Owner of Directions Marketing Receives 2012 Governor's Trailblazer Award

NEENAH, Wis., Jan. 25, 2012 — Kristine R. Sexton of Neenah has been selected as a recipient of the 2012 Governor's Trailblazer Award for Women in Business, recognizing women pioneers in the business community.

Sexton is the owner and president of Directions Marketing, a full-service integrated marketing communications and packaging agency. A Certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), the agency has more than 55 years of experience connecting clients’ brands and services with their customers.

Directions Marketing traces its roots to a design agency founded by Sexton’s father, Russell Mueller. Sexton started working with the company during semester breaks while attending college and began working full-time for the agency in 1976. Her father retired and sold the agency to his daughter in 1985. She continues to run the day-to-day operations.

By starting and sustaining businesses, exploring markets, creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth, Wisconsin women business owners play a leading role in our economy. The Governor’s Trailblazer Awards celebrate women's long history of entrepreneurship and deep roots in Wisconsin's business community.

The 2012 Trailblazer recipients represent seven counties and a wide range of industries – from professional services to construction to health care. These businesses have sustained families and anchored communities. To-date, the Trailblazer Awards have recognized 44 Wisconsin woman-owned businesses across 21 counties.

The Governor’s Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business are sponsored by the Office of the Governor; Office of the Lieutenant Governor; Wisconsin Women’s Council; M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group; Wisconsin Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification Program (Wisconsin Department of Administration); Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC); The WIDGET Source; and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. For more information: http://womenscouncil.wi.gov.