About | Fertile Ground Communications

"Marie communicates clear, tailored messages that cultivate individual understanding of big issues with compassionate empathy. Her ability to understand and connect with her audience is unparalleled.

-Brandy Wilson, Sustainability Director, Simplot

When we know better, we can do better

I passionately believe in inclusive language. So I was caught out when someone told me Asian American should not be hyphenated.

Just don't do it!

Communication tip for leaders: never, ever insult or humiliate your employees or throw them under the bus...in person, or on email.

Building connections with remote workers

Communication and leadership tips for supervising people virtually, to boost employee engagement and bolster your leadership skills.

How George Floyd and Breonna Taylor Changed My Life

One year ago, I wrote about white women's tears after Amy Cooper called the cops on Christian Cooper the same day George Floyd was murdered.

How to Ruin Employee Engagement and Become a Company that Doesn’t Care

Basecamp's new policies clearly define it as a company that doesn't care. I outline what's wrong with their new policies.

How Not to Pander During Black History Month*

But this is the time when companies have no right to celebrate Black history and culture unless they are walking their talk every day.

Eight ways to root out sexism from your writing

I’ve been advocating for nonsexist language in writing ever since I discovered feminism in college. And every Christmas, I’m reminded yet ag

Eight Steps Toward Building a Kinder Workplace

If you want to create a kind workplace, you must not have any leaders who are assholes.

Anti-Racism at Work

Amy and I spoke about how companies can start incorporating social messaging into their brands, especially if they have not done so before.

Don’t write a proposal or award application without this important tool

A compliance matrix contains all the need-to-know and need-to-include information from the Request for Proposals. It will keep you straight

Four Most Common Capitalization Blunders, from the Cap Constable

I am ever on the lookout for excess, unnecessary capitalization.

Seven Ways to Power Up Your Killer Content

This article is the second phase of "Fight Writer's Block and Produce Killer Content with Four Easy Strategies." Because I advised you...

Fight Writer's Block and Produce Killer Content with Four Easy Strategies

I've been fortunate to work with rock star engineers, scientists, planners, architects, and economists for 30 years. They are highly...

How to Eliminate Redundancies and Keep Your Readers Engaged

It takes time to be concise and cut the fat and repetition out of your writing.

Eight Signs You Might Be Working in a Toxic Workplace

If you feel shaken by the way someone reacts, especially when you are trying to help, you are in a toxic environment.

The Apostrophe Problem, Pride and BLM Version

Using apostrophes correctly is one easy way to boost your writing. It’s not that hard to learn the right way to use apostrophes.

Don’t Let BLMwashing Become the New Greenwashing

“Greenwashing” is a well-known term among sustainability professionals. Enter “BLMwashing.” That’s what so many companies have done.

Ten Ways White People Can Support Black Coworkers

If you’re ready to actively work for anti-racism, here are 10 tangible things companies and individuals can do.

A Message for Graduates and Those Who Love Them

In the 34 years since I graduated from college, this is what I’ve learned. You have time. Don't waste your time worrying about other people.

Can We Reopen the World with Less Business Travel?

I'm guessing that 25 to 50 percent of business travel is not necessary, as we are learning now.

Twelve communication tips to bolster your job hunt

Here's what I've learned from extensive years of hiring, job hunting, and the recruiting process, and they apply no matter your age!

Six Secrets to Building a Thriving Virtual Company

As the world tries to figure out how to operate remotely and virtually, Leber IP Law has been operating this way from the beginning.

Taking Care of Yourself During This Pandemic

A friend shared an "Isolation Well-Being" checklist she'd gotten from her therapist, and I decided to make one for myself.

How One Employee Eliminated Bottled Water in the Workplace

One person has the power to improve the planet. Deborah asked one question in her workplace about why they were using so much bottled water.

Grief and Mourning in the Time of COVID-19

For anyone who loses someone in this COVID season, here are tips for grieving at home and online until we can mourn together in person.

Five Ways to Communicate Compassionately During a Pandemic

Be a leader who communicates authentically and compassionately during any type of crisis by following these guidelines.

Ten Professional Writing Mistakes to avoid

Here are ten of the most common writing mistakes, designed to be understood by non-English majors!

That Google Earth image could get you into hot water!

Did you know that reproducing a Google Earth image without a license could get your firm into big legal trouble? Learn how to stay safe.

Company Awards

World Environment Center Gold Medal Award for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development

American Consulting Engineers Council Oregon, Washington, and national awards

Environmental Business Journal/Climate Change Business Journal awards

American Public Works Association awards

APEX (communications) awards

Awards for Colleagues

Corporate Eco Forum Amazon Leadership Program (wrote applications)

Daily Journal of Commerce Women of Vision Awards

Daily Journal of Commerce Phenoms Under 40 Awards

CH2M HILL CEO Excellence Awards

Awards I've Won

Two APEX Grand Awards

Three Awards for Publications Excellence

International Association of Business Communications (IABC) Bronze Beacon Awards of Excellence

IABC Bronze Beacon Awards of Merit

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“At a time when rapid and crisis communications were critical, Marie jumped right in and immediately embraced the support we needed for our communications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marie quickly understood the daily operations and tight deadlines our team needed. She understands the big picture. Her writing, business sense, responsiveness, positivity, and professionalism are outstanding. I trusted her to provide us the support we needed every step of the way. I highly recommend Marie. She is amazing. I will work with her any chance I can in the future.”

— Dee Hidalgo, former senior communications specialist at Clackamas County