Katherine Smith
Peoria,IL
Summary
Self-directed event coordinator with over 20 years of experience creating strategic alliances with organizational leaders to align with and support key business initiatives for on-time, under-budget event completion. Organized and ambitious planner with expertise in managing costs and budgets while establishing partnerships with vendors for optimal savings. Customer-oriented time manager and decisive leader.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Milestone Event Planning Specialist
F.A.S.T Inc.
Peoria, IL
08.1998 - 09.2020
- Organize and promoted five to ten events, large gatherings, and celebrations per week
- Secured up to ten locations weekly for special events
- Developed event schedules
- Hired catering companies and developed menus to serve multiple events per week
- Hired all personnel needed to staff three to four large events simultaneously
- Worked with client to make sure their event expressed their personal style
- Hired entertainment
- Sourced all tables, chairs, lighting, and equipment needed for event
- Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and attentive service.
- Reduced costs by identifying inefficiencies in operations and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Enhanced team productivity by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
Owner/Operator
Double A's Pizza ,Sports Bar, And Grill
Peoria, IL
06.1998 - 03.2020
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Managed financial aspects of business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for business.
- Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.
- Streamlined operations to improve efficiency, enabling more time to be spent on strategic planning and decision making.
Horticultural Assistant
Heights Flowers
Peoria, IL
04.2022 - 09.2022
- Enhanced plant growth by implementing proper pruning techniques and optimal fertilization methods.
- Increased overall garden health through regular monitoring and treatment of pests and diseases.
- Assisted in design and installation of various landscape projects, resulting in improved aesthetic appeal and functionality.
- Collaborated with fellow horticulture team members to ensure timely completion of tasks and maintenance schedules.
- Assisted in design and installation of various landscape projects, resulting in improved aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Optician
Vision Care Centre
Peoria, IL
11.2021 - 03.2024
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing personalized eyewear recommendations based on individual needs and preferences.
- Increased sales effectively communicating benefits of various lens coatings, materials, and frames to customers.
- Reduced wait times for eyewear adjustments and repairs by efficiently managing in-store lab and equipment.
- Maintained clean and organized store environment, ensuring optimal product display and easy access for customers.
- Helped prepare specimens and slides for laboratory analysis, facilitating fast diagnoses and treatment.
- Directed patients to exam rooms for initial evaluations and intake to aide physicians with carrying out efficient appointments.
- Provided patients with detailed instructions for pre- and post-op care under physician supervision to promote healing and optimal recovery strategies.
- Identified issues during preliminary exam and addressed concerns with physician.
Lead Preschool Teacher
A+ Steam Academy
Peoria, IL
08.2019 - 02.2021
- Enhanced preschoolers' learning experiences by incorporating creative and interactive teaching methods in daily lessons.
- Developed individualized lesson plans for each student, resulting in increased academic growth and understanding.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop curriculum and share best practices, improving overall classroom effectiveness.
- Fostered nurturing and inclusive classroom environment where all students felt comfortable participating and sharing ideas.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Bradley University
Peoria, IL05.2002
Skills
- Supply Management
- Order Preparation
- Display building
- Insurance Billing
- Transaction Processing
- Optical orders
- Customer Service
Timeline
Horticultural Assistant
Heights Flowers
04.2022 - 09.2022
Optician
Vision Care Centre
11.2021 - 03.2024
Lead Preschool Teacher
A+ Steam Academy
08.2019 - 02.2021
Milestone Event Planning Specialist
F.A.S.T Inc.
08.1998 - 09.2020
Owner/Operator
Double A's Pizza ,Sports Bar, And Grill
06.1998 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Bradley University