DENVER — On Thursday March 8., the Colorado Chapter for the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) celebrated the outstanding achievements of Colorado’s top AEC firms and professionals at the Marketing Excellence Awards.
Mcees Christine King, FSMPS, CPSM, with The Weitz Company, and Stacy Stout, FSMPS, CPSM, with BRANDiac Strategies, entertained and facilitated the awards banquet. The evening was a huge success packed with networking fun, great food and recognition of this year’s talent in the A/E/C industry.
The following professionals were selected as winners, given their exceptional skills and achievements in BD and/or marketing:
Leonardo: The most prestigious recognition by SMPS for an individual that demonstrates a high level of professionalism in marketing services for the built environment.
Julie Witecki, Regional Marketing Director, Swinerton
With nearly 20 years of hospitality, real estate development and construction industry experience, Julie has developed a passion for professional services sales and marketing. She has expertise in the development and implementation of strategic business plans, proposal writing, and marketing communications. As Regional Marketing Director for Swinerton, Julie manages business development/marketing tactics and resources for Denver, Austin, Atlanta, Charlotte and the company’s Aviation division. She is a mentor to her peers and colleagues in sharing marketing best practices and strategic planning techniques. She supports the career growth of young professionals and other woman leaders in the A/E/C industry through her participation in SMPS. She also serves the community as a leader in Swinerton’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
Marketer of the Year: This person stands out in the craft of marketing and communications in the A/E/C industry, and who has made significant contributions toward promoting professionalism.
Linda Kelly, Marketing Manager, Martin/Martin, Inc.
With more than 25 years of experience, Linda oversees the marketing efforts at Martin/Martin, which includes support for over 200 professionals of the firm. Linda has contributed to the success of Martin/Martin through her extensive years of dedication to the firm, where she recently was promoted to manage a marketing team of eight. Her breadth of responsibilities is impressive while she mentors her staff and guides them to bring out their expertise and best effort within the team. Linda has been the perfect combination of the ‘new and the old;’ meaning, she has overseen the marketing department during a time of unparalleled change in both personnel and services, yet, also established the firm’s Legacy Committee and is a champion for documenting Martin/Martin’s rich history dating back to 1945. Linda is active in SMPS and earned her CPSM in 2017.
Business Developer of the Year: One who stands out in the profession of business development in the A/E/C industry, and one who has had significant success in securing professional services work.
Alejandra Spray, Marketing Director, AMI Mechanical, Inc.
Ale has been with AMI since 2002 and during this time has performed all the marketing related functions necessary for one of the larger mechanical contractors. Her peers say her drive and relentless determination have greatly increased AMI’s presence in the industry and led to the firm receiving additional opportunities and, most importantly, successfully securing additional work. Ale has been an essential component in the initial step of building relationships with clients. In addition to overseeing marketing staff, Ale has been successful in developing and cultivating relationships with clients that has brought in new project opportunities and subsequent sales. Ale is very involved in the design community and is President of HCC, a Board Member of Bellco Credit Union, active in AGC, ABC, DBIA and SMPS. She is also a member of the Metro North Chamber and an Alumni of the Latino Leadership Institute.
Member of the Year: This person has made the greatest difference to the success, reputation, health, or function of the Chapter in the past year. This person can be a committee volunteer, committee or co-chair, or member of the board.
Emily Cox, Marketing Coordinator, Norris Design
Emily has been with Norris Design since 2015 and is chairing the SMPS Colorado Communications Committee this year. She has a sincere passion for clear, concise, effective communication. Her degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and experience in both non-profit and corporate organizations provides her a broad range of skills encompassing principles of marketing, communications and public relations. She specializes in maintaining and defining brands across various mediums, social media management, defining and improving user experience, campaign management and website management. Emily received an overwhelming number of nominations for Member of the Year, with comments such as “Emily is utterly dependable, a true team player, and completes the highest quality work quickly with professionalism. She is a delight to work with.”
The following firms were winners in their respective award categories:
Book/Monograph, Marketing Evolutions, BE…The Book!
Brand Awareness Campaign, BRANDiac Strategies, BRANDiac Rebrand
Brochure, Gensler, Workplace Book
Corporate Identity, Saunders Construction, Inc., Saunders Construction’s Rebrand
Direct-Mail Campaign, CAD-1, Client Appreciation Day Invite
Holiday Piece, JVA, Incorporated, 2017 Client Appreciation Gift
Internal Communications, RK, RK Base Camp Employee Event
Newsletter – Internal, Saunders Construction, Inc., Saunders Project Spotlights
Project Pursuit Marketing, David Evans and Associates, Inc., RTD Regional BRT Feasibility Study RFP
Promotional Campaign, Hensel Phelps, Hensel Phelps SAFE Campaign
Recruitment and Retention, Sanderson Stewart, Sanderson Stewart Culture Campaign
Shoe-String Budget, GE Johnson Construction Company, Kid of the Quarter
Social Media, Norris Design, World Landscape Architecture Month Social Media Campaign
Special Event, Anderson Hallas Architects, Crafting A Legacy
Video, HLB Lighting Design, #IAMHLB
Website, Hensel Phelps, Hensel Phelps Website Redesign
People’s Choice Award, JVA, Incorporated, 2017 Client Appreciation Gift
Best in Show, GE Johnson Construction Company, Kid of the Quarter
About SMPS Colorado
The Society for Marketing Professional Services, Colorado Chapter was founded in 1983. It is one of the top five chapters, nationwide, and represents more than 290 members. The chapter’s membership includes principals, business development officers, and marketing managers who are focused on developing relationships and generating revenues for their companies. SMPS Colorado is a national, not-for-profit association dedicated to enhancing its members’ abilities to find and win business for their firms. The Colorado chapter offers events in the Denver, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs areas, including monthly luncheons and forums focused on every level of professional development. The organization’s mission: To advocate for, educate, and connect leaders in the Rocky Mountain A/E/C industry.
