ARTICLES

"Women-owned PR firm gets the word out for two decades"
Call and Post

DAR Public Relations, Inc., a female minority-owned and operated public relations firm headquartered in Beachwood, recently reached its milestone 20th anniversary.

Dannette A Render, DAR's owner and president, founded the company in 1984, and under her leadership, DAR has grown from a one-person, home-based operation to a full-service public relations, marketing and advertising agency with a consummate team of professionals whose combined experience exceeds 80 years.

DAR also maintains satellite offices in Columbus and Washington, D.C.

"A Commitment to Excellence" is the motto adopted by Render, and her longevity proves that establishing a strong company philosophy and mission returns great rewards. She has established a national reputation for being an accomplished marketing and public relations practitioner, creative planner and dynamic leader.

DAR provides a comprehensive list of integrated marketing services to its clients, covering the spectrum of communication services, including public relations, marketing, advertising, conference event planning, public and community involvement, community relations, media relations, target marketing, cause-related marketing, market research and multicultural marketing.

The firm is especially noted for its ability to deliver the client's message to multicultural audiences and hard-to-reach populations, most recently excelling at reaching African Americans in Lucas and Cuyahoga Counties, and Appalachian populations in seven Ohio counties, for the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line's Pilot Program.

DAR's marketing efforts resulted in more than 4,000 calls to the Quit Line. Similar levels of success have been accomplished for numerous cause-related marketing programs. The company has been featured in every major paper in Northeastern Ohio, and has secured millions of dollars in media coverage for clients.

DAR's client roster includes work for numerous public and private sector organization on a local, regional, national and international basis. Frequently, the company is called upon to lead the marketing efforts for high profile programs and projects.

DAR's first paid assignment was to promote the anniversary of Lane Metropolitan Church and the appearance of noted author Alex Haley. Since then, the firm has amassed an impressive list of clients and projects, including House of Seagram, Nationwide Insurance, Coors Brewing Co., Prudential Insurance, Cuyahoga Community College, the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line Pilot Program, Children Who Witness Violence Program, GCRTA, Euclid Corridor Transportation Project, 2001/2002 McDonald's of Northeastern Ohio Gospel Competitions, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's "Raising the Roof Housing Summit," U.S. Treasury Government Postage Stamp Conference, U.S. Department of State-Telecommunications Policy Seminars, and National Conference of Black Mayors, amongst others.

When asked what makes DAR unique and what are the keys to its longevity, Render said, "DAR strives to provide our clients with quality services. We are nationally recognized for our outstanding capabilities and have established a solid reputation as a firm that can deliver. We tailor our services to fit the needs of our clients and have a proven track record for far exceeding their expectations. Our willingness to go that extra mile is the DAR trademark."

Testimonials from various DAR clients attest to their exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence.

"We could not have presented 'Sounds of Blackness – The Night Before Christmas' without you. Taking on such a huge undertaking on such short notice, and pulling it off so beautifully, showed us that you were the right person to invite to join our team." - James Small, former district director of cultural arts, Cuyahoga Community College.

"We want to take a moment to thank you for providing excellent service during the planning and marketing of the 2001 All Ohio Trade Fair. Your commitment to excellence and professionalism was evident in your strict adherence to the trade fair marketing timelines and budget." - Jennifer Thornton, vice president, Ohio Assembly of Councils.

"You and the rest of your staff were consummate professional, always helpful and responsive to me, our delegation, and more importantly, our international colleagues. I really appreciate all that you did and do, and want to be sure you know how much easier and smoother things go because of your hard work and wisdom." - Maren Brooks, policy analyst, U.S. Department of State.

Render has received an impressive list of awards during her 20-year tenure, including a 2002 "Rainmaker Award" from the Minority Business and Professionals Network, and a 2000 "African-American Women in Communication Award" from the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

She was named by Dollars & Sense Magazine as one of "America's Best and Brightest Business and Professional Women" for 1996. She received the Enterprise Awards "Emerging Business of the Year Award" in 1995 and was elected to represent small business owners as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business.

Additionally, Crain's Cleveland Business recognized Render as one of the "Forty Under Forty" Business Leaders. She is also a 1990 graduate of Leadership Cleveland.

Her marketing and public relations expertise is also utilized on several area boards of trustees. She is currently a board member of E-City, Cleveland Advertising Association, Ohio Motorists Association, CSP Alumni Board and National Alliance of Market Developers.

She is also a former member of the executive advisory board of the College of Business Administration at Ohio University, her alma mater.

Render credits the secret to her success as an entrepreneur to a strong and deep faith in God. She is tenacious in her pursuit for excellence and unwilling to settle for anything else.

"It is important to know and understand what assignment God has given you in life," she said. "One you understand your given role, then you must be willing to commit your heart and soul to the assignment."

Render looks forward to another 20 years of building and expanding DAR Public Relations, Inc., while continuously succeeding at providing extraordinary service to its clients.

"Special Women Share Time and Talents"
Kaleidoscope - Women's Issue

It has been said that, "Success is nothing unless you share it." In a tough economy, it would be easy for successful people to hoard their wealth and resources. Fortunately, Northeast Ohio enjoys a bounty of community treasures from the success that prominent women share, through their contributions and achievements, to enhance the quality of life for others.

In the spirit of trumpeting those contributions, Kaleidoscope Magazine is proud to recognize and applaud these women who unselfishly share their time and talents to make the city and the region a better place to live, work and thrive. These women demonstrate every day that the best way to find themselves is to lose themselves in service to others.

Dannette A. Render
President & CEO, DAR Public Relations, Inc.

In tough economic times, how do you enhance your company and your community?

"My personal philosophy comes from Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. He states, 'Tough times don't last, only tough people.' I use this affirmation as a constant reminder that, regardless of tough times, I can—and I will—make it..."

"My personal philosophy comes from Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. He states, 'Tough times don't last, only tough people.' I use this affirmation as a constant reminder that, regardless of tough times, I can—and I will—make it. The basis of my tenacity is a strong and abiding faith in God. It is my quiet spiritual strength that sustains me through all challenges that I may face. It is important to know and understand what assignment God has given to you in life. Once you understand your given role, then you must be willing to commit your heart and soul to this assignment.

"Every day I face my work with a smile and a commitment to excellence while striving to provide quality service to each and every client we represent. I must exhibit strength and tenacity against all odds as the lives of many people are in my hands. Therefore, with the Lord on my side, I press on with a calm assurance that everything will always be okay in God's time.

"Tough times require entrepreneurs to become more savvy and creative. We must keep our eyes and ears open to new and innovative approaches to acquiring and maintaining customers.The tougher the times, the more work and commitment to success is required of a real entrepreneur. I am a firm believer that true entrepreneurs are 'born entrepreneurs,' and this is the difference between those who succeed and those who ultimately throw in the towel."

Article by Tracy Bean
Excerpt reprinted with permission from Kaleidoscope Magazine
  

"Rainmakers"
Northern Ohio Live

The November issue is one of our favorites, because it gives us the chance to introduce to Live's readers a group of awe-inspiring businesswomen. They're worth knowing about, for they are risk-takers, mentors and leaders in our community. They understand the significance of partnership and networking, and they've created niches through understanding the needs of their clientele. And, on top of all that, they know how to make it rain dollars for their organizations. Yes, these are women who bring in the bucks, and we salute them for their commitment, their drive toward excellence and their far-reaching influence.

Public Relations/Advertising
Dannette A. Render
President and CEO, DAR Public Relations Inc.

Born: Cleveland

On Rainmaking: It is my style to take the bull by the horns and forge forward toward my goal, not stopping until success is attained. Relationship-building is also very important to me. I have been able to form strong business alliances, based on my integrity and commitment to excellence.

Competitive Edge: Strong faith and a clear understanding of the assignment that God has given me form my competitive edge. God is the center of my life, and I have come this far by faith. Each day, I press forward, knowing there is nothing that I can't accomplish with the Lord on my side.

Favorite Cause: I serve on the board of trustees for Dress for Success®, which helps women by securing clothing and professional development for them as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Business Pet Peeves: Lack of commitment, expecting something for nothing, sloppy work and negative attitudes.

Best Advice You Ever Gave: Follow your dreams, and never quit! Learn the power of experience. There is no substitute for knowledge and experience.

Credos: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and "I press on toward the prize."

Article by Kathryn DeLong
Excerpt reprinted with permission from Northern Ohio Live
  

"Woman Finds Success through Determination"
Building Women's Business in Ohio

"To be Young, Gifted and Black" is not just the title of a novel by Lorraine Hansberry; it's also a statement that describes the life and success of Dannette A. Render, owner, president and CEO of DAR Public Relations, Inc. of Beachwood, Ohio. DAR Public Relations is a female- and minority-owned and operated company celebrating its 15th Anniversary this year.

Dannette A. Render President & CEO DAR Public Relations

Exactly who is this Dannette A. Render? She was born and raised in a middle-class neighborhood in Cleveland and attended Cleveland Public Schools. Render attended JFK Senior High School where her reputation as a young and gifted student was recognized. Her professional accomplishments led her to be permanently placed in the Gallery of Excellence and Hall of Fame at her alma mater.

She received her bachelor of science degree from Ohio University, graduating cum laude in three years and going on to complete a master's degree from Cleveland State University. For the next eleven years, she worked as a speech pathologist for Cleveland Public Schools. During this time, she realized a strong desire to pursue her real talent and dream which was to become a public relations professional.

Changing careers from education to communications was a major challenge Render set out to accomplish. In order to expand her experience in public relations, she spent the next three years volunteering with numerous civic, professional and non-profit organizations. Her expertise as a public relations "super star" quickly spread throughout the city. People were often asking if she did this type of work full-time. Thus, the road to entrepreneurship unfolded.

Render's road to success has not been without challenges. She diligently sought financing for several years without success. To prove her ability, she personally financed a six-figure project in Europe without the assistance of a bank.

Her first paid assignment was to promote the anniversary of Lane Metropolitan Church and the appearance of noted author Alex Haley. This opportunity and exposure led to many more inquiries, prompting her to formally start DAR Public Relations as a home-based business. She worked out of her home for several years, then branched out into her first office in the suburb of Woodmere, Ohio until she finally moved on to Beachwood where she has remained for over ten years.

DAR has grown from a one-person operation to a full service agency with offices in Beachwood, Columbus, and Washington D.C. Render has built a staff of accomplished public relations professionals with over 50 years of combined experience. The company has established a record of success on a local, regional, statewide, national and international basis. The company's client base includes such noted organizations as Bank One, Nationwide Insurance, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Treasury, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, House of Seagram, Philip Morris, Prudential Insurance, the city of Cleveland, the state of Ohio and many, many more.

Render has not been afraid to pursue opportunities outside of the Cleveland area. She is frequently seeking national corporate clients and has built a national reputation for successfully executing various types of public relations, marketing, advertising, special events and community relations projects. Internationally, she has coordinated conferences and meetings throughout Eastern Europe for the last five years. Her international expertise includes facilitating meetings and receptions at such prestigious places as the parliament in the Czech Republic and ambassadors' homes in Washington, D.C., Bucharest, Romania, and Budapest, Hungary.

Her road to success has not been without challenges. She diligently sought financing for several years without success. To prove her ability, she personally financed a six-figure project in Europe without the assistance of a bank. Her success at building credit relations in unknown territory, and especially abroad, combined with her business savvy and opportunities for future contracts, ultimately led to her receiving financial support from a local bank. She also applied for technical and management assistance from the state of Ohio. Additionally, she successfully completed the Amos Tuck Minority Business Executive Program at Dartmouth College. Committed to success and living out her dream, Render has learned to press on in spite of challenges and obstacles.

Her personal motto, which is spiritually based, is, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Render understands that, "To whom much is given, much is expected." She is willing to give her all to facilitate the success of DAR and help others along the way. The 15th anniversary of DAR Public Relations, Inc. and the prestigious clientele the company has established during its tenure demonstrate that with tenacity, determination, and God, one can accomplish his or her dreams.

Reprinted with permission from Columbus CEO Magazine
  

The Minority Business & Professionals Network Honors Dannette A. Render, President & CEO of DAR Public Relations, Inc.
As seen in The Crusader Urban News

Dannette A. Render, President & CEO of DAR Public Relations, Inc. (DAR) was among fifty esteemed business leaders honored in Washington, D.C. last week with the prestigious "Fifty Influential Minorities in Business-2001 Award." This is a fitting occasion for Render to receive such an honor as the company is celebrating its 17th anniversary this month. The award was presented to Render at the 3rd Annual Awards Luncheon presented by the Minority Business & Professionals Network (MBPN) at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Honored were a select group of fifty influential minority men and women who have achieved significant levels of success in their professional careers. The honorees were selected by an independent panel of judges from a pool of public nominations. Annually, this recognition event attracts more than 400 senior level business executives. This year's theme celebrates the new era and is appropriately entitled, "Climbing The Ladder of Success and Making A Difference."

MBPN Executive Director, Debra Williams says, "The men and women we are honoring during this award ceremony are in the forefront of American leadership and symbolize the diversity and advancement that has occurred across industry lines. Their accomplishments in public and private enterprise serve to inspire and motivate an innumerable amount of people of color in our world."

Render joins a prestigious roster of "Fifty Influential Minorities in Business Award" honorees, including Jesse Jackson, Jr., Congressman, House of Representatives, Chicago, IL., Harriet R. Michel, President, National Minority Suppliers Development Council, New York, NY, Curtis J. Moody, President/CEO, Moody/Nolan Ltd., Columbus, OH, Ralph C. Thomas III, Associate Administrator, NASA, Washington, D.C. and many others.

"It is indeed an honor to receive national recognition for the achievements I've been able to accomplish as a minority business during my seventeen year tenure as President & CEO of DAR Public Relations, Inc.," says Render. "Daily, my staff and I diligently work to provide high quality service and establish standards of performance demonstrating our commitment to excellence. I am humbled by the award and pledge to faithfully continue pursuing opportunities to be of service to current and future clients."

DAR was founded in 1984 by Render, is a female minority-owned and operated full service public relations firm headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio with satellite offices in Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C. The firm has established a solid reputation on a local, regional, national and international basis for its outstanding capabilities and has secured millions of dollars in media coverage for clients represented by the agency. 

The company has an extensive clientele focusing on marketing, public relations, advertising, community relations, media relations, event planning, and public/community involvement. Numerous corporations, government agencies, organizations and individuals seek the expertise and range of services offered by DAR. DAR has been an integral part of various high-profile events, and Render's talent for strategically reaching minority and multi-cultural audiences has been solicited by major corporations locally and nationally.

A leader in the field of communications, Render has received a myriad of commendations, awards and honors for her work in the industry. In 2000, she was the recipient of the "Women in Communication" award from the National Council of Negro Women and the Sisters 2000 "Women of Excellence" award. The Black Pages selected her as "Distinguished Business of the Year" in 1997, and she was also inducted into the "Gallery of Excellence" at her alma mater, John F. Kennedy Sr. High School. She was selected by Dollars & Sense Magazine as "One of America's Best and Brightest Business Women" for 1996 and was featured in the "40 Under 40" segment of Crain's Cleveland Business Magazine. Render is also the recipient of the "Emerging Business of the Year," Enterprise Award and the prestigious 1991 "Minority Service Firm of the Year" award from the City of Cleveland, Mayor's Office of Equal Opportunity. 

Render is a "cum laude" graduate of Ohio University and holds a Master of Arts degree from Cleveland State University. Her professional achievements include attending the distinguished Dartmouth College Amos Tuck Minority Business Executive Program, and graduating from both Leadership Cleveland and the United Way Leadership Development Program.