Max Ramirez, Senior Director of Content Marketing at Skyline Studio
Riverside, CA. — The American Advertising Federation—Inland Empire Chapter invites you to a brand storytelling class.This class is for anyone looking to elevate their brand’s connection with customers through the art of storytelling.
The virtual event, “Unlocking the Power of Storytelling at Scale,” will occur on April 30th from noon to 1 pm. Learn More and Register Now!
In today’s crowded marketplace, authentic storytelling isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for building lasting customer relationships and brand loyalty. Join us to learn how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience and leverage trusted media platforms to amplify your message.
Featured Speaker: Max Ramirez
Max leads the studio division for Southern California News Group and The San Diego Union-Tribune, managing a team of strategists, content creators, event producers, and designers. With extensive experience at Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal, iHeartMedia, and various digital media startups, Max brings valuable insights into developing innovative, integrated media campaigns that truly engage audiences.
What You’ll Learn:
How to Build Trust and Credibility with Your Customers
Storytelling Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid
Strategies to Elevate Your Story for Broader Impact
The webinar is free for AAF members and just $10 for non-members, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes to learn about the power of storytelling to promote your brand.
To learn more or register for the webinar, visit InlandEmpireAAF.com. If you have questions about the event, contact John McCarthy at (909) 263-0454.
About the Inland Empire AAF:
The Inland Empire AAF is a community of advertising and graphic design professionals representing local, regional, and national companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The organization provides educational opportunities through guest speakers and hosts the local American Advertising Awards, the industry’s largest and most representative competition in the United States. Founded in the late 1980s, the Inland Empire AAF is dedicated to promoting excellence in advertising and fostering connections within the industry. Learn more at InlandEmpireAAF.com.
Erik Harty and Jon Hwang from LONG/DIVISION earned the coveted Best of Show award in the professional category for their Internet Commercial “Endless Pastabilities” created for Barilla at the 2025 AAF-IE ADDY Awards Gala.
Gold ADDY recipients included Associated Students Inc. at Cal Poly Pomona, California Baptist University, City of Riverside, Compelle, ESRI, Firm Media, Inland Empire Health Plan, LONG/DIVISION, and Temecula Creek Inn.
RIVERSIDE, CA— The Inland Empire Chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) celebrated excellence in advertising at its annual ADDY Awards Gala, which was recently held at the Life Arts Center in Riverside. The prestigious event recognized outstanding creative work from professionals and students throughout the Inland Empire region.
LONG/DIVISION earned the coveted Best of Show award in the professional category for their Internet Commercial “Endless Pastabilities” created for Barilla. Growing Inland Achievement received the Mosaic ADDY Award for their Public Service Online/Interactive Campaign “Higher Endeavor.”
In the student competition, California Baptist University’s Mackenzie Head took home Best of Show honors for the “Doc Martins Campaign” in the Magazine Advertising Campaign category. Noah Witt, also from California Baptist University, was recognized with the Special Judges Award for “Grammy Branding” in the Art Direction category.
“This year’s competition has seen a remarkable resurgence in professional entries, reaching pre-pandemic levels and the highest numbers since 2019. The student competition is also thriving, tying a six-year record for the most participating schools,” said Mark Landon, Inland Empire American Advertising Awards Chair.
The evening featured a reception, plated dinner, and awards presentation celebrating the region’s most creative minds. Professional Gold ADDY recipients included Associated Students Inc. at Cal Poly Pomona, California Baptist University, City of Riverside, Compelle, ESRI, Firm Media, Inland Empire Health Plan, LONG/DIVISION, and Temecula Creek Inn.
Student Gold ADDY awards went to talented individuals from California Baptist University, Platt College, and La Sierra University, highlighting the exceptional creative education programs within the Inland Empire.
Visit the website for a complete list of all professional and student winners, including Silver and Bronze recipients.
About the American Advertising Federation – Inland Empire
The American Advertising Federation – Inland Empire Chapter represents advertising professionals throughout eastern Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and western Riverside County. The chapter is dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of advertising. Once a year, it hosts the Inland Empire Advertising Awards Competition, inviting professionals and students to its creative competition. Learn more about the chapter and upcoming programs, including membership, at https://www.inlandempireaaf.com/.
For more information, contact John McCarthy, President of AAF-Inland Empire club@inlandempireaaf.com, at (909) 263-0454.
Left to right: Salvation Army officer, Sam Valdez, President Matthew Johnson of San Bernardino The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. , Salvation Army Major Adelma Braga, Major Isais Braga, Lonnie Gallaher, Stake Communication Director for the Church in San Bernardino, Salvation Army officer Mike Delgado. In front of food donated by the church to serve the hungry in the san bernardino area.
Major Isaias Braga, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army San Bernardino/Redlands Corp, said, “The Salvation Army is privileged to receive a substantial food donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints San Bernardino Stake. This partnership is essential for fulfilling the Salvation Army mission in our region.”
Lonnie Gallaher, Stake Communication Director for the Church in San Bernardino, said, “We are grateful to be able to support the good work the Salvation Army has been doing in the community for years.
Many members of our Church serve as Salvation Army volunteers at the Food Distribution site. When we found out from one of them, that the food program needed a boost, we were ready to help,” said Gallaher.
The partnership between the two churches strengthened noticeably two years ago when The Church of Jesus Christ members helped out with The Salvation Army’s annual toy drive.
“The Bishops’ Central Storehouse in Salt Lake City over-produces nonperishable food as part of our ongoing effort to be prepared for any emergency. Canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, packaged cereals, pasta, and grains…everything is centrally processed and ready to meet any need that may arise,” said Gallaher.
The Salvation Army’s Business Administrator, Steve Pinckney, said “Our partnership with the The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints has been a blessing. Like our own, the Church of Jesus Christ is dedicated to humanitarian needs, including feeding the hungry.”
The Salvation Army food distribution program can provide a healthy meal for a hungry neighbor for just $1.28. “We can serve meals to 140 families a week,” says Pinckney, “and with an average of four people per family, the total is over 2,200 meals a month.”
The San Bernardino Stake of the Church includes most of the City of San Bernardino, Crestline, Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, and a sizable portion of the City of Highland. This dovetails with The Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps, making the partnership a natural fit.
Matthew Johnson, President of the San Bernardino Stake, said, “We, as a church, strive to follow the admonition of the Savior Jesus Christ, to feed the hungry, offer a drink to the thirsty, take in a stranger, to clothe the naked and to visit those who are sick and afflicted. Through the donations of Church members, we can offer assistance to those in need.
Photo caption: Salvation Army Major Adelma Braga, Major Isais Braga, The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, Communications Director Lonnie Gallaher, Salvation Army officer Sam Valdez. In the truck Mike Delgado. In front of food donated by the church to serve the hungry in the San Bernardino area.
“We believe in assisting with no regard to race, religious affiliation, or nationality. We strive to work with other organizations, faith, and community based, to offer relief and support in helping God’s children to meet basic needs as they strive to become self-reliant.”
Major Isaias Braga, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army San Bernardino/Redlands Corp, said, “The Salvation Army is privileged to receive a substantial food donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints San Bernardino Stake. This partnership is essential for fulfilling the Salvation Army mission in our region.
This initiative reveals the deep concern The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints has for the less privileged of our community, for which we are very grateful. Also, the volunteer support received from the church members is crucial and enables us to alleviate hundreds of families that come to us weekly experiencing food insecurity.”
Salvation Army’s Sam Valdez unloads food from the load.
For more information call (909) 792-6868. Donations can be made online at SanBernardino.SalvationArmy.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY, specifying that you want your donation applied to the San Bernardino Corps in California.
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Donates 20 Tons of Food to The Salvation Army
REDLANDS CALIF. The San Bernardino Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints has donated a semi-truck full of nonperishable food to The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps summer food program. Nearly 40,000 pounds of canned and packaged foods will arrive at The Salvation Army warehouse Thursday morning, July 6.
Lonnie Gallaher, Stake Communications Director for the Church in San Bernardino, said, “We have been working with The Salvation Army here for years. Many of our members serve as Salvation Army volunteers and we found out from one of them, that the food program needed a boost.”
The Salvation Army’s Business Administrator, Steve Pinckney, said “Our partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints has been a blessing. The Church of Jesus Christ, like our own, is dedicated to humanitarian needs, including feeding the hungry.”
Matthew Johnson, President of the San Bernardino Stake, said, “We, as a church, strive to follow the admonition of the Savior Jesus Christ, to feed the hungry, offer a drink to the thirsty, take in a stranger, to clothe the naked and to visit those who are sick and afflicted. Through the donations of Church members, we can offer assistance to those in need.”
For more information call (909) 792-6868. Donations can be made online at SBCSVA.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY, specifying that you want your donation applied to the San Bernardino Corps in California.
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About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may 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 is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and 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 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 792-6868.
SVA-PR-1235.4 Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints Food Donation
Carl M. Dameron, president of Dameron Communications
“I am honored to receive this recognition for our work in Adverting and Public Relations,” said Carl M. Dameron, president of Dameron Communications.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – Corp Today Magazine, named Dameron Communications as the 2022 Global Business Awards Best Full-Service Advertising & PR Agency—California 2022
Corp Today is a business magazine covering the world for companies. Corp Today is a platform that focuses on emerging and leading fastest-growing companies and their style of doing business and ways of delivering effective and collaborative solutions to strengthen market share.
“Our dedicated team of in-house researchers has handpicked each of our 2022 award winners. This proven approach ensures that we award on merit, and not popularity, and recognize the very best in the business,” said Corp Today’s Patricia Waldron.
“I am honored to receive this recognition for our work in Advertising and Public Relations,” said Carl M. Dameron, president of Dameron Communications. “Since 1988 we have worked hard to deliver effective adverting and public relations delivering significant public relations successes.”
Dameron Communications’ is Advertising and public relations agency based in a Southern California receiving award winning client accolades, and delivering effective Advertising and public relations for more than 30 years.
“We infuse research and creativity into our advertising and public relations methods to deliver winning and measurable results,” said Dameron.
He added, “We serve clients who make the world a better place: businesses small or large; candidates; governments or nonprofits; and products, services, or causes. We reach our clients’ communications goals.”
Dr. Greg Zerovnik, Ph.D., an award-winning marketing, advertising, and public relations professional has joined the Dameron Communications team as an advertising and public relations professional
(San Bernardino, Calf.)Dr. Greg Zerovnik, Ph.D., an award-winning marketing, advertising, and public relations professional has joined the Dameron Communications team as an advertising and public relations professional.
Dr. Zerovnik has won regional awards for his copywriting and graphic design work including: the redesign of peer-reviewed journals for the Society of Critical Care Medicine, he also led the marketing communications effort that resulted in the passage of a $121 million bond issue for Citrus College.
Dr. Zerovnik has taught marketing and strategic management in MBA programs at several American universities and taught branding and positioning internationally at two universities in the People’s Republic of China on a teaching fellowship. He has also delivered seminars in strategy and marketing to Chinese executives visiting the U.S. in industries as diverse as banking, mining, petrochemicals, and community colleges.
“We are honored to have Dr. Zerovnik join the Dameron Communications team of diverse, talented Communications professionals. His creativity, knowledge and skill in media psychology, strategic management, marketing, advertising, and public relations will help our clients grow and prosper,” said agency creative director and founder Carl M. Dameron.
Dr. Zerovnik belongs to the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Society of Media Psychology and Technology, and has served as a past president for the Inland Empire chapters of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and the American Marketing Association (AMA). He served a term as Governor for District 15 (Southern California and Southern Nevada) of the AAF.
Dr. Zerovnik holds an MA and Ph.D. in Media Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. an EMBA from the Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University and a BFA from the California College of the Arts, majoring in painting and sculpture.
For more information on advertising and public relations call Carl M. Dameron at (909) 534-9500 or email Carl@DameronCommunications.com
About Dameron Communications
Dameron Communications’ is a diverse team of communications professionals delivering inspired advertising: public relations, community relations and government relations. The Agency’s work has won awards and client accolades for more than 30 years. Uniquely, we blend unsurpassed relationships with proven advertising and public relations methods to deliver winning and measurable results.
Shanna Bowen is the Social Media Director at Dameron Communications
(San Bernardino, Calf.)Shanna Bowen, a social media expert with more than 15 years’ experience creating and implementing successful social media campaigns, is the social media director for Dameron Communications. Shanna joined the team in 2020.
“We are pioneers in the social media marketing. Dameron Communcations started working in social media from the inception of the platforms with AOL and Myspace in 2003,” said agency creative director and founder Carl M. Dameron.
While Shanna is too young to be a social media pioneer, she has extensive success and experience in the field. “I develop social media content and plans to advance our clients’ brand identity,” said Bowen.
“Shanna creates consistent, meaningful content on all social media platforms, including writing and editing social media posts, maximizing customer engagement, and promoting social media campaigns,” said Dameron.
She manages a high volume of daily social media posts. She communicates with social media followers, including responding to participant questions. Shanna also develops and manages social influencer programs; and, she creates social media events.
“We are delighted to have Shanna on the Dameron Communications team of diverse, talented Communications professionals,” said Dameron. “Her creativity, knowledge and skill in social media is an asset to the team and keeps our client’s in touch with their clients, while creating new follwers to advance each client’s individual communications goals.”
Shanna uses analytical tools such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite Pro, and other social media insight tools to monitor and evaluate our clients’ social media presence and performance. She prepares weekly and monthly reports on social media marketing efforts.
Shanna constantly adjusts the social media marketing strategy for optimal results. She also stays up to date on best practices and emerging trends in social media.
For more information on social media marketing call Carl M. Dameron at (909) 534-9500 or email Carl@DameronCommunications.com
About Dameron Communications
Dameron Communications’ is a diverse team of communications professionals delivering inspired advertising: public relations, community relations and government relations. The Agency’s work has won awards and client accolades for more than 30 years. Uniquely, we blend unsurpassed relationships with proven advertising and public relations methods to deliver winning and measurable results.
WINNING ARTIST—Christopher Lopez, a fashion design student at the Art Institute in San Bernardino holds the gold (ADDY) advertising award he won for his fashion illustrations in the Inland Empire competition earlier this year. On June 13, he won a silver ADDY at the national convention in Las Vegas, becoming the first fashion design student to ever win a national award at the American Advertising Federation competition. The artistic designs are from his award winning HAUS of Wonderland-A Fairy Tale Couture collection of fashion illustrations. Photos by Robert Swapp Photography.
Christopher Lopez, a junior at the Art Institute wins a Silver ADDY, the first national award by a fashion design student from the Inland Empire
(San Bernardino, CA) A local college student has made history for being the first fashion design student from the Inland Empire to ever win a Silver Award in national competition sponsored by the American Advertising Federation.
Christopher Lopez, 28, of Moreno Valley won a Silver ADDY award in the student competition at the 2015 National American Advertising Federation Conference at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 13.
Lopez is a third year student in the bachelor of arts program in fashion design at the Art Institute of California-Inland Empire campus in San Bernardino.
His creation, HAUS of Wonderland—A c Tale Couture, earned the award for excellence in the Illustration Campaign category. To advance to the national level, Lopez needed to win at two levels of competition. He first won a gold ADDY in local Inland Empire competition, then a silver award at the district level earlier this year.
The American Advertising Awards (formerly ADDY’s) recognize excellence in professional and student artistic work in a three-tier system, starting in the Inland Empire and advancing to district and national competition. Over 40,000 submissions are received for judging every year at the national level in a variety of categories.
“This is a very prestigious award,” said Su Pak, president of the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation. “It’s the first time a fashion design student from the Inland Empire has advanced to win a silver award at the national level. This is a remarkable achievement and we are very proud of Chris!”
As a student artist, Lopez has a passion for design. “I always like to tell a story with each of my pieces. I want my audience to get drawn into a wonderland-like state when exploring each piece with my designs, and great attention to detail, and that’s exactly what I delivered with this fashionably adventurous collection.”
HAUS of Wonderland-A Fairy Tale Couture is a fashion illustration collection that Lopez says was inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and present day couture fashion.
His collection features four highly stylized sketches that are designed for a couture runway show or costumes for a film, play or musical. “Each piece is based on four characters from the story, featuring the adventurous Alice, the elaborate yet villainous Queen of Hearts and trouble making duo, the Tweedle Twins, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.”
After graduation from the Art Institute in 2016, Lopez wants be a costume designer for film, TV and the entertainment business. “I love telling stories and making them come to life with my designs. I love working with themes and concepts. I’m an artist at heart and my family says it’s in my blood.” At the Art Institute, career service advisors assist students with job placement as they near graduation.
Lopez is from Los Angeles and grew up in Arcadia where he developed his artistic passion for fashion illustration in high school. Later, he chose the Art Institute in San Bernardino because it was closer to his new home in Moreno Valley and offered everything he wanted to reach his career goals.
What’s his best advice for young aspiring artists? “Achieving this award truly made my Wonderland become a reality,” said Lopez. “Make your Wonderland become a reality by working hard and having true passion for your art and craft.”
For more information contact: John Barry, public relations, AAF-Inland Empire, jpbarry05@yahoo.com (714)457-2279 or visit www.aaf-inlandempire.com to learn more about coming events.
Dameron Communications won a Bronze Award in the Public Service Poster Division in the 2011 competition.
(Ontario, CA) How to submit and win ADDY awards is the topic of a presentation by an advertising executive on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 5:30-7pm at Westwood College in Upland. The event is free and open to the public. It is being sponsored by the Inland Empire chapter of the American Advertising Federation
Mark Landon, owner of the Landon Agency in Ontario will present “Go for ADDY Gold: How to Win An Addy,” based on his extensive experience as chair of the American Advertising Awards at both the local and national level.
American Advertising Awards (ADDY’s) are given annually by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) to recognize excellence in advertising throughout the Inland Empire, both for professional and student work. ADDY awards will be presented on March 13, 2015 at the ADDY Gala in Riverside.
For the past 17 years, Landon has been a member of the National American Advertising Awards Committee of the AAF and has chaired many local ADDY competitions, including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and the Inland Empire (for over 10 years).
He served two terms as president of the AAF-Inland Empire, two terms as governor, District 15 and two terms as Western Region Chair. He also spent four years on the AAF National Board of Directors and two years on the AAF National Executive Committee.
“Mark is superbly qualified to lead this discussion,” said Su Pak, President of the AAF-IE. “He is a recognized expert on advertising and the ADDY competition. If you want to learn how to organize, enter, submit and win an ADDY, this is not to be missed.” She said that anyone involved in ADDY submissions at ad agencies, local cities or corporations should attend.
Since 1991, the Landon Agency has specialized in entertainment and lifestyle accounts. Landon has created advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns for record labels, professional sporting events, artists, bands, live theater, TV programs and special events.
Westwood College is located at 20 W. 7th St. in Upland, just north of the I-10 at Euclid. To learn more about the event or the AAF, visit http://aaf-inlandempire.com/
Carl M. Dameron Founder and Creative Director of Dameron Communications interviewed on KVCR.
Dameron Communications
Published On : 2/19/2014
By : Ken Vincent
From : KVCR
Categories : Local, Business
KVCR commemorates African-American history month by hearing about the history of trying to get nonprofit government and other small groups with small budgets to realize the importance of public relations. KVCR’s Ken Vincent talks with San Bernardino PR pro, Carl M. Dameron.
Listen to Podcast http://kvcr.org/News/Stories/2014/February/0219_Dameron_Communications
The LaGrant Foundation selected Carl M. Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications to host its first Inland Empire career development workshop for students interested in pursuing a career in advertising or public relations. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority cosponsors the workshop. Photo by Robert A. Whitehead/CSUSB
(San Bernardino, CA) Looking for a great speaker on advertising and public relations? Choose Carl Dameron, Creative Director of Dameron Communications. He is funny, direct and delivers actionable information you can put to work right away! Carl has more than 30 years of successful experience driving national and regional advertising and public relations.
Carl is available to speak on several advertising and public relations topics including:
Advertising – How to create Advertising that works from flyers to TV commercials and everything in between
Public Relations – How to get media coverage and increase the positive perception of your organization
Government Relations – How to get elected officials to listen and how to leverage their network
Community Relations – How get the community to support your goals and objectives
