January 16, 2003
SMEI 2003 Academy of Achievement Hall of Fame
by Tanis Cornell
April 5, 2003 marks the 13th annual Academy of Achievement Hall of Fame induction by Sales & Marketing Executives International. The SMEI Academy of Achievement formally recognizes men and women who have made significant contributions to the free enterprise system through superior business leadership and professionalism.
The Academy was the brainchild of long time Oklahoma City affiliate leader Ken Arbuckle. Ken was passionate about SMEI and about the contribution sales and marketing leaders make to the economic health of their nations. He and other SMEI leaders realized that more than 600 Halls of Fame exist throughout the nation. Most are dedicated to entertainment and athletic achievers. Why not a hall of fame for sales and marketing leaders? Thus the Academy of Achievement was born and is housed in Enterprise Square on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Oklahoma Christian is a liberal arts university with a strong focus on the promotion of free enterprise. Their College of Business has also implemented a degreed program in sales that has been highly successful.
This year we are pleased to announce the following inductees: Gary Story, President and Chief Operating Officer of Premier Parks (Six Flags); Marilyn Carlson Nelson, CEO of Carlson Companies including Carlson Travel and TGI Friday’s restaurants; Edward Zore; Chairman of Northwestern Mutual Insurance; A.W. “Tom” Clausen, former CEO of Bank of America; Stanford Newman, Chairman of JC Newman Cigar Company; and Nido Qubein as the Ambassador of Free Enterprise and keynote speaker for the evening. The ceremonies will take place the weekend of April 4th and 5th in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
SMEI members are encouraged to attend this terrific event. Those attending have the opportunity to attend a series of events for the weekend including the SMEI Leadership Workshop, a reception at the Oklahoma Governor’s mansion, a luncheon and panel discussion with the honorees and the induction event Saturday night. The Academy of Achievement is SMEI’s premier annual event. Come be a part of it.
Individuals and chapters are also encouraged to nominate outstanding candidates in your area. Some of your local honorees for marketing and management awards would be outstanding candidates. Nomination forms and criteria can be provided through the SMEI office, the SMEI web site at www.smei.org > Awards, or by contacting Nominating Committee chair, Tanis Cornell, at 918-547-7386.
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