(l to r: Mike Hilbert, Jacqueline Morrison, Liz Merkt, Me - Rick Simmons

I’m a long time member of Sales and Marketing Executives International, which is an international organization dedicated to ethical standards, continuing education and networking within the sales and marketing disciplines. The SMEI Philadelphia Chapter is a great group of people and  I  recommend a visit to anyone connected with sales or marketing. The programs are great and the networking is tremendous.

As no surprise to many I am the chair for the marketing committee of the organization. Recently I had the honor of accompanying the President of the organization Mike Hilbert as the organization presented a check to the new Widener University Chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon, the only national, co-ed, professional fraternal organization in sales, marketing, and sales management.  Founded in January 2009, the chapter has 40 members including graduated seniors.  The purpose of the new Zeta Eta chapter at Widener is to provide students with interactions with sales and marketing professionals and opportunities for hands-on sales and marketing experience.

Last semester, students raised money to allow ten students to attend the PSE National Convention in Norfolk, VA with social events, candle sales, and donations.  Widener members gathered to volunteer at the Livestrong cancer fundraiser in August.

To be even a small part of something like this was tremendous – besides where else can I get my picture taken with attractive young ladies who will are the new leaders of the organization for the year!

Rick Simmons