‘PPLori Martinek

Lori’s extensive experience on all sides of the marketing equation (agency, client and media) has made her a sought-after branding strategist in the economic and enterprise development arenas. As the owner of ED/c Partners, an award-winning marketing and public relations firm, Martinek has worked side by side with CEOs, government officials and stakeholder groups to create positive visibility, online and off.

Martinek’s resume includes projects for Fortune 500 companies, growth-stage organizations and startups in the public and private sector, and in economic development at every level of government. Her client resume includes global enterprises; major media companies; consumer products giants; national retailers; manufacturers and distributors; commercial, industrial and residential developers; healthcare networks; and entrepreneurs of every kind.

Martinek has directed the marketing programs of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)/Small Business Development Center (SBDC) networks, served as an SBA/SBDC enterprise development specialist, a SCORE Mentor and national media spokesperson and is a former president, board member and consultant to chambers of commerce, foundations and other civic ventures.

Her resume includes projects for public/private partnerships, government agencies, community college systems and university networks. Her areas of specialty include Branding, Digital Outreach, Media Relations, Public Affairs, Social Media Strategy, Stakeholder and Investor Relations and Legislative Outreach.

Martinek holds a Master’s degree from Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. She began her career at Foote, Cone & Belding Worldwide in Chicago, where she developed high-impact strategies for clients including Coors, S. C. Johnson and First National Bank of Chicago.

As a National Marketing Manager for Wickes Lumber, Martinek went on to develop innovative consumer and contractor programs for the 223-store retailer, including the production of successful marketing programs for Owens Corning, Black & Decker, Dutch Boy and Kohler.

Her publishing credits include articles on brand management and marketing for national publications and 26 years of bylines in trade publications and in newspapers including the Chicago Tribune, the Wisconsin Capital Times/State Journal and the Northwest Herald. Martinek’s first book, Be The Bulb!, was published in 2009. Her second book, Retiring Solo, was published in 2016. Both are available on Amazon.

Martinek speaks to audiences on topics including branding and social media marketing, economic development marketing and entrepreneurship. She is also the founder of MindingHerBiz, a pro bono project that helps female entrepreneurs confront the challenges of startup and growth.