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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
The arts scene in Utah is hopping, and that's just one reason Salt Lake City has been named as a top arts destination. Vickie Panek (pan-eck) is seeing this first hand through her business, Talent Management Group or TMG in Salt Lake City.
At TMG, they represent talent including actors, models and professional voices. Vickie says they think of themselves as matchmakers since they help connect this talent to producers, casting directors and ad agencies. They have an extensive network of clients they work for including Verizon, Questar, Nordstrom, Tiffany's and Comcast.
One strength Vickie brings to this operation is her experience in the industry. She's been involved since the early 70s and has worked on all sides of the camera — as an actress and model, in casting, marketing, talent development and an agency setting. It was talent she'd worked with before asking her to represent them that finally convinced her to open TMG in 1996.
Once she knows what type of talent is needed, Vickie and her team go through their talent pool to select the person who will be the best fit. If necessary, they'll also set up auditions for casting directors to meet the candidates. She makes it a point to know each person she represents personally, so she's well educated on exactly what they have to offer.
And if she thinks someone is not a good fit for this industry … Vickie is honest and tells them up front. That's probably why TMG has such a strong referral base. This is a true agency, where they represent people without offering training.
Technology has widened the footprint for who TMG can represent. While the majority of the talent pool is right here in Utah, Vickie has clients as far away as Chicago, Los Angeles and even Quebec. It's simple to contact the person to have them submit the necessary materials within just a day or two … no matter where they live.
TMG has grown to five employees, hundreds of clients and important connections with people throughout the industry.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Talent Management Group 512 E. 4500 South Salt Lake City, UT 84107 801-263-6940 www.talentmg.com
