They’re all “AMP”ed Up
By Mark Berger Over the last century in Rhode Island, there have been numerous groups devoted to helping local marketing professionals achieve their goals. Member expertise ranged from advertising and public relations to graphic design and photography, with the end game to not only further the local community, but each other, as well. Those are the reasons why the Association of Marketing Professionals Rhode Island (AMP-RI) has thrived through the years. The group focuses on developing relationships within these industries, leading to projects and other such collaborative endeavors.
more people in these professions to join us and recognize the exposure they can receive.” The Association underwent various name changes over the years. AMP-RI evolved from an earlier group known as the Women’s Advertising Club of RI, founded in 1920. In 1996, WACRI merged with the Ad Club of Rhode Island, which then became the Ad Club of Southeastern New England, before ending in 1999. AMP-RI was initially called Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations of RI, before finalizing their current name in 2009.
One of the Association’s founders, Joyce Pucino, said that the way the group formed to what it has become today speaks well of its success.
AMP-RI now boasts an email roster of over 500 members statewide. Monthly meetings are held via Zoom, but in-person meetings are planned to resume later this year.
“When we started this group in 2008, we had about a dozen people as members,” said Pucino, who operates Pucino Print Consultants in North Kingstown. “It has undergone several changes and directions, but our goal of helping and mentoring others in these fields continues. We want to reach out to include
Their eleven member Board comprises a spectrum of talents within the group. Depending on the project, some may jump in to design a logo, write the copy for an upcoming event, and distribute the information via email to members or to the news media. It’s what they do in service to the group, but also to voluntarily
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