| Mailing Address: | P.O. Box 1204, |
| Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 7M8 | |
| Phone and fax: | 902 566-9748 |
| Internet: | Email: creative@pei.sympatico.ca |
| Web site: http://www.gotocreativeconnections.com | |
| Born: | November 1, 1942 |
| Civil Status: | Married, husband Roads Supervisor, Parks Canada, |
| 1 son, commercial photographer | |
| Career: | Full time writer/consultant Own and operate Creative Connections, a company which specializes in professional writing, consulting, promotional campaigns, and designing print materials. Area of specialties include: Prince Edward Island, the Maritimes, seafood industry/ aquaculture, culinary/food, hospitality, small business, women's entrepreneurship, leisure activities and travel. |
| Drivers License: | Class 4 |
| Willing to Relocate: | Yes |
| Commercial/Business: | CENTRAL PEEL COMPOSITE SCHOOL Brampton, Ontario graduated 1962 |
| Special studies: | The need to upgrade skills is seen as on-going, thus specialized or short courses are taken as available and as need develops. I try to take upgrading courses each year. My philosophy is that we should always be learning; stimulating our creativity and upgrading our skills. For example courses have been taken in: |
| Freelance travel/food/business writer working for several publications. Author of 16 published books, with several others in the "germination" or work in progress stage. Commercial writer/project coordinator for government and business. |
| Commercial Writing/Research/ Graphic Design/ Media Relations: |
Numerous government and private accounts primarily writing/designing/production of promotion and marketing print material, doing research and interviews which are developed into news releases, press kits, and promotional material. Also produce newsletters. Sampling of clients: |
| Periodical Writing: |
Twelve years experience researching and writing for magazines, newspapers and other periodicals such as: |
| Author/Books: |
Published books (unless noted otherwise) beginning with most recent: |
| Contributor, guest author: |
|
| Areas of Specialization: |
While I pride myself on being able to research and write about almost any topic
(given the time & budget) I have developed areas of special interest, such as: |
| Tour Guide/ Driver/Host: |
Although I had informally hosted visiting journalists for several years, I did not consider it as a business until 1993. When the Periodical Writers Association of Canada visited Charlottetown for their annual meetings I arranged a travel writing workshop followed by a one day tour (to provide an actual experience to write about). Approximately 80 travel writers attended. I realized I had a lot of knowledge to share and enjoyed arranging unique experiences. Since that time I have had some opportunity to further my experience in this field. Over the past few years I have been contracted to guide groups of media, visiting chefs and buyers on tours that encompass both the seafood and tourist industries of Prince Edward Island. I have also been a partner in a business which provides entertainment ghost stories, folklore and shipwrecks). I have my Class 4 license so can drive a passenger van or act as guide. I also put together tours, planning the itinerary, making arrangements and then hosting. Because of my involvement with the fishery and hospitality industry I can arrange unusual tours, tasting demonstrations, plant tours and even classes given by chefs. Clients include Enterprise P.E.I., Canadian Atlantic Lobster Promotion Association and Industry, Science and Technology Canada. I feel that I can offer a lot of interesting information that goes beyond the norm. In particular, my own background as a freelance travel/food writer and as an author helps me to work effectively with media or groups seeking specific information. |
| Television/Radio: | My experience in this area is limited, but positive. I have been interviewed numerous times and am told that I do well on radio and television. I would qualify by saying I'm relaxed and thus respond well to casual interview situations. I am not practiced at working with a script although I'm told I do reasonably well for an amateur. I have been interviewed on several radio programs including: Vicki Gabereau, CBC Vancouver; Peter Growski, CBC Toronto; CBC Charlottetown; CBC Halifax, CBC Sydney and several private stations across Canada.
Television exposure includes: Live It Up (3 shows), Compass (Charlottetown CBC after news show), ASN Breakfast Television live, ATV & ASN, BC Cable I have also worked with foreign filming crews, setting agendas, making all arrangements and then acting as their host/guide. |
| Product, Demonstrator/Trade, Shows/Association, Representative: |
I have been contracted to attend trade shows, culinary events, etc. to both demonstrate and promote lobster for the Canadian Atlantic Lobster Promotion Association, Inc. I have attended several of these events alone, or with an on-site assistant such as:
Also done promotions in Chicago, Vancouver, Toronto, etc., and cooking demos, for mussels, and other PEI products as well as giving talks to groups and author signings as part of book promotional tours. |
| Mentor: | Under programs administered by the Periodical Writers Association of Canada and the P.E.I. Writers Guild I mentor less experienced writers to increase their marketability, improve business practices and polish writing skills. I have also been a volunteer mentor for a women's business project organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada. |
| STAFF AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE: |
| writing/research/ consulting: |
Creative Connections Own and operate my own business doing a mix of desk top publishing, writing, consulting. We specialize in preparing cost effective, promotional material, newsletters, information kits, media consulting, proposal and report writing and publishing. 14 years |
| Special Projects Editor: | Criterion Communications Group a new company involved in publishing a community newspaper for Stratford and area (PEI), specialty publications ranging from special focus recipe books, industry information booklets, show guides, aquaculture magazines and food and drink publications. freelance basis |
| Communications Director: | Canadian Atlantic Lobster Promotion Association, Inc. (CALPA) With Executive Director plan and implement activities related to the promotion of lobster and lobster products from Atlantic Canada. Preparation of promotional Atlantic Canada. Preparation of promotional print material used in global promotional/marketing campaigns including: research, writing, design and layout.Write articles for publication and manage aspects of campaign. Maintain data base of potential buyers and users, as well as media and other "influencers" who will help establish product in world market. Represent CALPA at trade shows and other events in Canada and internationally; as well as with media and government . 4 yr |
| Regional Coordinator: | Association of Atlantic Women Business Owners Developed new chapter, organized meetings and other activities, looked after the needs of the membership and prepared a newsletter. Worked on provincial level and with regional office. 2 years |
| Survey coordinator/ consultant: |
P.E.I. Crafts Council, Charlottetown, P.E.I. conducted a Survey of the Craft Industry as a one year project. An indepth study of the industry which produced a statistical report as well as a directory of producers. Assisted: writing proposals, research, marketing and promotional projects. 1 year |
| Editor: | Gracey Communications, Morell, P.E.I. Current editor of The Aquaculture Gazette, as well as special projects which include cookbooks for clients such as Sobeys, and informational booklets for clients such as the Nova Scotia Aquaculture Association. - current |
| Walt Wheeler Publications, Charlottetown Performed almost all functions necessary to ongoing publication of magazine directed to tourists visiting province including writing, editing, design and layout. Produced: This Week on PEI and Charlottetown Monthly Magazine. 2 ½ years |
| Lifestyles Editor: | Guardian Patriot Newspaper, Charlottetown Performed all duties related to producing one or more feature pages in newspaper on a daily basis including: developing story ideas, interviewing, photography, writing, layout and design of page, proofreading, etc. Responsible for 2 full pages, plus special editions, 6 days a week. 5 years |
| Event Organizer: |
Numerous events organized as professional and volunteer Women In Business Conference (3 annual) also series of luncheons for Business Women for Greater Charlottetown & Area Chamber of Commerce in P.E.I. P.E.I. Shellfish Festival for P.E.I. Shellfish Association/PEI Aquaculture Alliance Homepreneurs/Micro Business Conference for the Association of Atlantic Women Business Owners, Charlottetown Chapter Write Into Summer: Conference for Writers - several annual events organized for Holland College Conference Bureau & Island Writers Lobster Conference - several events held over two years which aimed to bring together industry members to establish co-operative partnerships to increase the economic value of the lobster industry to the region, as well as protect and manage the resource. I worked on the organizing committees as CALPA staff |
| Teaching/ Speaking/ Workshops: |
Variety of short and night courses for writers, women entrepreneurs, small business and etc. such as: Diversification - P.E.I. Writers Guild, Charlottetown, P.E.I. |
| Publishing/ Book Packaging: |
As the owner of Seacroft/Hillcroft, a small press publishing house I produce books and other print material for clients and for our own marketing line. I lead a team of skilled freelance individuals for the creative, production, marketing and distribution of print material. Under this section of the business we also run a small mail order venture Our first published book, Ardgowan: A Journal of House and Garden in Victorian Prince Edward Island was released in July, 2000. Published for Parks and People Association Inc., in conjunction with Parks Canada it is an excellent example of the writing, research, design and layout capabilities of our team. This was our first "book packaging" project, producing a book for a client with all phases from concept to production of a printer ready CD done by our team |
| Marketing: | Market my own books through craft fairs, mail order and etc. |
| VOLUNTEER POSITIONS/MEMBERSHIP: |
| President | Periodical Writers Association of Canada, Atlantic-At-Large Chapter - current. (formerly held position of Atlantic Regional Director) |
| Regional Rep | Travel Media Association of Canada - current |
| Advisory Board Member | Holland College Entrepreneurship Program, revising and upgrading course requirements |
| Mentor | Business Development Bank of Canada Step-In Program for the development and advancement of women entrepreneurs - 1996 |
| Founding Board Member |
Cuisine Canada - Alliance of Canadian culinary professionals subsequently elected to the Board of Directors representing Atlantic Canada (2 year term). Current member and regional newsletter contributor |
| Member | International Association of Culinary Professionals |
| Judge | Atlantic Canada Entrepreneur Awards (2 years)1993, 94 |
| Judge | Canadian Entrepreneur Awards (3 years) 1993, 94, 95, 96 |
| Judge | Cuisine Canada National Cookbook Awards (2 years) 1999, 2000, 2001 |
| Board Member/ Regional Co-ordinator |
Association of Atlantic Women Business Owners - both 2 year terms |
| President | Island Writers Association (P.E.I.), current |
| member | P.E.I. Crafts Council |
| member | National Writers Association U.S.A. |
| AWARDS/RECOGNITION (current): |
| Certificate of Recognition: |
Premier of Prince Edward Island, for volunteer work with the
Association of Atlantic Women Business Owners - 1995 |
| Certificate of Appreciation: etc. |
Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards< - 1994, 1995, 1996 |
| ACTIVITIES: | In many ways my work is my relaxation. I totally enjoy what I do, and when not working for one of my clients I am often involved in the reading and research that are part of the writing process. Recipe testing and playing with words are pleasures I eagerly anticipate. I am very family oriented, and make the effort to travel to visit our son in British Columbia and my parents in Ontario as often as possible. As I also do some travel writing, I get very involved in the places I visit - learning about them and experiencing as much as I can. I am especially enamoured of the region I live in. The Maritimes has a rich heritage, great people, fantastic scenery and allows one to become close to the environment. My passion is exploring the region, visiting its archives and historic sites, its parks and natural areas. To be able to share what I learn with others through the written word is a great joy to me. I enjoy traveling, and much of my free time is focused on it, particularly on camping and motorcycle touring. I am an avid reader, enjoy educational television and taking courses and walking. |
| REFERENCES: | supplied on request. |