As the communications manager, my goal is simply to make franchise owners aware of the ProTradeNet program, which is one of the most unique and financially beneficial systems available to them through Neighborly. In conjunction with the rest of the PTN team, my role, which focuses on communicating professional, consistent, clear messaging through PTN's brand voice, allows franchise owners to be better educated about a program they can tap into and use to directly grow their business and bottom line.

Develop marketing and promotional strategies, materials, and presentations to generate awareness of ProTradeNet, the preferred vendor program for Neighborly's franchise brand ownersDevelop and execute strategic communication designed to maximize the engagement and success of program membership and vendorsConceive, create, and design digital and print marketing campaigns, including e-newsletters, direct mail, infographics, tradeshow displays, and the annual PTN Vendor Directory (a printed publication)Assist in management of company's website, including page content creation and editing and access permissionsAssist in planning, organization, and execution of vendor trade showsManage and develop content for PTN's social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter)---ProTradeNet® was founded by Neighborly® in 2005 and serves as the vendor relations agency for its franchise companies. PTN enhances the franchisees’ ability to build and preserve successful relationships with elite vendors through the preferred vendor program. ProTradeNet provides franchisees exclusive business opportunities with vendors by improving communications, leveraging buying power and providing promotions, rebates and special pricing.

Contributing writer specializing in human interest, lifestyle, home, business, education and wellness stories. Recent articles are available online at Wacoan.com.

Promoted to editor after serving as the magazine's assistant editor for more than four years---The WACOAN is Waco's city magazine. Its editorial mission is to present positive images of our community through articles that entertain, enrich and educate.

Wrote articles and advertorialsProofread all pages of the magazine before it went to pressCo-supervised and mentored the intern staffAdministered the magazine’s social media accounts (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter)Assembled the creative team for each fashion shoot and served as the creative directorResponded to job inquiries, editorial feedback and story ideasGenerated story ideas and and commissioned articlesOversaw the tallying of Best of Waco survey results each yearPhotographed subjects for editorial and advertising as needed

Assisted students in the computer lab at the Gaylord College of JournalismChecked authorized students in and out of labPerformed basic computer troubleshooting and printer maintenanceEnforced lab rules and guidelinesMaintained a clean lab environment

Assisted the managing editor and the sales team throughout the production cycleWrote a monthly articleAssisted with monthly magazine distributionTook photos for editorial content and advertising

Waco is the home of Dr Pepper, the oldest major soft drink in the United States. It was created in 1885 (one year before Coca Cola) at the Old Corner Drug Store on Austin Avenue by Dr. Charles Alderton. The Dr Pepper Museum opened to the public in 1991 and is housed in the 1906 Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building located in downtown Waco. Worked in the old-fashioned soda fountain and served up tasty treats like Dr Pepper floatsOperated the cash register in the gift shop and admissions areasMaintained a knowledge of Dr Pepper trivia and history Served as a tour guide to museum guests