The Creative Coast Alliance

Writer/Public Relations/Media Relations

Cheryl Graffo — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:52:40 -0500

Cheryl A. Graffo
1502 Park Avenue Beaufort, SC 29902
(843)379-0559

Objective: A position utilizing my writing, editing and design skills.

Qualifications: 15 years experience in broadcast and print media. As a newspaper reporter, beat reporting included city and county government, education, business, law enforcement, courts, features, television and film criticism. As a radio news director, responsible for assigning and writing stories, writing newscast copy, doing on-air broadcasts ............and creating spots for traffic rotation. As a trade publication editor, responsible for writing and assigning articles, working with freelance writers, photographers and designers, determining magazine's theme and content, and handling pre-press and production responsibilities. Seven years graphic design and layout experience. Experience includes design and layout of newsletters, newspapers and magazines, as well as advertisements. Program familiarity includes Quark Xpress, Adobe Pagemaker, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Four years freelance public relations work. Clients included theatre groups, historical associations, hospitals and churches.

Experience:
The Bluffton City Sun, Bluffton, SC, July 2006 - January 2008. Editor, responsible for writing stories, assigning stories, photography, layout and design, editing,overseeing 45 freelance writers, one graphic designer and one entertainment editor, for a monthly publication. Primary designer of a 64-page tabloid newspaper with a 21,000 circulation.

Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Public Relations and Marketing Department, Beaufort, SC, January 2005 - September 2005. Media Relations Specialist/Writer, responsible for scheduling interviews, handling media inquiries, wrting and editing press releases and articles, design and layout of twice-monthly hospital newsletter, creating fliers, posters, business cards, mastheads. In a three-month period, generated $40,000 worth of publicity for hospital.

Outdoor Resorts of America, Hilton Head Island, SC, August 2004-January 2005. Administrative and Marketing Assistant, responsible for accounts payable and accounts receivable, correspondence, dealing with residents' concerns, photography of property and maintaining real estate listings.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Hilton Head Island, SC, April 2002 - August 2004. Responsibilities include assisting with wardrobe, building props, hanging and running lights, working backstage during theatrical productions.

Graffo & Associates, Beaufort, SC, January 2000 - January 2005. Duties include meeting with clients to determine media needs, writing press releases, conducting interviews, writing articles for broadcast and publication, editing manuals, articles and academic writings, typesetting.

The Beaufort Gazette, Beaufort, SC, July 1996 - May 1999. Responsibilities included writing 10 articles a week for a 12,000 circulation daily newspaper. Beat work included cops, courts, city and county government, as well as features and enterprise reporting.

Vista-Chrome, Tallahasse, Florida, March 1995 - June 1996. Duties included layout and design of real estate magazine advertisements using Quark Xpress. Responsible for 75 advertisements a week.

Education:
Bachelor of Science in English, 1989, University of Montevallo, Montevallo, Alabama.

Honors and Awards:
Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association, 2007, Front Page Design, first place.
Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association, 2007, General Excellence, second place.
Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association, 2007, Most Improved, second place.
South Carolina Press Association, 2006, Best Newspaper Publication, second place.
South Carolina Press Association, 1997, Spot News Reporting, third place.
South Carolina Press Association, 1998, Business Reporting, third place.
Salvation Army Public Service Award, 1999, Media Service.

Integrative Yoga Therapy

Amie Comeau — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:26:24 -0400

Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy, 1998
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Certifications
200 Level
Integrative Yoga Therapy Garopaba, Brazil, 11/2005
Level One
Nafta Yoga Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM12/2005

Related Training
1. The Ayurvedic Institute, Yoga Levels One, Two and Restorative; 2002 - 2006
2. University of New Mexico; Yoga for Athletes, Restorative Yoga, Pilates Reformer,
Intermediate Yoga; 2004 - 2005
3. University of New Mexico, Arts in Medicine, Dr. Pa.........trice Repar; Spring 2005
4. University of New Mexico, Multicultural Art Education, Dr. Greg Cajete, Fall 2005
5. University of Vermont, Strength Training and Conditioning, Dr. Connolly, Spring 2007
6. Desiree Rumbaugh: Anusara Workshop, Montreal, QC, 2008
7. Vermont State Department of Health, Strategic Prevention Framework, 2008

Employment
Research Specialist,
Franklin County Caring Communities
SAMHSA SPF grantee, 1/01/08 – 8/15/08
Beth Crane, Grant Coordinator, (802)527-5049
Conduct needs assessment and create document addressing underage and high-risk drinking in Franklin County, Vt. Work with identified partners to develop strategic plan and enhance relationships including outreach to business and municipal boards. Prepare reports for advisory board and funding agency. Facilitate focus groups and interview law enforcement. A primary responsibility is fiscal grant management reporting.

Staff Assistant,
Rubenstein School for Environment and Natural Resources
University of Vermont
9/25/06 - 9/1/07 $24,476
Rose Feenan, Business Manager (802)656-3326
Yoga Instructor,
Health and Wellness Residential Learning Community
9/01/07 – 8/15/08 $20.00 per hour
Amy Boyd, Director
Administration for approximately 10 full time and part-time faculty to include: correspondence, research proposals, and manuscripts; communicate effectively via email, intercampus, and with other agencies, individuals and organizations; operating budget management. Administrative management for Chair of Natural Resource Curriculum undergraduate program, including providing current reports, student requests, and form processing; Coordinate guest schedules and make appropriate travel arrangements; Develop, format and maintain files using various databases and software; Provide business administration to the above assigned faculty as well as approximately 15 Rubenstein School research staff including applications in PeopleSoft for travel; for budget reports and reallocations, for temp employees including time approvals; and for requisitioning, and vendor payments. My classes with first-year students range from groups of 10 to individual consultations and mentoring.

Administrative Assistant, IFCE, COE
8/2003 - 9/2005
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
40 hours per week; 23,000$ a year/15.00 per hr.
Cynthia Salas, Supervisor, 505-277-4138
Yoga Instructor, EHPP
1/2006 - 5/2006
Cheri Villarreal Coordinator (505)277-3116
The College of Education department consists of Family Studies, Nutrition, Counselor Education, Educational Psychology and Early Childhood Multicultural Education. Duties included research for disabled students transitioning from high school to college; developed and maintained outreach contacts for the Counselor Education internship service-learning courses; routinely proctored tests, processed graduate admissions applications, and provided technical assistance for software and hardware. The unique diversity of this community allowed me to build relationships with culturally diverse faculty and graduate students. Classes were held at the noon hour or after regular work hours, and the class design was structured around student’s needs and requests. My teaching strengths are with therapeutic modalities and stress management.

Service
Peer Educator, Green Mountain Teen Institute, 1990-1994
Hospital Volunteer, Carrie Tingley & University Hospital, Albuquerque, NM 87131, 2004-2006
King Street Youth Center Volunteer, Burlington, Vermont, 2006-07
Domestic Violence/Sexual Violence Task Force, February 2008
Savannah Yoga Center, current

References
Rose Feenan, 802-656-3326, rfeenan@uvm.edu
Carolyn Goodwin-Kueffner, 802-656-2511, cfgkueffner@comcast.net
Anna Masozera, 802-999-4958, anna.masozera@uvm.edu
Sharon Mayo, 505-856-7195, icanrun1@msn.com
Heather McKweon, 802-933-2498, vtoptimist@excite.com

Copywriter/Editor/Creative Mercenary

tom monroe — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:18:02 -0400

Thomas J. Monroe
PO Box 16821
Savannah, GA 31416
912.352.2705 / tommy@mindspring.com

Objective:
The sharpest knife in your creative kitchen

Experience:
1/07 to Present, Online Editor, Savannah Business Report & Journal, www.savdailynews.com.
Responsible for all online content and copy; Additional reportage and photography

10/05 to Present, Copywriter/ creative mercenary, Savannah

8/04 to 2/06, 4/01 – 10/01, 10/97 – 10/99 Freelance Copywriter/Creative, Atlanta
Responsibili.........ties include identifying potential new clients; Winning new clients and retaining them; Delivering superior creative; Creating a strong and diverse network to ensure on-going generation of referrals and new business. Unrelenting self-promotion, all billing, paperwork, and client follow-up

12/03 to 8/04, Studio 101, Atlanta
Head marketing copywriter for the Olive Garden restaurants. Responsibilities include concepting, idea generation, and copywriting corporate communications, web copy and all menus and collateral

11/01 to 12/03, Cottrill Design, Atlanta
Copywriter. Responsibilities include concepting, idea generation and presentation, and written communication

11/99 to 3/01, J Walter Thompson Advertising, Atlanta
Copywriter/Producer. Responsible for all creative and TV/Radio production and print advertising for Birmingham, AL. Ford Dealer Group. Achieved all-time sales record in 2000. Concepted and co-wrote account-winning copy for Ford of southern Fla. Also wrote/produced TV, radio, and print for Ford Dealer Groups from Baltimore, MD to Miami, FL to Jefferson, MO. Concepted, wrote and presented print advertising and all Internet copy for focusonford.com

Clients include:
Abshire Public Relations, Cora Bett Thomas Realty, Advertising By Design, Sage Fly Fishing, Porsche Automotive USA, The Olive Garden, Ford Automobiles, focusonford.com, Coca Cola, Columbus Bank and Trust, St. Lucia Tourism, World Financial Group/AEGON USA

Education:
The Creative Circus, Atlanta. Copywriting, MA. 1998
The University of Georgia, Athens. BA, English. 1989

References:
On request.

Contract Creativity

Marc Samson — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:48:45 -0500

I'm a newly freelanced Publicist in Savannah, GA.

For the past six months I have been working with the SVP of marketing for Matthew Lesko, best-selling author & entrepreneur, developing a new, rebranding campaign. In this role I have spearheaded PR efforts for online and print media, as well as external affairs/events.

A few of my achievements include concepting, developing and executing the following:

- An Interview and spotlight on Matthew Lesko in Young Money Magazine
- Two press releases featured on the WSJ Retirement Debate Blog
- A press release featured on Reuters.com
- A National Speaking Tour visiting some of the most prestigious business
universities in the United States, including: Univ Michigan,
Ross (ranked 6th, nationally); UC Berkeley, Haas (11th); USC, Marshall (17th);
and a number of others
-A National Speaking Tour visiting Professional Business Organizations in Major
US cities, including chapters of the American Marketing Association,
Entrepreneurs Organization, Young Professionals and others

While I will continue to work with Mr Lesko on projects, it's time to pick up another client or two.

Best,

Marc Jude Samson
Publicity|Advertising|Writing|Design
MarcjSamson@gmail.com

*BS, Marketing, 2007
University of Maryland, College Park
Robert H. Smith School of Business

Graphic Designer

Kristen Purvis — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:18:58 -0500

Summary of Qualifications

• Graphic Designer with 5 years of experience in graphic design• Extensive experience in developing for traditional and new media using a mix of traditional design techniques and computer aided techniques.• Highly skilled in Photoshop, Illustrator, and skilled in InDesign, HTML/DHTML, JavaScript, and CSS.• Success in web site design including concept development, designing, and coding.• Accomplished in all aspects of print design.

Education
Georgia Sout............hern University, Statesboro, GA
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Skills: Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Office, and Knowledgeable in Flash.

Creative, Talented, Experienced HIghly Motivated Yankee Transplant

Kirsten Parent — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:13:36 -0500

Hi! I just moved here from the suburbs of Boston and am looking for a creative, challenging and rewarding job. I just spent the past 3 years as a successful web editor for Staples.com and also have an extensive Food & Beverage background as well.

OBJECTIVE: To secure a challenging career opportunity where my F&B, public relations, business, merchandising, marketing, and managerial skills can contribute to growth and profits.

EXPERIENCE: Content Specialist, Furniture Aug 2005 t............o Sept. 2008
Staples Business Delivery
Staples Corporate Center, Framingham MA
--Merchandise furniture for Staples Business Delivery
--Product selection, website content and layout, catalog planning
-- Manage content for 10,000+ skus on Staples.com & catalogs
-- Write copy for new items, promotions and all catalog features
-- Build catalog pages for Buying Guide, Furniture Books, and Specialty Books
--Create all new products to Staples website ensuring that they are accurate, correctly positioned, and “easy” to shop
--Maintain internal systems with the most current, correct, and informative information
--Work with marketing on covers, special offers, and creative treatments for catalogs, emails, flyers and promotions
--Work with telesales team to build sales, resolve customer complaints, address inventory issues, and improve ease of shopping
--Work closely with vendors to add new product to our assortment that will drive sales, improve margin, and increase customer loyalty
--Constantly strive to promote assortment while maintaining margin.
--Negotiate prices, terms and conditions with vendors.
--Utilize Coremetrics (click-through) data to analyze product placement, search terms, and promotional tools

EXPERIENCE: French Quarter Bar Feb 2001 to June 2005
French Quarter Bar,
Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, LA
Customer Support/Departmental Trainer/ Food and Beverage Supervisor. Successfully built upon an existing skill set by
--Energized the training program by reinforcing the Ritz-Carlton Credo and integrating the ideals of the Three Steps of Service
--Increased customer satisfaction by gathering feedback on menu and live entertainment, providing dining incentives such as VIP cards, and created a repeat customer database which would automatically profile the customer each time they made a reservation or came to the restaurant to dine
--Decreased employee turnover by creating employee satisfaction surveys, hosting monthly departmental meetings to gather employee feedback
--Performed duties assigned as a server
--Received outstanding performance reviews and was promoted to position of Departmental Trainer within two months of joining the Ritz-Carlton team.
--Recognized as an outstanding performer and self-motivated individual
--Promoted to the Food and Beverage Supervisor in minimal time (eighteen months) with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the FQB.
--Developed Training Manual for the Food and Beverage team
-- Manual was benchmarked at the Ritz Carlton Corporate level.
--Team Player: Worked to create a teamwork environment and empowerment
-- Invited to participate in the recruitment and training of new staff.
--Talent Plus Certified, (Talent Plus is an international human resource consulting firm which creates structured tests to determine the natural talents of each applicant) which promoted the pre-screening of applicants, Talent Plus secondary structured interviews, and also final listening interviews with prospective candidates.
--Utilized the knowledge gained to modify training for all service employees Training increased motivation, efficiency and employee retention. Translation: increased customer satisfaction
--Peer Review Certified to assist in employee/management relations.
-- Responsible for analyzing semi-annual employee satisfaction scores to work with management to modify and improve employee work environments;
- Responsible for reviewing and implementing new training tools, and refine pre-existing processes to create more successful and productive teams.
--Result: Low staff turn over, highly skilled workers, strong team productivity and increased customer satisfaction.

Experience: Gilrein's Steak House and Catering Dec 1996 to Nov 2000
Worcester, MA
Owner/ Operator
- Developed and implemented plan for building a full service 25+-table restaurant
- Responsible for interviewing, training and managing a staff of personal of various training and background
- Gained valuable understanding for utilizing profit and loss statements to refine staffing in conjunction with scheduled events and promotions.
- Developed and implemented Marketing and Advertising plan and created focused marketing campaign
- Designed graphics and layout for menus, signage, and promotional flyers.
- Negotiated, wrote, and reviewed contracts for entertainers and contract help

EDUCATION: Assumption College Worcester, MA 1999
Bachelor of Arts Degree

Marketing Major/Publisher/Creative Maven

Joi Albright — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:07:12 -0500

JOI ALBRIGHT

Objective: To secure a challenging position in a creative environment which allows me to expand my events coordination experience and utilizes my marketing and business degree.

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration; Cumulative GPA 3.5
Savannah State University Savannah, GA
Expected Graduation: Dec. 2009

Bachelor of Business Administration: Major, Marketing; Cumulative GPA 3.19
Savannah State University Savannah, GA May 2005

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Own............er, JoiTouch Event Planning & Publications Jan 08 – Current
• Design and produce invitations, announcements and event-related materials for special events
• Coordinate and plan special events

Consultant, Mary Kay, Inc. Sept 06 – Current
• Recognized for booking most spa parties in unit
• Hosted parties that grossed 300% above quota
• Achieved “sapphire star” level recognition for sales
• Provide excellent customer service
• Provide image consultation for retail clients

Senior Administrative Assistant, Savannah State University Dec 05 - Current

• Business Representative for our office in dealing with Fiscal Affairs
• Coordinate evaluation project: Digitizing over 14,000 Student Teacher Evaluations bi-annually and distributing results
• Created Excel spreadsheets and graphs for each major to test 3-yr and 5-yr averages and regression analysis on student enrollment and number of graduates dating 1998-2007
• Update and add information to our website regarding student enrollment, graduates, & financial information

Administrative Specialist, The Savannah Entrepreneurial Center Sep 05 – Dec 05
Oversaw small business operations and computer training
• Counseled small business clients and aided them in obtaining information and utilizing the resources provided at the center, based on our consultation
• Aided students in creating business plans and various training materials
• Critiqued students’ business portfolios

Sales Associate, GAP Inc. Jun 03 – Aug 03
Managed some Retail Operations; Customer Service
• Conducted sales strategies that encompass elite customer service and enable higher sales revenue
• Coordinated product positioning in order to enhance sales of slow moving items

INTERNSHIPS

Student Intern (Campaign Implementation Chair), General Motors Jan 05 – Apr 05
Student Intern, Systems Connect (ISP, Systems Integration) Sep 04 – Nov 04
Summer Intern, K. LaLiah Powell, Atty., PC (Probate, Real Estate) Jun 04 – Aug 04
Summer Intern, Golden Years Transport Services Jun 02 – Aug 02
INROADS Intern, Georgia Pacific (Paper Product Manufacturer) Jun 01 – Aug 01

• Conducted web-based market research and analysis for market position in development of marketing campaigns by refining and updating contact list
• Assisted in the development of sales presentations
• Developed a competitive analysis matrix
• Received training in preparing various conveyances, such as gift, warranty, and quit claim deeds, and deeds to secured debt as well as other various duties
• Prepared a confidential budgeted analysis to be sent to the state in support of funding needs
• Efficiently managed daily and weekly records of expenses
• Aid classmates in obtaining pertinent information for Chevrolet about Savannah State’s students

AWARDS RECEIVED

• Participated in the OFC Venture Challenge: Business Plan Competition, 2008, SSU
• HOPE Scholar, 2001-2005
• Four-time Bronze Medallion Recipient (SSU), 2005 (3.0-3.49 G.P.A.)
• 2004 AMA Academic Achievement Award (The American Marketing Association)
• American Marketing Association won SSU’s Organization of the Year, 2004-2005
• Zonta Jane M. Klaussmen Women in Business Scholarship, 2003
• Tom Joyner Foundation Scholarship: Savannah Electric & Power Co. Scholarship, 2002

ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Microsoft Office Specialist, Proficient in: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, & Outlook, 2006
• SkillPath Seminar on Leadership and Management Skills for Women, July 2007
• Certificate for completion of the workshop, How to Deliver Exceptional Customer Service, 2007

COMMUNITY SERVICE & SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

• Participated in the OFC Venture Challenge: Business Plan Competition in Atlanta, GA, 2008
• Appointed as Hostess for the Inaugural Presidential Induction Ceremonies for President Yarborough, 2008
• Vice-Chairperson, Ebony Fashion Fair Committee, SSU Savannah Alumni Chapter, 2007-2008
• Member of the Savannah State Alumni Association, 2005-Present
• Membership Chair, American Marketing Association 2003-2005

References and Portfolios available upon request