LVEDC’s V.P. of Marketing and Communications Resigns Created by host on 3/7/2011 1:06:53 PM
LVEDC’s V.P. of Marketing and Communications Resigns
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – March 7, 2011 – Margaret McConnell announced her resignation as Vice President of Marketing and Communications of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation on Monday, according to President and Chief Executive Officer Philip Mitman.
Ms. McConnell served as director of marketing of the economic development company since September 2008. As the region’s exclusive entity to attract, retain and expand businesses and create jobs, one of her initiatives was to strengthen and expand LVEDC’s online presence. Much of those efforts culminated two months ago in the launch of the company’s website. She also developed a social media strategy tailored to engage a younger demographic that markets the region’s overall quality of life, resulting in additional start up and entrepreneurs selecting the Lehigh Valley.
Ms. McConnell will begin her new position March 21st as Enterprise Marketing Manager at Alvin H. Butz, Inc. in Allentown.
“We’re honored that Margaret has been chosen to serve and join Butz. It’s a credit to who she is and all the talents and leadership she possesses,” said Mr. Mitman. “Margaret is extremely professional, thinks and plans strategically, is very client-focused and has always had a vision for the future of LVEDC, our mission, and how LVEDC can better serve and improve businesses and employers in Lehigh Valley.”
Ms. McConnell was responsible for developing a synergy between marketing and economic trends to smartly promote the Lehigh Valley as a top business destination. She also led all outreach efforts aimed to retain businesses in the region including marketing the dozen finance programs LVEDC administers to help area businesses access the capital they need to grow.
“To achieve its goals and implement the Five-Year Strategic Plan was adopted in 2009, LVEDC must build local confidence in the region, gain a national presence for the Lehigh Valley and have a visionary approach to implement it,” said LVEDC Chairman of Board Donald Bernhard. “Margaret was able to provide one regional message that showcased the Lehigh Valley.”
LVEDC will evaluate Ms. McConnell’s position to ensure it meets the evolving needs in economic development. Current duties will be covered by Business Relations & Communications Manager Stephen Althouse and Interactive Media Specialist Vanessa Williams. Mr. Althouse is the main media contact for LVEDC and will continue to serve in a communications role, while also running the Business Retention and Expansion Program. Ms. Williams oversees online and social media initiatives as well as outreach to the entrepreneurs and young professionals in order to boost innovation and talent.
“I am incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work at LVEDC with the talented staff and our community partners,” McConnell said. "It has been a rewarding experience that I know will serve me well in my new position. My passion for the work LVEDC does remains, and I look forward to seeing the results of the strategic plan over the next several years. I’ve learned about myself and the community while serving this organization. I am excited about the opportunity to learn a new field and bring what I’ve learned to my role at Butz."
McConnell joined LVEDC in January 2006 and has held various positions of increasing responsibility during her tenure. Key accomplishments include the redesign of the organization's logo, the launch of the website - LVEDC's primary marketing tool - www.lehighvalley.org in January of this year, and helping to develop the Boost Innovation and Talent initiative that is a tenet in the LVEDC Five-year Strategic Plan.
For more information, please contact Phil Mitman at 610.266.7565 or 484.241.7314.
