Marquee Agency Owner Selected for T.H.R.I.V.E. Program

YOUNGSTOWN – Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer, president and owner of MARQUEE Creatives LLC, an experiential marketing agency, has been selected to participate as one of 25 members – and the only Youngstown company – in the NE Ohio Cohort of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s T.H.R.I.V.E. 2024 Emerging Leaders Reimagined.

T.H.R.I.V.E stands for train, hope, rise, innovate, venture and elevate. The MBA-equivalent executive-level training program is designed to accelerate the growth of select, high-potential small businesses in their first decade of operation. More than 8,000 CEOs applied and were interviewed to be part of the program and about 10% were selected. At the completion of the seven-month program, each participant’s capstone project will be a presentation of a three-year growth plan for their business highlighting their vision, goals and strategies for sustainable growth.

“I am thrilled to be chosen to represent Youngstown in this prestigious program and showcase the talent and drive our region has to offer,” says Cika Heschmeyer. “The study modules are intense, but the instructors are so driven to engage and mentor that I have gained incredible news-that-you-can-use insights in just the orientation and initial session.”

Marquee has demonstrated consistent revenue, longevity, and job creation – key criteria for program eligibility, according to Cika Heschmeyer. It follows the agency’s recent growth initiatives, including the hiring of new staff members to enhance business development, pursue procurement opportunities and deepen social media marketing efforts.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition and support,” says Cika Heschmeyer. “It validates our unique approach to experiential marketing and our commitment to helping visionary entrepreneurs, government buyers, and nonprofit organizations build their brands through captivating experiences and creative marketing.”

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