SMPS Awards – SMPS Website https://smps.org Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:05:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://smps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/favicon-32x32-1.png SMPS Awards – SMPS Website https://smps.org 32 32 Celebrating Achievements and Contributions https://smps.org/2026/01/20/celebrating-achievements-and-contributions/ https://smps.org/2026/01/20/celebrating-achievements-and-contributions/#respond Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:05:35 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=54523

Anita L. Smith, who’s manager of advancement and recognition at SMPS, recently chatted with her HQ colleagues about several SMPS programs. During the conversation, Anita shared her thoughts (and enthusiasm!) about these honors and how they’re a great way to celebrate achievements and contributions of members and their firms.

What inspired SMPS to create the Emerging Leader, Business Developer, and Marketing Innovation Firm awards? SMPS was inspired to create these awards because we wanted to highlight the people and teams who are really moving the industry forward. These awards are all about recognizing fresh ideas and the hard work behind successful client relationships and elevating those who are redefining what marketing and business development can look like in the AEC world. It’s a way to celebrate professionals who think differently and help push our industry in new directions.

How do they help individuals and firms showcase their achievements? These awards give marketers, business developers, and firms a real platform to show off the great work they’re doing. Whether it’s someone growing into a strong leader, a business developer building exceptional client relationships, or a firm trying bold new marketing ideas, the awards help shine a spotlight on those accomplishments. They make it easier for others in the industry to see what you’re doing well and give you something meaningful to celebrate and share with your team and clients.

What professional opportunities might follow from being recognized? Being recognized can open a lot of doors and lead to new clients noticing your work, giving you more visibility within the industry. It can even spark collaborations you might not have expected. For individuals, it can help with career growth, like being considered for bigger roles, speaking opportunities, or even leadership positions. For firms, it can boost reputation, attract talent, and strengthen credibility when pursuing new projects. Overall, it puts you on the radar in a really positive way.

Why is it valuable to enter, even if you may not get honored with an award? Even if you don’t get honored, it’s a chance to reflect, celebrate your team’s efforts, and showcase your achievements. The process itself can be a really useful tool for you and your team. It encourages everyone to reflect on what they’ve accomplished, highlights the strengths and successes of different team members, and helps identify areas where you’re excelling. Even just working together to prepare an entry can boost collaboration, spark new ideas, and give everyone a shared sense of pride in the work you’re doing. It turns the application into more than just a submission; it becomes a way to celebrate and strengthen the team itself.

How can recognition inspire others to push creative and strategic boundaries? When people see their peers being celebrated, it creates a healthy pull towards excellence. And it shows that creativity and strong strategy are valued and rewarded. Recognition also builds confidence where people feel safe taking smart risks because they know their contributions won’t go unnoticed. Ultimately, it elevates the entire community by setting new benchmarks and inspiring others to stretch beyond what they thought they could do.

Why is it important to celebrate and showcase achievements through these awards or awards in general? It’s important to celebrate and showcase achievements because recognition reinforces the activities and standards we want to see more of. It also validates the hard work people often do behind the scenes. By showcasing achievements, we’re not just celebrating individuals and firms, we’re setting benchmarks that move the entire industry forward.

What kind of impact can recognition, in general, have on a firm’s business development or marketing efforts? It demonstrates to clients and prospects that the firm excels in building relationships, understanding market needs, and driving strategic growth. This kind of recognition helps the firm stand out and build trust, making it easier to attract opportunities, strengthen credibility, and differentiate the firm in the market.

Can you share examples of how winning or being recognized could open new opportunities for individuals or teams? Several SMPS members and Fellows have spoken publicly about how recognition in the Society helped elevate their careers and leadership roles. Vanessa Yust (FSMPS, CPSM), chief marketing officer at her firm, shared in a member spotlight how SMPS involvement and recognition shaped her career trajectory from early days in the industry to executive leadership. She said the community and recognition helped her feel welcomed, grow with purpose, and ultimately elevate her voice and role internally and across the industry.

 

If you have any questions about the SMPS awards and recognition programs, please reach out to Anita at anita@smps.org.

]]> https://smps.org/2026/01/20/celebrating-achievements-and-contributions/feed/ 0 Congratulations to our 2025 winners and honorees https://smps.org/2025/08/13/congratulations-to-our-2025-winners-and-honorees/ https://smps.org/2025/08/13/congratulations-to-our-2025-winners-and-honorees/#respond Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:13:24 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=52420

At Amplify A|E|C in Columbus, OH, we recognized and congratulated winners and honorees of several awards programs. Here’s to their achievements in leadership, creativity, and innovation!

To view all the SMPS MCA winners, visit our online gallery.

Three additional and separate SMPS awards went to:

Congratulations to this year’s winners and honorees!

For more information about the SMPS awards and recognition program, reach out to awards@smps.org. You’ll also find details about each program under the Community tab of our website.

]]> https://smps.org/2025/08/13/congratulations-to-our-2025-winners-and-honorees/feed/ 0 SMPS Recognizes Brad Thurman With Its Highest Honor https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-brad-thurman-with-its-highest-honor/ https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-brad-thurman-with-its-highest-honor/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:15:11 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=52671

 SMPS is pleased to announce that Brad Thurman, PE, FSMPS, CPSM, has been honored with the 2025 Weld Coxe Marketing Achievement Award (WCMAA). Brad, a member of SMPS Oklahoma and principal and chief marketing officer at Wallace Design Collective, accepted his award during Amplify A|E|C in Columbus, OH.

Brad’s career spans four decades across the A/E/C community. He joined Wallace in 1987 and quickly established himself as a key contributor to the company’s growth, helping shape Wallace’s marketing department from the ground up.

From the start, Brad leveraged his education and passion for connecting technical expertise with client needs. To this day, he loves to parse through data, find patterns and trends, and then find a way to communicate them graphically rather than just through numbers. Studying architectural engineering was a way to meld both traits, and it reinforced the need to be precise with numbers and communicate them in an eloquent way.

Throughout his education and career, Brad has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to learning and teaching others. He believes that every time you teach something, you learn something in return. Whether helping classmates understand an issue or utilizing his technical background to assist marketing professionals in communicating with their teams, Brad approaches each assignment with knowledge, creativity, and a sense of humor.

Donna Corlew, FSMPS, CPSM, and Melissa Lutz, FSMPS, CPSM, emphasized his role as a tireless educator, encouraging leader, and inspirational role model. “Brad pushes boundaries and sparks inquiry among those who work with him on a day-to-day and a volunteer basis. He has a visionary yet grounded way of helping others to see what is possible.”

Craig S. Galati, FAIA, FSMPS, CPSM, added that, “As an engineer who embraced marketing and business development as core drivers of success, Brad has leveraged his technical background to fuel his passion for advancing both his profession and his firm. His engineering training has honed his strategic planning skills and enabled him to lead a highly effective marketing organization.”

Beyond Wallace, Brad’s influence extends across SMPS and the entire A/E/C industry. He has held numerous leadership roles including SMPS chapter president, SMPS board president, and SMPS Foundation president. His service includes mentoring emerging professionals, speaking at conferences, and contributing to key research initiatives shaping the A/E/C industry, specifically for the SMPS Foundation.

Barbara Shuck, FSMPS, CPSM, shared that “Brad doesn’t just present—he teaches. He invites professionals to think more strategically and act with more intention. His ability to bridge the gap between technical teams and marketing/BD professionals makes him an invaluable voice in our industry.”

Throughout his career, Brad has been a champion of integrating marketing and business development with technical expertise. Brad Thurman’s expertise, vision, and inspiration make him a deserving recipient who has dedicated his career to leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for marketing and business development in the A/E/C arena.

Congratulations, again, to Brad Thurman, PE, FSMPS, CPSM!

]]> https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-brad-thurman-with-its-highest-honor/feed/ 0 SMPS Recognizes Dacota Griffin as 2025 Emerging Leader of the Year https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-dacota-griffin-as-2025-emerging-leader-of-the-year/ https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-dacota-griffin-as-2025-emerging-leader-of-the-year/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:30:43 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=52683

SMPS is pleased to announce that Dacota Griffin has been honored with the 2025 Emerging Leader of the Year Award. This SMPS award honors rising marketing professionals who are demonstrating exceptional leadership at their firm. Dacota, who works at GEI Consultants as their national water sector marketing manager, is passionate about the Society, his career, and the A/E/C industry.

While managing a steady workload of marketing and business development responsibilities, Dacota has led major projects at GEI that have yielded a positive impact on the organization. For starters, Dacota oversaw the end-to-end development and implementation of a custom CRM system at GEI, resulting in improved lead management, integrated financial forecasting, and enhanced business development processes across the company.

Dacota also played a key role in planning GEI’s Project Management Workshop by leading the creation of a cohesive and engaging brand—including a logo, templates, signage, and promotional materials—that contributed to the event being recognized as one of the most successful in the company’s history. Dacota brings proactive leadership to business development by going above and beyond, actively engaging with clients, representing GEI’s strengths, and generating qualified leads, including direct follow-ups that led to opportunities.

On the Society side, Dacota has been a member of SMPS Boston since 2021 and immediately became an integral member of the Membership Committee. In his first year on the committee, Dacota helped organize quarterly Peer to Peer Coaching (P2PC) events and the chapter’s annual Summer Social. He also began to reach out to members with memberships nearing expiration and encouraging them to renew.

After his first year on the committee and despite being new to SMPS, Dacota volunteered to chair the Membership Committee, giving him another moment to let his leadership skills shine. He now serves in the role of director, and his contributions to SMPS Boston were recognized by the chapter in 2023 when he was awarded the New Member of the Year award.

“Dacota is an asset to the chapter. His enthusiasm is contagious. Collaboration fuels him. He can find balance between big ideas and practical implementation. He takes pride in each element of his work and the impact it has. I have no doubt he will continue bringing this energy to the chapter for years to come, “ said Shannon Koop, senior manager corporate development at GEI, and SMPS Boston past-president.

Outside of GEI and SMPS, Dacota remains active in connecting with his alma mater network from Bates College. At Bates, Dacota captained the men’s track and field team, and he continues to help the team with various volunteer tasks. In his free time, Dacota is an award-winning gardener.

Congratulations, again, to Dacota Griffin!

]]> https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-dacota-griffin-as-2025-emerging-leader-of-the-year/feed/ 0 SMPS Recognizes Marty Glaske as 2025 SMPS Catalyst Business Developer of the Year https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-marty-glaske-as-2025-smps-catalyst-business-developer-of-the-year/ https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-marty-glaske-as-2025-smps-catalyst-business-developer-of-the-year/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:30:42 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=52678

SMPS is pleased to announce that Marty Glaske, MA, CMIT, has been honored with the 2025 Catalyst Business Developer of the Year Award. This SMPS award recognizes an outstanding business developer with 11+ years’ experience.

Marty, who’s an active member of SMPS San Diego, is executive vice president, client development at Gafcon. He accepted the award during Amplify A|E|C, the Society’s annual conference, on August 7, 2025, in Columbus, OH.

With more than 30 years of experience in the A/E/C industry and over 20 with Gafcon, Marty helps organizations grow, not just through contracts and pursuits, but through relationships, mentorship, and a long-term vision for progress. His path to executive leadership at Gafcon has been one of steady progression, beginning as a project manager and growing through successive roles into his current position. He has focused on leading by example, taking initiative, lifting others up, and helping the firm evolve to meet new challenges.

Along the way, Marty has embraced every opportunity to learn, adapt, and lead. “I’ve seen firsthand how SMPS empowers professionals at all stages of their careers,” he said. “Being recognized by peers who understand the nuances and challenges of this field would be especially meaningful. This is not just an individual accolade, it would represent the incredible mentors I’ve learned from, clients I’ve served, teams I’ve led, and colleagues who’ve become lifelong friends.”

Over the past several years, Marty has led business development efforts that have delivered measurable results for his firm, clients, and the communities they serve. In just the past two years, his strategic approach has contributed to significant client growth, generating tens of millions of dollars in projected revenue.

Beyond securing new work, Marty places a strong emphasis on client retention by remaining actively engaged long after contracts are signed. This ongoing commitment includes initiatives such as a grassroots effort at Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District to refurbish their existing pool complex. Through a mix of relationship-building, strategy, and innovation, he has helped grow business that’s sustainable, client-centered, and community-focused.

Internally, he has developed and delivered training that empowers staff to confidently engage in business development. He helped design and implement their marketing orientation program, where staff learn to deliver a compelling elevator pitch and speak effectively about the firm’s value. Marty also launched business development-focused training sessions as part of the Gafcollege curriculum, including networking strategies, client engagement techniques, and real-world proposal preparation tips. Beyond training, Marty has developed strategic client pursuit plans that align internal talent with client needs, ensuring teams are set up for success.

Outside the firm and in addition to SMPS, he continues to invest in the profession by actively participating in organizations like CMAA, DBIA, and ACE. He frequently speaks on business development strategy at industry conferences and educational forums across California. He mentors emerging professionals, helping to guide new voices in the A/E/C industry and inspire students to explore careers in marketing and BD.

“Supporting the professional growth of others has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career,” Marty added. “I believe that business development extends beyond winning work. It’s about building people and creating opportunities for others to succeed.”

Over the years, he has connected with people, shaped strategy, and driven progress. Whether he’s working with clients, colleagues, or community partners, he’s always found the greatest reward in seeing others succeed.

Congratulations, again, to Marty Glaske, MA, CMIT!

]]> https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-marty-glaske-as-2025-smps-catalyst-business-developer-of-the-year/feed/ 0 SMPS Recognizes KW Landscape Architects as the 2025 Marketing Innovation Firm of the Year https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-kw-landscape-architects-as-the-2025-marketing-innovation-firm-of-the-year/ https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-kw-landscape-architects-as-the-2025-marketing-innovation-firm-of-the-year/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:30:24 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=52690

SMPS is pleased to announce that KW Landscape Architects has been honored with the 2025 Marketing Innovation Firm of the Year Award. This award recognizes an SMPS member’s firm for its outstanding innovation in their marketing.

KW Landscape Architects (KW) is a professional landscape architecture firm with offices in Austin, Houston, Indianapolis, and San Antonio. Their mission is to design exceptional outdoor spaces that inspire people to step outside and engage with the world around them. They aim to advance sustainable practices by preserving ecosystems, enhancing climate resilience, conserving resources, and inspiring communities to adopt environmentally conscious behaviors, and innovate with purpose reimagining landscapes to meet today’s needs while shaping a sustainable future.

In early 2023, marketing team leader Chris Martinez began a strategic transformation of KW Landscape Architects’ marketing capabilities. The firm recruited Edward Garza, Jr., a digital media manager—responsible for all photography and videography—and Ashley Guerra, a dedicated writer, which complemented KW’s talented in-house graphic designer, Casey Johnson. Together, this multidisciplinary team brought a new level of quality and cohesion to the firm’s communications.

Within just two years, the team has produced numerous award-winning marketing materials at both the local and national levels, reinforcing KW’s reputation as a leader in compelling, high-impact design storytelling. These accolades reflect more than technical excellence. They signify a broader cultural shift, positioning the firm as forward-thinking and media-savvy.

Following the team’s formation, they spearheaded a website redesign to align the firm’s digital presence with its evolving identity. Since the website’s launch in April 2024, KW has attracted over 19,000 new users, with an average engagement time of 1 minute and 21 seconds per active user, which is higher than the average website visitation. These metrics highlight the effectiveness of the redesigned site in engaging visitors and delivering a compelling digital experience.

The new platform has become a vital tool for showcasing KW’s work, attracting new clients and talent, and reinforcing the firm’s innovative and modern identity. The launch campaign featured a NASA-inspired video rollout involving all KW offices and departments, capturing the energy and unity behind the firm’s rebranding.

The team also launched TOPO, an internal, bi-annual newsletter magazine that strengthens internal communications and deepens employee engagement. This is another reflection of KW’s belief that a strong firm starts from within.

One of their most innovative achievements has been the development of a billable branding service for clients. Created by KW’s in-house graphic designer, this offering includes logo design, typography, color palettes, and custom branding guides. Primarily serving master-planned community developers, the new service has already elevated over five communities within the past six months. In total, the new branding service has led to over $50,000 in billing over the last 12 months. This initiative not only diversifies the firm’s revenue streams but also reframes marketing as a value-added service rather than an overhead expense, showcasing the strategic potential of an empowered marketing team.

Another groundbreaking marketing initiative was the creation of the KW Dashboard, an interactive microsite that replaces traditional slide decks for business development presentations. Conceived as part of KW’s reintroduction following a newly formed leadership team, the KW Dashboard seamlessly integrates the firm’s leadership profiles, design process, mission, and project portfolio into a visually rich, intuitive platform. Powered by Tiled, the tool offers real-time customization and analytics, empowering the business development team to craft more personalized and effective client experiences.

Since its launch in October 2024, the KW Dashboard has become the firm’s presentation standard and a key driver of new business, specifically leading to three new private multi-family developments in Houston. Clients have praised its innovation and requested insights into the development process for their own firms, a testament to its impact and originality.

In just two years, the KW Landscape Architects has transformed how the firm communicates, connects, and competes. Their efforts have expanded the project portfolio, elevated the brand, and strengthened KW’s digital footprint. Most importantly, they’ve created a marketing culture that’s integral to the firm’s identity and success. The marketing team has not only reshaped the way KW tells its story, it has redefined the role of marketing within the A/E/C industry.

Congratulations, again, to KW Landscape Architects!

]]> https://smps.org/2025/08/07/smps-recognizes-kw-landscape-architects-as-the-2025-marketing-innovation-firm-of-the-year/feed/ 0 Olivia S. Farquharson Named Chapter President of the Year https://smps.org/2025/08/07/olivia-farquharson-named-chapter-president-of-the-year/ https://smps.org/2025/08/07/olivia-farquharson-named-chapter-president-of-the-year/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:30:11 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=52665

SMPS is pleased to announce that Olivia Farquharson, CDMP, PCM, has been recognized as the 2025 Chapter President of the Year. Olivia was honored at Amplify A|E|C, the Society’s annual conference, in Columbus, OH.

As SMPS New York’s president from 2023-2024, Olivia led with vision and resilience. During her tenure, she ensured cohesion, mentored volunteers, and advanced key initiatives. Her leadership strengthened professional development, industry partnerships, and financial stability, making it one of the chapter’s most impactful years.

Under Olivia’s leadership, SMPS New York achieved remarkable success. She spearheaded efforts to allocate $125,000 to a money market account, ensuring the chapter’s long-term financial stability by safeguarding funds while generating interest. Her strategic approach to membership activities fostered deeper connections within the organization and enhanced the overall value of participation. In return, membership retention remained strong at an impressive 91.4%.

When it came to events and programming, Olivia revived the Principals Breakfast to reengage top executives and industry leaders. She also expanded the CPSM Bootcamp to help members prepare for the CPSM exam, resulting in 11 new CPSMs. The chapter hosted over 30 events, including networking sessions, professional development workshops, and client panels, incorporating a hybrid model based on member feedback.

“From the very start of her term—when she hosted a highly successful strategic planning kickoff meeting—I knew the chapter was in excellent hands,” stated Ivoire Lloyd, CF, APMP. “During that session, she empowered us to think outside the box, plan and execute our initiatives in advance, and develop a strong follow-through strategy.”

In addition to programming, sponsorship efforts were strengthened, securing support for key sponsorship packages such as the Liberty Ball Mentorship sponsorship at $2,500 and the Holiday party Poinsettia Sponsorship at $1,000. Under Olivia’s leadership, the chapter also established valuable partnerships with the New York Building Congress, NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) and AMFP (Association of Medical Facility Professionals). Industry recognition grew for the chapter as well. SMPS New York was featured in The Architect’s Newspaper, Mann Report, The Design Board Podcast and more.

Olivia’s commitment to building an inclusive community was notable and has left a lasting impression. She ensured that speakers reflected the diversity of the industry, prioritized ADA-compliant venues, and supported women- and minority-owned businesses. The chapter revitalized the member spotlight initiative and strengthened a partnership with Baruch College, creating opportunities for young professionals in the A/E/C industry.

These initiatives not only strengthened the chapter in its current position but laid the foundation for future growth and long-term impact. “Olivia’s leadership transcends titles—it is about fostering a community and stepping in to support others at a moment’s notice. Her dedication and infectious positivity have made a lasting impact during her tenure and continue to shine as she supports the current president,” stated Corrine Collins who sits on the SMPS New York board as treasurer.

Olivia’s leadership exemplifies that true impact extends beyond milestones. It’s about perseverance, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. Her strategic vision, resilience, and ability to inspire have been remarkable.

Congratulations, again, to Olivia Farquharson, CDMP, PCM, on being recognized as the 2025 SMPS Chapter President of the Year!

]]> https://smps.org/2025/08/07/olivia-farquharson-named-chapter-president-of-the-year/feed/ 0 Congratulations to our 2024 winners and honorees https://smps.org/2024/08/19/congratulations-to-our-2024-winners-and-honorees/ https://smps.org/2024/08/19/congratulations-to-our-2024-winners-and-honorees/#respond Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:25:59 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=48393

In July at Amplify A|E|C in Salt Lake City, we recognized and congratulated winners and honorees of several awards programs.

Here are a few:

To view all of the SMPS MCA winners, visit our online gallery.

And our three new awards competitions, which made their debut this year:

Congratulations to this year’s winners and honorees. Here’s to their achievements in leadership, creativity, and innovation!

 

For more information about the SMPS awards and recognition program, reach out to awards@smps.org. You’ll also find details about each program under the Community tab of our website.

]]> https://smps.org/2024/08/19/congratulations-to-our-2024-winners-and-honorees/feed/ 0 SMPS Recognizes Kleinschmidt Associates as the 2024 Marketing Innovation Firm of the Year https://smps.org/2024/07/25/smps-recognizes-kleinschmidt-associates-as-the-2024-marketing-innovation-firm-of-the-year/ https://smps.org/2024/07/25/smps-recognizes-kleinschmidt-associates-as-the-2024-marketing-innovation-firm-of-the-year/#respond Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:20:54 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=47803

SMPS is pleased to announce that Kleinschmidt Associates has been honored with the 2024 Marketing Innovation Firm of the Year Award. Team members GinaRenee Autrey, Russ Sanford, FSMPS, CPSM, Taylor Giogaia, Jillian Cromer, and Deborah Rosenberg from Kleinschmidt accepted the award during Amplify A|E|C, the Society’s annual conference, on July 25, 2024, in Salt Lake City, UT.

Kleinschmidt Associates (KA) becomes the first-ever SMPS Marketing Innovation Firm of the Year. This SMPS award recognizes an SMPS member’s firm for its outstanding innovation in their marketing. 

As a mid-sized firm in the North American hydropower market, Kleinschmidt competes against large, multi-discipline, international firms. Their strategy for growth has focused on building brand dominance through themed content marketing, bold creative initiatives, and industry-enhancing programs. KA’s Strategic Growth Group (SG2), which includes their marketing, business development, and proposal teams, conceptualized and implemented two major programs in partnership with their industry’s primary non-profit, the Hydropower Foundation (HF).

WC2 Program: Building a Waterpower Workforce Pipeline

The WC2 Program connects university students with the waterpower community by establishing student-led waterpower clubs across North America. Kleinschmidt provided extensive pro-bono services, including planning, brand development, graphics, social media, website design, and communications. KA continues to provide guidance and assistance for the program.

Currently, the Department of Energy is considering a $1M grant to the HF for workforce development, and the WC2 Partnership is the cornerstone program. This underscores the program’s significance and our capability in leveraging such initiatives for broader industry and governmental engagement.

Ear to the River (ETR): Transforming Industry Insights

In collaboration with HF and the National Hydropower Association (NHA), the ETR program offers hydroelectric stakeholders a platform to voice their challenges and opportunities through qualitative research. The KA team managed stakeholder coordination, media outreach, surveys, social media toolkits, and advertisements utilizing tools such as GenAI and Foleon. ETR has become a key document for lobbying efforts, including those supporting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.

The success for KA in building brand dominance is measured through inbound leads and New Work Won (NWW). Kleinschmidt has reduced the number of competitive proposals from 100 to 65; increased sole-source work from 70% to 84%; and reduced Cost of Winning Work (CWW) from 9.8% in 2019 to 5.6% in 2023. Additionally, the number and quality of applicants has increased over the same time frame, showcasing our brand in the industry. These KPI’s all indicate a strong brand as clients seek our services, and employees want to join our firm. Success is also measured in the success of the programs for the HF and NHA, which have both helped to elevate the industry and create a pipeline of the next generation of hydro professionals.

“Kleinschmidt’s innovative approach to marketing is leading the way in the water power industry. The marketing professionals at the company are quite thoughtful in understanding the needs of the industry and then finding ways to effectively communicate/educate the messages in impactful ways. They also thoughtfully measure results and continue to refine their messaging. It’s delightful and inspiring to work with them.” – Marla Barnes, Vice President of Member and Industry Engagement, National Hydropower Association (NHA)

Congratulations, again, to Kleinschmidt Associates!

]]> https://smps.org/2024/07/25/smps-recognizes-kleinschmidt-associates-as-the-2024-marketing-innovation-firm-of-the-year/feed/ 0 SMPS Recognizes Abby Lauck as 2024 SMPS Rising Business Developer of the Year https://smps.org/2024/07/25/smps-recognizes-abby-lauck-as-2024-smps-rising-business-developer-of-the-year/ https://smps.org/2024/07/25/smps-recognizes-abby-lauck-as-2024-smps-rising-business-developer-of-the-year/#respond Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:20:53 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=47807

SMPS is pleased to announce that Abby Lauck, PMP, has been honored with the 2024 Rising Business Developer of the Year Award. Abby, a member of SMPS Indiana, accepted her award during Amplify A|E|C, the Society’s annual conference, on July 25, 2024, in Salt Lake City, UT.

Abby, who’s marketing and business development manager at CMTA, becomes the first-ever SMPS Rising Business Developer of the Year. This SMPS award recognizes an outstanding business developer with 2-5 years’ experience.

Abby Lauck brings a visionary and pragmatic approach to her role at CMTA, where she leverages her vast expertise in project and facilities management to fulfill the company’s mission of delivering high-performance solutions. Her commitment to growth and relationship-building has expanded CMTA’s presence nationally while leading pioneering efforts in sustainability and energy efficiency.

Over the past four years, Abby has made significant contributions to CMTA’s healthcare and education portfolios. Initially tasked with generating new business for the Indianapolis office, Abby’s efforts have been instrumental in its growth.

Despite having just four years of business development experience, Abby has made a profound impact at CMTA. Initially, her role was focused on supporting CMTA’s Indianapolis office with marketing and business development. Her dedicated business development efforts significantly contributed to its expansion, growing the team to 16 members to support the increasing workload in the region.

Abby has been an SMPS member since 2020 and has served in a variety of roles at SMPS Indiana. As the SMPS Indiana Education and Program Co-chair from 2021-2022, she coordinated continuing education, professional development, and networking opportunities specific to local members’ needs. Abby also served on the SMPS Indiana Membership Committee from 2022-2023, and she’s currently serving on the SMPS Indiana Sponsorship Committee for 2023-2024, managing events and recruiting sponsors for the chapter.

“Abby’s achievements reverberate far beyond the confines of our office walls. She has paved the way for notable collaborations within our industry, such as the partnerships with Indiana University and Center Grove Community Schools. These partnerships have not only elevated our firm’s standing but have also showcased Abby’s dedication to sustainability and superior service delivery,” states Jimmy Benson, president of CMTA.

Congratulations, again, to Abby Lauck, PMP!

]]> https://smps.org/2024/07/25/smps-recognizes-abby-lauck-as-2024-smps-rising-business-developer-of-the-year/feed/ 0