Welcome to fall! The leaves are changing here in Colorado and while school-aged kids are heading back to the classroom, I am looking forward to diving back into my own focused time of reflection, learning, and planning for what we want to accomplish in 2025.
At the SMPS Foundation we are reflecting too—the changing seasons remind us to celebrate where we’ve been and also bring a renewed focus and intention of what’s next. The Foundation’s board of trustees are excited to gear up for another power packed year of research and impact.
The phrase “it takes a village” exemplifies the collaboration, mindfulness, and commitment I see from our trustees who are stewards of the Foundation’s work and reinforce the Foundation’s vision and mission. Last year we refined our mission statement to further emphasize our directive to “deliver intelligence and insights for growth professionals and leaders to help them navigate trends, change, and business evolution in a highly competitive marketplace.” We are set on aligning high-impact efforts to achieve this and truly realize: Business Transformed Through Marketing Leadership.
Before we talk about what’s next, here’s a quick look back at our impact over the last year:
The SMPS Foundation has made significant strides in delivering valuable research to support the evolution of our business and strategic effectiveness.
Research and Publications
BD: In August we introduced our newest report, AEC.BD, a follow-up to the popular Sell. Do. Win Business. The Foundation partnered with Stambaugh Ness to discover insights driving the evolving world of business development and the results are ripe for application in your business planning and strategy development. Download today and utilize practical applications to drive measurable improvements in project win rates and client satisfaction across your business.
2024 Industry Trends Report: Building Resilience – A/E/C’s Path Beyond 2025: At Amplify A|E|C 2024 we conducted an inaugural Trends Roundtable. The goal? To uncover the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges that face our industry. Attended by over 75 senior leaders, the workshop offered a space for participants to share knowledge, perspectives, and visions where markets may shift, strategic thought can be fostered, innovation can happen, and building a mindset of resilience within our organizations. Carla Johnson, of RE:Think Labs, facilitated this conversation and authored a follow-up report to transform your business strategy for 2025 and beyond, which is also available via download on the SMPS website.
Scholarships
This year the SMPS Foundation Zinsmeyer Scholarship was awarded to 16 students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with focus on the selected fields of architecture, construction management, engineering, marketing, mass communications, and public relations. These scholarships are part of our commitment to fostering diversity and supporting the next generation of A/E/C industry leaders. Recipients have shared how these scholarships have enabled them to pursue their educational goals without financial burden, and many have already begun to make significant contributions to the industry.
One recipient shared, “The SMPS Foundation Scholarship will play a crucial role in helping me reach my goals, and I am incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you again for your generosity and for investing in my future. [The SMPS Foundation’s] belief in my potential is inspiring, and I am eager to make the most of this opportunity.”
As we look at the year ahead, we are grateful for our collaboration with the SMPS, the Society Board, and our CEO, Marci Thompson, DES, and are committed to serving the SMPS members to deliver indispensable resources we all need. As you know, we cannot do this alone and welcome your donations of time, money, or ideas. Below are some ways to activate those opportunities.
Be a part of the excitement – Donate Now. Whether it’s adding an extra bit to your annual membership or making planned multi-year gifts, we invite you to help us create a lasting impact. Support your Foundation today.
Don’t miss the opportunity to bring valuable insights to your organization, region, or chapter—reach out to have a Foundation representative speak at your next event on various recent research topics!
Would you like to volunteer your time to critical opportunities of service at the Foundation? Send us a note regarding your interest.
Article written by SMPS Foundation President Michele Raftery, FSMPS, CPSM, WELL AP.
