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Department of Nutrition and Food Science
0112 Skinner Building
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
bharris2@umd.edu

April 15, 2005

Mr. Ron Burke
The Washington Informer
rburke@washingtoninformer.com

Dear Mr. Burke:

I am happy that the African American Women’s Health Study team at the University of Maryland, College Park, chose to advertise in the Washington Informer. The Washington Informer focuses on issues important to African Americans and other people of color. Over many years, the Washington Informer has demonstrated a concern for our community. As such, advertising in the Washington Informer makes sense to those of us who care about the well-being of an at-risk population—a population at risk for developing diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart disease.

The Washington Informer African American Women’s Health Study ad has brought a sense of validation to the study. When study participants and others read the African American Women’s Health Study Washington Informer ad, they seem to appreciate that the organizers of the study had the wisdom to choose a publication that reaches out to the population targeted by the study. The first time that we heard a study participant say, “I saw your ad in the Washington Informer,” we could not contain our excitement. Advertising in the Washington Informer has increased our confidence that word about the African American Women’s Health Study is getting out to those whom we wish to reach.

Advertising in the Washington Informer will remain a part of the strategy that I will use for future studies based in our community. I have recommended, and will continue to endorse The Washington Informer as a vehicle for researchers to reach African Americans as study participants and collaborators. I give special thanks to Ron Burke for helping the African American Women’s Health Study at the University of Maryland, College Park, to navigate the process of placing an effective and attractive ad in the Washington Informer.

Sincerely,

B. Michelle Harris, Ph.D. Candidate

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Laurie Samuels
202-409-0757
dchomicidestudy@yahoo.com

When I began my D.C. Homicide Study early spring 2005, I wondered how I was going to get the word out and get residents informed and interested in the study.  I knew that it was important work but I also knew that it would lack significant weight without citizen output.  For a while I relied on word of mouth but that just wasn't enough.  Then it struck me, why not put an ad in the paper?  And not just any paper, a local community paper that has its pulse on the goings on in D.C.  That's when I contacted Ron Burke, the Advertising Manager at the Washington Informer to see if information on my study could be advertised in the paper.  He was very amenable to helping me out.  The results have been simply outstanding and far beyond my expectations.  I thought that one or two people would call but that has not been the case.  I can hardly keep up with all the calls.  The ad has really helped me in establishing a dialogue about some of these tough issues.  I just want to say thanks to the Informer for helping me get the word out on this most important issue and I only hope my report reaches the right eyes and ears so that our young black brothers and sisters can stop dying so senselessly.

Signed,

Laurie Samuel
Doctoral Student
Howard University

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From: Cook, Deborah H - (WDC) [mailto:DCook@tcco.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2005 4:19 PM
To: rburke@washingtoninformer.com
Subject: RE: The Washington Informer

 

Hello Ron,

Thanks so much for contacting me! -- As a matter of fact, I have been thinking about establishing a relationship with The Washington Informer because I have heard very good things about it.  From as far away as Cleveland !  Is it possible for Turner to set up an account with you, with a monthly billing? 

Thanks

Debbie

Deborah H. Cook
Director, Community Affairs
Turner Construction Company
(703) 841-5224
(703) 841-5225 FAX

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"The Washington Informer has been a partner and friend in sharing the good news and success of  District of Columbia youth attending Friendship Public Charter Schools.  We also get great response from ads we run in The Informer.

Your presence is of great value!

Barry Lofton, Director of Communications
Friendship Public Charter Schools

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GOOD DAY RON,

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR RUNNING THE CLASSIFIED DISPLAY AD. We were able to fill the position so we will not need to run it any more. If we can provide any service in kind, please do not hesitate to call upon us.

 

Thanks! You're a lifesaver...

Because HE Lives,
Barbara Jordan, Church Clerk
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
602 N Street, NW -- Washington , DC 20001
(202)289-4480 Office phone
(202)289-4595 Office fax

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"When MAYA needs to reach the African-American, the Washington Informer is our key newspaper partner in DC."   MAYA Advertising * Communications.

“We have been a regular advertiser in the INFORMER for well over 25 years and we recognize the value that they bring to our marketing and community efforts. It has been a great partnership!”   Barry F. Scher, Vice President - Public Affairs Giant Food LLC.

“Not only does the Washington Informer represent a piece of Black History here in our Nation's Capital but also a cornerstone of journalistic expertise and true commitment to its readers. Their content informs, excites and uplifts an entire city, while encouraging its citizens to expand their horizons and strive for higher heights personally and professionally. On behalf of AMERIGROUP District of Columbia and our over 37,000 members we feel honored to advertise regularly in such a fine print publication.”   Kenneth Brown AVP of Marketing AMERIGROUP District of Columbia

Working with The Informer to publicize my book -- "Laugh If You Like,
Ain't a Damn Thing Funny: the Life Story of Ralph 'Petey' Greene as told
to Lurma Rackley" -- was a rewarding experience. The staff helped ensure
that the ad was well-created and well-placed. The ad had the effect of increasing the turnout for a major book signing event. I am grateful to Ron Burke of The Informer for his professionalism and gracious manner.

Lurma Rackley

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Dear Mr. Burke

Thank-you very much for the terrific ad copy and the tremendous response our Foundation received from running our advertisement in The Washington Informer. We will not hesitate to use your publication again.

Sincerely
Kit Pelham
The Pelham Foundation
678-643-8403

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10 August 2005

Mr. Ron Burke
Advertising and Marketing Manager
The Washington Informer
3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., SE
Washington , DC 20032

Dear Mr. Burke,

Thank you for serving as our official newspaper sponsor for the 2005 March of Dimes WalkAmerica in Washington , D.C. More than 750 people attended the festivities May 1 on the Ellipse. The D.C. walk raised $345,000 to support local and national programs of the March of Dimes.

Your ads not only helped us attract participants, but also educated Washington , D.C. , readers about the mission and work of the March of Dimes, which is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Due to The Washington Informer’s support, Washington-area families will continue to receive the benefits of March of Dimes research and community services.

One in seven babies born in Washington , D.C. , is born premature. The preterm birth rate in D.C. is highest for black infants at 18.6 percent, more than double the rate for white infants. With your help, we look forward to the day when all District babies are born healthy and on time.

We appreciate The Washington Informer's commitment to healthy babies. We hope to work with you again in 2006.

Regards,

Nate Brown
Director of Communications
March of Dimes, National Capital Area Chapter

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Denise Rolark-Barnes
Publisher
The Washington Informer
3117 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20032

 

Dear Denise:

On behalf of the National Urban League and our 105 affiliates in 35 states serving more than two million people, we salute and thank The Washington Informer for the outstanding job in covering the 95 th anniversary conference July 27 – 31, 2005 at the Washington Convention Center.

We celebrated the most successful conference in our history and it was possible in part because of the tremendous local support we received from the Washington community and most notably – The Washington Informer.

The partnership between the National Urban League and The Washington Informer, negotiated and implemented by Ron Burke, kept the conference in the news and in the homes of the Washington community. The weekly advertisements and editorial support was greatly appreciated and received by the thousands Washington area residents that attended the conference in record numbers.

Denise thanks for being there for the Urban League movement and I look forward to working with you and Ron on more exciting projects in the future. All the best to your staff and hats off to Ron – who was the man that made it happen. Thanks again your support.

 

Sincerely,
Ricky Clemons
Vice President Communications

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“Arena Stage is proud to advertise with the Washington Informer.  The newspapers’ cost effective advertising, their loyal and responsive readership, and the attentiveness of their promotional savvy team has truly made our partnership successful!”

Renée M. Littleton
Marketing Associate/Advertising Manager
Arena Stage
1101 Sixth Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-554-9066
www.arenastage.org