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As a recent transplant to the Southeast, I find myself missing the community and connections made possible by the regional automotive media association in my former hometown. Although these groups exist in several areas of the country, we here in the Southeast are missing the potential benefits of such an association.
Even after my relocation, I still maintain membership in the Detroit-based Automotive Press Association (APA). Being listed in, and receiving the annual APA directory is worth the annual dues alone, say nothing of the networking benefits provided by the group. But let's say I need a source here in the South. Where can I find the automotive newsmakers and key contact personnel in Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham, or Nashville? Better still, how can I meet regularly with most of these people on a social basis?
With this in mind, a number of Southeast-based auto industry players and myself have started to organize the South East Automotive Media Organization (SEAMO). In addition to members of the press, the membership will include public relations and communications personnel from the manufacturer, supplier and motorsports communities.
But don't just take my word for it. Here are some thoughts on the formation of SEAMO from some of our steering committee members:
"The Southeast is a hotbed of auto activity, but there's nothing connecting it together - it hasn't developed into an automotive "community" like you'd find in other major areas. That sense of community is invaluable to networking, increasing the intelligence level of the industry, sharing best practices, focusing on new and exciting product and processes, and just communicating in general. As a firm, we benefit from our deep involvement with the Automotive Press Association in Detroit, but there's been nothing similar for us to belong to in the South. An organization bringing journalists and companies together is long overdue in this region. The South East Automotive Media Organization is the solution."
Tom Harley, Account Director-, Greenville, SC"The automotive industry is filled with creative minds and intricate media strategies. The advent of SEAMO will create a media culture for the Southeast that will foster new ideas and promote positive communication. I'm looking forward to being a part of a group of such talented people."
Julie Atlas, Public Relations Manager, Carfax Inc. ()"The automotive media in the south need an outlet through which they can share information as well as network. An organization such as SEAMO would not only provide this but also add to the credibility of the region."
John Harper, (Southeast Logistics Mgr. For Nissan, Acura, Saturn . . .)"Communications professionals in the motorsports community have much to gain from the networking and educational opportunities afforded by the formation of an automotive media group here in the Southeast."
Pat Perkins, Marketing Director -
While we will rely on major sponsorship from the vehicle manufacturers, membership dues are still necessary to run and maintain the organization. To keep these dues in line with everybody's budget, we will offer individual, business and corporate memberships. Individual membership is available to anyone working in automotive communications, is non-transferable, and costs $40.00/year. A business membership covers one designated representative from a company, is transferable within that company, and costs $100.00/year. Corporate memberships cover all communications personnel working for a company and cost $500.00/year.
Please fill out the attached membership application, enclose it with your check for membership dues, and return it to the address on the form. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me via telephone (704-599-0570) or email admin@southeastautomedia.org . Thanks for your time and consideration. I look forward to working with you.
Regards,
Tom Kelley
Executive Administrator
Editor/Photographer -