Meet Carla Flanders of CMF Marketing & Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Flanders.

Carla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I own and operate CMF Marketing & Events a West Michigan company that helps businesses and organization with strategic marketing planning and implementation, project management, and event coordination.

I am a West Michigan native having worked and lived throughout the area over the years. My previous business roles have made significant contributions to the West Michigan community and include working as the Executive Director of the Lakeshore Art Festival, VP of Marketing at the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, and the Marketing Director for the Tulip Time Festival in Holland.

I have a passion for community projects and volunteerism. I was recently a ‘Community Star’ participating in the Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce annual Dancing with the Local Stars event that raises funds for local food pantries. I am currently the administrator for the Muskegon Arts & Culture Coalition, assist with the Muskegon Community Foundation’s Ambassador Event and Annual Gathering, help with Agewell Services Heels for Meals & More event, and I am the Event Director for the Rotary Harvest Fest.

I am involved with several community projects including the LEAD Giving Circle, Coming Together for Racial Understanding, Leadership West Michigan and the Livability Lab 100-Day Challenge. I am a Muskegon STAR! and hold a certificate in Institutional Organizational Management (IOM). I have spent countless hours volunteering for local organization including the Michigan Irish Music Festival, United Way Day of Caring, environmental clean-up projects, and more. I was a Young Athena Nominee, Future 15 nominee, and Agent of Change Award recipient.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning your own business is never “always” a smooth road. However, with challenges, also comes great joy. Some struggles along the way include, doing something you’ve never done before, for the first time. You don’t know, what you don’t know, until you know. You sometimes learn as you go. Yet, when you complete that task or master that activity, it is such a sense of accomplishment!

Another challenge is always trying to stay in front of things. For example, always looking for more business, keeping things fresh and relevant while staying true to who you are as a person and as a business.

As you know, we’re big fans of CMF Marketing & Events. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
CMF Marketing, LLC works with businesses of all sizes to fulfill their marketing and event needs. Our goal is to bring marketing success and growth to every business we work with by finding the right solution that is unique to an organization. Services include: Marketing Planning and Budgets, Media Relations and Press Releases, Social Media Management, Email Marketing, Advertising Buys, Design and Print Services, Web Services, and Event Planning.

I think what sets us apart from others is, not only the personal attention but, taking an idea from just a thought to full completion and being there every step of the way. For example, in the area of event production, management, and coordination, whether you are looking for overall event production or just need an extra hand with your event, CMF Marketing can help! We can plan the entire event from start to finish or anywhere in between. We can create and manage a budget, implement logistical needs, assist with fund development, design marketing materials, promote the event, run the event and stay on for a full post event wrap up.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the resilience, passion and unique culture of our community. Muskegon has been through many ups and downs but through it all they continue to triumph!

Pricing:

• Varies by project

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cmfmarketing.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmf_marketing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmfmarketing/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cmf-marketing