For more than 40 years Marketing Innovators has been a leader in the engagement marketplace. We are family-owned and employee driven.
We believe that connecting to people on a human level, first and foremost, is the best way to build a great business. That’s our mission and our focus.
At MI, everything we do is about building and strengthening that human connection – between you and your employees, customers, and partners.
A strong connection makes every business decision better, every communication clearer, and every action stronger, leveraging the true potential of every person on your team.
So, whether it's recruitment, recognition, incentives, loyalty or an anniversary, let's collaborate on a plan that brings out the “exceptional” in everyone.
Launched the headquarters in Rosemont (suburb of Chicago).
JCPenney gift card partnership commenced and became an authorized American Express representative.
Personal "point bank" system created.
Multi-gift card award voucher launched: Visa Prepaid Card introduced as a redemption vehicle.
Performance tracking system launched.
Visa Debit Card redemption introduced.
Online bulk ordering of awards launched.
Global recognition launched in 62 countries.
Performance tracking becomes suite of functionality.
Launched unique Online Award Collection, featuring merchandise, individual travel, and special events.
Exceeded $200 million in sales for the first time
Launch of "express" engagement platform speeds development and onboarding of new clients for MI's PPM Suite product.
Launch of payouts platform (disbursements & rebates).
Expansion of payouts platform into
points, merchandise & swag.
Launch of charity gift card websites sites to support small non-profits.
Launch of customizable gift bundles offering.
MI supports your brand by creating and maintaining an engaging employee experience!
We are honest and sincere in all dealings with our customers, partners, vendors and associates.
“We’re proud of our brand and we don’t want to compromise our integrity. If I want to work for a company, I need to know they have good integrity.” MI associate, 13 years.
We have faith in the honesty and reliability of our customers, partners, vendors and associates.
“The loyalty and communication between our departments benefits our clients.” MI manager, 25 years.
We encourage the acquisition and sharing of knowledge that leads to the development and success of our associates, partners and customers.
“We’re open to what our customers want to accomplish. We collaborate to make that happen and ramp up our talent to deliver it.” MI executive, 10+ years.
We provide high value products and services that help our customers and partners grow and prosper.
“We are in the business of helping our customers achieve results they want to see through their people…their employees.” MI senior manager, 10 years.
“No matter who the customer talks to in our company, that person is committed to the customer’s success.” MI manager, 20 years
We believe that each of us has the ability to make good decisions and the wisdom to seek guidance when we are unsure.
“We empower one another to do the right thing for the company, for each other, and for the customer.” MI senior manager, 10 years.
We define what success means for each function and provide the tools, guidance and feedback to achieve the desired results.
“We enjoy being challenged by our client’s business issues. This enables us to develop creative solutions for clients that are real, relevant, and pragmatic.” MI executive, 15 years.
Top 50 Women Owned Businesses in Illinois–2013
Top 100 Privately-held Businesses in Illinois—2010
Top 500 Small Businesses in the U.S.–2003
1989-2005: recognized as one of Chicago’s largest women-owned firms
1995: ranked in the top 10 of Chicago’s largest women-owned firms
U.S. Small Business Administration
Charter Member Entrepreneur of the Year Institute, Illinois/ Northwest Indiana Chapter,
Arthur Young and VENTURE Magazine
Division Dedication to the development of Minority & Women-Owned Business Suppliers
JCPenney Company, Inc., Supplier Diversity Development Awards Program
Finalist for Grand Prize – Overall Supplier of the Year, 1999
12th Annual Minority & Women-Owned Supplier Development Awards Program
For exemplary professionalism, tenacity, and dedication in the areas of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service
HR Tech Outlook magazine
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Employee Engagement Solutions Providers of 2017
1993, 1994, 1996-2004
Gold Star Award, New Product Introductions, October 2000
Crain’s Chicago Business