(Birmingham, Ala.) March 1, 2011 — With more questions than ever about the phenomenon of social media, a new nonprofit group in Birmingham seeks to help businesses and community organizations find their way in this fast-moving field.
The Alabama Social Media Association (ALSOCME), an independent, grassroots nonprofit group, is open to anyone who wishes to share ideas or advance their knowledge of social media and how it is used by businesses, organizations, and consumers. Its mission is education: empowering individuals, businesses and community organizations with social media tools and knowledge to help them meet their professional goals.
“We are dedicated to supporting Alabama’s reputation as a technologically advanced and forward-thinking state,” said Executive Director Kristen R. Heptinstall, who works as Senior Producer for Social Media and Community at AL.com. “There is a wealth of social media talent here in Alabama, and we aim to bring that talent to businesses and individuals in the form of interesting and topical programming.”
The association, based in Birmingham, will serve the entire state by sponsoring educational programming six times a year, including an annual conference featuring speakers who address emerging topics in social media and how it applies to business. Social events will be held every month, and all members of the community are welcome to participate, regardless of their digital/social media experience.
ALSOCME’s kickoff will be held Wednesday, March 30, at The Hill Event Center at the Alabama Theatre, 1811 Third Ave. N. Ike Pigott, with Alabama Power Corporate Communications will present “Social Media: The 21st-Century Canary.” Pigott, a nationally known social media expert, will share examples of how he has used social media tools to spot potential crises and the tactics and strategies for using social media to address these issues.
Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m., with a program at noon. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Zoës Kitchen.
Sponsors for the March 30 event are The Hill Event Center at the Alabama Theatre and Zoë’s Kitchen.
ALSOCME’s Board of Directors are:
- Chair of the Board Jeff Vreeland of VM Technologies;
- Erin Shaw Street of Southern Living;
- Wade Kwon, communications consultant, editor of Magic City Post; and
- Stacey Hood of Stewart Perry Construction.
Partners include the Alabama Tourism Department, the Alabama chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, the Internet Professionals Society of Alabama, the American Advertising Federation–Birmingham and Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos.
To arrange interviews or photos with board members or the executive director, contact Erin Shaw Street at (205) 249-0750 or e.shawstreet@gmail.com.
