Elaine leads the organization’s business development and marketing efforts. As a growth strategist, she identifies opportunities to help business leaders develop their People, improve Processes, and streamline Communications. As RTG Solutions Group’s brand steward, Elaine steers the organization’s brand and marketing strategy to effectively communicate across multiple channels.

• Provide leadership of strategic communications initiatives and content development to Ashley HomeStore’s multiple audiences and channels.• Wrote compelling executive-level content on behalf of the CEO to stakeholders and associates. • Led Corporate Social Responsibility internal and external awareness campaigns that included the American Heart Association and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. • Coached associates in developing and delivering TEDTalk-like presentations as part of employment engagement initiative to educate, inspire and engage.• Spearheaded public relations efforts including media coordination, prepping executive spokespersons, and Ashley’s Retail & eCommerce headquarters’ grand opening, hosting dignitaries such as Governor of Florida. • Developed Continuous Improvement communications infrastructure for Distribution & Logistics, Strategic Planning, Talent Management and deployment of new technology for Ashley Retail Store Operations.

Write human interest and local news features for weekly community sections in Brandon, South Shores and Plant City.

Elaine Speer is passionate about helping small and mid-size businesses tell their story, build their reputation and get found online. With a unique combination of creativity, marketing know-how and smart strategies, Elaine helps businesses effectively communicate their services and reach target audiences while engaging customers and clients.

• Boosted organization’s brand awareness, professional image and constituent engagement: Redesigned website and logo, added mobile site, wrote engaging content, developed e-newsletter and applied SEO tactics. o Exceeded industry standards with 32-39% open-rate in e-mail marketing campaignso Jumped from ‘not listed’ to Google Page One • Managed organization’s day-to-day operations, staff, volunteers and board of directors. Improved processes, technology and data collection for enhanced efficiency and customer service.

• Managed company’s corporate and foundation giving; developed strategic plan for employee volunteer program; consulted to company CEO and leadership on giving and volunteer program strategy and tactics.

• Developed marketing plan; tactics included first-ever key message development, videos, brochure, annual report, print/radio/TV/billboard ads and logo, branding and newsletter redesign. o Created ad concept and campaign, “Faces of Foster Parents,” resulting in improved awareness and increase in foster parenting interest.• Heightened public relations efforts related to media inquiries, story pitching and crisis communications. Trained CEO in on-camera and media interviewing skills.o Garnered increase positive press and TV coverage; Aided CEO with messaging and responses as related to a child welfare crisis, minimizing negative media coverage.

• Managed organization’s public relations and communications in support of organization’s strategic direction. • Consulted to CEO involving speeches, public presentations and media interviews.• Wrote and edited organization’s communications materials including: newsletters, brochures, web content, event programs, PowerPoint presentations, news releases, letters-to-the-editor, direct mail and annual report. • Produced and directed annual campaign video as a vehicle to educate and inspire Tampa Bay area employees.

• Trained Hillsborough Community College students in speaking, listening and presentation skills as instructor of a 3-credit Public Speaking course.• Developed and implemented course syllabus, tests, speech evaluation processes, lectures and supporting information for class instruction.

• Developed national strategic communications plans, messaging, media materials, collateral and corporate videos for American Heart Walk promotion in hundreds of cities and thousands of corporations.• Devised media relations’ strategy for American Stroke Association’s Train to End Stroke event.o Successful media placements featured stroke survivor Cindy McCain (wife of Senator John McCain): Hour-long program dedicated to stroke awareness on CNN’s “Larry King Live” and a Woman’s Day cover story resulted in exponential increase in website visits and 800# inquires. • Collaborated on media event to promote AHA’s partnership with former President Bill Clinton to fight childhood obesity. Coordinated national news conference; prepared AHA spokespersons for media interviews.o Event resulted in major media coverage on every national network, live morning program interviews, and prominent print placement for expansive media coverage for AHA’s health initiative. • Managed multi-million dollar national American Heart Walk sponsorships with Subway and Reebok.o AHA/Reebok national promotion resulted in immense website traffic to both Reebok and AHA. o Coordinated Subway AHA/Heart Walk in-store and event promotions• Consulted to field communications staff (120+) on AHA best practices and initiatives; trained new staff through mentoring and three-day orientation training.

• Developed and implemented communications initiatives to promote association’s health and science information to the media, healthcare professionals and the general public.