Fort Myers marketing firm founder inducted into industry Hall of Fame

Teri Hansen, founder and president of Fort Myers-based Priority Marketing, has been elected to the American Advertising Federation District 4 Advertising Hall of Fame.

Hansen, also chief creative officer of the company, was inducted during AAF District 4’s “The Voice of Advertising Summit” held last month in Orlando. Five other marketing and advertising professionals were inducted into the Hall of Fame along with Hansen, according to a statement. District 4 represents Florida and the Caribbean. 

As a class of 2024 inductee, Hansen is among those “who have distinguished themselves in their career, have contributed to the betterment of advertising and its reputation and have made volunteer efforts outside the workplace,” the release states. 

Hansen founded Priority Marketing in 1992 as a one-person operation. Today, the firm employs 60 people whose professional services include public relations, brand development, web services, social media, creative services, media buying, video production, digital marketing, event planning and more. The firm works in a broad spectrum of industries, including hospitality and tourism, retail, health care, senior living, construction, legal, aviation, financial, education and government, as well as charitable organizations. Hansen was named a Business Observer top entrepreneur in 2023.

“It truly is an honor to share the spotlight with such talented individuals who have made an indelible impact in the field of advertising,” Hansen says in the statement. “I’m proud to be recognized among those who have dedicated their careers to helping businesses, nonprofits and organizations carry out their missions, achieve their goals and make a difference in their communities.”

William Gregory, CEO and founder of the Gregory Group in Lakeland, retired director of creative services for Lakeland-based Publix, were among the other 2024 inductees from the region.