AMA Conference 60

The American Marketing Association of Saint Louis just hosted its 60^th annual conference. But this one was the first one that was 100% virtual. The legacy and mission of our chapter is to advocate for the professional study and practice of marketing. Dedicated chapter leaders reach out to students and marketers in our region. This annual conference theme is Discovery through Disruption.

Bill Ellis, Brand Architect and Founder of Branding for Results is our master of ceremonies. He made the transition to a virtual format flawless with the able support of technical expertise of Conference Technologies Incorporated. Objective Media served as creative consultant and fine-tuned graphic elements.

Lee Broughton and Khalia Collier presented a vision for Major League Soccer in Saint Louis. Lee is Founder of Broughton Brand Company and Chief Brand Architect for St. Louis CITY Major League Soccer team. Khalia Collier is Vice President of Community Relations for St. Louis CITY SC. Together Lee and Khalia they shared the exciting vision for professional soccer in Saint Louis.

Laura Burkemper, Partner & Chief Executive Officer of CARTEL Strategies earned her MBA in international business and now is a professor at Saint Louis University.

Brandon Dempsey is partner at the GoBrandGo! Marketing firm. He is the driving force behind the strategy side of the business and focused on building relationships with entrepreneurs across not only the US, but the world.

Segun Babalola is president of the African Chamber of Commerce of Saint Louis. Mr. Babalola received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Southeast Missouri State University as well as a degree in International Studies from Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Rennes, France. He has an Master in Business Administration degree from Webster University, St. Louis. He brought significant insights into marketing to the African continent and the 54 countries therein.

Stan Phelps is a best-selling author of the 13-book Goldfish Series. He is a Forbes Contributor, TEDx Speaker, IBM Futurist. Goldfish are a metaphor for growth says Stan. An average goldfish is under 3 inches long but under the right conditions they can grow to over 20 inches.

Congratulation to all involved in putting on this remarkable conference together. Photo above: Stan Phelps 

As a bonus: all those who signed up for this virtual conference receive a box of prizes that includes premium items, coffee, conference mug, snack food and more. An awesome team effort and a celebration of marketing.

Make My Day

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the San Francisco police detective character played by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry movies. Harry Callahan is someone who does not hesitate to cross boundaries in pursuit of justice, especially when it is clear that justice is poorly served by the law and a flawed system. It’s fantastic to see Harry get the bad guys in spite of inept bureaucracies, corruption in city government, punitive suspensions from duty and all kinds of collateral damage to property - all with little or no harm to countless innocent bystanders between episodic gunfire and car chases. Movies are made as a form of escapism. We all know we can’t take the law into our own hands and single-handedly and swiftly get retribution. We can’t right all the wrongs that happen in the course of our lives or even fully mitigate the threats of our potential enemies. We love Harry because he represents a hero who can make snap judgments and correctly comprehend the magnitude of evil and with his powerful weapon and extreme precision make things right. In real life, so much depends on each and every one of us to do a part in making the world a better, fairer and safer place. The real heroes in life never get to confront the bad guy at a moment of truth and say something like: Go ahead, make my day. I will always be a fan of the iconoclastic rogue police detective in movie fiction. It’s entertaining to see resolution inside the context of a two-hour motion picture. But for me, outside that format I am always inspired by the collective courage people show every single day with kindness, compassion, caring and love for humanity. You are the real heroes. You add up to a better world. You are important. I hope you know - you make my day. 

Thank you.

So long George - you will be missed

 

George Ryll, 73, Sebastian, Florida passed away on February 10, 2021 at home with his family. 

He was born in Uslar, Germany on September 14, 1947. George came to this country with his family in 1956.  After graduating from Passaic County Vocational high school he served in the US Army. George lived most of his life in West Creek, New Jersey. He was an active member of the Eagleswood Fire Company from 1973 to 2000 serving as Chief from 1979 till 1986 and again from 1990 to 1998. He was a member of the NJ State Fire Chiefs Association as well as the Ocean County and Southern Ocean County Fire Chiefs Association. He was a Life Member of the Fireman’s Association. He worked for HBE corporation as a project supervisor until 1997 when he went to work for Oceanfirst Bank as a facilities manager.  

George and his wife Barbara retired to Sebastian in 2011.  He enjoyed many rounds of golf with his friends at Sebastian Municipal Golf Course, where he was a member.  

George was preceded in death by his first wife Elaine and his children Stephanie and Chip. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his sisters, Hilda; Irene (Ditmar); and Anna; his granddaughters, Kaia and Olivia, and many nieces and nephews. 

George will always be remembered for his kind and generous heart, his sense of humor, his willingness to always help a friend or stranger, and above all, his deep unconditional love for his family. A celebration of his life will be held later this year. 

In  lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eagleswood Fire Company, 

219 Railroad Ave., West Creek, NJ 08092.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of George Ryll...

Wesley A Morgan from Saint Louis, wrote on Feb. 17, 2021

George, you will be missed. Anyone who had the pleasure of joining you for a round of golf knows that you found joy in each moment. I know you will be smiling on all of the HBE hackers going forward. We'll be sure to offer a toast to your memory when we convene again in October for the 10th annual HBE Memorial/Alumni event at Creve Coeur Golf Course.

https://www.seawindsfh.com/obituary/george-ryll

NOTE: Mark your calendar for The HBEAnnual Alumni/Memorial event on October 2, 2021 at Creve Coeur Golf Course. 

The Future is Present

 

The Future is Present: Art and Global Change

The show has been in the works for a while now. It resonates with the Laumeier mission to look at the connection between art and nature. The Aronson Fine Arts Building opened again on Saturday February 6, 2021. It is an invitation to participate thoughtfully, and on a global scale, while embracing a kind of mindfulness.

Case in point: Leviathon, Elegy for Ice is an installation that includes sound and video collected from the Arctic Circle in the Svalbard fjords in Norway. Pete Froslie teaches art at the University of Oklahoma (Norman). He holds a BFA from the University of Nevada, Reno and an MFA from Massachusetts College of Art. His work here presents data collected from two expeditions to the Arctic Circle. You can hear ice cracking and see water swirling. It’s mesmerizing.

Showcased here are ten more artists that range in methodologies from sublime to meticulous. It calls for an open mind and multiple visits to this venue in the heart of Sunset Hills. Among the works are:Tightrope: (31) While Observing, 2018 by Elias Sime made of repurposed salvaged electronic components; A Rhizumatic Solar Cart by Hannah Chalew set on wheels adjacent to the park’s South Lawn with lights presumably powered by the sun’s energy via solar panel: and The Playhead of Dawn, 2018 by Jenny Kendler and Brian Kirkbridge captured sounds of birds singing.  

Take in this title card from inside to get a sense of artist Jake Chapman’s sense of whimsy and doom: (Free Willy) 2012 fiberglass plastic and mixed media sculpture. “When the world ends, there’ll be no more air. That’s why it’s important to pollute the air now. Before it’s too late. After the end of the world, also, all the technological advances which have been made in this century, which could at this very moment allow a leisure society for all but a few technicians, and a few women with wombs – so that there will, I mean there could, be no more social class – after the end of this world when humans are no more…

Clearly, this is an exhibition that features work that challenges on many levels as complex as issues around climate change itself. It is a remarkable exhibition worthy of dialogue even in an age of social distancing and mask muffled interfaces. The exhibition on view through May 9, 2021. 

From Laumeier Website:

THE FUTURE IS PRESENT: ART AND GLOBAL CHANGE

February 6–May 9, 2021 / Aronson Fine Arts Center

The Future is Present: Art and Global Change will examine the intersections between art and some of the world’s most pressing issues: climate change, environmental crisis and the related global repercussions. The exhibition explores the innovation of artists and their commitment to understanding humankind’s material impact on nature and technology’s role in understanding this global emergency.

The Future is Present will emphasis the urgency of topics ranging from deforestation and astronomical phenomena to tech waste. The artists assembled bring perspectives from across the planet, and they will use video, sound, virtual/augmented reality and upcycled materials to address this theme.

Exhibition artists:

Daniel Canogar (Los Angeles/Madrid)

Hannah Chalew (New Orleans)

Jake Chapman (London)

Pete Froslie (Norman, OK)

Jenny Kendler (Chicago)

Van McElwee (St. Louis)

Elias Sime (Addis Ababa)

Calum Stirling (Glasgow) and Daniel Fishkin (Charlottesville)

Marina Zurkow (New York)

According to Curator Dana Turkovic, the exhibition’s title is inspired by a quote from Bertrand Picard, a co-pilot of the first solar powered balloon to attempt to circle the world non-stop. Turkovic says, “Describing his experience, Picard explained ‘when landing, it was like going back to the past’ realizing his ability to push the boundary of existing knowledge in his field of study.”

She adds, “In the spirit of this ground-breaking exploration, the exhibition will examine the insights of artists, highlighting how the visual culture sector is not only reflecting our world back to us, but doing so through the lens of technology, taking charge on our environment and reminding us that our future is the present.” 

2017 Reflection

UPDATES FROM WES – 8-20-2017

Taking the lead from Rob, here are some updates from Wes’ family. As you may know, I became a grandpa in July and again in December. Robert Lawton Dewey was born on the fifth of July in Tampa and I got my first dose of that feeling when he was just 10 days old. Lindsey and Chris are doing a remarkable job with Lawton, from video and digital evidence on social media. He passed inspection when Lynn went to visit for Lawton’s birthday.  Ben and Allison’s boy James is coming on strong. He was mesmerized by an avalanche of bubbles this past weekend. He has a stoic intensity that I think will serve him well.

I’m still convinced the world is a better place with Lindsey in it. She continues to give her all at her job and is happy to travel to conclaves and camps with her boy in tow. Including a trip to a national convention in Chicago that allowed grampa Wes some quality time with Lawton and the Chicago Art Institute (during an unseasonably warm weekend in February).

Ben has the eye of an artist and demonstrates great skill behind the camera. So much so that he was contracted as wedding photographer last month. Ben is featured player in meet and greet business development functions for his firm. His is the valuation practice that helps companies determine strategy, consider merger/acquisition or divorce settlements. Ben knows his way around spreadsheets. Allison recruited her mom to visit this weekend so Ben & Allison could participate in a Missouri float trip. James had plenty of grandma (x2) and grandpa (me) time.  

Lynn is baking up a storm for a Colleen’s Cookies. She has been working more than me but I am back to work in a classroom at Special School District (SSD) Neuwoehner High School. Making progress on my Master of Arts in Teaching (Special Education) at Fontbonne University. I have a bunch of A’s (but it hasn’t cost Rob anything). I remain a regular docent tour guide at Laumeier Sculpture Park (Five years now). And a board member of the American Marketing Association (since 1997 – 20 years). I’m also an advisory board member for the University of Missouri, Saint Louis 

(UMSL). This last paragraph amounts entirely to a lot of psychic rewards. 

Tomorrow we'll be in the path of a total solar eclipse.

Morgans,

Time for an updated mailing list for the Morgans (attached).

Tara and Adam moved to the Dallas area. Let me know if there are any other updates.

A few Rob & Joy Morgan updates while I’m at it.

Megan:Megan recently completed her Master’s program (Leadership and Public Service) at Lipscomb University in Nashville. TN.

She was promoted at her place of employment a few months ago and is Director of Communications at the Center for Non-Profit Management.

Way to go Meg!! Dad is going to descend on Nashville for a visit in a few days! Can’t wait!

Parker is touring quite a bit, currently touring within Europe. Parker’s 4^th album is in the works, recording completed, but still lots of mixing and refinement. Date for release is still up in the air.

Tara:Tara Lynne Morgan is now Tara Cooper, as you all know. After 5 months, they I hear they still like each other. I think this is going to work.

Adam and Tara have recently moved to the Dallas area. Tara started as a 4^th grade teacher at a catholic school on northern Dallas. They are lucky to have her!

Adam completed the TX bar exam last month (results pending) and will be starting employment at a law firm in the Dallas area; K & L Gates, in late September.

Tara and Adam moved to the Dallas area a few weeks ago. New address on the updated Morgan address list.

Kevin: Kevin is coming up on a year as an architect at M-Rad in Los Angeles. He’s helping to design luxury homes for the rich and famous, among many other projects. Some amazing work to look at!

Kevin and Madalyn are planning a trip to Mexico, if Kevin can find him passport.

Joy and I are chillin’ and enjoying life in sunny CA.

I hope all is well with the rest of the clan!!

Ove to all, Rob

Rob Morgan

August 19, 2017

AMA Golf 2020

Twenty years or more, the American Marketing Association of Saint Louis has hosted a golf tournament at the nine-hole municipal Creve Coeur Golf Course. The board was seriously considering cancelling this year in the face of the global pandemic. Fortunately, it was decided to go ahead with the plan, albeit with appropriate measures to social distance. The event was scheduled for Friday June 26 months ago. Uncertainty seemed a prevailing theme for the year to date but about 30 golfers managed to play nine on a sunny day with a warm breeze.

Panera box lunches and donated specialty popcorn (from Dave Shogren's export company) greeted the golfers that included healthy support from the University of Missouri, Saint Louis, AMA chapter board members, and veterans of this annual event. The post-game activities were truncated but the shotgun start allowed AMA to treat the course like a private country club for a few hours. Tim Brinks, the director of golf operations, made sure our event ran smoothly, even as a number of players arrived having decided to participate at the last minute.

A few highlights: Annie McBride (on the heels of a successful term as chapter president) rode with incoming president Greg Dietrich.  Dr. Perry Drake agreed to ride with me and our foursome consisted of current and alumni UMSL Tritons Kevin Rielly and Sean Gabris. Ted Ruzicka returned and played with Daryl Vandever. Marketing professors Michael Elliott and Bob McCarthy and acting dean Joe Rottman and UMSL’s Dan Lauer and student foursome Oscar Gordilla, Kyle Colman, Carter Cassell and Maxwell Wooten. A celebrity cameo appearance by past president and lifetime achievement recipient Dr. John Lewington and playing partner John Shambri. John Grizzell, Mark Bretz, past champion Dave Cox, Dave Dunlap, Randy Niederer and his son Ben Niederer. Ian Brown probably earned closest to the pin on #9 as he was filling in for Nick Niehaus. The colorfull Bob Mogley brought his ten-finger grip. Sebastian Montes rounded out the UMSL crew.     

Post game awards and recognition activity had to be truncated for safety sake but I hope everyone knows that we are all winners on this glorious day. Stay safe.

P.S. Seth Kerr, former board member who moved to NY sends best wishes and would have traveled to be with us but decided not to risk travel in this Covid - 19 fearful environment. Tom Shaughnessy and Rowdy Jones somehow missed this year too. And where in the world was Dan Diveley?  

Happy Fathers' Day 2020

When father gets home

He’s gonna be mad

Nah, he’s my dad.

Need a few bucks

For a mitt and some pads

I’ll just ask my dad.

Borrow the car

For a night out lad

I’ll get the keys from my dad

Given a choice of any other pop

No need to ponder good and bad

I’d choose my very own dad

Looking back over time

It makes me glad

To know he’s the one I had

  

Fathers’ Day Reflection

I’ve said it a million times. Moms get the throw-away “Thanks Mom” and secretly smile. They selflessly forge ahead knowing how invaluable they truly are (we hope they know). After all, without Mom you got nothing. I like to say “Thanks Mom” every time I encounter the mention of moms (mine, yours, every mom - past present and future).

But as I consider father’s day 2020, I’ve lived long enough to see my own kids as parents and I am astounded how wonderful they are. I love dem kids (and I love their kids too).  

My daughter has been a camp counsellor and youth group director fine-tuning her maternal skills with remarkable compassion and empathy for years. Her mom (my wife) is legendary. She is the sort of mom who demands accountability from teachers, coaches and anyone else who might be on the guiding path for our kids. Being a mom comes so naturally to my daughter. It’s no wonder that her 4 year old is a showman, a swimmer, and an expressive communicator. He has a high motor, the kind organizations look for in potential team leaders. My daughter credits me with a beautiful array of influences to her creative energy from technique of the week to nonsense poetry. But she knows how important her mom has been especially now that she is navigating the hopes and dreams of a toddler who is growing up so fast.

I am also the father of a remarkable father. I’ve witnessed my son in some most imaginative play with his boy who will be 4 in December. When his boy was a newborn we smiled at the miracle of birth even as the streets outside the hospital were covered in ice. His mom promised not to let the celebration of his birth get lost in the annual shuffle around the December holiday season. I could not help telling my boy what a great father he was as he changed diapers and coaxed delightful giggles from their baby boy. My son was quick to respond “I learned from the best.” Aww shucks, that makes me smile even years after I first heard him say it.