Mount Pleasant, SC (Jan. 22, 2010) – Several Wando High School students are getting a dose of “research reality” as official apprentices with the Town of Mount Pleasant’s Strategic Marketing Initiative.

Wando's student chapter of the international professional marketing business organization known as DECA (Delta Epsilon Chi) is now official partner with the Town's marketing initiative. Wando's Principal Lucy Beckham approved the group's involvement and teacher Kirk Beilke is DECA's advisor at the school.

For the past few months, the students have been involved in survey collection, data tabulation and other processes. David McNair of The McNair Group in Mount Pleasant is leading the town's research program and is working with the Wando group. McNair said the program is giving students an inside look at how market research impacts marketing program planning, design, creative processes and consumer behavior change. Students may also write papers on their experience with the project upon completion.

“The students have been exceptional and have helped to interview almost 200 people.,” said McNair. “It’s a win-win-win for the students, the Town and the community.”

Ashley McKenzie, Mount Pleasant’s Community Development and Tourism Officer, said student involvement not only helps inspire and nurture interest among future marketing professionals but also saves the Town time and resources on the project.

Please visit www.ideasformp.com

Ms. McKenzie says there is still time for residents, business owners and local Realtors to complete online surveys as the research phase finishes up in February. Participants may simply log on to www.ideasformp.com and follow the prompts for several surveys.

Participants may also read and respond to blog posts and use the site as a social media tool for the community. New functions will debut soon to encourage visitors to post thoughts for town improvements, top ten lists, personal stories, plus a Town Gallery for photos, descriptive prose and more.

The site was created as part of the town’s Strategic Marketing Initiative that supports The Town of Mount Pleasant Business Plan. The town’s business plan is focused on enhancing local quality of life, the business economy and jobs, local services, home values, and maintaining low tax rates. The web site is one of several new projects aimed at gathering and measuring public opinion, statistics and trends of local economic development, residential and tourism issues.

Ms. McKenzie said the town is directing the research and planning, calling on the expertise of local marketing and design professionals: Gil Shuler Graphic Design & Associates, which includes Blue Ion, Foster Associates, and The McNair Group, all based in the Lowcountry region.