Building Momentum in March

Letter from the President

March 2026 | Charlotte AMA

March in Charlotte always feels like a reset. The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and there’s a renewed sense of energy in the air. As marketers, we know that seasonality doesn’t just impact consumer behavior; it impacts mindset. As we step into the final month of Q1, this is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves: Are we showing up as the marketers and leaders we intended to be this year?

At AMA Charlotte, March is about momentum. Q1 often starts fast and loud: new budgets, new strategies, new goals. By March, reality sets in. Campaigns are live. Metrics are telling stories. Many of us are evaluating what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to shift. This is where community becomes essential. Marketing can feel isolating when you’re deep in dashboards, deliverables, and deadlines. One of the most powerful reminders I continue to experience as President of AMA Charlotte is this: you don’t have to navigate this industry alone.

The Charlotte marketing community is incredibly talented, collaborative, and generous with knowledge, and that’s exactly what we aim to cultivate through AMA. Our March programming reflects that spirit of connection and innovation.

This month’s Lunch & Learn will feature Matthew Wilson discussing Predictable Influence — a timely and relevant conversation that goes beyond buzzwords to explore how brands and professionals can scale influence strategically and authentically in today’s evolving digital landscape. If you’re thinking about visibility, credibility, and growth in 2026 and beyond, this is one you won’t want to miss. (You can find full details and registration on our website and Eventbrite.)

We’re also continuing two of our most-loved recurring events:

Start Your Day with AMA: our casual morning networking series designed to bring marketers together over coffee and real conversation. Whether you’re job searching, hiring, exploring new ideas, or simply looking to meet others in the industry, this space is intentionally welcoming and low pressure. Come as you are, stay as long as your schedule allows, and leave with new connections.

Sunset Social: our monthly after-hours gathering and one of my personal favorites. There’s something powerful about stepping away from your desk and connecting face-to-face with other marketers who understand the challenges and opportunities of this work. These evenings are relaxed, energizing, and often lead to collaborations that extend far beyond the event itself. (AMA Charlotte)

If you’ve been attending events but haven’t yet become a member, consider this your invitation.

AMA Charlotte is one of the largest professional marketing organizations in the Queen City, offering educational programming, networking opportunities, and access to a vibrant community of professionals across industries and career stages. Membership provides access to resources, thought leadership, and relationships that can truly accelerate your professional growth. (AMA Charlotte) More importantly, it gives you a seat at the table in shaping the future of marketing in Charlotte.

And if you’re already a member — thank you. Your presence, participation, and willingness to show up for one another are what make this chapter special. Every conversation at an event, every new connection made, and every idea shared contributes to a stronger, more innovative marketing community in our city.

As we move into spring and close out the first quarter of the year, I encourage you to take a moment to check in with yourself. What do you want the rest of 2026 to look like? What risks are you ready to take? What relationships do you want to build?

Then come build them with us.

I hope to see you at an upcoming Lunch & Learn, Start Your Day, or Sunset Social soon. Until then, keep pushing boundaries, stay curious, and don’t forget to enjoy the process along the way.

With gratitude,
Lily Commander
President, AMA Charlotte

Marketing With Purpose in February and Beyond

Letter from the President

February 2026 | Charlotte AMA

Dear AMA Charlotte Members,

As we move through February, I’ve been spending time reflecting on the energy, intention, and momentum that define this point in the year. After the excitement of January and the pace of a new calendar year, February gives us space to pause, recalibrate, and refocus on what truly matters.

For us, as marketers and as members of this community, that reflection starts with one important question:

How are we using our skills to create meaningful impact?

At AMA Charlotte, we know that marketing is more than campaigns, analytics, and KPIs. At its core, it is about connection. It is about storytelling. It is about building trust, elevating voices, and strengthening the communities we serve.

As we recognize Black History Month, this reflection feels especially important. Our industry continues to evolve, and with that comes a responsibility to be thoughtful about representation, inclusion, and equity. The stories we tell, the brands we support, and the leaders we uplift all shape the future of our profession.

Purpose-driven marketing is not about one-time initiatives or seasonal messaging. It is about sustained commitment. It is about embedding our values into our strategies, our teams, and our leadership.

Here in Charlotte, I am continually inspired by the way our members show up—for one another, for our partners, and for our broader community. One of the things that makes AMA Charlotte so special is our shared belief that strong brands are built by people who care deeply about the people they serve.

As marketers, we sit at the intersection of business and culture. We influence perception. We shape narratives. We create moments that matter. That is both a privilege and a responsibility.

As we look ahead in 2026, your board remains focused on delivering meaningful value to you through:

• Relevant, high-quality professional development

• Thoughtful and engaging programming

• Strong local partnerships

• Accessible mentorship and leadership opportunities

• A welcoming and inclusive community for marketers at every stage

Our goal is simple: to ensure that AMA Charlotte continues to be a place where you feel supported, challenged, and inspired.

Whether you are early in your career, navigating a transition, growing a team, or building something new, this organization exists for you.

On a personal note, I want to thank each of you for your commitment to this chapter. Your participation, ideas, volunteerism, and generosity of time are what allow us to thrive. Leadership is never a solo effort—it is a collective one—and I am deeply grateful to serve alongside such a dedicated community of professionals.

As we move through the rest of the year, I encourage each of us to lead with intention.

Be curious.

Be courageous.

Be collaborative.

Be kind.

And be purposeful in how you use your voice and your talents.

Thank you for being part of AMA Charlotte. I am truly honored to serve as your president, and I look forward to everything we will continue to build together.

With gratitude,

Lily Commander

President, AMA Charlotte