section of the newsletter with a biography and photo of that month’s member and director of the month, pictures from the previous month, a current, updated calendar with important dates, and upcoming events such as speakers, socials, and tours.

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Leadership Abilities Objective: Intensify and enhance the leadership potential of our officers, directors, and general members with six returning directors and twelve new directors.

Our faculty advisor has offered to conduct a seminar on leadership to all officers and director each semester. This seminar will allow these individuals to deepen their perception of superior leadership.

Directors of Illinois State American Marketing Association will be in charge of their own special projects, while managing a committee. This structure will enable them to develop vital leadership skills through their own practice and make a positive impact on the organization as a whole. Officers will oversee all activities with continuous supervision by our outstanding advisor.

In addition, officers, directors, and general members will be encouraged to attend conferences. The wisdom gained from these conventions will be exceedingly advantageous to all.

New Director Point System Objective: implement a revamped system that measures director production based on hours of work produced for the chapter and accountability to attend meetings and other mandatory events.

Increase the morale of our directors and create an environment of greater responsibility and efficiency. Enjoyable Atmosphere Objective: Make all events beneficial to professional development while being an enjoyable experience.

Throughout the year, we will have monthly socials. This will enable members to spend some time at ease with each other and build solid relationships. These will provide networking opportunities in conjunction with all other AMA events.

Awards banquets will be held at the end of each semester. This will give officers the opportunity to give show their gratitude to directors and general members who put forth superfluous effort and reflect on successful semesters.

Encourage an open environment, where directors and general members can provide their input regarding a variety of chapter activities, including the utilization of surveys to research the ways we can improve as a chapter.

Personally interact with all members during events and meetings Objective: Maintain open and clear communication between all participants of ISU American Marketing Association.

Contact members through an e-mail listing, the official ISU-AMA Webpage, and through the respective director.

Directors will communicate to their respective officers weekly with a summary of progress and meet with their committees each month to discuss their specific endeavors.

Each officer will e-mail a summary of his or her directors' activities of the past week each Sunday. Officers and the advisor will meet weekly on Tuesdays to converse about impending procedures and

inform of any amendments to the schedule. Beneficial Meetings Objective: Administrate all events and meetings efficiently through hours of prior preparation to create effective presentations.

Act professional while providing our members with the many quality experience available through a ISU-AMA membership.

Chapter Processes Implement officer elections with presentations given by candidates and members voting at February all-

member meeting Train officers for upcoming positions by giving them insight into organizational structure and assisting

them the last month of the school year.

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August 20th: Freshman Convocation 23/24th: Membership Drive 26th: Jr. Experience September 1st: Festival ISU 7th: All-Member Meeting/Speaker 7th: PSI Panel Speakers 8th: Fundraiser 14/15th: Director Drive 17th: Community Service 21st: Director Meeting 21st: Social October 2nd: Leadership Seminar 5th: Career Fair Sponsorship 5th: All-Member Meeting/Speaker 7th: Gatorade Tour 9-15th: Float Building 12th: PSI Panel Speaker 15th: Homecoming Parade 17/18th: ISU Idol Auditions 19th: Director Meeting 19th: PSI Speaker Panel 22nd: Community Service 22nd: Social 24/25th: Membership Drive 26th: Sales Career Fair Sponsor 27th: Fundraiser November 1st: Ticket Sales 2nd: All-Member Meeting/Speaker 3rd: Fundraiser 4th: Faculty Luncheon 7th: ISU Idol 11th: Tour 11-13th: Community Service- Baby Fold (TBA) 16th: Director Meeting 17th: Social 29th: Community Service- Blood Drive December 3rd: Social 7th: Awards Banquet January 18/19th: Membership Drive 20th: Social 24-26th: Challenge on 74 Blood Drive

February 1st: All-Member Meeting/Speaker & Officer Elections 2nd: Fundraiser 4th: Social 10th: Community Service 15th: Director Meeting 24th: St. Louis Conference Speakers & Tour 29th: Membership Drive March 1st: Membership Drive 3rd: Community Service 5/6th: Special Events Auditions 7th: All-Member Meeting/Speaker 8th: Fundraiser

22-24th: AMA International Chapter 28th: Director Meeting April 4th: All-Member Meeting/Speaker 5th:Social 6th: Faculty Luncheon 11th: Special Event (TBA) 13th: Community Service 18th: Director Meeting 19th: Fundraiser 20th: Tour 27th: Community Service May 2nd: Awards Banquet 12th: Senior Dinner (TBA)

August ‘11 January ‘12

S M T W R F Sa S M T W R F Sa

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

28 29 30 31 29 30 31

September ‘11 February ‘12

S M T W R F Sa S M T W R F Sa

1 2 3 1 2 3 4

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29

October ‘11

S M T W R F Sa March ‘12

1 S M T W R F Sa

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

November ‘11 April ‘12

S M T W R F Sa S M T W R F Sa

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

27 28 29 30 29 30

December ‘11 May ‘12

S M T W R F Sa S M T W R F Sa

1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31

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Beginning Balance $2,931.58

Revenues

ISU Idol $1,800

Spring Event (Tent. Mr. & Ms. ISU) $1,800

University Directories Planners $700

Restaurant Fundraisers $350

Campusfood (Previous Year Activities) $1,000

T-Shirts $700

Membership Dues (65 @ 48) (25 @ 24) $3,720

Total Revenues $10,070

Expenses

Special Events $1,600

Advertising and Promotion $600

T-Shirts $659.25

Homecoming Float $300

Socials $400

Misc. Fundraising Materials $200

Conferences* $1,000

Faculty Services $200

Public Relations $100

Membership/Recruitment $200

Total Expenses $5,295.25

Net Income $4,774.75

Ending Balance $7,706.33

*Money toward end of semester may go to fund more members’ attendance of International Collegiate Conference

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Illinois State University

American Marketing Association

Fall 2011 Events

www.cob.ilstu.edu/ama