Help Wanted: Where are the experienced freelance marketers?

I recently was hired as the marketing director of a small manufacturing company. I have two other marketers on my staff, but in order to accomplish everything the CEO wants to do, I need to periodically hire additional contract marketers or vendors.

In my last job, I had a regular stable of people who attended staff tradeshows, wrote and designed brochures and direct mail campaigns, responded personally to emails from existing online marketing campaigns, and so on. But I’m in another city now and am not sure where to turn for help. The previous marketing director left on poor terms, and I’d embarrassed to ask the CEO. Where's the best place to find experienced marketing help at a reasonable rate — either budgeting per hour or per project?

— Tamiel, Marketing Director