Dameron Communications created an aids testing campaign for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health AIDS program. We crated posters, flyer’s, bus shelter ads radio and press releases.
Bus Shelter ads
HIV/AIDS Bus Shelter
Web landing page
HIV/Aids web landing page the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health AIDS program
A petition is circulating throughout the community that contains an error-filled memorandum regarding the reopening of the downtown movie theater. On January 10, 2011 the mayor and common council will conduct a public hearing to consider a 34 year lease agreement with the Regal Entertainment Group (operator of Edwards Cinemas, United Artists, and Regal Cinemas). It is apparent from the information contained in these memoranda, that legally confidential information is being disseminated to advance certain private and political agendas. More troubling, is the fact that this information is so factually inaccurate that its purpose is clearly to misinform the public about the proposed reopening of the movie theaters.
I am writing this letter to provide you the facts, in the hope our City does not once-again “shoot itself in the foot” because of self-interests, as we have done so often in the past. It is time for San Bernardino to make decisions guided by professionals and experts, not politics and self-interest. Our residents deserve this and our businesses need this.
Historically, public investment in downtown San Bernardino intended to create economic growth has often failed to produce results because the plans and decisions did not give sufficient consideration to ensure that the public investment was a true catalyst for private investment. Past public investments have been made with insufficient plans to ensure it encouraged private investment. The original movie theater and the baseball stadium built during the mid-1990’s are good examples. Neither public investment was tied to plans for additional private investment. As a result, both have sat for 15 years in isolation doing very little to spur private investment and economic growth.
Thus, if our City is to reopen the downtown movie theater, the only measure of success should be whether the reopening of the movie theater spurs additional private investment and business in downtown restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Merely reopening the movie theater and hoping it stays open would not be a success – that would simply repeat the failures of the past.
To ensure success, the City retained several expert consultants to evaluate options for reopening the movie theaters. These consultants have proven track-records in the disciplines of theater development and operations, retail development and modern urban planning and design principles. These consultants have assisted other cities in our state and nation in making decisions that ensure targeted public investments are a catalyst for private investment.
I attach and share with you, comments received from the Fransen Company, one of our retained retail and entertainment experts for this project. John Fransen, principal of the firm has successfully aided communities across the nation in these types of projects.
The City solicited proposals from cinema operators to reopen the movie theater and asked these experts to evaluate not only viability of the proposals to successfully reopen the theaters, but also to evaluate which proposals had the best chance to succeed on the only measure of success that counts – the ability to immediately attract additional private investment and business to the city.Gareth from PAN created this useful resource
The consultants’ concluded that of the 8 proposals received, Regal Cinemas not only created the greatest return on investment of the public dollars, but also had the greatest chance of attracting additional private investment and business in and around the movie theater complex. In fact, once it became known the City was negotiating with Regal Cinemas, development groups and businesses began contacting the City regarding the opportunities adjacent to the Regal-operated movie theater.
Why? Very simply, Regal Cinemas is a known commodity that other investors trust and are willing to assume that if Regal believes there is a good market in downtown San Bernardino, then they are willing to make their own investment. It is very similar to an “anchor tenant” in a shopping center. The type of anchor tenant largely dictates what secondary tenants sign leases. If you attract a strong anchor, you attract strong secondary tenants.
Does that mean only Regal Cinema could be successful in reopening the downtown movie theater? No. Other theater operators could certainly operate the cinema. The fact that the City received eight proposals is evidence of the market for a theater complex in downtown. Merely reopening the movie theaters is absolutely the wrong measure of success. Success will only be achieved by movie theaters that attract additional private investment and business into downtown.
It is unfortunate the error-filled memorandum being circulated by certain local self-interests ignores these basic principles of commercial real estate and economic development. The memorandum advocates the City immediately sell the theater property to a northern California real estate speculator, so this company can profit from leasing the theater to an operator like Regal Cinema or worse, a small unknown theater franchise. Does anyone remember the name Cinemastar?
The problem in selling the property without a well capitalized operator, is that the City has no ability to ensure the theater actually reopens; the City has no ability to ensure the theater is operated by a company that will attract other private investment and businesses to downtown; in fact, once the City sells the property, it has no ability to ensure it’s even reused for movie theater at all.
If we are committed to having a movie theater in downtown San Bernardino (which the market indicates strong support for), then let’s make sure this time around our efforts result in spurring other economic development around the theater. Experts with a proven track record of success have advised the City that Regal Cinemas provides the best opportunity of ensuring a successful outcome.
I am hopeful that City will follow the professional advice and recommendations it has received to best ensure that our limited public investment spurs economic development – a formula for success seen in other cities like Ontario, Riverside, and Rancho Cucamonga, but rarely in San Bernardino. To do otherwise would be to once again follow the mistakes of the past and let self-interest prevail over the collective and long-term economic health of this City.
Sincerely,
Emil Marzullo
Executive Director
City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency
Artist Rendering of the new San Bernardino auto center DIGITAL freeway sign.
Work crew removing previous auto center sign. Photo by Chris Sloan
Toyota of San Bernardino removes old auto center sign to make way for the new state of the art DIGITAL auto center sign. Photo by Chris Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The San Bernardino Auto Center continues to show signs that things are changing, as its revitalization efforts continue with the installation of a state of the art LED display screen.
The new sign is the result of a public/private partnership established between Citizen Business Bank, San Bernardino Economic Development Agency and the San Bernardino Auto Center Dealer Association. This collaborative effort marks yet another milestone in creating an identity and awareness for the business center and surrounding area.
“While we did not provide funding for the sign, we were able to guarantee the loan with Citizen Business Bank,” says Emil Marzullo, Executive Director of the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, “This allows the Auto Center Dealer Association to receive a much more affordable rate, over a longer period of time. This should go a long way to encourage growth at the auto center.”
One of the duties of the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency is to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of San Bernardino, by creating jobs and assisting businesses
through the creation of just this type of public/private partnership, in an effort to retain current businesses and to stimulate growth.
As a result of this partnership, it is projected that multiple secondary, highly skilled professions employed through the auto center should reap benefits.
“Beyond the dealers themselves, the center employs mechanics, landscapers, security and other high income positions, thus providing jobs to various people in the local area,” said Don Gee, Deputy Director San Bernardino Economic Development Agency.
No longer viewed as an organized group of corner car lots, the automobile industry has evolved into a highly competitive business. As a result, it has become necessary to make changes rapidly, when delivering its business messages, promotions and incentives in an effort to increase consumer traffic.
Across the country, countless auto centers use this type of technology to help promote and increase sales. However, since the sign will be located adjacent to the freeway, it will also serve as a gateway to the San Bernardino community, dedicated to display emergency and public service messages, such as Amber Alerts and traffic conditions, for the City of San Bernardino.
“Once installed, the sign will boast the latest in LED technology and stand an impressive 75 feet tall,” says Rod Wilson, EMI Electra-Media president, the company chosen to complete the construction of the new sign.
Fully viewable from either direction of the 215 Freeway, travelers will be able to see messages displayed in full color LED, on a viewing screen that measures approximately 28 feet x 28 feet.
“It’s about visibility,” said Clifford Cummings, Toyota of San Bernardino president. “We had a much older sign that had become fundamentally non-functional. It was inactive and did not give us much flexibility in communicating with our customers.”
Now equipped with this new state of the art electronic reader board, members of the Dealer Association are provided the availability to adapt their messages to the public at a moments notice, an advantage Cummings predicts will come in handy.
Capable of generating a new message every five seconds, the new sign meets all California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) regulations and will not distract drivers through the use of animation or fluid motion. It is also energy efficient, as it utilizes an automatic dimming device to adjust the intensity of the light according to surrounding conditions.
Scheduled to be operational by the middle of December, Cummings says the names of all the dealerships on the property will be listed on the sign. In addition, automobile franchises located in the center will have an opportunity to display their messages, promotions and incentives on the sign as well.
“This auto center is really a collaborative effort,” said Cummings. “We depend on each other to drive consumer traffic to our locations. The more awareness and business we bring to the auto center, the more attractive it will be for quality auto dealers to seek this as a location for their franchise, and that is a benefit to everyone involved.”
For more information on Toyota of San Bernardino call (909) 381-4444 or visit ToyotaSB.com
About Toyota of San Bernardino
Since 1966 Toyota of San Bernardino has serviced the Inland Empire’s car buying needs as its premier Toyota dealership. A seven-time recipient of Toyota’s President’s Award, Toyota of San Bernardino continues to earn the highest honors for a Toyota dealership. It is dedicated to satisfying customers – from the day they buy a Toyota and for as long as they own it.
Toyota of San Bernardino is a fast and convenient place where the prompt and courteous sales people help customers find the new Toyota, Scion or used vehicle that’s right for them.
The service department is staffed by courteous factory trained and ASE certified mechanics. Toyota of San Bernardino’s service department utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic machines, computerized equipment and a well-stocked parts department to keep vehicles running their best.
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Media: If you would like any of the photos in the slide show below please send an email to Chris@DameronCommunications.com with the photo id number and i will have it to you within 24 hours. If you require the photo sooner please call Chris Sloan at (909) 888-0017.
On Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 11:30 am at 2120 Medical Center Drive (corner of Highland and Medical Center Drive) in San Bernardino as Mayor Patrick Morris and local dignitaries break ground on this exciting new development created for seniors age 62+. This project transforms a blighted automotive site into 80 units of high quality, affordable housing for seniors, retains a one-acre parcel of land for future sale or development opportunities, and creates a future stream of income that can be used for future developments including senior or single-family housing.
Who: City of San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris, Councilmember Rikke Van Johnson, Meta Housing and Western Seniors Housing Presidents. What: The Ground Breaking Celebration of The Magnolia at Highland, a luxury senior citizen housing complex on the west side of San Bernardino. When: Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 11:30 am Where: The Corner of Highland and Medical Center Drive in San Bernardino Why: This project transforms a blighted automotive site into 80 units of high quality, affordable housing for seniors, retains a one-acre parcel of land for future sale or development opportunities, and creates a future stream of income that can be used for future developments including senior or single-family housing.
This is a milestone for the City of San Bernardino’s housing plan adopted in October of 2008. The total development cost for the project is $17.5 million. The agency’s agreed upon subsidy for the project is $7 million from Urban Development’s (HUD) Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). These funds are for housing only and cannot be used for city’s general fund.
Visuals: Mayor Patrick Morris and project dignitaries break ground on this $17.5 million project. Public: Please call Shannan Gonzales at (909) 888-0017 to R.S.V.P. Media: Contact Carl Dameron at (909) 888-0017 office (909) 534-9500 cell.
Clifford Cummings overlooking the new Toyota of San Bernardino dealership location, formerly Kennedy Cadillac.
This is an artist’s rendition of what the new Toyota of San Bernardino dealership will look like upon completion of a 14-month renovation. The new dealership’s exterior design will have a highly recognizable signature portal for the Toyota brand, Toyota of San Bernardino and the Toyota product lines. Artist rendition by Toyota USA.
The newly acquired Kennedy Cadillac location is part of Toyota of San Bernardino’s plan to fuel growth and expand market share. In the next 14 months, the main building will be renovated to include new divisions, a body shop, expanded vehicle service department and sales. Photo by Chris Sloan
Floyd Nottmcier of McLay Plumbing repairs plumbing at the Toyota of San Bernardino building, formerly Kennedy Cadillac. Photo by Chris Sloan
Toyota of San Bernardino’s new high visibility 3.9-acre site with more than 44,000 square feet, which includes showroom, office space, a body shop and expanded vehicle service department. This will be the new home of Toyota of San Bernardino in 2012. This aerial view shows the present location of Toyota of San Bernardino center left and the future location on the top right. Photo from Google maps.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Toyota of San Bernardino has purchased the dealership formerly occupied by Kennedy Cadillac.
Toyota of San Bernardino President Clifford R. Cummings said “The property is smack on the 215 Freeway and will enhance our visibility immeasurably.”
“We are climbing out of the recession; the economy is improving and I am extremely optimistic about the future of the Inland Empire,” said Cummings.
Cummings believes the high visibility 3.9-acre site with more than 44,000 square feet is the perfect place to present the new 21st century-style Toyota dealership, which the Toyota corporation calls Toyota Image USA II.
This is part of Toyota of San Bernardino’s plan to fuel growth and expand market share. Toyota is giving incentives to dealers to build larger stores under its Image USA II architectural plan. The incentives include increased allocations of high demand models, such as Prius, Camry and Scion.
“We are very excited about the relocation of our dealership to continue the revitalization of the San Bernardino Auto Center. There are exciting things happening here and Toyota of San Bernardino is leading the way,” said Cummings.
Over the next 14 months Cummings will redesign and expand the structure to include new divisions, including a body shop and expanded vehicle service department as well as all sales.
Toyota of San Bernardino is a seven-time recipient of Toyota’s President’s Award, one of the highest honors for a Toyota dealership.
“The President’s Award is a testament to our staff’s dedication to satisfying every customer, from the day you buy a Toyota and for as long as you own it,” said Cummings.
The new dealership’s exterior design will have a highly recognizable signature portal for the Toyota brand, Toyota of San Bernardino and the Toyota product lines. The Toyota trademark in red creates a dominant, tasteful impression that is recognizable from a significant distance.
The move begins with an expansion of Toyota of San Bernardino’s new and used car divisions to the site as quickly as the permitting process allows. Other changes will happen over the next 14 months, with all construction expected to be completed by 2012.
“The collision center, also slated to be open ASAP, will be a center-point for job creation and customer service,” stated Cummings.
Peter Welch, president of the Sacramento-based California New Car Dealers Association, said 140 California new-car dealers shut down in 2008, and 92 closed in 2009. In 2010, about 64 GM and 32 Chrysler dealers in the state are expected to close.
Kennedy Cadillac is one of the many automotive dealership casualties of the national recession and Cummings sees that as an opportunity to revitalize and fill an empty building.
“We have expanded our work force by 15 percent since the bottom of the recession. Our plan is to add franchises to the Auto Plaza in order to stimulate job growth and retail sales,” said Cummings.
For more information on Toyota of San Bernardino call (909) 381-4444 or visit ToyotaSB.com About Toyota of San Bernardino
Since 1966 Toyota of San Bernardino has serviced the Inland Empire’s car buying needs as its premier Toyota dealership. A seven-time recipient of Toyota’s President’s Award, Toyota of San Bernardino continues to earn the highest honors for a Toyota dealership. It is dedicated to satisfying customers – from the day they buy a Toyota and for as long as they own it.
Toyota of San Bernardino is a fast and convenient place where the prompt and courteous sales people help customers find the new Toyota, Scion or used vehicle that’s right for them.
The service department is staffed by courteous factory trained and ASE certified mechanics. Toyota of San Bernardino’s service department utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic machines, computerized equipment and a well-stocked parts department to keep vehicles running their best.
For more information on Toyota of San Bernardino call (909) 381-4444 or visit ToyotaSB.com
Media: If you would like any of the photos in the slide show below please send an email to Chris@DameronCommunications.com with the photo id number and I will have it to you within 24 hours. If you require the photo sooner please call Chris Sloan at (909) 888-0017.
Abdul Arogundade, a 2009 graduate of Cajon High School now studying journalism at California State University, Fresno, learned about the business of public relations during a summer internship with Dameron Communications. Photo by Chris Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.)Intern Abdul Arogundade did not know what to expect from his first time in a working environment; it was all new to him. In fact he did not know exactly what type of work he wanted to do in the communications field until he had a one-on-one meeting with Carl Dameron, the founder and creative director of Dameron Communications.
Abdul Arogundade is a San Bernardino native who graduated high school at Cajon High School Class of 2009. He is currently an undergraduate at California State University Fresno with the goal of becoming a public relations director for a sports team.
Margaret Hill, assistant superintendent of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools office arranged a meeting with Dameron to advise Arogundade on his career options in communications.
At their first time meeting Carl Dameron gave Arogundade a tour of the Dameron Communication’s office.Dameron introduced Arogundade to all of the staff members and told him the history of the business.
This led to a summer internship, where Arogundade received the tools to succeed in the communications business.
“We are in the getting it done business and no job is too small or too big for anyone who wants to truly succeed,” Dameron stressed then, and on a daily basis thereafter. “Our job is to effectively increase the sales and profits of our clients by increasing the positive perceptions of their products, goods and or services through truthful, ethical and moral means.”
Arogundade took this to heart and put it to action the first day of his internship, when his first task was to stuff and mail more than 300 letters. His second task was to call community leaders inviting to a major city event.
Tasks during the internship were not limited to just stuffing envelopes and making phone calls. Arogundade worked on many projects, from organizing the offices to staffing major events that received Los Angeles and local coverage. He also coordinated meetings with government officials; and updated Dameron Communication’s databases of almost 85,000 general contacts and more than 10,000 media contacts.
Arogundade learned each task he completed was essential to the success of a PR firm and emphasizes Dameron’s saying “No job is too big or too small.”
“Abdul is a very smart young man with the drive and tenacity it takes to succeed in the tough work of communications.I am confident he will do very well in this business,” said Dameron.
Arogundade said, “I am very thankful for the opportunity to intern at Dameron Communications. I will take what I learned and the lessons that were instilled in me from interning at Dameron Communications and apply them to my pursuit of a career in public relations.”
To learn more about Dameron Communications or for an appointment please call (909) 888-0017.
About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award-winning advertising and public relations agency that creates integrated communications solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. We use our communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
This particular house recently sold, but there are many other attractive homes available for purchase in San Bernardino. Buyers making up to $78,000 for a family of four can purchase homes like these with up to 10 percent down payment assistance through a program offered by the San Bernardino Economic Development Association. Photo by Chris Sloan
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Families making up to $78,000 for a family of four, and more for larger families, qualify for down payment assistance and a low-interest loan from the City of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency.
“The best way to get rid of foreclosed homes in San Bernardino is for families to buy them and live in them,” said Emil Marzullo, director of the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency. “ It seems simple, but with home prices down to an average of $70,000 there has never been a better time for families to buy a home.”
The Homeowners’ Assistance Program provides first time homebuyers with up to 10 percent of the home purchase price. For a $100,000 house that amount would be $10,000; for a $200,000 house the amount is $20,000.
The down payment assistance is a forgivable loan, offered at 3 percent interest. The loan, plus a portion of the equity, would be due and payable if the homeowner sold or transferred title to another buyer, refinanced to cash out equity, or converted the home to a rental using tips for transferring structured settlement.
Some qualifications are:
1.Purchase a home within the city limits of San Bernardino. 2.Make a cash investment of $1,000 towards the purchase price of the home. 3.Earn less than $78,000 a year for a family of four (120 percent of the Area Median Income adjusted for family size).
Those who can meet the qualifications may attend Homebuyer Education courses offered monthly. The courses are open to everyone. All or part of the courses are required for borrowers with FHA loans, and for participants in other cities and San Bernardino County’s down payment assistance programs.
“Even if you are not participating in a down payment assistance program, you will want to know the process if you are buying a home,” said Linda Jackson, manager of the Inland Empire NID-Housing Counseling Agency. “Buying a home is probably one of the most important decisions you will ever make.” With the down payment assistance, the lower cost to potential homeowners can make the difference between affording a home and remaining a renter.
“Lower home prices make housing more affordable,” Marzullo said. “A family making $35,000 a year can afford to buy a $140,000 home.”
According to Bank of America, with a $7,000 down payment and a 5.298 percent annual interest rate, on a 30-year fixed interest rate loan the payment would be $724.17 monthly.
The San Bernardino County Housing Authority says market rent for a three-bedroom apartment is about $1,425 a month. That means buying a home with a fixed mortgage so that monthly payments never increase can save a homeowner thousands of dollars a year over rent payments.
“We also know from experience that this housing price drop won’t last forever. Home values in San Bernardino will appreciate again at a more normal 1 to 3 percent a year. That increase in home value builds family wealth that can be used in the future for children’s college education or retirement,” said Marzullo.
For more information on the Homeowners’ Assistance Program call the NID-Housing Counseling Agency at (909) 887-8700 or the Neighborhood Housing Service of the Inland Empire, Inc. at (909) 884-6891.
A drummer with the band Delayne, James & Friends beats out a tune at the Bicentennial Extravaganza, held July 4, 2010 to celebrate San Bernardino’s 200th year. Photo by Matt Sloan
Priscilla Becerra, a winner of the San Bernardino’s Got Talent show in June, entertained again at the Bicentennial Extravaganza with belly dancing. Photo by Chris Sloan
The Inland Empire 66ers Dance Team, which normally entertains at the minor league baseball team’s home games, performed patriotic dance numbers for the Bicentennial Extravaganza. Photo by Chris Sloan
Joe Banuelos, a winner of the San Bernardino’s Got Talent show in June, entertained at the Bicentennial Extravaganza with an impersonation of Elvis Presley. Photo by Matt Sloan
Sinfonia Mariachi Youth Academy entertained with trumpets and dance at the Bicentennial Extravaganza. Photo by Matt Sloan
Mayor Patrick Morris in a duet with San Bernardino’s Got Talent Winner Joe Banuelos. Photo by Chris Sloan
Naomi Slotkin, a winner of the San Bernardino’s Got Talent show in June, entertained vocally at the Bicentennial Extravaganza. Photo by Matt Sloan
Hindsight 20/20 is a band with local connections and success on the national scene. It returned to San Bernardino for a Bicentennial Extravaganza performance. Photos by Chris Sloan
San Bernardino ignited a fireworks display the likes of which had never before been seen in the city as the culmination of the Bicentennial Extravaganza celebrating its 200th year. Photo by Matt Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The City of San Bernardino and local businesses hosted the Bicentennial July 4th Extravaganza held at the Arrowhead Credit Union Park. The event was open to the public and featured live music, dance performances, food from local restaurants and a fireworks show.
The entertainment included Sinfonia Mexicana Mariacha Youth Academy, Delayne, James and Friends (R&B Grammy artists), the San Bernardino’s Got Talent award winners (Nadia Bell-Stowers, Joe Banuelos, Kelly Muller, Naomi Slotkin and Priscilla Becerra), Hindsight 20/20, 66ers Dance Team and Austin Law.
The gates opened at 5 p.m. and guests were able to view a bicentennial slide show of pictures while they awaited the first act, and throughout the night.
Kids were able to enjoy jumpers, slides, a tee-ball carnival game and face painting all provided free of charge.
The Extravaganza was one of many events sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee to help to celebrate San Bernardino’s 200th birthday.
“We were excited to welcome everyone to the Extravaganza and provide a day of fun for the whole family,” said Erin Brinker.
Local sponsors included San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Stater Bros., the Matich Corporation and Vanir Development Company.
Upcoming Bicentennial events include the Stater Bros. Rendezvous, the Western Regional Little League Tournament and the Think Together Bicentennial celebration.
Rabbi Hillel Cohn is the chairman of the Bicentennial Celebration Committee, and Erin Brinker is the chair of its Public Relations & Marketing and Independence Day Extravaganza committees. Other Bicentennial Celebration Committee members are Jim Smith (chair of the Community Engagement committee), Cheryl Brown (chair of the Youth Council, Intergovernmental and Arts committees), Beverly Bird (chair of the Legend of the Arrowhead committee), Steven Shaw (chair of the History committee), David Smith (chair of the Finance committee), Jane Sneddon (chair of the Parade committee) and Martha Pinckney (chair of the Gala committee.) The mayor and members of the San Bernardino Common Council appointed these members.
Additional community volunteers who have taken on leadership of other committees are: Trudy Freidel (Festival of Faiths), Edward Martinez (Leadership Cabinet), Peggi Hazlett (Mayor’s Run), Dr. Charles “Skip” Herbert (Coloring Books for Schools), Karen Blanco (Media) and The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (Design).
Judi Penman, president and CEO of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, has joined the Salvation Army Advisory Board to help the non-profit organization in its community outreach efforts. Photo by Chris Sloan (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Long-time civic leader Judi Penman has joined the advisory board of The Salvation Army.
“I am a strong believer in The Salvation Army” said Penman, who is also the president and chief executive officer of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce and an elected member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District governing board.
“I believe it is one of the best programs around. It gets to the people who really need help, and actually works with them,” Penman said. “And, it is a Christian organization, which is important to me.”
Penman previously served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board from approximately 2005 through 2007.
The life-long San Bernardino resident is married to San Bernardino City Attorney James Penman.
“We are glad to have Judi back on the Salvation Army advisory board,” said Board President Tom Brickley. “The depth of knowledge she has about San Bernardino and her ability to make connections with others in the community will be a tremendous asset to us.”
The San Bernardino Corps of the Salvation Army serves the cities of San Bernardino, Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace and Colton, and the unincorporated community of Bloomington.
The advisory board consists of volunteers who assist the Salvation Army with fund raising, community outreach and other areas of the Corps’ ministries.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
For local help, call the San Bernardino Corps headquarters at (909) 888-1337.