LWT Communications
What is your career background?I have a degree in public relations and a minor in marketing from the University of Alabama. I have been in sales and/or marketing positions my whole career, with stints in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. I have been business development manager for LWT Communications since 2002 and earned my TMP designation from STS in 2007.
What is your organization and what does it do?
LWT Communications is a marketing, advertising and interactive firm in Montgomery, Alabama. We are destinations marketers, marketing places people want to be.
What is your organization's biggest asset?
I would have to say convergence marketing – the ability to combine traditional and interactive media seamlessly. We have a great team of people at LWT; I am always amazed at the fantastic work they produce in any medium - work that is always rooted in strategic and innovative marketing planning.
What is LWT’s biggest challenge?
With our convergence focus, our biggest challenge is staying on the edge of emerging technology. By that, I mean utilizing new media within client campaigns before the market is saturated with “me too’s.”
What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
For me, it’s connecting with potential clients who truly want to expand and energize their marketing programs.
What tourism trends do you see in Alabama?
We see increased competition for the visitor among Alabama cities and attractions. We also see the “trail” concept continuing to be very successful for Alabama as evidenced by the award-winning efforts of our state tourism deparment. Alabama has a golf trail, a Hank Williams trail, an art museum trail, etc. We would like to see the concept expanded to various regions of the state so smaller attractions can pool their resources and benefit from a longer stay by visitors to their region.
What is the one segment of services you see growing in these economic times?
The interactive side of marketing – blogging, socials networking, Twitter and the like – has grown tremendously in the last few years. We see that continuing to be a key piece of the marketing puzzle for our tourism clients.
How do you measure success?
In the marketing world, success is measured based upon how well we help clients achieve their goals. At LWT, we also measure success by positive employee morale, award-winning work and clients we love.
Why did you join STS?
To learn more about the challenges faced by our tourism clients and ways to help them manage those issues.
You are a recent STS Marketing College graduate. Give us some specifics of how Marketing College assists you in your current job.
The networking aspect of Marketing College has been wonderful, in addition to hearing presentations on the most up-to date topics relating to tourism each year.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Even with all the great lakes and beaches in and around Alabama, I am afraid of sailing on/riding in boats. Anything smaller than a cruise ship is too small for me!
You can reach Cindy at cscott@lwtcom.com.