
Cheri Bales is not available for direct meeting request. Contact their chapter about matching with them or another mentor.
Meeting Preference: Email, Video
Languages: English
I am a 30-year veteran of the marketing and communications community.
My contribution to SCORE lies in my experiences in marketing and social and digital media strategy across small business, nonprofit, and educational clients. I regularly present workshops on social media management and organize our capstone event, Entrepreneurship Day for SCORE SW Michigan.
My career has centered around marketing and communication activities for nonprofits, education, and small business. I started my career as the Communications Specialist for Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, MI, then was recruited by Kalamazoo advertising agency Lawler Ballard to work with the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Education, as well as the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. Our agency was involved in the launch of Bells Brewery in Kalamazoo.
I taught university communication and graphic design classes for Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College for 15 years while also operating my agency. My courses included interpersonal communication, public speaking, business publication writing and design, crisis communication, nonverbal communication, public relations, small group conflict resolution, and public relations in organizations. In addition to teaching, I also served as the director of marketing and communications for the WMU College of Arts and Sciences for six years.
Areas of Expertise
- Branding
- Business Plan
- Marketing
- Marketing Strategy
- Social Media
- Work/Life Balance
Industry Experience
- Agriculture
- Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation
- Counseling & Therapy
- Education
- Food & Beverage
- Nonprofit
- Personal Care Services
- Professional Services
- Public Relations & Communications
- Wellness, Healthcare, & Home Health


