Entrepreneurial mindset. Visionary leadership.
Meet Sue Markgraf
GreenMark Media's Founder & President
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An award-winning reporter, editor, field producer
and media relations practitioner, Sue has more than
30 years in media and corporate, non-profit and
agency communications, specific to the horticulture, environment and agriculture industries.
Described by a client as a "visionary" at brand ideation
and development, Sue excels at strategic storytelling,
team leadership, issues and reputation management,
and integrated marketing communications.
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Sue's passion for her for work and the sustainable
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industry forges alliances among the firm’s clients that yield above-and-beyond results, including in industry leadership capacities, higher-profile visibility and reputation enhancement. As an influencer, Sue counsels sustainable clients in brand development through strategic storytelling using public relations, earned media communications, and digital and social media marketing.
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A woman-owned green PR firm, GreenMark Public Relations and GreenMark Media were founded in 2006. Prior to that, Sue led the award-winning public relations team at the Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG). Sue created and managed full-scale communications and reputation management programs. These include launching CBG's science education programs and the opening of the Gardens of the Great Basin/Evening Island. Her work delivered millions of consumer impressions that increased visibility and drove attendance. Results contributed to a high-profile rebrand and one of the most successful capital campaigns in CBG's history.
Sue's background includes agency experience with the Chicago office of Fleishman-Hillard. For many years she represented the dairy industry as news editor of Dairy Foods Magazine, executive editor of Dairy Field Magazine and corporate communications director with Dairy Management, Inc., representing the American Dairy Association, Dairy Farmers of America and National Dairy Council.
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A media professional, Sue's work includes broadcast in front of and behind the camera as segment coordinator, field producer, field director and spokesperson. A lifelong journalist, she worked for more than a decade as a newspaper reporter and editor with Lerner Newspapers in Chicago. She continues to write and ghostwrites client articles and columns for leading newspapers, digital outlets and national consumer and trade magazines.
Sue currently serves on the Advisory Council of Seed Your Future. She is a past president of the Publicity Club of Chicago - the nation's largest public relations membership organization. A graduate of Mundelein College Chicago with a degree in both journalism and public relations, her continuing education includes Dale Carnegie Leadership Training for Managers. She is a public speaker on marketing sustainable businesses and presents at industry events, including the Garden Center Show, AmericanHort and The Western (The Western Nursery & Landscape Association). To reach Sue directly, send an email to smarkgraf@greenmarkpr.com.
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