Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Languages
Personal Information
Volunteer Experience
Recommendations
Timeline
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Colleen Collins

Colleen Collins

Pontypool,ON

Summary

Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Client Success Specialist

Realty Lease Consultants Inc.
02.2022 - 03.2023
  • Provided RLCI clients personal and prompt attention, helping them benefit from an ethical and professional approach to issue resolution
  • In addition I created promotional materials for tradeshows and also revived their social media presence, creating content, articles and did all updating for the website.

Executive Director

Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce
01.2017 - 02.2022
  • Responsible for the overall strategic direction and operation of the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce with a focus on membership services, events, marketing, communications and advocacy
  • Fostered strong membership, client and community relations with strong interpersonal skills, elevating membership sales and community engagement
  • Consistently met targets of 5% annual increase in membership
  • Responsible for the creation and coordination of internal and external communications documents, for stakeholders and the general public through establishing priorities, press releases, websites, e-blasts, email newsletters and in-person/virtual meetings, ensuring timely completion of tasks
  • Developed successful brand identity, campaigns implementing market research to create total media plans, budgets and presentations
  • Pro-actively built and maintained deep relationships, networks and partnerships internally and externally
  • Prepared and led meetings, activities and workshops to work collaboratively leading a team of chambers and business organizations in our municipality
  • Co-ordinated corporate events such as AGMs, luncheons, golf tournaments and awards galas
  • Exhibited strong leadership through the management and mentoring of staff and volunteers, leading to increased productivity, memberships and member engagement
  • Mentored small businesses, employment placements and co-op students
  • Briefed and advised the President and Board of Directors regarding all current, future and potential matters relating to the Chamber of Commerce
  • Managed and improved the organization's response to urgent situations through effective crisis management tactics: accountability, adaptability, tact, communication and creative problem-solving, most notably in response to COVID 19 I led the development of a Gift Certificate program to support businesses with revenue while in complete shut down
  • Demonstrated integrity and discretion when handling confidential information; strong diplomacy and ability to manage and resolve issues.

Membership and Administrative Officer

Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce
07.2013 - 12.2016
  • Responsible for day-to-day operations of the Chamber office
  • Fostered strong membership, client and community relations with strong interpersonal skills, elevating membership sales and community engagement.
    Consistently met targets of 5% annual increase in membership
  • Responsible for the creation and coordination of internal and external communications documents, for stakeholders and the general public through establishing priorities, press releases, websites, e-blasts, email newsletters and in-person/virtual meetings, ensuring timely completion of tasks
  • Developed successful brand identity, campaigns implementing market research to create total media plans, budgets and presentations. Most notably increasing the organization’s presence on social media, bringing them into the digital space, increasing online engagement by approximately 70%
  • Assisted the Chamber manager and the board with corporate events such as AGMs, luncheons, golf tournaments and awards galas
  • Mentored small businesses, employment placements and co-op students in the absence of the Chamber manager

Owner/Operator

Jem Advertising
02.2007 - 07.2013
  • Client sales and retention
  • Created and implemented advertising campaigns and budgets
  • Full service Advertising promotional services including but not limited to graphic design, radio and television campaigns.

Marketing Communications Coordinator (One Year Contract)

Regional Tourism Organization 8
12.2010 - 12.2011
  • As a part of the RTO8 team's inaugural year, we worked together with our partners to build a competitive tourism destination that promoted the unique characteristics of our region
  • We built innovative experienced-based tourism products, while marketing that product
  • Strategic planning, marketing, branding, and stakeholder engagement were all in the beginning stages
  • I successfully launched the RTO8 stakeholder website and the consumer facing website Kawarthas Northumberland during this inaugural year of the organization.

Marketing Coordinator

Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce
07.2008 - 12.2010
  • Responsible for day to day operations of the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce with a focus on marketing, communications and membership services
  • Responsible for membership sales, retention and business communications
  • Maintained up-to-date membership database using AMS and CMS software and up-to-date information on website
  • Worked in challenging and demanding situations, meeting tight deadlines and providing excellent customer service
  • Assisted with all Chamber member meetings, workshops and events
  • Effectively used social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn as promotional vehicles.

Education

C.A.A.T. Diploma in Creative Advertising -

Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology
Belleville, ON

Certificate in Social Media Marketing -

University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Oshawa, ON

Certificates from The Canadian Diversity Initiative -

Lindsay
Lindsay, ON

Laridae MC Leadership Training -

Peterborough
Peterborough, ON

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Non-Profit Management
  • Community Outreach and Engagement
  • Program Management
  • Problem Solving
  • Project Management and Organization
  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Public Relations
  • Press Releases and Media Relationship
  • Interpersonal
  • Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy
  • Integrity and Discretion
  • Corporate Communication
  • Stakeholder Relations and Engagement
  • Research
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Lead Generation
  • Email Marketing
  • Business Development and Management
  • Advanced Oral and Written Communications Skills
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Relationship Management
  • Corporate Event Planning
  • Social Media Content Creation and Management
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Presentation Software
  • PC and Mac Excellence
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Google Analytics
  • CRM and AMS Software
  • Digital Media
  • Market Research and Brand Strategies
  • Online Marketing
  • Annual Reports
  • Communications Strategies
  • Editing Skills
  • Integrated Communication
  • Managing Communication
  • Strategic Analysis
  • Policy Development
  • Risk Management
  • Senior Management

Websites

Languages

English

Personal Information

Title: Communications Marketing Professional | Client Success Specialist

Volunteer Experience

  • Board Member/Marketing Chair, International Plowing Match and Rural Expo Kawartha Lakes, August 2023 - Present
  • Consultant/Mentor, Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, July 2017 - Present
  • Board Member/Chair, Regional Tourism Organization 8 - Kawarthas Northumberland June 2017 - June 2023
  • Advertising Consultant/Volunteer, Trish's Wish Foundation, January 2009 - December 2012
  • Advertising Consultant/Volunteer, Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Auxiliary, January 2007 - December 2010

Recommendations

I met Colleen Collins when I moved up to Lindsay 9 years ago and assumed the volunteer position of President for the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce. Colleen was the Executive Director and did a dynamite job often on her own. She had developed a strong communications program for the Chamber and served on several community organizations marketing and communicating the Chamber! strong social media skills along with a good ability to work with others and with a volunteer Board of Directors! members liked and appreciated her role and work ethics. When I was asked by the former mayor in 2023 to be the volunteer Local Chair for the 2024 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo the first person I reached out to was Colleen and she volunteered to be our Director/Chair of Marketing & Communications. Colleen has 6 Chairs under her management including media relations, website/social media etc and is a real Leader. She developed a good, active team of volunteers and has done radio and print communications for the IPM. Colleen works well with others, reports to me in a professional manner with enthusiasm and dedication to our goals for October 1-5, 2024. I highly recommend Colleen. She is a strong communicator, dedicated professional and a very good asset to any organization.

~ Bob Armstrong, President, Atlas Trade & Logistics

Having known Colleen for approximately 15 years, I can attest to her strong communication skills and dedication to supporting small business growth and success. In her role as executive director of the Lindsay + District Chamber of Commerce, Colleen consistently demonstrated her ability to coordinate events, design effective marketing strategies, and build lasting relationships. She approaches challenges with a proactive mindset and has a talent for motivating teams to achieve their goals. I believe Colleen's experience and expertise make her an excellent fit for any Communication Specialist role. She has a proven track record of delivering results and would be an asset to your team.

~ Diane Steven, Manager, Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre

It is with confidence that I recommend Colleen Collins to join any team. I have known Colleen for over 20 years, working together on a multitude of work and volunteer postings in our local community. As a professional communicator, Colleen is a generous and sensitive individual who approached her work with organization and focus on the target audience and desired goal. She recommends what she believes works best, always open to consider other perspectives. Her leadership style is friendly and efficient, successful in creating a cohesive team environment. An open-minded communicator and confident presenter, Colleen is an asset to all who work with her.

~ Margaret Cunningham, Partner, Jacks Communications Group

Colleen was a pure joy to work for and with. She made sure I had all the tools at hand to do my job. I successfully went from part time to full-time Administration under her leadership. Colleen became a mentor and friend during the six years I worked for her. She encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone and become comfortable there. I am a much more confident person thanks to Colleen. Colleen is a well respected community leader.

~ Charlene Shirk, Former Administrative Officer, Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce

Colleen is a creative and thoughtful person who often goes above and beyond to get the job done. She takes a proactive mindset to the task at hand and applies all of her skills and knowledge to achieve a successful result.

She is incredibly creative in all aspects of creative communication, has extensive knowledge and experience in writing, proofreading and editing various forms of media. She has a great eye when it comes to design and layout.

In leadership, Colleen applies her extensive knowledge and, draws upon her many years of experience to create a positive and effective team around her. As a team player, she is kind and considerate of everyone's view point and will never hesitate to lend a helping hand to her colleagues. Her experience is a great asset to any organization.

~ Kim Ellis, Owner and Instructor, The Paint Diva

Timeline

Client Success Specialist

Realty Lease Consultants Inc.
02.2022 - 03.2023

Executive Director

Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce
01.2017 - 02.2022

Membership and Administrative Officer

Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce
07.2013 - 12.2016

Marketing Communications Coordinator (One Year Contract)

Regional Tourism Organization 8
12.2010 - 12.2011

Marketing Coordinator

Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce
07.2008 - 12.2010

Owner/Operator

Jem Advertising
02.2007 - 07.2013

C.A.A.T. Diploma in Creative Advertising -

Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology

Certificate in Social Media Marketing -

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Certificates from The Canadian Diversity Initiative -

Lindsay

Laridae MC Leadership Training -

Peterborough
Colleen Collins