Search Engine Journal

The Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO) today announced that Google, Overture, and GO TOAST have agreed to become charter sponsors of the new industry association.

SEMPO is talking to other players in the world of search engine marketing about sponsorships to support the organization’s mission and provide the necessary funds for SEMPO to conduct primary research and develop education materials for the industry.

Barbara C. Coll, CEO of WebMama.com Inc. and President of SEMPO, said, “We are delighted to welcome the leading providers of search engine advertising and tools as charter sponsors of our non-profit professional association. Their participation validates the importance of SEMPO’s mission, which is to increase awareness and promote the value of search engine marketing worldwide.”

“Google is committed to supporting the search engine marketing community in a number of ways,” said Tim Armstrong, Google’s Vice President of National Advertising. “We are pleased to join SEMPO’s efforts to expand and develop the discipline of search marketing and to promote the value of targeted, performance-based marketing.”

“Overture values the efforts of SEMPO in working to advance the search marketing industry,” said Dan Boberg, director of strategic alliances, Overture Services. “We look forward to working alongside other industry leaders to further SEMPO’s mission by educating marketers about the effectiveness of sponsored search.”

Dave Carlson, CEO of GO TOAST, said, “We are part of an industry that is growing at a tremendous rate, and SEMPO provides a much-needed resource and forum for search industry professionals. We are proud to be a charter sponsor.”