SPORT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION CREATES NEW PARTNERSHIPS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARIA SIKORYAK-ROBINS
OCTOBER 11, 2007 DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS
FAYETTEVILLE, NC—In an effort to develop a strategic plan that will effectively market the Fayetteville area as a destination for sports and entertainment, Sport Management students at Methodist University have created a partnership with the newly-formed Fayetteville Area Sports Authority. The Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau made a $350 donation in support of the association’s efforts.
The students have also formed a partnership with Barefoot Saddles of Whispering Pines, N.C. The company’s owner, Brita Rizzi, imports treeless saddles from Germany. The students are working with Rizzi to market her product.
"My goal is to immerse my students into as many aspects of the sport industry as possible to help them find their niche. Once they find their area of interest, I want them to gain as much experience as possible to help land their dream job," said Greg Combs, B.S., M.A., Ed.D., assistant professor and director of the Sport Management Program at Methodist University.
MU’s Sport Management Association also conducted marketing audits for fifteen businesses within the Fayetteville area during the last academic year. The purpose of the audits were to assess the effectiveness of the organizations’ marketing orientation, marketing objectives, strategic planning processes, target markets, products and services, promotions, planning, pricing, and distribution methods.
Dr. Combs pointed out that the program has a specialty in sports business, which is one of its distinguishing characteristics. He is currently seeking accreditation with the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Methodist University is an independent four-year institution of higher education with over 2,100 students from 41 states and 30 countries. Methodist University offers over 70 majors and concentrations, three master’s degree programs, and 19 NCAA II1I intercollegiate sports. For more information, please contact Dr. Combs at (910) 630-7660.
The Fayetteville Swampdogs came to speak with SMA 101 about how the Swampdogs operate, and possible internship opportunities. The intro class has also spoken with representatives from the Fayetteville Fireantz and the Fayetteville Guard.
Left to right: Jon Myatt, Robbie Lakeman, Jessica Hatcher, Stacey Vaughn, Brandon Williams, Nicole McLaughlin, Brita Rizzi (owner)
