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Welcome...

The Southwest Marketing Advisory Center (SMAC) is a self-funded entity within the academic marketing program at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) located in Marshall, MN. The mission of SMAC is to provide marketing and research service to the Southwest Minnesota area, while giving “real-world” experience to the student employees. This hands on real world application of marketing principles is in a frame work that when student employees go out into the work force they adjust rapidly.

The center was founded in 2002 by Dr. Michael K. Rich, executive director and marketing professor, along with the assistance of two senior-level marketing students. Never using grants or university dollars during its 10 years of service, SMAC has completed over 430 client projects.

SMAC is an entrepreneurial business inside the university. It's not a university department. It's a free standing commercial business. We supply Southwest Minnesota primarily with marketing skills. It is in existence to increase competitiveness of rural Minnesota while enhancing the learning experiences of undergraduate and graduate students. It is totally self-sustaining and its objectives are not profit-driven.

"With marketing you're dealing with people. Every day is a new day. Every day is a different experience. So people who like variety with their work are typically the people who are good marketers."

"The student employees leave here with work experience on their resumes. The degree will get them the job but what they know lets them keep the job"

The Center employs students who have completed the marketing research class. Students are employed as analysis and account executives. The firm also employs graphic designers, a business manager, an operational manager, and a managing director. Total staffing is generally 12 students.

All projects are under the daily direction of the Executive Director who holds a Doctorate in Marketing and as a faculty member at SMSU donates his time to SMAC. The costs for the projects are estimated to directly compensate the students involved and to periodically purchase supplies, computers, and related equipment required for the center to be effective in carrying out its mission to the community and region.

Located on the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University, SMAC is specifically located on the second floor of the Science and Technology (ST) building room 203. Our operation consists of our large main office with 8 desks and 12 computers, 3 additional smaller offices, a meeting room and an assembly/printing room.

 

Click here for a map of where to enter campus.

Click here for a map to find our office.

 

Copyright © 2012 Southwest Marketing Advisory Center