Diane Homolka Email & Phone Number

Greater Chicago Area

I represent and support the Chairman and Owner of the Midwest companies.

Managed office operations, personnel management, budgeting and financials, website maintenance, marketing and public relations. Managed a $450K annual budget; placed sharp, consistent focus on controlling administrative expenses. Interfaced with an 11-member Board of Directors, senior staff, business and community leaders. Building relationships, providing exceptional customer service and organizing/participating at community events was an important part of my role.► Attained international re-accreditation for business operations, marketing, and group serviceprograms, by upholding compliance with standards including governance, finance, management, HR, and visitor services.► Negotiated funding agreements amounting to 80% of 3% for 3 consecutive terms, afterstructuring and delivering presentation to Village trustees and gaining support fromMayor.► Planned and implemented community events for Village to include: coordinating logistics, managing event supplies, resources, bookings and equipment, safety, code compliance, and promoting events print and online. ► Revised branding and marketing across all publications and collateral, with new tag line,“Chicago’s Premier Western Suburb.” Featured new marketing in web site redesigns and newpromotional videos.► Organized office relocation from Main Street building to Village Hall, negotiating lease with Village which coincided with funding agreement for $16K annual cost savings.

Provided key leadership on developing and implementing an integrated strategic marketing plan, featuring publications, collateral, articles, e-newsletters, and press releases. Served as Project Manager for website development, leveraging expertise in marketing communications, advertising, direct mail, and media relations. Defined and implemented training for the Bureau Services Coordinator.► Led series of key projects, including Visitor Guide and Event Guide, often managing multipleinitiatives with competing deadlines simultaneously.► Organized publications highlighting special events and featured programs, building content forbrochures, structuring reports, and managing distribution to community partners, prospects, and the public.► Developed quarterly e-newsletter and e-blast and used metrics to track open rate to promote events and appearances at trade shows.► Primarily guided process to successfully capture $55K in State of Illinois marketing grants.Compiled documentation to verify Bureau funds, in order to win these 50% matching grants.► Created Bureau’s 1st emergency plan, which proved key to winning international accreditationin logistical and business practices.

Guided daily operations developing, planning and implementing:: communications, marketing, and technology systems. Interfaced heavily with clients, vendors, and stakeholders, to proactively articulate the economic benefits of tourism. Demonstrated a broad, deep expertise regarding market trends and strategies, advertising planning, and brand development. Maintained A/P and A/R, and structured financial reports. ► Directed eco-friendly sustainability initiative to promote cost-saving green practices, meritingrecognition from DuPage County Board as well as prestigious Earth Flag award.► Integrally contributed to formulating a new “Refreshingly Green” brand and structured anemail campaign and digital web site content to promote the brand.

Provided administrative, operational, and facility support to CEO and sales department. Fully coordinated administrative operations which encompassed interfacing with clients services, board reporting, marketing collateral, and other special projects. Managed multiple simultaneous deadlines.