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VOLUME 43 | ISSUE 5 | SEPT/OCT 2024
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FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the October 2024 Issue of the Marketer

Clare Kelly, MS, CPSM
Clare Kelly, MS, CPSM, is Principal Consultant at FUSE Marketing and a member of SMPS Colorado. She is an insightful, multi-disciplined marketer for firms that impact the built environment. Clare aligns thoughtful marketing strategies and tactics to each client's unique business development goals. She brings a never-ending curiosity to client relationships and projects, seeking to uncover opportunities and create a spark that will ignite growth for all.
The SMPS awards and recognition Programs recognize excellence that can be measured, described, and felt. There's a compelling story of achievement. Winning entries are the culmination of months or even years of concerted effort. Winning an award can feel like you or your team have arrived at a destination of excellence, but the need to continue learning and honing your expertise doesn't end there.
This issue's contributing writers share practical insights on how to incorporate excellence in the multifaceted craft of marketing and business development for the A/E/C industries.
When you do pursue an award, learn how to be "rigorous in your assessment of a potential entry" from Dorothy Verdon in her article about MCA Awards best practices. Take a big-picture view with Julie Huval as she discusses excellence in the role of marketing operations, which she defines as "The processes, technology, and people that enable efficient, data-driven marketing initiatives aligned with business objectives."  
Michele Raftery addresses process in "The Three Ps of Excellence — prioritization, planning, and polish". For technology, Chaz Ross-Munro takes a close look at the critical details of data excellence in systems integration. And for people, Emily Honerbrink addresses the importance of fostering agility among multidisciplined marketing teams by nurturing individual strengths and filling the gaps with technology solutions.
In "From Good to Great," Jen McGovern advises A/E/C marketers to always strive for excellence and take responsibility for their work. She points out the difference between baseline expectations and excellence and why striving for excellence is a route to career advancement. Melissa Bailes encourages readers to embrace a learning mindset to move beyond the fear of "Will AI take my job?" and see AI as a crucial partner for future success.
Following the articles, we celebrate the 2024 MCA and Member Recognition Awards recipients. The awards were given at Amplify 2024 in Salt Lake City. Take special note of the new member recognition awards: Marketing Firm of the Year, Emerging Leader, and three awards for Business Developer of the Year. We also recognize the 2024 MCA jurors, Class of Fellows, and members who earned their CPSM designation between May 2023 and May 2024. Congratulations to all!
Several of this issue's contributors noted that excellence is a consistent dedication to quality, not a destination. Your voice, perspective, and experience are needed as we continually strive to deliver excellent content for SMPS members through the Marketer. Reach out to marketer@smps.com with your article ideas or questions. Thank you.
Clare Kelly, MS, CPSM