Organized in 1932, the West Virginia Trucking Association is comprised of businesses and individuals concerned with the safety and economic well-being of those in the commercial vehicle transportation industry. Its focus includes highway safety, government lobbying efforts, and promoting a positive image of the trucking industry overall. With one out of every 16 jobs in the state connected to the trucking industry, and 260 member companies, the West Virginia Trucking Association represents a significant portion of West Virginia’s population.
Company Story:
With a change in management in 2006, the WVTA needed a new website. President Jan Vineyard had one main desire for the organization’s site—that it exist as a service for its members. A friend suggested that Jamie Summers-Brown, with his high-energy and great ideas, could implement that vision. After interviewing Jamie, his willingness to work hard and progressive attitude convinced Vineyard that “he and I were really going to work well together.” Bricks Without Straw created a user-friendly site, where members could quickly and easily access specific information.
Website
Jamie’s strong work ethic continues to impress Vineyard. Once a month, the site is reviewed and updates are handled promptly. Jamie is proactive with ideas for improving the site as well. “The changes we’ve made are ones that he’s wanted to do. . .that’s how Jamie is; he thinks of a better way to do it.” Citing an example, Vineyard noted the recent addition of rotating banners to the WVTA site, highlighting important facts about the trucking industry in West Virginia. These banners are an eye-catching resource for visitors to the site, significant for an organization hoping to reach groups like the press and legislators with its message.
Email Marketing
Bricks Without Straw also assists WVTA with email marketing. The association sends out weekly, monthly, and legislative email dispatches to its members. Bricks Without Straw implemented and designed the email system including all the message designs and graphics. Member Services Coordinator, Traci Nelson, oversees these dispatches for WVTA and she is “completely satisfied” with her experience working with Jamie. “He’s easy to work with, he has great ideas, he’s always trying to improve. . .whatever it is we’re doing.” When the company needed a more efficient way to communicate with the different sub groups within its membership, Jamie played a major role in finding a solution. He assessed WVTA’s needs, researched the different solutions, and brought the answer, Listserv, to WVTA. Nelson uses the database to create member groups, allowing her to broadcast specific emails, newletters, mini editions, etc. to a select audience, On a scale of 1-10, with a 10 being the highest, Nelson rates Listserv as a 10 and finds it very easy to work with.
As for Jamie’s service, Nelson gives him a 10. “He goes above and beyond.” And should any problems arise, Jamie is promptly there to help. “There’s never anything that I need assistance with that he’s not immediately back with me. . .I would say within 5 minutes usually. He takes care of it, and we’re on our way again.”
Jamie’s promptness reveals his conscientious treatment of his clients. As Jan Vineyard puts it, “He takes it personally, he’s got a lot of pride in it.”
