Karla Comer Email & Phone Number

North Carolina, United States

Greensboro--Winston-Salem--High Point Area

1807 East Wendover Ave.

Oversee the coordination and administration of all aspects of the Passion to Purse Entrepreneurship Program including planning, organizing, staffing, leading and implementing. • Supervise and lead a team of program facilitators to execute business program initiatives.• Track and manage program performance and outcomes to adhere to all grant guidelines.• Provide program participants with ongoing support in all business related endeavors including marketing, social media, branding, sales, business plans, strategic planning and provide business resources.• Implement outreach initiatives to raise program awareness in the community, including stakeholders, partner agencies, media and community organizations. • Manage the YWCA’s Microenterprise and Emergency Loan Fund and program budgets.• Responsible for grant writing and providing grant reports to key stakeholders.• Submit and track all expenses monthly and review program budgets.• Maintain and develop relationships with all program partners, including community-based organizations, lending partners and universities.• Organize and execute presentations, workshops and special events for the Passion to Purse Program.Kitchen and Building Operations• Supervise Maintenance Coordinator and Kitchen Manager. • Oversee kitchen operations and building operations; enforce safety policies and guidelines.• Coordinate meal planning, pricing and billing for internal, external and capital campaign events.• Create invoices for billing of all catering events.• Submit catering income and expense reports for review by the Finance Committee. • Oversee building meeting space rentals and execute contracts.• Adhere to all building inspection guidelines for the city and state. • Write maintenance schedule and coordinate set up for all building events. • Work with vendors to ensure maintenance issues are handled efficiently.

Jamestown N.C.

Developed and built a full-service bakery business from start up to a recognized brand.Operations:• Produce 90% of business through referrals and word-of-mouth marketing.• Monitor all financial operations for future optimal business outcomes.• Control and monitor cash flow to meet the weekly and monthly expenditures.• Facilitate B2B sales appointments, quotes, negotiations, invoices and contracts.• Hire, train and supervise bakery staff providing guidance in use of procedures and customer service practices.Marketing/Public Relations:• Write and edit all marketing materials for website, advertisements and social media.• Generated over $400K in unpaid ad revenue from local and national media including Southern Living Magazine, WFMY News 2, Fox News, Greensboro News & Record and Our State Magazine.• Create and implement all marketing plans, social media campaigns, public relations initiatives, also collaborate with local media on story ideas and photo shoots.• Recurring guest on WFMY News 2, producing two live baking segments per visit. • Develop and facilitate relationships with business and community organizations that are beneficial partnerships to further promote the Clara Marie’s brand.

Winston-Salem, N.C.

Developed and managed social media initiatives for international asthma company, iSonea Ltd.• Created and implemented social media campaigns for iSonea’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram accounts. • Collaborated with multiple agencies in Australia and the United States on overall campaigns for the brand• Networked and developed relationships with asthma doctors, bloggers, and organizations.• Managed asthma spokesperson for media interviews media efforts, promotional materials and blog posts. • Pitched contributors for iSonea asthma community blog and edited all articles for upload.• Organized meetings with industry organizations to discuss opportunities for research study development and collaborations.

High Point, N.C.

Gained national and international media coverage as the primary public relations contact for the “More Mileage for Your Money” and soccer campaigns for Uniroyal Tire.• Generated over $850,000 in ad revenue from long lead pitching. • Responsible for management of nationally-known campaign spokesperson, Kim Danger.• Managed key tactical details, including the creation of media lists, press releases, lead generation and follow-up; as well as satellite media tours, radio media tours, travel schedules, spokesperson appearances and budgets.• Brainstormed and developed marketing initiatives for campaigns.• Authored and edited Uniroyal newsletter, video scripts, promotional materials, and campaign e-books.• Created, produced and wrote “More Mileage for Your Money” videos, and organized all props for travel to on-location shoots.• Co-directed the implementation of social media initiatives across all campaigns.• Supervised team assistants in the execution of media goals and all campaign projects.

Boosted international awareness for Greensboro, N.C. as a travel destination.Supervised activities of part-time inquiry staff and bureau interns.Compiled and proofed editorial materials for all bureau publications: visitors, dining and meeting planners guides.Hosted travel writers and set up interviews with local companies, attractions and residents to increase national awareness of Greensboro. Coordinated photo and television shoots. Hosted bi-monthly Attractions Council meetings.Managed all bureau projects and content for website and bureau portion of N.C. Division of Tourism site. Monitored, updated and evaluated website to enhance and add new features. Acted as liaison with vendor for bureau website.

Bachelor Of Arts, Sociology

Bachelor Of Science, Recreation, Parks And Tourism