Bonnie Emerson -Career Summary
President- Rio Grande Ad & Design L.L.C. Brownsville, Texas
January 2002 – Present
- Public relations, marketing consultant and media buyer for corporate clients,
health care and retail industry, non-profit organizations and government
officials.
- Develop customized marketing plans, presentations and advertising
campaigns with powerful media exposure.
- Political Consultant offering campaign management, fundraising, strategy and
message development, public relations and community involvement.
- Research and evaluate client’s target markets for the purpose of creating new
image or marketing strategies and design promotional literature.
- Deliver customized media presentations to clients specific to their needs and budgets.
- Special event coordination and fundraising for clients.
- Develop customized databases for direct mail and sponsorship directories.
- Recruit, manage, and mobilize fundraising teams for clients as well as secure
corporate and private sponsorships and monies for client’s special events, business
ventures and fundraising activities.
- Manage various project budgets up to 2.5 million dollars.
President- Community Economic Development Corporation, Los Fresnos, Texas
Feb 2003 - July 2004 (this position is elected by the City Council and is not a paid position)
- Managed a 4(B) sales tax corporation focusing on new business development
while serving as public relations officer for Corporation.
- Developed comprehensive marketing plan and provided training and consultation
to municipality for the purpose of recruitment and expansion of business.
- Provided new business prospects with assistance in site selection, project
financing and marketing strategies.
- Developed partnerships with public and private corporations at state and local levels.
- Established and managed long-range community goals and strategic planning.
- Developed and delivered City Council presentations.
- Conducted legal research, drafted multi-party contracts, prepared prospect
proposals, conducted monthly board meetings, and board member training.
Business Development Director- FINSA Development Corp., /American International Group (AIG) Brownsville, Texas & Monterrey, Mexico May 2001 – Jan. 2003
- Marketed FINSA/AIG building portfolio in U.S. and Mexico
while identifying and developing new markets and business prospects.
- Developed strategic marketing and communications campaigns.
- Served as Public Relations officer for company in the U.S. and Mexico.
- Successfully handled communications and negotiations between business
prospects, elected officials and local community agencies.
- Directed contract negotiations with city, county and State officials for the
expansion and/or development of new business and industry.
- Conducted project feasibility studies and presentations to clients and City Councils.
- Prepared monthly progress reports
- Provided oversight on property management of existing land development
projects and multi-tenant facilities.
Executive Director, President - Mercedes Economic Development Corporation and
Mercedes Industrial Foundation Inc., Mercedes, Texas Jan. 1998 - May 2001
- Managed 10 individuals in a non profit 4(A) sales tax corporation.
- Responsible for the development and management of an economic development
plan to include tourism, new business and improving quality of life.
- Launched successful and effective marketing plan, developed economic plans to
include new business and land uses capitalizing on the community’s resources.
- Established new community image by creating ad campaigns,
community presentations, trade shows and direct mail campaigns.
- Developed and implemented business retention/expansion programs resulting in
increased capital investment and job creation for the community and area.
- Developed strong partnerships, designed training programs
specific to area businesses and industry workforce needs.
- Managed prospect inquiries, provided oversight to land development projects
including infrastructure development, site selection, grants preparation
and contract negotiations.
- Conferred with City Council, community groups and other governmental entities to
ensure a coordinated strategy for community development.
- Conducted board meetings, City Council presentations, prepared financial reports
and managed a 3.5 million dollar operating budget.
- Developed and maintained all databases and inventory lists on available land,
buildings, existing businesses and updated community demographics.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (B.B.A.)
- The University of Texas - Graduated: 1994 Major: Marketing/Management.
- Attended George Washington University
- Attended Graduate School of Political Management
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATES
- Public Funds and Investment Certified, Grant Writing, Austin, Texas
- Business Retention and Expansion, Philadelphia, PA
- Certificate Program in Economic Development, San Antonio, Texas
- Community Economic Development and Strategic Planning, Austin, Texas
SUMMARY OF PROJECTS
- Counseled over 250 businesses
- Instrumental in the: Creation of over 550 new jobs
- Expansions of 18 businesses
- Recruitment of 22 new businesses
(within five years).
- Instrumental in the creation of “RGV Border Economic Summit Organization”
- 2001- Vice-Chair “Annual Border Economic Summit Conference”.
- 2000- Chairman “Annual Border Economic Summit Conference”.
- 1999- Chairman “Annual Border Economic Summit Conference”.
- 1999-2003- Developed Entrepreneur’s Business Information Center, Mercedes Texas
