Direct Marketing Association Unveils First Ever 'DMA Certified Marketing Professional'

NEW YORK, July 29, 2009 — The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) today unveiled its "DMA Certified Marketing Professional" program, a first of its kind global standard for direct marketing education. While the program is open to all, individuals from DMA member companies will receive additional benefits throughout their course of study, beginning with special member pricing.

There are aggressive paradigm shifts taking place in media and marketing. Already over 52 percent of all ad expenditures in the US have shifted from general advertising to direct response marketing and direct channels. There is also a shift within direct marketing integrating traditional channels with new media channels like email, search, social networking, and mobile. These changes in the economy have forced marketers to reevaluate how and where they do business, and the need for a globally recognized education standard that can be used by marketers worldwide has arisen.

"Allowing marketers to gain worldwide recognition for their direct marketing expertise will elevate the stature of direct marketing around the globe," said John Greco, DMA President and CEO. "The 'DMA Certified Marketing Professional' not only brings value to participants, but to their companies as well. This program will create an elite group of marketing professionals that can travel anywhere in the world, at any time, with exceptional knowledge of the direct marketing process that exceeds community standards.

"Valuable and timely education has always been at DMA's core, and in line with our current global expansion strategy, this certification program is another way for us to keep delivering on our goal of opening up new markets and opportunities for members," continued Greco. "Today we take that a step further by extending our premier educational services to individuals whose companies might not yet be DMA members."

This digital, direct, multichannel environment is both a part of the solution to the economic challenges we face, and the future of business. Direct media thrives because it offers greater efficiencies and relevance. Analytics is the key to staying relevant, being responsible, and getting a desired result. The "DMA Certified Marketing Professional" is the foremost all-inclusive educational program keeping marketers connected and current.