Lauri Harrison has created marketing, sales and promotional strategies in the telecommunications, high-tech, Internet start-up, retail, travel and non-profit industries for more than sixteen years. She spent almost seven years working for USWEST in Strategic Marketing then transitioned to the New Product Development group and was responsible for product marketing for DexKnows.com (formerly QwestDex.com) in 1994. Today, it's one of the leading, national yellow page directories on the Web.
Lauri entered the Internet start-up world in 1995 and joined MapQuest (then called "WebMapper"). MapQuest launched in February 1996, and by executing unique marketing and public relations strategies, quickly became one of the top 25 brands on the Internet, a position that it still holds today. In 1997, MapQuest had been selected to attend President Clinton’s Inauguration Celebration and participate in the Technology & Innovation tent. Lauri was selected as one of two individuals to represent the company in Washington DC.
After more than five years in the Internet start-up environment, and having the foundation of building successful global brands, Lauri was motivated in early 2000 to launch her own marketing, public relations and event planning firm (formerly LH3, Inc.). The primary focus had been to plan and execute company and product launches. Innovative strategies were created to help company messages rise above the noise within the media, and to make an industry newcomer a viable player. Because of the efforts of an outstanding team, LH3 became an award-winning agency during the first year by planning innovative product launches and special event promotions. The company received two “Gold Pick Awards” from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Special events ranged from the City of Denver’s Millennium celebration, to Film on the Rocks and produced many ‘signature’ events, such as SchmoozeIt! and Pink Slip Parties (for job seekers).
Today I work with start-up's to help them plan and launch their company, product or service. I integrate marketing, product management, public relations and social media strategies to create 30, 60 or 90 day programs. I execute the programs to deliver results. I will continue to work with the companies if required for monthly "maintenance" programs. It's a win for me, to continue to work with start-up's and it's also a win for the businesses because they get someone who can come in, create a plan, execute it and obtain results. Now the company is not only part of the conversation, but creating continuous 2-way dialogues with their prospects, customers, partners and employees.
Lauri has been involved with many professional organizations, such as President for Colorado Chapter of The American Marketing Association (AMA) (2006-2007) and a member of the Business Marketing Association in Colorado (BMA Colorado). Lauri is the founding member of the Colorado Chapter for the University of Hawaii Alumni Association. As an active member of her community, Lauri served on the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes organization for several years. She was a member of the Denver Public Schools Career Education Center (CEC) Advisory Board during 2002-2003. Lauri has mentored students at Denver's East High School , continues to mentor undergraduate and graduate level students at local universities. She has guest lectured at CU Denver, CU Boulder, CSU, UNC, Metro State College and Denver University. Lauri was previously a marketing adjunct for Kaplan University; courses included marketing strategy & development and travel & hospitality. She is also a former adjunct for Colorado State University-Global Campus; marketing strategy & development course. Currently, Lauri is a marketing adjunct for Columbia University, teaching the Introduction to Marketing & Marketing Management course to graduate students in the online Business Certificate Program, which is offered in conjunction with a Professional Master's degree.
Lauri received a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Hawaii and a Master's degree in Marketing from the University of Colorado.