Member Spotlight: Cheryl Powers

President @ Research Edge

Tell us about yourself - your professional background, experience and area of expertise.
I have over 30 years of experience in Market Research. I started The Research Edge ® LLC in 1995 and focused it on service industries, healthcare and B2B companies. Before starting the firm, I provided market research and information services at Blue Cross Blue Shield MN, ITT Financial Services, Republic Telcom and Medtronic, Inc.

Why did you decide to join AMA MN? 
I have been a member of AMA MN for over 25 years. I wanted to connect with other marketing folks and expand my understanding of marketing.

Can you speak to the impact of AMA MN events and what people can get out of them?
AMA MN events are a great way to meet other marketers and expand your marketing knowledge beyond what you currently do in your career. For me, it is also an opportunity to connect with marketers who are looking for a research partner.

What do you value most about your AMA MN membership? What motivates you to remain a member of the AMA MN community?  
I value the camaraderie and connections I have gained from being a member. If you have the opportunity to volunteer for the chapter, even better. Being a volunteer helped me develop both friendships and business relationships. Definitely worth your investments of time and money.

What do you wish others knew about the AMA MN? What makes it unique? 
You never know where your next opportunity will come from. AMA MN marketers are connectors. They are willing to meet for coffee, answer questions, provide guidance or be a sounding board. Don’t miss the opportunities it provides.

A focus of the AMA MN’s mission, “Connect. Learn. Grow.”, is to create a ripple effect among its community of members where AMA connections can lead to new marketing education or career advancement opportunities. Tell us about a time you’ve experienced this ripple effect.
A few years ago, I introduced myself to a new AMA MN member attending her first AMA event. She asked me about AMA and we talked about the benefits.  A few weeks later, someone contacted me for a research project. They said this new AMA MN member referred them to me.  When I asked the new member, why did you provide the referral since you hardly know me. They replied, well I was impressed that you introduced yourself and took the initiative, so I thought you would be a good partner too. We successfully completed that research project.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working or volunteering?
I enjoy movie and pizza nights with my daughter and traveling abroad.

What is a fun fact about you?
I have been a t’ai chi teacher for over 35 years at Great River T’ai Chi Ch’uan, which is celebrating its 40th year anniversary this year!

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