Sandrine Rattan

Producer and Host of the "Business Watch"...a programme aimed at demonstrating the link between specific-type organizations and the broader socio-economic development of Trinidad and Tobago. (Refer to interview with Richard Young,  Managing Director of ScotiaBank of Trinidad Tobago)..Also refer to promotional press ads in portfolio.

Producer/Host of "The Business Forum" - A programme aimed at highlighting important issues impacting the socio-economic landscape of both the regional and international economies (Refer to key internatonal radio interviews in portfolio).

Responsible for the sales and marketing portfolio for the Real Life Times Newspapers. Also responsible for facilitating the interviews and producing related content for the newspapers.

Hired by the organization in September 2004 to establish a Corporate Communications Department primarily to promote the organization's image and brand. Staffed with seven (7) employees, the Department is responsible for the management and execution  of the public relations; corporate communications; advertising; media relations; event management and marketing and outreach portfolios. Also responsible for oversight of ten (10) Customer Service Representatives throughout the company's network. Oversight includes facilitation of training in various areas aimed at improving customer service in the organization. Major accomplishments include:

                *  More than 100% growth increase in the client portfolio from approximately 2,324 clients in 2004 to

                    approximately 9,500 clients in 2010  with continued growth. This was due mainly to the marketing

                    initiatives being implemented by the Department. 

                *  Developed strategic alliances with major institutions such as Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago;

                    Business Development Co. Ltd; Inter-American Dev. Bank - to assist with capacity building and

                    institutional strengthening.

                *  Introduced community outreach initiatives to broaden the reach to clients in various sectors such

                    as Fashion & Design; Art and Craft; Light Manufacturing; Food & Beverage and Retail Services.

                *  Identified sectors with the greater socio-economic potential and developed them further with

                    specific-type initiatives (My portfolio contains samples of various types of promotional literature).

                *  Conducted exclusive radio interview with the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

                    (Patrick Manning) on the Government's vision for entrepreneurial development (refer to interview

                    in portfolio under "Journalism Skills."

Developed and executed Strategic Communications & Partnership Plan. Major benefits realised from the Plan are:

          *  Corporate profile and image of the organization was improved.

          *  Number of corporate partners (both locally and internationally) increased by 75%.

          *  Organization's brand was strengthened with the hosting of major Fund-Raising events in

              collaboration with key stakeholders.

Hired as the Communications Officer to (single-handedly) develop and implement the Communications and Public Relations Portfolio which included Corporate Communications; Advertising and Event Management. Major accomplishments included:

        *  Increased entrepreneurial activity and national publicity from 38% to approximately 55% as a result

            of communications campaign.

        *  Increase in the number of strategic alliances by approximately 40% with both state and private sector

            agencies having a vested interest in enhancing the venture capital industry.

         * Wrote article themed "How to Build an Innovative Economy through Risk Financing" (posted on the

            organization's website - refer to portfolio). Risk Financing is the core means of financing offered by

            the organization. 

Corporate promotion and sale of the organization's products and services. Also assisted with training junior associates.

Developed and executed (single-handedly)  Communications Plan which included components of Public Relations and Event Management. Major accomplishment:

        *  Increased entrepreneurial activity and public awareness by approximately 70% through such

            activities as media publicity and community outreach sessions.

Provided advice and communications-related services for individuals and small organizations.

Main responsibility included implementation of both the external and internal Public Relations portfolios and Event Management. Another key responsibility related to the effective treatment and management of customer service complaints.  Major accomplishments were:

          *  Prudent management and oversight of the Public Relation's Department's advertising budget of

              TT$10 million.

          *  Reduction in the number of (irate) customer complaints which were channelled through the

              Department by 75% over a 3 - 4 year period as a result of the implementation of " Customer Service"

              mechanism.

Main responsibilities included production of Internal Newsletter (from interviews to layout/production); planning and execution of  Internal Events; Dept. Liaison for Advertising Agency on production of corporate literature such as brochures, posters, etc. Major accomplishments were:

                          *  Improved employee camraderie between Departments through the effective organization

                              of internal events such as Sports and Family Day and Employee Awards' Function.