September 2009 Vol 1, Issue 3
Philadelphia Phlash
MRA Philadephia News
Fall 2009
Dear Philadelphia Chapter MRA Friends & Collegues


We hope that everyone had a relaxing and fun summer! 
 
The newly appointed board would like to thank everyone for coming to our year-end party at the Manayunk Brew Pub.  Again, we had a great turnout with over 60 people attending.  Thanks to our generous members, we were able to make a donation to Aid for Friends, an organization that provides the elderly and shut-ins with home-cooked meals. 
 
We are planning quite a few educational events for 2009-2010.  The kick off will be our Fall Speaker Event, scheduled for September 24th at the Doubletree Hotel in Plymouth Meeting.  Debbie Kenworthy from Ortho-McNeil Janssen will be speaking on the Future of Healthcare Research.  See below for more information on this important event. 
 
In November (November 4-6), the MRA First Outlook Conference and Expo will be held in San Diego, CA.  The conference this year has a new name and has been revamped for a better look at the research world of tomorrow.   For more information on the conference please visit http://www.mra-net.org/education/foc/index.cfm.  We hope to see you in San Diego!
 
Watch your mailboxes for the "Member Needs Assessment" survey that will be going out to all Philadelphia Chapter Members in the next few weeks.  Since this is YOUR chapter, it's our goal to make sure that your needs are being met.  Please take this opportunity to help the chapter serve you better.
 
Finally, you may have noticed our newsletter has a brand new format.  The board voted to eliminate the paper version of the newsletter and opt for just email.   We did this to make the chapter more financially and environmentally responsible.
 
We are looking forward to another exciting year of great educational programs and networking opportunities and hope to see all of you throughout the year!
 
Sincerely,

The 2009 - 2010 Board of Directors








2009-2010 Board Members

President
Beth Carey, PRC
Integrated Marketing Services
610.527.5505
[email protected]

Past President
Amber Leila Jones. PRC
Schlesinger Associates, Inc.
215.564.7300
[email protected]

President Elect
Meg Ryan, PRC
Online Survey Solutions
A Division of M/A/R/C Research
610.544.0690
[email protected]

Treasurer
Becky Harrison
Focus Forward
215.367.4000 (231)
[email protected]

Secretary/Newsletter
Michael Georgianna
J Reckner Associates Inc. - JRA
215.981.0120
[email protected]

Directors at Large

Membership
Robin Kaplan, PRC
Group Dynamics, in Focus
610.668.8535
[email protected]

Programs
Conal Murray
eRewards
610.410.0664
[email protected]

Events Liaison
Liz Granahan
Focus Forward
215.367.4000 (244)
[email protected]

Promotions
Natalie Dunn
Schlesinger Associates, Inc.
215.564.7300 (117)
[email protected]

Student Outreach
Patrice Barnes
National Analysts Worldwide
215.496.6853
[email protected]
Fall Chapter Event
 
Philadelphia Chapter of the Marketing Research Association Presents:
Healthcare Research Today and in the Future

Thursday, September 24, 2009 - 6:00-8:00pm
 
Speaker:  Debbie Kenworthy, Ortho Mc Neil Janssen Pharmaceutical

Session Overview:
"Is healthcare marketing research really that different?" This session will discuss what makes research in this industry unique and why healthcare marketing research is the "place to be". Ms Kenworthy will explore the evolution of healthcare marketing research and how we as researchers can breed innovation while facing the challenges within this industry.
                                   
Time:           6:00pm to 8:00pm  
                    6:00-7:00pm Cocktails and Networking
                    7:00-8:00pm Presentation

Location:      Doubletree Guest Suites Plymouth Meeting
                     640 W. Germantown Pike, PlymouthMeeting, PA  19462-1003

Tel:               610.834.8300
 
Cost:             $20 for Members / $30 for Non-Members/ $10 for Students
Registration: Becky Harrison - Focus Forward 215.367.4000 ext.231
                     [email protected] Please register before September 22nd
 
Professional Research Certificate:1 hour in Research www.philadelphiamra.org

Philadelphia MRA Gives Back
By Kim White, Schlesinger Associates, Inc.
 
There's nothing like giving back to those less fortunate.
 
On Friday July 24th, 7 local MR companies joined forces and did just that.  In support of the Marty Green's Lunch initiative of 'Serving, Donating and Buying Food' started by Roger Green of Roger Green and Associates in honor of his father's passion for feeding the hungry, Focus Forward, GfK Healthcare, J. Reckner Associates, Medi Media,  MROps and Schlesinger Associates joined Roger Green and Associates in support of both the Trenton Area Food Bank and Philabundance through hands on volunteer work as well as cash and food donations.
 
On Friday morning, at Philabundance (www.philabundance.org) our on-site volunteers packed 635 40 lbs boxes worth of food for seniors and sorted over 1000 lbs worth of bread and desserts for a local food pantry and in the afternoon our Trenton Area Food Bank (www.trentonsoupkitchen.org) volunteers served over 437 hot meals to people in need. 
 
On top of this hands-on volunteer work, we donated over 1,000 lbs worth of food and cash that will be able to buy over 5,000 additional meals.  It's heartwarming to see the impact we can have when we give back as a group. 
 
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." ~ Aesop
 
If you'd like to join next year's Marty Green's Lunch Initiative, please contact Colleen Cera ([email protected]) and Kimberly White ([email protected]).

           
 
A Message From Robin

The Philadelphia Chapter of the MRA would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest members Jennifer Steinberg from Evolution Marketing Research and Gursharan Kang from GMI.  We look forward to seeing them and everyone else on September 24th.  Please make sure you says hello and welcome Jennifer and Gursharan to the Philadelphia Chapter.  Also, if you know of anyone who is interested in joining the MRA, please pass their information along to Robin Kaplan at [email protected].
 
Speaking of Members...our Fall Member Spotlight...
m roth

This month we feature Margaret Roth of Group Dynamics.  Margaret is one of the Co-chairs for the 2010 Philadelphia/NY MRA Joint Conference.




Tell us a little bit about your company:

 
Group Dynamics in Focus is an owner operated focus group facility that has been in business since 1981, 28 proud years.  We recruit for focus groups, one-on-ones, central location testing, mock juries, taste tests, offsite locations and basically anything else you can dream up.  Group Dynamics is also a proud founding member of GroupNet.
 
How did you get involved with Market Research?
 
I graduated from St. Joseph's University in 1991 with a degree in Food Marketing.  Unfortunately most job opportunities centered on sales.  I know my strengths and sales is not one of them.  I spent several months enjoying the summer, spending my life savings and looking for a real job that suited me.  SJU had sent my resume to Group Dynamics and I received a phone call from Merle Holman to come in for an interview for a Front Desk position.  I left that day as a new employee of Group Dynamics and here I am....18 years later!  I learned the world of Market Research from the ground up from some of the best in the business.
 
Why did you join the MRA?
 
I joined the MRA to stay "in the know".  The market research world is continuously evolving and I rely on the MRA to keep me informed on new technologies and methods.  It also enables me to interact with fellow colleagues and meet potential clients.  As an employee it is my responsibility to learn and grow with the industry and help advance Group Dynamics to new levels to meet and surpass the ever changing standards that are expected by our clients.
 
What is your favorite MRA event?
 
As Co-chair for the 2010 PHL/NY Joint Conference we are planning for a successful event.  Being involved in all aspects of the conference will provide me with a new view and knowledge I never had the opportunity to have before.
 
Where would you recommend MRA national holds one of the annual conferences?
 
I do love Hawaii!
 
Are you a Philadelphia native?
 
No, I'm a California Girl!  I was born in Monterey, CA.  Due to being a child of a naval aviator I lived all over the country growing up.  I wanted to come East for college and have been within 30 minutes of SJU for the past 18 years
 
What is your favorite Philadelphia area/activity?
 
In the past 6 months I have done the downtown tourist scene several times with various out of town guests and realized I've been missing out on some great stuff our city has to offer.  I'll be checking out downtown more often in my future.  I love the parks that just pop up in the middle of the city.
  
What are your hobbies?
 
I enjoy a good book, bargain shopping, traveling and watching sports.  I am looking forward to the football season returning...Go 49ers...and Go Irish!
 
Favorite Music?
 
I am not much of a music connoisseur.  I am usually listening to sports talk radio.
Join MRA by October 31, 2009 and Get 20% off!
Chapter Challenge















Join MRA by October 31, 2009 and Get 20% off!
















End of Year Cocktail Party Wrap
By Doug Keith, Future Research Consulting
 
On Thursday, July 16th, more than 60 members of the MRA Philadelphia Chapter ended the year with a flurry of fattening foods and micro brews at the Manayunk Brewery.  The End of Year Cocktail Party was highlighted by the introduction of the new Chapter leadership for 2009/2010.  Amidst the chatter and camaraderie, outgoing Chapter president Amber Leila Jones (InspireOpinions/Schlesinger Associates) congratulated the membership on a terrific year, despite the difficult economy, and thanked everyone for all of their hard work throughout her tenure.  After the induction of the new board members, Amber went on to welcome incoming president Beth Carey (Integrated Marketing Services).  Beth talked about two national MRA initiatives, designed to increase membership while making memberships more affordable.

                       

Chapter Membership Challenge
 
This challenge, issued by the national Chapter of MRA, will be running from July 1 - Oct 31, 2009, and is an effort to recruit individuals or companies who have never joined or haven't been a member in the past 12 months.  Benefits include 20% off dues membership levels A-H. 
 
The top Chapters that recruit the most new members will have the opportunity to win a range of prizes, including a 2010 Annual Conference full registration (1 awarded) , MRA eNews banner for one month  (2 awarded), and an MRA live or archived webinar (1 awarded). 
 
E-Z Pay Plan
 
The E-Z Pay Plan allows level "A" members to pay quarterly or monthly for their annual dues.  This program was created to help people out in this tough economic time - especially those that may have lost their jobs or have reduced hours/pay.
 
Please see these announcements in this issue for more details on these exciting new programs!
 
The End of Year Cocktail Party was a wonderful opportunity to wind down what, for many, had been a difficult year, and to celebrate another season of hard work and fun for the Philly Chapter members.  Special thanks to the organizers and volunteers who helped to make it happen.  We look forward to seeing you again in the fall!
 
                    
Upcoming PRC Webinar
Linking Market Segmentation to Positioning and Targeting Strategies 
This webinar is aimed at showing the market researcher how to design segmentation studies to better inform product positioning and targeting initiatives downstream in the strategic marketing process.  Presented by Matt Kowal on Tuesday October 6 from 12 - 1pm.
The Philadelphila MRA Wants You!
Dear Philadelphia MRA Members,
 
The success of the Philadelphia Chapter is due to the volunteer efforts of its members.  We would like to invite you to become a volunteer.  The time commitment is minimal and the benefits are huge.  As a volunteer you meet new people and have a direct influence on the chapter, its events and direction.  This is your association, become an active participant so you achieve the most benefits from your membership. 
 
There are many committees that require volunteers, such as Membership, Hospitality, Newsletter, Program/Site Selection, Registration/Reservation, Student Outreach and many others.  We can discuss with you where you would prefer to volunteer your time. 
 
If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities or becoming a volunteer, please contact Meg Ryan by email at [email protected] or by phone at 610.544.0690. 
 
We look forward to hearing from you.