Intern Jeniece Lee Joins Inland Empire African American Chamber

 Jeniece Lee, a student at California State University, San Bernardino, assists the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce in its marketing efforts through an internship with Dameron Communications. Photo by Chris Sloan

 

(San Bernardino, Calif.) California State University, San Bernardino student, Jeniece Lee, joins the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce.  Working under Carl Dameron, she will be organizing events for The Chamber, assist in the development of press releases, coordinate and arrange promotions, and assist with media relations and client research.

“This is going to be a great experience and a wonderful opportunity,” Lee said.  “I am excited to learn more about the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce.”

Jeniece Lee began her marketing major in September 2005.  Now as a senior at Cal State San Bernardino, she hopes to break into the marketing world soon after graduation in June 2010.

During her time at Cal State, Lee joined Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, was on the Activities Committee for Associated Students, Inc., and was the Vice President of Afrikan Student Alliance.  She also volunteered for the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House Charities and The Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino.

Lee is still an active member in Afrikan Student Alliance and an alumnae member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.

Carl Dameron, President of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce and Dameron Communications said, “Jeniece Lee is a brilliant, young professional who is an asset to the work we’re doing with the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce.  We look forward to her contribution to our chamber to help us increase our service to our members.”

IEAACC Plans Second Annual Black Leadership Summit

Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce President Carl Dameron and other Black leaders will facilitate the Second Annual Black Leadership Summit on Friday, March 26 at the Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center in San Bernardino. At the first Black Leadership Summit, Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter presented information about the state of California, and has been invited to do so again this year. Photo by Chris Sloan

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce will discuss how to properly impact community, political, and economic issues when it holds its Black Leadership Summit 9 a.m. Friday, March 26, 2010 at the Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center in San Bernardino.

Black elected officials, their representatives, chief executive officers, business owners, managers, and pastors have been invited to attend this event.

The goal of the summit is to determine an action plan for the Chamber's concentration during 2010.  The invited guests have been asked to send in questions and comments regarding community, political, and economic issues, which will be reviewed prior to the day of the summit to determine which community concerns should be discussed.

Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce is hosting this event.

“2009 was a very challenging year, however, many companies were able to focus on increasing revenue, cutting expenses, and bringing in new business,” Dameron said. “The economic downturn is ending and we are well on our way to recovery.

“Now we have to work smarter and harder to rebuild our businesses. We invite you the 2010 Black Leadership Summit to get the tools your business needs to be successful. Remember, we all win in 2010.”

The summit will also inform community leaders about important topics, including the current budgets of the State of California, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County. 

The guests will be served a continental breakfast and lunch. They will receive a CD containing an Excel spreadsheet with contact information for all attending the event; the Final Health Care Report, prepared by Dr. Diane Woods of the African-American Health Institute of San Bernardino County; The State of Black California, a report from the California Black Legislative Caucus; The Inland Empire in 2015, a report from the Public Policy Institute of California; John Husing’s 2010 economic report; and information about the Inland Empire Community Calendar & Cultural Events, www.ie-community.com and how one can add an event to this calendar. 

To RSVP to the Summit, call Shannan Gonzales at (909) 888-0017.

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San Bernardino County Sheriff Appoints First African American Deputy Chief

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) - The Westside Action Group (WAG) and the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce are hosting a reception for newly appointed San Bernardino County Sheriff Department, Deputy Chief Ron Cochran on Thursday, February 4, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
The event will take place at the Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, 670 Kendall Drive in San Bernardino.
Sheriff Rod Hoops appointed Cochran as San Bernardino County's first African-American Deputy Chief, taking the place of Richard Beemer, who recently retired. Cochran, who grew up in Pomona, left Highland to become Deputy Chief on January 29.

Ron Cochran joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 1984. A life-changing experience of racial profiling led him to join the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy at the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center.

Community leaders at this event will have the opportunity to meet Cochran and other community leaders who are interested in forging positive, long-term alliances with respected members of their community.

According to Alton Garrett, President of Westside Action Group, “There is a profound need for the leaders in the community to have the ability to establish effective relationship-building dialogue with our elected and appointed officials.”

This event is free and will include light refreshments. For more information, please contact Shannan Gonzales at 909-888-0017.

STEVE POIZNER TALKS TO RIVERSIDE BUSINESS LEADERS

 

RIVERSIDE, CA – California Insurance Commissioner and gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner is scheduled to address the business community on November 16, 2009, 11:30 am at the Riverside Convention Center, confirmed the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce. Poizner is the second candidate to keynote the Chamber-hosted California Gubernatorial Candidate Series, kicked-off by former e-Bay President Meg Whitman.

“Our local businesses want to hear what the next governor will do to tackle the issues facing our region and state,” commented Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Cindy Roth. “That is why the Chamber is inviting all of the candidates so that they can talk directly to our employers and business leaders about their plans for solutions.”

According to his campaign website, Poizner was a co-founder of the California Charter Schools Association. From 2001-02, he served in the White House as the director of Critical Infrastructure Protection in the National Security Council. In 2006, he was elected as a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations – nominated by former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz.

The event is sponsored by: the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce: Gresham Savage Attorneys at law, the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce.

Individual tickets to attend the event are $40 for members of the Riverside Chamber, and $50 for non-members. Program includes lunch. Reserve seats by October 26, 2009 to Governmental Affairs Manager, Angel Rodriguez at (951) 683-7100.

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The Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce is committed to building a stronger local economy by actively promoting and supporting our community; by fostering the growth and strength of our member organizations, and by engaging federal, state and local officials on behalf of business interests.

Kenn Young's Inland Empire African American Chamber Speech

African American Chamber

October, 2009

Kenneth M. Young

Riverside County Superintendent of Schools

With approximately 425,000 students, Riverside County is the 4^th largest region of public education in the largest state in the nation. This is more students than the total student enrollment in 17 states.  Our 23 local school districts spread across seventy-two hundred square miles of diverse topography, communities and demographics. The Riverside County Office of Education fulfills an important intermediate agency role, serving both the California Department of Education and local school districts.  Our major programs include Alternative Education (including juvenile hall), Special Education for the Severely Handicapped, and ROP/Career technical Training.

The county’s student population has changed significantly during the past decade. The enrollment of our Hispanic students has reached almost 56%.  Our white student population is 28%, 7-1/2% are African-American students, about 2-1/2% are Asian, and the remaining students are comprised of a handful of other nationalities. This past school year, for the first time in decades, student enrollment in our county dropped by approximately 1,600 students—largely as a result of foreclosures and unemployment.  That’s a major trend shift when we consider that during the prior year’s slowdown, Riverside County still increased by approximately 9,000 students over the 2006-2007 school year, where we grew almost 20,000.

Each year, students across California participate in what are often referred to as “high stakes testing”. These are a series of standardized tests intended to assess each student’s academic level and progress in school. The results of the tests are released by the state at different times during the year. I would like to highlight the outstanding results of Riverside County’s students on the high stakes tests for the 2008-2009 school year.

In 1999, California adopted a set of statewide content standards, followed by an aligned curriculum and assessments through the Public Schools Accountability Act. This system has become know by its measuring stick, the Academic Performance Index, or API.  The API is made up of a collection of assessments in four subject areas with an overall scoring range between 200 and 1,000.  The state’s goal is for every school in California to have an API score of at least 800. 

For the 2008-09 school year, the average API score for all students in all public schools within Riverside County was 757.  This is a 17 point increase over the prior year—the highest increase of any county in the State of California with at least 80,000 student enrollment, and a 166 point increase since the API was introduced in 1999— the 2^nd highest increase of any similar sized county in the state.

The API score for our African-American students in all public schools within Riverside County was 727, the highest score of any similar sized county in the state.  This is a 16 point increase over the prior year and a 223 point increase since the API was introduced in 1999— the highest increase of any similar sized county in the state.

The United States Department of Education’s high stakes tests are essentially comprised of using each state’s adopted reading (English Language Arts in California) and mathematics standards and assessments, and then establishing a “proficiency” measurement at the state level to determine the percentage of student proficient in these two subjects.  Additionally, every state is required to establish student proficiency goals each year, also know as Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) targets, with the USDE’s mandate that all students in all schools be 100% proficient in both ELA and mathematics by the year 2014. 

For the 2008-09 school year, the AYP percent proficient rate in ELA for all students in all public schools within Riverside County was 52.0%. This is a 5.4% increase over the prior year—the highest increase of any similar sized county in the state, and a 24% increase since the AYP was introduced in 2002— the highest increase of any similar sized county in the state.

The AYP percent proficient rate in ELA for our African American students in all public schools within Riverside County was 46.3%. This is a 5.3% increase over the prior year and a 25.7% increase since the AYP was introduced in 2002— the highest increase of any similar sized county in the state.

For the 2008-09 school year, the AYP percent proficient rate in mathematics for all students in all public schools within Riverside County was 53.9%. This is a 4.0% increase over the prior year and a 23.1% increase since the AYP was introduced in 2002— the 3^rd highest increase of any similar sized county in the state.

The AYP percent proficient rate in mathematics for our African American students in all public schools within Riverside County was 43.9%. This is a 5.3% increase over the prior year and a 23.3% increase since the AYP was introduced in 2002— the 4^th highest increase of any similar sized county in the state.

Another area of major interest related to educational outcomes is Riverside County’s high school graduation rate.  For the 2008-09 school year, Riverside County’s high school graduation rate was 80.5%, the 8^th highest of any similar sized county in the state.  From these highlights of our county’s 2008-2009 high stakes testing results, we can clearly see that in Riverside County, we are continuing our quest to create a culture of education to ensure the success of all students.

There are essentially two ways to tackle the dropout issue, prevention and reclamation.  Everything we’ve been talking about so far today relates to preventing students from leaving school prematurely by keeping them engaged and connected to their school through an interesting, challenging, relevant education. When students do leave school early, the vast majority of them don’t come back. This past school year, the Riverside County Office of Education opened the first recovery program for dropouts on a large scale called “Come Back Kids”. The program operates on the new regional learning center located next to the Mt. San Jacinto College campus in San Jacinto. The center is a joint project with the college where RCOE operate a variety of classes for students during the day and the college operates programs on the campus in the evening. Come Back Kids involves an outreach effort to locate and invite disengaged students to come back to school in a completely different learning environment than they experienced when they were unsuccessful, and reengage with their potential. We anticipate bringing back between 50 and 100 dropouts a year through this center.

Besides San Jacinto, RCOE also operates regional learning centers in Riverside, Banning, and Perris near March Air Reserve Base. We are approved for state funding for two more centers this year; one here in Moreno Valley and one in Murrieta, and we’re hoping to announce another center in the Coachella Valley in the next few months.  It’s our plan to operate Come Back Kids programs at each of our regional centers across the county.  We believe these centers will be a significant support and resource to help student dropouts return to school and complete their high school education.

Since public education in our state is so heavily impacted by the state budget, I suspect everyone is interested in hearing something about the state budget today. I would prefer not to, but our circumstances require it, so I will.

Each year, California’s public education system continues to have more required of it in terms of increasing student achievement, with decreasing resources.  In the 2007-08 school-year, we were expected to meet these requirements with billions of dollars less than in the prior year.  2008-09 and 2009-10 ismore of the same.

As we look across Riverside County, we see a regional public education system that is making steady progress in improving student achievement.  These accomplishments are especially noteworthy when we consider that California’s instructional content standards are among the top three most rigorous in the nation as rated by the Fordham Foundation and that Riverside County is home to an extremely diverse language, ethnic, and economic student population within the most diverse state in the country. But again, our schools are being expected to do more with less funding—this time, far less.

I wish to also point out, however, that California has an inherent financial problem unlike other states.  For well over a century, California’s public education system was funded in much the same way as public education is funded in most other states—at the local level.  In 1972, California ranked 10^th nationally in per pupil funding—a fact made even worse by our state’s particularly high cost of living.  Thirty years ago that changed.  The funding model for California schools was completely revamped, shifting the responsibility from the local level to the state, which now determines over 80% of the funding that schools receive.

Both finance and education experts, for years, have been warning that California’s present education funding model will overburden the state budget’s financial capacity, inadequately fund our public school system, and transfer local control of public education to the state.  In testimony to their predictions, California has dropped to almost dead last in per pupil funding and hundreds of new bills, designed to control some aspect of public education, are introduced each year.  If passed, they ultimately end up as regulations in California’s mammoth Education Code—among the largest of any state.  Now, we have introduced a new achievement gap:  the gap between growing expectations for school performance and the resources that need to be invested to make it happen.

No one can deny that our national economy is in a recession that is growing to look more like a depression by the week, and it’s likely to last for quite some time.  But we must also understand that no other state in this country is even considering the types of cuts to their public education system that are being proposed in California. Solving this problem requires more than just saying “NO” to cuts or “NO” to taxes.  It means all of us must fully comprehend the magnitude of the education funding problem facing us today, how they started and the impact it will have on us tomorrow if we do not take corrective action to fix it now.  If we didn’t have the will power to solve the problem when the state had a strong economy, it is hard to see how we will have the willpower to do it in a recession.

Currently, we’re approximately $17.9 billion dollars a year below the national average and we’re almost $28 billion a year below our 1972, 10^th place ranking. If we keep this up we’ll soon be entering the funding range of 3^rd world countries.  We must be willing to make some difficult decisions and substantial sacrifices in order to create funding solutions dedicated specifically for public education.  That is an investment in the future.  California’s (and the nation’s) economy is only as strong as the education and skill level of those who work and live here.   We must have an acceptable plan for funding our public education system that will move California back to at least the national average over the next seven to ten years and at the very least, keep us there.  That must not be the ultimate goal. With all the academic gains we have made over the last decade, we cannot afford to let our public education system continue to fall behind the rest of the country in funding.  California must take corrective action now!

Children Unmasked

(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) “Linking With Art – The Mask Task” features the work of more than 50 children who attend elementary and middle schools from Rialto, Riverside, San Bernardino and Fontana. It takes place Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2465 Mary St. in Riverside, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jalani Bakari, from noon to 4 p.m.

San Bernardino Valley Links, Inc., a non-profit organization providing education and other community service throughout the Inland Empire, sponsored a program in these schools in which children learned to create African-style masks.

“Most of their masks have a recognizable African theme,” said Margo Thomas, chairman of the San Bernardino Valley Links, Inc. Arts Committee, and the professional artist who taught this program in the participating schools. “Some of the younger children did their own thing, which is fine.”

Linking With Art is also a show featuring professional artists. The featured artist is “Gamboa,” other artists are “BerniE (Morton Bernard Edmonds),” Derrick Dragan, Shanna Fennell, Omar Howard, Charles Knox, Margo Thomas and Maya Thomas.

This is the seventh annual show for Linking With Art, however it is the first year the organization has included a children’s art project. Participating children attend school at Dollahan and Georgia Morris elementary schools in Rialto, Gage Middle School in Riverside, Malcolm X Academy and Richardson Prep School in San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga Middle School, and Wayne Ruble Middle School in Fontana.

Co-sponsors, with the San Bernardino Valley Links, Inc. are the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce, the San Bernardino Valley Links, Inc. and the Riverside African-American Historical Society.

Donation to the art show is $10, however the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce has 40 free tickets available by request. For more information about the free tickets, call Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce, at (909) 888-0017 before 12 noon Friday, Oct. 2.

For more information about the show, call Margo Thomas at (951) 684-2378.

About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce
The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

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Meet Riverside County Superintendent Kenn Young

The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce will host a reception for Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Young on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Riverside Marriott.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Young, on Thursday, Oct. 8.

The reception takes place at the Riverside Marriott Hotel, 3400 Market St., from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. It will allow business and community leaders an opportunity to meet their county superintendent and share their concerns about education with him.

“Kenneth Young worked in business for many years before he was an educator, so he understands the concerns we as business people may have,” said Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great opportunity for minority business owners from throughout the Inland Empire to discuss their concerns with him.”

Superintendent Young has served as the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools since 2007.  Previously, he was the County Deputy Superintendent of Schools.

As county superintendent, he has fiscal oversight of all 23 school districts in the county along with the Riverside County Office of Education. He oversees a staff of almost 1,800 employees working at 162 different locations across Riverside County.

Superintendent Young’s primary focuses as county superintendent have been increasing high school graduation rates and better preparing students for college and the workforce.

He has also served in senior leadership positions at local school districts, including deputy superintendent.  He has chaired several school district boundary, busing and budget committees. 

Before he worked in California’s public school system, Superintendent Young spent 17 years in the field of civil engineering, 14 of which he was president and CEO of an engineering construction firm.

He has taught adult education and high school students in public schools and high school students in a non-profit operated religious institution. 

He holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Education. 

Kenn and his wife Beverly have lived in Lake Elsinore for the past 29 years. He has six children and three grandchildren.

The reception is co-sponsored by Riverside Marriott, The Gas Company, Arrowhead Credit Union, Southern California Edison and Dameron Communications.

About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce
The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

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Visit Zambia and Profit

 

Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, Ambassador from Zambia to the United States, poses with community leaders.  Left to right: Pastor Raymond Turner; Field Representative to 5th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales,  Michael Townsend; Field Representative to Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter, Shelia Futch; President of Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, Carl Dameron; Dr. Lewanika; Mayor Pro Tem, Rikke Van Johnson; and Celeste King.  Photo by Chris Sloan.

Dr Inonge M. Lewanika, Ambassador to the United States from the Republic of Zambia was the Guest of Honor at a reception hosted by the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, and other community leadership organizations, held at the Castaway Restaurant.  The large audience that came from throughout Southern California to meet and honor Ambassador Lewanika  included Africans as well as African Americans. Photo by John Coleman.

Dr. Inonge M. Lewanika, Ambassador to the United States from the Republic of Zambia was the Guest of Honor at a reception hosted by the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, and other community leadership organizations, held at the Castaway Restaurant.  Photo by John Coleman.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Inland Empire residents have a personal invitation from the Ambassador of Zambia to visit and perhaps make a profitable investment in her country.

“Zambia is a beautiful country with many things to offer. I invite you to experience it yourself,”  said Ambassador Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika during a reception the Inland Empire  African-American Chamber of Commerce held in her honor on Thursday, Sept. 10 at Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center in San Bernardino.

This reception was part of a week long tour she made through the Inland Empire to raise awareness here about the country of Zambia. As her country’s ambassador, she also encourages American citizens to visit and make investments for profit, while at the same time helping the country with needs such as job creation, health care, education and housing.

Zambia was established as an official nation in 1964. It is home to the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Visitors can also see lakes, wetlands, tropical birds and abundant wildlife in this country, which has 11 million people in area about the size of Texas.

Victoria Falls is reason enough to see Zambia, says Ambassador Lewanika. These falls are so large, the mist can be seen from miles away.

“It is like thunder,” she said. “And the mist from the falls is like smoke. Its ancient name, “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” means “Smoke from Thunder.”

The country has much more to offer than a beautiful waterfall, Ambassador Lewanika said.

“Our greatest resource is our people,” she said. “They are very friendly and very warm.”

The largest contributor to Zambia’s economy is farming, especially maize and corn. The next largest industry is mining for natural resources such as copper, gold, diamonds, other precious stones, and possibly soon, oil. 

“Oil has not been discovered in Zambia,” she said. “But it is probably there. Our government has commissioned a study for oil exploration, because of the certainty that there is oil beneath our ground.”

Americans who purchase land in Zambia for farming, mining or development, likely would quickly turn a profit, Ambassador Lewanika said.

“It is very cheap to buy land in Zambia,” she said. “I know of one investor who made a 300 percent profit. I don’t of anywhere else in the world you can do that besides Zambia.”

“People are coming from all over the world to invest in Zambia,” she said. “They come from China.  They come from Japan. They come from all over the Middle East.”

Americans are especially encouraged to invest, because Zambian officials recognize that many in the United States do so not to exploit, but in search of business endeavors that will mutually profit them and their Zambian employees.

“You know we are human,” she said. “You don’t treat us like we have small brains like the boors in some countries do.”

In her current position, she travels throughout the United States meeting as many Americans as possible. But long before that, she lived with an American family for two years while pursuing a college education here.  That family, and most of the other Americans she has met, gives her a highly favorable impression of the United States’ people.

“I came to this country when I was 17 years old, and at that time, Zambia did not have any colleges or universities of its own,” she said. “I want to thank you for the investment you made in my life.

To find out more about Zambia, visit www.zambiatourism.com ,  call Helen Harris (909) 648-4605  or e-mail  inlandempirefriendsofzambia@gmail.com

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Zambian Ambassador to Visit Inland Empire

The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, President Carl Dameron, will host a special reception in Ambassador Lewanika’s honor on Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Castaway Restaurant in San Bernardino.


Dr. Lewanika will be on ‘Empire Talks Back’ radio show, and Meet with Business, Church, and Government Leaders

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, the Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the United States of America, will visit the Inland Empire between September 4 and September 11, 2009 prior to returning to her post in Washington, D.C. This is the Ambassador’s second visit to the Inland area, and she plans a very full agenda while she is here.

The public is invited to have ‘Breakfast With Her Excellency’ on Saturday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the T. Hughes Building, located at 1777 Baseline, in San Bernardino, CA 92411. For more information, call (909) 648-4605. To RSVP, send e-mail to ZAMBIAFRIENDS@gmail.com.

Later that afternoon, also on Saturday, September 5, 2009 Ambassador Lewanika will be the honored guest on the Empire Talks Back radio show, hosted by Westside Story publisher Wallace Allen, at 1 p.m. on KCAA 1050 AM, or on WebTV at kcaaradio.com.

The Ambassador will also be the featured speaker at two churches on Sunday, September 6, 2009. At 9:30 a.m. the congregation of Temple Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Raymond Turner will welcome her to their morning service, located at 1583 W. Union Street in San Bernardino, CA 92411, (909) 888-2038.

Ambassador Lewanika will then travel to Ecclesia Christian Fellowship to speak at 11:00 a.m., hosted by Pastor Joshua Beckley, at 1314 Date Street in San Bernardino, CA 92404, (909) 881-5551.

On Tuesday, September 8, she will meet with the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches during their regular weekly meeting at 10:30 a.m. She will also make a 3:00 p.m. stop at the San Bernardino City Hall Council Chambers where she will be welcomed by the Mayor and Common Council.

The next day, on Wednesday, September 9, the Ambassador will take a one day trip to Sacramento to meet with Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter, of District 62.

The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, President Carl Dameron, will host a special reception in Ambassador Lewanika’s honor on Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Castaway Restaurant in San Bernardino.

The reception is open to the public, as well as educators, professionals, business owners, and chamber members, in order to meet and greet the Ambassador and learn how to expand business opportunities between the Inland Empire and the nation of Zambia.

Reservations are required. To be included call Brenda Erickson at (909) 888-0017 or sign up at evite: http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=ESXRNKUMZMRBFBICDJIW

Sponsors include the Westside Story Newspaper, the Improve Business and Community Development Association, The Inland Empire African American Concerned Churches, The Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, Edison International, The Gas Company and Dameron Communications. The Castaway Restaurant is located at 670 Kendall Drive in San Bernardino, CA 92407, (909) 881-1502.

In addition to serving as a statesperson, Ambassador Lewanika encourages cultural, educational, and commercial exchanges between Zambia and the U.S. and partnerships between African American institutions and those in her country.

A graduate of New York University where she earned her Ph.D. in Early Childhood and Primary Education, she was one of the International Youth Foundation’s founding board members, and serves as the Chairperson of YAPYA: Youth Investment Trust of Zambia, and on the board of the directors of the ImagiNations Group. Her primary commitment is to youth and children, and she has worked with UNICEF in key leadership roles across Africa.

A world traveler and accomplished linguist, Ambassador Lewanika speaks eight languages and has lived in five countries. Prior to serving as the Zambian ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Lewanika was Ambassador and Special Envoy for the Zambian President during his term as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (now African Union); and she served as a member of the Zambian Parliament from 1991 to 2001.

To find out more about the Ambassador’s itinerary during her California visit to the Inland Empire, contact Helen Harris at (909) 763-2101, or e-mail her at calledtoleadership@msn.com.

Quick Facts About Zambia
Capital - Lusaka
Government - Republic
Currency - Zambian kwacha (ZMK)
Area total: 752,614 km2
water: 11,890 km2
land: 740,724 km2
Population - 11,668,000 (2005 est.)
Language - English (official), major vernaculars - Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages
Religion - Christian (+75%), Muslim and Hindu (24% or less), indigenous beliefs (1%)
Calling Code +260

Country Background

Zambia, republic in south central Africa, bounded on the north by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) and Tanzania; on the east by Malawi; on the southeast by Mozambique; on the south by Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia; and on the west by Angola. The area is 752,614 sq km (290,586 sq mi). Zambia’s capital and largest city is Lusaka.

Like in many other African countries, ethnic diversity is a striking feature in Zambia. The relatively small population of just over 11 million people comprises of over 70 different languages, also referred to as tribes. Almost all share the same historical origin of belonging to the Bantu-speaking group. The Bantu-speaking group has over 500 languages spoken in central, eastern, and southern Africa.

Scholars estimate that the number of distinctive native languages spoken in Africa totals at least 2,000 - more languages than are spoken on any other continent. Among these 2,000 languages only about 50 have 500,000 or more speakers. In Zambia the major ones include Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga. (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc)

Zambian Weather and Climate

Although lying within the Tropic Zone, much of Zambia enjoys a pleasant subtropical climate because of the high altitude. The average temperature in Lusaka during July, the coldest month of the year, is 16°C (61°F); the hottest month, January, has an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). Annual rainfall ranges from 750 mm (30 in) in the south to 1,300 mm (51 in) in the north. Nearly all of the rain falls between November and April.

Major Travel and Tourism Info (Country Travel Guide)

Zambia 101 (Basics) - Major travel and tour destinations

Zambia offers travelers some of the world's best safari opportunities, a glimpse into the “real Africa,” and Victoria Falls, one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Economy
Much of Zambia remains poor, with GNP per capita on the order of $400 a year US, and the bulk of Zambia's population lives on subsistence agriculture. The economy continues to revolve around copper, but after decades of issues the industry is now doing better thanks to higher commodity prices and investments made after privatization. Another recent success story has been tourism, with the misfortunes of its neighbor Zimbabwe driving tourists to the northern side of the Victoria Falls and Zambia's safaris.

For more on the history of Zambia go to: http://www.zambiatourism.com/travel/hisgeopeop/history.htm

Meet Dr. Inonge M. Lewanika, the Ambassador to the U.S. from The Republic of Zambia

Meet Dr. Inonge M. Lewanika, the Ambassador to the U.S. from The Republic of Zambia.

This event is free.

The Event is hosted by The Inland Empire African American Concerned Churches, Wallace Allen, Publisher of the WestSide Story Newspaper, The Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce and Dameron Communications.

Find out about Economic Opportunities in Zambia. Ask about current events and meet with your family and friends.

For more information call Carl M. Dameron at (909) 888-0017.

You must have a reservation to attend. Make your reservation at:

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=ESXRNKUMZMRBFBICDJIW

IE African-American Chamber Launches Business Friendly Website

Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce, addresses a crowd attending a recent reception sponsored by the Chamber for new San Bernardino City Manager Charles McNeely. Helping minority Inland Empire business owners to work with their government leaders is one goal of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce; another is to help them do business with each other.


(San Bernardino, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce has created a new website that makes it easier to find and support African-American owned businesses.

The new website, www.IEAfricanAmericanChamber.com includes an interactive business directory. Visitors to the website can add information about their business, even if they aren’t Chamber of Commerce members.

As businesses upload their information, it creates a directory of business services that consumers can use when seeking a business with a particular specialty, such as dry cleaning, advertising, engineering or computer consultants.

“It is a way for minority business owners to make contact with new customers or other resources,” said Carl Dameron president of the Inland Empire Chamber of Commerce. “If you are not a member, you will be able to upload very basic information. If you are a member you will be able to upload complete information.”

New members can join the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce through this website. The website also will soon contain listings of upcoming events, such as conferences, concerts and activities of interest to the African-American community.

About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce
The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community. For more information, call (909) 888-0017.

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Meet County Superintendent Gary Thomas

Meet San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Gary Thomas at a reception hosted by the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 16 at Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gary Thomas on Thursday, July 16.

The reception takes place at Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center, 670 Kendall Dr., San Bernardino, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. It will allow Black business and community leaders an opportunity to meet their county superintendent and share their concerns about education with him.

Dr. Thomas took over the position of county superintendent in August, 2008 when Dr. Herbert Fisher retired, and is running for election in 2010. He previously had been the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools deputy superintendent.

The Inland Empire African American Chamber will also host a reception for his opponent, San Bernardino City Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Arturo Delgado, on July 30.

“In the short time I have known Gary Thomas, I have seen that he cares about children and their future success,” said Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce. “ This will be an opportunity for him to share his vision for San Bernardino County’s children.”

As the former deputy superintendent for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Thomas oversaw all business, human resources and technology services for the County Schools' office serving 33 K-12 districts, three Regional Occupation Programs and five community colleges. He had responsibilities to plan, implement and evaluate the operations of a $380-million budget.

Dr. Thomas' brought forward the county's first balanced budget in more than seven years and has since kept the budget balanced.
Before he became the deputy superintendent position for County Schools, Dr. Thomas was superintendent of Silver Valley Unified School District for almost three years. There Dr. Thomas directed a staff of more than 300 employees.

Under his leadership, the Silver Valley Unified School District increased state test scores substantially. Dr. Thomas also successfully lobbied the federal government to build a new school for students living on the Fort Irwin National Training Center and developed a stronger budget reserve.

Prior to his leadership position in Silver Valley, Dr. Thomas served as superintendent of the Lucerne Valley Unified School District for almost five years. While in Lucerne Valley, Dr. Thomas oversaw the re-alignment of the district's curriculum to match the state standards in the core subject areas; worked with the district to create an alternative education center to provide independent study, adult education, home/hospital and community day school programs; and entered into a partnership with Victor Valley Community College to provide vocational education programs to high school juniors and seniors.

In addition to his two stints as a district superintendent in the High Desert, Dr. Thomas served as principal, director of elementary education, senior director of instructional services, and assistant superintendent of Business Services for the Hesperia Unified School District over a 10-year period. One of his major accomplishments while in the district was turning around a troubled elementary school and bringing back a sense of pride and respect for the school from the parents, staff, and students it served.

Dr. Thomas has served on and chaired numerous advisory committees and task forces in the county and state to improve the education and well being of students.
In 2008, he was awarded the Business Administrator of the Year Award by the Association of California School Administrators.

Dr. Thomas received his undergraduate degree in psychology and teaching credential from California State University, Los Angeles. He earned his master's degree and doctorate from the University of LaVerne. Dr. Thomas has resided in San Bernardino County's High Desert for the past 22 years. He and his wife Beverly have two daughters, one son, one grandson and one granddaughter.

About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce
The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

Meet San Bernardino's New Police Chief Keith Kilmer

Meet San Bernardino Police Keith Kilmer at a reception hosted by The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 9.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) On Thursday, July 9, the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce will host a reception for San Bernardino’s new police chief, Keith Kilmer.

The reception takes place at Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, located at 670 Kendall Drive in San Bernardino, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

“Chief Kilmer started working for San Bernardino on June 1, so this is an opportunity for local community leaders and business owners to meet him, and hear his plans for keeping San Bernardino’s neighborhoods safe,” said Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to working with him to improve public safety.”

Chief Kilmer has been a member of the Southern California law enforcement community for the past 27 years. Prior to his arrival in San Bernardino, he was police chief in Bell Gardens for three years, and served with the Long Beach Police Department for 24 years, rising to the rank of police commander.

Kilmer has been recognized for his efforts involving community policing programs, youth oriented programs, technology and crime prevention.

Chief Kilmer graduated from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, in 1987, and has been a member of the California State Bar since 1988. He has attended numerous executive level training programs in law enforcement including the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University, the California Command College and the West Point Leadership Program. He also served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer and Canine Handler.

Chief Kilmer is married to Roberta and has four children, the oldest of which is currently involved in Ranger training with the United States Army. He plans to live in the City of San Bernardino.

The reception is free and refreshments are included. The event is co-sponsored by Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center, San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson, Fontana Mayor Pro Tem Acquanetta Warren, and Dameron Communications.

For more information, or to RSVP, please call 909-888-0017.

About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce
The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

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Smart Riverside Informs IE Tech Professionals

Steve Reneker, executive director of Smart Riverside, welcomes guests to the Inland Empire Tech Week. Riverside, the largest city in the Inland Empire, is one of many cities in the region embracing new ways to use technology to more efficiently deliver government services to its people. Its “Smart Riverside” agency works to promote technology in the private and public sectors, and sponsored IE Tech Week.

Jason Diehl, academic director for Web Design & Interactive Media at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, tells about the importance of technology in the lives of college students and other young people. Diehl was the keynote speaker for The Inland Empire Software Summit, one of the key presentations during IE Tech Week.

Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, welcomes guests to the Inland Empire Tech Week, where they learned what entrepreneurs in the Inland Empire are doing with technology and to promote technology business in the Inland Empire.

(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) Inland Empire Technology Week 2009, sponsored by Smart Riverside informed technology professionals in the Inland Empire on where technology is, and where it is headed.

The five-day event brought together technology companies, entrepreneurs, government and business leaders. The goal was to promote the Inland Empire as a region for technology companies to relocate and grow.

Day One kicked off with a Tech Expo at the Riverside Convention Center. More than 700 attendees came together discussing specific issues affecting the tech industries. More than 100 vendors and booths displayed their high technology businesses. Presentations were given from high profile IT professionals such as: Nate Johnson with ESRI who spoke on understanding customers and constituents.

Day Two offered a Google Workshop and Tech Employment Trends 2009 by Robert Half International and Protiviti, also held at the Riverside Convention Center.

Adam Massey, Senior Sales Manager, Google Apps and Deborah Hafford, Regional Sales Manager presented the latest business applications provided from the web browser with software and data stored through the Google platform.
“The productivity suite was specifically why I attended the Google workshop and it exceeded my expectations,” said Leyden Hahn, Chief Technology Officer, Information Technology Department for the City of Riverside.
The presentation walked through different applications, specifically demonstrating the different capabilities that can be personalized through the various layers of the platform.

Keith Montgomery and Jon Bronson presented the latest IT employment trends in the Inland Empire and the importance of IT governance with an organization. This was also an opportunity to network with fellow IT executives and consultants.

Montgomery is the branch manager for Robert Half Technology in the Inland Empire. His mission is to drive more knowledge workers to the region. His presentation served both the current and future IT community.

Bronson is a Director in Protivit’s Los Angeles Risk Consulting Practice. His presentation focused on how factors such as customer perception and the effective management and execution of key foundational processes and controls within an IT function can enhance value at an organization. He also discussed how frameworks such as ITIL are being used by organizations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of IT operations.

Day Three was Tech Horizons 2009 held at University of Riverside, Bourns College of Engineering. The subject titled, Aware Sensor Systems: The next Revolution In Safety and Security focused emerging technologies and innovations in areas such as intelligent networking, video and other sensor technologies, biometrics, security and situational understanding.

Day Four was the Fast-Pitch Competition at Cal State San Bernardino. Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship and the Tech Coast Angels hosted this venture financing panel session and concluded with 12 entrepreneurs, which were given 90-second pitches to a panel of investors and other members of the Southern California’s entrepreneurial community.

Day Five wrapped up IE Tech Week, the first ever IE Software Summit was held at the City Hall, Grier Pavilion rooftop. The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosted the complimentary event. The summit focused on getting ready for the smart phones – how to make your website ready for Smart Phones, PDA’s, and iPhone’.

“This technology has a huge impact on the business world. An e-commerce site owner needs to ask, ‘Is my site compatible with mobile users?’” said Carl Dameron, President of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce and Dameron Communications.

“People under the age of 21 access the Internet primarily through mobile devices, whether it’s e-mailing, texting, social networking sites and/or downloading music. If your website is not accessible to those consumers, you are missing out on a huge market segment,” said Dameron.

The summit’s keynote was Jason Diehl, Academic Director for Web Design & Interactive Media at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Diehl’s topic was “Evolution to Revolution” with the smart phone. He expanded the mobile companies drive for innovation by interacting the web mobile devices.

“This economy is really helping mobile device industries to force people to be more creative,” said Diehl.

Also featured was a “Meet the Funders” panel discussion that included angel investors and venture capitalist. Mark Mitchell, Executive Director of Tri-Tech hosted the panel discussion. The panelist explained the importance of integrity, competency and passion when pitching to any investor.

“The City of Riverside is evolving as a high technology community with over 40,000 college students leading the future of our community technology vision and direction for the future. As the chairman of SmartRiverside, my goal is to continue to attract and develop high technology companies to our Technology Park and utilize the talents of the high skilled labor in our community to foster a SmartRiverside” - Ron Loveridge, Mayor City of Riverside 
Chairman of Smart Riverside.

For more information about next year’s IE Tech Week you can call Steve Reneker, Executive Director for Smart Riverside at (951) 826-5109 or go online to http://www.riversideca.gov/ietechweek/.

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Black Voice Foundation Shows How To Be Green

Riverside County Auditor-Controller Robert Byrd attended the Green Economy Summit, where he learned more about the green economy, green jobs and recycling.

Craig Keys Executive Director of Green Valley Initiative spoke at the Green Economy Symposium at the Grier Pavilion and spoke on the green economy, green jobs, and recycling.
Rikke Van Johnson, San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem, (back left) and Lisha Smith, Deputy Director for San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales, attended the Green Economy Symposium at the Grier Pavilion and learned more about the green economy, green jobs, and recycling.

Lea Peterson Sempra Utilities spoke at the Green Economy Symposium at the Grier Pavilion and spoke on the green economy, green jobs, and recycling.

More than 80 community leaders attended the Green Economy Symposium at the Grier Pavilion and learned more about the green economy, green jobs, and recycling.

More than 80 community leaders including Carl Dameron, president the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce attended the Green Economy Symposium at the Grier Pavilion and learned more about the green economy, green jobs, and recycling.

(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) - The Black Voice Foundation, the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce and the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted a Green Economy Symposium at the Grier Pavilion, Riverside City Hall on Friday, June 12, 2009.

Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon of the California Public Utilities Commission was the special guest speaker.

Before the featured speaker, attendees had an opportunity to learn more about the green economy, green jobs, and recycling. Leonard Robison, Director of Toxic Waste and the EPA Federal Liaison for the State of California moderated a panel discussion.

In his brief tenure at the Public Utilities Commission, Simon has used his business, law, and public service backgrounds to provide California with environmentally friendly energy, and supported the expansion of energy efficiency programs to help low-income residents, and the establishment of a “solar incentive program for low-income homeowners.”

The panelists at the event included Lea Peterson of Sempra Utilities; Jamil Dada, President of the Association of the Workforce Development Board; Craig Key, s Executive Director of Green Valley Initiative and Lois Carson, Executive Director of the Community Action Partnership.

The Black Voice Foundation has previously hosted green events in the Inland Empire to spread awareness about environmental efforts such as recycling, green jobs, electronic waste disposal procedures and energy conservation.

For information on the Green Economy Symposium, contact Anna Wenger at (951)-682-6070.

IE African American Chamber Hosts Reception for Rialto Superintendent Dr. Harold Cebrun

The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce holds a reception for Dr. Harold Cebrun, superintendent of Rialto Unified School District, on Thursday, July 2. 

 (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for Rialto Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Harold Cebrun on Thursday, July 2, 2009.  

The reception will place at Acquire Learning Center, 1188 W. Leiske Drive in Rialto, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Dr. Cebrun took over the superintendent’s duties in Rialto in February 2009, after former superintendent Edna Davis-Herring resigned. Superintendent Cebrun has worked for more than 40 years in public education, starting as a substitute teacher. 

 “Dr. Cebrun is a leader in the war against ignorance, striving always to share his wealth of knowledge with schools, school districts, businesses and corporate executives,” said Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-Anaheim), when Congress honored him with special recognition in 1998, for what was then 30 years of service to education. 

“He is an eloquent speaker whose views are sought by many organizations. His expertise in team building, team management and effective leadership has earned him the respect and admiration of peers and community leaders.” 

 He will share these views with members of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce at this reception, and listen to their concerns and suggestions as to how he can serve youth in Rialto. 

 “We are grateful, that in such a short period of time, the Rialto Board of Education unanimously selected an experienced, highly educated and highly motivated superintendent who has started off with great strides,” said Board Member Joanne Gilbert. 

“We appreciate the Inland Empire African American Chamber recognizing our superintendent and offering this generous ‘meet and greet’ for the community.” 

 Before arriving in Rialto, Dr. Cebrun served as superintendent of the Lynwood Unified School District, for five years and served as superintendent for Compton Unified School District for five years. He previously was the Assistant Commissioner for Athletics in the California Interscholastic Federation, which oversees high school sports programs throughout the state. He was the first African-American employed by CIF since its inception in 1913.

 “I am humbled, and always welcome the opportunity to thank community leaders who make efforts in uniting and building bridges through these positive encounters,” stated Superintendent Cebrun. Dr. Cebrun earned his master’s degree at Azusa Pacific University and holds two doctorate degrees, a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Columbia Pacific University and an Ed.D. from Argosy University. He has also completed additional studies for life credentials as a teacher, counselor, and administrator, attending University of Southern California and Pepperdine University. 

 “The Rialto Unified community, which includes portions of Rialto and San Bernardino, is fortunate to have a leader the caliber of Dr. Cebrun,” said Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, and the father of two Rialto Unified students. “As a business leader and as a parent, I am excited about this opportunity for local African-American community leaders to meet and support him as he serves the Rialto Unified School District.” The reception is free and refreshments are included. 

The event is co-sponsored by San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson, Rialto Council Member Deborah Robertson, Fontana Mayor Pro Tem Acquanetta Warren, Acquire Learning Center and Dameron Communications. For more information, or to RSVP, please call Shannan Gonzales at 909-888-0017. 

 About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

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