Experience

Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director, Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce and Special Service Areas

  • Dec 2002 - Present

  The Lake View East Chamber of Commerce (LVECC) is located in Chicago’s densely populated neighborhood business district which includes over 1200 businesses. The Chamber takes a leadership role in promoting the trading area, creating tourism programs, maintaining strong government advocacy programs, executing events while building a strong brand identity and sense of place for those who live and visit the commercial district. The Chamber also acts as a sole service provider for two Special Service Areas (Lakeview East and Wrigleyville). The Executive Director also manages two business improvement districts and has strong relationships with civic, community leaders, landlords, real estate brokers and local organizations. Total budget exceeds 2.5 million dollars. The Chamber area includes Wrigley Field, the Belmont Theater District and several hotels with an eclectic mix of small independent and mid to big box businesses.  Create and execute strategies to Increase revenue and fundraising initiatives  Manage staff, financials,boards, marketing, public relations, promotions and human resources  Improve parking, accessibility and transportation congestion; create vision plans for future  Attract consumers to the commercial district to increase local economics  Develop and plan for recruitment of diversified businesses  Active in neighborhood and civic groups to improve quality of life and engage interest  Create and implement new events/marketing programs to help brand the Lakeview East area  Host seminars and workshops for future and present entrepreneurs  Consult with business owners on policies, licensing, permits and enforcement of city codes  Active in strategic planning for infrastructure and district improvements  Advise on zoning improvements and development projects  Recruit and retain businesses; strengthen relationships with real estate brokers and landlords Show less



Chicago Tribune

• United States
• Newspaper Publishing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Community Relations Supervisor/Sr. Event Producer

  • Oct 1988 - Jan 2002

  Worked in the Community/Public Relations department at Chicago’s premier and largest circulated newspaper. Owned and operated by Tribune Company, The Sr. Community Relations Specialist often worked across markets to include multi-media subsidies WGN, CLTV, EXITO!, Metromix, and Black Voices. Globally, worked with other Tribune properties such as L.A. Times, Baltimore Sun and Sun Sentinnel. The Community Relations Specialist was responsible for creating, marketing and executing all signature and sponsored programs and events while nurturing relationships with civic, government and non profit organizations. This position developed opportunities for advertisers and sponsors and responsible for a $800,000+ budget.  Nurtured relations with members of the community, i.e.: Mayor’s Office, chambers of commerce, civic and non-profit organizations, minority leaders and b2b clients  Supervised consultants, contractors and part-time employees  Negotiated contracts and sponsorships for optimal return on investments  Created and coordinated internal, public, minority and editorial events  Scheduled speakers, trade show arrangements and hired international artists for events  Engaged in speaking events and panel discussions as leader in the event industry  Created, sell, marketed and produced Chicago’s largest river festival “Rock the River”  Increased sponsorship and partnerships with other media and b2b accounts Worked closely with CEO, Board of Directors and top management of Tribune Company. Organized corporate board meetings and conferences for all Tribune properties. Award winning employee for multiple years and highly respected within the industry and community at large.. Show less