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A broadcast interview I secured as the communications coordinator for Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH) to raise public awareness of the dangers of kratom, a herbal supplement with side effects similar to opioids.

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The hidden dangers of kratom: Why Macomb County experts are raising alarms about herbal supplement

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Experts are raising alarms about kratom, an herbal supplement available at gas stations and party stores that can mimic the effects of opioids.

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Michigan mental health privatization plan sparks concern from local providers

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Michigan mental health privatization plan sparks concern from local providers

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A broadcast interview I secured as MCCMH's communications coordinator to shed light on the potential impacts of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' privatization of the public mental health system.

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Michigan mental health privatization plan sparks concern from local providers

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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services plans to privatize community mental health programs across the state, sparking concerns from service providers and local officials.

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MCCMH Substance Use Engagement Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Invitation

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MCCMH Substance Use Engagement Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Invitation

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An invitation I created for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of MCCMH's new Substance Use Engagement Center.

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As the communications coordinator at MCCMH, I created the organization's first annual report, strategically highlighting key achievements for stakeholders and community members.

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A summary of my professional experience.

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Prioritizing Well-Being: Local Support Available at Macomb County Community Mental Health

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Prioritizing Well-Being: Local Support Available at Macomb County Community Mental Health

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A LinkedIn article I drafted on behalf of MCCMH CEO to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month.

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Prioritizing Well-Being: Local Support Available at Macomb County Community Mental Health

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Picture this: You’re entering a packed stadium, ready to cheer for your team. As you search for your seat, you’ll see an enthusiastic crowd.

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A web page I created for MCCMH to inform the community about Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). It includes an overview of the treatment order, instructions on how and where to file petitions, and a library of video and digital resources I created to simplify complex treatment information.

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Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is a court order to help people with serious mental illness (SMI) get the mental health care they need. AOT provides essential support to those who may not be aware they need treatment. The probate court determines if someone needs an AOT through a petitioning process.

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Assisted Outpatient Treatment Brochure for Law Enforcement

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Assisted Outpatient Treatment Brochure for Law Enforcement

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One of the many brochures I created while working at MCCMH to educate the community about AOT. This resource was created to inform the law enforcement community about AOT, using accessible language to engage the audience effectively.

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Macomb County Community Mental Health Names Traci Smith as Chief Executive Officer

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Macomb County Community Mental Health Names Traci Smith as Chief Executive Officer

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A press release I wrote as a communications specialist at MCCMH to showcase the expertise of the organization's new CEO.

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Macomb County Community Mental Health Names Traci Smith as Chief Executive Officer – MCCMH

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A blog post I wrote during my time as an assistant account executive at Identity to highlight a hospitality client's holiday activations.

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Blog

Spend the Holidays at Daxton Hotel

Daxton is the place to be this holiday season, with special touches of magic around every corner. From a Thanksgiving grand buffet and Holiday High Tea to a delicious Christmas meal and options to ring in the New Year, Daxton has got you covered so you can savor every moment of this holiday season.
2023 Calendar of Events:
Nov. 23, 2023, 3-6 pmAdults $95++. Children 10 and under are $45++, and under 3 are free.Revel in a feast curated by the award-winning kitchen of Madam, featuring roasted turkey, sourdough stuffing, braised greens, seasonal desserts and much more! Thanksgiving at Daxton

Reserve your seat here .

The DDAM Good 'Holi' Day Pop Up
Nov. 28, 2023, 10 am-1 pm and 6-9 pm
Free event.
Shop the latest trends while supporting small businesses, including elevated essentials from DDAM and one-of-a-kind home goods from Good Day. James Kaye will have environmentally conscious works on display, which will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will toward The Great Decorate.

Dec. 3, 2023, 10 am-3 pm$25 for a photo with Santa.Gather the family for an unforgettable brunch with Santa at Madam. The Parlors will be festively decorated, which will make for the perfect backdrop for family photos with Santa and his sleigh. Brunch With Santa

Purchase your ticket here .

Dec. 16, 2023, 10 am-2 pmFree Event. Hot Chocolate at Daxton

Spread holiday cheer during the Birmingham Shopping District holiday shopping day while enjoying a heavenly cup of hot chocolate at Daxton's outdoor tent!

Every Saturday & Sunday in December 2023 (last service on Dec. 24), 2-4 pm$65 per person.Recognize the magic of the season by sipping on tea in an elegant space while indulging in towers of savory bites and sweet treats at Café Dax for Holiday High Tea. Holiday High Tea at Café Dax

Reserve your table here.

December 25, 2023, 5-10 pmBask in a traditional holiday feast crafted by Madam's expert culinary team. Christmas Dinner

Reserve your seat here .

December 31, 2023, 5-11 pmSavor an exquisite dinner at Madam and toast to new beginnings with an elegant cocktail from Geode Bar & Lounge. New Year's Eve Dinner

Reserve your spot here .

Dec. 31, 2023, 9 pm-Jan. 1, 2024, 2 amJoin us for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration at Daxton Hotel's first-ever Casino Royale gala! This exclusive 007, James Bond-inspired event promises to be the grandest celebration of the year. New Year's Eve Casino Royale

Purchase your ticket here.

January 1, 2024, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.Salute to 2024 with a creatively concocted cocktail from Geode Bar & Lounge while relishing a scrumptious brunch at Madam. New Year's Day Brunch

Reserve your table here .

With the holidays on the horizon, celebrate the special moments at Daxton. We add a personalized touch that creates intentional, meaningful experiences for our guests.

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Spend the Holidays at Daxton Hotel - Daxton Hotel

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With avant-guard style and a world-class art collection Daxton Hotel sets the new standard, and exceeds every expectation, for luxury experiences.Daxton is the place to be this holiday season, with special touches of magic around every corner.

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A blog post I wrote as an apprentice at Identity to encourage a client's customers to use the product in an innovative way.

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Looking to spice up your hydration routine? Use Absopure Water with any fruit, herb or flower to create ice cubes that’ll elevate the taste of your favorite Absopure product.

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Coping Strategies Following Gun Violence Graphic

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Coping Strategies Following Gun Violence Graphic

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A graphic I created for MCCMH's social media channels to promote healthy coping mechanisms following the Apalachee High School shooting.

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Macomb County CMH announces new chief of operations

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Macomb County CMH announces new chief of operations

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A media placement I earned as a communications specialist at MCCMH to promote the organization's new Chief of Operations in the area's most prominent newspaper.

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Macomb County CMH announces new chief of operations

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Helen Klingert, who has worked at Macomb County Community Mental Health for 20 years, began serving in the position on an interim basis last January to replace Traci Smith, who was elevated interim…

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Medication Disposal Tips & Resources Flyer

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Medication Disposal Tips & Resources Flyer

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A flyer I created for MCCMH to inform the community about medication disposal tips and resources for the DEA's 2024 Take Back Day, while adhering to brand guidelines.

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Macomb County Community Mental Health Safe Rx Flyer

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Macomb County Community Mental Health Safe Rx Flyer

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A flyer I created to promote (MCCMH's collaboration with Safe Rx, informing patients on how to use locking prescription vials.

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A fact sheet I created to spotlight the rich history and collection of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University (MSU).

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Treasury volatility, valuation uncertainty complicate exit cap rate calculations

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Treasury volatility, valuation uncertainty complicate exit cap rate calculations

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An exclusive media interview I secured as an assistant account executive at Identity to showcase a commercial real estate client's thought leadership in an elite industry publication.

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Treasury volatility, valuation uncertainty complicate exit cap rate calculations

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The yield on the 10-year Treasury topped out at 5 percent in October before falling to less than 3.8 percent at the end of 2023.

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A blog post I wrote for Martin Waymire (now Bellwether Public Relations) in honor of Women's Appreciation Month, celebrating the female C-suite based on an interview I conducted as a student practitioner.

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The Leading Women of Martin Waymire - Martin Waymire

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Martin Waymire is predominantly run by women and a majority women-employed company. This representation is essential, as it was only a century ago that women were granted the right to vote.

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Honoring Women Pioneers in Public Relations

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Honoring Women Pioneers in Public Relations

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A blog post I wrote to recognize some of the leading women in public relations for Women's Appreciation Month when I was a student practitioner at Martin Waymire (now known as Bellwether Public Relations).

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Honoring Women Pioneers in Public Relations - Martin Waymire

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March is Women's History Month - a time to celebrate the essential role women have in American history. As a majority women-run and employed organization, Martin Waymire recognizes the importance of gender diversity in public relations.

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New 'Innovative' Laundromat Opens at Oakland Pointe Plaza in Pontiac, More Units Planned

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New 'Innovative' Laundromat Opens at Oakland Pointe Plaza in Pontiac, More Units Planned

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A media placement I acquired as an assistant account executive at Identity to promote a new development for a commercial real estate client in the community's premier business magazine.

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Farbman Group, a full-service commercial real estate company in Southfield, has announced the opening of a LaundroLab franchise at Oakland Pointe Plaza in Pontiac.

LaundroLab is a client of Farbman and is a brand that franchises a laundromat experience that offers a clean, welcoming, and modern environment.

"We are proud to have worked with LaundroLab to provide the perfect location to launch Michigan's first state-of-the-art laundromat concept," says Andy Farbman, CEO of Farbman Group. "The digital capabilities paired with high-tech washer and dryers, 24-7 attendant service, and a child playroom and vending machine, really brings the standard laundromat into the 21st century."

The Pontiac franchise was started by local franchisees Leslie and Walter Czarnecki. It is a 4,000-square-foot community laundromat that provides a state-of-the-art facility equipped with high-efficiency equipment where customers can get their laundry done in an hour or less. The laundromat is both coin operated and can accept digital payments through a mobile app.

"I was drawn to this elevated concept of a modern laundromat given the many uses that laundromats still offer individuals and businesses today, from the need to clean large comforters and bedding, to extended-stay travelers for business, sports, or pleasure," says Leslie Czarnecki, co-owner of the Pontiac LandroLab facility.

"LandroLab takes laundry service to the next level with convenient payment options, wash, dry, fold, and delivery services, environmentally friendly washers, and an extremely safe, welcoming, and clean environment. We can't wait to bring more locations to Michigan."

LaundroLab Pontiac is one of five planned franchise locations by the Czarnecki's. The new space, located at 510 N. Telegraph Rd. (north of Elizabeth Lake Road), is open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Carrie Weiss, vice president at NAI Farbman, served as the designated tenant representative for Laundrolab in Michigan.

For more information, visit https://www.laundrolab.com/locations/pontiac-oakland-pointe.

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New 'Innovative' Laundromat Opens at Oakland Pointe Plaza in Pontiac, More Units Planned - DBusiness Magazine

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Farbman Group, commercial real estate company in Southfield, has announced opening of LaundroLab franchise Oakland Pointe Plaza in Pontiac.

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Several local charities recently received money from the Lake Trust Foundation

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Several local charities recently received money from the Lake Trust Foundation

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A media placement I earned during my time as an assistant account executive at Identity to spotlight a finance client's community service initiative in the area's top news outlet.

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The Lake Trust Foundation recently announced they have donated a total of $63,000 to various organizations supporting Michiganders as a part of their annual Powered By Good Day.

In addition to the donation, more than 375 Lake Trust Credit Union team members contributed more than 1,000 hours of volunteer hours to various community organizations.

"Lake Trust's annual Powered by Good Day is an annual event that provides expanded opportunity for our team members to engage in meaningful service and multiply positive impact in the communities we serve," said David Snodgrass, president of The Lake Trust Foundation. "By dedicating time and financial resources, Lake Trust can help these organizations carry out their mission and make a positive impact in communities across the state."

For Powered By Good Day, the Foundation partnered with Scholastic to host book fairs at Mason Academy in Detroit and North Elementary School in Lansing and provided three free books for each student - a total value of $20,000.

The Foundation also purchased 500 winter coats, valued at $20,000, and donated them to students at Holmes Elementary School in Ypsilanti through a collaboration with Operation Warm.

In addition to partnering with these organizations, Lake Trust team members spent the day volunteering service to community centers, food banks, libraries, shelters, and more. The Foundation also donated $1,000 to each organization they supported that day, including:

Allen Neighborhood Center - Lansing

Brilliant Detroit - Detroit

Capuchin Soup Kitchen - Detroit

Child and Family Charities - Lansing

City Rescue Mission - Lansing

Clothing Inc. - Mt. Pleasant

Community Action House - Holland

Community Catalysts - Howell

Cristo Rey Community Center - Lansing

Faith in Action - Chelsea

Family Promise of Barry County - Hastings

Friends of the Chelsea District Library - Chelsea

Food Bank of Eastern Michigan - Flint

Food Gathers - Ann Arbor

Howell Nature Center - Howell

Gleaners Food Bank - Howell

Lighthouse of Oakland County - Pontiac

Livingston County Habitat for Humanity - Brighton

Kenzie's BE Café - Grand Haven

Muskegon Rescue Mission - Muskegon

Saint Louis Center - Chelsea

Salvation Army - Lansing

SOS Community Services - Ypsilanti

For more information, visit http://www.laketrust.org/.

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Several local charities recently received money from the Lake Trust Foundation

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The Lake Trust Foundation recently announced they have donated a total of $63,000 to various organizations supporting Michiganders as a part of their annual Powered By Good Day.

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A blog post I wrote after attending Pundit Summit XVI in East Lansing, Michigan when I was a student practitioner at Martin Waymire (now Bellwether Public Relations).

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Let Differences Unite Us - Martin Waymire

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With the midterm election coming to a close last week, Michigan politicos and policymakers gathered for the annual Pundit Summit, hosted by Public Sector Consultants, Bridge Michigan, Bridge Detroit, Michigan Radio, and Martin Waymire, for a series of discussions about lessons learned from this recent election.

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A media placement I secured during my apprenticeship at Identity to highlight a hospitality client's new general manager in a prestigious industry publication.

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July 12, 2023

NAPA, CALIFORNIA - Erin Poders has been named to the general manager role at SENZA Hotel, a 48-room boutique hotel in Wine Country. Poders is charged with enhancing the overall guest experience and will work hand-in-hand with operating partner Bentley Legacy Holdings following the acquisition of the hotel by investment groups Cienda Partners and Pendant Capital.

Poders will be responsible for the day-to-day management of SENZA Hotel, according to a press release. His oversight includes the property's five separate buildings, including the historic 1870 Parker Mansion, as well as the hotel's staff, events, and food & beverage offerings.

"Joining the SENZA Hotel team as the general manager at this pivotal time is an amazing opportunity to activate a truly special, private getaway while enhancing the guest experience in new and unexpected ways," Poders said. "SENZA Hotel is an incredible property in one of the most famous wine regions in the world, with great potential for us to immediately amplify the food and beverage experience to ensure guests have opportunities to take full advantage of the property."

Initiatives already underway under Poder's leadership include expanded F&B, including enhanced breakfast and dinner options with a reimagined menu of cocktails and desserts. SENZA Hotel will also offer carry-out options for guests, which will enhance the experience through custom picnic baskets packed with specialty items for guests as they take full advantage of the 2-acre Napa property. Additionally, guests can order small bites and wine at the pool.

Poders brings industry expertise to SENZA, most recently serving as the hotel manager of the exclusive Malibu Beach Inn Hotel and Spa, located on Carbon Beach, a position he held twice in a five-year period. There, he held a key role in training and promoting staff, while also guiding the hotel's participation in notable food & wine festivals in the region and overall generating meaningful results and national recognition for the hotel as a top travel destination. He also previously served as general manager at The Inn of the Five Graces in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Early in his career, Poders gained critical career experience through a series of roles at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Park Hyatt and Hyatt properties, while based in some of the world's most celebrated tourist cities such as Boston, Honolulu, La Jolla, California, and Whistler, British Columbia.

"This is an exciting time for SENZA Hotel and Erin will be an integral part of that journey," said Les Bentley, CEO of Bentley Legacy Holdings. "He brings a wealth of industry knowledge from his time at other luxury destinations and we are confident he will enhance the guest experience through his skill and passion for delivering exceptional service."

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NAPA, CALIFORNIA - Erin Poders has been named to the general manager role at SENZA Hotel, a 48-room boutique hotel in Wine Country. Poders is charged

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Detroit academy grad is stepping into show business

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Detroit academy grad is stepping into show business

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A broadcast interview I secured during my apprenticeship at Identity to spotlight a client's services in online education in the community's top news outlet.

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Detroit academy grad is stepping into show business

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How Consumer Behavior Adapted with COVID-19

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How Consumer Behavior Adapted with COVID-19

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An article I wrote for my Public Relations Storytelling for Digital, Video, and Print course at Michigan State University (MSU). The article is based on an interview with MSU Professor Dr. Patricia Huddleston and was published in the March 2022 issue of The Brief.

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By: Becca Wyne
Masked Photo Credit: Michigan State University

There has been a high level of uncertainty in the world since the emergence of COVID-19. As a result, we have been forced to change how we learn, socialize and shop.

In the retailing industry, consumer behavior research helps us understand why people shop the way that they do. Department of Advertising + Public Relations professor, Dr. Patricia Huddleston, suggested that consumer behavior changed as people became accustomed to the pandemic.

Huddleston received her Ph.D. in retailing and consumer behavior from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her areas of research include the evolution of retail systems, consumer behavior in transition economies, and eye-tracking technology to evaluate consumer information processing and purchase intention.

The start of the pandemic was characterized by lockdowns, shelter-in-place orders, and travel restrictions. According to Huddleston, at the beginning of COVID-19, people participated in utilitarian shopping for essential products that were functional to everyday life. Items such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies were high in demand. Consumers began to hoard these items out of fear and anxiety associated with the pandemic. Consequently, retailers faced shortages in essential products and had to limit the quantity customers could purchase in a transaction. This led to insecurity among customers about when a product would become available again.

"It [COVID-19] was like a tsunami for retailers," Huddleston said.

Over the course of the pandemic, people adjusted and restrictions were lifted. As a result, consumers' behavior was focused on hedonic shopping for items that offered comfort and pleasure. For instance, there was a rise in popularity of items like athleisure and in-door shoes since people spent more time at home. Online retailers started to offer a variety of options for the consumer, such as free delivery and at store pick-up for consumer convenience. With Huddleston's expertise, she thought these improvements in online retailers led to an increase in purchasing online.

See Also

In line with Huddleston's research on point-of-purchase in 2020, she found that the most critical element of purchasing an item is looking away. Many may believe that looking away from an item can result in a loss of interest. However, Huddleston found that looking away gives the brain time to cognitively process information to make a purchase decision.

Understanding consumer behavior is key for retailers to be successful. The initial cues a consumer notices when deciding whether to purchase an item is quality and price. However, distractions such as other shoppers, phones and masks can hinder the shopping process. This information helps retailers organize displays and design websites to maximize sales.

Michigan State University offers a variety of consumer behavior classes that can complement an AD+PR degree. Classes for undergraduate students include ADV 334: International Advertising and ADV 375: Consumer Behavior. ADV 823: Consumer Behavior and Consumer Behavior Theories is available for master's students. Although these classes are not required for an AD+PR degree, they can help students better understand how advertising and public relations influences consumers' buying decisions and fill in the gaps to meet consumer expectations.

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How Consumer Behavior Adapted with COVID-19 - The Brief

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Faculty Insights With AD+PR Professor, Dr. Patricia T. Huddleston By: Becca Wyne Masked Photo Credit: Michigan State University There has been a high level of uncertainty in the world since the emergence of COVID-19. As a result, we have been forced to change how we learn, socialize and shop.