Influencers form American Influencer Council to support influencer marketing industry

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Jul 2, 2020

A group of influencers have formed the American Influencer Council, Inc., a not-for-profit, invite-only trade association intended to support the U.S. influencer marketing industry. 

Founded by Qianna Smith Bruneteau, the council's mission is to "[sustain] the integrity, viability and growth" of the industry and "advance digital marketing education as well as the art and authenticity of co-branded content as shared through social media platforms for the ultimate benefit of society," according to a press statement. 

Comprised of members from Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube, blogs, podcasts and more, the organization frames influencers as small business owners whose "entrepreneurial stewardship fuels the launch of their own product lines and innovative digital ventures...stimulating local economies and creating jobs across the country." 

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To champion their industry and create "consensus-based industry solutions," the AIC said it plans to pursue a five-pronged action method, comprised of plans to lobby the Federal Trade commission; "develop market-relevant operating standards to support innovation and ethical conduct;" advance digital economy research and analysis and examine the contributions of career influencers to the U.S. GDP; foster digital marketing education at the university level and create mentorship opportunities; and champion "public goodwill" initiatives to promote the influencer trade.

The AIC's board of directors includes founding chairwoman Chriselle Lim; vice president Aliza Licht; and vice president Brittany Xavier. Founding members include Rocky Barnes, Danielle Bernstein, Blair Breitenstein, Serena Goh, Kat Irlin, Patrick Janelle, Nicolette Mason, Karl Pierre, and Chrissy Rutherford. 

"Clickbait headlines claiming the age of influencers is over undermine the contributions of creators to the U.S. GDP," said Bruneteau. "These digital media entrepreneurs are fueling the creative, storylines and success behind the influencer marketing industry projected to reach $15 billion by 2022. The AIC and our founding members are right on time to usher in a new era of legitimacy for career influencers, who are American small business owners and media innovators."

The AIC said it will take up to 15 new members in 2020.