People You Should Know: Millie Rambis

Special Events Coordinator, The Blue Note and Mojo’s
AGE: 39 | YEARS LIVED IN MID-MISSOURI: 10 | HOMETOWN: Lilbourn, Mo.
JOB DESCRIPTION: I coordinate and book special events ( i.e. private parties, fundraisers, weddings, birthday parties, etc.) for The Blue Note and Mojo’s; manage and sell advertisements on our big screen; coordinate the BBQ competition for the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival; and organize and set up Summer Fest VIP.
EDUCATION: Received B.S. in business administration with emphasis in marketing from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Heart of Missouri Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA); Assistance League Mid Missouri–Juniors; FRIENDS of the Central Missouri Humane Society; Highsteppers
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Restaurant/bar manager for 12 years, Eateries Inc. in Cape Girardeau; Terre Haute, Ind.; and Columbia. State Farm Insurance for five years: investigated auto accidents, determined liability and handled claims. State Farm Insurance, Phyllis Nichols Agency for three years: marketing and sales of all lines of insurance. The Blue Note and Mojo’s for one year and counting.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: Now that’s a tough question. There are so many men and women here who contribute toward making Columbia a great city to live in. I admire, most of all, those who are not only successful in business but also donate time and money to philanthropic causes.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: One reason I am passionate about my job is that I love working with people. I like the challenge of seeing a project from the raw idea to the finished product, whether it is a wedding, dance party or a successful fundraiser. My job is not routine; every day and every event is different. It challenges me to be creative and use organizational skills to pull off a successful event. One of the pleasures of the job has been working with some of the local business owners and charitable organizations here in Columbia. This has given me a greater appreciation for what we are trying to do.

IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, I WOULD: Own an animal rescue primarily for Schnauzers, but all animals would be welcome. Or maybe I’d have my own boutique selling funky clothes and accessories.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW: Finding the self-confidence to move out of a job where I knew exactly what I was supposed to do with a definitive job description to a position that depended on my creativity and initiative.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: I have two: The first has been restructuring advertising on the big screen at The Blue Note. I have brought on new clients to broaden our support for local businesses. The second was helping the Mid Missouri River Relief plan and execute its film festival fundraiser. I learned so much from the volunteers at the River Relief as well as from watching the films. I have even signed up to help clean the next stream!
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: There is a lot of planning and organizing that goes into securing and implementing an event. There can be long hours, stressful situations and the chance that things don’t always go as planned. The job is fun, but a lot of work goes into bringing an event to conclusion.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: I love watching football. I am a huge Indianapolis Colts fan — I bleed blue. I also enjoy traveling and spending time outside in the summer (I’m not a Missouri winter fan). I take several trips a year to knitting conventions to learn new techniques.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: The District. I absolutely love all the restaurants, boutiques and people in The District.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: I am a reality TV show junkie. I actually made the semifinals of the TV show Big Brother, season five. It was a very cool experience going through the process of interviewing for the show and learning what they expect you to do if you make it on the show. I am considering trying again!