The DMA Fast Forward Conference ended with a heartfelt message this evening from the 2008 List Leader of the Year award recipient. After a long day of strategic thinking and challenges from experts outside of the list business, it was refreshing to hear words of wisdom and optimism from Linda Huntoon, Executive Vice President of Consumer List Brokerage for Direct Media, Inc. The industry veteran was honored by her peers, family and friends for an unwavering commitment to her clients and to the list and data marketing industry. Her acceptance speech reminded list professionals, young and old, that the customer is king and exceptional service is key to sustaining a healthy business regardless of the media or response channels you support. Undoubtedly, the industry has survived and will continue to thrive with added value and measurable results.
The 2008 Ron Davis Young List Professional of the Year was awarded to Tim Hickman of ALC, Inc. Tim hit the ground running in ALC's Data Management Division with a remarkable attitude. At times, it seemed like he was having more fun selling segments and selects than sipping suds on a Saturday night. Tim found joy in helping his coworkers, clients and customers throughout the day regardless of the problem at hand. This rising star finds a way to get the job done and have fun doing it -- and he makes everyone around him just feel good.
And there was Scott Chilcutt, whose industry contributions required the introduction of a new award -- the Industry Innovation Award. A few seasoned list industry veterans put Scott's contributions in the context of list marketing circa 1989 when list marketing information was only to be found on paper, in proprietary databases, or in an SRDS book. That was the same time when marketing INFORMATION network began with three employees, no clients, and Scott's vision for the future of mailing list research and recommendations. The vision was realized with an electronic standardized data card database that replaced internal data card compilation tasks with top shelf data, world-class service, and added value for list brokers and their clients. Scott now heads up the mIn Strategic Business Unit for NextMark providing services to include search engine optimization and advertising for list managers, as well as fully-integrated list order processing solutions for all direct marketers.
Each award recipient spoke from the heart with words of integrity that clearly revealed their character. Congratulations Linda, Tim and Scott on your achievements and for making our not so little world of lists a better place to work!
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