Homebuilder Marketing Course to Begin March 25 at UC Irvine

From the Los Angeles Times OC Edition – March 23, 2003

"Implementing the Marketing Plan: Advertising, Promotion and On-Site Merchandising Strategies," the third in a series of Residential Marketing courses for new home professionals, begins March 25 at the University of California, Irvine (UCI).

Co-sponsored by the University of California, Irvine and the Sales and Marketing Council of the Building Industry Association of Southern California (SMC/SC), this class is one of the "Marketing for the Residential Builder" courses offered as a UCI Certificate program. Developed by the Institute of Residential Marketing, an affiliate organization of the National Association of Homebuilders, the four IRM courses are required for housing industry professionals seeking the prestigious MIRM (Member of the Institute of Marketing) designation.

The ten-week course will focus on creating a successful and comprehensive communications and presentation system ensuring a residential development project is well received and pertinent for its targeted marketing segment. Attendees will learn how to form a cohesive marketing group by understanding the disciplines involved, and by effectively communicating with and properly managing their marketing team.

In a guest lecture format, industry professionals will share practical insights into a variety of topics from advertising and public relations to interior design and landscape architectural techniques, broadening the professional knowledge of builders, marketing directors, sales managers and others in the home building industry.

This course may also apply toward the fulfillment of 15 hours of the continuing education requirements in the Consumer Service category needed for California Real Estate license renewals.

The program is directed by Michael Hixson, MBA, MIRM, senior vice-president of Prudential New Homes Real Estate and a past president of both the Institute of Residential Marketing and of SMC/SC. Hixson will instruct the IRM III course that will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9:30p.m. beginning March 25 and continuing through May 27.

To enroll in this "Implementing the Marketing Plan" course, contact UCI Extension at (949) 824-5414 or register online at www.unex.uci.edu. For further information regarding this class or the IRM course series, contact Hixson at m.hixson@pnhre.com.