Bridges
International Association of Business Communicators
Oregon Chapter
March 2006

Member Bio:
Barbara Saunders

Barbara Saunders reluctantly spent her childhood in Palm Springs, California, eager to leave the hot, smoggy desert as soon as possible. Graduating from Brigham Young University with a BA in design, Barbara studied design in Europe, then returned to earn an additional graphic design and multimedia degree from Columbia University.

Initially aiming for an illustrator career, the sluggish economy led her to design communication materials instead. A government job brought her to Oregon, where the clean water and quirky residents were a breath of fresh (not to mention cool) air. Barbara worked and freelanced for diverse profit and non-profit organizations, eventually creating her own company to focus on what she loves—the relationship-based communication of newsletters and magazines.

In her fourth year as creative director and principal of Newsletter Associates, Barbara designs and publishes custom newsletters, magazines, annual reports, and various print and Web material, teaming with other talented creative professionals. “I love technology,” says Barbara. “It allows me to do great projects for clients all over the country and work with cool professionals anywhere.”

Barbara has built a solid reputation of quality work and customer service. She’s learned that when times are hard, relationships really matter. “People do business with people they trust. Studies have shown that relationship-based custom publishing has grown more than 300 percent during the economic downturn,” says Barbara. She admits that “flying solo” can be scary sometimes, but she enjoys the freedom and flexibility, not to mention the company of her two Pomeranian “office mates.”

Outside of work she is an avid pianist, currently branching out from her classical background to learn jazz. She also volunteers her services to nature organizations, the Girl Scouts, and of course OCIABC as our newsletter designer. “I like helping groups I believe in. Communication is important. Not just the content, but also the vehicle that delivers it—that’s the part that I bring to the mix. I love working with teams and seeing the miraculous products of collaboration. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a miracle?”

To learn more about Barbara and her business, visit www.newsletterassociates.com or call her at 503.292.3694.

Sue Brundege provides proposal and presentation consulting for small businesses, as well as writing, interviewing, and career coaching for professionals. She has 15 years of experience in proposal development, inside sales management, and communication training, helping companies and individuals "clinch the deal" to earn more clients, more contracts, and more work. Visit www.scribemark.com <http://www.scribemark.com>  or call 503.244.7478 to learn more.