Q-C Chamber to Host Ribbon-Cutting and Reception
Rock Island, IL / October 14, 2011 - Few words describe Media Link, Inc.'s founder Natalie Linville-Mass than 'courageous' and 'determined.' When she established her own advertising agency in 2001, the world had just experienced a sea-change. The rubble at Ground Zero was still smoldering following the attack on the World Trade Center the previous month. After a diverse career that included working in television news, production, and in national media sales, Natalie was undeterred in her decision to launch her own advertising agency. Starting with just a few clients, including Quad-City businesses Country Style Ice Cream, Doug's Heating and Air Conditioning, who remain loyal clients, Natalie opened her own agency October 12, 2001 (then named Gendron Advertising) in Davenport's Union Arcade building. She has never looked back.
Ten years later, much has changed. Gendron Advertising became Media Link in May 2006. The office moved to Rock Island. While the economic uncertainty that began with 9/11 hasn't completely lifted, Linville-Mass hasn't lost her vision for seeing opportunities wrapped inside of challenges. Linville-Mass is once again launching an ambitious endeavor, developing and now nationally marketing a proprietary media buying software, Media Link Software,® (MLS). MLS was created by Linville-Mass and a team of industry and technical experts. MLS was built to address the shortcomings of the leading media buying platforms, which she had used since beginning her agency. According to Nielsen Media Research, MLS is the first user-designed media buying platform to incorporate Neilsen and Arbitron ratings.
"It has never been more crucial to prove return-on-investment. MLS helps advertisers do just that, by offering a single, affordable, time-saving solution," said Linville-Mass about her brainchild. MLS provides a clear and fluid process for placing media as well as offering clear reporting on reach, frequency and cost-per-point/cost-per-
In addition to personally serving a growing list of clients, Linville-Mass is an active member of the Quad-City Chamber of Commerce and serves on several local public-policy committees. Mary Chappell, Land and Development Programs Coordinator for the City of Rock Island, serves with Natalie on the Advanced Technology and Sustainability Consortium and has been a key advisor to Natalie since helping her navigate zoning ordinances in establishing her Rock Island office.
"Natalie has such a great story. She has the heart and soul of an entrepreneur. Natalie's fierce tenacity, vision and thoroughness allows her to make the necessary course-corrections when others would panic. At the same time, she approaches everything she does with enthusiasm and purpose, always focusing on what is the best for the client or the task at hand. Unlike many, she has a plan and is working it, and advises her clients to do the same. "
Vicky Miller, Director of the Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center, has been an advocate for Linville-Mass as she has grown her business. "Natalie's intense sense of business intellect, drive, integrity and grit is what makes her unique. She has the strength and drive vital for a successful entrepreneur, yet remains compassionate to the needs of others. She has depth and breadth in her business skills and it shines through when you work with her."
Media Link currently serves more than 30 clients from a broad range of industries, including retail, food service hospitality and healthcare. Media Link obtained its first government contract in September. Media Link now has four full-time and one part-time employee and is the only current 8(a) certified advertising agency in the state of Iowa.
The Quad-City Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting and reception celebrating Media Link's 10 years in business on Wednesday, October 26th at 4:00 p.m. at their office at 1902 17th Street, Rock Island, IL.
Media Link, Inc. is an 8(a) SDB Certified, woman-owned small business and full-service advertising agency dedicated to helping companies at local, regional and national levels make informed advertising decisions and develop strategic marketing plans.
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