I have always been interested in history. In fact, that’s why I left Oregon for Alaska in 1979, and it was my love of history that kept me there for over 16 years (although I had not planned to be there quite that long!) As the town’s historian, I learned a lot about its history. the Wrangell History was published a few years ago through the Friends of the Wrangell Museum. This was the culmination of over 16 years of historical research in Alaska, Canada and the lower 48. I’m currently working on completing the history of the Wrangell Garnet Ledge. This has been a labor of love for over 32 years. Check out www.WrangellGarnetLedge.com
My love of history started me on the road to developing web sites. The Internet has been a perfect way to share history with others. Working for newspapers and print shops gave me the background to use in editing and publishing newsletters, as well as brochures, ad design and more. I have been editor of newsletters and newspapers for local, regional and national organizations (and have won awards). I have also spent several years writing free-lance for newspapers. My background with the newspapers, print shops and newsletters has helped me in quickly learning to create web sites on the Internet.
While in Alaska, I was involved with the local chamber of commerce and visitors bureau. (That also involved working closely with the city council, which included lobbying and requesting funding as well as sitting on advisory councils.) Those organizations gave me the chance to learn marketing and promotion on the local and regional level through participating in workshops, seminars and working with cruise ship companies, tour companies and travel agents as well as local and regional organizations.
During my stint in Alaska, I was the director/curator of the local museum for over 11 years. That experience has also aided in learning marketing and promotion and working with various local, state, and federal agencies and organizations in funding historical preservation as well as grant writing. It also gave me the chance to successfully lobby the state legislature for historic preservation for a local project.
While I thought I had left all of that behind when I left Alaska in late 1995 to return to Oregon, I find that all of that experience is coming in handy as I begin to get more involved in community organizations and activities. Add to that my love of computers, and this has become a perfect match for me to use in sharing history with the world as well as developing web sites for organizations and businesses. I love the challenge of creating web sites and the satisfaction I get from being creative in designing the web sites.
Over 18 years in Communications and Public Relations
Wrote Business Plan and tour script for charter boat operator in Alaska. Wrote Business Plan, Marketing Plan and Training Plan for computer store in The Dalles, Oregon. Edited various local, regional, and national newsletters, as well as free-lance writing for newspapers and magazines. Some have won awards! Designed and wrote text for museum interpretive and promotional brochures. Designed and wrote text for various marketing brochures, “how to” brochures, etc.
Developed and produced historical programs for public radio. Education Committee Chairperson with Alaska State Gold Rush Centennial task Force. Coordinated local S.O.S. (Save our Outdoor Sculpture) program. Developed marketing pieces targeting travel agents, group tours, cruise ships, etc. Worked with group tours, travel agents, cruise ship personnel creating ground tours. Coordinated local Familiarization (FAM) tours to market community. Trained U.S. Forest Service Interpreters working on board marine highway system. Marketed community at outdoor sports trade show in Colorado.
Marketing manager for charter jet boat operator. Have conducted local marketing workshops. Developed motivational and educational program for those working within the visitor industry. Have successfully lobbied state legislature for funding; written successful grants (up to $260,000.00 in appropriations and/or grants). Former local liaison person for state agencies (including the Governor’s office). Over 16 years involvement with chamber of commerce and convention & visitors bureau on the local, regional and state level. Awarded “Best Project” for Rural or Natural Setting by SOLV for Weston Clean and Green, May 2001. Weston Chamber of Commerce 2001 Member of the Year.
Most recently I was the newsletter editor for the Bay Area Artists’ Association in Coos Bay. Newsletters are posted at www.OregonCoastArtists.com/BAAA.htm I also offer an online venue for Oregon Coast Artists at www.OregonCoastArtists.com
