Meet SMPS Connecticut's newest members!

• Marie Protomastro Patel, Marketing Manager - Redniss & Mead
• Rachel Santacroce, Marketing Coordinator - Kaestle Boos Associates 

Marie Protomastro Patel
Marketing Manager, Redniss & Mead

Marie Protomastro Patel is an AEC Marketing Specialist who helps the principals of Redniss & Mead grow and promote their business.  Her method includes developing strategic marketing plans, content creation, SEO, email marketing, graphic design and company meetings and culture development.  Though beginning her marketing career in the computer industry for IBM, when an opportunity to join the AEC industry presented itself, she jumped in. Seven year later, she has rebranded Redniss & Mead and their website, developed and executed strategic marketing initiatives and communication plans, developed the firm's project profile database, the RFP/Q proposal presentation materials, professional resumes, and LinkedIn profiles and planned and ran client events and the annual team meetings.  Her next quest is using all that experience to study for and pass the CPSM exam.

Rachel Santacroce
Marketing Coordinator, Kaestle 

Rachel Santacroce is a dynamic communications professional with a diverse background in public relations and marketing. She currently serves as the Marketing Coordinator at Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc. Kaestle Boos is an architectural design firm that has been headquartered in New Britain for more than 60 years, with additional offices in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. As the Marketing Coordinator for Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc., Rachel assists in the development of proposals while also increasing the company’s social media presence and using her strong background in public relations to elevate Kaestle Boos’ already strong public reputation through continued earned media exposure. Previously to joining Kaestle Boos, Rachel honed her communications skills through positions at public relations firms and non-profit organizations.

Rachel enjoys remaining an active member of her community through multiple activities. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain and has been an active member of HYPE for over 4 years, during which time she served as the Social Events Committee Chairman. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Eastern Connecticut State University and is currently earning a Master of Science in Communications from Central Connecticut State University. She grew up in Manchester and currently lives in Wethersfield with her fiancée Kevin. You can connect with Rachel on LinkedIn here!

We've scoured the web so that you don't have to - check out the marketing articles August had to offer:

1. Zaha Hadid Architects’ Latest Design Is the World’s First Free-Form Exoskeleton Skyscraper

2. University Trends 2018: Schools Are Desperately Searching for Ways to Economize

3. An Integrated Project Team

4. Bicycle Kitchens Give Cyclists Their Very Own Amenity Space

5. Following Setback, $200M Windsor Locks Project Begins Local Approval Process

We've scoured the web so that you don't have to - check out the marketing articles July had to offer:

1. LEED v4 Summer Learning

2. Branding Evolved: The New Brand Management Manifesto

3. 14 Famous Authors’ Houses Worth Seeing

4. Clients Want to be Heard. Demand it, Really!

5. POP-UP Parking Aims to Revolutionize Climate Adaptation in Major Cities

In celebration of the warm weather, SMPS CT is offering a Thank Goodness It's Summer (TGIS) Membership Drive with discounts for new and returning members. Take advantage of all the benefits TGIS has to offer before August 31st!

Discounts include:

• $100 discount available to any enrolling New Member (total fees of $340 versus standard $440)
• $100 discount available to any re-enrolling Encore Member whose membership expired prior to December 2015 (total fees of $340 versus standard $440)
• 3 webinar programs scheduled for July and August, at no charge to enrolling New Members or re-enrolling Encore Members
• 3-month membership extension award available to any Current Member recommending a New Member who joins before August 31, 2018

For more information contact Ruth Millward, Cathy DeFrances, or Ron Paolillo.

By: Jessica Osborne, CPSM - Marketing Manager, BL Companies

Summertime to me means longer days, sunny skies, and (hopefully!) time spent traveling or relaxing – which allows for some extra time to catch up on some reading, personal or professional. Whether you’re listening to an audiobook while on a road trip, or getting lost in a book while lounging on a beach, books are a great way to pass the time! No matter how you like to get your reading in, I’d love to suggest some materials from the SMPS CT Lending Library. Below are a few of my recommendations:

• Quiet – The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking (Susan Cain)
• TED Talks Storytelling – 23 Storytelling Techniques from the Best TED Talks (Akash Karia)
• Tips, Tricks, & Tidbits – for marketing executives forced, against their will, to be graphic designers (Clockwork Design Group)
• Knowing Your Value – Women, Money and Getting What You’re Worth (Mika Brzezinski)

Do you have any you’d like to add to this list? Better yet, feel free to contribute some of your favorites to the Lending Library and give our members the opportunity to get lost in a great book (to me, there really isn’t a better feeling!).

For more information on check out procedures and donations, visit our lending library page.

As part of this year's strategic planning retreat, SMPS CT was joined by Inspire Corps. Acting as facilitators, they led SMPS CT members on a journey through time to discover the past and future of the chapter. From humble beginnings as a satellite office to the Boston chapter to various accolades and recent growth spurts, SMPS CT has a rich history that has that helped form the chapter as it is today. Our members came away with an understanding of how SMPS CT started and the various factors at play during it's growth stages.  

Inspire Corps illustrating the history of SMPS CT from our beginnings in the early 1980's to present day. 

With a clear view of the past, we were able to start planning for the future. As part of the discussion we took time to relflect on the SMPS Mission & Vision and benchmark our goals against both:

The SMPS Mission: To advocate for, educate, and connect leaders in the building industry. 
The SMPS Vision: Business transformed through marketing leadership. 

Attendees were able to use their creative thinking skills as we discussed critical path items and set goals to make our 2018-2019 program year the best it can be.

SMPS CT members discussing the vision and mission of SMPS.

By: Mary McIlvain

We've scoured the web so that you don't have to - check out the marketing articles June had to offer:

1. After the Storm: Economic Recovery after Katrina and Sandy

2. 5 Ways of Newsjacking To Promote Your Firm

3. Designing for Human Health is the Next Frontier in Sustainable Building

4. 4 Ways IoT Impacts Design and Construction

5. 17 Beautifully Designed Tea Shops from Around the World

By: Marta Dabrowski

SMPS CT's Annual Meeting and Connecticut's Economic Outlook Client Panel took place on June 20th at the Back Nine Tavern at Southington Country Club. Before the panelists took the stage, current President Sharon Pomeroy, shared some of the past season's highlights which included record membership numbers, an impressive programs line-up, and an increase in our social media following. 

As part of the end-of-season celebrations, member of the year and lifetime achievement awards were awarded to members who made invaluable contributions to the chapter. Jessica Parkins of Petra Construction, was the recipient of the Grace Waldvogel Member of the Year Award. Jessica, as the Programs Committee Chair, has done an extraordinary job leading the committee and successfully coordinating chapter programs and events. Jim Bancroft of Lenard Engineering, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. His contributions to SMPS and the Connecticut chapter over the past 24 years as treasurer are insurmountable. The SMPS CT board unanimously decided that going forward the Lifetime Achievement Award will be know as the Jim Bancroft Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Client Panel

Our all star client panel tackled some of the tough question regarding the current state of the Connecticut economy including the status of current and upcoming A/E/C projects and the future economic outlook for the State. Our panel included: James P. Redeker, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Transportation; Laura Cruickshank, FAIA, University Master Planner and Chief Architect and Associate Vice President for University Planning, Design and Construction for the University of Connecticut; Karri May, AIA, Senior Project Manager, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center; Dawn Hocevar, President & CEO of Bio CT; and Courtney Hendricson, Vice President of Municipal Services at Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. (CREC). Our moderator was Kent Schwendy, President/CEO of CIL, a non-profit real estate development company.

To start, the panelists each shared an experience that had a profound impact on their career. From changing the lives of cancer patients through the design of medical facilities to connecting people through transportation initiatives, the panelist made it clear that the spaces we live in have a profound effect on individuals and that, most importantly, we have to strive to make Connecticut a place where people want to live and work.  

When asked if the economy performed as expected over the past year and what the outlook was for the future, the panelists agreed that last year was not easy for anyone. The State budget cuts within the past couple months caused projects across Connecticut to be put on hold. This delay had a ripple effect on all future projects. Laura Cruickshank (UConn) concurred that the budget has put some of the university's projects on hold. With most projects being STEM-oriented, this not only had an impact on the University but also the job market - potentially causing a shortage in STEM graduates. Dawn Hocevar (Bio CT) had a positive outlook for the bio science industry in Connecticut. With bio science being one of the top five revenue generating industries in the State, it will be worthwhile for the State to invest in more incubator spaces and graduate spaces to allow these new start-ups to develop. 

Looking to the future, James Redeker (CTDOT) shared his vison for Connecticut which included getting rid of congestion and providing more alternative transportation options. He commented that sustained progress and investment in transportation will keep the economy going in the long run. Investing in transportation makes a difference - that's why the Department is planning to ease congestion by putting the Charter Oak Bridge out to bid later this year, the bridge is one of the most congested routes in the State. Karri May (CT Children's Medical Center) believes we need to start thinking more regionally and attract people and clients from outside the state. Courtney Hendricson (CERC) agreed, saying that CERC is currently working on recruiting foreign companies to do business in Connecticut. 

To conclude the program the panelists were asked how the A/E/C industry can help in their current positions. Courtney Hendricson (CERC) said the best way to help is to get to know the senior leaders and officials in your community - most often you share the same goals and can work together to make them a reality. James Redeker (CTDOT) commented that celebrating what we are doing together will make all the difference and make Connecticut a more positive place to work and live. 

Meet SMPS Connecticut's newest member - Lindsey Webber, Marketing Coordinator, C.E. Floyd Company!

Lindsey Webber
Marketing Coordinator, C.E. Floyd Company

Lindsey Webber recently joined C.E. Floyd Company as a Contract Administrator, but when the Marketing Coordinator role became available, she jumped at the opportunity to make the change. She had already proven she was a good fit for the company, and now she can put her English background to use. Lindsey is assisting with content creation, award submissions, photo shoots, CRM support and other marketing tasks. She is looking forward to being a part of the Marketing family at C.E. Floyd! In her spare time, she enjoys spending time at the beach and camping with friends and family

By: Ashley Remmers

What are some of the current and upcoming A/E/C projects in Connecticut? How do they relate to Connecticut’s current and future economic outlook? Come find out at SMPS’s Annual Meeting & Connecticut Economic Outlook Client Panel Program. Join us for our final program of the 2017-2018 SMPS CT calendar year on Wednesday, June 20^th, at Back Nine Tavern at Southington Country Club, 150 Savage Street, Plantsville, CT, 06479, for an interactive panel that will explore Connecticut’s economic outlook and its effect on current and future A/E/C projects.

Our diverse panel of guests include: James P. Redeker, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Transportation; Laura Cruickshank, FAIA, University Master Planner and Chief Architect and Associate Vice President for University Planning, Design and Construction for the University of Connecticut; Karri May, AIA, Senior Project Manager, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center; Dawn Hocevar, President & CEO of Bio CT; and Courtney Hendricson, Vice President of Municipal Services at Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. (CREC). Our moderator will be Kent Schwendy, President/CEO of CIL, a non-profit real estate development company. If you’re looking for a glimpse into Connecticut’s future, this program is for you. For more information, please visit our website here. Registration is open until June 15^th.N

About SMPS CT

Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) was created in 1973 by a small group of professional services firm leaders who recognized the need to sharpen skills, pool resources, and work together to create business opportunities. Today, SMPS, nationally, represents a dynamic network of 7,000+ marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, planning, interior design, construction, and specialty consulting firms located throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and its 60 chapters benefit from the support of 3,250 design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News-Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.