CAROL THOMPSON

BETSY MERRICK

 

Carol Thompson
PRESIDENT

After serving as CEO for Computerland in Austin, Texas, Carol founded The Thompson Group in 1993 to work with companies and organizations as a high-level, strategic marketing partner. Her expertise lies in strategy, development, implementation follow-up and evaluation of initiatives and positioning companies in the Greater Austin marketplace- with resources also in Houston and Dallas.

Carol has served on more than 30 professional, civic, and charitable boards, in Texas, including six years on the San Antonio branch of the Dallas Federal Reserve Board. In 1992, she chaired the board of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, a year during which 95 established companies visited Austin to evaluate expansion possibilities - 25 companies elected to do so.

Carol has been recognized by the Austin Business Journal as "one of Austin's 5 most powerful women" and named by the Austin American-Statesman as one of Austin's "top 25 tech players to know." She was on the cover of Digital South Magazine, which named her "A Real Hero of Southern Technology" and the October 2000 issue of eCompany identified Carol as one of the "Nine People to See in Austin." In April 2001, she received the Women in Communication Liz Carpenter's Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Carol was presented with the Office Depot "National Award 2001."

In a slightly different direction, Bard Press of Atlanta and Austin recently published the book, Masters of Networking, co-authored by Carol Thompson, which debuted on the New York Times Best Seller list. Additionally, University of Texas Moot Corp. Director Gary Cadenhead discussed Carol and her company's FACE TO FACE Strategic Business Networking Event in his newly released book. In the book, entitled NO LONGER MOOT: The Premier New Venture Competition from Idea to Global Impact, Carol and her FACE TO FACE event are cited as the origin for the relationship that made the creation of the book a reality. In May 2002, Carol's perspective was featured in Tribeza magazine with her article "Of Leadership," highlighting the opportunities and challenges that must be met by emerging and existing leaders everywhere.

Additionally, Carol is a frequently requested guest lecturer, trainer and speaker. She speaks to groups across the United States on a variety of timely and relevant issues such as: business development, networking, ethics, leadership for this century, mentoring, and "Economic Development-The Austin Story." Carol's lively presentation has been received with accolades from companies, organizations and universities alike.

Recent speaking engagements have included:

  • Dell Computer
  • Applied Materials
  • Fulbright & Jaworski LLP
  • University of Arkansas
  • Wells Fargo
  • Ernest and Young
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • Profiles in Power (honors high achieving female top-management/owners)
  • Arkansas Venture Forum National Council of University Research Administrators

Professional activities have included:

  • Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Board '92
  • Wells Fargo Bank, Advisory Board
  • The University of Texas College of Engineering Foundation, Advisory Council
  • The University of Texas College of Communication Executive Board
  • Meals On Wheels and More, Kitchen Cabinet
  • Association for Corporate Growth, National Board of Directors
  • Murphee Ventures, Advisory Board
  • Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Advisory Board
  • Young Women's Alliance of Austin, Founder

Charitable activities have included:

  • United Way, Advisory Board
  • Austin Lyric Opera, Advisory Board
  • Center for Battered Women, Advisory Board

 

Betsy Merrick
VICE PRESIDENT/PARTNER

Betsy Merrick serves as Vice President/Partner for The Thompson Group. In this role, Ms. Merrick utilizes her more than 20 years in communications and works with clients offering a unique portfolio of consulting services, marketing and public relations in major Texas marketplaces.

Prior to The Thompson Group, Ms. Merrick joined Dell Computer Corp. in 1998, in the Corporate Communications Department. She managed Events, Campaigns & Programs and later advanced to managing Dell's Public Affairs Department for Central Texas. In these roles, she formulated and managed strategic communication plans which supported corporate communications. In Public Affairs, Ms. Merrick was responsible for community relations, corporate events, issues management, coordination/implementation of corporate sponsorships, image-building campaigns, community infrastructure priorities, and community giving strategies. Projects included the opening of new facilities in Brazil, Nashville and Central Texas, product launches, branding, major event planning/implementation for employee events, and relationship/partnership development. Ms. Merrick won several awards while at Dell: The Customer Experience Award and the Brazil Team Award.

AT&T Wireless recruited Ms. Merrick in 1995 where she headed the Texas District/Public Relations Department for AT&T Wireless. Her responsibilities included strategic planning and implementation of AT&T Wireless programs to improve the company's image and enhance community relations efforts in six regional markets. Additionally, Ms. Merrick oversaw all aspects of district corporate contribution programs and community giving, community relations and sponsorships, and employee communications. She also provided issues management and media counsel to executive management amd participated on various national teams for product and project launches. Ms. Merrick's efforts at AT&T Wireless resulted with a Circle of Excellence Award.

In 1990, Ms. Merrick joined Bell Atlantic where she managed Wireless and Advanced Data Applications sales teams for areas in Texas and New Mexico. Additionally, Ms. Merrick participated on Bell Atlantic's international launch team for Mexico's first wireless build-out for cellular service. While at Bell Atlantic, Ms. Merrick lead her team to national ranking and winning her numerous awards, including the Outstanding Achievement Award, the President's Cabinet and the President's Club.

Ms. Merrick has more than 20 years of combined communications experience in Public Relations, Community Relations and the wireless and computer industries where she has managed projects which included: Bill Gates and Leslie Nielsen as keynote speakers, events with Lucas Films, The Disney Studio, Marvel Comics, Simon Malls, the Sun Bowl and both local and international market openings. She has been quoted in local, regional and national media outlets.

Throughout her career, Ms. Merrick has been actively involved with many community activities including: serving on the board of directors for The Association for Corporate Growth, Austin Partners in Education, The Seton Cove, Austin Community College and Association for Women in Technology. She is also a member of Sigma Delta Chi/Professional Journalists and Alumna of Zeta Tau Alpha Society. Additionally, Ms. Merrick's volunteer efforts have included the Special Olympics, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, The Sun Bowl, The American Heart Assn., The Downtown Development Assn., The American Cancer Society, Bien Samaritano and Keep America Beautiful.

Ms. Merrick earned a bachelor's degree in Public Relations and also holds a bachelor's degree in Advertising from the University of Texas.

 

 

 

 

 

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