Director of Marketing and Public Relations at The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce
February 2007 - September 2009
Provided strategic marketing and public relations initiatives to grow 1,100-member business association. Was responsible for all copywriting which included copywriting for print collateral, video copywriting, and writing copy for press releases and articles.
* Increased level of market exposure by 77%, generating equivalent of $150,000 in advertising.
* Managed media effectively, expanding coverage from four main media outlets to over 20.
* Formulated promotion concept for annual trade show, improving booths sold to 200 (previously 165) and attendance to over 2,000 (from 1,200) while earning status as second-largest show in state.
* Led design and progressed effectiveness of organizational Website, facilitating Website's ranking in top ten for state chambers of commerce.
Marketing Manager/Copywriter at Rowe Pottery Works
2004 - 2005
Worked directly with inside sales staff of three to solicit sales and take orders. Contributed to product development. Collaborated with artist and vendors to develop annual catalog. Created sales promotions including copywriting and interfaced with company store staff.
* Advised strategic planning for marketing to turn around $2,000,000 operation with 40 employees.
* Analyzed and selected product and price-point, adding $45,000 in revenue.
* Initiated direct mail campaign, increasing sales 20%.
Marketing Communications Manager at TriEnda
2000 - 2003
Contributed to market research and product development. Was chief copywriter, writing extensively for company internal and external newsletters, redesigned company website, produced collateral sales material, worked closely with advertising agency, and troubleshot customer service issues. Consulted on product marketing initiatives. Sourced and negotiated terms with printing and trade show vendors. Counseled teams in strategic planning, involving competitive research, product positioning, and market research. Composed and produced internal and external communications as well as marketing materials, including brochures, product reviews, advertising copy, and newsletters.
Communications Manager at LCMS World Relief
1994 - 1999
I was blessed with the ability to effectively communicate using the written word--and what better place to use blessings than with a faith-based relief and development organization.
As a copywriter, I was responsible for informing donors on the projects their donations supported. I also wrote timely information on our (The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and LCMS World Relief's) response to a variety of disasters.
I also spearheaded the effort to bring the organization into the Internet age by developing and writing the content for its first website. My copywriting skills proved effective in attracting visitor/subscribers (who mostly were on dial-up Internet), delivering 15,000 visitors per month in less than 6 months.
However, the most rewarding interaction happened when I wrote an article about the challenges of a single mother in former Soviet Republic who participated in a project our organization funded. I always want the copy I write to make a difference, but this time we received a letter from a donor who was so moved by the article, that he was compelled to write to tell us. More than that, he included four, crisp, new $100 bills asking to have this money sent to the mother in the story. That was extremely humbling.
Advertising Director at Wisconsin Newspaper Association
1987 - 1992
Hired to increase the number of regional/national advertisers in Wisconsin newspapers. Most significant gains included corporate advertising from automakers who abandoned print years before. By doing research and writing copy for targeted at key decision makers, I delivered more than $1 million in advertising that was originally earmarked for TV.
Served as copywriter for print products, also solicited advertising on behalf of newspapers in Wisconsin.
Freelance copywriter/reporter at The Business News
December 2009
Interview leaders of interesting companies in North Central Wisconsin and write articles for the publication. These articles are not only information but are a good blend of journalism and promotional copywriting.
B2B copywriter/Marketing communications manager at PSchroeder Communications
October 2009
B2B freelance copywriting/marketing communications professional looking for opportunities in areas of expertise including (but not limited to): material handling copywriting, supply chain copywriting, CNG copywriting, IT copywriting, metal fabrication copywriting. My copywriting skill areas include case studies, articles, white papers, social media, web content/SEO, and traditional marketing collateral. In a pinch, I can also advise on a variety of marketing matters.
Chief Copywriter and Copywriting/Marketing Consultant - See PSchroeder Communications at Schroeder Communications
1999
Provided copy writing strategic marketing and web development skills to a cross section of service and manufacturing accounts.
* Advised CM Global Marketing, developing several sell sheets, including copywriting, graphic design, and photography services for several products featured in trade shows (increased request for quotes by 18%)
* Consulted with Watertown Memorial Hospital, writing articles for communications department, helping promote its wellness program.
* Counseled The Alliance for Children and Families, delivering recommendations for Website content and soliciting aid for organization's National Family Week.
This BrandYourself profile is automatically optimized to show up high in Google 
Social Networks