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Michelle M. Marks Recognized in 2026 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards

March 2, 2026

Michelle M. Marks, Managing Partner and Founder of IOP, has been recognized by Enterprising Women Magazine in the 2026 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards, an annual tribute to the world’s top women entrepreneurs. The Award is widely considered one of the most prestigious recognition programs for women business owners. To win, nominees must demonstrate that they have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship and stand out as leaders in their communities. This once-in-a-lifetime honor will be conferred at the 24th annual awards event and conference in March 2026.

Enterprising Women Magazine is dedicated to empowering women business owners to achieve success. Sponsored by companies including IBM, Walmart, UPS and Wells Fargo, the annual awards are a celebration of the world’s top women entrepreneurs and champions of women in business. See the full list of winners here.

Norwegian Cruise Lines Shortlisted for Best Sustainability Reporting

January 30, 2026

We’re proud to share Norwegian Cruise Lines’ 2024 Sail & Sustain Report has been shortlisted for Best Sustainability Reporting (small- to mid-cap) at IR Impact’s 2026 Awards, a category recognizing reports that are raising the bar to provide substance, detail, and performance data. The IR Awards serve as a vital benchmark for companies doing the best in investor relations in the US. Winners will be announced in March.

Hilton wins at 2025 Good Design Awards

December 17, 2025

The 2025 Good Design Awards recognized Hilton’s 2023 Travel With Purpose Report in the Graphic Design category. Out of a record number of global submissions, only 14 works received recognition in this prestigious category. IOP is honored to have our work included.

Founded in Chicago in 1950 by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, the Good Design Awards is one of the world’s oldest and most respected programs for design excellence. This year, the Museum received an unprecedented number of entries from leading manufacturers and design firms across more than 55 countries, showcasing the highest standards of industrial and graphic design worldwide.

IOP Joins Advisory Committee to plan North Carolina Climate Week 2026

December 12, 2025

EarthShare NC is a collaborative community of nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who are dedicated to fostering a sustainable future for generations to come, both in North Carolina, nationally, and globally. IOP is proud to support the organization and their mission as a corporate partner and by joining the advisory board to help plan the 2026 Climate Week. IOP will be represented on the advisory board by our North Carolina-based Director of Client Services, Diane Colomer Cheadle. Diane is thrilled to represent IOP and contribute to another successful climate week.  

“Joining EarthShare NC’s advisory committee is an exciting opportunity to help shape NC Climate Week 2026 and amplify its impact,” Diane said. “Bringing businesses and communities together is essential, and we’re proud to contribute our expertise in sustainability communications to make this event a success.” 

Learn more about EarthShare North Carolina and NC Climate Week 2026 at https://earthsharenc.org/.

Brilliant Earth Wins Gold in 2025 iNova Awards for Excellence in Corporate Websites

December 3, 2025

IOP is honored that the 2025 iNova Awards for Excellence in Corporate Websites awarded Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Mission Report Gold in the Sustainability Reports category, as well as Bronze for the Corporate Websites: Metals and Mining category. With a highly competitive international field, the iNova Awards honor professionals who contribute to the process of building image, creating profit, and making a difference in the global marketplace.

Five IOP clients recognized at the 62nd GDUSA Design Awards

November 21, 2025

Five IOP clients have been named winners at the 62nd Design Awards from Graphic Design USA. The Design Awards is GDUSA’s flagship “end-of-year, best-of-year” competition. This year, they received over 6,000 entries from companies across industries in the U.S., recognizing only the top 10% as winners. Our recognized work includes Annual, Impact, and Sustainability Reports for clients including Stanley Black & Decker, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Hilton Global Foundation, Brilliant Earth, and Dominion Energy. 

IOP client recognized at the 2025 Anthem Awards

November 18, 2025

We are thrilled to share that IOP’s longtime client, Oshkosh Corporation, has been selected as a Bronze Winner at the 5th Annual Anthem Awards for their 2024 Sustainability Report. 

Oshkosh’s recognition in the Sustainability, Environment & Climate category is a prestigious honor presented to organizations whose work focuses on environmental-related issues, including concerns for environmental conservation and the improvement of the state of the environment and all living things. The Anthem Awards consider over 2,000 submissions from nearly 50 countries around the world which are reviewed and voted over 10,000 times by jurors and Anthem Community Voice supporters. 

Presented by the Webby Awards, the Anthem Awards is the largest and most comprehensive social impact award. Now in its fifth year, it was created specifically to celebrate purpose and mission-driven work from people, companies, and organizations across the globe. 

Ideas On Purpose is an Inc. 2025 Power Partner 

November 5, 2025

We are pleased to announce that Ideas On Purpose has been honored by the 2025 Inc. Power Partners Awards. Determined by client endorsement gathered independently by Inc., the Power Partners list is a highly competitive and prestigious honor that recognizes the top B2B organizations whose client relationships and track record of excellence drive growth and innovation across industries. We’re in tremendous company with our fellow honorees, and we are continuously grateful to our clients for their trust and partnership.

Michelle M. Marks to speak at Sustainable Business Council

October 13, 2025

Michelle will to join a panel on Communicating Sustainability and the Role of Storytelling at the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council Conference on November 5, 2025

As sustainability becomes more complex and politically sensitive, how we communicate about it is more important than ever. This session explores the evolving landscape of sustainability messaging, from shifts in corporate communication to the growing influence of storytelling, data visualization, and even audio. Discover how organizations can craft authentic narratives, tailor messages for diverse audiences, and use subtle design cues to encourage sustainable behavior. Whether you’re shaping strategy or sharing impact, this session offers practical insights to make your sustainability communication more effective and meaningful.

📅 Date: November 4 & 5
📍 Location: La Crosse Center, La Crosse, WI
🔗 Details and registration at wisconsinsustainability.com/2025conference

Ideas On Purpose is now Certified Woman Owned

September 4, 2025

We are proud to share our certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s gold standard for woman-owned businesses in the US.

”As a founder of Ideas On Purpose, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible partners and a talented team for 25 years to build an agency we’re all proud of. I’m excited about what this milestone means for our continued growth and the clients we serve.”

— Michelle M. Marks, Managing Partner & co-founder

While WBENC certification doesn’t change the premium services we deliver, it does help our clients meet their vendor diversity goals. Our WBENC-certification helps these clients meet those obligations. For all of our clients, supplier diversity is smart business.

Learn more