Charleston's Marketer of the Year - 2011
On Thursday, November 3, Jessica Munday, founder and president of Trio Solutions Inc. (TRIO), was named The Post and Courier's Marketer of the Year. Munday was honored during the Charleston American Marketing Association's annual awards luncheon where local marketing professionals were recognized for marketing excellence in South Carolina. The event took place at the Charleston Marriott and was hosted by local news personality, Warren Peper.
"I am so honored to receive this award," explains Munday. "It definitely shows that hard work, dedication, a committed team and creative talents can pay off."
2011 has certainly been a record year for TRIO.
Oftentimes, marketing is the first budget line item that businesses cut during challenging economic times so the fact that the small Mount Pleasant-based agency is also celebrating its tenth anniversary is no small feat. The company has brought on several noteworthy accounts such as Georgia Health Sciences University, Kiawah Island Community Association and various small and mid-sized businesses in North Carolina—allowing the 10-person operation to expand throughout the Carolinas and Georgia.
In addition to the company's growth, TRIO also took time this year to launch a new brand identity after operating under the original brand since the company's inception in 2001.
"After nearly a decade, we finally took some time to give ourselves a little attention," says Munday. "Our new brand is a much stronger representation of our creativity and personality." Launching the new brand entailed a complete redesign of the agency's website and development of a new, more-colorful logo.
TRIO also added four new employees and expanded its operation to include a department focused specifically on social media and interactive marketing.
"Having Jessica receive this year's award so graciously reminded everyone at TRIO that it's not about getting credit or recognition," describes Jennifer Cherock, TRIO's vice president. "It's about staying true, giving back, and working hard for what you believe in. Jessica lives her life that way, promotes that culture within the TRIO community and I can't think of anyone that deserves this award more than her."
Munday explains that 2011 has been a year of recommitment at TRIO. "Times haven't been easy during the past few years but we stuck to our guns and believed that marketing is an essential part of every business. Regardless of the economy or other challenges we came up against, we weren't going down without a fight."
Peter Drucker, considered by many as the most influential management guru of the modern era, once said that businesses "only have two functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation create value, all the rest are costs." TRIO and its president operate with that belief—allowing their clients to improve their marketing performance and ultimately emerging as a leading Lowcountry marketing agency.
All of the exciting changes taking place at TRIO are examples of the company's commitment to its mission to work hard, enjoy life and make a difference. Munday describes the environment at TRIO as one where team members work together to use their creative talents to do great things. "We never waiver from our mission and we believe in what we do. Great things happen when you stay disciplined and focused."
When nominated, Jessica had to provide Charleston's AMA with some background information and an overview of her signature project. Read what she submitted.