Professional Awards, Memberships, Credentials & Company Testimonials Distinguished Alumni Award Lethbridge Community College Alumni Association Alberta Centennial Metal  included in the Canadian Order of Precedence, Governor General's Honours In recognition of outstanding service to the people and province of Alberta Communications Award Canadian Mental Health Association's Marketing Campaign Award of Excellence Awarded (only 100 Albertans) 2005 Alberta Centennial Ambassador Aurora Award 2005 National Award for film and video production (9 minute video on Homelessness) Memberships: National Member Canadian Association of Professional Speakers    (Calgary Chapter) Member National Association of Professional Speakers Member International Federation For Professional Speakers Member Alberta Speakers.com Member Calgary Speakers.com Graduate Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Program Member Speaker's Network, United Kingdom Member Association of Internet Marketing Member BikeBridge Cycling Organization Member Global Training Network Past Chair University Of Lethbridge  Faculty of Management Advisory Committee Past Member Women's Executive Network, Canada Past Chair Lethbridge Community College Communication Arts Advisory Council Company and Personal Experience for Business, Non-Profit, Educational and Government Sectors 45 years Marketing and Sales  25 years Media Relations 18 years Graphic Design 25 years Public Relations / Corporate Communications 15 years Post Secondary Instruction/Business Training 15 years Non-Profit Management /Fundraising  10 years Web site Marketing, Design, Development People are Talking...  Strategic Marketing / Training / Branding / Web Design / Non Profit Management & Fundraising / Miscellaneous   People are talking about.... the WOW CAT: "To be honest I really hesitated on retaining a Marketing Consultant when it was suggested by the Business Development Bank as part of our business growth plan.  It turned out to be the best thing we could have done to focus us on the necessary building blocks of our business.  It made us “rethink” past advertising choices and consider new ones.  Lynda Kavanagh, from WOW Communications patiently introduced us to the marketing world and held our hand as we made the transition from “Mom & Pop” shop to serious business.  Lynda is a true professional, who took the time to get to know us and our business, which we feel ensured that we received the best marketing for our particular business and budget.  I have and will continue to recommend Lynda to anyone in business, whether you are just starting out, growing or need a fresh look.  She is someone you want working for you not your competition!"  - Elizabeth Harkema-Foote, Business Manager, Foote’s Glass Ltd, Okotoks. http://www.footesglass.com “I wish I’d have found you earlier, you have saved me from so much frustration – not to mention you’ve save me so much in money and made my marketing effective.” - S. Guillen, ICT Group Corp. Calgary. "Last evening, when those in attendance at the Welcome Wagon Baby Shower at the El Rancho, approached the Family Centre table, I was struck by the number who have now heard about Family Centre and know about some of the programs offered and that we are “squished” and need to move to another location. This is a huge difference from other times when most did not know about us. Many commented on the value of having such a valuable facility in Lethbridge and wished us well with the Campaign. Obviously, the T.V. and other media ads are being noticed." - Betty Huck, Family Centre, Lethbridge “When people are thinking of hiring a Marketing professional as an employee, I don't think they realize they have another option; that is hiring a professional marketing firm on a contract or project basis. Besides the obvious savings in wages, benefits and holiday pay, there are hidden savings such as computer software, and systems that, would cost well over $10,000 if a company had to purchase and train staff in its use. I realized these savings when I began working with WOW Communications in 2004. I was also able to take advantage of WOW's expertise in unexpected extras as they understanding how printers and media work. There are savings attached to that expertise." - Darren Milne, Marketing Manager Exhibition Park "The tradeshow is over and it was a huge success thanks to your ideas and all your help." - Clayton Brabant, Amazing Heating Ltd., Airdrie "I have so appreciated Lynda's professionalism, quick response time and talent in Marketing and design. She has made my job much easier and organized by systematically handling all calls from media. She has ensured that all programs are marketed in a timely and attractive fashion. The Marketing plan she developed was with research and rationale for all decisions made. The Marketing plan has proven effective and the numbers of calls for services with reference to seeing an ad, either in print or television has been incredible. I would recommend her services to any person or organization." - Crystal Elliott, RPN, Executive Director, Family Centre, Government of Alberta Parent Link Centre http://www.famcentre.ca “Lynda was an ideal marketing consultant for our business.  She helped me to define a specific target market, and to develop a plan to reach that market.  She provided help without taking over the process,  equipping me to carry on after our time of working together was completed.” - Judy Klok, Kayben Farms & JoJo's Restaurant, Okotoks, http://www.kayben.com "The CMHA has engaged the services of WOW communications for over 5 years. Lynda has provided professional services that went above our expected standards. She "listened" to what we were looking for and the resulting product always matched our requests. Not for a moment would we consider taking our marketing business to another firm. I have had five separate people today alone tell me they saw our commercial!  We are getting huge feedback from the community saying they really like the tone of the commercial.  "It is a good thing" thanks to you!" - Deborah Chenery, Executive Director, Canadian Mental Health Association "I am very pleased to be renewing our contract again with Lynda for another year as our Full-Service Marketing Agency. Lynda's direction, expertise and creativity have helped the YWCA reposition ourselves in this marketplace. We have seen immediate results from Lynda's marketing talents." - Michelle Dyke, CEO, Lethbridge & District YWCA  "One of the key benefits of working with Lynda is that her service frees up my time to work on the things in business I have a handle on rather than spinning my wheels on time-consuming things I don’t. I have found Lynda to be professional, creative, flexible, responsive to our own ideas and organized.  I plan to continue our business relationship as I can already see the benefits to our company." - Linda Lunquist, Elite Wood Products  "My experience with Lynda has shown me her expertise.  She assisted me in making our "news" look coordinated and professional.  Her approach was both informed and creative." - Bev Gallimore, Chinook Area Public Relations Advisor, Girl Guides of Canada “The strength you have shown in the communications field and the local market, proves how important a local company with know-how is. You have saved me time and money.” - Gillian Nish, President, execuserv plus inc   "I have had the opportunity to work with Lynda on developing a business proposal and found Lynda to be a very positive, inspiring person.  Her energetic, enthusiastic personality was a great inspiration for me.  Lynda is a very creative person and that showed in the overheads she did for my presentation.  I had comments from people that they had been to many presentations and the overheads were very eye-catching and captured their interest.  I look forward to working further with Lynda as my business progresses." - Sharon Oliver, Entrepreneur “There is no doubt our decision to change advertising firms was beneficial as we now are hearing positive responses to our advertising – this is indeed different from previous years.” -Karoline Philipp, Packard Home Health Care Centre  People are talking about.... WOW Training: “I really enjoyed your Marketing Bootcamp session, you are right on the mark with your presentation. I also wanted to tell you that taking the time to listen to your audio CD “Anchors Away, Sales for the Terrified” was one of the best things I have done to kick start my business. I was struggling with selling my services, and after meeting you and listening to this CD, you gave me the confidence I needed to approach sales in a new way.  I felt like you were right in my SUV with me, saying exactly what I needed to hear!  The tips and strategies I learned from you have really helped me to grow my business.  Thank you again for helping me get over my fear of selling, I look forward to sharing my successes with you as my company grows and matures. - Sincerely Nancy Smith, Calgary "I've attended lots of sales workshops but even combined, none have given me the solid content that the one hour Sales Audio CD has given me." - Francois, House of Mirrors and Glass, Calgary, Alberta   "Ioved your presentation! You have a gift of gleaning and organizing information that I think we all unconsciously know, but have never been able to articulate or transfer into something useful." - Diane, Lethbridge Workshop   "A marvelous "Boot Camp" session. My compliments on your high energy presentation, and putting a lot of FUN into it. You've got some great resources for people too." - G. Wayne Dwornik, Global TV on "Sales and Marketing Bootcamp" "Your tips were fantastic fantastic and they inspired me to get out ther, rather than wait for the passive marketing ways to take hold." - Tracy, small business owner on "Sales and Marketing Bootcamp"   "It was interesting on how you incorporated your passion of wine,  bike riding, and shoes into your Marketing presentation.  Relationship selling...?  I  know more about you than I do, with other marketing people that I have met.  Love your energy also, a fun learning experience." - Tracy, Calgary on the "Hey WOW Toss me your Marketing Life preserver" session " I have attended a couple of live sessions to listen to Lynda speak from WOW Communications. She is easy to relate to in her presentations and helps paint a picture, along with some awesome on-screen presentation shots, on how to rethink your life and your passage in business of how you relate to others be it your boss, your client, your social network." - Sandra Zobell, Calgary on WOW Marketing Workshops "Thank you so much for your insights into the crazy world of Etiquette.  You left a lasting impression.  Our membership is already talking of having you back to cover Cultural Etiquette.  I have learned that I was using the wrong side for my bread & butter all these years.  I also learned so many little tips that will serve me & I am sure the members of our Association in our careers." - Lynemari Hansen, Calgary, TransCanada Pipelines. President PMAC (Purchasing Managers Association of Canada) "We sincerely appreciate the time and effort you took to plan and deliver excellent and thought-provoking session information during the Travel Alberta Conference. Your willingness to share your experience, expertise and knowledge helped provide participants with a valuable, practical learning experience. The Evaluations for the conference have been very positive." - Sincerely Niesa Silzer, Conference Coordinator, Details Convention and Event Management (Sessions were Networking and Business Etiquette) “Your session on Sponsorship Development was extremely informative and well received by our delegates. As I review the surveys, I see that your session scored “excellent” ratings. It is sessions like yours that raise the bar.” - Roxanne Carr, Executive Director, Alberta Association of Agriculture Societies Convention, Edmonton "The Studio staff and myself found your Business Etiquette session very informative. You did an excellent job of covering off a great deal of information knowledgeably and professionally. You are to be commended on the depth of research and your presentation skills. Thanks again, a well spent morning." - Frank Schaeffer, VP Director of Operations, M2 Universal Communications Management, Calgary "Thank you for sharing your expertise and time today. Your enthusiasm and wealth of experience engaged the group." - Nancy Purdy, Centre Point, Calgary (Session on Branding for Non Profit Organizations) “I am pleased and honoured to welcome Lynda as a professional member to the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. In meeting her, as well as reviewing her credentials, I am impressed that Lethbridge is home to such an accomplished speaking and training professional.” - Taron Puri, President (2003) Canadian Association of Professional Speakers : Taron Puri - http://www.energyinmotion.org or CAPS - http://www.canadianspeakers.org "Thank you for presenting your sessions at the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association conference. The comments were very good about you and the topic. You rated anywhere from 4 - 6, with 6 being the best.  I would definitely like to work with you again in the future." - Maurizia Hinse, Coordinator Alberta Weekly Newspaper Symposium, Edmonton “The information I received from Lynda’s Sales Strategies presentation is invaluable. The ‘real life’ examples she provided in addition to having the participants, relate the information to our individual circumstances, helped me be prepared to deal with potential challenges. She did not allow us to hide in the crowd; she required us to do specific exercises. The interaction Lynda encouraged (and forced—with a smile) amongst us is one of the most beneficial aspect of her sessions.“   - Bev LeBlanc, Digital Creations,  "I truly enjoyed Lynda's presentation on Business Etiquette. The group interaction, comedic relief and every day examples helped to keep everyone involved throughout the presentation. I also found the section on dining tips to be very informative." - Michelle McEchreon, Media Planner/Buyer MacLaren McCann West, Calgary "Lynda, your session was so great.  The team cannot stop talking about everything that they have learned and I've already had ideas submitted for ways to change our advertising.  Your session really helped to end our meetings on a very positive note and I really appreciated your tips as well as your customization of the workshop." -Stacy Johnson, Canada Safeway, Calgary “You did an excellent session -- very professional.  It was creative and most importantly, it was engaging.  I really liked how you tied the theme, the activity and all of your key points together.  You also provided many different examples of how change can affect our lives:  personally, in business and even when travelling-- you really managed to appeal to a very diverse audience. - Deanna Ketcheson, University of Lethbridge "Regarding Lynda's Sales Workshop: Outstanding presentation! Lynda is a dynamic, enthusiastic, energetic facilitator. Lynda keeps the audience involved with a mix of well-prepared material, presented professionally in  "layperson" terms, with relevant examples and thought-provoking questions. Time very well invested!" - Gerry Karchuk, Bent Creek Western Vacations, Ft. Macleod, Alberta  "I really enjoyed the combination of lecture, exercises and discussion. I really enjoyed Lynda's energy and enthusiasm! Thank you." - Julie Hiner, participant in Calgary Session on Branding  "Your presentation on Branding and Marketing left our audience with practical tools that can be used for small business. You have an amazing ability to relate to the audience which engages everyone; keeping them captivated, entertained and rethinking how to deal with building their small business." - DeAndra Chmelyk, AWE Business Advisor, Calgary "I attended three of Lynda's workshops as I was a new, frustrated business owner. I was unsure of the best approach to contact prospects and was horrified of Sales. Lynda's advice truly helped and has advanced my business." - Jana Ross, Perfect Weddings, Lethbridge, Alberta  "I was impressed with your presentations at the AWNA Symposium in Calgary.  I'm fairly new to advertising sales and your information gives me some great tips on how to > actually do this job.  Thanks for sharing your expertise." - Hugh Johnston, Vulcan Advocate "Lynda has contagious energy and this comes through in her ideas. She really helped me to think beyond the norm for my line of business and explore marketing strategies that I wouldn't have considered otherwise. Lynda gets right to the root of what could work for your business. She makes your marketing and sales efforts much less daunting!"     - Janielle Scott, ExisDance Projects "We had a lot of positive comments about the whole conference, and your session was great. I took lots of notes and all the people sitting around me were also. Thanks again for making it all a great event." -  Sue Wilde, Conference Coordinator Llama and Alpaca Conference, Welling, Alberta  "Your presentation was great, I need to get you to talk to my group. I was a teacher for years so I like to watch people's presentations. Your technique was excellent, professional and made the topic very interesting. Thanks." - Jim Eversole, Missoula, Montana during the 2004 Kiwanis Convention "I enjoyed your presentation at the Networking session in the Crowsnest Pass. I admire your creative talents and your business savvy. I appreciate you sharing these valuable commodities with us. - Lettie Croskey, Mountain Peace Holiday Homes "Your evaluations continue to excellent in our self-employment program. You are consistently our most popular facilitator." - Gillian Nish, proponent HRDC Self-Employment Program, Lethbridge, Alberta  “Thank you for facilitating the Marketing Workshop. The group enjoyed your professional and entertaining session. The workshop provided the participants with common sense, down-to-earth, and affordable marketing tips.” - Linda Erickson, Development Officer, County of Warner, Warner, Alberta   Evaluation comments from a City of Lethbridge Workshop on Business Etiquette: All Ratings 4 & 5 out of 5 Comments:  Presenter was very knowledgeable and well prepared Presenter did an "awesome job" Very, very good  Other people in the organization should take this session. Very beneficial "We conducted several sessions in small communities to encourage students to consider self-employment. We had Lynda come in and talk with the students about self-employment and how a business must Market itself. We were very please with Lynda, her session and her flexibility. We have had positive feedback about this program." -  Jenny Shockey, Chinook Futures Corporation, Taber, Alberta   "I have seen Lynda in action in many seminars.  She always has a good message and presents her well-researched material in a professional and congenial manner."  Must be the comfortable shoes! I am certain that we will work together again." - Pete Lovering, Manager Chinook Community Futures, Taber, Alberta  "Lynda is an extremely credible instructor. Whenever she has a point to make she backs it up with examples, scenarios and research. Her classes are well planned and she encourages audience participation. Her classes we always fun and full of interesting, useful information, presented in a number of different ways to stimulate all senses of the students." -Tamara Dawson, Maclaren Media Buying Agency, Calgary, Alberta  “On behalf of Executive women International, I thank you for a terrific keynote presentation for our Executive Night. We always try to make a good impression on those who pay the membership and you certainly helped us do so.” - Charlotte S. Caton, Executive Women International, Lethbridge Chapter  "Thank you for your presentation on Marketing during our conference. Your presentation was excellent and the participants thoroughly enjoyed your lighthearted approach. The content was timely and very relevant to all the business owners in attendance. We feel you were an excellent compliment to our other speaker, Dunnery Best, VP Merrill Lynch Canada." - Committee for "Advancing your Business in the 21st Century, Lethbridge, Alberta  "As one of your LCC students, I cannot count the number of times I've referred back to your advice and comments regarding sales and marketing. What a wonderful feeling it must be for you to know you've had a positive effect on so many people's lives." - Leanne Brown, LCC Advertising & Public Relations graduate '96, Strathmore, Alberta  "Lynda was an excellent addition to our team at Lethbridge Community College. Her instruction in Marketing, Sales and Creative design was excellent as she brought the real world to the classroom. This enhanced our student's learning." - Richard Burke, former team leader, current program leader, LCC Communications & Multi Media Programs, Lethbridge People are talking about.... WOW Websites: I will wake each morning and bow seven times to the west in your honor. Thank you. The website is perfect. - Suzanne Petryshyn, http://www.rippleaffects.com "Family Centre has had nothing but success with the expertise that Lynda has shared as well as implemented with Marketing techniques, proposal writing, and web site development. We are looking forward to a continued working relationship. We are absolutely delighted with Lynda's design for our website and can't wait to have it up and running. It is professional, as well as considerate for the users accessing it, fun and well designed. Lynda's experience with the not for profit sector has been a huge asset." -Crystal Elliott, Family Centre http://www.famcentre.ca "I had attempted to work with another web site design company prior to coming to Lynda .  I found that experience to be very frustrating, as they seemed to be fixated on just producing lots of "bells and whistles", rather than delivering my marketing message. The site is working great for me as I am getting responses from all over the world. It was refreshing to work with Lynda. For anyone who wants a web site that professionally delivers their marketing message, they would be well served by talking with Lynda." - Paul Larson High Plains Clubmakers, http://www.highplainsgolf.ca “We were referred Lynda as being the ‘best in the business of Web site design”. She is. The Site has turned out better than we could have ever dreamed. She also helped us to update the site ourselves.” -Ann Kibala, Mountain Memories Guiding & Rentals, http://www.mountainmemories.net "Thank you for helping our company with designing our website. We are ecstatic about how the site turned out and we were so glad to be working with someone who understood what we wanted and designed the site for our specific needs." - Robin Gardner, CANHOST Group Inc. http://www.canhostgroup.ca A sampling of Websites originally designed by Lynda Kavanagh: (besides our WOW site) http://www.exhibitionpark.ca http://www.elitewoodproducts.com http://www.famcentre.ca http://www.highplainsgolf.ca  http://www.beautifulu.ca http://www.communityconflictresolution.org http://www.canhostgroup.ca http://www.dimax.ca http://www.m3homes.ca http://www.rippleaffects.com People are talking about.... WOW Nonprofits: “Thank you for your help on the recent readiness appraisal. We were most impressed with your professionalism, hard work and enthusiasm in completing this project.” - Steve Hoscheit, VP, Ketchum Fund Raising Counsel   "Thank you for helping the Humane Society develop the campaign for our new Pet Haven. The campaign was a success, our building will soon be build and the animals will have a home that will be comfortable for them until we find a permanent home for them." - Ron Wautmough, Lethbridge & District Humane Society   “Thank you for the awesome job facilitating our staff focus group. Your expertise and wisdom has been so helpful at a personal level for me and I appreciate your direction and support.” - Deborah Chenery, Canadian Mental Health Assn.    “Further to the marketing & fundraising plan you developed, we were impressed with your professionalism, skills and knowledge.” - Bob Campbell, Canadian Mental Health Assn.    "I heartily endorse Ms.   as an instructor and a consultant for any fundraising or marketing initiatives an organization may be undertaking." - Terry Whitehead, Calgary (student during Lethbridge Community College Fundraising Course)  People are talking....: "Congratulations on winning the Aurora National Award for the video you produced for Social Housing in Action on Homelessness in Lethbridge. That was an awesome video." - Deborah Chenery, Social Housing in Action “I wanted to go on record with my thanks for your efforts on our behalf in making the A.E.D.A. Board meeting a great success.” - Sharyn Brown, Alberta Economic Development Authority "Thank you for making our conference such a success. Your attention to detail, event coordination knowledge and creativity was evident throughout the weekend. We had many comments from delegates on how smoothly the conference ran. The fact that you were also able to be one of our speakers was an added bonus! Thanks." - Diane MacKenzie, Chinook Country Bison Association   “The ads you designed offered a “fresh” approach to our traditional Ag Expo advertising. Your media placement recommendations also helped us reach our target audience.” - Lorne Darlington, Exhibition Park "Thank you for conducting our Future Focus strategic planning. You were excellent. You helped us see the number of activities that we were involved in that the importance to prioritize. We appreciated your help." - Peggy Stuckless, Executive Director, Coaldale Chamber of Commerce    “Thank you for the excellent work you have done for the Exhibition. The Board Focus Session was a good example. We look forward to continuing our relationships with you.” -  Everett Nowlin, Lethbridge & District Exhibition   "I was very pleased with Lynda's facilitation during our Future Summit workshop. She was able to capture the mood and content of the group. We will definitely use her services again." - Norm McInnes, Town of Picture Butte  "In researching for my new business venture, I found that Lynda was able to understand the conceptual structure behind the information I was looking for ....taking that understanding to the development and facilitation of a Focus Group Session that provided me with meaningful information that has been most helpful in the development of my business. I would definitely recommend her company." - Diane MacKenzie, Cykorp.biz, Winnipeg People are talking about.... WOW Design: "Lynda Kavanagh has been our graphics designer since 2000.  During this time, Lynda has helped us reach our goal of developing a more consistent looking image which creates a more "personal look" for Exhibition Park.  In addition, she has done the design work on almost all of the supporting material, such as a sales brochure, Whoop-Up Days brochures, and much more.  Her company has helped us to take "the next step" in our corporate image, and her services are invaluable to us." - Darren Milne, Marketing Manager, Exhibition Park "I wanted to compliment you on the Whoop up Days brochure delivered to our home.  It was so nice to have all the information and schedules at hand in one convenient publication and it made attending events, finding locales and formulating a plan so much easier.  In the past, we have used the booklet from the Calgary stampede to plan our visit there and I am sure your 'planner' will prove to be as useful for us.  Keep up the good work!"   WOW worked with Exhibition Park to design a 30 page event planner for the annual Rodeo and Fair. It was full color and delivered to over 30,000 homes. - Glenda Light, Lethbridge resident "Our newly established business realized the importance of developing a company image that reflected both our personal and professional preferences but also what our audience could identify with.  We went to WOW Communications Corp. knowing that our logo design would be one of the most important and long-term business decisions we would make.  We were more than pleased with our meetings with WOW.  They listened to our needs but also provided their expertise and together, our company logo was designed.  We are not only extremely happy with the end result but the experience was very enjoyable.  The service we received was professional, efficient, creative and friendly and most of all, exceeded our expectations at every turn.  We look forward to the next opportunity we can work with WOW Communications Corp. as they have gained our trust and respect.   Thank you, thank you, thank you!! " - Robin Gardner, CMP, President, CANHOST Group Inc.  "I have found Lynda to be very thorough and efficient in the work she has done for us. The quality of the pieces she has produced has been excellent." - Bruce Harris, Cargill Animal Nutrition & Nutrena Liquid Supplement  "I am so pleased with the promotional document you designed for me. Somehow, you understood the essence of my business philosophy and displayed it professionally in the words, pictures and graphics of the flyer. I highly recommend you, and will do so to others. Thanks again for everything." - Donna Casey Tait, Chartered Psychologist   "Lynda was great to work with! She took the time to understand the important values of Southern Alberta Firearms Education Society (SAFE Society).   She then did an excellent job in presenting alternative images and words which spoke to those values.  We were very pleased with the process and very pleased with the end result.  Thank-you Lynda!"  - Allan Friesen, President SAFE Society “The brochure you produced has received accolades from many members of the community – one person commented that the brochure was one of the best they had ever encountered.” - Deborah Chenery, Director Canadian Mental Health Assn. "It was our pleasure to work with Lynda  . Her creative talent captured the spirit of Social Housing in Action. We were so pleased with her logo design that we asked her to create a logo for our Senior Community Forum." - Ellen Short, City of Lethbridge   "The team loves the new logo you did a wonderful job … as you always do." - Carolyn, C.  Abreast of 'bridge Dragon Boat Team "Thank you for allowing our Ontario office to use the logo you created for the YWCA in Lethbridge's "She Inspires Me" contest. It is a wonderful logo." -  Melanie Simms, YWCA of Kitchener, Ontario Some samples of Creative concept and corporate branding: