Las Vegas Business Press : Marketer finds time to help with pet projects

Monday, September 11, 2006

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Marketer finds time to help with pet projects

PR pro is going to the dogs -- in a good way

BY VALERIE MILLER

FM Marketing owner Susan Somers is used to putting in a lot of dog days. That's OK with her, because she has found a way to incorporate giving with building a successful company.

The public relations guru's name might not be familiar. But to some, her face and her pro bono efforts with the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society will probably ring bells. She makes TV appearances with dogs and cats needing good homes, on the local morning shows.

Somers was formally drawn into the world of pet plights about four years ago when she was working for Infinity Broadcasting (now CBS) in Las Vegas. She was picked to help organize the kickoff of what was then Infinity's "Petapolooza" because of her reputation as an animal lover. Her task was to incorporate non-profits and pet adoptions into the promotional event.

Susan Somers' efforts on behalf of animals include rescuing Shepherd mix Freddie Marie from being put down.

That reputation has been enhanced because of her dog -- and FM Marketing's namesake -- Freddie Marie, a mixed-breed Shepherd. "In 1997, a client called me and said all these dogs would be euthanized if they weren't adopted," she recalled. Though Somers was originally just looking for a way to help get the animals publicity for adoption, she fell in love with Freddie Marie: "I went down there and got one, even though I wasn't prepared to have a dog."

MORE THAN PUBLICITY

Somers handles the publicity for the animal groups' big fundraising events, including the NSPCA's Canine Culinary Experience, and the Humane Society's Wag-A-Tale Walkathon and the Fur Ball. Promos aren't her only contribution, however. She buys a booth, tickets and helps with financial consulting for the Fur Ball.

Pets are not the only recipients of Somers' philanthropic efforts. Because of her firm's growth, she's now able to donate hundreds of hours to charitable causes. Even her paying clients have been encouraged to give. In return they sometimes receive good publicity. One FM Marketing client, The Skin Institute, donated free treatments to children in foster care who were suffering from severe acne. Another client, Party Gals, donated $1,500 in party bags to the Southern Nevada Firefighters' Burn Foundation.

"My work with the non-profits is also part of my business strategy," Somers explained. Her business acumen seems to be paying off. "For 2006, our revenues will be about 30 percent over last year, so that would be a little over $200,000." In 2005, FM Marketing's revenues reached $176,000. Somers put only $2,500 in start-up cash into FM Marketing when it opened in early 2004.

Somers will continue to help with furry -- and not-so-furry -- causes. "I am turning around and giving my client a chance to use it as a business tool along with helping a charity."

vmiller@lvbusinesspress.com | 702-871-6780 x331

PROFILE FACTS

Company: FM Marketing
Owner: Susan Somers
Address: 7473 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Ste. 100, Las Vegas, NV 89128
Year founded: 2004
Phone number: 702-227-8700
Web site: www.fmmarketinglv.com

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