SSAB: the Passion, Pride & Phandom of Philly Soul
July 21, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (July 21, 2011)- The Soul Strategic Advisory Board (SSAB), founded in 2008, is like a load-bearing wall in the house of the Soul; it is essential to the structure. Members of the SSAB are die-hard Soul fans who devote their time to serve as a liaison between the fans and the front office.
The SSAB was created by Joe Krause, current vice president of ticket sales, in an effort to bring on influential decision makers to serve as the voice of the fans. When the Soul returned to the Arena Football League in 2011, so did the influence of the SSAB.
"The SSAB not only plays an integral part in helping the front office keep the true pulse of our fan base, but also continually generate ideas that help us bring in new fans," said Soul VP/COO John Adams. "They were and are crucial to our past and future successes!"
Members meet on a monthly basis to discuss aspects of the organization, such as future ideas, marketing proposals, and upcoming game duties.
"I am involved for two reasons; first my love of the team and the organization's philosophies," said SSAB member Chris Lam. "And second, a desire to serve as a team ambassador to connect with the fans and try to help them get the ultimate entertainment experience by transmitting their desires and requests to team staff."
Aside from putting in their time behind the scenes, these 12 committed members regularly attend home games and assist the front office in game-operation tasks.
"I meet and greet fans at the door when they come to the games," said one of the SSAB's founding fathers and second-year member, Bernie Houlihan. "I help out in any way I'm needed. My role as an SSAB member is to promote the Soul and the excitement of Arena Football."
"My favorite thing about being a member is meeting and starting relationships with Soul fans to bring their concerns to the front office and show the fans just how really important they are," Chris explained.
As the end of the 2011 season approaches, members evaluate the team's efforts as they work to address the goals of the organization for the upcoming 2012 season.
"My personal future ideas for the SSAB are that I would like to see us become connected with more fans so that we may obtain their ideas and opinions of what would better improve their entertainment experience," said Chris. "In my opinion, we are team ambassadors, and the more we can connect with the fans, the more effective we can be."
SSAB members operate under the mission statement:
`In support of Fan enhancement and in support of the Philadelphia Soul, we will search for ways to further support and develop the success of the franchise by making all of our fans feel that there is something worthwhile in their involvement with the organization.'
For those fans who just can't get enough Soul in their soul, the SSAB is always accepting new members! To receive more information on becoming a member, feel free to contact Joe Krause at 215-253-4900 ext. 175!
Recognition of SSAB Members:
Rob Beebe - Jerome Chaney - Sandy Dalton - Melissa Holmes - Matt Holsopple - Bernie Houlihan - Peter Labriola - Chris Lam - Susan Ludwig - Glenn Swisher - Rosemarie VanHorn - Susan Witten
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