MARIA D. SMITH
Clayton,NC
Summary
Innovative and forward-thinking professional with over10 years of experience leading widely diverse, high-impact events. Passionate public relations and marketing expert with ideal analytical and project management skills for vibrant and fiscally successful events. Recruits and hires top talent, delivers timely problem-solving and mobilizes engaged and loyal corporate teams. Dedicated to customer focus, clear communication and satisfied attendee experiences.
Overview
52
52
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Events and Operations
CLAYTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Clayton, NC
01.2017 - Current
- Operations and Total Resource Campaign
- Plan, develop, and execute all aspects of Chamber signature events, such as award winning Harvest Festival with largest attendance being over 30,000 people
- Developed and executed Park-n-Ride option for goers to Harvest Festival.
- Responsible for coordinating Grand Opening of yearly Harvest Festival that includes organizing local elected officials such as Clayton Town Mayor, Representative, Donna White and VIP's from major Harvest Festival sponsors
- Research and secure venues, vendors, and suppliers, budget development, financial management, and timely processing of account receivables and payables
- Develop and follow efficient and detailed program timelines to ensure successful event execution and points of reference for future event execution and administration
- Recruit, train, and engage volunteers and collaborate with other Chamber staff and Investors to identify volunteer needs and properly define roles and responsibilities
- Update and maintain Chamber calendars, along with established databases that capture all volunteer and participant information for Chamber events
- Promote retention and engagement of volunteers, sponsors, and vendors through ongoing recognition, outreach, and timely follow-up and communication
- Gauge need for and propose event improvements, aligned with Chamber’s Strategic Initiatives, based on industry best practices, community needs, and input from participants (Investors, vendors, etc.)
- Collaborate with Chamber Marketing representative to outline event sponsorship levels and benefits and coordination of all related promotional activities, including print and on-line
- Provide day-to-day oversight of Chamber’s administrative operations that help ensure welcoming, productive, and safe environment for staff, volunteers, Investors, and guests
- Provide leadership and support to related committees and task forces
- Actively participate in and assist with all agreed-upon Chamber events including events hosted outside typical business hours
- Manage five Task Force that are responsible for planning and execution of Chambers signature events
- Implemented and executed six-week non-dues revenue generating campaign that resulted in rising over $150,000
- Implemented and manage process for collections of past due invoices.
- Researched vendors and locations, liaised between event staff and facilities and arranged teams to coordinate event setup and teardown
- Surveyed and analyzed event and strategy success and orchestrated improvements that increased attendee satisfaction and revenue numbers.
- Oversaw event happenings in progress, answered guest questions, acted quickly to resolve problems and trained and supported over 100 volunteers.
Independent Consultant
PREMIER DESIGNS HIGH FASHION JEWELRY
Clayton , NC
02.2008 - 01.2020
- Independently responsible for building own successful business through building relationships
- Developed process to secure clients
- Developed process to ensure consistent customer service
- Recruited fifty three new associates
- Trained other associates on how to start their own successful business
- Ensured other associates knew how to provide excellent customer service, ethics of company, policies and procedures
- Reviewed internal systems and organized training plans to address areas in need of improvement
- Conducted thorough reviews of operations to devise and deploy improvement strategies
- Planned and executed sales events in both online and in-person formats
- Oversaw team of fifty three consulting professionals, encouraging sales and training members on effective strategies
Owner / Operator
THE FLIPSIDE RESTAURANT & PUB
Clayton, NC
04.2015 - 06.2017
- Developed process for ordering food, beverages, operating supplies
- Knowledge with Quick Books
- Developed and implemented Employee of Month program
- Developed process to advertise and recruit staff members
- Responsible for completion of all new employee files
- Training of new staff
- Developed company handbook that improved employee and customer satisfaction
- Developed and executed marketing campaign to include radio advertising and website
- Developed process for booking entertainment
- Post daily promotions on face book to keep connected with local businesses page
- Expanded business to include local Tap Room
- Plan, organize and held monthly staff meetings
Brand Marketing Consultant
CO-Options
Apex, NC
08.2007 - 01.2012
- Leveraged database to develop target brand marketing programs.
- Developed and maintained relationships with groups and potential customers.
- Provided brand marketing materials and other information on ad-hoc basis.
- Supported brand marketing initiatives that drove and promoted specific market agenda.
- Conducted competitive product analysis for prospects.
- Created customized marketing materials to increase product awareness.
- Identified appropriate marketing channels and target customers for campaigns.
- Collaborated with product development team to effectively modernize and update promotions.
Sponsorship Coordinator
THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR
Raleigh, NC
08.2006 - 07.2007
- Developed Sponsorship program that would increase revenue for North Carolina State Fair
- Worked independently with minimal supervision
- Developed leads, sponsorship packages, and proposals to prospective sponsors
- Worked with other departments to make sure sponsors receive all benefits
- Communications to sponsor’s prior to and after event
- Coordinated all contracts, certificate of insurance, exhibit space, and sponsor amenities
- Prioritized tasks and projects to meet tight deadlines
Manager of Non-Dues Revenue
THE NEWS & OBSERVER
Raleigh, NC
08.1999 - 07.2006
- Worked with thirty five sales representatives and their various accounts to uncover advertising dollars with manufactures and distributors
- Managed all aspects of all Special Events, and Trade shows for Display Advertising Department
- Worked across various departments to develop sponsorship packages for Bridal Show, Personal Finance Conference, In-Water Boat Show and Travel Show
- Raleigh Chamber Membership Drive Team
- Worked with The News & Observer Team to sell Chamber memberships and sponsorships for the Raleigh Chamber
- Input financial data and produced reports
- Tracked financial progress by creating quarterly and yearly balance sheets
- Maintained relationships with vendors and managed invoices for non-dues revenue
- Gathered, evaluated and summarized account data in detailed financial reports
Marketing Supervisor Raleigh Region
McDonald's Corporation
Raleigh, NC
03.1979 - 01.1999
- Responsible for 365 restaurants
- Devised creative strategies to market products to target customers.
- Worked with company owned restaurants and eighty five local franchises (Owner Operators) on National and Local Store Marketing strategies
- Presented National and Local Marketing plans at monthly Co-Op meetings
- Worked with local advertising agencies to develop strategic regional marketing plans
- Managed five Local Store Marketing Coordinators around region to plan and execute grass roots community marketing efforts
- Worked with national supplier to develop new indoor and outdoor menu board system that was adopted nation wide
- Developed regional monthly promotional calendar that was used region wide to keep all restaurants on clear, consists and consistent message for consumer
- Three C's of marketing
- Worked with cross functional teams (real estate, construction, operations, human resources and training) to ensure seamless openings for all new restaurants in Raleigh Region
- Was part of Regional Convention and Owner Operator retreat team
- Responsibilities included researching and booking venues, activities and setting up for Regional Store Manager Conventions and Owner Operator retreats
- Part of Regional "Crisis Team" which was cross functional team that was responsible for coming up with plan for responding to any negotiate press.
- Organized promotional items for customers and events.
- Managed team of five marketing professionals developing and implementing numerous campaigns each year.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails and other collateral.
- Built and strengthened strategic relationships with vendors, advertising agencies, and Owner Operators.
- Established, initiated and optimized business development strategies based on company targets, product specifications, market data and budget factors.
Education
No Degree - Business Management
Hamburger University
Oak Brook, ILSkills
- Event Execution
- Product Development Budgeting
- Trade Show Coordination
- Marketing Program Management
- Cross-Departmental Alignment
- Corporate Communications
- Business Operations
- Proactive and Self-Motivated
- Workflow Processes
- Managing Multiple Projects
- Travel Reservations
- Benefits Explanations
- Revenue Growth
- Vendor Record Management
- Handling Confidential Materials
- Word Processing
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 8 in the development of the ElevateHer Empowerment Summit.
- Collaborated with team of 5 in the development of a success non dues revenue program that resulted in over $150,000 in revenue.
- Supervised team of 5 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop revenue tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with vendors and supplies to create a menu board system that was more cost effective and easier for restaurant to maintain.
- Designed and launched The News & Observers first Bridal Show Project, resulting in increase in market share for the company.
- Documented and resolved Harvest Festival vendor parking issue which led to happier and less stressed vendors.
Additional Information
- HONORS & AWARDS , News & Observer – Display Advertising Award of Excellence for support of Sales Team Premier Designs Jewelry – Founders Club (Top 10% of Sales Force) – 2008-2015 McDonald's - Several Employee of the Month / Year awards, service awards, achivement awards
Timeline
Director of Events and Operations
CLAYTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
01.2017 - Current
Owner / Operator
THE FLIPSIDE RESTAURANT & PUB
04.2015 - 06.2017
Independent Consultant
PREMIER DESIGNS HIGH FASHION JEWELRY
02.2008 - 01.2020
Brand Marketing Consultant
CO-Options
08.2007 - 01.2012
Sponsorship Coordinator
THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR
08.2006 - 07.2007
Manager of Non-Dues Revenue
THE NEWS & OBSERVER
08.1999 - 07.2006
Marketing Supervisor Raleigh Region
McDonald's Corporation
03.1979 - 01.1999
No Degree - Business Management
Hamburger University
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