TRISHA VITALE

9325 Hawkeye Drive, Paris, IL 671944 | (217)994-3741 | trisha.vitale@gmail.com

Career Highlights

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Strong leadership background in private, nonprofit and government sectors

Diverse experience in data analytics, especially relative to economic development

Proficient in all aspects of project management and financing

Proficient in policy development

Proven skills in research and problem-solving

Successfully captured over $10 million in grant funding for projects

Oversight of more than 20 projects all resulting in full compliance with grant conditions, regulatory authorities, and successful project closeout

Facilitated and authored over 20 community and organizational planning documents

Prepared, developed, and delivered presentations for numerous public speaking engagements and served as a trained facilitator of many planning and training sessions

Developed presentations to “pitch” to companies looking to locate or grow in the state of Illinois, including close coordination with the Governor’s office and other state agencies and educational institutions

Developed a broad-ranged network of professionals throughout the state of Illinois that allows access to a large pool of knowledge and resources

HONORS & ACTIVITIES

Graduated Summa Cum Laude

Annual Marketing Award, Missouri Baptist University

East Central Illinois Development Corporation, Board of Directors

Edgar County Community Foundation, Board of Directors

Paris Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Board of Directors

PERK Mentoring Program, President

EXPERIENCE

2010-Current Co-Owner, Joe’s Pizza, Paris, Illinois

•In charge of branding, marketing and promotions, social media, website design and updates, policy development, and training. Also assist with inventory control and monitoring, menu costing and design, as well as, day-to-day management functions.

2015 Southeast Region Manager, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Springfield, Illinois

In charge of economic development activities in 19 counties in Illinois, spoke on behalf of the Director of the Agency when unable to attend functions, worked on

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special projects for the Director’s office relative to economic development, engaged in conversations with companies within the region, assisted companies with gaining access to assistance needed for success and growth, served as a Legislative liaison, served as a liaison for the Governor’s office, networked with local leaders and economic developers, researched competing states when working with a company facing a multi-state decision, negotiated competitive state incentives on companies’ behalves.

2012-2015 Project Manager, Francis Associates, Paris, Illinois

Responsible for planning, grant application/administration, project management and client relations. Projects include infrastructure and industrial/commercial expansion and development. Responsible for project funding, grant and loan applications, policy development and project oversight. Planning includes comprehensive, capital improvement, bicycle and pedestrian, downtown revitalization, and retail/industrial market analysis.

2010-2014 Planner/Programmer, Edgar County Highway Department, Paris, Illinois

Responsible for planning, grant application/administration, capital budgeting and policy/permitting development. Developed capital improvement budget for the agency and the Edgar County Highway Department Master Plan. Developed policies, intergovernmental agreements and ordinances for Edgar County. Worked as a community liaison on infrastructure projects and developed the County’s permitting policy.

2009-2015 President, Planning Success LLC, Paris, Illinois

Responsible for providing planning services to include comprehensive, trails and greenways, hazard mitigation, and retail/industrial analysis. Also worked with private industry and business to assist with financing, training and incentive negotiations during periods of growth and expansion.

2007-2010 Executive Director, East Central Illinois Development Corporation, Effingham, Ill.

Responsible for recruiting membership from throughout an eleven-county region, fundraising, organizing and leading economic development efforts, organizing educational events, connecting membership with resources, and performing all day-to-day functions of operating a nonprofit organization.

2006-2005 Marketing/PR Coordinator, Agracel, Inc., Effingham, Illinois

Responsible for coordinating Jack Schultz’s public speaking tour and economic development services, planning and organizing all speaking engagements, marketing the speaking tour, conducting research for weekly e-newsletters, developing presentations and managing special projects.

EDUCATION

2005 B.S. Business Administration, Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis, Missouri

2010 Certificate in GIS, Lake Land College, Mattoon, Illinois