Group Five West Teams with Harding University Advertising Students

Group Five West Marketing & Advertising has teamed with Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas for an “outside of the box” educational challenge and business experience.

Harding University Assistant Professor Steve Shaner reached out to Lisa Hemme, President of Group Five West looking for a real-world marketing challenge for his advertising and marketing communications students. The request was to put the students in a position where they were providing a full branding overview and marketing program to a potential client.

"It just so happens that Group Five West is celebrating its 50th year in business this year. The timing was perfect for an agency re-brand; and what better way to step back from your own business than to let the advertising youth of the world take over and show you what they have to offer.” said Hemme.

The students will work over a 7-week period of time to produce a full Marketing Program for the agency. Once complete, students will then present their ideas to the agency for review and consideration.

“It’s a win-win for the students and the agency” said Shaner. “The Harding students are in a position of working for one of the hardest clients they will ever work for - an ad agency. Group Five West is taking a giant step back and allowing new ideas to be presented by an outside source. It’s a brave move for both parties - but with good things that will be delivered from both sides.”

Group Five West has actively partnered with Harding over the years introducing groups of students to the agency environment; hiring some as interns; as well as hiring some of their graduates.

Group Five West has agreed to let the students share any of the work presented in their personal portfolios moving forward.

Group Five West is a full service marketing and advertising agency with a 50 year history of success in the Mid-South. Smart Marketing since 1969.