Susan Ruckman is membership club coordinator for the Jacksonville Super Bowl Host Committee Membership Club.
WHAT IS THE MEMBERSHIP CLUB?
“The host committee and The Dalton Agency have come up with a program, the Super Bowl Host Committee Membership Club, that no other Super Bowl committee has done. We’ve had the luxury of starting the committee earlier than most cities do, so we have about two and a half years to generate enthusiasm and get the community prepared. The club is a way for individuals and businesses to be associated with Super Bowl and to generate enthusiasm in the community.”
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE COMMITTEE?
Her company, Ruckman Chandler & Partners, is an extension of the host committee. “Our role is to sell, market and manage the membership club. We provide event marketing services, management and promotional support for the Super Bowl Host Committee Membership Club, including sales of retail partnerships, group membership sales programs and membership promotions.” Membership costs $49.95.
WHAT IS REWARDING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“People are genuinely excited about the things that I am involved in. It’s fun to talk about and to get others involved in. That is rewarding to me — that I am making people happy and helping them be successful in their own ventures.”
WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP TO THE CLUB GET YOU?
Ruckman said membership in the club includes some exclusive Super Bowl Host Committee apparel and a membership club card that offers area discounts at local retail outlets. “The membership will also get them invited to member-only events that are being planned and some hospitality benefits at Super Bowl Host Committee events for the public [like special seating at events]. We are also promoting membership through public events and the Internet to get the community involved. We want to engage the whole community in preparing to host the Super Bowl in 2005.”
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS TYPE OF WORK?
“I have a master’s degree in communications and I knew I wanted to be involved in special events, promotions and marketing. In 1990, I was contracted as the senior event director for the local team of Streetball Partners International who produced Hoop-It-Up 3-on-3 basketball events. I ended up joining the Hoop-It-Up National 3-on-3 tour to travel around the country producing 3-on-3 basketball and 4-on-4 football tournaments. That opened the door for me to work with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first three seasons as a special events coordinator. My experience producing the events led me to pursue marketing and communication positions with other corporations such as YMCA and JEA.”
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SUPER BOWL?
“When the Super Bowl was announced, the entrepreneurial bug bit me again and I missed being in a sports environment. I was glad I had gotten a broad experience in marketing and advertising. I saw an opportunity to be involved and to use the experience and knowledge I have gained working in advertising and marketing to help get the city ready for the Super Bowl.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“I love being a part of what is up and coming in Jacksonville. There is a lot happening in our community right now that is exciting. I don’t like to be left out and I like to be right in the middle of it. I like meeting new people and being involved. I like being in a position to be creative and help clients promote what they do.”
HOW WILL YOU HELP JACKSONVILLE GET READY FOR A SUPER BOWL?
“Because of the NFL strict guidelines, the Super Bowl Host Committee is responsible for raising a budget. This program adds to that budget and gives people an opportunity to be a part of the Super Bowl. Also, we are going to need 8 - 10,000 volunteers, so we are creating a database for volunteers with our members.”
COLLEGE
She has a bachelor’s degree in business from Clemson University and a master’s degree in communication from San Diego State University.
BIRTHPLACE
Jacksonville.
HIGH SCHOOL
Terry Parker.
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT?
She is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville, class of 1994, a member of the Clemson University Alumni National Council and Women’s Business Owners.
CHURCH
She is a member of the Christian Family Chapel and is getting involved in First Presbyterian Church downtown to promote some new ministry opportunities. “We are trying to draw single professionals to the church to grow their ministry.”
RESIDES
San Marco.
HOBBIES
“I love music. I love to dance, travel and spend time with my friends.”
FAVORITES
Her favorite movie is “Gone with the Wind” and the most recent book she read and would recommend is “The Remnant” by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins. Her favorite restaurant that she “just doesn’t get to enough” is Dolphin Depot in Jacksonville Beach. When relaxing at home, she enjoys tuning into “Judging Amy” and “ER.” When traveling, her favorite place to visit is San Diego.
— by Michele Newbern Gillis