All posts by Robert Payne

Multichannel marketing and communications professional with a proven ability to deliver award-winning campaigns that inspire action from difficult to reach and discerning audiences. • I’ve exceeded benchmarks time and again across programmatic and social media buys. • Empowered sales teams with tightly integrated lead funnels and lifecycle management solutions leveraging Salesforce.com. • Know how to craft a compelling narrative and have won over a dozen video production awards in the past 5 years. • Served on both the interactive agency and client side, and I am a highly capable sparring partner for any marketing professional whether B2B or B2C. Most recently, I helped the Georgia Department of Economic Development attract new business both domestically and in 12 strategic markets around the globe. In the 7 years I ran Georgia’s global marketing efforts, we were selected as the #1 State for Business by Site Selection magazine, and its database of site consultants, for an unprecedented 7 years in a row. Jobs and investment grew steadily YOY due to a healthy pipeline of prospects. In addition, the Department’s commitment to marketing over that same period of time grew more than 300% because the ROI was clear and measurable. I also managed a team of 5 and 4 agency relationships for interactive, pr, traditional and video production. My online marketing career started with the direction of email marketing and web campaigns for Mandalay Resort Group, resulting in several awards for creative execution and exceptional return on investment. This caught the attention of the interactive marketing company, Twelve Horses where I directed their corporate marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts, as well as provided strategic consulting for travel/tourism clients such as Park City, Heavenly Mountain Resort, and America’s Adventure Place. Leveraging my experience with media and multi-channel marketing technology, I went on to lead the marketing and branding initiatives for SAXOTECH (now NEWSCYCLE), a global provider of content management platforms, circulation systems and advertising solutions for the media industry. I’ve worked in sales, marketing, advertising and public relations for a variety of other companies, including Switchback PR & Marketing, Stoel Rives LLP, Preferred Capital Corporation and Patagonia. I have an MBA with a specialization in Marketing and a BA from Clemson University. Side hustle: My photography has appeared in countless ads, brochures, and marketing campaigns.

Real Marketing

12GC_SavannahConf_EnergySummit_Ad.indd

It has been a few months since I moved to Georgia and immersed myself in the economic development landscape. One of the aspects of my new position has been to leverage the brand direction set in place by the marketing and communications team as well as our agency of record, Engauge.

To me it is a refreshing approach because it draws upon hard figures and statistics unique to the region with a foundation of “We Speak Business.”

Above is an energy ad I recently worked on for an upcoming conference. Below are two more. One is an aerospace ad for Georgia Trend (left), while the other is a logistics and infrastructure ad for Site Selection magazine (right).

What do you think?

Aerospace_Ad 12GC158_SiteSelection_PrintAd_v3.indd

Click either image above to view larger.

Balsam Mountain Inn

Balsam_Mountain_Inn

Conveniently located next to the Blue Ridge Parkway and just 8 miles from Waynesville, North Carolina stands the quaint and majestic 100-year-old Balsam Mountain Inn. Sporting 50 bead board rooms complete with claw foot tubs and a decidedly mountain cottage-style feel, reservations include breakfast and as much rocking in the rocking chair as you desire. Dinner is also available onsite if you choose not to venture out. If you do, the Frogs Leap Public House is an excellent choice. Of course, there is plenty of access to hiking, kayaking, and exploring Smoky National Park.

Smoky_Mountains

Georgia Department of Economic Development

I have officially started a new position as director of account management in the marketing and communications department at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

I will primarily be serving the Global Commerce teams as they generate economic development throughout the state. They are an active group composed of 5 main teams:

  • Aerospace, Defense and Advanced Manufacturing
  • Logistics, Energy, Agribusiness and Food Processing
  • Corporate Solutions
  • Health Sciences and Advanced Technologies
  • Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment
  • International Investments

In addition, ten international offices actively represent and promote the state to key decision makers in their regions.

In 2011, the International Trade Team assisted 265 trade deals in at least 37 countries; meanwhile, the Global Commerce team members supported 158 missions and trade shows.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development also operates its Tourism Division as well as Film, Music & Digital Entertainment.

Another key business team is the Georgia Centers of Innovation. Focused on six industry clusters and located throughout the state, the Centers assist and partner with Georgia companies to help them accelerate growth and provide industry-specific knowledge, connections and innovative business solutions.

For example, Bioscience:

There is a lot going on here in the state of Georgia. Stay tuned!