MARYANN RIVERS:
 
MARYANN RIVERS




 
 
 
 
 
President and CEO of Entertainment Publications LLC. in Troy. Rivers oversees strategic operations for the company’s flagship products: the Entertainment book, Entertainment.com, and Sally Foster gift wrap and gift products. Entertainment Publications supports local communities through fund raising and multi-channel marketing of their local and national client merchants online and offline. Each year, more than 169 million transactions occur between merchants and Entertainment members. These transactions generate approximately $7 billion annually for participating merchants, who partner with Entertainment Publications to promote their businesses and attract new customers. Rivers previously served as vice president of business development and product management at Valassis, a $1.1 billion marketing services company. She was responsible for managing the company’s integrated marketing portfolio of products and developing new products and services. Rivers created and grew Valassis’ newspaper-delivered product sampling division into a nearly $100 million business. She also led the targeted print and media solutions sales organization to more than $200 million in revenue through customer diversification in categories such as specialty retail, telecommunications, and direct marketing. She previously was selected as one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ “40 under 40.” Rivers graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.


WHERE BORN: "Almont."

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: "My dad, who has always been the voice of reason. He is a man of few words. However, when he does impart advice, it is always a most profound, fundamental principle of life. He is a role model of work ethic, integrity, and character. Also my mom, who gave me my thirst for knowledge and continual learning. She never had the opportunity to have a professional career and she was determined to see all six of her children finish college. Thanks to her, we all did."

LAST BOOK READ: "On my way to and from China recently, I read two books: In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan, and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell."

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: "Positive, trustworthy, calm, and steady; loves life."

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: "We will continue to see the ongoing convergence of off-line and online media, especially with coupons and discounts or special offers. We will need to be able to present these in numerous ways to reach a changing and fragmented on-the-go audience."

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: "My Vita-Mix Blender. If you know what this is, you will 'get it.' If not, I realize this does not sound very high tech. It's awesome."

FAVORITE PLACE: "Anywhere on a beach. I love the ocean and the Great Lakes."

FAVORITE HOBBIES: "Health and nutrition."

FAVORITE FOOD: "Vegetables."

MY HIDDEN TALENT: "I am very domestic. I learned early to sew, cook, knit, all from my days in 4-H."

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: "As someone who helped others believe in themselves and realize their own hidden and limitless potential."

Grant Thornton Website At the annual awards reception in April 2014, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.