Alex Merk

Experience

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  Discover Ames

  May 2007 - Aug 2008

  Intern

  Researched possible events, conventions, and tours and assisted with building proposals to bring them to the Ames areaAssisted with planning, executing, and evaluating Ames area events such as Iowa Special Olympics, Iowa Games, RAGBRAI, and Iowa Shrine BowlGained experience working in a non-profit environment and community development

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  Iowa Public Radio

  Aug 2008 - Dec 2010

  • Identified and cultivated corporate sponsors and contributors to fund on-air programming• Managed Allegiance client database system• Developed script copy and campaign schedules for on-air sponsorship messages• Provided training for new Development Student Support at all 4 IPR locations

  • Development Officer

    Apr 2010 - Dec 2010

  • Development Associate

    Dec 2009 - Apr 2010

  • Intern

    Aug 2008 - Dec 2009
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  Sigler

  Dec 2010 - Jul 2012

  Project Coordinator

  •Maintained relationships with established clients interested in Sigler’s apparel and merchandise business unit, Signify•Researched vendors and pricing to provide estimates for corporate apparel, athletic wear, online retail stores, event/fundraising apparel, promotional items, and Sigler’s Main Street retail store•Established timelines for corporate and retail apparel projects•Utilized Signify’s scheduling and ordering software to ensure all timelines are being met for design, purchasing, production, and shipping•Provided training and support for all new Signify Project Coordinators Show less

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  Great River Region Entrepreneurial Technical Assistance Project (GRRETA)

  Aug 2012 - Aug 2014

  Program Coordinator

  •Organized, planned, and evaluatde grant-funded programs to support local food-related entrepreneurs including a webinar series, local food networking forum, and regional flavors branding initiative•Generated all marketing materials for program events such as flyers, postcards, email invitations, print and online registration forms, press releases, agendas, and website content•Established relationships with Southeast Iowa economic development professionals, entrepreneurial development educators, city governments, ISU Extension and Outreach staff, and entrepreneurs to build a support network for local food-related businesses•Managed communications, timelines, and grant requirements for a four-county steering committee of leaders that provide guidance for GRRETA Project implementation Show less

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  Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

  Mar 2013 - Oct 2019

  •Oversee the implementation and evaluation of research-based educational programming in the priority areas of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community and Economic Development, Human Sciences, and K-12 Youth Outreach in Boone County•Secure and manage resources to support identified needs in Boone County and the ISU Extension and Outreach organizational mission•Work with Extension Council and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning and community outreach•Manage the hiring, training and retention of qualified, competent county staff Show less •Develop strategic partnerships with diverse organizations in Lee County to advance the mission of ISU Extension and Outreach through program collaborations•Create, implement, and evaluate all marketing, communications and advancement initiatives for ISU Extension and Outreach in Lee County, ensuring all efforts follow brand and message guidelines•Cultivate relationships with local media outlets•Develop and evaluate all strategies for digital content including social media, electronic communications, and county website using the Drupal content management system•Serve as the communication link between the 9-member elected Lee County Extension Council and the County Services Unit of ISU Extension and Outreach to ensure procedures and timelines are being met for successful program delivery and office operations.•Recruit and assist with training for new Lee County Extension Council members•Hire, train and supervise all county personnel with guidance from the Lee County Extension Council Show less

  • Boone County Director

    Dec 2016 - Oct 2019

  • Lee County Director of Marketing and Operations

    Aug 2014 - Dec 2016

  • Lee County Marketing Specialist

    Mar 2013 - Aug 2014
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  Redekers Furniture

  Oct 2019 - now

  Buying- Manage and purchase items in the accessories, wall art, rugs and lighting categories- Evaluate costs and market data to determine retail pricing- Forecast furniture and home decor trends to select new products for the store- Evaluate stock status and sales of current inventory to determine purchase quantities- Monitor orders to ensure timeliness and communicate with the sales team regarding delaysMerchandising- Maximize sales of all furniture and accessories through optimal visual display of merchandise- Analyze sales data, market trends, and customer reactions to plan, design and style furniture throughout the showroomMarketing- Oversee website and social media content and strategies to align with business goals and brand standards- Analyze data to improve engagement and reach of digital content Show less Marketing- Develop social media content and strategies that align with business goals and brand standards- Analyze data to improve engagement and reach of all digital content- Utilize photography and videography to develop engaging social media content- Engage and interact with followers and reviewers to ensure a positive online business reputation- Develop a positive customer-focused brand voice in all digital content copy- Photograph, edit and develop copy for all new product on the websiteMerchandising- Maximize sales of all furniture and accessories through optimal visual display of merchandise- Analyze sales data, market trends, and customer reactions to plan, design and style furniture throughout the showroom Show less

  • Buying and Merchandising, Marketing

    Mar 2023 - now

  • Digital Marketing and Showroom Merchandising

    Oct 2019 - Mar 2023