by AMA Knoxville | Dec 6, 2023
AMA Knoxville Honors Outstanding Contributors at 33rd Annual Honors Event
The American Marketing Association (AMA) Knoxville chapter is proud to announce an upcoming celebration of excellence at the AMAK Honors event. This exclusive gathering is dedicated to recognizing and applauding the remarkable achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to the Knoxville community.
Join us on January 24, 2024, for the 33rd Annual AMA Knoxville Honors Event at the Knoxville Museum of Art.
The highlight of the evening will be the acknowledgment of Mr. David Butler, the esteemed Executive Director of the Knoxville Museum of Art. Mr. Butler has played a pivotal role in shaping the creative landscape of Knoxville, breathing life into the Knoxville Museum of Art, and fostering a vibrant artistic community.
In addition to Mr. Butler’s recognition, the event will shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of marketing students (Jules Bergman, Leanne Hembree, Matthew Barlow, Lanie Ter Hark) from the University of Tennessee. These students, with their dedication and innovative approaches, have showcased excellence in the field of marketing.
We are thrilled to invite the community to join in the celebration of these outstanding individuals and their impactful contributions. AMAK Honors promises to be an evening of inspiration, networking, and recognition of excellence within the Knoxville community.
Tickets & Sponsorships Fund Marketing Scholarships
Event attendees will enjoy a delectable catered meal and beverage vouchers for the bar! Tickets purchased for this event help to fund scholarships, made possible by The Eagle Endowment for Marketing Education. Scholarships are named for the Outstanding Marketing Professional of the Year, which is awarded annually to AMA University of Tennessee Chapter members.
Sponsorships Available
There are several sponsorship packages available as well as Table Sponsorships which can be purchased online via Eventbrite table sponsorship ticket, or offline through an emailed request to our current chapter president, Chris Hill (chris@humblepod.com).
See additional details and purchase tickets via the Eventbrite link here and below.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to the following companies and individuals who have invested in future marketing student scholarships by providing these event sponsorships.
- Townes Osborn & Robert Marquis – Premier Sponsor + Circle of Eagles Donor
- Graphic Creations – Print Sponsor
- Big Slate Media – Design Sponsor
- KnoxNews – Table Sponsor
- Knoxville Museum of Art – Venue Sponsor
- Angelina Alcantar Photography – Photography Sponsor
by AMA Knoxville | Jan 26, 2012 | Featured News, Luncheons | Programs
To kick-off the first KAMA luncheon of 2012, we were delighted to have Kim Trent, Executive Director of Knox Heritage, speak on behalf of her organization. Knox Heritage works to preserve structures and places with historic or cultural significance in Knox County. Founded on April 1, 1974, Kim joked that “fools did rush in” on that fateful day. With a board of directors of 30 community leaders, Knox Heritage provides education for the community and is truly a preservation based economic development organization. In a nutshell, Kim said that, “real estate is what it really comes down to and saving buildings.”
The Culture Change Challenge
In the past, Kim said that preservation is a national issue that fights age old stereotypes of “little old ladies and white guys in suits.” Other erroneous images Kim conjured included “Hysterical Preservationists”, “The Paint Police,” and “A Culture of No”. Speaking of culture, one of the most important points Kim made was Knox Heritage had to change the culture internally before changing it externally. In the 80’s and 90’s, Knox Heritage was faced with declining membership, a decreased role in decision making, very little political influence, and no staff (not to mention money).
Shifting Attitudes – Shifting Communications
To move from a reactionary, resource strapped organization, Kim explained that Knox Heritage had to deal with shifting attitudes and shifting communications. In 1996, Knox Heritage shifted focus to economic development and added professional development people to the board. In 1998, a City of Knoxville budget survey revealed that 80 to 90% of those surveyed supported historical preservation. This game changing information helped create the Vintage Homes Program, which became a developer and job creator. In 2001, a survey of Knox County residents exposed a lack of brand name recognition for Knox Heritage, furthering the cause for more resources. Financial support came in for staff and to save historic places while pro-preservationists gained seats on city council. Kim explained that the creation of the Summer Supper Series went a long way towards building brand awareness in a fun, hip way while the J. Allen Smith House debate (and eventual destruction) brought enormous PR and name recognition.
Where We Are Now
While Knox Heritage has seen its fair share of change during the last 15 years, Kim was quick to point out that she and her organization are still learning and their evolution continues. With a 400% increase in membership, staff of five, a lead role in local decisions, and more financial resources, Knox Heritage has really shifted into high gear. In order to keep up the pace, Kim said that they have to be problem solvers and ready to overcome objectives. Perhaps the most poignant shift in thinking is Knox Heritage’s mission to “make it all about people, not buildings.”
Changing Perceptions
Far from the image of “little old ladies” or “white men in suits”, Kim wrapped up her presentation by painting a picture of her vision of Knox Heritage now and in the future. In addition to being entrepreneurial problem solvers, Kim was keen to note that you have to be able to sell no matter what your brand or product. Understanding marketing communications and keeping relationships honest with the media and citizens are core disciplines at Knox Heritage. Ultimately, Kim said, “Success is when we succeed in saving more places.”
For more information about Knox Heritage, please visit their website.
