Bonnie Simmons, TMP

Experience

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  Georgia College & State University

  Aug 2007 - Dec 2007

  Mass Communications Advisor
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  Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce

  Jan 2008 - Dec 2014

  Tourism & Special Events Coordinator

  • Carry out the promotion and education of Eatonton and Putnam County as a premier tourist destination.• Enhance each visitor’s experience while in Eatonton and Putnam County.• Create and distribute press kits, press releases, media alerts and story ideas for local, regional and national media.• Coordinate press tours for travel journalists to improve Eatonton’s exposure to the media.• Uphold positive relationships with local media.• Act as primary community liaison with state and regional tourism organizations.• Fulfill role as Putnam County Camera Ready Community liaison.• Maintain Visit Eatonton’s image through social media: Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.• Keep the Visit Eatonton website current with the latest events, attractions and photography.• Serve on several tourism boards locally and regionally to increase market reach and marketing efforts (Georgia's Historic Heartland Travel Association as President-Elect, Georgia's Antebellum Trail as Past-President, Georgia’s Lake Country as Marketing Chair, Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway Board of Directors and Eatonton Mainstreet)• Work with attractions and hotels to assist in marketing, bringing group tours and providing promotional materials. • Plan and execute Chamber fundraisers (Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, Awards Banquet and Taste of Eatonton)• Assist in the planning and production of various other community events (Briar Patch Arts Festival, Celebrate Patriotism, Christmas in the Briar Patch, Rock Hawk Effigy Boat Tour and Antebellum Trial Pilgrimage) • Develop promotional materials for Chamber fundraisers, community events and regional cooperative groups.• Organize, schedule and execute the Chamber’s Leadership Putnam program. Show less

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  MILLEDGEVILLE BALDWIN COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU INC

  Nov 2013 - Aug 2018

  Project Coordinator

  • Increased social brand awareness by regularly posting, capturing the current happenings, staying on top of emerging trends, and partnering with regionally recognized content creators. • Implemented new content through the creation of a blog promoting lesser-known destination assets and new experiences. • Strengthened communications strategy with e-newsletters to educate and keep potential visitors better connected and informed.

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  Visit Milledgeville

  Aug 2018 - Oct 2023

  Marketing Director

  • Develop, design, and execute integrated marketing campaigns across print, digital, and social platforms within top visitation markets and markets with growth potential. • Implement an SEO strategy through updating existing content and creating new content across the website resulting in increased website sessions by an average of 27% yearly. • Manage a direct report to implement a content communications campaign strategy.• Design various collateral pieces, such as rack cards, for niche markets that support our brand recognition. • Act as the primary contact for media exposure opportunities. • Maintain positive relationships with community stakeholders.• Serve on marketing partnerships that align with our brand niches. • Collaborate on local promotional campaigns featuring unique experiences.• Represent the CVB at industry related meetings, shows, conferences and events. Show less

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  City of Suwanee, GA

  Oct 2023 - now

  Communications & Marketing Manager