Cathy Bay
Walla Walla,WA
Summary
Dynamic business leader with a proven track record at Runway Market & Sparkling Wine Bar, excelling in vendor relations and business planning. Achieved significant improvements in restaurant performance and staff training, while fostering strong client relationships. Skilled in portioning and delivery scheduling, driving growth through strategic initiatives and effective communication.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Owner
Runway Market & Sparkling Wine Bar
08.2021 - Current
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Recruited, hired, and trained talented staff to fill vacancies.
- Managed payroll, daily deposits, and cost controls.
- Sourced vendors, negotiated contracts, and managed efficient deliveries of high-quality supplies.
- Supervised daily activities of restaurant and [Number] employees.
Director of Events
WESTA Consortium
01.2018 - 04.2021
- Surveyed and analyzed event and strategy success and orchestrated improvements that increased attendee satisfaction and revenue numbers [Number]%.
- Built and implemented cost reduction strategies and industry best practices, reduced event expenses and streamlined planning and delivery.
- Spearheaded community event center's online presence, mobilized public relations and social media initiatives and upgraded event communications to [Number] potential attendees.
- Oversaw event happenings in progress, answered guest questions, acted quickly to resolve problems and trained and supported [Number] team members and volunteers.
- Developed and maintained year-round calendar of events, raised brand awareness and drove organic engagement with consumers and partners.
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
Business Development Executive
Oceania Cruises
02.2015 - 01.2018
- Communicated directly with customers and partners to build strong business networks and relationships.
- Negotiated client contracts and agreements to cultivate profitable business transactions.
- Established and maintained highly effective relationships with clients and industry partners to drive growth.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
Business Development Manager
All About Hawaii
05.2009 - 03.2015
- Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
- Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in assigned territory.
- Performed client research and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration and market expansion.
Business Development Manager
Happy Vacations
11.2003 - 03.2009
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Monitored market trends and competitor activities to identify areas of potential opportunity.
- Represented company and promoted products at conferences and industry events.
- #1 Sales Manager for 2006/2009
- Hosted Familiarization trips for top accounts
- Trained new sales managers
Business Development Manager
Runaway Tours
03.1997 - 02.2003
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Facilitated business by implementing practical networking techniques.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
Education
Travel Degree - Tourism And Travel Management
Empire Travel School
Santa Rosa, CA03-1983
Skills
- Portioning
- Delivery scheduling
- Business planning
- Vendor relations
Timeline
Restaurant Owner
Runway Market & Sparkling Wine Bar
08.2021 - Current
Director of Events
WESTA Consortium
01.2018 - 04.2021
Business Development Executive
Oceania Cruises
02.2015 - 01.2018
Business Development Manager
All About Hawaii
05.2009 - 03.2015
Business Development Manager
Happy Vacations
11.2003 - 03.2009
Business Development Manager
Runaway Tours
03.1997 - 02.2003
Travel Degree - Tourism And Travel Management
Empire Travel School
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