35randemere Drive High Point, NC 27265

336-687-5964 mpfurr@triad.rr.com

Mary-Price Furr
Overview
Senior marketing, business development and communications executive with track record of success working in dynamic and entrepreneurial organizations. Managed integrated marketing programs targeting diverse audiences: consumer, business, employee and media. Expertise in management of creative elements of marketing and business development. Excellent people, team-building and communication skills.

Professional experience
11/07 - current AMERICAN SIGNATURE, INC. Columbus, OH/High Point, NC Nations sixth largest furniture retailer/manufacturer - 130 locations in 19 states. VP Marketing/Business Development/Licensing 4/09-current Director, Brand Marketing 11/07-4/09 Directed brand re-positioning, strategic branding initiatives and corporate licensing designed to increase consumer awareness, stimulate consumer engagement and elevate overall brand experience. * Development of integrated communication programs for HomeCourt by LeBron James, Miss America and Little League licenses. Functioned as key liaison with each license. License initiatives included: public launch event, in-store experience, PR, advertising, promotion, media relations and website development. Managed corporate new business initiatives. *Review and research of potential retail and licensing partners. *Ownership and direction of all aspects of licensing groups. Launched Facebook presence for retail stores. Initiated consumer sweepstakes promotion to increase fan base. *Increased Facebook fans by 40%. Designated as Corporate Communications Director during management transition. Lead all communications directives (internal and external) as well as speech writing for Executive Leadership Team and newly named COO of company. Developed product line strategy for ASI to guide the evolution of the retail environment. Integrated higherend product with value-focused product. Creation and ownership of monthly brand newsletter distributed to sales staffs in 130 locations. *Newsletter reinforced training aspects and helped differentiate brand within a brand. Responsible for annual Marketing presentation at Leadership Conference. Marketing initiatives presented to companys retail outlets. Corporate spokesperson regarding product as well as management issues. *Quarterly on-air/live interviews with Daytime Columbus (local Columbus, OH TV) Initiated web based promotions to increase on-line credit applications----increased sales 20% above

plan (3 month campaign). 7/04 11/07

Vice President of Marketing

FINE FURNITURE DESIGN

High Point, NC

International home furnishings manufacturer selling mid to high end product to retailers nationwide. Responsible for strategic development and creative supervision of marketing materials/programs. Development of corporate web site and extranet program for dealers. *Extranet program linked 500+ dealers to order entry service and dealer support programs. Innovative development of new business initiatives for retail partners. *Customized marketing, sales and training programs developed for key retailers including Federated (Macys) and Havertys. Served as key liaison. Management of all product photography, creative services and print production with over 10 new product introductions annually. Corporate communications liaison regarding legal anti-dumping issues/initiatives Assisted with international retail expansion and launch of Asian company-owned and franchise outlets.

*Incorporated successful American marketing model to Chinese based store concept.

10/03 7/04

MEDIA MATTERS

High Point, NC

Eclectic mix of marketing professionals focused on PR and marketing in the home furnishings arena.

Marketing Consultant

Provided strategic leadership in marketing initiatives for French Heritage, Lexington Home Brands, Excelsior Designs and Fine Furniture Design & Marketing. Included day-to-day client management and account service, as well as new business development. *Recruited by Fine Furniture Design for management/marketing position.

5/99-10/03

OTM PARTNERS

Winston-Salem, NC

A southeastern consumer goods marketing agency, OTM Partners specialized in brand development and consumer touch point engagement.

Vice President, Account Services

Account management and strategic brand development for top 5 agency regional and national accounts including Heinz Pet Products, Champion Athleticwear (a division of Sara Lee), BB&T (banking), Shurtape Technologies (industrial----industry leader in duct tape manufacturing), and Purolator-Facet (industrial----major supplier to Boeing and military) *Directed brand continuity program for Morris, the 9Lives Cat. Morris Mania touched over 500,000 brand loyalists. *Managed consumer rewards program- Skippy Dog Food---resulted in 35% sales increase during promotion period. * Development of national retailer consumer promotion for Champion Athleticwear. Strategic development, creative supervision of collateral materials, internal promo campaign and prize fulfillment management. Proficient in sweepstakes management as part of consumer promotions. 9/89 5/99

R.L.REID & COMPANY

Greensboro, NC

Leading, integrated marketing agency with a range of regional and national accounts.

Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, Vice President, Director of Public Relations
Direct accountability for 70% of billings, holding various titles throughout 10 years with agency. *Management of creative and production teams *Account strategic and creative direction for Lexington Furniture, Klaussner Furniture Kingsdown and Allied Signal. *Management and creative development of licensed programs including Bob Timberlake, Nautica, Arnold Palmer, Wimbledon and Keep America Beautiful. *Development of national retail point-of-purchase materials, trade and consumer advertising, direct mail, internal and external communications plans. Management and organization of national retail launch events: Allied Signal, Bob Timberlake, Mohawk Carpets and Anderson Wood Flooring. Creation and management of agencys healthcare division. Increased billings 25%. Instrumental in restructuring organization during and after agency transition to new ownership. Successfully acquired new business and developed robust client relationships. 7/83-1/89 KINGSTON HOSPITAL/ARMSTRONG COUNTY MEMORIAL Kingston, NY/Kittanning PA Director of Public Relations Responsible for marketing/advertising/public relations----media spokesperson, community education programs and special event coordination. *Coordinated all marketing and media events for opening of new $10M hospital *Nationally published article in healthcare journal regarding importance of internal PR

Education
1979-1983 Marshall University Huntington, WV Bachelor of Arts (W. Page Pitt School of Journalism), public relations, political science---Cum Laude