Edward Sutton Jr., former head of information systems for Laclede Gas Company, has started a partnership with Atlanta-based interactive agency AIS Media, Inc.
Sutton’s new venture, ESC New Media, is committed to delivering performance-oriented interactive marketing solutions to help local businesses in the greater St. Louis area to increase website performance, customer acquisition and brand awareness.
“Our joint vision is to provide the rapidly evolving small- to medium-sized business community of St. Louis solutions for establishing and maintaining an effective internet presence,” Sutton said.
While admitting the current economic climate is not promising for start-ups, Sutton said business trends are in his favor.
He cited industry research that shows interactive advertising was up 25 percent in 2009 and 2010 and is projected to remain on the rise through 2014.
“There is a significant continuing move from traditional media over to interactive media,” he said.
Sutton has over 22 years of information technology experience serving as Laclede’s assistant vice-president, Information Systems from 2003 to 2010. Since joining Missouri’s largest natural gas distribution utility in 2000, Sutton managed a great number of technological advances and improvements for the utility company.
“While managing several successful web-based initiatives for Laclede Gas Company, I witnessed the power and reach of the internet,” Sutton said.
“I am confident that through our partnership with AIS Media, we will assist our clients in reaching their interactive marketing objectives.”
Sutton holds a bachelor of business administration degree in computer-based information systems from Howard University and executive MBA degree from Washington University.
He left Laclede in February. He also is a former commander in the U.S. Army Reserves with 16 years of service.
“ESC New Media and AIS Media understand that the majority of small- and medium-sized companies today lack the technical expertise and internal resources they need to properly leverage interactive marketing to drive real business growth,” Sutton said.
“That’s where we come in.”
Sutton said the company now has its “first couple of proposals out” and is working with the Minority Business Council to get certified as a Minority Business Enterprise.
For more information, visit www.escnewmedia.com.
