For
December 1990 - Present Kevin is very creative, and he doesn't take the "easy way out" of a project. He would rather start over than repeat something from a year ago. Kevin has lots of energy, and he respects other people's opinions. Kevin is a very dedicated worker and he understands marketing, people, and trends very well.” February 15, 2010
Jennifer Young, General Manager, Bay Lakes Marketing Inc
was with another company when working with Kevin at Travel Manitoba
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“Kevin is amazingly creative. He has an eye for photos that speak volumes and knows how to target an image and content to a specific audience. Kevin has taught me volumes about marketing and his company is one that I would consider as a lighthouse in my career direction and customer service direction.” January 4, 2010
Ross McCubbin, Owner, Amik Technology
worked with Kevin 15 years.
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“What impresses me about Kevin is his creativity. This is one of his strong points. His work on Travel Manitoba's fish & hunt marketing campaign gave us an elevated and sustained presence in the marketplace.” January 4, 2010
Mark Clarke, Manager, Market Development, Travel Manitoba
worked directly with Kevin at Travel Manitoba
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“I have known Kevin for over 20 years and he has outstanding creative skills. He is always determined to give clients something beyond their expectations. He blends his photgraphic skills with print to make something which certainly grabs your attention. In his portfolio he has worked with industrial/instituti onal clients, large international automobile companies and individual people bringing out great results in print. He works tirelessly until he gets it right. View his portfolio ,you won't be disappointed” January 3, 2010
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Creative
David Glover
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“Kevin is a highly motivated Outdoor Manager at Travel Manitoba who has keen insight to the Outdoor travel Industry. He is able to work with all the Venues, large or small with the same amount of enthusiasum for every task.” December 30, 2009
Helgi Einarsson, owner/manager, Einarsson's Guide Service
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“Kevin is a professional marketer accredited by the Canadian Institute of Marketing, as am I. His credentials attest to his understanding of marketing principles, standards and ethics that has been peer reviewed for memberhsip in the Institute. Kevin has delivered a marketing webinar for the Institute that was well received and discussed by fellow members. He is a colleague of mine, a businessman and innovative marketer with valued skills.” December 30, 2009
Grant Lee, Executive Director, Canadian Institute of Marketing
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“Since Kevin started working with Travel Manitoba, things get done! The Lodge industry has never had someone that can take things from an idea to putting them in practice so quickly. The lead time from idea to execution is days now instead of "next year". I really like his fresh out of the box ideas he presents. Bottom Line, Kevin has given me ideas that put more money in my jeans. Thats what is important to me! Lee Nolden Canada's Gods Lake Lodge” December 30, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Good Value
Lee Nolden
Canada's Gods Lake Lodge, Manitoba Canada
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“Kevin is a very creative and highly motivated individual within the tourism sector. He works well with an often challenging cliental. Although working within a bureaucratic style of system his actions are similar to one owning his own business. He is very knowledgeable and to the point when it comes to decision making.” December 30, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Creative
Don Finkbeiner
Manitoba Professional Executive
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“Kevin has used his splendid imagination and go-get-'em attitude to bring the promotion and lure of Manitoba's recreational fishing industry up many notches. Similar results can only be expected as he applies his successful strategies to the province's hunting industry.” December 30, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Creative
Russ Popp - Owner, Manitoba Guide Service
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“I am astounded with the ideas Kevin Palmer has with respect to marketing campaigns, professional sales ideas and unique methods of gaining exposure. All of his skills plus his drive to fully understand the "customer" ensures results. Kevin's experience, knowledge and high level of common sense are a rare asset these days, and it is a pleasure to do business with him. Kevin is also open to suggestions and input that will assist him understanding the goals. Gildas Paradis Riverside Lodge” December 30, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative
Riverside Lodge
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“I have know Kevin and have had Kevin assist me with the promotion of my business through Travel Manitoba for the past 2 years. I have found Kevin energetic and innovative in the introduction of new ideas and marketing methods. He has enabled my small company to join in on some excellent advertising and promotional opportunities that had not existed with Travel Manitoba or anywhere before. Ultimately, we and many others in the business have been able to "get the word out" to the public and in doing so have brought more people to Manitoba and thats what it is all about.” December 30, 2009
Duncan Ross, Owner, Kitchi Island Outposts
worked directly with Kevin at Travel Manitoba
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“Our work with Kevin involved bringing him out to our location and briefing him on our operation and what exactly Trail End Camp has to offer it's customers. Kevin's passion for promoting Manitoba was very evident from the first time we spoke. He has a vibrancy of ideas that don't fit a standard mold, so to speak. These ideas have led to an obvious positive increase in not only Travel Manitoba's presence in the market place, but in the different lodges and outfitters participation in the various programs that have been created and offered. He also knows how to take a pretty good picture. We look forward to continued relationships with Kevin.” December 30, 2009
Vance Hrechkosy, Owner, Trail End Camp & Outfitters
was with another company when working with Kevin at Travel Manitoba
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“Kevin has done in 2 years short years what has never been done before, taking the marketing of our product to a new level. We now have over 100+ companies working together, through his unique marketing initiatives. I am very excited to be part of this program and would recommend anyone interested in new and innovative marketing ideas to give him a very serious look.” December 30, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative
Rick Bohna
Big Sand Lake Lodge, General Manager
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“Kevin brings aggressive expertise to a tough industry. His involvement with Travel Manitoba has been a breath of fresh, cocky air.” December 30, 2009
Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, Creative
Robert Paquin
Owner, Manitoba Premium Lodge (Munroe Lake)
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“Kevin Palmer is a results oriented marketing man who concentrates on the big picture of moving-the-needle through highly-targeted, quantifiable branding and advertising campaigns. His branding work for Travel Manitoba is innovative and right on-the-mark.” December 30, 2009
Joel Prunty, Media Manager, All-Canada Show
was with another company when working with Kevin at Travel Manitoba
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“Kevin's creative and innovative approach to marketing is refreshing. He is organized, and works hard at keeping everyone informed. Having Kevin on your team should bring about increased awareness of your product, and therefore bring about increased sales.” September 23, 2009
Top qualities: Personable, On Time, Creative
Peg Baynton
Bakers Narrows Lodge (Manitoba Premium Lodge Group)
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I have never seen a response to a single piece marketing effort in my career such that we received . Further, the piece caught the spirit of the Lodge, communicated it and put a finger on a need that we all share “ finding center”.
The summer of 2006 saw a dramatic increase in parent child travel and the majorities of Children were in the Grade 6 to 8 levels and were from the GTA . Exactly the market that was identified, targeted and captured.
Mr. Palmer, as unique as the Ecolodge is to the hotel industry, Superior Image is to marketing
Greg Williams, GM Cree Village Eco Lodge
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Jesus [that's an exclamation not a reference to you], where the heck were you when I needed a marketing consultant 20 years ago. I am really impressed by the attachments! Your approach should be studied by all marketing students. The creativity generated is unique.
I have every expectation that you will be successful in this latest endeavor!
Best regards, John Sharan, VP Marketing (retired)
Proctor and Gamble, New York City
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I have been part of Northern Canada's leading fishing and hunting operation for 25 years. We have long been known as the cutting edge marketeers for our industry, helped by good friends long successful in the advertising world in Chicago. My brother-in -law sits on the board of one of the largest advertising agencies in the world. We know talent when we see it.
Kevin Palmer and his ideas, in one short year, raised the bar so high for the other provincial tourism agencies that it will take them years to catch up to Manitoba. He quickly grasped the many idiosyncrasies of our industry and laid a foundation for success that will pay off for many years to come. His methods and madness are patterned for success and my one hope is he is here for Manitoba for many years to come.
Ken Gangler, Ganglers Lodge
A Manitoba Premium Lodge
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"I have been involved in the outdoor sector of tourism in the Provinces of Manitoba and Nunavut -having worked my entire life with hundreds of professionals during this time. I can honestly say I've never encountered a marketing professional who initially knew so little about a specialized product and managed to learn about a whole sector so quickly!
This in itself is perhaps not so remarkable. What is remarkable is that he didn't just absorb facts and figures. As a creative person he took the initiative to immerse himself in the culture of our industry, identify our clients and gain perspective from them.
As an entrepreneur you need to identify key attributes in order to get the most out of a relationship with a partner. Mr Palmer has many quality attributes - but initiative is the one that brings his talents to the surface"
Shawn Gurke - Owner, Nueltin Lake Lodge
A Manitoba Premium Lodge
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This letter will serve to introduce you to Kevin Palmer- Marketing and Business Development specialist.
During the course of my association with Mr. Palmer, he has shown a strong ability to identify, attract and close new clients generating revenue for this association. In particular, his ability to survey and initiate processes to attract large groups of new clients is extremely unique.
His systematic process of survey - strategy - implementation and follow up is truly a system which is rarely used by others in the business. I would highly recommend him to others.
Bill Rogoza, General Manager: Northern Ontario Native Tourism Association.
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"Your imagery and how you caption has always been the trademark of your work and your campaigns' success. Key words, key images and key placements contribute hugely to the impact of any visual ad, you don't have to be a marketing whiz to known that."
Gerry Turenne, Board of Directors,
Travel Manitoba
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Kevin has brought a new attitude to the marketing of Manitoba's outdoor lodges and outfitters.
He has conducted many personal surveys of all “best customers” (including some of you reading this posting!) and developed quite a marketing plan.
This includes targeting meeting planners through a program known as the “Manitoba Premium Lodges”. There are 19 lodges in this program (Aikens included). Travel Manitoba has really made a splash in increasing the awareness of Manitoba's incredible fishing and hunting opportunities. This was done primarily through the All-Canada sportshows throughout the Midwest and the “Manitoba Monsters” program. A new booth, new hunt/fish guide, and new attitude is really paying off with added exposure to our great industry.
Pit Turenne, President Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters,
General Manager / Owner & Operator
Aikens Lake Lodge, A Manitoba Premium Lodge
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Hi Kevin,
I just wanted to respond to the potential “cook off” promotion at the Minneapolis Northwest Show for 2008; I personally think that an initiative of this caliber is exactly what we as a province need for our outdoor product recognition and branding. This is one of the best initiatives I have seen come from TMB in the 14 years that I have been in this industry and one that I think can effectively bring us some real and positive exposure. Everything from the advertising to the positive public relation message that this promotion would bring certainly justifies and darn near guarantees a winning combination. This is well allocated and well spent money as far as I'm concerned. I must say that it is a real breath of fresh air to have you working on our best interests and promoting what we as operators and Manitoba in general have to offer. If I can be of any assistance regarding this promotion please feel free to ask, I would be more than happy to volunteer my time. I would also be honored to be a participant in the cook off, I have shore lunch recipes that would make even the most pickiest judges roll their eyes in pleasure.
On a personal note, I just want to say that I think you are doing a fantastic job and I sincerely look forward to your future endeavors with TMB. We and they are certainly lucky to have you. Thanks again Kevin and I look forward to hearing more on the Cook off.
Sincerely, Ryan Suffron, Executive Director - Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters. 1.204.772.1912
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I don't know who "has seen the light" and most likely there's been a changing of the "guard" but the complaints I refered to earlier, are generally NOT heard any more. I'm sure I speak for a large segment of our business when I say, thank you for bringing in new and bright minds with ideas that I know will work in helping expand and grow our business.
One example is a magazine we adverise in called Bear Hunting. Holy Cow! I opened the front cover and there is a full page advertisement informing the world, the Province is now booking spring bear hunts! Who ever had a hand in this one, cut right to the chase and with little introduction, but what was needed, helped to make my phone ring off the hook.
Our first sport show starts the end of Feb. and we are sold out for the season, and think this had lots to do with it. A perfect example of your department's "creative support" Thank you.
Ron and Jeannine Dare
Bear Track Outfitters
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Thank you for the fantastic advertising package that you put together in Minneapolis and Chicago. We really were happy with the Chicago show.
I spoke with exhibitors who booked more trips this year than they have in 15 years. One Manitoba operator reported sales of more than $40,000 on the first night of the show. The packages that were put together by you for Travel Manitoba were absolutely fantastic and attracted more people for all of our exhibitors!
Thanks again,
Jennifer Young
All Canada Shows
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For starters my friend, allow me to compliment you on what I have observed of your tireless efforts thus far as, "simply amazing!"
Let me explain.
Never in the history of your position, has anyone so aggressively approached such positive marketing strategies as you. Your efforts are very much acknowledged and appreciated. Like so many other fully committed lodges and outfitters in our industry, I have practically invested every ounce of my life into this industry.
Over the years there has been a "few" individuals with your company (who I knew very well) who took pride in their jobs and who were there to promote our great Province and the operators who make up our industry. Never in the history of the department has there ever been a player that has fully understood the hardships and needs of the business community. That is until you "Kevin Palmer" suddenly appeared on the stage.
Your aggressive nature, seasoned business background and last but not least, your mega marketing skills have brought to your position and our industry, a long awaited "breath of fresh air"!!!
Over the years, I have met many who self-proclaimed to be marketing experts. If I'm honest, I have to admit that I have never been acquainted with anyone of your marketing skills...what a pleasurable experience this has been so far!
Regards, Stu McKay Cats on the Red Outfitters 1.204.757-9876
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To whom it may concern:
Kevin Palmer has injected new life into a campaign that had stagnated over the years. His energy and marketing expertise has driven Manitoba fishing and hunting to the forefront in the Upper Midwest United States marketplace.
Sincerely, Don Lamont - Outdoors Writer, Winnipeg Free Press / Co-ordinator, Manitoba Youth Angling
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Note to the above. (kp)
When you have such talented people as a starting point, great things always happen. These people have turned into much more than my associates - they are, and probably always will be my friends. Thank you. kp
