Wordsnorth is a family firm headed by principal Ed Martens. The combination of 28 years experience, established reputation, contemporary awareness and energy, bring a rich array of skills to your project.
Ed Martens APR, B.A.
President
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Ed Martens, the founder and president of Wordsnorth International, is a community and business leader. He is co-founder and vice-president of PDM Media Monitor, Inc., and president of CrossComm Group Inc. A corporate expert, Ed is a former president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and a past chair of the Winnipeg Business Development Corporation, predecessor of Winnipeg 2000. He is a board and executive committee member of the St. Boniface General Hospital and Research Foundation and a past chair of the Board of Governors at Red River College. |
Ed is known for his accomplishments in communication and his leadership role in Manitoba's business community. The senior counsel he brings to all Wordsnorth accounts is grounded not only in knowledge of the industry - but also in his knowledge of the market and the business climate. He is a professional in public affairs, issues management, spokesperson training, strategic planning and marketing, and above all - he is a businessman. He knows what it takes to succeed in business.
Beth Martens, B.A. (Hon)
Vice President
Beth is a specialist in program development. She is a big picture thinker in time, event and personnel management, ensuring that client goals and objectives are continually met and project details are consistently attended.
With expertise in media relations and event development, Beth adds value to your promotion, marketing and community relations efforts. Further, she has first hand experience in Indo-Asian research and is developing expertise in cross-cultural relations.
Beth graduated with a gold medal from the University of Winnipeg in 1992 and has been working in the firm, part time since 1987 and full time since April 1994.
Laura Cabak, B.A.
Client Services Director (on leave)
Laura is a professional with an eye for detail and a thorough understanding of public relations, theory and practice. She also has extensive expertise with government programs and processes, which allows her to provide clients with guidance in government relations and liaison. Laura's work experience also includes media relations and issues management. She has a diploma in public relations from Red River College and a bachelor of arts from the University of Manitoba.
Lea Gunner, B.A.
Public Relations Consultant
Lea graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She also holds a Creative Communications diploma from Red River College majoring in Advertising, with knowledge in journalism and design. This educational training, combined with her work experience allows Lea to offer clients high-quality work with a creative flair.
Lea is a dedicated specialist in media relations, communication and event planning. She has experience with small and large-scale media campaigns for a wide range of companies, including Nygard International, McCain Foods, the Victoria General Hospital Foundation and Image Plus Laser Eye Centre.
Pat Martens
Founder and President of PDM Media Monitoring
Pat Martens founded PDM media monitoring in 1977. With her in depth knowledge of current events and news issues, Pat is a key resource for PDM and Wordsnorth clients. Beyond PDM's media monitoring services she also conducts media research.
Phil Dupas
Graphic Designer
Co-founder and President of Appeal Graphics Inc., Phil has 25 years' experience as a graphic designer and design consultant. Fully bilingual, he has created and executed hundreds of successful design projects, in English and French, over his long and distinguished career. Phil has a solid background in drawing, painting and illustration. He also excels at desktop publishing and computer generated animation.
Alfred Lea
Cross-Cultural Associate
Alfred has been an innovative entrepreneur Aboriginal business and communication. He is a successful local, national and international businessman with a traditional First Nations background.
As Vice President of the CrossComm Group Inc., he created and managed various campaigns and serviced accounts, bridging the gaps between Aboriginal and mainstream business communities. Strong research, budgeting and presenting skills earned him a respected position as a First Nations business liaison. Alfred is the former president and chief executive officer for an investment firm retained by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and a former director of one of the provinces Aboriginal Friendship Centres.
Owen Griffiths, B.A., L.L.B.
Cross-Cultural Associate
Owen Griffiths is a public relations consultant with expertise in cross-cultural communications. He is an excellent spokesperson and a lawyer with experience in Aboriginal law and litigation. Owen is a respected authority on the subject of fiduciary obligations owed to First Nation's people.
Among his wealth of experience, he has solid research history and management of most Saskatchewan Indian Residential Schools (IRS) and is familiar with the historical context and nature of treaty claims.
A graduate of Campion College, University of Regina, a member of St. Paul's Hospital Foundation Board and St. Paul's Hospital Ethics Committee, he is a powerful contributor to the Wordsnorth communication team.
