Venable Joins Ed Kemp Associates

August 10, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on August 11, 2010

Veteran home furnishing marketing executive Leigh Ann Venable has joined High Point marketing firm Ed Kemp Associates as account executive and business development manager.

Venable, previous owner of 360 Marketing, a High Point-based marketing and branding agency specializing in the home furnishings industry, is responsible key in her new post for furniture accounts management and new business development.

According to Venable, the transition from 360 Marketing to Ed Kemp Associates, was essential to the future success of her long-term clients, such as Century Furniture, Bernhardt Furniture, Home Meridian International and Atrium Windows and Doors.

"I'm grateful for my past experiences, the knowledge I've gained, and the invaluable relationships with wonderful friends and clients I've been blessed with over the past 10-plus years," she said. "Joining a respected, and well-known agency like Ed Kemp Associates enables me, through the support of a strong team and vast resources, to offer clients the best in advertising, marketing and PR. I'm proud to be part of the family."

According to Venable, all of her long-term clientele have not only accepted, but embraced the transition. Chris Reilly, Atrium Windows and Doors director of marketing and Lowe's national account manager, for example, is excited about the possibilities the forged relationship brings.

€œWe want partners who help us grow our expertise and competitive advantages," he said. "We will look to grow our partnership where our needs fit their (Ed Kemp Associates) strengths. Leigh Ann is the conduit to that growth."

Ed Tashjian, chief marketing officer at furniture vendor Home Meridian International, said Venable is a responsive, resourceful, results-oriented professional.

"I've worked with Leigh Ann for ten years. She has great ideas and is fun to work with," Tashjian said.

Company President Jon Kemp said the agency, although located in the home furnishings capital of the world, has not been as engaged with the industry as one might think.

"Yes, gratefully we've worked some in the home furnishings industry in our 49 years of business, but unlike many agencies and businesses in High Point, it's not been our primary focus," Kemp said. "With Leigh Ann's passion, strong associations both inside and outside of the home furnishings industry, we anticipate strong relationships being forged."