As an independent consultant in the YESS! Companies co-op, I'm privileged to work with some of the best and brightest experts in the fields of branding, advertising/media buying, graphic design, Web/interactive strategies, film/video production, events and more. Lately, we've been delving into Social Media/Web 2.0 strategies to bring clients greater value and further, more meaningful reach. At any time, I can pull together a team of professionals to address any marketing communications needs.

Plan and implement annual recognition awards and silent auction event.

From the early 80s to 2006 I held several positions at PSB that were upwardly mobile to the ranks of senior management. I served clients in numerous industries including healthcare, consumer products, retail, professional services, manufacturing, government and non-profit. This included strategic plan development, market research, branding, events, collateral systems, media relations, fund development, influencer relations, internal communications, and more. 23 years is a long time! I also managed numerous people over the years, providing growth and development opportunities, mentoring, as well as handling some really tough-love situations.

In this small PR agency, I combined my business mangement and accounting education with experience in events/promotions and graphic arts production. A stand-out experience is planning the event to help "sweep out the penguins in the old Munsingwear Factory" to allow renovation into the new International Market Square design center. Ask me sometime about my experience dressed in a tux, shooooing 5 live Como Zoo penguins with a broom...from the 'green room' across a 25-foot stage filled with local VIPs and back into their little cages. Ahhhhh! the glory of crass PR stunts...but it works sometimes. Great coverage!

This exciting position allowed me to work in the press box with sports writers, providing player bio and performance stats, game scores and highlights. I also helped coordinate pre-game tailgaiting events and promotions and master the graphic/ print production process...of that time. I also worked with community organizations around the metro to schedule and promote player appearances...which ultimately helped make soccer one of the premiere youth sports in Minnesota...(can you say Soccer Mom? :-) I still have a pair of soccer shorts with the Kicks logo. I may try to sell them on E-bay... Ha!

I worked closely with promotions staffs at both the Minnesota North Stars hockey team and Minnesota Kicks soccer team to coordinate various game promotions and ad schedules so fans would know about each game speciality. I also worked with all radio stations in KSTP-AM's state-wide broadcast network to help schedule local and network advertising break-aways. I maintained positive relationships with various out-state station managers. In addition, I helped coordinate frequent client appreciation events and wrote an internal AM-Radio employee newsletter.