Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Marketing your B2B Business

This morning, the Business Marketing Association of the Hudson Valley presented SUNY New Paltz President Steven Poskanzer with their annual Business Leadership Award in recognition of his contribution to economic growth within the Hudson Valley.

The event was held at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel & Conference Center, which is a great place to hold this type of event. Both the food and service was great.

Jonathan Drapkin, President and CEO of Pattern for Progress introduced Poskanzer as a man with a vision for SUNY New Paltz and the entire Hudson Valley. I had never met Ms. Poskanzer before, and had never heard him speak, but after his short presentation this morning, I'd have to say Mr. Drapkin seems to be right on the mark.

Mr. Poskanzer highlighted the importance of marketing and brand stewardship in his role at SUNY New Paltz. He presented the results from the 2007 SUNY New Paltz Economic Impact Study, showing that through direct and indirect means, the college brings $274 million annually to the Hudson Valley. And when he also mentioned that the college was voted one of the 25 "hottest" colleges in America by Newsweek, I realized how things really have changed for the better in recent years. SUNY New Paltz has become something that we, in the Hudson Valley, can all be proud of. Hats off to Mr. Poskanzer and everyone who has worked so hard to make such a big difference!

I have been on the board of the BMA-HV since it first started in 2002, and it is a great way for those involved in business-to-business marketing to learn about the latest marketing techniques, as well as to do some great networking with businesses in the Hudson Valley.

This morning's breakfast was very well attended and the purpose of the event was to honor Mr. Poskanzer, but most BMA meetings are educational in nature. With a summertime break in July and August, the BMA-HV will start their monthly meetings again in September. As of tomorrow, I am officially retired from the board, but I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store for the upcoming '08-'09 year.

If your product or service is geared to other businesses, you could benefit from attending these Business Marketing Association monthly meetings. Check out their website at www.bma-hv.org now and again in September, when I'm sure their schedule for the '08-'09 season will be posted.

And if you or your child is thinking about attending college, check out SUNY New Paltz at www.newpaltz.edu

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