 |
|
    |
|
|
|
INGRAM MICRO'S VentureTech Network UNVEILS LOCAL BRANDING STRATEGY"We Make Technology Work" Marketing Campaign Gives VentureTech Members Extra Marketing EdgeLA JOLLA, Calif., March 18, 1999Ingram Micro Inc., the world's largest wholesale distributor of technology products and services, today unveiled an end-user branding strategy for its VentureTech Network members to use in their local markets. VentureTech Network is a membership organization for information technology (IT) systems integrators targeting the small- and midsize-business (SMB) market. The campaign provides members with the tools to position themselves as technology solutions providers within their own target markets. The campaign stems from research indicating most SMB owners found it easier than ever to get technology products but more difficult to make them work. The VentureTech Network saw this as an opportunity to offer its membership to fill this service void and considers this an extension of its advocacy efforts for value-added resellers (VAR) on a localized level. "This branding strategy will raise awareness of the VentureTech Network and its members while maintaining their individuality," said Rick Sbrocca, vice president global small-medium business from Ingram Micro and general manager of the VentureTech Network. "Our members have been asking for branding support to help establish VentureTech Network as a reliable technology resource. This campaign will educate their customers on how to make technology work." At VentureTech's Spring '99 Invitational in La Jolla, Calif., this week, members are learning about ways to better market their businesses to potential customers. Tactics include ad buying techniques and public relations methodology to establish visibility in local markets. This service is free to VentureTech members as an additional value-added benefit of membership in this Ingram Micro program. Said VentureTech member Ted Warner, vice-chairman of the Member Advisory Council, "This type of program for marketing assistance is exactly what keeps our membership strong and loyal to this network. Our members work hard to stay competitive and trained for the constantly changing requirements of technology. This campaign arms us with a competitive advantage in our local markets." Each VentureTech member will receive an ad planner kit containing extensive marketing materials they can customize for their own media markets. Specific campaign modules include directions on buying ad space, customizable ads for print, radio and outdoor media and press releases with issuing instructions. About VentureTech NetworkThe first affiliation of its kind, VentureTech Network is a membership-based alliance of IT solutions integrators, focused on providing premium computer products, technology expertise and value-added services to the SMB market. Launched in January 1998, the Network is administered by Ingram Micro Inc. and provides its membership with access to the company's product breadth, unparalleled delivery capabilities and relationships with key manufacturers. In addition, members use an IT tool, Technology Assessment Profile (TAP), which is a proprietary software tool developed to identify the IT needs of small and midsize businesses. About Ingram Micro Inc.Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM), headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., is the world's largest wholesale distributor of technology products and services, and a leading provider of assembly and integration services with 1998 sales of $22.0 billion. The company and its subsidiaries operate in 31 countries and distribute more than 200,000 products to more than 140,000 resellers in 130 countries. Contact
Carrie Brooks |
|
||