DEBRA HENKLE

Hoboken, New Jersey 07030 917.608.7434 debra.henkle@gmail.com

EVENT / PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Confident, energetic, and take charge Management Professional with demonstrated success at planning, organizing, and coordinating events/projects to achieve goals and objectives. Honest, ethical and forthright - accomplished at gaining customer trust and confidence, establishing and maintaining positive and beneficial internal and external partnerships. Excellent organizational and time management skills - perform effectively in a rapidly changing environment, and work constructively under pressure. Event Planning Negotiations Consulting Project Management / Coordination Training / Development Client Relations Customer Service Business Development Branding Research Start Ups / Turnarounds Policy Development Process Improvement Inventory Management Logistics Vendor Relations Strategic Sourcing Internet Marketing Ecommerce

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
MICHAELS MARKETING GROUP / EVOL ENTERPRISES INC., New York, New York 02/2004 - 01/2012 Michaels Marketing Group specializes in promotional premiums and production for event marketing, product launches, fulfillment and packaging, and graphic design work in company ID, logo treatments, print advertising and website design. Evol Enterprises, a start-up apparel company, branched off Michaels as a separate division. Director of Operations - Evol Enterprises, Inc. (03/2007 - 01/2012) Requested by company president to serve on the leadership team charged with launching and building new, brand centric apparel line, while continuing to serve as Project Manager for Michaels Marketing Group. Performed HR and accounting functions, including purchasing, accounts payable / accounts receivable, and payroll. Managed production, inventory, and logistics functions; identified target demographics; and created and executed strategies for marketing outlets, including online presence and social media. Researched, submitted and received trademarks; negotiated contracts; directed shipping and billing activities; and served as factory liaison. Issued all purchase orders; supervised production time lines; assigned individual pieces unique sku numbers; and managed inventory. Implemented quality improvement systems in inventory control and customer project tracking. Accomplishments: Successfully obtained trademarks for two separate divisions. Performed all research, and prepared and submitted required documentation, saving company thousands of dollars in attorneys fees. Investigated all elements of industry - from manufacturing to shipping logistics to retail cycle, and created critical path of production to stay on point with sales cycle, ultimately saving time, and money while eliminating waste. Negotiated contracts with vendors, resulting in higher volume discounting and locked in pricing. Spearheaded companys participation in key industry show in Las Vegas, managing promotional efforts including direct mail, email blasts, and website presence; facilitating delivery of all items needed for execution - product, line sheets, and look books. Creatively used credit card points to book travel and hotel accommodations for five people at no cost to the company. Premium designed for Vegas event was incorrectly shipped to Los Angeles. Personally contacted shipping company and arranged for pick up by company president, requiring adjustment in travel itinerary. Established claim with credit card company used for vendor payment, resulting in credit for premium charges and extra plane fare. Created and maintained sales tracking log for sales manager and team, serving as an incentive for sales reps, while simultaneously keeping track of orders distribution. Reduced receivables from 60-90 day industry standard to 30-60 days, significantly improving cash flow. Project Manager / Operations - Michaels Marketing Group (02/2004 - 01/2012) Recruited by company president, as a former client at Aveda Healthcare. Communicated with clients to define projects/events, time lines, and budgets, and create strategic vision. Collaborated with creative directors and firms developing new advertising promotions. Researched appropriate items to fit clients requirements, served as liaison for product execution and manufacturing with domestic and offshore vendors. Improved clients' brand identity through logo treatments, and determining appropriate premiums and promotions specific to projects. Followed projects through from start to finish, providing quotes, issuing purchase orders, remaining in contact with client, and creating billing documents. Managed daily business activities, including accounts payable / accounts receivable, and payroll.

DEBRA HENKLE
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Accomplishments: Promoted within two months from assisting on select projects to overseeing all key projects and high profile clientele. Played key role in resolving specialized packaging problem with Conde Nast, one of companys largest clients. Project required unique specifications related to color and size. Contacted numerous manufacturers and selected local vendor who agreed to produce and print box (in black) in short turnaround time. Problems arose regarding color bleed. Maintaining close contact with client, researched and presented alternatives. Client chose to remain with first choice, and applauded companys communication throughout process, continuing as a customer. Fox Networks, another large client, consistently placed orders of various size scales and deadlines through various departments and locations. Holiday gifts for Fox News, ranging from imprinted stainless steel travel mugs, to leather debossed journals and picture frames, to etched Riedel wine glasses were ordered in June. Each item needed to be obtained through sampling initially for review, then decorated and approved or modified, and sent through approval process again. Ultimately, each level of gift was gift wrapped in red, silver, or gold gift-wrap. The final shipment reached the designated warehouse ahead of schedule, the third week of September. On the third Friday of November, Fox called to order an additional 350 travel thermoses and stated that several of the Riedel wine glass sets have been damaged in shipping. Facing a two week deadline, including shipping time, and no availability of originally selected wine glasses, negotiated rush production on thermoses; and collaborated with representative to present alternative solution for wine glasses. Client was pleased with expedited delivery and innovative solution regarding wine glasses. Increased revenues by 15% through sales and negotiating better rates with vendors. Reduced accounts receivable by 60-90 days. AVEDA HEALTHCARE, Cranford, New Jersey 08/2001 - 02/2004 Hospice organization focusing on long term care facilities and home care patients. Marketing Coordinator Coordinated marketing, branding and advertising for new hospice organization, serving as liaison between Marketing Managers, CEO and consulting attorneys. Participated in weekly sales team meetings, reporting regularly on referral development and progress on targets. Developed strategies to maximize admissions of residents in accordance with facility and regional sales plan. Negotiated, wrote and maintained contracts for long-term care facilities. Accomplishments: Key player in expanding services into states of Pennsylvania, California, and Massachusetts. Researched and reported on state specific requirements in management meetings. Career Note: Previously employed as a Manager at Judson Grill and Gramercy Tavern. Details upon request.

EDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology George Washington University - Washington, DC Direct Mailing Course Direct Marketing Fundraising Association (DMFA)

COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Office Suite QuickBooks Pro ESP (ASI Software) Census Software

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Advertising Specialties Industry (ASI)