April Voris Marketing, Consulting & Social Media

Some career moments come full circle.

This week I had the opportunity to welcome my longtime friend and former colleague Chris Jacobs to speak at AAF Mobile Bay. Chris and I go all the way back to the very first agency I worked at out of college, Cole Henderson Drake in Atlanta.

As Programs Chair for AAF Mobile Bay, it was a privilege to bring him in as our March luncheon speaker. Chris, Owner & Creative Director of Strange Animal, shared thoughtful insights on concept-driven creativity and why bold thinking still matters in today’s fragmented media landscape.

Drawing on his experience working with brands like UPS, Walmart, and BFGoodrich, he talked about the power of strong ideas, creative bravery, and how agencies and marketers need to keep adapting as our industry evolves.

It was also Chris’s first visit to Mobile, so we kicked things off the right way with seafood and gumbo at the famous Wintzell's Oyster House downtown. I loved getting to share a little piece of Mobile with a friend while also bringing his perspective and decades of experience to our AAF Mobile Bay community.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a great conversation about creativity and the future of our industry.

The brands seeing the strongest results are not the ones creating the most content.

They are the ones making intentional decisions about focus and distribution.

I unpack this in my latest newsletter.

👉🏻 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-more-content-rarely-answer-april-voris-4rx0c

Last week’s AAF / PRCA Mobile Bay panel, What Makes Mobile, Mobile?, was a great reminder of how much thoughtful collaboration exists in this city.

Thank you to our panelists for sharing their insight and experience:
Ashley Trice, David Clark, Amy Baldwin, Jason Johnson, Chris Gibson, and James Palomo.

From storytelling and tourism to media and community engagement, the conversation was honest, engaging, and energizing. The networking that followed made it even better.

Mobile’s strength really is its people.

This morning, I had the opportunity to appear on FOX10 News alongside Brooke O'Donnell, Co-President of AAF Mobile Bay, to talk about our upcoming event, “What Makes Mobile, Mobile?”

The panel discussion and happy hour are designed to spotlight the people, perspectives, and creativity that shape Mobile’s identity and why this market continues to stand out in the marketing, communications, and business landscape.

As Programs Chair, I am proud of the conversations we are curating this year. This one is thoughtful, local, and rooted in community.

📍 Innovation Portal
🗓️ January 22, 4:30p-6:30p
🎤 Panel discussion followed by networking

Join us Thursday! Comment and I'll send you the link to register.

Fox 10 segment: https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/01/20/aaf-mobile-bay-events/

Looking forward to hosting this amazing panel on what makes Mobile, Mobile! Join us!

It was such a joy to host my longtime friend Ashley Schoenith at this week’s AAF Mobile Bay luncheon. Ashley flew in from Atlanta to share her inspiring journey of building Heirloomed, a brand rooted in authenticity, storytelling, and soul.

From her early days in advertising to becoming an entrepreneur and artisan, Ashley reminded us how powerful it is when marketing and meaning come together. Her talk, “Building a Brand with Soul: The Heirloomed Story,” was a beautiful example of staying true to your values while navigating multi-channel marketing and growing a business with purpose.

Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your story and signing a few books with our group, and for proving that great brands are built on heart as much as strategy.

I am THRILLED to host my good friend Ashley Schoenith this month at our upcoming AAF Mobile Bay luncheon. I promise this is well worth your time on October 21st! Even if you are not a member, come join us for this event as a guest!

🥪Join us for the AAF Mobile Bay October Luncheon featuring Ashley Schoenith, founder of Heirloomed Collection! (https://heirloomedcollection.com) Ashley will share her inspiring journey from a career in advertising to building her own brand rooted in creativity, heritage, and entrepreneurship. Through The Heirloomed Story, she’ll explore how she has created a business that blends storytelling and craftsmanship with smart, sustainable commerce.

Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or simply someone who values authenticity in branding, this luncheon will leave you with fresh insights on building meaningful connections through your work!

📅Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
🕒Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍Location: Innovation Portal, Mobile, AL

✨Special Giveaway: Everyone who registers will be entered to win a signed copy of Ashley’s cookbook, The Heirloomed Kitchen!

Ashley will also be selling copies of her new cookbook at the event!

👇Grab your tickets today!
https://lnkd.in/e5EEZsJE

What a fantastic joint program last week with AAF Mobile Bay and PRCA Mobile! As Programs Chair, I loved collaborating with PRCA to bring this dynamic panel to life.

Breaking In and Moving Up: Career Insights for All Levels gave students, emerging pros, and seasoned communicators alike practical tools and inspiration to grow in their careers.

A big thank you to our incredible panelists:
▶︎ Sarah Jones, President, Good Giant
▶︎ Jarrod England, COO, Hummingbird
▶︎ Courtney Steele, Bishop State Community College
▶︎ Denise Curtis, Mobile Chamber

Their insights and stories reminded us of the many paths to success and the value of sharing knowledge across our professional community.

Events like this are proof of the power of collaboration and why we keep showing up to learn, connect, and move forward together.

Hey Mobile marketing friends, join me THIS Thursday!

🚀Level up your career with AAF Mobile Bay and PRCA Mobile!

We're just a few days away from an exciting event hosted by AAF Mobile Bay and PRCA Mobile, and you won’t want to miss it!

Join us for an engaging panel discussion designed to inspire and guide professionals at every stage of their career! Whether you're a student preparing to enter the industry, an early-career professional navigating your next big move, or a seasoned leader looking for fresh insight, this event will offer real-world advice, valuable connections, and meaningful perspectives!

Event Details
Date: Thursday, September 25
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Bishop State Community College - Multipurpose Room
Cost: Free for AAF members | $25 for non-members

REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breaking-in-and-moving-up-career-insights-for-every-stage-of-your-journey-tickets-1631868846649?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_cid=7b63f9a55f&mc_eid=70f01f91d1

A Carnival of Flavor for a Good Cause! 🎭✨

I had the best time at Food & Folly, UCP of Mobile’s signature annual event. The 16th year did not disappoint — from flavorful bites by local restaurants to craft beer, wine, and cocktails, it was a true taste of Mobile’s vibrant spirit. The legendary Excelsior Band kept the energy high while guests enjoyed the silent auction, wine pull, and plenty of festive surprises.

What makes this evening even more special is the cause behind it. With more than 350 community leaders and friends gathered at historic Fort Whiting, every ticket sold supports UCP of Mobile’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities across south Alabama.

Grateful to be part of a night that blends celebration, community, and impact. 💜💛💚

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