'Most Promising Marketer' Awarded to Old Dominion University Student Melissa Smith

The Hampton Roads chapter of the American Marketing Association awarded its 2011 "Most Promising Marketer" prize to Melissa Smith of Old Dominion University during the HRAMA May 19 luncheon meeting at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

For anyone starting out in a new career, having confidence in your ability to succeed is important. This is especially true for marketers, which is one of the reasons the HRAMA presents the annual award. The award includes a $1,000 cash prize. Melissa Smith not only earned a vote of confidence from the HRAMA, but she also has the endorsement of ODU marketing instructor Michelle Carpenter.

"I asked Melissa to complete this application process because I could think of no other student in our program quite as deserving-from an academic standpoint as well as leadership and service potential," said Carpenter. "Melissa has truly excelled in the classroom as one of my brightest students in two different classes, and she has served as an able leader in the American Marketing Association Club at ODU."

"We couldn't be more pleased with the selection," said HRAMA president Erica Scott. "We all expect great things from Melissa in her career."

HRAMA's Collegiate Relations Committee conducts a joint luncheon and other programs with the ODU student chapter of HRAMA, internships with professional members as well as guest lectures to area college/university marketing classes.

The HRAMA is a membership of marketing and business development professionals that provides sales and success-building strategies to Hampton Road's businesses. The monthly meetings are open to the public, and each forum is designed to allow a question and answer time as well as private time with the experts speaking in each meeting. Businesses can register to attend the luncheon or learn about any of our success-building presentations by visiting the HRAMA Web site at www.hrama.org.

If you would like more information on the Most Promising Marketer Award, or to schedule an interview with Melissa Smith, our prize-winner, please call Michael T. Williams at 757.892.4328.