BICENTENNIAL BEAUTIFICATION CONTEST

The California theater is just one of the many beautiful building recently restored in San Bernardino.   Residents are invited to participate in a citywide beautification contest during the month of April as part of the Bicentennial Celebration.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (March 17, 2010) -  The City of San Bernardino invites residents to participate in a citywide beautification contest during the month of April as part of the Bicentennial Celebration.

Projects for the contest include property repairs, painting, landscaping or cleaning up a piece of property. The Bicentennial Celebration Committee will award plaques to the winners in various categories.

All who submit a project will be entered into an opportunity drawing with a chance to win one of many prizes.

"We’re very excited about giving our residents a chance to make a difference in the city and take part in the Bicentennial celebration in this way," said Jean Bulinski, co-chair of the Bicentennial Beautification Committee.

"The city is holding a year-long party and inviting thousands of guests," Bulinski continued, "and this is a way for residents to help our guests feel more welcome."

Individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the city can submit "before" and "after" photos of a project. Entries must include two dated street-view photos of the property before the project and two dated photos of the completed project from the same location.

Entries must be received at the Mayor’s Office or emailed to beautification@erinbrinker.com by 4:00 pm, April 26, 2010. Winners will be announced at the end of April.

For more information and complete rules, visit www.sanbernardino200.org and click on Neighborhood Beautification.

Other upcoming Bicentennial Celebration Events:

  

April 12 will take a look at “Indigenous Pre-Hispanic People of San Bernardino” at the University’s Pfau Library.

On May 1, the San Bernardino Symphony will perform a “Celebrate America” concert at the California Theatre of Performing Arts in honor of the city’s birthday as well as for the centennial of the Community Hospital of San Bernardino.

More music will highlight May 7 and 8 with an adaptation of Mozart’s opera “Cossi Fan Tutte” at the University’s P.A. Recital Hall.

May 8 and 9, the celebration debuts Railroad Days at the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum at the historic Depot.  The historic Santa Fe  3750 steam locomotive will be brought to San Bernardino for this event,

May 15th will launch a “countdown” celebration with an elaborate gala at the National Orange Show Events Center, with the 16th capped by a Bicentennial Mayor’s Run and Youth Safety Expo at Arrowhead Credit Union Park and a Festival of Faiths at the Western Region Little League Stadium.

There will be a Centennial Monument rededication as well as a Bicentennial Monument dedication on May 20 at Inland Center Drive and “I” Street with a reception to follow at the California Welcome Center – San Bernardino.

June 19 will see another unique event when the city introduces the “San Bernardino’s Got Talent” competition at the Sturges Theatre.  Auditions will take place at the San Bernardino Feldheym Library on April 24 and April 26 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Bicentennial festivities continue on July 4th at the 66ers Stadium in the Arrowhead Credit Union Park, the 4^th of July Extravaganza with a fireworks display unlike any the city has previously seen.

The Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous, the Western Regional Little League Tournament and other events taking place in the latter part of 2010 will also feature a tie-in to San Bernardino’s Bicentennial, keeping the celebration alive throughout the year.

Rabbi Hillel Cohn is the chairman of the Bicentennial Celebration Committee, and Erin Brinker is the chair of its Public Relations & Marketing and Independence Day Extravaganza committees. Other Bicentennial Celebration Committee members are Jim Smith (chair of the Community Engagement committee), Cheryl Brown (chair of the Youth Council, Intergovernmental and Arts committees), Beverly Bird (chair of the Legend of the Arrowhead committee), Steven Shaw (chair of the History committee), David Smith (chair of the Finance committee), Jane Sneddon (chair of the Parade committee) and Martha Pinkney (chair of the Gala committee.) The mayor and members of the San Bernardino Common Council appointed these members.

Additional community volunteers who have taken on leadership of other committees are: Trudy Freidel (Festival of Faiths), Edward Martinez (Leadership Cabinet), Peggi Hazlett (Mayor’s Run), Dr. Charles “Skip” Herbert (Coloring Books for Schools), Karen Blanco (Media) and The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (Design).

For additional details, contact Erin Brinker at (951) 323-9337 or go to http://sanbernardino200.org

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Marco Ofelio Garcia Convention Center's New Chef

Marco Ofelio Garcia, executive chef of Ontario Convention Center - 

photo by Dave Earhart

(ONTARIO, Calif.) Chef Marco Ofelio Garcia has been named the executive chef of the Ontario Convention Center.

His job is to change the way people think about convention center food. Under his leadership, the Ontario Convention Center’s restaurants and banquets will soon expand their fare, providing guests with a fine restaurant style dining experience.

“I create new food ideas,” Chef Garcia said. “I want people to know that if they come here, they will have a unique culinary experience in the style of the finest restaurants.”

“He brings a new wealth of culinary experience to the Ontario Convention Center,” said General Manager Bob Brown. “He has the ability to offer to the community, and to our clients, a dining experience like they have never had before. We are looking forward to some really great food.”

Garcia received his certification as a certified executive chef (CEC), at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. He also spent part of 2006 working while gaining tremendous experience as a chef in Barcelona and other regions in Spain.

His most recent prior experience is working as the senior executive chef at Angels Stadium of Anaheim. He was there from 1998-2009, dating back to when it was known as Edison Field.

At Angels’ Stadium he oversaw food preparation for three in-stadium restaurants and 83 skybox suites, as well as for special events at the stadium besides the Angels’ games.

During his time there, even the take-out menus broadly expanded from traditional stadium fare, and the sit-down restaurants now offer some of the finest dining in Anaheim.

Chef Garcia worked as, the concessionaire for Angels Stadium, starting in 1993. Before moving over to Angels’ Stadium, he was the sous chef at Arrowhead Pond, and the executive chef at Los Angeles Convention Center.

Prior to working in sports venues and convention centers, Chef Garcia worked as the executive chef at restaurants in San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago, and for Pinnacle Industries. He also worked at restaurants such as the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, and the officers’ dining lounges at two military bases in southern California.

Chef Garcia grew up in San Francisco, where he first gained exposure to the Mexican, Asian, Southwest and Mediterranean cuisines that continue to influence his repertoire. He also broadens his influence by traveling to different cities, tasting the cuisine of each.

The Ontario Convention Center is a contemporary design building, encompassing 225,000 square feet of space that can be configured to meet a variety of convention and other meeting needs. All areas of the Ontario Convention Center contain advanced communications technology, including wireless Internet access and video conferencing.

For a tour or more information, call Amita Patel at (909) 937-3000 or toll-free at (800) 455-5755, email info@ontariocvb.com or go to www.ontariocc.com

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Foster Joins Leading Ad & PR Agency

Melissa Foster is learning how a leading PR firm promotes its clients through her internship with Dameron Communications. Chris Sloan photo

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Melissa Foster is developing public relations and social networking online strategies to advance the success of Dameron Communications clients. 

Foster has increased her skills and writes press releases for agency clients. She also promotes events for the company on many different social networks including Facebook, Myspace, Eventful, Zvents, and Entertainment Lifestyles.

Foster has had the opportunity to interview and work with government officials, business leaders, community leaders and volunteers.

Foster has realized print media is where you begin and is the foundation of all public relations communications. Foster’s university professors in public relations taught print media is outdated because people use online sources to get their information.

“Earning coverage in a newspapers and magazines is the foundation of good public relations. Many radio, TV and websites draw their content from newspapers. The information in the press release is then used in slightly different forms to promote events through online media,” Foster said.

As an example, a major local newspaper distributes 190,000 newspapers daily with 630,000 readers per day. That’s 18.9 million readers a month, offering more media hits than any Inland Empire online media delivers.

A press release allows for all the information to be in one place, permitting fast distribution of materials through all social networks and other online channels.

Foster joined Southern California’s leading public relations and advertising agency, Dameron Communications to build a foundation in public relations and decide if this is the career for her.

Foster is mentored by Carl Dameron, agency director of Dameron Communications and has learned the most important thing is to gather information, research, write a good press release and tell the story across all media including print, online, TV and radio.

“I have learned how to communicate information and learned that the foundation of communications is the same as it was 20 years ago. We just have new ways of getting information out,” Foster said.

“I know I am greatly expanding my knowledge and skills to be competitive in the field of public relations,” Foster said. “This has been a great experience and a wonderful opportunity.”

Foster began her communications major with a concentration in public relations, April of 2009. Now as a senior at Cal State San Bernardino, she hopes to land a job at a prominent public relations firm before graduation in March 2011.

“My university education has taught me critical thinking skills, effective communication and crisis communication,” Foster said.

At Cal State San Bernardino, Foster joined Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). She learned more about public relations and how new trends in the field of communications could be applied in the business world.

Activities included listening to guest speakers in the field of public relations and establishing networking connections.

Dameron said, “It is a pleasure to have Melissa work with us. She has quickly learned to write a good press release that has earned media coverage, a difficult task for people with years of professional experience. Every one of her stories has run in several local daily and weekly publications. She is a hard working young professional who I believe will be very successful in this business.”

About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. It is an award-winning agency that creates integrated advertising and public relations solutions to increase clients’ sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues.

Dameron Communications creates advertising for television, radio, newspaper, magazine, and billboards, web sites, mobile web applications, email and more. Public relations services include press releases, press conferences, media relations, television programs, web sites, opinion editorials, promotions, event creation and management, government relations and community relations.  

Dameron Communications has earned media coverage for clients from: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC, CBS MarketWatch; Fox News, CNN, CNNfn, Nightly Business Report; The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Dow Jones News Wire, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press and many more.

For more information go to: http://www.DameronCommunications.com/ or call (909) 888-0017.

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Amita Patel New Ontario Convention Center Director of Sales and Marketing

 

Amita Patel has been promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing for the Ontario Convention Center. Photo by Dave Earhart

(ONTARIO, Calif.) Amita Patel has been promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing for the Ontario Convention Center and the Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“Every day is different in my job,” she said. “And I am a very driven person who enjoys seeing things come together, especially on the regular basis when we help our clients plan conventions that exceed the expectations of their delegates and board members.”

Patel has been on the sales and marketing staff for both the convention center and the visitor’s bureau since 2002, but for some of those years, sales and marketing were regarded as separate functions.

Last year, the staff began a new approach in working to bring more events to Ontario, and this new approach ties sales and marketing more closely together, explained General Manger Bob Brown.  It also closely aligns the mission of the Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau with that of the Convention Center.

“The Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes all of the opportunities in Ontario, including the Convention Center, the Citizens’ Business Bank Arena, local hotels, restaurants and stores,” Brown explained. “We now consider ourselves a one-stop shop for Convention Center clients.”

That is where the marketing skills of Amita Patel come into play. 

“I determine what the clients’ needs are,” Patel said. “Then I work with the sales staff, which I continue to oversee, so we can customize a proposal that addresses the needs of the client, increasing our opportunity to confirm the business for the city .”

Patel also develops marketing materials to inform potential clients how Bureau services can assist them in planning an exceptional event at the Ontario Convention Center, and oversees creation of press releases and other promotional materials.

Patel was born in England, but moved with her family to California in 1976. She now lives in Ontario.

She obtained a bachelor’s degree in microbiology at the University of Oklahoma and began her career in hotel sales and marketing shortly thereafter.

Patel says she loves challenges. Her competitive spirit drives her along with her sales team to develop value enhanced bid proposals to secure business for the city of Ontario's hotel community and the Ontario Convention Center.

Her love of challenges led her to pursue science in college. However, due to a desire to pursue something very different, she was able to obtain a rewarding entry-level position as the sales manager of the historic Galvez Hotel in Galveston, Texas.

As director of Sales and Marketing at the Red Lion Hotel - Ontario Airport, she transitioned the brand to the Doubletree Hotel in 1996. With this experience, she was hired at the Holiday Inn Pasadena in Pasadena, CA in 1997, where she was the director of sales and marketing.

In 2000, the hotel was transitioned to the Sheraton brand. While there, she oversaw a campaign to transform the hotel from a mid-level brand focusing on the needs of tourists and other travelers, to an upscale hotel that hosted conventions and meetings.

The hotel grew in revenue after the transformation, Patel said, because even though room rates increased from $63 to $115, “we repositioned the hotel to generate more profitable business as a convention-based property than it did as a tour/travel based hotel.”

The Ontario Convention Center is a contemporary design building, encompassing 225,000 square feet of space that can be configured to meet a variety of convention and other meeting needs for groups of less than 100 and up to 10,000. All areas of the Ontario Convention Center contain advanced communications technology, including wireless Internet access and video conferencing.

The Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau assists event planners to create conventions of any size in Ontario, whether at the Ontario Convention Center, at other venues in the city, or a combination of both.

For a tour or more information, call Amita Patel at (909) 937-3000 or toll-free at (800) 455-5755, email info@ontariocvb.com or go to www.ontariocc.com

San Bernardino Celebrates 200 Years With Parade

Parades have been celebrated in San Bernardino for many of the 200 years the city has been known by that name. A parade marking San Bernardino's Bicentennial  takes place Saturday, May 22.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (March 8, 2010) The City of San Bernardino continues its 200^th anniversary celebration with a parade marking the city’s Bicentennial.

The parade, which is being organized by the Bicentennial Parade Committee, starts Saturday, May 22 at 7th & “E” Streets, ending at Meadowbrook Park. The festivities begin at 12 noon and conclude at 9 p.m. The parade itself begins at 4 p.m.

“Entries may include floats, marching bands, horse drawn vehicles, marching groups such as drill teams, drum squads, walking groups, mascots, vintage vehicles, re-enactors and equestrian groups,” said Jane Sneddon, chair of the Parade Committee. For an application go to www.sb200.org or call Sneddon at 909.289.2730.

“A Rich History, A Bright Future” the overall Bicentennial Celebration’s theme, is also the theme of the parade,” said Rabbi Hillel Cohn, Bicentennial Committee Chairman. “This history begins with the presence of the Serrano Indians, the indigenous Native American population. In 1810 Father Dumetz came to the valley and named it. The parade will portray the early history as well as more recent history and will end with San Bernardino’s bright future.”

Entries currently include floats of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a depiction of the first Mass in 1810, the arrival of the Mormon pioneers, the Jewish community and African-Americans.  There will also be an entry from the National Orange Show, a 1910 buggy used by the mayor in the city’s centennial parade and five marching bands from the San Bernardino Unified School District. 

Throughout the day there will be food and merchandise vendors, a mini-carnival and entertainment provided by the Redlands 4^th of July Band, San Bernardino High School Jazz Band and The Main Street Community Band.  After the parade, floats will be on display at the park.

Other upcoming Bicentennial Celebration Events:

In March and April of 2010, the city will conduct beautification events including spearheading the planting of 200 trees.

On March 17, California State University at San Bernardino hosts the 23rd Annual Morrow-McCombs Memorial Lecture, which will explore “Can’t We All Get Along?” Bicentennial Committee Chairman Rabbi Hillel Cohn’s reflections on 200 years of the city’s religious life.

April 12 will take a look at “Indigenous Pre-Hispanic People of San Bernardino” at the university’s Pfau Library.

On May 1, the San Bernardino Symphony will perform a “Celebrate America” concert at the California Theatre of Performing Arts in honor of the city’s birthday as well as for the centennial of the Community Hospital of San Bernardino.

More music will highlight May 7 and 8 with an adaptation of Mozart’s opera “Cossi Fan Tutte” at the University’s P.A. Recital Hall.

May 8 and 9, the celebration debuts Railroad Days at the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum at the historic Depot. “We’ll be bringing in steam locomotive Santa Fe  3750,” Cohn says, “which actually used to serve the city.”

May 15th will launch a “countdown” celebration with an elaborate gala at the National Orange Show Events Center, with the 16th capped by a Bicentennial Mayor’s Run and Youth Safety Expo at Arrowhead Credit Union Park and a Festival of Faiths at the Western Region Little League Stadium.

There will be a Centennial Monument rededication as well as a Bicentennial Monument dedication on May 20 at Inland Center Drive and “I” Street.

June 17-18 will see another unique event when the city introduces the “San Bernardino’s Got Talent” competition at a location to be determined.

The Bicentennial festivities continue on July 4th at the 66ers Stadium in the Arrowhead Credit Union Park, the 4^th of July Extravaganza with a fireworks display unlike any the city has previously seen.

The Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous, the Western Regional Little League Tournament and other events taking place in the latter part of 2010 will also feature a tie-in to San Bernardino’s Bicentennial, keeping the celebration alive throughout the year.

Rabbi Hillel Cohn is the chairman of the Bicentennial Celebration Committee, and Erin Brinker is the chair of its Public Relations & Marketing and Independence Day Extravaganza committees. Other Bicentennial Celebration Committee members are Jim Smith (chair of the Community Engagement committee), Cheryl Brown (chair of the Youth Council, Intergovernmental and Arts committees), Beverly Bird (chair of the Legend of the Arrowhead committee), Steven Shaw (chair of the History committee), David Smith (chair of the Finance committee), Jane Sneddon (chair of the Parade committee) and Martha Pinkney (chair of the Gala committee.) The mayor and members of the San Bernardino Common Council appointed these members.

Additional community volunteers who have taken on leadership of other committees are: Trudy Freidel (Festival of Faiths), Edward Martinez (Leadership Cabinet), Peggi Hazlett (Mayor’s Run), Dr. Charles “Skip” Herbert (Coloring Books for Schools), Karen Blanco (Media) and The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (Design).

For additional details, contact Erin Brinker at (951) 323-9337 or go to http://sanbernardino200.org

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Donations Needed For New Hospitality House

Salvation Army Advisory Board Member Carl Dameron, Salvation Army Band Leader Stephen Yalden and daughter Sophie Yalden, in the kitchen of the newly-relocated Salvation Army Hospitality House. This new kitchen is substantially larger than the one in the Hospitality House’s previous location at the San Bernardino Corps’ Headquarters building, and in order to make best use of it, the Army seeks donations of additional kitchen items. It also has an ongoing need for personal items for the shelter residents. Photo by Chris Sloan

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Salvation Army seeks donations of kitchen supplies and personal items to help residents of its new Hospitality House emergency family shelter.

“We need some items to help us make better use of our new larger kitchen,” said Co-Director Capt. Nancy Ball. “We also have an ongoing need for toiletries and other personal items.”

The needed kitchen items are:

• Six 6” deep rectangular pans
• 10 4” deep rectangular pans
• 20 2” deep rectangular pans
• One 10-piece knife set, including cleaver
• Four large spatulas
• 10 serving spoons, both regular and slotted
• 20 large cookie sheets
• Two 6” deep, 18” wide and 24” long pans
• Three 16” diameter, 24” tall pots
• Six large plastic storage containers with lids
• Six small-medium plastic storage containers with lids
• Four large serving trays
• Four large serving bowls
• One large strainer
• One small strainer
• 10 medium tongs
• Meats and other food items

The needed personal items are:

• Diapers (all sizes)
• Baby formula
• Tampons and sanitary pads
• Combs and brushes
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Dental floss
• Body/Hand Soap
• Deodorant (men’s and women’s)
• Shampoo
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Twin sheets
• Hand lotion
• Towels
• Wash cloths
• Socks (men’s women’s and children’s)
• Band-Aids
• Pens and pencils

Hospitality House, the Salvation Army’s emergency family shelter, moved to its new location on Tenth Street on Feb. 1, after operating for more than two years in the San Bernardino Corps’ headquarters building, and for about 50 years prior to that at a now-demolished location on Kingman Street.

To make a donation, call the San Bernardino Corps Headquarters at (909) 888-1336 or drop off the donations at the Headquarters building, 746 W. Fifth Street, San Bernardino.

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps

The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.

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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.”

Convention & Visitors Bureau Offers Discounts From Southern California Merchants

Left to Right: Bruce McCall, Elite Reward Team, Amita Patel, director of sales and marketing for the Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau; Bill Martinez, Robert Saiz and Christina Cardenas present Elite Reward Cards,  a discount card offered by the Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau, offering discounts to businesses in Ontario and throughout southern California. Photo by David Earhart

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(ONTARIO, Calif.) Inland Empire residents and visitors to the city and the Ontario Convention Center can now receive discounts of up to 25 percent at local businesses, including Ontario Reign games, retail stores and local restaurants.

“The Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau's Reward Card is fun, fresh and new,” said Amita Patel, director of sales and marketing for the Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Ontario Convention Center, which oversees the program. “Our partnership with Elite Reward Cards LLC allows us to target not only Ontario residents, but also the meetings/ conventions and consumer shows markets. Businesses from Twin Peaks to Laguna Nigel are on board already, and we know the interest in this will grow.”

Besides giving the card holders great deals, the Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau's Reward Card program benefits area businesses too, because anyone who buys a card will become aware of what the participating merchants have to offer. Each merchant decides what benefit the card holders will receive, but it can be up to 25 percent off a purchase.

“The card is designed to bring business to merchants,” Patel said. “Many are struggling, so this serves as a stimulus program for them. We want to keep and drive business into Ontario, while also addressing the needs of the visitors who come from out of town when attending an event at the Ontario Convention Center or one of the local hotels.”

The Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau has primarily recruited businesses in the West Valley and Pomona Valley areas, but over the next two years will broaden the outreach to include more of San Bernardino County, as well as Orange County and Riverside County. After 2011the Bureau plans to expand into other parts of California, then to other states.

Those nearby areas will also reap some economic benefit in the first phase, because the cards will also recommend places to visit, such as Temecula’s wine country and Big Bear Lake. Convention visitors from outside the Inland Empire often plan side trips, and even if they stay near Ontario, want recommendations on where to eat or shop.

“With this card, they will have more reasons to enjoy their stay in Ontario,” Patel said. “It will give them ideas they had not previously considered.”

Starting with the IE Super Show April 10-11, all delegates and guests of the event at the Convention Center will receive a free limited-time Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau's Rewards Card and an offer to purchase the annual card for $35, said Patel.

Soon after, the Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau plans to market this card in selected Inland Empire neighborhoods. The cards can be purchased by calling the Sales Office at the Ontario Convention center: 909-937-3000 or online at www.eliterewardcards.com

The IE Super Show is an open to the public convention that combines four unique shopping experiences – the Home and Pet Expo, the Pool and Spa Expo, the Successful Aging Expo and the IE Food and Wine Festival. The Ontario Convention Center expects 10,000 to 15,000 visitors during this show.

The Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau's Reward Card will offer discounts on many of the products for sale at the IE Super Show, as the show’s merchants also received an opportunity to participate in the card program.

About the Ontario Convention Center

The Ontario Convention Center is a contemporary design building, encompassing 225,000 square feet of space that can be configured to meet a variety of convention and other meeting needs. All areas of the Ontario Convention Center contain advanced communications technology, including wireless Internet access and video conferencing.

For a tour or more information, call Amita Patel at (909) 937-3002 or toll-free at (800) 455-5755, email info@ontariocvb.com or go to www.ontariocc.com

About Elite Reward Cards

The Elite Reward Cards program is designed to promote economic development within our local communities by providing instant discounts to consumers on a wide variety of goods and services they use every day. At the same time, the program encourages consumers to shop locally and build loyalty with businesses in our community.

Launched at the 2009 RECon – The Global Retail Real Estate Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Elite Reward Cards program now has over 25,000 cards in distribution and over 100 local merchants in Ontario, La Verne, Covina, Fontana and other surrounding communities. The Elite Reward Card can also be used for fundraising in schools and non-profit organizations. Contact us at 909.944.5750 for more information or e-mail us at info@eliterewardcards.com.

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San Bernardino Has A New Choice In Education

 Tim Smith, executive director of the Carden Virtual Academy, explains the school to the San Bernardino City Unified School District governing board.

Carden's Arizona schools have an 85 - 100 percent graduation rate, and score in the 80^th percentile and above on standardized tests for their state.

(SAN BERNARDINO)  Parents are invited to learn more about Carden Virtual Academy a new high tech charter school starting in San Bernardino in August of 2010 in San Bernardino.  The school will educate students in grades Kindergarten through the 12th year. 

The information session is set for Thursday, March 25 at the Feldheym Library at 5:30 pm.  The library is located at 555 West Fifth Street in San Bernardino.

“We will make learning exciting for students,” said Tim Smith, executive director of Carden Virtual Academy. “They will not only learn critical academic skills, but we also will help them develop character and confidence.”

Carden Virtual Academy is not new to education.  The company has operated four charter schools in the Phoenix, Ariz. area for 14 years. These are Carden Traditional Schools in Glendale and Surprise, and E-Institute Charter High Schools on multiple campuses in the Phoenix area.

The Arizona schools have an 85 percent graduation rate, and score in the 80^th percentile and above on standardized tests for their state.

“San Bernardino is similar to the communities in Arizona where we have had success in serving,” Smith said. “We are familiar with the needs of students who are at risk of dropping out, and students who are English learners. We have been able to meet the needs of these students, and help them have academic success.”

“Carden Academy will create your child’s educational plan to meet his or her educational needs, with on campus classes, online classes and/or independent study. Carden Academy will be open during the day and evening,” said Smith.

Smith added, Carden Academy is for students who are at-risk, failing, or don't fit into the traditional school environment.  “We want to be a community resource and partner with the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and help your students achieve academic success,” Smith said.

College-bound students looking for accelerated programs are also a good fit for Carden Academy.

Carden is expected to be approved soon by the San Bernardino City Unified School District.

Carden Virtual Academy will start out as one campus, providing all of its K-12 students the same range of options and benefits as the campuses in Arizona.  “We will hire a local administrator and 30 credentialed local teachers,” said Smith.

Carden Virtual Academy’s mission is to deliver a high quality education focused on building skills, character and confidence. The curriculum will be personalized for each student, offering a mix of onsite classes in day and evening hours, online classes and independent study. Onsite courses will include hands-on learning activities and high technology. The school’s curriculum will be based on California education standards, and employ California certified teachers.

To attend an information session, or for more information, call Shannan Gonzales at (909) 888-0017.

Picture Slide Show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agt9Q7_V_tE

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SATERN Offers Amateur Radio License Course

 

SATERN member Tony Slaughter with equipment and other items the group was giving away at a recent event. On Saturday, March 6 SATERN will provide an opportunity for others to learn about and take the licensing exam for amateur radio, which would enable them to help this group serve the Salvation Army in times of disaster.

Amateur radios require some training and a license to use, but SATERN is providing the training and an opportunity to test for the license on Saturday, March 6.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) of Riverside and San Bernardino counties is offering a one-day amateur radio licensing course on Saturday, March 6.

 The course, taught by SATERN member Paul Hager, takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Redlands Salvation Army Corps, 838 Alta St. in Redlands. An exam session begins at 5 p.m.

“The class will cover the Federal Communications Commission technician license test,” said Hager. “This is the entry level license and requires only passing the written test we will provide at the end of our course. Anyone with this license can join SATERN as we help the Salvation Army be of service during times of disaster.”

SATERN members use their amateur radios to stay in contact with Salvation Army teams who help firefighters and other emergency workers on the scene of a disaster, and to help those affected by the disaster contact out-of-town family members.

They respond all over the world with the Salvation Army, most recently to the earthquake in Haiti. The local members have often assisted in the major wildfires affecting southern California.

Cost of the class is $6, which includes lunch. There is a $15 fee for the exam.

Exam participants must also present valid photo identification and either their Social Security number or an FCC-issued federal registration number.

All class participants are asked to RSVP by contacting Paul Hager at AE6TR@arrl.org.

For more information go to the website www.satern.net

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps

The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.

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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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Wu Joins Public Relations Firm

Cal Poly Pomona communications student Karen Wu is assisting Dameron Communications with event planning and other public relations activities. Photo by Chris Sloan

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.  – Karen Wu, a Cal Poly Pomona communications student with an emphasis in public relations, recently joined Dameron Communications, southern California’s leading public relations and advertising company.

Wu has always had a passion for event planning and is determined to learn all that she can about the ins and outs of coordinating an event and executing it well.  “When I think of event planning, it takes me back to memories of being involved with the Associated Student Body in high school. I always enjoyed coordinating events for sports rallies and working with people as a team.”

Karen’s passion for event planning developed in high school,  “I became involved with many different groups on campus. I realized that I like working in team settings and love that I have a way to use my creativity.”

Whether it was playing volleyball or basketball on her high school team, or singing and dancing in her high school’s a capella choir, “I knew I had a sense of leadership and organizational skills.”

“I often took initiative to makes things happen. Working in public relations and focusing on event planning is a perfect match for my passion to work with people and be creative,” said Wu. 

After completing her internship at Dameron Communications as a requirement of the communications major, she will be able to receive her diploma from Cal Poly Pomona.

“I am happy to have Karen experience her internship with us. She has the drive and determination to succeed in this business,” said Carl Dameron, founder and creative director at Dameron Communications.

About Dameron Communications

Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. It is an award-winning agency that creates integrated advertising and public relations solutions to increase clients’ sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues.

Dameron Communications creates advertising for television, radio, newspaper, magazine, and billboards, web sites, mobile web applications, email and more. Public relations services include press releases, press conferences, media relations, television programs, web sites, opinion editorials, promotions, event creation and management, government relations and community relations.  

Dameron Communications has earned media coverage for clients from: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC, CBS MarketWatch; Fox News, CNN, CNNfn, Nightly Business Report; The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Dow Jones News Wire, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press and many more.

For more information go to: http://www.DameronCommunications.com/ or call (909) 888-0017.

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Inland Community Bank Loma Linda Business of Year

James Walling, branch manager of the Loma Linda branch of Inland Community Bank, accepted an award from Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce President Richard Schaefer and CEO Phil Carlisle honoring the bank as the Loma Linda Business of the Year. Photo by Chris Sloan

(LOMA LINDA, Calif.) “The award and certificates of recognition we have received recently paid tribute to not just the Loma Linda Branch, but to our board, administrative team and the entire staff of the bank at all five branches,” said Inland Community Bank President and CEO James Cooper.

The “award” Cooper refers to is the highly regarded 2009 “Business of the Year” honor presented by the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce.

Says Chamber CEO Phil Carlisle, “Our selection committee, made up of both board and regular chamber members, looks for local companies that do more than just rake in money from customers and sock it away. We want to honor those who contribute to the community, who search for ways to pay back.

“ICB has weathered difficult financial times while being totally involved in the community as a business leader. Inland Community Bank strongly supports chamber activities and many numerous civic functions. The Loma Linda branch is just a stand-out.”

The actual wording of the award makes this clear:

Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce and the City of Loma Linda Recognizes Inland Community Bank as Business of the Year 2009 for outstanding client service, dedication to the success and growth of business and considerable contribution to community, the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Loma Linda.

Additionally, State Senator Bob Dutton brought the bank a Certificate of Recognition:

… presented to Inland Community Bank - the City of Loma Linda and the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year 2009. Thank you for your contributions to the vitality of the City of Loma Linda and your continued support of the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success.

California Legislative Assemblyman Bill Emmerson presented the Assembly’s certificate,

Bestowed in recognition and celebration of your 2009 Business of the Year.

And San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry awarded his certificate, which read:

Supervisor Neil Derry, of the County of San Bernardino, State of California, does hereby commend and recognize your invaluable service and contributions to the community and congratulates you on being recognized as the Business of the Year for 2009 by the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce.

Inland Community Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of ICB Financial, and with its corporate offices in Ontario, opened its doors April 12, 1990 in Rialto. This was followed six years later with the establishment of offices in Loma Linda and Ontario. In 1998 ICB debuted its Los Angeles facility, followed by offices in Duarte.

“Our concentration is personal banking to professionals and businesses.  We meet with potential clients to ensure that our level of service matches the client’s needs. It is critical that we ensure each client receives banking and financial services that meet their unique needs,” said Cooper.

“And with the recognition of the City of Loma Linda, Senator Bob Dutton, Assemblyman Bill Emmerson and Supervisor Neil Derry we all feel our efforts have been greatly honored.”

To schedule an appointment or for more information contact James Walling, Vice President and Branch Manager at (909) 796-7100, extension 221 at Inland Community Bank.

About Inland Community Bank

Since 1990 Inland Community Bank has served professionals and businesses with personal banking services including a full range of banking and financial products and services.  Inland Community Bank delivers one-on-one service to its clients with banking offices in Los Angeles, Duarte, Ontario, Loma Linda and Rialto. 

Inland Community Bank is a publicly traded company listed on the OTC Bulletin Board: ICBN. The website is www.InlandCommunityBank.Com or www.icbbank.com.  The corporation is headquartered in Ontario, California.

This press release may include information that could constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any such forward-looking statements may involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results encompassed within the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those matters disclosed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Past results of Inland Community Bank are not necessarily indicative of its future results. Inland Community Bank does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

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