MaagComm+ to Bring Unconventional Approach to Communications Challenges

PHOENIX, Aug. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Marketing industry veteran Al Maag has launched MaagComm+, a new communications consultancy. Maag recently retired from his position as chief communications officer of global technology distributor Avnet, Inc., and he will now work with select clients to develop unconventional solutions for marketing communications challenges. Maag's expertise lies in developing creative approaches around thought leadership and adding personality into a company. He previously spearheaded the branding, public relations, internal and external communications, and community relations activities for Fortune 500 business-to-business (B2B) technology companies Avnet and Molex over the course of four decades. Maag was also the chairman of the Business Marketing Association (BMA) from 2011-2012.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130821/LA66749)

"I'm retiring from Avnet with a great sense of pride and accomplishment," said Maag. "It was a priceless experience working with the C-suite and overseeing the growth of Avnet's brand and culture. I will now work with organizations that need that extra spark of creativity to help them reach their target audiences, create greater brand engagement and increase revenue. It starts with engaged employees and strategic efforts in the community with customers, not just digital and social media tactics."  

The consultancy will draw upon the expertise of Maag's marketing communications network, creating a virtual think tank of creative firms and individuals who can be tapped to develop and implement communications solutions for MaagComm+ clients. Initial resources include the fast-growing marketing firm Spark Design, where Maag will be a consultant-in-residence; Jan Miller, a multi-faceted writer who has been working with Maag for almost 30 years; global public relations firm Brodeur Partners; and Zack Maag, a freelance audio visual producer.

"We are honored that Al has selected Spark as his home base," said Vince Adam, president of Spark in Tempe, Ariz. "I can think of no one else who will add more energy to our team. Our relationship with Al will enhance and expand Spark's capabilities, allowing us to impact our clients' C-suite teams more effectively." 

Initial engagements include:

• Assuming a new role as executive director of the BMA
• Overseeing a special project for the Phoenix International Raceway
• Leading the creation of the Chicago 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame museum in Forest Park, Ill.
• Launching a web portal for charities with digital media firm New Angle Media
• Publishing a book this fall with Miller titled, "Social Media IS NOT Sociable."

"Al's impact on Avnet's brand and overall business has been immense," said Vallee, retired CEO of Avnet. "From creative initiatives such as Avnet's history museum and 50^th anniversary celebration and AvnetOnDemand.com, to his commitment to enhancing Avnet's reputation in the communities it serves, Al has always taken on first-time challenges with vigor to improve internal and external brand engagement. Any organization that works with him will benefit from his unique vision and 'why not?' approach to marketing communications challenges."

 An important component of MaagComm+ will be giving back to the community. In 2009, he was named Volunteer Executive of the Year by the Phoenix Business Journal. The Maag family formed and actively manages the 23-year-old Maag Toy Foundation, a 501(C)(3) charitable organization that collects new toys for needy children. His current local board support includes the Miracle League of Arizona, the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission and the MVP Foundation that supports a camp for children.

MaagComm+ on Twitter: @almaag2
MaagComm+ on LinkedIn: http:www.linkedin.com/pub/al-maag/1/a82/811  

About MaagComm+
MaagComm+ is a communications consultancy formed by Al Maag, former chief communications officer of Avnet, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.maagcommplus.com

Media contact:
Sonia Bovio
Brodeur Partners, for MaagComm+
[email protected]
480.308.0281

SOURCE MaagComm+