UW-River Falls Commencement Spring 2008 PM session Mr. Mark Lacek, a 1979 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is the 2009 UWRF Distinguished Graduate. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from UW-River Falls, Mark launched an extensive career in both the transportation and loyalty marketing industries. Mark began his career in strategic planning at Republic Airlines. After the merger of Republic and Northwest Airlines, Mark was Director of Marketing for Northwest Airlines and was chosen by Advertising Age magazine as “One of America’s Best and Brightest in Advertising and Marketing.” In this capacity, Mark was responsible for WorldPerks, Northwest Airlines’ frequent flyer group. In 1993, Mark co-founded the Lacek Group Worldwide. Under Mark’s leadership, the Lacek Group was responsible for the re-launch and management of the Delta SkyMiles program and managed loyalty programs for such global brands as National Car Rental, Starwood Hotels, and Singapore Airlines. In 1998, Mark was honored as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year-Midwest Region. More recently, Mark has served as CEO and President of Milepoint, an internet loyalty application and technology company and is co-founder of BidPal Technologies, which focuses on creating wireless devices for charitable and silent auctions, and Bonfire Partners, a full service loyalty and brand marketing agency. Mark is also a managing partner of Denali Marketing. Mark is the creator and Chariman of Faith’s Lodge, an 80 acre retreat for parents who have suffered the loss of a child and parents who have chronically ill children. He is a board member for Growth and Justice and a member of the UW-River Falls College of Business and Economics Advisory Board. In addition to his degree from UW-River Falls, Mark holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas. (Javascript is required to view Mediasite content)