I am very fortunate to work with some wonderful people. I have some working relationships for over 20 years. Here are the kind words of Sue Walker, a client I met in1991 while she was working for HP.

Sue Walker Senior Internal Communications Manager, Infineon Technologies, Inc.

Sue Walker
Senior Internal Communications Manager, Infineon Technologies, Inc.

I met Patt Baenen over 15 years ago through a colleague at Hewlett-Packard. Since then, I have come to know Patt not only as a professional colleague, but also as a valued friend. Patt is a pleasure to work with, as her fresh ideas and positive attitude is not only contagious, but reflects in her creativity, which is her work.

During my tenure as an Internal Communications Manager at Hewlett-Packard and Infineon Technologies, Patt has helped to develop a number of professional marketing communications materials. Together, we’ve developed web pages, logos, posters, brochures, badge cards, newsletters, and manuals. Many of the projects were on short notice, short budgets, and deadlines that required service above and beyond the “normal” call of duty.

Patt can be a collaborative member of a team as well as work independently, with agreed upon outcomes/actions. She is highly creative, resourceful and her energy level makes her fun to work with. She has the ability to be a self-starter, is willing to accept responsibility, and shows a high level of commitment and flexibility. Patt communicates effectively and sets expectations to ensure there are no surprises.

One accomplishment I am particularly proud of is a quarterly print newsletter we developed for the Hewlett-Packard Professional Services Organization globally. The organization was under new leadership and had clearly identified the new mission for the organization. While the newsletter was only one element of the communication plan, Patt’s leadership on the graphical theme led to additional communication tools/vehicles.

Patt’s creative talent really shined when she developed a graphical design/theme involving a locomotive. She created a logo and visuals for the newsletter that encompassed the key messages of the organizational strategy. The organization was the locomotive and it stopped at a few key train stations, each representing a key message of the strategy. Every quarter, the newsletter profiled each station on the locomotive’s journey, while delivering more detailed content behind the key message. Patt’s imagination helped develop a campaign that lasted more than a year and was a resounding success. The locomotive theme remained strong in the organization and one that employees remembered years later.

Not only was Patt’s imagination key on the project, her resourcefulness was much appreciated. Money and resources were limited on the project, but Patt was able to find me an inexpensive writing and editing resource, as well as offer alternatives to traditional four-color, glossy-print media. Patt recommended the newsletter have a look and feel similar to a newspaper. So not only did the size of the newsletter catch our employees’ attention, but the paper stock that was used saved a significant amount of money while maintaining a perception of low cost.

Patt is very collaborative and meets every new project with the same enthusiasm and initiative. She is excellent working as part of a team, as well as independently. In my role, a flexible and knowledgeable vendor is a valuable resource. I highly recommend Patt and value her professional expertise, as well as her friendship.

King Regards,
Sue Walker
Sr. Internal Communications Manager
Infineon Technologies North America Corp.
1730 N. 1st Street
San Jose, CA  95112
(408) 501-6922 office
(408) 204-3408 mobile