Acorn Marketing

08/07/2026

We are excited to announce the promotion of Aubrey Pretzel to Marketing/Operations Specialist.

Over the past two years, Aubrey has demonstrated exceptional growth in both client service and agency leadership. As an Marketing/Operations Specialist, she has expanded her role by independently leading client activities, developing strategic proposals, proactively identifying growth opportunities, and serving as a trusted day-to-day partner for our clients and internal teammates.

In addition to her client responsibilities, Aubrey has become an integral part of strengthening Acorn Marketing from within. She has taken the lead in refining our internal workflows, enhancing our project management processes, guiding implementation of new operational standards, leading our AI Council, and helping develop the governance framework that will shape how our agency responsibly and effectively leverages artificial intelligence.

This promotion recognizes Aubrey's growing leadership, initiative, and commitment to helping both our clients and our team succeed.

07/31/2026

This week, there’s no place we’d rather be than Grand Haven. 🇺🇸

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is here, so we took the team downtown to soak it all in. This is the community we get to be part of every day. Getting out into it together — that’s the good stuff.

07/30/2026

AI isn't slowing down, and neither are the questions our clients are asking about it.

That's why Julie Anderson and Alex Fulbright were at the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce this morning for "Let's Talk Business: Understanding AI," led by Jeff Burel of CatchMark Technologies.

Our clients are navigating a real shift right now — new tools, new expectations, and a lot of noise about what actually matters. The more we understand where AI is genuinely useful, the better we can help them cut through it and make smart decisions for their business.

Thank you to Jeff and CatchMark Technologies for a great session, and to the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber for continuing to bring the community conversations that matter.

We're paying attention. And we're here to help our clients do the same.

07/29/2026

Sometimes our dreams are different than our reality. And, often, our reality ends up being so much better. When Maggie experienced the impact she could make by being a music teacher and school administrator, she realized her goal was the same, it was just being played out in a different way. The lessons Maggie has learned along the way are shared in the episode and they are incredibly powerful. You’ll want to be sure to listen.

From learning to play music on a plastic guitar to leading one of West Michigan's most unique schools. In this episode, Maggie Malone, Superintendent of West Michigan Academy of Arts & Academics, shares how educators changed the course of her life, the leadership lessons she learned through music, and why she believes the arts enrich a student’s ability to learn and help them develop confidence and creativity.

🎭 🎶🎨You’ll want to be sure to listen: https://inspirewestmichigan.com/maggie-malone-her-inspiring-journey-from-first-generation-college-student-to-educational-leader/
Subscribe where you listen to podcasts!
Acorn Marketing The Chamber - Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics

07/22/2026

Great leadership is built through service, trust, and a willingness to put others first.

Our newest Inspire West Michigan episode features Tracy Riley, Executive Director of the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, sharing lessons from nearly three decades of leadership and service.
It's a conversation full of wisdom that extends far beyond the military.

Subscribe where you listen to podcasts!

BONUS EPISODE: Just in time for Coast Guard Festival! ⚓️
This new episode features Tracy Riley, Executive Director, Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Commander, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired).

From an unexpected career change to commanding Coast Guard operations and leading one of West Michigan's most treasured traditions.

Retired Coast Guard Commander Tracy Riley shares the leadership lessons she learned during nearly three decades of military service, the mentors who shaped her career, and why Grand Haven became the place she always knew she'd return to.

It's a conversation about service, resilience, leadership under pressure, and leaving people better than you found them.

Listen now: https://inspirewestmichigan.com/tracy-riley-her-journey-from-serving-in-the-u-s-coast-guard-to-executive-director-of-the-grand-haven-coast-guard-festival/
Marketing The Chamber - Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

07/16/2026

Thank you to The Chamber - Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg for the opportunity to speak at this morning's Early Bird Breakfast.

Acorn Marketing's Amy Hanna Atkinson shared why brand consistency is one of the most important drivers of a successful business.

A strong brand isn't built by a bigger marketing budget—it's built by creating a consistent experience everywhere customers interact with your business. When every touchpoint reflects the same personality, message, and promise, businesses build trust. And trust inspires action.

Helping organizations build strategically aligned, consistent brands is at the core of what we do every day. We appreciate the opportunity to share our perspective with fellow Chamber members and local business leaders.

07/15/2026

Happy 2-Year Work-aversary to our incredible Account Coordinator, Aubrey Pretzel! 🎉🥨

Aubrey is an indispensable part of the Acorn Marketing family. Whether she’s keeping our projects seamlessly on track or diving headfirst into learning new skills, her growth and "can-do" attitude inspire all of us.

Thank you, Aubrey, for your hard work, dedication, we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish next!

07/10/2026

Investing in continuous growth is a priority for our team.

This week, Acorn Marketing’s Alex Fulbright and Josie Hoffman attended the “Art of Thinking on Your Feet” workshop hosted by the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce. Through hands-on exercises and real-time communication scenarios, the session focused on building confidence, adaptability, and quick thinking in professional settings.

Patrick Clark, owner of Connect Public Speaking, led an engaging and high-energy workshop that made the experience both insightful and enjoyable.

We’re grateful for opportunities like this to keep learning, evolving, and bringing even more value to the clients we serve.

07/09/2026

We’re grateful for the opportunity to present to the Grand Haven Chamber Marketing Roundtable today!

Our team members, Alexandria Fulbright and Aubrey Pretzel, had the chance to share how AI is being used by marketers—and what that means for local businesses.

One of the biggest takeaways:
AI works best when paired with people. It can accelerate the work, but strategy, creativity, and connection still come from you.

Thank you to The Chamber - Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg for the invitation and to everyone who joined the conversation. We love being part of a community that’s willing to learn, ask questions, and grow together.

07/09/2026

🎶 Mamma Mia, here we go again! 💃🏻🕺🏻✨
Acorn Marketing is a proud sponsor of the upcoming ABBA Tribute Show at this year’s Coast Guard Festival! ⚓️
Be sure to get your tickets and get ready to dance and singing along to all your favorite hits. This is one spectacular night you won't want to miss!