Last summer, the Ferris State Torch entered into a two year deal with the Big Rapids Pioneer, giving the Pioneer control of the Torch’s ad sales and revenue.
While the deal has created a few changes behind the scenes, it has provided one Ferris student the opportunity to build her resumé while potentially providing benefit to the Big Rapids community.
Alexis Huntey, a junior marketing student from Stanwood, is a media consultant with the Pioneer Group and the ad liaison between the Pioneer and the Torch. Working around her school schedule and being on the Ferris volleyball team, Huntey finds time to match the Torch with advertisers fit to the taste of student readers.
“I talk to [potential advertisers] about promoting to students and how the Torch is a good way to reach students for outside businesses,” said Huntey, who began her position in January.
Huntey explained that the Pioneer seems to be a good fit for the Torch. “They use the same philosophies and treat the Torch as their own.”
Steve Fox, the Torch advisor and a professor of journalism, spoke with the Torch at the time of the merger and said, “They believe in the value in what we’re doing and they’ve been a great help.”
As for its position in the Big Rapids community, Huntey said that the Pioneer “works hard to create relationships with the businesses they work with. They really care about the success of the community and the businesses in the community.”
Balancing a successful volleyball career as an outside hitter, she helped the team finish out the 2014 campaign with 24-6 overall record. In those 30 games, Huntey totaled 320 digs, 221 kills, 63 blocks and 19 aces. Along with Ferris athletes Danielle Dowd, Jason Vander Laan and Justin Zimmer, Huntey received the GLIAC Commissioner’s Award. Impressive accomplishments while also shining in the classroom.
Huntey talked about her position with the Pioneer as it relates to the marketing degree she is working towards. While her peers learn in the classroom, she’s gaining experience in a professional environment.
“The Pioneer has definitely taught me a lot already about sales, marketing and how things work in advertising,” Huntey said. “They’re like a mentor and really helped me get acquainted with everything.”