Fifteen members of the Gamma chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon have started a marketing agency and teamed up with EdVenture Partners to participate in a real-world business campaign with the Subaru Impreza.

The agency, Impressions Marketing Group, has worked on the campaign all semester, and the hard work will pay off Friday with “The Impreza Event.”

EdVenture Partners approached the coed fraternity to organize the experience to reach a college audience and promote the 2008 car.

“We were asked to create a campaign on the Subaru Impreza upon our first meeting with [Subaru],” said Andrea Montlick, the agency coordinator for the group who holds a degree in marketing from the University. “Representatives from Subaru came to speak with us in hopes of getting our help to place the Subaru Impreza in the University and Athens community.”

Impressions Marketing Group consists of different departments, including campaign strategy, implementation, advertising and public relations.

Open to the Athens community, “The Impreza Event” will offer free refreshments, giveaways and games – all promoting the Subaru vehicle, which will be on-hand for attendees to learn more about.

The car boasts a 170-hp Subaru box engine, iPod interfacing kit, all-wheel drive, satellite radio capability and flat-folding rear seatback, according to its Web site, www.getsomewhereunexpected.com.

“Students will benefit from the entertainment value and free stuff but will also benefit from learning, in a creative, fun and direct way about the features of a car or brand that they may not know much about but perhaps would consider if they were more aware,” said Michael Button, a senior economics major from Roswell who also serves as the group’s public relations department head.

Located in the parking lot of SunTrust’s downtown location, the program will have musical chairs, a treasure hunt and prize-winning opportunities to attract their goal of 600 attendees.

“We will also have a DJ at the event providing music,” said Montlick. “We are hoping that people will decide to come check out the Subaru Impreza and learn more about the vehicle prior to going downtown for the night.”

During the fun and games, the members of Impressions Marketing will be recording and evaluating the turnout and reactions of those in attendance for a report to give to Subaru of America, Inc.

“We will present them with our entire campaign strategy and results, in addition to providing them with strategic marketing recommendations we hope they can use in their future efforts,” said Montlick.

The group is looking for future clients to form more marketing programs in the spring.

“I became involved with the group because it was a great way to get real-world experience with a marketing campaign,” said Button. “It was a chance to work with a group of friends and the opportunity to jointly attack the challenge of building something from scratch and be creative in implementing our goals was very appealing.”