HEATHER WASHINGTON

10007 Northbrook Valley Dr. #2 · Fort Wayne · IN · 46825 · 260.489.9963 · hw10007@comcast.net

OBJECTIVE:
I am a hands-on leader with 10 years of marketing experience looking for a company that needs
fresh ideas to bolster its brand image and sales. Willing to relocate for the right employer.

EXPERIENCE:
June 2003 – Present: Freelance writer / web designer Fort Wayne, IN
-- Wrote press releases and magazine stories for the 2003 Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival
-- Created the Learning and Development Center’s web site, www.ldckids.com

Nov. 2002 – May 2003: Account Manager LaBov & Beyond Fort Wayne, IN
-- Sales rep serving Newmar Corp., Schult Homes and Harris Kayot
-- Wrote and presented proposals, and managed client budgets totaling $1.5 million
-- Suggested innovative ideas, including one that generated $60k in sponsorships for the client
-- Oversaw production of sales brochures, trade show materials and sale promotions
-- Planned and executed sales training seminars

June 2000 – Oct. 2002: Sr. Event Planner Kaleidoscope Event Services Coldwater, MI
-- Managed national on-site lead generation events for Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Pontiac
-- Executed on-site lead generation functions for Cadillac
-- Coordinated and oversaw direct mail campaigns
-- Planned hospitality/entertainment events at PGA tournaments and the NCAA Final Four
-- Planned the 2001 and 2002 Oldsmobile/Buick Scramble National Finals, which involved
coordinating travel and hotel rooms for more than 500 VIPs, developing guest activities,
sourcing and buying gifts, working with Walt Disney World on f&b and event production needs, preparing
formal presentations, arranging a golf tournament for 140 people and managing
a $3.5 million budget. Oversaw a staff of 12 during the on-site execution
-- Planned and managed three national automotive dealer contests for Oldsmobile
-- Wrote and edited proposals including an estimate that landed one of KES’s few non-GM clients

Jan. 1999 – June 2000: Dir. of Marketing Angola Coach Angola, IN
-- Created and implemented the company’s brand image including its four identity pillars
-- Wrote, edited and oversaw production of the company’s new brochure and national ads
-- Generated press releases and newsletters, and worked with the media to heighten awareness
-- Managed the company’s web site, and helped produce an on-line IPIX tour of one coach
-- Planned and executed owner-appreciation events involving f&b, entertainment, seminars, etc.
-- Started a brand-enhanced clothing boutique
-- Improved the factory tour script and lead tours

Feb. 1997 – Dec. 1998: Writer LaBov & Beyond Fort Wayne, IN

-- Wrote and presented marketing proposals to high-level Volkswagen executives (won every bid)
-- Coordinated, wrote and edited print pieces for consumer use including Volkswagen Driver
magazine, parts and service promotional booklets and after market accessory catalogs
-- Wrote, edited and oversaw production of dealership training pieces including VW’s sales training
sourcebook, competitor comparison books and sales training videos
-- Helped produce ride-and-drive consumer presentations and service training seminars

Nov. 1995 – Feb. 1997: Catalog Editor Stumps Printing South Whitley, IN
-- Created the company’s catalog copy database and instructional component database
-- Wrote and edited fun, informative copy for party supply and educational incentive catalogs
-- Oversaw six graphic designers and maintained the design integrity of seven separate catalogs
-- Edited 150 assembly instruction sheets
-- Named 1996 Team Member of the Year

Dec. 1994 – Nov. 1995: Desktop Publisher Jemco Advertising Kendallville, IN
-- Created the company’s advertisement database and designed 3,000 placemat and menu ads

Nov. 1993 – Dec. 1994: Asst. Publicist Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Auburn, IN
-- Wrote, edited and laid out national public relations pieces for the ACD Festival and the museum
-- Helped design the Carol Shelby temporary exhibit and the E.L. Cord permanent exhibit
-- Supported museum archival needs including cataloging all Duesenberg Model Js ever built and
editing a book of speeches given by representatives of the world’s leading automotive museums
-- Followed through with the daily needs of the ACD Festival board of directors

EDUCATION:
1998: Langevin Certified Instructional Designer
1993: B.A.J. (journalism) from Indiana University-Bloomington, specializing in magazine writing.
Second major in art history. Minor in anthropology.

VOLUNTEER WORK:
2003: Communications Chair, Learning & Development Center of Fort Wayne;
Writer/Contributing Editor, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival

SKILLS:
Experienced in Excel, FrontPage, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and QuarkExpress. Type 65 wpm.
Proficient in Associated Press style. Versed in reading and proofing French text.