"The American Drive" is an interactive event that will benefit marketing students and local businesses in the main quad at Sonoma State University on Tuesday, November, 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program is the culmination of a semester-long effort by eight marketing students from the university participating in the General Motors Marketing Internship (GMMI) ? a unique industry-education partnership that gives students the opportunity to put their book-learning to work in a real-world situation.
Over the course of the semester, the students have researched and planned the "The American Drive" event aimed at promoting their client, General Motors and the GM Grad program. General Motors has functioned as the students? clients, providing objectives for them to work towards as well as the money, information, and resources necessary for the students to launch their promotion.
Those who attend the event are in for an exciting day of food, music, and fun, and could end up walking away with one of many prizes, including a cruise, remote control cars, or gift certificates good at local businesses. Event participants will have the opportunity to participate in a pie-eating contest, a home-run derby, or a contest to see how many people can fit into one vehicle while eating some great food and drinks for their participation. Attendees will also get a chance to check out some of Pontiac?s, Chevrolet?s, and GMC?s brands, including the Cavalier, the Aztec, and the Jimmy which will be on display throughout the event.
"It?s going to be a great time to be had by all," says Brian Goodman, head of public relations for Sonoma State University?s student agency, "The General Pro-Motors." "Our goal was to design an event that was fun and engaging, and that helped us to learn about the planning involved for a promotional event, while exposing people to the great General Motors? vehicles provided by various local dealers in the area. We think we?ve succeeded!"
Craig Vickers, Area Sales Manager for General Motors, agrees. "These students have worked very hard and have learned a lot while planning this promotion. We?re glad to have given these students an opportunity to put their knowledge to work while benefiting General Motors, the local dealers, and the local business who have tried to get to this highly sought-after market.
Implementing the "American Drive" event is not the end of the road for the students at Sonoma State University, however. Once the event is complete, the students will get to work researching the effects of the event on their target market. The students will then present the results of this research, along with an evaluation of their event strategy to representatives from EdVenture Partners, as well as General Motors executives. The presentation is a unique opportunity for students to build confidence and develop public speaking and presentation skills.
The student agency at Sonoma State University will be eligible to compete for a General Motors Marketing Internship Scholastic Achievement Award. A national $3,000 award to be given to the top 4-year university and top 2-year community college participating in the program.
To date, GMMI has participated on over 350 campuses nation wide. EdVenture Partners in Berkeley, California manage the programs, in conjunction with General Motors and its divisions.
