Karen Tessier founded Market Connections in February, 1996. With a background in corporate marketing and community development, Karen has served over 200 clients locally and regionally through strategic marketing and public relations. As company president, Karen has executed advertising, community relations, communications and branding initiatives for governments and businesses in hospitality, real estate, education, arts, medical, and financial services. She has led notable campaigns for clients including Transylvania County Tourism, Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, Carolina Vascular, On Stage Playbills, Brevard Music Center, Spartanburg County Parks, Forest City Enterprises SE, Atria Senior Quarters and many more.
A “community builder,” Karen has served on the boards of directors of the Buncombe County Culture & Recreation Authority, Handmade in America, Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center, Pack Square Conservancy, Mountain Bizworks, Flat Rock Playhouse and the Asheville Downtown Commission, just to name a few. She has been recognized by the Kettering Foundation for her work in civic engagement, and the Asheville Citizen-Times has called her “Downtown’s Mother of Invention.”
In her spare time, you can find Karen bass fishing on Lake Jocassee or wading the headwaters of the Davidson River in search of a trophy rainbow.