The organization: The Sales and Marketing Council is The Northeast Florida Builders Association’s marketing organization.
How she was selected: Oram was elected four years ago during one of SMC’s monthly meetings in 2004. Each year she has moved up the ranks from secretary/treasurer (2005), first (2006) and second chair (2007) until her presidency in 2008.
Her responsibilities: She runs the SMC show, setting goals and conducting meetings.
Her business: Oram is a Group Account Director at the Burdette Ketchum advertising and public relations firm.
Her goals as president for 2008: She wants to bring the organization into a clearer focus in the tough market. “We are going to try to get back to basics in creative new ways. To continue to improve the education, networking, recognition and information distribution, which is what the heart of SMC really is.”
When are meetings and what happens during them?: Meetings are held the University of North Florida’s University Center on the second Friday of every month. The morning meetings include breakfast, monthly award winners and generally a guest speaker or program that offers networking or educational messages to use in business.
What organization offers members: Peer networking, educational opportunities, recognition for industry and charity achievements and market information. “Members that come to meetings get a broad sense of what’s going on in the marketplace. It definitely helps in business.” Oram reiterated that 2008 will be a reevaluation.of the program and a time to get back to the basics so that SMC can fully benefit its members.
How the organization has an impact on the industry: The educational programs and networking opportunities that SMC is able to offers members is an invaluable tool that they can take with them in their business, said Oram.