DANIELLE MILLAR
JUST PICTURE IT
When you are the project lead, most of your time is spent behind the scenes not in front of the camera. Understanding the visual importance of digital communications, I needed to dig deep to find photos depicting my work experience and accomplishments. The gallery below will give you a sampling of my capabilities and nature.
Each year the Chamber team invited businesses to a tourism round table allowing us gather feedback and understand the climate and needs of local tourism operators. The forum encouraged partnerships and collaboration amoungst the community while allowing us to promote Chamber marketing opportunities.
As Executive Director, I was responsible for providing members with the Chamber's annual financial report and strategic direction. Accountability and communications was members was key for recruitment and retention goals.
Working with the brewers, staff and management, I coordinated our participation in events throughout the province. The Sawdust team is brimming with talented young staff. It was key for retention that I continually sourced opportunities and experiences allowing staff to play a role in the planning and execution of brewery promotions and projects.
Each year the Chamber team invited businesses to a tourism round table allowing us gather feedback and understand the climate and needs of local tourism operators. The forum encouraged partnerships and collaboration amoungst the community while allowing us to promote Chamber marketing opportunities.
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Developed growth strategies and opportunities for Sawdust City Brewing
Established community, event and festival partnerships securing exclusive rights for the brewery
Developed and launched Sawdust City's experiential education marketing strategy spearheading growth in targeted regions throughout the province
Increased membership by 41% and doubled annual revenues allowing the Gravenhurst Chamber to grow and expand program offerings
Researched regional business development priorities to create a five-year strategic plan and budget forecast for the Gravenhurst Chamber
Consulted entrepreneurs on opportunities, resources and strategies to grow their business
Supported multiple new businesses and developments resulting in 100+ new employment opportunities and accounting for over 20 million dollars in economic impact for the community
Grew Mr.Sub Gravenhurst to one of the country's top ten performing franchise locations
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Completed marketing review providing the Brewery's owners with a summary of expenses and staffing in comparison to outcomes and effectiveness
Lead programs and initiatives related to the Chambers's five service areas including community engagement, business development, tourism, special events, membership services and Service Ontario
Over 15 years experience developing and successfully executing business plans, strategies, budgets and funding proposals
Two decades of experience motivating teams ranging in size from four to twenty plus people
As a business owner and executive director oversaw all aspects of business operations including finance, human resources, customer relations, marketing and growth planning
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Developed a core business plan for Canadian Brewing Awards and Conference 2017 clarifying goals and outlining the growth strategy, priorities, finance and budget and critical path.
Oversaw the coordination and growth of Gravenhurst Chamber programs including Gravenhurst Santa Claus Parade, Business Education Series, Dockside Festival of the Arts, Membership Renewal Campaigns, Gravenhurst Car Show, Visitor Information Services, Tourism Marketing Campaign and Experience Gravenhurst Guide & Map
Developed year-long tourism strategy for World Pride promoting Muskoka as a destination in partnership with four regional chambers and Muskoka Tourism
Completed project reviews comparing goals to results and providing SWOT analysis, success and improvement priorities
Collaborated with numerous organizations to plan and execute programs accomplishing shared goals
Over 10 years experience, executing projects ensuring goals were met on schedule and on budget
PUBLIC SECTOR / GOVERNMENT
Developed partnership strategy to increase product listings and brand awareness with the LCBO, The Beer Store and grocery stores.
Coordinated AGCO licensing and permitting for the Brewery drafting comprehensive operational plans to accompany applications
Oversaw operations of a top performing Service Ontario private issuing office ensuring compliance, staff training and KPI's with Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Health
Launched and managed elearnnetwork.ca/Contact North, a MTCU funded regional centre that became one of the top three performing centres in terms of student registrations, retention and program completion
Fostered and maintained meaningful working relationships with government staff, elected officials and agency stakeholders
Coordinated unbiased all-candidate interviews and community forums for municipal, provincial and federal elections
Advocated for change and provided elected officials with information on the local business climate
GRANTS & FUNDING
Secured $40,000, managed $250,000 and sourced $4,000,000 in grant and expansion funding opportunities to support the brewery's expansion
Successfully secured over $2,000,000 in grant and partnership funding allowing a relocation and expansion of services while managing the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce
Successfully secured grant funding from FedNor, OMAFRA, Muskoka Futures, RTO 12 Explorers' Edge, Industry Canada, Ministry of Tourism, Foodland Ontario, BDC, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Employment Ontario, Muskoka Community Foundation.
COMMUNICATIONS & RELATIONSHIPS
Built relationships with Canadian Brewing Awards and Conference host city and industry partners across Canada to achieve the 2017 expansion goals
Developed & executed a tourism marketing & visitor services plan for the Town of Gravenhurst
Built and sustained relationships with funding partners including FedNor, Trillium, Grants Ontario managers and regional stakeholders
Presented Chamber of Commerce strategies and annual reports to members and partners
Fostered relationships with community organizations to promote Chamber priorities and align strategies
Trained staff and membership staff of Customer Service Excellence outlining foundations of relationship building, effective communications and conflict resolution
Developed elearnnetwork.ca's regional marketing strategy implemented by 90-centres province-wide
Over 15 years experience, developing and executing communications and marketing strategies that focus on relationships and customer engagement
A career committed to understanding the needs of clients and partners and aligning opportunities and products to achieve results
VOLUNTEERING
I am a villager, I like to volunteer and support the local community. As manager of the Chamber, I sat on countless committees and tasks forces that aligned with the organization's goal of improving Gravenhurst as a destination and place to live and do business. Aside from my professional role, I have also volunteered for the following organizations.
Community Living South Muskoka
Gravenhurst High School
Gravenhurst Downtown Revitalization Committee
Community Living Morrison Meadows Fundraising Committee
Tourism Excellence North Facilitator
Friends of Muskoka Midwives
Big Brothers & Big Sisters
Muskoka Pride
Camp Winston
CANFAR
Ontario Winter Games 2008 & 2012
South Muskoka Job Fair
Accomplish Today
EDUCATION
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIPLOMA
Humber College, 1997-2000
CULINARY ARTS CERTIFICATE
George Brown College, 2006-2007
CLIENT RELATIONS COURSE
Algonquin College, 2010
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE FACILITATOR
OTEC, 2015