Irene Gustaitis

Hello SoCal MRA Members,

We’ve experienced some amazing events this year that prompted both celebration and reflection.  In this end of the year letter, I’d like to recap the highlights of 2008 and also give you a sneak peek at what you can expect for 2009 from your SoCal Chapter MRA.

Before jumping into the MRA recap, just a quick comment on the most widely watched event this year which also had an impact on the market research industry – the historical Presidential election in which Senator Barack Obama was voted America’s 44^th President.  Political market research took an interesting turn as news companies such as CNN and MSNBC broadcasted a live dial graph during the debates.  The dial data showed second by second responses in real time and was broken out by gender as well as party affiliations in some instances.  While this methodology has been used in conjunction with focus groups and surveys to test television shows and other forms of media for many years,  this was the most widely watched debate in history with Americans being able to see the live data feed on their own television screens.  As market researchers we may have raised an eyebrow at the relatively small base sizes or questioned the representativeness of single-market samples but as voters and viewers of the debate coverage, it provided another level of insight based on public opinion…which after all is the lifeblood of our profession.

We held our own election this year and the SoCal MRA voted in an amazing group of people to serve on our Board of Directors.  As a volunteer-run organization, it’s important to find people with not only skill and professionalism but with dedication.  Our Board and group of Advisors made 2008 a great year for our Chapter and I’d like to personally thank each one of them:

Tobin Bailey (Director), Scott Baker (Advisor), James Bettis (Director), Tony Blass (Past President), Ginger Blazier (Advisor), Frannie Glassenberg (Director),  Michael Lambie (Chair of Technology), Karen Manne (Director),  Myla Merriss (Director), Lorei Musselman (Director), Susan Perl (Treasurer), Ben Scheck (Secretary), Lynn Stalone (Advisor), Jeannie Wilkinson (Director), Rudy Yu (President Elect).

Our plan is to continue to offer the 3 E’s…..Enriching, Engaging and Entertaining market research events throughout 2009. 

In addition to the staple events on our roster for next year, we are proud to announce that the National MRA Fall Conference will take place in San Diego on November 4-6, 2009.

Stay connected, stay involved and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

With Warm Regards,

Irene Gustaitis