(LARGO, FL — May 4, 2012) — Valpak Direct Marketing Systems, Inc.,a leader in local print and digital coupons, has named Erik Smith Cultural Competence and Inclusion Director.
Smith will drive initiatives to enhance cultural competencies by recognizing and maximizing the talents and potential of employees and work with leadership increase diversity among employees, franchisees and suppliers.
"I am personally committed to embracing diversity at Valpak, and the related initiatives we have developed will enable us to reach our full potential," said Valpak/CoxTarget Media President Michael Vivio. "With Erik joining our team, we are ready to extend our reach and work more effectively across cultures."
Smith brings to Valpak experience in strategic planning, corporate finance, operations management, and cross-cultural marketing. For the past three years, Smith was president of Carlton Consulting in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, a business advisory firm.
"Valpak recognizes the opportunities for greater innovation and new revenue streams that comes from more diversity in employment, franchisees and suppliers," said Smith.
Previously, he was executive director of the Jeff Johnson Institute for Urban Development, a not-for-profit organization that trains young urban leaders, and chief operating officer of Jeff's Nation, LLC, a consulting firm in Cleveland, Ohio specializing in socially conscious messaging.
Smith received his MBA with a concentration in finance and marketing from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and his bachelor's degree in economics, African American Studies and education from Duke University in Durham, N.C.
About Valpak®
Valpak, one of the leading direct marketing companies in North America, is owned and operated by Cox Target Media, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Cox Media Group. With nearly 180 franchises throughout the United States and Canada, The Blue Envelope® delivers savings and value to nearly 40 million households each month. Annually, Valpak will distribute some 20 billion offers inserted in more than 500 million envelopes. Valpak also offers digital solutions with www.Valpak.com® , an online site for local savings, which has nearly 70 million offer views each month, as well as mobile phones, including apps for the most current operating systems. For more information, please contact 1-800-676-6878.
About Cox Media Group
Cox Media Group, Inc. is an integrated broadcasting, publishing, direct marketing and digital media company that includes the national advertising rep firms of Cox Reps. With $1.8 billion in revenue, the company operations include 15 broadcast television stations and one local cable channel, 85 radio stations, eight daily newspapers and more than a dozen non-daily publications, and more than 100 digital services. Additionally, CMG owns and operates Valpak, one of the leading direct marketing companies in North America. For more information about Cox Media Group, please check us out online at www.coxmediagroup.com.