• November 16, 2009

The Mobile Marketing Association has launched a new top membership tier for companies that have "demonstrated substantial leadership in the mobile marketing industry." It also requires a six-figure financial commitment to earn the designation. Microsoft was named the inaugural "Premier Member" under the new program.

Benefits include seats on the MMA's global and regional boards as well as sponsorship of the trade group's events. To maintain fairness, the MMA said it will ensure that Premier Members reflect the broadest possible cross-section of the industry, with no single region or type of company dominating selection.

"Microsoft is a perfect example of the type of industry leadership and commitment that Premier Memberships were created to acknowledge and expand," said Mike Wehrs, President and CEO of the MMA, in a statement. The announcement did not indicate whether the MMA might name additional Premier Members. --Mark Walsh