Marie Grimaldi
Media Relations Specialist

At Tech Image, Marie specializes in local market and business-to-business campaigns, as well as social media. She actively pitches consumer, VoIP, hardware and software-related stories, among others. She also works with associations ranging from marketing to technology user groups. Marie started her career in the WGN Radio newsroom. She helped write and produce newscasts, and covered breaking news stories. Marie also worked as a part-time producer for The Steve & Johnnie Show. In addition to her work at Tech Image, Marie currently produces a weekend show for the radio station. She volunteers as Publicity Director for Carmel Catholic High School’s annual fundraiser Street Scenes. She has a B.S. in news-

editorial journalism from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

What is Your Favorite Success Story?
Covering drug dealers and crime in the Champaign-Urbana area. The project, a four-part news series, was written over the course of four months and profiled a local drug dealer's tumultuous life since childhood. The series forced me to enter places and speak with people I would have never encountered otherwise. Accompanying police officers on their rounds in the dead of night was an adventure I'll never forget. I don't think I understood the risk at the time, but if my sources at any time decided they did not want to cooperate, the series would have failed. The project was exhausting, yet so rewarding.

What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?
I love to get out on the tennis courts whenever I can. I've also picked up guitar lately, and play the only song I know over and over: "Peaceful Easy Feeling" by the Eagles. Attending outdoor concerts and Cubs games are my two favorite summertime activities. If I had more time and money, I'd take golf and tennis lessons regularly.

What is the Title of the Last Good Book You Read?
Despite the controversy, I really enjoyed A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, although Oprah ruined the ending for me! Frey's embellished memoir of his time spent in alcohol and drug rehab at age 23 is so descriptive and vivid that you feel as if you're fighting the battle with him. You can't help but cheer on the young man combating the seemingly impossible road to recovery.

Who Are Your Favorite Recording Artists?
My favorite thing to do is listen to some good music - especially live. I love everything from the Big Band era to current Top 40 hits. The first concert I ever went to was the Beach Boys. I’m currently playing Ben Folds, Josh Kelly, Carrie Underwood and Jack’s Mannequin. I recently met Michelle Branch, Ben Folds and Amy Loftus!

What Are Your Favorite TV Shows?
I'm a huge "Grey's Anatomy" fan. I laugh and cry during every single episode. I'm a news junkie, too, so I love "Dateline" and "Primetime." Celebrity gossip shows (and magazines!) are my guilty pleasure.

Why Are You a Good Fit at Tech Image?
It's so inspiring to be in an environment where everyone has the same work ethic that I do - to get the job done without being told and to get it done right. My broadcast knowledge has already come in handy at Tech Image, and I am excited to be working as part of the team that is expanding Tech Image's broadcast PR capabilities nationwide.