Marketing Associates Creativity • Technology • Execution
we are detroit
Detroit is a rich, diverse, dynamic and vibrantly creative community – and we at MA are committed to an active
and engaged role in that community. We get involved, we give back, and we proudly try to make a difference.
It’s part of our corporate culture, yes, but it’s also an enormous amount of fun.
Experience Detroit
There's plenty to be entertained and inspired by in the city of Detroit. Below are a few links to some of the most popular music, sports and cultural hotspots in town.
Community Involvement
We’re surrounded by a truly vibrant city with some really good people who do great things in and for the community. We’re proud to support and work with these people and organizations, and do our best to dive in and play a role in many different ways:
Connect After 5 is an active and dynamic organization that puts together unique after-work events to help build a business culture that showcases Detroit as a fun and friendly city. Its lineup of events builds camaraderie by giving young professionals an avenue for connecting, networking and playing together. Check out their upcoming activities at www.connectafter5.com.
Campus Martius Park is the heartbeat of downtown Detroit, and MA’s right there in the middle of it all. Our windows look out on the myriad of activities that keep Campus Martius buzzing all year long, from ice skating in the winter to volleyball and bocce ball in the summer to concerts and kids’ activities all year long. We’re proud to support the Park financially and to be a sponsor of many of its activities – including this summer’s Fourth Friday Concerts in the Park.
Lauren's Motown Picks
Having lived in Detroit for the past year, Lauren Azoni, Operations Manager, now knows the city like the back of a creative brief. That’s how she’s become quite the regular at places like Traffic Jam and Snug, a local microbrewery and dairy whose beer is "simply amazing" (always indulge in moderation, of course). Patrons of this historic locale, which has great food as well, can witness their beer being brewed— using some of the same equipment used to concoct Traffic Jam and Snug’s award-winning homemade cheeses. When asked about her favorite part of living in the Motor City, Lauren unhesitatingly responds, "It’s cool because Detroit has character. It’s like a hidden gem. Not everyone knows how awesome and special it is." And Lauren in particular takes full advantage of all the opportunities this “hidden gem” has to offer. From frequenting the Eastern Market on Saturdays ("You have to ride your bike, there’s never anywhere left to park!") to scouring the city for McClure’s pickles, Lauren embodies the spirit of a true Detroit denizen.
One D is not a traditional organization, but a unique collaborative initiative of several business leaders and involved organizations, dedicated to transforming metropolitan Detroit into one of the world’s great regional areas by focusing on five key priorities – education preparedness, economic prosperity, quality of life, race relations and regional transit. One D is led by Edsel B. Ford II and the CEOs of seven regional civic organizations. Learn more at www.oned.org
Hey, we like to think we’re a great place to work – and so, apparently, do others. Marketing Associates was recently honored by the Detroit Regional Chamber with its 2009 Horizon Award as a Next Generation Innovation Workplace. With 42 years of marketing expertise continually enlivened by innovative young professionals, we continue to catalyze old knowledge and new to craft marketing programs that work and a workplace that has fun.
MA holds a fundraising event every year, the Henry Ford II Memorial Golf Classic, to benefit the Detroit Institute for Children. Created by Edsel Ford II in loving memory of his father, this well-known Detroit-area day of giving and golfing raises over $300,000 each and every year to help provide care for children with disabilities.
A celebrated civic tradition, the Michigan Thanksgiving Day Parade is something MA looks forward to supporting every year. The parade has become a one-of-a-kind spectacle of fun, fantasy, holiday spirit and community enthusiasm – and we at Marketing Associates are proud not only to help sponsor the parade, but also to participate as part of the slightly silly but very entertaining Big Head Corps.
The Detroit Winter Blast was initially launched in conjunction with Detroit hosting Super Bowl XL in February, 2005 – and it proved such a huge hit that it’s become one of the signature annual events in downtown Detroit. Centered in Campus Martius Park but including events all over the city, there’s always plenty of fun for everyone – a giant ice slide, live music, free ice skating, professional skating exhibitions, film festivals, great food and plenty more. MA is pleased to once again be a sponsor of the Detroit Winter Blast this year.
Giving Back
Every year Marketing Associates invests heavily in support of several local organizations and worthy causes. We’re proud of our long history of corporate sponsorships and contributions, of course, but also of the remarkable donations – of time, money and services – that individual MA employees make.
United Way
To promote change and improve lives, MA donates time, money and energy to this remarkable organization that educates, mobilizes resources and benefits thousands in our community. Our commitment to United Way is exemplified by the participation of MA CEO Mark Petroff on the United Way for Southeastern Michigan Board of Directors.
Boy Scouts Of America
MA takes great pride in contributing, being mentors and spending time with area children through the local Boy Scouts chapter.
Multiple Sclerosis Society (MI Chapter)
MA contributes toward this organization’s wonderful goal of
a Multiple Sclerosis-free world while also sponsoring a
Detroit Walk team.
daVinci Awards Gala
We’re pleased to support the daVinci Awards, which annually honor exceptional design and engineering achievements in accessibility and in helping people overcome physical limitations. Proceeds from the daVinci Awards benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Through our donations, MA supports this outstanding organization’s work to support research that will lead to a cure
for juvenile diabetes. We are a sponsor of the JDRF Promise Ball, an annual fundraising event that generates a substantial amount of money for juvenile diabetes research.
YMCA
As a contributor and sponsor of the YMCA Legacy Golf Classic, a major annual fundraising event, MA is pleased to support the efforts of the YMCA of metropolitan Detroit.
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Through sponsorships, MA supports the work of this inspiring organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Race For The Cure
MA participates in and supports The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure, one of the most successful charity events ever created, to fund breast cancer research, education and health services.
Capuchin Soup Kitchen
Annually, MA volunteers and supports the efforts of The Capuchin Soup Kitchen to serve those in need in the Detroit community.
Community Caring Program
We’re proud to support this worthy group that is providing tuition assistance and enrichment experiences for deserving folks of lesser means.
Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame
MA donates to this Hall of Fame that recognizes athletic excellence and creates opportunities for people with disabilities to reach their full potential.
Cloverdale PEP
We’re pleased to support the work of the Cloverdale Developmental Training Center, which provides educational and therapeutic experiences that help challenged students become as functionally independent as possible.
Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
MA annually supports the mission of this organization dedicated to finding a treatment and cure for those with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Habitat for Humanity
The local Habitat for Humanity affiliate is dedicated to building decent, affordable housing for those in need in metropolitan Detroit, and we are proud to support this noble effort.
Gleaners Community Food Bank
MA conducts a food drive and donates gifts in kind to support the efforts of Gleaners to collect and provide food for the hungry in our communities.
Rett Syndrome Research Foundation
By donating to the Research Foundation, MA supports the efforts of this organization to fund research to develop a treatment and a cure for those living with Rett Syndrome.
Hospice of Michigan
Hospice is an organization that provides care to patients and the families of those facing a life threatening illness; MA is pleased to support the efforts of Hospice of Michigan.
Lighthouse of Oakland County
MA contributes to this vitally important family of agencies that provides a full range of services designed to move people from crisis and instability to self-sufficiency and independence.
Adopt-A-Family for Christmas
The charitable holiday spirit really comes out at the end of our fundraising year – when we introduce an MA Giving Tree and a drive to collect gifts for donation to the Adopt-A-Family for Christmas program. We team up with Children’s Hospital of Detroit to ensure a brighter holiday for children in need or in ill health.
Hangin’ in the D with Sethu
Where does Sethu Chellappa, Marketing Associates’ Senior Director of IT Applications, like to hang out after another day of keeping MA and our client programs running smoothly? "There’s plenty of great places to eat or grab something to drink right around the office," says Sethu. Two of his favorites are Loco’s Tex-Mex Grille ("outstanding chicken chimichangas") and the savory Thai dishes at Bangkok Crossing – where he watches his colleagues sweat as he coolly eats his way through the spiciest dishes on the menu. "They’re wimps," he says. "You’ve got to have it spicy. Of course, Hard Rock Café’s another good place for a stop after work – and for a lunchtime break, you can’t beat Campus Martius Park, any time of year. It’s one of the reasons it’s a lot of fun
working downtown."