Laurie L. Wittges 537 Hermitage Court San Jose, Ca 95134 Mobile :(408) 469-0475 Email: laurie_wittges@yahoo.com Objective: To find a position in Food and Beverage/Hospitality that will allow me to utilize my many years of experience. I am looking for a position where I will be an integral part of a team that provides the best possible experience for the customer. Skills: • Food and Beverage Management, Menu Creation and Costing • Special Events, Meetings, Expos and Tradeshows (25+years) • CRM: Delphi, Salesforce.com Administrator • Successful Sales person, with Marketing, Operations, Project Management Experience • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Email and Calendar Highlights: § On Pace to grow Catering Sales at upscale hotel from 1.1 million to 1.8 million (3rd month closed at $40k+ over forecast/budget) for Upscale Lifestyle Hotel in Silicon Valley. § Quantum increase ($0.5 million to $1.0 million+ in 1 year) in Catering Sales for Fast Casual chain within assigned market (13 official, 10 unofficial stores) at National brand fast casual dining corporation. § Consistently ranked in the Top 5 (out of 40+) in Catering Sales for National brand fast casual dining corporation. Expert consultative salesperson, increasing sales through Relationship Building, Up-selling, Active Lead Generation, and Closing Techniques. § Brought labor in under budget consistently by revising scheduling procedures and re-training Banquet staff to be more efficient - (never done on this property prior). § Created Wedding and CMP packages to increase revenue and ease of use for clients. Developed plan for growth of Off-Site Catering business and opportunities. § Mentor staff on Client Development, Up-selling, Cold Calling, and Sales Techniques. Trained and Developed Banquet staff, Captains, and Managers in catering best practices, train in different types of service from Casual to Formal. All aspects of Client Development and Customer Service, Event Planning and Analysis, Project Management, Fiscal Budgeting and Forecasting, Post-Event Analysis and Reconciliation. § Worked as Consultant/Event Coordinator and Assistant to the producers of an infamous, trendy event held at the Cow Palace, SSF annually (attended by over 5000 guests).Worked as "Behind The Scenes" coordinator of logistics, coordinated with event location production staff and performers. Sales, Advertising and Promotions, Art Installation, Gifts and Give-Aways, coordinating with Vendors/Clients, various ad hoc projects. § Special Event Committee Chair for a Small Non-Profit Organization responsible for raising over 15K thru 2 events. Also part of Fundraising team that has built monthly donations from $4K per month to $10K per month ensuring that the Non-Profit can continue it's mission. EXPERIENCE Special Event Committee Chairman (volunteer) 7/09 - present Nine Lives Foundation – Redwood City Develop Special Events concepts; work with committee members to execute events. Solicit donations of product and/or services. Fundraising through mail and email campaigns, raffles, boutique sales, and silent auctions. Facilitate adoption of kitties. Sr. Administrative Assistant 8/08 – 8/09 (layoff) Lockheed Martin – San Jose  Administrative Support for Program Director & Senior Management - Liaison to Program Staff of ~400, Customer & Prime  Knowledge of LMCO policies, procedures – MS Suite/2007, Expense Reports, P-Card, STARS, IPE/Unity.  Coordinate & Manage Meetings and Special Events with an eye to overhead cost management (saved over $8000 for the program this year in overhead costs).  Security Clearance in process Independent and Agency Consulting Contractor (Agency & Freelance) Sales Program Administration / C Level Executive Admin 8/06 – 8/08 Some Major Client Engagements: Lockheed Martin – San Jose for DCR Recruiti