CERRITOS, Calif., Oct. 25, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Mass Connections(r), the nation's industry leader in retail marketing services and consumer related promotions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Ellis, Senior Executive Director for Global Initiatives at the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business, to the company's corporate advisory board. His advisory role complements the board's mission to include engaging and insightful members from throughout the retail industry.
Mr. Ellis is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Marketing at USC's Marshall School of Business, as well as Former Vice Dean of External Relations. He teaches classes in Advertising and Sales Promotion, Sales Force Management, Retailing Management, and Marketing Management. His numerous academic awards include "Professor of the Year" from several student organizations, the "Golden Apple Professor of the Year" from the Marshall School of Business undergraduate program, and the "Teaching Has No Boundaries Award" from his USC faculty peers.
In addition to Mr. Ellis' academic success, he brings to Mass Connections' corporate advisory board decades of marketing and retail expertise, as well as innovative ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit grounded in immeasurable experience. His past private sector positions include: Vice President of Merchandising for Broadway Department Stores; Chairman and CEO of Porsche Design; Vice President of Merchandising at Miller's Outpost; Chairman of Socks du Jour; Chairman of Comfort Center Mattress Shops; CEO and Owner of Port O' Call Pasadena, an upscale home accessory retailer; and Owner and Officer of Mayco Colors, a ceramic paint manufacturer.
Caroline Cotten Nakken, President and CEO of Mass Connections, is delighted at Mr. Ellis' appointment to the board. "Mass Connections is honored to have Jim as a member of our corporate advisory board. His knowledge of marketing and the dynamics of the retail industry are astounding. I am looking forward to the perspective he will impart on our board and our company."
Mr. Ellis holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BBA from University of New Mexico. His community service includes serving as the former Chairman of the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization, as well as a Regional Vice President and on its International Board of Directors. He has served as Chairman of the Board of the Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena and as former Chairman of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
About Mass Connections
Based in Cerritos, CA, Mass Connections' expertise and unparalleled capabilities drive their success in delivering effective and memorable marketing campaigns and events to its clients. As the nation's leader in retail marketing services, MC is positioned to respond to the industry's need for efficient and accountable execution. Innovative design creatives, sourcing, fulfillment/distribution and unrivaled technology allow Mass Connections to provide the fullest benefit of the shopper marketing experience to both retailers and consumer product group companies. Mass Connections is the nation's complete solution for all of your company's retail marketing needs. For more information on Mass Connections, visit http://www.massconnections.com or call toll free at 1-800-275-6650.