Inspired by the Renaissance inventor, writer, painter and sculptor, the coveted Leonardo Award has been presented each year since 1981 to recognize an individual that has demonstrated excellence in marketing creativity and innovation as it relates to the built environment. SMPS/LA is pleased to introduce you to the 2008 nominees, Daniel Slater, Smith-Emery Company, Paula Stamp, CPSM, PCL Construction Services, Inc., and Andrea Walden, Vantage Technology Consulting Group. Please join us Thursday, June 12th at the California Club where we will honor these three talented nominees, who are true leaders in their respective organizations, the A/E/C industry and the community.

Daniel Slater, Vice President
Smith-Emery Company

Daniel Slater joined the Los Angeles office of Smith-Emery Company in 1987 as a project manager. After three years, he transitioned into a marketing role and now serves as a Vice President responsible for the oversight of the organization's many business development and operational facets.

Slater's achievements have included the successful formulation of Smith-Emery's corporate business plan and marketing strategies. This includes the establishment of profit margin goals, market sharing and sales volume. His identification and procurement of project opportunities has resulted in Smith-Emery's involvement in over $29.2 billion in construction.

Slater's responsibilities extend into the development and management of internal programs to better serve clients. This includes the oversight of compensation, financial reviews and personnel reviews. His active communication to field personnel results in an engaged, knowledgeable operational staff that is capable of marketing Smith-Emery's services.

His recent achievements include the creation of a strategic marketing plan for Smith-Emery's chemical laboratory, which resulted in a growth of gross sales revenue multiplied by 10 times; a 70% increase in work opportunities captured over a period of 10 years; and the development of a tracking system to support construction managers and owner representatives to determine cost burn rates per week and per month.

Slater is actively involved in many professional organizations including the Society for Marketing Professional Services, Urban Land Institute, Alternative Living for the Aging, The Little Sisters of the Poor, American Society of Non-Destructive Testing and American Concrete Institute. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California in Regional Planning and Development, and holds a certification in construction management from UCLA.

Paula Stamp, CPSM, Business Development Manager
PCL Construction Services

Paula Stamp began her career marketing professional services for Ray Wilson Company in 1998. In 2000 she moved to PCL Construction Services, where she now serves as the Business Development Manager.

Andrea Walden, Associate Principal
Vantage Technology Consulting Group

Andrea Walden is a 20-year veteran that is well versed in creating and managing effective business development and marketing solutions. Currently, she serves as an Associate Principal for Vantage Technology Consulting Group responsible for business development; market research and analysis; defining, promoting and launching new business in strategic markets; and integrating business development with operational functions.

Walden has developed cohesion between the marketing and operational functions of her firm by fostering a process in which the marketing impact on activities including human resources issues, quality control and professional development is identified and considered before decisions are made. Her business development initiatives, which included a "relationship mapping" exercise, have led to significant sustainable firm progress - a 25% increase in invoicing each year, as well as a backlog that has doubled.

Walden has been actively involved in SMPS, serving on the National Conference Committee and as a Contributing Editor to the Marketer. She is a Past President of the Los Angeles Chapter and continues to remain active in chapter. In 2007, Walden was a presenter at the Mobius Design Conference held by the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles Chapter. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing management from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.