National Trust of the Cayman Islands – Dameron Communications staff took on the challenge of helping this small Caribbean island bring part of its history back to life. A tiny, wood, one-room shack had served as a World War seaside lookout for enemy ships and submarines, but it had been neglected for decades, stored and forgotten in an old garage. Few locals, let alone tourists, knew anything about it.
The Result? The room was restored and moved to its original site. Its history was researched and brass signage written, manufactured and installed at the location. Brochures telling the shack’s important history were written and printed. Queen Elizabeth II even attended its dedication, and the room became one of the island’s most popular tourist interests. Tying in with that project, our staff wrote, produced and directed an environmental underwater video shown in a donated kiosk at the island’s airport.
Autoracer’s Monthly – This newsletter, created for amateur road racers, had solid content, a great look and well-known drivers contributing. As the publisher said, “Creating something like this is relatively easy. Getting rid of it is the hard part.” He had to find a way to tell drivers what the publication was and how to get it, plus figure how to track subscribers and their payments.
The Result? We sent copies to all auto racing publications and picked up the equivalent of more than $100,000 in free print exposure. We lined up nationwide phone interviews for the publisher and built a direct mail list of amateur racers, sending them sample pages and a discounted offer. Within the campaign’s first six weeks circulation went from zero to more than 10,000.
Ugly Duckling – The Southern California used car dealership that specialized in aiding low income customers needed to not only let the area’s potential buyers know how it could help them acquire a car, but to tell the nation and possible shareholders what they were doing.
The Result? A front page story in the nationwide USA Today newspaper, complete with photo and phone number, virtually doubled national business interest Ugly Duckling while increasing used auto sales in excess of 50%.
Auto Sound – The five-outlet electronics retailers enlisted Dameron Communications to increase sales.
The Result? We generated a 242% increase in sales in just six-weeks, producing the best sales period in the history of the business, and in 60 days built 150% in net profits.
San Bernardino City Councilman Rikke Van Johnson (on the right) congratulates LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc President Dr. Albert Arteaga (on the left) for helping 38 local residents receive free or low cost prescription drugs. The Montel Williams’ “Help is Here Express Bus” visited LaSalle Medical Associates in San Bernardino recently and helped 38 people enroll in a program offering free and low-cost prescriptions.
LaSalle Medical Associates – Its five Inland Empire clinics in California gladly participate in aiding the lower income community with its health needs. Dameron Communicated took on getting the word out regarding LaSalle’s leadership in providing quality health care to patients reguardless of incime. We also focused on LaSalle’s free childhood immunization programs, its free breast screening services, its financial support of the area’s Hurricane Katrina survivors, and its free flu-season immunizations.
The Results? Awards from the Medical Society an maore. Increased traffic to the clinics and increased awreness of the clinics.
(RIALTO, Calif.) Local economist and business professor Thomas J. Pierce, will discuss strategies to increase sales and profits at the next Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce mixer.
This mixer is set for 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the Acquire Learning Center, 1188 W. Leiske Dr., Rialto.
“Thomas J. Pierce has been tracking our local economy for many years,” said Dolores Armstead, vice president of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce. “He sees the strategies used by successful businesses and believes in sharing that knowledge and insight to assist other businesses survive and thrive.”
Pierce is a professor of Economics at California State University, San Bernardino. He has taught economics and other business-related courses at CSUSB since 1976; in addition he has served as dean of CSUSB’s School of Social and Behavioral Issues (of which the economics department is part) and has won an award for outstanding teaching from the Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Issues.
“Since community education is part of the service we provide at ACQUIRE Learning Center, we are pleased to have Thomas Pierce, an instructor of such high caliber, speak here,” said Suzy Aguillard, who owns the Learning Center with her husband, Craig. “If you own a business you will not want to miss this opportunity to meet and hear him speak.”
ACQUIRE Educational Services is located at 1188 West Leiske Drive in Rialto, 92376. Within its ACQUIRE Learning Center building, it offers tutoring programs for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, and computer courses for adults. Acquire also has a 9,000 square foot ballroom available for rent by interested community groups and private parties.
For more information, call (909) 875-3356 or visit www.Acquire3.net.
Dameron Communications has moved to the third floor of 255 N. D Street.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Dameron Communications has moved to a new suite within the offices of 255 N. D Street, San Bernardino.
This move from Suite 210 to Suite 303 became necessary when Luxor Properties Inc., the new owner of the 255 N. D Street building, leased most of the second floor to the San Bernardino County Public Defenders’ Office. This required all but a few tenants on the floor to relocate their offices.
Luxor Properties Inc. was able to offer Dameron Communications great incentives on another suite within the same building. This not only allowed Dameron Communications a much easier move than if it had to relocate to another office building, it also gave the agency the added benefit of more space.
The new office is about 2,200 square feet, approximately 1,000 square feet larger than the old office.
“Since Dameron Communications expanded its staff a few months ago, we needed more space,” said Carl Dameron, founder and creative director. “We therefore were pleased to work with Luxor Properties to bring in the Public Defenders’ Office, which we know will be a good neighbor for all of the businesses at 255 N. D Street.”
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 agency that creates integrated marketing 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.
Matt and Chris Sloan speak to students in the journalism class at San Bernardino High School, their alma mater.
(San Bernardino, Calif.,) It’s common for high school students to hear from guest speakers, however, it is rare for them to hear from twin former students who graduated merely five years ago.
California State Polytechnic University in Pomona seniors Christopher and Matthew Sloan are pursuing degrees in public relations.
The twins, interns at Dameron Communications, spoke to two groups: a graphic arts and printing course and a journalism course.
The two San Bernardino High School alumni came expecting to speak to the graphic arts and printing class (a San Bernardino Superintendent of Schools Regional Occupational Program) at San Bernardino High School taught by Lawrence Herrbach. However, upon the request of their former English teacher, Henry Ho, they gladly spoke in his class as well.
The first presentation was on the importance of the graphic arts/printing class and how the basic skills learned in the class can be applied within careers in printing, graphic design and even in photography.
The Sloans stressed that these basic skills could be used as a building block to many careers in life, as well as different career paths in college.
The students had many questions about college, including: student housing, the cost of college, the affordability of college and even questions about college parties.
“The best part of guest speaking was the opportunity to share with students that even if you come from a single family home, you can still go to college. I was shocked to discover that most students did not know that they could receive financial help to attend college, nor that the cost to attend a Cal State is just $3,500 a year,” said Christopher Sloan.
Matthew thought the hardest part of the presentation was trying to convince one student that just because he knows how to build engines, it doesn’t mean he will be hired as an auto mechanic without first being certified. Sloan advised the student to sign up for the high school auto shop program and then upon completion of the course, take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam.
Their experience with the college newspaper, journalism and photography courses and being photography lab technician/teacher’s assistants, allowed them to give a second presentation on journalism and photography.
“The journalism presentation was a lot different. Students sat at the edge of their seats soaking up any and all advice I could possible give them. Given that no one within the class has prior journalism experience, the quality of the paper they produce is simply amazing,” said Matthew. “They really put in the extra effort to go above and beyond the typical student.”
Mr. Ho challenges his students to write on topics such as conflict, sporting events and pep rallies. He runs the course both as a class and as a high school newspaper.
His class has much to learn about journalism and photography; however, they are off to a great start.
In the spirit of community service, Christopher and Matthew Sloan have decided to volunteer once a week to help advice the staff of the San Bernardino High School newspaper.
“The most important thing I have learned from my mentor Carl Dameron, of Dameron Communications, is that you must find a way to contribute to your community. Right now, I can do this by helping with the high school newspaper and guest speaking on as to why attending college is so important,” said Christopher. 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 wining agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of a potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
Gene Williams, 24 (Center) a recent graduate from California Polytechnic University of Pomona and a Dameron Communications intern, spent the day with County Supervisor Josie Gonzales (right) and Deputy Chief of Staff Lisha Smith (left) for a recent “shadow day.” The shadow day gives college students, who are interested in starting a career in government, a behind-the-scenes look in county government.
Photo By: Christopher Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales gave Gene Williams a look into county government as he “shadowed” the supervisor recently at the San Bernardino county offices.
Josie Gonzales’ district covers Rialto, eastern Fontana, Colton and parts of San Bernardino. The shadow day was to educate college students who are interested in starting a career within county government, providing a clear perspective in their ultimate career goals.
“I could not pass up this opportunity to meet with the supervisor and spend the day with local decision makers; receiving this one-of-a-kind experience was a privilege,” said Williams.
The day started with introductions from the Fifth District staff and a discussion with County Public Information Officer David Wert.
“Everything we discussed regarding public information and its role within the county was truly beneficial regarding my professional goals,” added Williams.
After the discussion with Wert, Williams sat in meetings with Gonzales and Deputy Chief of Staff Lisha Smith. This provided an intimate look at how both worked with other county officials and organizations.
“He sat in on priority issue appointments with First 5 San Bernardino, the Foothill AIDS Project and the Inland Valley Development Agency, as well as meetings with Mayor Patrick Morris, Fontana Herald reporter Maria Elena Kennedy and members of the county’s top nursing staff,” said Gonzales. “I was very pleased with his reaction at the end of the day.”
The day also entailed a trip to the San Bernardino County Human Resources department where Williams met Department Director Andrew Lamberto and Senior Human Resources Analyst Summer Adams. There Williams received a few tips to successfully search for any open county positions.
The entire experience gave Williams a chance to see what it would be like to work in a government office.
“I hope that taking advantage of an opportunity to shadow me was rewarding for Gene,” said Gonzales. “While he had no idea what to expect before the day began, he seemed surprised by the diversity and amount of work that gets done on a daily basis.”
Gene Williams is a recent graduate of California Polytechnic University Pomona and an intern with advertising and public relations agency Dameron Communications in San Bernardino. His goal is to start a career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department through its public affairs division.
For more information on Dameron Communications call (909) 888-0321.
About Dameron Communications Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our divers client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award winning agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
Matthew Sloan (left), Mary Cooksey (middle) and Christopher Sloan (right), representatives for California State Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter of the 62nd District, pose for a picture prior to the opening ceremony of the 1st California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce Conference.
Madison Gunter III (left), Business Development Manager for CISCO Systems, David Jones (middle), Enterprise Technology Director for Microsoft Corporation, and Robert Hoffman (right), Government and Public Affairs for Oracle answer questions from the young audience during the Technology Industry and New and Emerging Technology Jobs Panel.
During lunch, the Honorable Rod Wright (senate candidate for the 52nd District) took a moment to share inspirational analogies from his childhood.
(LOS ANGELES, Calif.) Dr. Aubry Stone, president of the California Black Chamber of Commerce welcomed approximately 20 young students and professionals to the first California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce Youth Summit in Los Angeles. Speakers from Microsoft, Oracle, CISCO, Kiss My Bundt Bakery, Eden BodyWorks and Diversity City Media shared the secrets of success in life and business. The young men and women ages 16 to 25 were invited to attend by California state assembly members and senators.
Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter had the largest contingent with six college students: Matt and Chris Sloan, Mary Cooksey, David Hall, Nicolette Bourne and Hai Vo.
Dameron Communications, a leading Southern California advertising and public relations firm, sent three interns to the conference: Twins Matt and Chris Sloan, 24-year-old residents of San Bernardino, who are seniors at California Polytechnic University of Pomona and Mary Cooksey 19 years old from Azusa a sophomore at California State University of San Bernardino.
The three other college students included David Hall, 24 years old from Los Angeles and a senior at Cal Poly Pomona; Nicolette Bourne, 25 years old from Claremont, a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona currently working as a service clerk for the First Financial Credit Union and Hai Vo, 23 years old, a graduate of University of California Riverside currently working for the Redlands Unified School District as a substitute teacher.
Event speakers included Dr. Jamillah Moore, president of Los Angeles City College. She spoke on the importance of having a college education and pursuing your passions in life.
“Get as many internships as you can so you don’t end up working a job that you aren’t passionate about,” said Dr. Moore.
David Jones of Microsoft, Madison Gunter III of CISCO and Robert Hoffman of Oracle spoke at the “Workforce Development and Opportunities for Young Adults in the Technology Industry and New and Emerging Technology Jobs” panel. This panel ensured its listeners that the technology workforce isn’t just for computer nerds any more, there are opportunities for just about anyone.
David Jones stressed the point of “Learning how to learn.” We learn every day and if you can find an effective way to absorb and retain knowledge then you can work anywhere and do anything. The key is you have to want to learn and remembering that failure is the key in every learning environment.
“The key to my success is that I keep my options open,” said Gunter.
Gunter was not a computer nerd, much like many of the young people attending the conference, but that didn’t stop him from working for CISCO Systems. He was hired at a start-up company that was bought by CISCO and went back to school to learn more about the world of technology to move up the ladder to become a business development manager.
“I’m a geek!” said Robert Hoffman.
Hoffman was one of the few speakers at the panel who learned how to program computers as a child. He stuck with his passion and combined his love of programming with his love of policy to help write the book on regulating the Internet. This led him to his job as vice president of government and public Affairs for Oracle.
All three of these panelists encouraged the youth to gain experience in low-risk environments like internships to learn more about your career choices. They also insisted that the more you fail, the more you learn how to succeed, which in-turn told the youth that failure is needed to grow.
The panel “Young, Gifted and Black” included Chrysta Wilson of Kiss My Bundt Bakery, Dante Lee of Diversity City Media and Jasmine Lawrence of Eden BodyWorks.
Chrysta Wilson didn’t come from a rich family but pushed forward to make her dream a reality. She has her Master‘s degree and worked a regular 9 to 5 job and decided to sell the world a part of her passion, baking. She quit her job March of 2008 and made a full commitment to her bakery. Her story was an inspiration to everyone in attendance showing that hard work and determination are the first things needed to pursue your dream.
“Be determined to make your mark!” said Dante Lee.
Dante Lee is the owner and creator of Diversity City Media. He has built sites such as BlackHistory.com, BlackPR.com, Blackstudents.com and more. While his classmates were fooling around on myspace.com and facebook.com., Dante was observing what it takes to create a successful Website and learning about consumer needs.
Jasmine Lawrence is the creator and owner of Eden BodyWorks. She decided to research and create all natural hair care and body products after losing all of her hair from using a chemical product. She is 17 years old and finishing up her last year of high school, but makes the time to pursue her passion.
“Have passion and do what you want and love what you do!” were Lawrence’s last words of advice to the on-looking youths at the conference.
This panel agreed that success as a young entrepreneur is not something that comes easily. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to make your dream a reality. They also agreed that if you aren’t following your passion then your dream will never come true. Two important things are to have a plan and to trust in God and everything else will come with time, they stressed
“I came to this event not knowing what to expect and left more determined and focused to accomplish my dreams and pursue my passions in life. It’s one thing to read or hear about the American Dream, but it’s quite another to see successful young people that are living the American Dream,” said Matthew Sloan.
The first California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce conference accomplished its goal and set the standards for future conferences. The goal was to le
t a few representatives learn that being young and black doesn’t mean you are out for the count.
