Helen Hoart Honored by Hudson Valley DMA
Tuesday, 12 December 2006
The Hudson Valley DMA celebrated another year of networking and educational events with a Holiday Party on December 8th at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT.
The festive event was highlighted by the presentation of this year’s HVDMA Founders Award to Helen Hoart, president of StayWell Consumer Health Publishing. StayWell works with Harvard Health Publications on its five consumer health newsletters, including the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Women’s Health Watch and Harvard Heart Letter and its more than 50 condition-specific health reports.
Not many people know that Helen started her career on the editorial side of the business covering politics, the White House and Congress for a number of news services. Her lively, inquisitive mind and editorial style have served her well in an impressive, publishing-based DM career.
The Founders Award was established in 2002, and is presented annually to an individual who has contributed in an exceptional and visionary way to the professionalism of the direct marketing industry and the development of the Hudson Valley DMA.
In presenting the Award, the HVDMA noted that “As a business leader, Helen upholds some of the best traditions in quality direct marketing, and has helped to move the field forward in many ways. She has also been a strong supporter of the Hudson Valley DMA, and has been a brilliant and delightful panelist for our seminars on more than one occasion.”
On accepting her Award, Hoart offered a series of wishes that elicited peals of laughter and applause – such as: “In 2007, all vendors will be paid up front … the US Post office will roll postage back to 6¢ … and response rates will be double digit.”
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of two $1,500 scholarships to students in the graduate level Direct Marketing program at Mercy College. The two deserving students were LaKeesha Roper and Marc Berkowe, who both spoke movingly about the value of the scholarship in recognizing their efforts and supporting their careers.
Quality education and ongoing support of the DM industry is the central mission of the Hudson Valley DMA. To this purpose, funds are raised at a number of luncheon seminars and special events throughout the year, as well as a Silent Auction at the Holiday party.
HVDMA president John LaGreca officiated, and his firm Federal Direct also sponsored the party. Former president Rich Mercado of Madison Direct Marketing provided a recap of 2006, while LaGreca spoke to the future, and promised an exciting roster of programs in 2007.