Meet Trailblazer Amy Corben

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Corben.

Amy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always loved doing events as part of my role as a marketing director for The Irvine Company in my hometown of Newport Beach. When the opportunity presented itself to re-locate to Scottsdale in 2000, I knew I wanted to work for a big company that allowed me to focus on a wide-range of large and small scale events. For more than five years I worked at Cox Communications executing events such as the Phoenix Open, Country Thunder, Cox Roadshows as well as cable programmer events with ESPN, HBO, Food Network, HGTV among others. I learned and grew tremendously in that role and had some incredible mentors who really helped guide me along the way. During this time, I was also able to forge some long lasting relationships and partnerships throughout the community that would eventually help open doors for me. After having two baby boys within two years of each other, a work schedule that wouldn’t quit and a family death, I suddenly realized it was time to take a step back and re-evaluate what was important to me. My family has always been priority number one and while I loved working, I desperately needed to find that “Work, Life, Balance” that I know so many women strive for. So, I left my corporate job and started EMP Management in the summer of 2005. We provide Event, Marketing and Promotions management to a wide range of clients throughout the valley. This past June we celebrated our 13th Anniversary! In addition to my career, I am a proud graduate of Arizona State University with a B.A. in Journalism & Public Relations from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, I am still known as “Mommy” to my two boys Jack (16) & Alex (14) and a mini Goldendoodle named Daisy (5).

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, I would be kidding myself if I said it has been a smooth road. One of my initial mentors who really championed me to start my own company and was the first to collaborate with me on some of my projects was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. It was heartbreaking to witness and eventually she passed away after a very valiant battle. I think mentors are so important, especially to women and I have been blessed throughout my career to have had some incredible men and women give their time and expertise to help guide me. Another challenge along the way was the 2007 economic downturn. It hit my business hard and proving my services worthy became a constant. I had to get creative in order to retain some of my clients who were experiencing struggles of their own but, it taught me a lesson and that was to get think outside the box and to network, network, network!!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about EMP Management – what should we know?
While EMP Management specializes in events, marketing and promotions, our niche is working with non-profits throughout the valley on their galas and fundraising events to help them achieve their goals and objectives. Events can range from a sit-down plated dinner for 600+ guests at a luxury hotel with a live and silent auction to an outdoor B-B-Q at the top of South Mountain for 200 guests with star gazing and breathtaking views of the city below as part of the event festivities. In addition to providing un-paralleled attention to detail, one of the things EMP Management prides itself on is helping to secure sponsorships as well as silent and live auction items as part of our commitment to our clients. Over the years, we have cultivated those contacts, connections and partnerships that allow us to offer that as part of our event management services.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Winston Churchill once said “Never, Never, Never Give Up” and growing up, I was that tenacious kid, always trying out for things whether I made it or not. Cheerleading, student government, sports, you name it and I went for it. Sometimes I was successful and other times not so much. My family was also very loving and supportive when it came to my pursuits. My mom especially was and still is one of my greatest champions and role models. She helped me realize that if something wasn’t working, you may just need to go in a different direction and that’s when you usually find what’s right for you. Another experience I was fortunate to have growing up was going to summer camp every summer for a month. Those were some of the best times of my life! They taught me so many things about myself, friendships, leadership, independence, team work, getting out of my comfort zone and learning new skills. It’s those types of experiences that helped me later on in life and in my career.

Pricing:

• We charge a professional fee based on the scope of work.
• Pricing can be set up as hourly or as a monthly retainer.

Contact Info:

• Address: EMP Management, LLC
  Amy Corben, President
  20701 N. Scottsdale Road
  #107-233
  Scottsdale, AZ 85255
• Website: www.empmanagement.net
• Phone: (480) 206-6654
• Email: empevents04@gmail.com
• Instagram: amycorben_events
• Facebook: AmyBloombergCorben
• Twitter: @AmyCorben

Image Credit:
Lori Krenzen Photography

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