Press
Silver Sands Factory Stores Announces New Marketing Director
Miramar Beach, Fla. (November 1, 2011) – Silver Sands Factory Stores is pleased to announce internal promotion of Ashley Watkins to Marketing Director for Silver Sands, the nation’s largest designer outlet center located in Destin, FL. Watkins will be responsible for all aspects of advertising, branding, public relations and community and tenant relations for the designer outlet center.
“Ashley has been a vital part of our team for over six years and was the perfect fit for the marketing director position. She possesses the knowledge, work ethic, experience and leadership skills necessary for this position,” said Myra Williams, vice president of marketing for Howard Group. “Her vibrant personality and vast depth of experience makes her a true asset to our team and I look forward to working closely with her as we lead Silver Sands into the 20th year of operation and beyond.”
Watkins joined the Silver Sands Marketing Department in 2005 as Marketing Coordinator and was promoted to Assistant Marketing Director in 2009. She has specialized in tenant relations, community involvement and numerous Center special events while also being instrumental in the Center’s award-winning advertising, marketing, public relations and social media programs.
Watkins studied at the University of Alabama and received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Alabama. A recent graduate of the 2011 Walton County Chamber Leadership Class, she has also successfully completed the Marketing I and II courses through the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training for Managers course.
“Silver Sands is an exceptional visionary company to work for and I am excited for the opportunity to take on a new role as Marketing Director,” commented Watkins. “Within the past year, our marketing team has undergone a lot of change with three team members moving out of the area, but we are extremely fortunate to have assembled a phenomenal new team. The new marketing department is excited to venture into the 20 Year Anniversary of Silver Sands.”
Over the past six years, Silver Sands has received six awards from the Florida Public Relations Association for innovative marketing, public relations and promotional campaigns. “As the Marketing Director, I look forward to working on collaborative efforts with our team and tenants to ensure the success of not only Silver Sands, but also the continued success of our 100 designer companies and restaurants,” stated Watkins. Watkins is also actively involved in the community through her volunteer work with Sinfonia Gulf Coast, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Food For Thought and Shelter House.
ABOUT SILVER SANDS FACTORY STORES
Silver Sands Factory Stores, a Howard Group Development, is the nation’s largest designer outlet center located near Destin, FL in the heart of Northwest Florida Beaches, named one of Frommer’s top 2010 international destinations. The Center currently features more than 100 designer factory stores with 465,200 square feet of retail space, and ultimately 700,000 planned. Silver Sands is visited by over seven million shoppers each year who shop for designer merchandise at up to 75 percent off retail prices. Silver Sands is located on Emerald Coast Parkway, one mile west of Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort. For more information, call the Shopper Services at 850.654.9771 ext 1 or visit online at silversandsoutlet.com. Fan Silver Sands on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SilverSands) or follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/SilverSandsFS).
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Media Contacts:
Katie Johnson, Communications Manager
kj@silversandsoutlet.com
850.654.9771
Ashley Watkins, Marketing Director
aw@silversandsoutlet.com
850.654.9771