Austin AMA is proud to announce two new accolades for the 2019-2020 American Marketing Association award year: Membership Excellence and Programming Excellence.

The American Marketing Association (AMA) established the Chapter Excellence Awards (CEA) program in 1974 to “highlight AMA professional chapters’ outstanding achievements in all areas of chapter operations”, and the Austin chapter is pleased to be included on that list with these twin recognitions for membership and programming.

These awards are the result of the chapter’s ability to produce a strong lineup of content offerings for chapter members and a policy of highlighting and recognizing the achievements of individual Austin AMA members. The Chapter’s Past Chapter Council Representative – Gina Bonar – spoke specifically to the group’s progress especially over the course of the past year, saying that, “AMA Austin did incredible work rebuilding their bench after several years of struggling to recruit new leadership. By the end of the year, they were able to pivot quickly and hold some tremendous virtual events that gained national attention for programming during COVID.”

Some of that programming included regular virtual networking events like the casual Marketing Mornings, where members can network and discuss industry topics over coffee via Zoom and webinars like The Role of Emotional Intelligence in a Pandemic where several expert panelists contributed their wisdom expertise on how to leverage emotional intelligence to support teams and elevate critical communication.

“The Austin chapter should be extremely proud of the strategic plan and goal setting efforts this year. The chapter is certainly set up for continued success.”, while another said the chapter’s partnership with sponsor IBM, “could easily become a case-study for how to address programming, sponsorship, and group memberships as an all-in-one strategic partnership.” Said one of the anonymous judges tasked with choosing which AMA chapters to reward in those categories.

“The talented leaders who invest their time in creating a supportive community for Austin-area marketing professionals have a lot to celebrate. It is a huge honor to receive national recognition, especially during a time that has presented so many challenges for all. From delivery of timely, consistent content to offering engaging networking opportunities, the American Marketing Association continues to be a great place to connect with experienced professionals representing different marketing disciplines and perspectives.”

Angela Brutsche, past chapter president of Austin AMA

As Austin AMA heads into the new year, the chapter anticipates unique opportunities to build upon the lessons and recognition of the past year to bring an even more engaging experience to its members in the weeks and months to come.

Michelle Vrudhula – who has been an AMA Austin member for over a decade – oversaw the chapter’s membership and programming initiatives for the recognized board year as chapter president and said of the two awards:

“The Board and the entire volunteer team did such a great job and I am so proud to be part of the team that was recognized nationally for programming and membership excellence. Our mission was to spotlight the value we give to our members and bring it front and center.

We wanted to make sure we recognized and rewarded our hardworking Austin marketers for all of the passion they have for the association, this chapter, and our community. This award truly recognizes that, and it represents what makes our chapter so great. It’s a place to lead, connect, and grow. ”

More information about the Chapter Excellence Awards can be found on the American Marketing Association’s website, while additional information about AMA Austin — including how to become a member of the chapter — is also available online.