Helping Hands, January 30, 2012

A feature
about people
whose work
touches our lives
MARLA
STROUPE
Freelance writer and owner of Stroupe Communications
Bio:
Native of Asheville, N.C.
Pawleys resident since 2006
Former corporate communications executive in Charlotte, N.C.
Graduate of N.C. State University with a degree in visual design

What do you like about what you do?
I get to meet a variety of people who are passionate about their work and various causes.
Because of the type of work I do, I meet interesting people very quickly and I enjoy going to events on a social level.
People are always looking for ways to get publicity for causes that are valuable to the community.
And they are usually willing to talk about those things and I’m usually willing to listen.

What non-profit groups do you help support with your talents?
I use my writing, photography and interviewing skills to focus on several local events each year, then I submit my work to local media.
Some examples of the groups I work with are Litchfield Ballet Foundation, Miss Ruby’s Kids, St. Frances Animal Center, Martha's House and Dragon Boat at the Beach.
I am particularly fond of those groups that care for children and animals in need, or support healthcare, arts and culture.
I was on a marketing committee for the Georgetown County United Way for three years, and I was part of Leadership Georgetown and wrote stories about it.

What is Leadership Georgetown and what did you enjoy about it?
It is a group of local people including bankers, attorneys, city and county government workers, faith leaders, small business owners, and people who work for large companies.
There are a great variety of people and you learn as much from fellow students as you do from the day-long sessions.
I think of myself as a lifelong learner who embraces opportunities to learn.
Being from another state, I learned a lot about city and county government and non-profit organizations here.
I would recommend it to anybody who has the time and money to participate
It is a great way to meet great people and make lasting friendships.
People can contact the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce for more information.

What does Stroupe Communications
provide its clients?
I provide marketing communications and public relation services to small- and medium-sized business clients.
I work with clients to focus on retail, brand licensing and the arts.

Can you tell me about your family?
My husband, Chris Gray, is a Realtor with Litchfield Real Estate.
We have a terrier named Chloe.
My parents, Bill and Irmgard Stroupe live here in Pawleys Island.
They moved here two years ago from Asheville.

– as told to Clayton Stairs