Driving growth with seed focused solutions for the global seed industry.
As subject matter experts, we’re your partner to generate clarity and direction in an increasingly complex marketing landscape.
Success starts with defining:
YOUR AUDIENCE
YOUR MESSAGE
YOUR CHANNEL
What we do and why it matters.
A perfectly crafted story makes us lean in and want more.
At Seed World Group, we’re masters of this alchemy. We make magazines, videos, websites, content marketing and digital content that turn your customers into ambassadors, ignite pride in your employees and empower the next generation to follow their dreams. It’s about inspiration. And it is in everything we do.
Communications for a growing world.
Over 25 years on the forefront of innovation and forward thinking, this sector is driving change.
Our business has been built on this tagline for over 25 years. As we race to feed a growing population, now more than ever, it’s an exciting time to be engaged in the seed industry. On the forefront of innovation and forward thinking, this sector is driving change.
Our tagline is a touchstone for the new ideas we explore and the work we do.
Our mission statement has shifted over the years as our company has evolved, but this tagline has always held true. Our business is communications in all its forms – print and digital, publishing and consulting – and our audience is you, the growing world of seed industry professionals, regulators, educators and growers.
We live this tagline through our two divisions that serve the global seed industry:
We support businesses serving the global seed industry by creating customized strategy, processes, digital tools and content that increase sales and productivity. We are driven to connect our partners with their customers and position them as experts in their field.
Seed World Media is comprised of five core media properties and their numerous digital and print offerings serving many countries. With highly sought after, issues-based content our audiences trust Seed World Media to deliver business critical industry information and insights.
Work with Us
Is your business looking for ways to engage with the global seed industry? Are you looking for a roadmap and action plan on how to connect with your customers? Whether you need an impact video, print and digital media campaign, website or content for your next newsletter – let’s talk. Schedule a 15 minute Discovery Call with our president and learn how Seed World Group can help.
Our Industry
120,000+
global seed industry monthly visitors
27+
countries connected with Seed World Group
90%
of all global seed company CEO’s connected
A perfectly crafted story makes us lean in and want more. At Seed World Group, we’re masters of this alchemy. We make magazines, videos, websites, content marketing and digital content that turn your customers into ambassadors, ignite pride in your employees and empower the next generation to follow their dreams. It’s about inspiration. And it is in everything we do.
Who We Are
Seed World Group is a handpicked team of strategists, storytellers and marketers. We’ve been serving the seed industry since 1991 and today have staff spread across North America and Europe. With our two divisions Seed World CREATE and Seed World Media, we are able to deliver highly focused consulting, strategic solutions, digital tools and content as well as diverse niche media channels to deploy your marketing message.
Nimble and knowledgeable, Seed World Group brings together a full complement of skills to act as an extension of your marketing communications team. Our goal is to help deliver clarity to our clients though systemization and offering turnkey marketing and media solutions.
Our Team
Craig Armstrong
Vice President, Business Development
Aiden Brook
Business Development Manager
Shawn Brook
President
Craig Armstrong
Vice President, Business Development
Leading the Issues Ink sales and marketing team, Craig brings with him 20 years of sales and marketing experience across several sectors. Not afraid to face challenges head-on, Craig is a strong team player with a flair for creative marketing tactics and solid sales skills. Craig’s firm belief in marketing has already generated results, allowing Issues Ink to be more strategic in its sales and marketing tactics while boosting sales.
Aiden Brook
Business Development Manager
After completing his bachelor degree at Valley City State University and travelling internationally to play professional baseball, Aiden is one of the newest members of the Seed World Group team. Focused on delivering client centric solutions as part of the CREATE division, Aiden employs his knowledge, integrity and work ethic to connect customers with unique ways to tackled their problems. He is always ready for something new and well equipped to overcome each challenge the Seed World team and their clients encounter. Aiden’s fresh approach and viewpoints benefit the Seed World Group team because integrity never goes out of style.
Shawn Brook
President
Doing the right thing is not always easy, but it is always the right thing! Shawn remains committed to this concept and knows very clearly that he has surrounded himself with a superbly talented group of colleagues at Issues Ink. With a keen focus on solutions, Shawn utilizes his more than 20-plus years of management experience across multiple private and public sector industries to help share and shape the ag communications landscape. Travelling extensively around the world provides a huge network and global experiences to help clients find solutions to enhance their businesses and increase their return on investment. Content is king and execution is critical – for all of us.
Valerie Brook
Chief Morale Officer
Marcel Bruins
Editorial Director, European Seed
Laura Burtnyk
Valerie Brook
Chief Morale Officer
Valerie’s main focus is to help provide a positive attitude and try to make the work load seem a little lighter. Her goal is to make the hard days at work just a little better,and the good days great! Sometimes all it takes to put a smile on many faces is the smell of fresh baked muffins and sometimes it is just someone to listen to what you really have to say.
Marcel Bruins
Editorial Director, European Seed
Marcel Bruins completed his studies in plant breeding and plant pathology at the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands in 1989. Based on the research he did in Fusarium resistance in wheat at Plant Research International, he was awarded a PhD in 1998. After his study he was responsible for the patent portfolio of a large public research institute for a number of years and then worked in Rotterdam at the Innovation Center for Inventions where he was active in the commercial aspects of agricultural and biotechnology inventions.
In 1998 he joined the breeding company Seminis Vegetable Seeds where he was manager Plant Variety Protection WW but also worked on other aspects of intellectual property, like patents and trademarks.
During this period he was a member of several international committees in organizations like the European Seed Association (ESA), the Dutch Seed Association (Plantum) and the International Seed Federation (ISF). He has been chairing several of these committees.
Marcel Bruins was hired at ISF for the position of Secretary-General in 2007. He guided the ISF into the modern era of communication, and greatly increased the service to its members. He brought in many new members and under his leadership, in total 15 new positions papers were unanimously adopted. After seven successful years at ISF, he started as an independent consultant. He has been helping profit and non-profit organizations with their questions on the seed industry and their ever increasing regulations, plant breeding, plant breeders rights, intellectual property, trade facilitation and international outreach.
Laura Burtnyk
Project Coordinator
Laura graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2018 where she attained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Asper School of Business. Majoring in marketing, Laura applies innovative thinking and creative solutions to the projects she manages. As a competitive curling athlete, a sport long-time supported by the agriculture industry, Laura is no stranger to bringing a hard work ethic, strategic analysis, and teamwork to Seed World Group.
Michelle Clarke
Shelby Colbert
Kyle Dratowany
Media Developer
Michelle Clarke
Managing Editor
Michelle Clarke is a graduate of Oakville, Ontario’s Sheridan College print journalism program. Starting out as a reporter/photographer for an independent publication in Ontario, Michelle quickly progressed into a management role, heading west to Alberta where she was the multimedia regional editor of four weekly newspapers, overseeing a staff of 10 in three different communities. Spending the last decade in the publishing industry, Michelle brings her hard work ethic, positive attitude and can-do determination to the Issues Ink team.
Shelby Colbert
Content Marketing Manager
Since graduating from Asper School of Business in 2019, Shelby has submerged herself in the digital marketing world. She has utilized her academic knowledge and paired it with her real world experience to help businesses increase their presence in the market. As the newest member of the team, and someone who is passionate about content and its creation, Shelby plans to use her skill set to sky rocket the content at Seed World Group. With new and unique ideas, Shelby brings a fresh perspective to the Business Development team, which is always a good thing.
Kyle Dratowany
Media Developer
Kyle graduated from Red River College with an Advanced Graphic Design diploma. Then got his start at Studio Media Group working on various publications, print materials, digital design and video work. He then worked at Metro News Group as Winnipeg’s Creative Services Department head where he primarily worked on ad design in collaboration with the Western Canada markets. He brings his combined experience in a range of media to Issues Ink and is happy to be part of an excellent team.
Dean French
Business Development Manager
Joe Funk
Journalist
Lindsay Hoffman
Vice President, Client Services
Dean French
Business Development Manager
With over 29 years experience in print and sales, Dean brings his knowledge and creativity to help Issues Ink and our clients stand out above their competitors. A team player and leader, Dean graduated from Red River Community College with a background in business administration. Dean’s organized nature has made him a natural fit with our circulation department and his long experience in the print sector make him a strong resource for the Issues Ink team as we grow both our print and digital properties.
Joe Funk
Journalist
A native of Central Illinois, Joe Funk has spent his entire professional life in agriculture including service as an editor, writer and commentator. Since 1998 his focus has been on the seed production industry. He has travelled internationally to report on more than 45 seed production companies. In 2017 he received the American Seed Trade Association Chairman’s Distinguished Service Award. He holds a B.S. in Agronomy and Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois.
Lindsay Hoffman
Vice President, Client Services
Passionate about agriculture, Lindsay’s attention to detail, creativity and commitment to finding solution-driven options for clients creates a platform for success. Lindsay attended the University of Manitoba where she received her bachelor of science in agribusiness. Upon completing her degree, Lindsay entered the agribusiness sector where she gained invaluable experience in the areas of customer service, agronomy, and sales and marketing. Having been immersed in both the publishing and business development aspects of Issues Ink, Lindsay brings a unique viewpoint to any project she works on.
Ruskin Johnson
Director, Digital Services
Ewa Józefowicz Amador
Client Services Manager
Michelle Klieger
Director of Client Services
Ruskin Johnson
Director, Digital Services
A certified project management professional with over 12 years of experience, Ruskin brings expertise in managing large scale technology projects in multi-functional areas. Well versed in leveraging technology with business acumen, Ruskin strives to provide a strategic advantage to organizations in any project he works on. Ruskin is proficient in applying industry standard project management methodologies and best practices. With a Degree in Engineering and understanding of ever-changing technology, Ruskin brings in an added value to his customers and Issues Ink team.
Ewa Józefowicz Amador
Client Services Manager
Passionate about the science of language, its connection with the way we communicate and its impact on our daily decision-making, Ewa helps Seed World Group to create effective communication and marketing strategies for their CREATE clients from the seed industry all over the world.
Ewa graduated from the Department of English Philology (M.A.) at Wroclaw University (WSF). In addition, she holds a specialization degree in Food Security: Assessment and Action from UOC in Spain. For a number of years, she worked for the Seed Agency in Poland (Agencja Nasienna) as the Manager of Foreign Affairs. This work included cooperation with the European Commission as part of the TAIEX program (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument of the EC supporting public administrations with regard to the approximation, application and enforcement of EU legislation) and conduction of numerous workshops for the Ministries of Agriculture and other official institutions in Serbia, Romania and Moldova in the field of PVP, PBRs and IP. She continued developing her passion, strength and focus around the seed sector working as the Manager Project Communications and Membership Relations in Euroseeds, where she continues to contribute to their team while working with Seed World Group.
Michelle Klieger
Director of Client Services
With a Masters in Agriculture Economics from Purdue University and an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, Michelle is an agricultural economist who has worked as a business consultant in the food and agricultural sectors for over a decade. During this time she has worked with specialty meat companies, vertical farmers, organic livestock and grain companies and most recently in the seed industry.
In her previous role as the Director of International Programs and Policy for the American Seed Trade Association she had the opportunity to travel and work around the world, helping industry leaders manage and grow their global businesses. With her knowledge and insights much sought after, Michelle has spoken at workshops, meetings, and conferences in the United States, Asia, and South America. She brings this full complement of expertise to Seed World Group to deliver exceptional service to our CREATE clients.
Alex Martin
Editor
Sam Mostafa
Business Development Manager
Lesley Nakonechny
Graphic Designer
Alex Martin
Editor
Alex Martin is a recent graduate from Louisiana State University with a degree in English Literature and French. She’s dipped her toes into the publishing industry after working as a Fiction Editor for LSU’s Delta Literary Journal and as a Romance and Women’s Fiction Intern for Creative Media Inc., before turning back to her family’s roots in agriculture. While her knowledge of agriculture is still expanding, her excitement to learn is driving her as a journalist with Issues Ink.
Sam Mostafa
Business Development Manager
Helping people achieve their goals has been a genuine passion for Sam, and having had the opportunity to do this during the past 20 years in sales and marketing with some of the most significant corporations in the world has provided him with excellent results and experience in sales and marketing.
Sam continues to find ways of driving solutions to a vast array of Canadian and International accounts in the agriculture sector. He is always interested in obtaining challenging roles where he could add value by utilizing his knowledge, skills, and experience.
Lesley Nakonechny
Graphic Designer
Lesley graduated from Winnipeg’s Red River College with a diploma in graphic design. She gained experience as a production artist in the print industry before becoming layout editor for a newspaper servicing Manitoba’s vibrant Icelandic community. Her solid graphic design background in publications and advertising enables Lesley to produce top-quality work for Issues Ink publications and its many marketing projects.
Otgonbold Nasanjargal
Accounting Manager
Theresa Ramsoomair
Zana Relke
Client Services Manager
Otgonbold Nasanjargal
Accounting Manager
Otgonbold (Obi) is an excellent Accounting Manager. With good attention to details and strong analytical and problem solving skills, Obi is highly knowledgeable when it comes to his job and his diverse background allows him to adapt and thrive in any environment. Passionate about continuing his education, he is in the final stage of completing his CGA accounting designation. Obi enjoys soccer, traveling and being with his family.
Theresa Ramsoomair
Theresa graduated from Red River College with a diploma in Graphic Design. Starting with designing magazines, to becoming passionate about marketing and communications in the seed sector has made Theresa a strong asset to the Issues Ink team. Developing marketing strategies, supporting business development and working with clients directly are a few of her daily tasks.
Zana Relke
Client Services Manager
Zana is passionate about clients’ success. Having been born in Europe on a farm, she has an appreciation for the agricultural business. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science degree and obtained a Business and Administrative Studies Certificate from Red River College. An experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the sales and marketing industries, she can help companies achieve positive results.
Ashley Robinson
Marc Zienkiewicz
Ashley Robinson
Ashley graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Regina in 2016. Since then she has been active with a number of media companies including daily newspapers, agricultural focused publications and international news services. Ashley brings a wealth of agricultural knowledge, both from her previous positions and having grown up on a mixed cattle and grain farm in southwestern Manitoba.
Marc Zienkiewicz
Marc spent a decade working as a reporter, photographer, and finally managing editor for Canada’s largest newspaper chain. He graduated from both the University of Winnipeg and Red River College communications programs, and over the years has received numerous Manitoba Community Newspapers Association awards for his writing and photography. He brings his love of writing, editing and constant learning to his role at Issues Ink.