Sarah Menk Burges

Experience

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  Washington University in St. Louis

  May 2012 - Aug 2012

  Community Events Intern

  Performed research under Principle Investigator, Aaron Hipp PhD, to assess the impact of community events and parks on community health and engagement; funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

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  All Sports Productions

  Jan 2014 - May 2014

  Event Planning Practicum for the Joe Martin Stage Race (Official USA Cycling event)

  Gave excellent customer service for the 700+ participating athletes from 20 countries & 50 states. Helped facilitate all aspects of the event including marketing, volunteer recruitment and training, courseset-up/tear down, registration of athletes, and the safety of athletes and spectators.

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  University of Arkansas

  Aug 2014 - May 2016

  Delivered personal training services to clients including fitness assessments, development of fitnessgoals and individualized exercise programs, and protecting clients’ health & wellbeing. Taught group exercise classes and was responsible for program development including exercise routine, music, and motivational messages. Participated in game day operations to ensure the satisfaction and safety of over 70,000 fans. Enforced security policies at gate entrances and received training in large sport event procedures.

  • Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor

    Aug 2014 - May 2016

  • SEC College Football Ambassador Practicum, Athletic Departmet

    Aug 2014 - Dec 2014
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  St. Louis Sports Commission

  May 2015 - Aug 2015

  Event Intern

  Assisted in writing bids for major sporting events to be held in St. Louis, organized a 4 mile race for over 1,000 participants with volunteer recruitment and training responsibilities; reconciled event budgets; participated in vendor selection process; held various events for Executive Board members.

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  Washington Regional Medical Center

  Sept 2015 - May 2018

  Fitness Specialist, Center for Exercise

  Provide personal training services to clients with mental and/or physical disabilities of all ages; training both in water and on land.

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  University of Arkansas

  Aug 2016 - May 2017

  Special Events Intern, Athletic Department

  Assist with football kickoff luncheon, prepare credentials for media and VIP’s, assist with football halftime events, staffed hospitality tent for SEC and National Cross Country Championships, prepared athletics locker room for the NCAA women’s soccer tournament.

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  Eventures Party Rental

  Apr 2018 - Feb 2019

  Front Office Associate

  Advise clients in the selection of rental items for events with 10 guests to more than 500 guests.Regularly assist clients from organizations such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Embassy Suites, as well as wedding planners throughout the state of Arkansas. Provide excellent customer service while answering phone calls, replying to emails, and making appointments. Schedule new rental orders while keeping track of inventory and availability.

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  City of Fayetteville, Arkansas

  May 2018 - Oct 2018

  Recreation Assistant

  Supervise city recreational programs including opening and closing of athletic facilities throughout the City of Fayetteville.Ensure public safety while programs are operating and assist in rule keeping of programs such as adult softball leagues.Facilitate set up and tear down of public events including summer concert series and race events for 500+ participants.

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  Embassy Suites

  Mar 2019 - Nov 2020

  Event Administrative Assistant

  Responsible for assisting in the organization and clerical duties of the sales office at Embassy Suites in Rogers, Arkansas. Provide excellent customer service. Serve as the first point of contact for the sales department by politely and professionally answering the telephone and greeting clients. Create and distribute daily reports and order office supplies. Maintain positive inner-hotel relationships with all hotel departments to expedite efficient communication. Schedule and coordinate all in-house events. Show less

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  Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.

  Apr 2021 - Aug 2022

  Design Consultant

  Provide design solutions for clients. Assist with the selection of furniture, draperies, rugs, and artwork. Responsible for building meaningful and long-term customer relationships. Professionally close sales opportunities. Offer ideas for improving the customer experience.

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  Peel Compton Foundation

  Aug 2022 - now

  Rental Manager

  Manage rentals for four unique properties in Bentonville, Arkansas: Osage Park, a 55-acre urban park with multiple venues; The Peel Museum & Botanical Gardens, with a 150-year old homestead surrounded by seven Victorian era gardens; Compton Gardens and Arboretum, with a large mid-century home surrounded by a 6.5 acre nature park; and the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, offering a campground and more than 17 miles of world-class mountain bike and walking trails for every skill level that connects to more than 250 miles of trails in the region. Further, each property hosts world-renowned outdoor art for the public to enjoy. Responsibilities include all aspects of rental management from start to finish, including meeting revenue goals for each property, managing a team of event attendants who oversee each event, touring and “selling” rental properties to clients, negotiating rental contracts, resolving conflicts, representing the Foundation at community events such as Chamber of Commerce meetings, coordinating calendars, working with program managers to ensure programming and rentals run smoothly while utilizing the same spaces, collaborating with marketing to promote all venues, and assisting with fundraising-related events. In 2023, I exceeded budget revenue goals by securing more than 200 rental contracts that included weddings, business meetings, community events, private parties, fundraisers, and national sporting events. The mission of the Peel Compton Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is to connect the community through nature, education, recreation, and preservation. The Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that our spaces and programming create a sense of belonging and connection for all people. Show less