The Direct Marketing Association said yesterday that its board of directors accepted the Seattle Direct Marketing Club's petition to become a DMA chapter.
The new Seattle chapter, effective Jan. 1, is the sixth direct marketing organization to become an official DMA chapter since September 1997. The other five are for Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, California South Coast, Northern California and Southern Ohio.
“Our goal is to represent all direct marketers — large and small, regional and national — and provide the tools local organizations need to compete and succeed during these challenging economic times,” DMA president/CEO H. Robert Wientzen said. “At the same time, this addition will help us create an industry-wide advocate that will ensure even stronger, more comprehensive national representation and services for all direct and interactive marketers.”
The Seattle chapter will be led by local direct and interactive marketing professional David Carpenter, vice president of interactive sales & marketing, Adinfonitum. Harry Egler, divisional vice president of market planning, Eddie Bauer; and Sherri Erickson, marketing manager of anti-piracy, Microsoft Corp., will serve as the chapter's vice presidents.
“Seattle's members will enjoy the substantial incremental benefits the DMA brings to our chapter,” said Carpenter. “As diligent partners working towards the advancement of direct marketing in our communities, we look forward to a promising year.”
To become a DMA chapter, direct and interactive marketing organizations must petition the association and meet eligibility criteria, said Michael L. Faulkner, DMA senior vice president for segments and affiliates. He noted that there are about 35 local and regional direct marketing organizations nationwide. The DMA liaisons with each organization.
Like all chapter members, the Seattle chapter members will gain access to DMA services. In addition, the DMA will help develop charter newsletters and a Web site linked to its site.
