MICHAEL S. TALUTO
Scranton, PA 18504
Home: (570) 343-6391
Email:
Mike@Taluto.comSUMMARY
Assistant Press Secretary with 10 years experience working with all aspects of public and media relations most recently county government. Extensive experience in writing press, photo and media releases. I am seeking a position in media, public and community relations which will match my qualifications and add to my professional growth.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Scranton, PA 2004-2008
Assistant Press Secretary
Working with the Press Secretary on press and media activities related to all functions of the County Commissioners Office and County Government.
· Created a working relationship with local and regional media.
· Assisted with the implementation the first press office in Lackawanna County
· Served as the official press photographer for all county functions and activities.
· Represented Lackawanna County and the County Commissioners office on several community projects and events.
· Served as the County’s information officer during emergencies and natural disasters.
· Wrote and distributed press releases, photo releases and materials to local and regional media.
· Managed community outreach for the bi-weekly Commissioners Meetings.
· Provided content and programming for Scranton Today Channel 61 (public access channel) through the Lackawanna County Department of Art, Culture and Education.
· Created a public relations program for area artists who received grants from Lackawanna County.
· Work with other government officials such as local municipalities, state and national government representatives.
· Worked with the Information Technology Department to establish web streaming of the County Commissioner’s Meetings and other public meetings.
DUN & BRADSTREET CORPORATION, Scranton, PA 1988-2003
Customer Investigation Consultant (2002-2003)
Investigated credit and updated comprehensive and complex commercial credit reports for new and existing customers in small, mid-sized and large businesses.
· Responded to inquires and resolved issues within 24 to 48 hours. Implemented PC technology and used proprietary applications to streamline data acquisition and report generation.
· Improved speed of service and reduced delivery of customer orders from 7days to 3 days by developing and applying quality improvement processes. Achieved breakthrough results through decisive and deliberate customer focused actions.
· Recognized by management for successfully investigating high-risk companies.
Senior Business Analyst (1988-2002)
Gathered and reported financial data to aide management decisions in commercial credit, sales, marketing, finance and research areas. Investigated the operations of large public/ privately held corporations, partnerships and proprietorships. Obtained and analyzed financial statements, calculated ratios and evaluated data in relation to industry norms to properly assess credit risk. Participated in Process Improvement teams.
· Managed all customer issues and complaints regarding their reported data, building positive interpersonal relationships and resolving each issue to the customer’s satisfaction while maintaining integrity of corporate reporting policies.
· Increased the size of the financial statement database by an average of 40 files per month improving quality in the database of 16 million credit reports, increasing customer satisfaction, and providing a competitive edge.
DUN & BRADSTREET CORPORATION
Customer Service Internship (1998-1998)
Provided customer support as a member of the call center. Resolved customer issues in a timely manner. Offered solutions through D&B products and offerings.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, Scranton, PA 1982-Present
Commissioned Sales Associate
Conducted counter sales of merchandise in the fitness and recreation departments. Assisted department manager by handling daily cash accounting, billing, and invoices. Resolved customer complaints/concerns. Organized and assisted in training sales, counter and stockroom staff.
EDUCATION
Pursuing Masters of Public Administration,
Marywood University, Scranton, PA, 39 credits completed
Bachelor of Arts, Communications/Business Management,
University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, 1985
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Top Quality Leader, 2001
Leader in Customer Acquisition and Sales Leads, 1999, 2000
Most Improved Analyst, 1997
CIVIC & PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Scranton Area Jaycees, 1995-2001
Scranton Tomorrow Strategic Planning Committee, 1998-Present
City Pride Steering Committee, 1999-2001
City of Scranton Planning Commission, 1998-2002
Leadership Lackawanna Program, Class of 1996
United States Selective Service, local board member, Scranton, PA. December 2002-present.
Lackawanna County Council on the Arts, April 2004-present.
Greater Scranton Interdependence Day Committee 2004-present
Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Rediscover Scranton Marketing Committee 2006-present
