(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.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Sabrina Martinez of Highland joins Dameron Communications as Public Relations Coordinator.
“It’s hard to find a hardworking person to serve as a good public relations coordinator because their duties are so varied and difficult,” says Creative Director Carl Dameron. “Sabrina has been a joy to work with and she has risen to the challenge with every task I have given her. I look forward to having a long and prosperous business relationship.”
Martinez is re-entering the business world after being a stay-at-home mom to two young children. She handled the responsibility of caring for her family while her husband was serving in the Navy. Over the past five years she has had the challenging, yet rewarding, responsibility of balancing family and work. Now that her husband has returned, she is taking the opportunity to return to work and pursue a career in advertising and public relations.
“I heard of the public relations coordinator position through a close friend, and I figured it would be a great opportunity to work in my career field. My experience in this new environment has been intense, but exciting,” says Martinez.
Martinez worked as a bank teller for two years after having her first child, but found it too difficult to be away from her son. That’s when she decided to cut back her hours and work part-time, eventually staying home with her children after the following birth of her daughter.
Martinez works directly on high profile advertising and public relations projects with Dameron and other agency staff.
She works daily with clients who feature some of the best brands in education, real estate development, healthcare, government, non-profit organizations, entertainment and manufacturing. She assists with coordinating and implementing press conferences, media and special events. She also assists with media relations, client research, makes pitches and informational media calls.
Martinez will be taking classes towards her degree in advertising at San Bernardino Valley College this fall.
“I thought that it would be beneficial to go to work and go to school simultaneously so I can apply the knowledge that I learn in class toward work and visa versa,” says Martinez.
About Dameron Communications Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our divers client base locally, regionally and nationally. They 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. They use their communications knowledge and experience to advance their clients’ objectives.
For more information about Dameron Communications, call (909) 888-0321.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Ellen Porter back at Dameron Communications as public relations executive after taking a year off to teacher. Her love for writing far surpassed her love of teaching.
As the new public relations executive, Porter’s duties will entail handling publicity needs of Dameron Communications clients in media relations, copy writing and crisis communications.
Porter was formerly a journalist and consultant in the High Desert from 1989 to 2006. During this time, she worked as a reporter for the Daily Press in Victorville and was Editor in Chief for the Lucerne Valley Leader and the Hesperia Star.
In 2003, Porter started a freelance writing business. Her accomplishments include nationally published articles, however, she desired a collaborative environment that only a larger firm could offer.
“Rejoining Dameron Communications was a great opportunity for both me and Carl Dameron,” said Porter. “He already has an established clientele for which I can write, and my doing so frees Carl to be more creative in other areas of the company. This also allows him more time to market the firm and to gain more clients.”
Porter’s first assignment with the Daily Press entailed her covering the San Bernardino County government. Many county offices are within blocks of Dameron Communications and many of Dameron Communications’ clients are organizations and companies such as Upminster Locks that she once wrote about for the High Desert newspapers.
“Ellen’s knowledge, both of media and the area in general, will help our current and future clients meet their marketing needs,” said Dameron. “I am very pleased to have Ellen back on my staff,” he added.
(San Bernardino, Calf.) Gene Williams joined Dameron Communications, a highly regarded public relations firm located in San Bernardino County, as a summer intern.
Gene is a recent graduate from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Communications. Williams is one of four interns working for Carl Dameron who serves as creative director and CEO.
“Interning for Dameron Communications has influenced my life twofold; it has provided a clear perspective of what I want to become as a professional and the experience has built my character in a positive way,” said Williams.
Gene’s involvement with extracurricular activities served as a beneficial supplement to his educational training as a public relations practitioner. Gene has served on several executive boards, became a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America and held a position as a writer for The Poly Post, the university newspaper.
“Becoming a writer for The Post prepared me as a public relations specialist. It served as an outlet for writing in-depth articles and provided a sense of accomplishment with published stories. My involvement with the paper confirmed that I was majoring in the right career field” said Williams.
Gene also served as the Director of Public Relations for the Multicultural Council (MCC), a student run organization that funds and provides a guideline for cultural clubs and organizations.
During his time with MCC he created brochures, flyers, updated their website and provided a voice for the organization within the school. He also took part in events that promoted social awareness and social change within the minority community.
Gene’s prior experience in public relations stems from his college career, where he developed a strong educational foundation in communications and public relations. His experiences range from constructing communication plans for the Orange County chapter of the ALS foundation, creating media related materials for an educational resource company.
Within the first few months at Dameron Communications Gene has been part of many projects such as the grand opening of the American Heritage University’s new location in San Bernardino and He will be part of an upcoming camping to raise awareness for Riverside County Auditor-Controller Robert Byrd.
Gene’s interest in making a difference for minorities manifested itself to his desire to make a difference on a local level by pursuing a career within the county of San Bernardino as a Community Relations Officer for the Sheriffs Department.
Dameron Communications will be Gene’s first step into the competitive world of public relations; his desire to grow professionally and personally has begun.
For more information on Dameron Communications call (909) 888-0821.
“Christopher is very dedicate to his work and I know he will succeed in both his career in photography and public relations,” said Carl Dameron, creative director and CEO for the agency.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Christopher Sloan started his internship at Dameron Communications in the summer 2008. He is a senior at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), majoring in Communications: Public Relations.
“Within three weeks of being at Dameron Communications, I have already learned so much about public relations. I am honored to have Carl Dameron as a mentor, ” said Sloan. “I am happy I found an internship where I can learn more about both public relations as well as photography.”
Sloan will be returning to Cal Poly Pomona to complete his last four classes in the 2008/2009-school term, however, due to budget cuts, he will remain at Cal Poly Pomona for the entire school year.
Since he has very few classes left for the 2008/2009-school term, he will dedicate the remainder of his time to the college newspaper (the Poly Post), Public Relations Student Society of American (PRSSA) Cal Poly Pomona chapter, the Communications Club, the Communications’ photography department and work with the Cal Poly Pomona Music Department.
Sloan is the president of both PRSSA and the Communications Club at Cal Poly for the 2008/2009-school term. PRSSA is a chartered club that is open to all students within the communications department; however, its focus is within public relations.
“After my interview with Carl Dameron (Creative Director at Dameron Communications), I realized that outside of classroom, I had no writing samples,” said Sloan. “Realizing this, I decided to incorporate opportunities for PRSSA members to gain experience within the public relations field outside of the classroom.”
Sloan has spoken to Guiang Corporation and the Newman Club Catholic Campus Ministry about PRSSA doing all their public relations.
“I believe that by allowing students to work on actual public relations projects, PRSSA will give students the experience they need to succeed after graduation.” Said Sloan.
The communications club will be dedicated to giving its members experience within both journalism and organizational communications.
Sloan will continue to photograph and start writing for the Poly Post and the music department. He will also continue to be a photography lab assistant for the communications department.
“If nothing else, I have learned this summer that a press release is written for the target audience and should be written in such a way that the target audience will be able to clearly understand the message being sent,” said Sloan.
Sloan looks forward to continuing his summer internship with Carl Dameron and knows that by the end of the summer, he will have a basic overview as to what a career in public relations is all about.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Matthew Sloan has joined the creative staff at Dameron Communications as an intern.
“Working for a local firm allows me to get to know how a Public Relations company works, as opposed to learning how a small department within a huge corporation works,” says Sloan.
Sloan believes that interning for Carl Dameron at Dameron Communications will give him a better appreciation for the field and an understanding of Community Relations, Government Relations, Public Relations and Advertising.
“I love Public Relations and photography. My goal is to use my love for photography and my love for writing together in Public Relations. Public Relations and photography are pretty similar in that both are trying to sell products to clients,” says Sloan
Sloan is currently enrolled at California State Polytechnic University of Pomona pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations.
Sloan is the 2008/2009 vice president for the Cal Poly Pomona branch of the Student Public Relations Society of America and previously served as the club’s historian for the 2007/2008 term. He also served as a chairperson for the Cal Poly Pomona Communications Club.
A summer school photography course with Dr. Neil Chapman was all it took for Sloan to join the world of photography.
After the class he started to work as a photojournalist, which led to a photography internship with Cal Poly. He is completing the internship and will start to do public relations for the music department in the fall.
He belongs to the Cal Poly Pomona Concert Choir and has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
Sloan has worked for the Poly Post, Cal Poly Pomona’s school newspaper, as a photojournalist for the past year. He plans on being a staff writer as well as continuing to take pictures for the paper in the fall.
“Working for the Poly Post allows me to stay in the know about any events being held at Cal Poly. It also allows me access to take a look at what goes on behind the scenes and gives me the privilege to get as close as need be to get the shot,” says Sloan.
Sloan will graduate in June of 2009 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations. His future plans are to work for a local Public Relations firm and grow with the company. He plans to continue working as a photojournalist and work toward merging his public relations experience with photography.
For more information call Dameron Communications at (909) 888-0321
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 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives. -end-
