AMA Wins Organization of the Year at MSU
BOZEMAN, MT - April 21, 2021 - After a successful weekend at the International Collegiate Conference (ICC) that was held April 8-10, the American Marketing Association (AMA) at Montana State University took home one more award to end a successful year. AMA was named the Student Organization of the Year out of more than 270 registered student organizations offered at MSU. To earn this award, a registered student organization must do three things: (1) contribute to the MSU and Bozeman community, (2) development of its members, and (3) demonstrate a commitment to the mission of the organization and those served by it.
“I am so proud of the work we did for our adopted nonprofit organization,” said Madi Wheeler, senior marketing student at Montana State and director of pro-bono marketing at AMA. “We have put in so much time to give back to the community and it is a great feeling being a part of a team that has been a part of this.”
AMA contributed to the Bozeman and MSU community by doing more than 200 total hours of community service with more than 100 of them put toward pro-bono marketing. The students created a strategic integrated marketing communications plan as well as three 30-second broadcast ads for the Cody Dieruf Benefit Foundation, which provides support to families with children suffering from cystic fibrosis. AMA also volunteered for Can the Griz and provided social media and email campaign support for the Jabs MSU Giving Day donation efforts.
AMA also has an internal company called M-Trail Marketing Services, which provides marketing consulting to organizations on campus and in the community. In the last 12 months, M-Trail has provided more than $10,000 in marketing services. This consultancy also offers discounted services to nonprofits and student organizations. The goal is to ultimately make high-quality marketing services more accessible.
“M-Trail is something I personally have spent a lot of time putting efforts into,” said Nate Brown, a marketing senior at Montana State and the VP of Consulting for AMA. “It is such an honor being a part of a team that received this award, but more importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community.”
AMA made significant adjustments to continue the development of its members by continuing its bi-weekly meetings during the pandemic. Through hosting events in adjoining classrooms, and using video conferencing to connect the two rooms, AMA provided safe ways for students to continue to learn how to enter the world of marketing and business. AMA also put on its first spring conference this year, hosting guest speakers from global companies to speak to AMA members all over the country.
AMA demonstrates a commitment to its mission and purpose by allowing members to continue to network and compete against universities internationally at ICC this year. ICC is normally held in New Orleans but due to the pandemic, it was held virtually. AMA made it a priority to make sure the members experienced a similar experience so the organization traveled to Big Sky to compete and network virtually.
“I am honored and so proud to help lead this student organization,” said Kaitlin Lane, senior marketing student from Harlowton and president of the AMA chapter at MSU. “I could not have done it without the amazing executive board, all the directors, and all the members. I am really happy AMA and its members are recognized for all of their hard work.”
The AMA executive board for the 2020-2021 academic year consisted of:
Lane - President
Isabelle Ivankovich - Executive Vice President
Shayna Armer - VP of Communications
Nate Brown - VP of Consulting
Samantha Dehio - VP of Membership
Amaya Frank - VP of Programs
Bailey Jacobson - VP of Marketing
Maddison Lueck - VP of Fundraising
Hunter Young - VP of Finance
The American Marketing Association is the student lead chapter of the AMA at Montana State University. AMA’s mission is to prepare students for their professional careers through experiences that inspire students to cultivate strong networks, personal growth, and ethical leadership with a community-oriented focus. Membership is available to all students and majors. For more information about AMA at Montana State University or membership please visit the following website: http://www.amamontanastate.org/
Montana State AMA contacts:
Hunter Young
VP of Communications, AMA
communications.msu.ama@gmail.com
Eric Van Steenburg
Faculty Advisor, AMA
eric.vansteenburg@montana.edu