Sometimes, once the ball gets rolling it never stops. It can happen with a part-time job or after a high school or college graduation. Sometimes that first job leads to bigger and better things.
Stacey Vendetta-Costa, now director of membership and marketing at the Hartford Club, can easily attribute her current responsibilities to what started out as a part-time job.
“The word to describe me and my career path would be loyal,” Vendetta-Costa said. “I’m loyal to my company, dedicated to the job and like to think of myself as the face of the organization that I work for.”
Vendetta-Costa , 36, grew up in Ellington before moving to East Hartford. She graduated from East Hartford High in 1989 and studied journalism and broadcasting at Manchester Technical College. Work soon took over her interests, however, as she became customer service training specialist at the Ames department store where she had started as jewelry manager at 16.
“I kept getting promoted and my plans to be on the news changed as I divulged in work,” Vendetta-Costa said.
At age 26, she thought it was time to move on and worked as senior recruitment sales specialist at Infinity Broadcasting Radio. The South Windsor resident and mother of one became responsible for selling package deals that included Web site, job fair and radio commercial advertising. After four years, she saw an opening at the MetroHartford Alliance.
“Working at the Alliance allowed me to build relationships and learn about the Hartford market,” Vendetta-Costa said. “I grew to appreciate the city and see it for its great companies and vibrant people.”
Vendetta-Costa’s role as manager of membership sales and retention brought her into contact with “bright people and great thinkers.”
Vendetta-Costa’s current position requires the same manager mentality. She aims to bring creativity and focus on enticing new young professionals to the 134-year-old organization.
“I plan to bring community awareness to the club while keeping its exclusivity,” she said.
Emily Boisvert is a Hartford Business Journal staff writer.
