Norwin A. Merens is a strategic marketing communications director and project manager with a proven record in B2B communications across various sectors in the Chicago area. He has successfully led initiatives that significantly increased business visibility and developed innovative marketing strategies, achieving substantial cost savings and revenue growth for clients. Merens has extensive experience in managing marketing communications for Fortune 100/500 companies and has demonstrated leadership in both professional roles and volunteer positions in industry associations.

1. NORWIN A. MERENS
Glenview, IL 60025
847-682-3592 ♦ nmerens@sbcglobal.net ♦ linkedin.com/in/norwin-a-merens
STRATEGIC MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR & PROJECT MANAGER
Collaborative marketing communications director and project manager recognized for an impressive record of
achievement working directly with corporations, trade associations and professional services firms throughout the
Chicago area. As a strategic marketer/communicator, leverage a strong business and business media network by
delivering high impact B2B communications: branding, editing/writing, online/digital marketing, PR strategies and media
relations plans, client service initiatives and bottom-line results. Developed and made presentations to corporate CEOs
and business owners addressing workforce development initiatives, delivering customer service loyalty, branding and
market trends and the value of building and nurturing external business teams. Highly skilled professional directing client
development and retention campaigns, business outreach initiatives and sponsorship platforms.
Leadership Core Competencies
• Skilled Marketing Communications Manager
• Informed Digital Marketing Specialist
• Client Services/Project Management
• Progressive Communications Leader
• Writing, Editing & Proofreading Professional
• Staff & Career Development Mentor
• Corporate Communications & Design Expertise
• Trusted B2B Marketing Advisor
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Enhanced overall business visibility for laboratory through seminar programming, extensive customer visitation
campaign and in-house training for firm’s engineering and sales staffs resulting in a 75% increase in business.
• Launched innovative testing lab marketing services in totally new business areas and achieved 85% target.
• Performed a comprehensive market analysis, created a 40-page marketing communications plan, presented
initial findings and recommendations to senior leadership in electric utilities market that resulted in a $3 million
cost savings. Provided ongoing communications counsel to corporate executives, business colleagues and key
stakeholders throughout the United States and Canada by reporting 100 KPIs over 24-month period.
• Managed strategic market development opportunities, while coordinating production of the North American sales
force at 10 lab sites. This positioned the company as the No. 1 lab test source for OEMs nationwide.
• Developed annual “State of the Industry” programming and PR activities for the Chicago Chapter of the North
American Die Casting Association (NADCA). This volunteer initiative became the program standard embraced
by 15 chapter affiliates in the United States and led NADCA to invest $1.5 million in market development efforts.
WORK HISTORY
NM Marketing Communications, LLC – Glenview,IL
Marketing Communications Director 1999 to present
B2B marketing & PR agency representing manufacturers, engineering services firms and trade associations
• Perform all aspects of marketing, account acquisition, brand development and project management for this
independent marketing consulting firm; specializing in marketing communications for Fortune 100/500 entities.
• Determine and meet specific client needs for strategic planning and all creative aspects for new product rollouts
and the penetration of major U.S. markets.
• Manage and energize a creative team in branding, media relations, special events, promotions, public relations
and advertising that lead to more than $7 million in new strategic business by Top 3 client accounts.
• Directly manages up to eight contractors in product research, writing, editing, graphic design and photography.
• Create high impact association management programs; including writing, design/prepress and the use of
editorial publications, print and digital format execution.
• Lead effective marketing and communications planning for opportunities requiring a strategic approach to print
and digital technologies for corporate, association and professional services clients.

2. NORWIN A. MERENS
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WORK HISTORY (continued)
Bodycote Materials Testing, Inc./Taussig Associates, Inc. – Skokie, IL
Group Vice President 1997-99
Recognized global provider of environmental, metallurgical and materials testing services
• Created and executed a profitable new approach to strategic business development, integrating communications
to achieve short- and long-term marketing, sales, communications and PR objectives.
• Established high impact client service functions: seminar programming, an extensive customer visitation
campaign, and in-house training and communications for the firm's engineering staff
• Identified and implemented an integrated communications strategy and plan that gave Bodycote sales reps.
in the U.S. and Canada the knowledge and tools to effectively sell $2 million in new business projects
• Expanded business contact in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, environmental, nuclear/utilities, medical &
surgical products, telecommunications, tool & die and transportation markets delivering 85% of target
• Developed effective Intranet/Internet site promotions to augment trade shows, advertising and website initiatives.
Taussig Associates, Inc. – Skokie, IL
Marketing Director 1995-97
Respected metallurgical and materials testing laboratory serving North American clientele
• Retained and promoted after dynamic marketing and communications initiatives grew sales by 60%, prompting
the acquisition of Taussig Associates, Inc. by a UK ownership group.
• Produced award-winning corporate brochure and marketing materials; interfaced with engineering staff on
numerous CRM initiatives resulting in business growth (60%) and KPIs from new and existing clients.
Spectrum Communications, Inc – Glenview,IL
Managing Partner 1991-95
Full-service marketing services, trade show and association management firm.
• Developed strategic marketing communications plans for several key client accounts, including American
Foundry Society, National Building Material Distributors Association, North American Die Casting Association,
Printing Industry of Illinois/Indiana Association and Taussig Associates, Inc.
• Managed association-related functions: leadership training, membership development, meeting management
and communications/publishing/editing initiatives contributed to $500,000 increase in non-dues income.
• Authored more than 70 feature articles and business columns for trade and industry journals and magazines.
EDUCATION
• B.A. Degree: News-Editorial Journalism
Drake University - Des Moines, IA
VOLUNTEERISM
• President, AFS Chicago Chapter, 2016-present President, NADCA Chicago Chapter 5, 1996-98
• Board Member, Glenview Public Library, 1993-97 Board Member, BMA Chicago, 1996-98
• Board Member, Publicity Club of Chicago, 2008-10 Member, Glenview Naval Air Station Reuse, 1995