Cindy Bertram

(219) 775-6488 cindybert@att.net

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindybertram
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MARKETING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA PROFESSIONAL

Positive energy, results oriented marketing, media, public relations professional with 15+ years diverse expertise. Proven
ability to plan, coordinate marketing strategies creating content, public relations, social media and placement. Storyteller
creative edge, video content, talking points, presentations, PowerPoints, events. Spokesperson. Travel industry expertise.
Key Skills:
Diverse Content Creation
Social Media, Marketing and Strategy
Visual and Print Storytelling, Media
Relationship Marketing
Public Relations, Press Releases, Events
Thought Leadership, Interviews
Blogging & LinkedIn Posts
Presentations, Training, Spokesperson
Video Concepts, Scripting, Content
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Crown Point, IN

April 2008 - Present

Business Consultant (Full time)

Marketing, Business Development, Social Media, Branding Strategy Consulting

Grew consulting base from zero clients to 75+ viable small business owners in first year. Create successful
solutions in marketing, strategy, business development, branding and social media including LinkedIn.
Successful client coaching resulted in food manufacturer client being one of 10 national finalists in 2014 Samuel
Adams Brewing the American Dream. Recycling company has grown from $35,000 sales to $3 million sales.
Business and Marketing Blogger write ongoing blogs focusing on marketing, social media tips (2012 present)
Through developing strong relationships, successfully secured high level Chicago business presidents as keynote
speakers at annual Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards luncheon regional event (2010 2012)

POSITIVE IMPACT COMMUNICATORS, LLC

Chicago, IL
& CINDYS INSIDE CRUISE AND TRAVEL TRACK, LLC

March 2003 - Present

Owner Consulting and project work in marketing, content creation, social media, blogging, public relations

Achievements - Diverse Writing, Social Media, Blogging

Successfully pitched and contributed sections in best-selling books, PR NEWS Book of Crisis Management
Strategies & Tactics published June 2015 and PR News Writers Guidebook published September 2014.
Developed concept for and became content creator/lead writer for 56 page Ebook, How to Organize a Successful
Group Cruise, published by Premier Travel Media, March 2015. Successfully got quotes from executives.
Editorial board and columnist for Travel Agent Professional contribute high level management focused articles
featuring insights, input from top executives and leaders -http://travelagentprofessional.com 2013 to present.
Professional blogger, Cindys Inside Cruise Track, catalyst behind high end blog, adept using WordPress and
Fotosizer. http://leisuregrouptravel.com/category/cindys-inside-cruise-track/. 2011 to present.
Through building genuine relationships with 50+ travel and cruise industry executives, have successfully
interviewed and featured them in high level forecasts (Leisure Group Travel) and articles in PORTHOLE Insider.

Achievements - Strategic Marketing and Sales, Content Creation, Video, Rebranding

Leading marketing strategies for new specialized training company including creation of short video scripts.
Successfully edited and revised stories for inclusion in CLIAs Travel & Cruise quarterly magazine, May 2016.
Strategic sales planning and marketing work for high end print mailer company expanding into new markets
Through meetings with travel company president, identified gaps and created needed content, top ten lists.
Successfully led rebranding of well-known high end fast casual Chicago restaurant chain. Created media
materials, press releases, bios. As a result of pitching, company was included in national trade publication.

Achievements - Presentations, National Conference Speaker

Asked to be opening speaker at PR News Writing Boot Camp Chicago, Hyatt Regency Chicago, November 19,

2014. Presented 11 Steps to Razor Sharp Writing Habits.

Pitched and invited to present workshops at national travel conferences, including Travel Weekly CruiseWorld
2011 and 2010, AAA Travel National conference in 2008. Travel Trade Cruise-a-thon in 2008.

Resume of Cindy Bertram

219 775 6488
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EAGLE TRAVEL, INC.

Crown Point, IN

January 1993 June 2003

Marketing and Business Development Director

Achievements - Marketing, Public Relations, Writing, Presentations, Branding, Crisis Management

Successfully increased client bookings 20% after 9/11 through implementing new strategies and marketing.
Helped raise over $55,000 for trust fund established for disabled double amputee accident victim. Obtained two
different cruise donations from major cruise line. Short story, A Cruise and a Promise in Chicken Soup for the
Travelers Soul highlighted events. Personal recognition from cruise line President for positive coverage.
Using crisis management expertise, successfully handled issues caused by uncontrolled events, from 9/11
tragedy, airline strikes, work stoppages, Desert Storm. Spokesperson and key public relations contact.
Successfully negotiated thousands of dollars in refunds and inconvenience compensation for clients.
Created positive agency presence and branding as a monthly-featured guest on local PBS affiliated TV station.
Successfully pitched and became a guest columnist sharing expertise in various travel industry trade publications
Leisure Group Travel, ASTA Agency Management, Travel Weekly, and Travel Agent.

Achievements - Business Development, Preferred Supplier Arrangements, Staff Training

Increased cruise sales 700% in first 4 years with no designated marketing budget through creation of agency
cruise department to tap into growing industry.
Achieved 20% increase in group business within five years came about from training staff on selling techniques,
core steps to lead and build groups; also created booking policy guidelines and procedures.
Reached top commission revenues (15%) by successfully negotiating agreements with preferred cruise line
suppliers and then successfully growing sales. Managed exclusive vendor relationships.
Through successfully negotiating advertising trades and partnership marketing programs with travel suppliers,
grew major supermarket corporate account sales by 15%.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

MBA - LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
(Business Administration, Marketing and Management)
Graduate courses in Communications - PURDUE UNIVERSITY
B.A. - INDIANA UNIVERSITY
(Double majors in English/Communications and Theater/Performance/Television)

COMMUNITY & BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2000 - Present

Videos, Social Media, Multi-media, Marketing, Content, SEO, Linked In, Periscope, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest,
You Tube, Instagram - via webinars, half day training events including Boom! Social Marketing Conference 2015.
Member of a diverse variety of special meet-up groups including Video & Marketing Strategy
250+ diverse workshops, events, national conferences, Masterclasses, webinars attended (Chicago, Vancouver,
Florida, Las Vegas, Seattle)
Business Network Chicago (BNC)

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

Graduate School of Business Alumni Board board member
2003 - 2012
So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur? annual event served as co-host and emcee for event; also co-chair of

planning committee, 2005 to 2012.

Successfully secured high level, well known business leaders and presidents as speakers from Chicago and other
parts of the country. Also prepped speakers on talking points and advance preparation.
NOTE: Dean, Graduate School of Business phased out MBA Alumni Board 2012