XENIA — On Wednesday, October 15, the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce will host a timely and practical lunch and learn workshop titled Organizational Marketing in the 21st Century, aimed at helping service clubs, nonprofits, and small businesses attract new members, customers, and volunteers. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chamber’s conference room, located at 334 W. Market Street. Admission is $15 and includes lunch.
Leading the session is Gery L. Deer, founder and creative director of GLD Communications in Jamestown, who brings decades of experience in public relations, media production, and strategic messaging. Deer will share actionable insights on how organizations can modernize their outreach, refine their messaging, and better connect with younger audiences and potential volunteers.
“Too many organizations rely on outdated methods that no longer resonate,” Deer said. “This workshop is about helping groups like Rotary and Kiwanis, as well as small businesses and not-for-profit groups, evolve their approach—because when you speak the language of your audience, you invite them into your mission.”
Participants will learn how to identify and communicate their organization’s unique value, leverage low and no-cost marketing tools, and determine when and where to invest in paid outreach. For service clubs and nonprofits facing dwindling membership and board vacancies, the workshop offers a fresh perspective on building community engagement and sustaining growth. Whether you’re a club leader, nonprofit director, or small business owner, this event promises practical strategies you can implement immediately.
Attendees are invited to use the rear entrance and enjoy a complimentary taco bar lunch beginning promptly at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation starting at noon. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information, contact the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce at 937-372-3591, or visit www.xacc.com.
Berea, KY – Writers from across the country will converge in Kentucky this fall for the 2025 Appalachian Writer’s Conference 2025 (AWC), an immersive, genre-inclusive gathering designed to sharpen craft and demystify the business of publishing. From agent pitch sessions to expert-led workshops on branding, contracts, and publicity, AWC equips aspiring and established authors alike with the tools to thrive. Founded by Martin Sisters Publishing President and CEO Melissa Newman, Ed.D., the conference has evolved into a nationally respected event featuring award-winning faculty dedicated to helping writers succeed, regardless of their path or project.
“I strongly believe that everyone has a story, and most people have more than one,” Newman explained. “What we offer at our conference is the opportunity for writers to learn from professionals and develop the skills they need for a successful career as an author.”
Returning to this year’s faculty are fantasy/romance author Summer Hanford, fiction novelist Sherry Robinson, crime thriller novelist Susan Furlong, and screenwriter Mark Daniels. Frank K. Newman, J.D., President and CEO of the law firm Cole, Cole, Anderson & Newman, PSC, will be back to share insights into publishing and media contracts. Gery Deer, GLD Communications‘s creative director and author of the Pulitzer-nominated op-ed series “Deer In Headlines,” also returns with a session on making a living writing professionally in between book projects.
Deer first attended in 2023 as a participant but transitioned into a faculty role and took on a support position last year. “This is a unique experience for writers, and the intimate setting is ideal, in my opinion, for a better learning experience,” he said. “Melissa has created an environment of support and education, and the faculty is part of the group, interacting and spending time with the participants as fellow artists.” Deer also noted that they continue efforts to improve the event based on participant feedback.
For example, a literary agent joins the faculty for the first time at AWC. Jackie Kruzie, author, literacy advocate, and associate literary agent at Focused Artists, will lead sessions on “Perfecting Your Pitch,” “The Dreaded Synopsis,” and a Lunch-and-Learn Session called “Should I Get an Agent?” She will also meet with authors for eight-minute pitch sessions. Another new addition is award-winning crime, thriller, and suspense novelist Trace Conger. In addition to class presentations, faculty will participate in the “Ask Me Anything” lunch panel to answer questions and discuss writing and publishing topics in a conversational setting.
Martin Sisters Publishing and the Appalachian Writers Conference present the Appy Inkwell Awards for the second year. “We want to give writers a chance to have their work recognized,” said Appy Inkwell Awards Coordinator, writer, and English Literature instructor Mary Ryan Wineberg. “We may even discover some new literary talent.”
This award celebrates outstanding achievement in fiction writing and offers talented writers the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skill before a supportive community of peers. Participants can submit up to 2,500 words of unpublished fiction, in progress or complete, that demonstrates originality, craft, and storytelling prowess. Eligible submissions include: a complete short story, a short story collection, or a piece of flash fiction.
The Dr. Pam Parry Lifetime Learning Award also debuts this year. It was created in memory of Dr. Parry, an integral presence within the AWC faculty and a trusted conference advisor whose remarkable life touched many. This award will celebrate someone whose passion for lifelong learning and generosity in the writing community make a lasting impact.
Editor: The Jamestown Comet / Creative Director: GLD Communications
In the past year, small business owners have increasingly shifted their marketing focus toward referral partnerships—and for good reason.
Digital fatigue is turning customers away from their screens.
As digital advertising costs climb and consumer trust in traditional media wanes, referral-based strategies have emerged as a high-impact, cost-efficient alternative. For businesses seeking sustainable growth and deeper community engagement, referral partnerships offer a compelling return on investment (ROI) that outpaces many conventional marketing channels.
GLD Communications, a strategic communications firm based in southwest Ohio, has been at the forefront of helping small businesses harness the power of referral marketing. Through customized branding strategies, community outreach campaigns, and digital visibility audits, GLD equips entrepreneurs with the tools to build meaningful partnerships that drive measurable results.
Here are six key reasons why referral partnerships have become a go-to strategy for small business owners in the last year:
1. Higher Conversion Rates from Trusted Sources
Referred leads are significantly more likely to convert than those acquired through paid advertising or cold outreach. According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from people they know over any other form of advertising. This trust translates into action: referred customers are four times more likely to make a purchase.
For small businesses, this means that a well-structured referral program—whether through customer incentives or strategic B2B alliances—can dramatically increase conversion rates without the need for aggressive ad spend.
2. Lower Customer Acquisition Costs
Referral partnerships offer a leaner path to customer acquisition. Unlike paid media campaigns that require ongoing investment, referrals often come at a fraction of the cost. A study by the Wharton School of Business found that referred customers cost less to acquire and are more profitable over time.
GLD Communications helps businesses identify and nurture referral channels that align with their brand values, reducing acquisition costs while enhancing customer quality.
3. Improved Customer Lifetime Value
Referred customers don’t just convert—they stick around. Research shows that they have a 25–31% higher lifetime value compared to non-referred customers. They’re more loyal, more engaged, and more likely to become brand advocates themselves.
This long-term value is especially critical for service-based businesses, subscription models, and family-owned enterprises that rely on repeat business and word-of-mouth reputation.
4. Stronger Community and Brand Advocacy
Referral partnerships naturally foster community engagement. Whether it’s a local business collaborating with a nonprofit or a service provider teaming up with complementary vendors, these relationships build trust and visibility within shared networks.
GLD Communications specializes in crafting community-oriented narratives that elevate brand advocacy. Their storytelling approach—often blending emotional depth with factual reporting—helps businesses connect with audiences on a human level, turning customers into ambassadors.
5. Better Measurability and ROI Tracking
Modern referral tools have made it easier than ever to track performance. Platforms like ReferralCandy, Yotpo, and HubSpot offer automated tracking, CRM integration, and analytics dashboards that allow business owners to monitor key metrics such as referral conversion rate, cost per acquisition, and net promoter score.
GLD Communications supports clients in selecting and implementing these tools, ensuring that referral efforts are not only strategic but also data-driven.
6. Adaptability to Privacy and Ad Fatigue Trends
With increasing restrictions on third-party cookies and growing consumer fatigue around digital ads, referral marketing offers a privacy-friendly alternative. It relies on first-party data and authentic relationships, making it more resilient to changes in the digital landscape.
As part of its digital marketing services, GLD Communications advises businesses on how to pivot toward trust-based strategies that align with evolving consumer expectations and regulatory standards.
Building a Referral Strategy That Works
Referral partnerships aren’t just about asking customers to “spread the word.” They require intentional planning, clear incentives, and consistent follow-through. GLD Communications recommends starting with the following steps:
Identify natural referral partners: Look for businesses or individuals who share your audience but don’t compete directly.
Create a compelling offer: Whether it’s a discount, exclusive access, or a charitable tie-in, make the referral worthwhile.
Track and optimize: Use referral software or manual tracking to monitor performance and adjust as needed.
Tell your story: Use branded content, testimonials, and community features to reinforce the value of your partnerships.
For small business owners ready to elevate their marketing ROI, referral partnerships offer a path that’s not only cost-effective but also deeply rooted in trust and community. With the guidance of firms like GLD Communications, these strategies transform informal word-of-mouth accidents into powerful engines of growth.
BELLBROOK, Ohio, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This year marks a significant milestone for Parrot Promo Essentials and its sister and origin company, Parrot Sports Gear, as they celebrate 30 years of innovation, growth, and community impact. Founded in Bellbrook, Ohio, by Kim Massie, she and twin daughters, Holly Beard and Krista Guiliano, have grown these family-owned businesses into staples in the promotional products and sports gear industries.
Parrot Promo Essentials and Parrot Sports Gear owners Krista Guiliano, Kim Massie, and Holly Beard are celebrating 30 years.
Massie’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a desire to channel her creativity into something meaningful. Having started her career in the pharmacy business, Kim spent years in the healthcare industry before the entrepreneurial opportunity arose. “I was constantly seeking ways to fulfill my creative side, which wasn’t possible in my previous career,” Kim recalls. “Starting Parrot Sports Gear part-time allowed me to explore that passion while supporting my family.”
Motivated by her daughter Holly’s involvement in competitive swimming, Massie started by selling goggles and swim caps. “I remember setting up at swim meets to sell supplies,” Massie explained. “It was a labor of love, and seeing my daughter’s enthusiasm for the sport inspired me to keep going.” Later, Parrot Sports Gear expanded to branded apparel and promotional items, particularly those for swim teams.
In 2013, Parrot Promo Essentials became a full-time venture that quickly gained a reputation for its personalized approach and wide range of products. Their partnership with Proforma Albrecht & Co. provided access to high-quality vendor relationships and buying power, further solidifying their position in the market. Meanwhile, Parrot Sports Gear continued to thrive. They opened brick-and-mortar space and expanded swimwear and activewear lines for teams and individuals.
Holly Beard, now co-owner of both businesses, fondly remembers those early days. “My mom’s dedication was incredible,” she said. Her sister, Krista Guiliano, co-owner of Parrot Promo Essentials, came aboard a while later. “What I love about this job is connecting with people, learning about their businesses, and educating them on ways they can use products to promote their businesses.”
Parrot Promo Essentials 30th Anniversary open house at Proforma Albrecht near Cincinnati.
Holly also emphasized the importance of adaptability. “The business landscape has changed so much over the years, but our ability to evolve while staying true to our core values has been key to our success,” she said.
“We are very different people. But we each bring different strengths to the table, and that diversity has been our greatest asset,” Krista noted. “It’s what allows us to provide the best possible service to our clients.”
What do the next three decades have in store for the business? “We’re constantly exploring new ways to innovate and serve our customers,” Massie said. “The next chapter will be just as exciting as the last 30 years.”
“We’re grateful for the support of our community and clients,” Holly said. “They’ve been with us every step of the way, and we’re committed to continuing to exceed their expectations.”
Krista believes that the future will be met with the same passion and dedication that has carried them thus far. “This anniversary is not just about looking back, but how to serve our customers moving forward,” she said. “We want to maintain the same personalized service but on a larger scale.”
The 30th anniversary of Parrot Promo Essentials and Parrot Sports Gear is a celebration of family, perseverance, and the impact of small businesses on their communities. The company continues to expand its reach, serving clients across the country. As Kim, Holly, and Krista forge ahead with heart and vision, their story inspires entrepreneurs everywhere.
In a once abandoned sewing machine and bicycle factory on the corner of Linden and Davis Avenues, in an old, industrial section of east Dayton, Becca Brumfield carries cooler bags up two flights of stairs with two small children in her wake. At the end of a massive hallway on the top floor, they arrive at a door labeled “TB Writers Plus.” She taps a code into a keypad, an electronic lock opens, and the kids pop through the door ahead of her like prizes from a gumball machine.
They pass workbenches and shelves loaded down with antique typewriters. On an elevated platform at one end of the room, a long glass table is flanked at one end by a floor-to-ceiling shelf of refurbished typewriters for sale.
Becca lays out place settings and dishes up the food. Young Clayton, 6, and Sam, 5, who’d immediately started playing on typewriters and drawing, clamber to the table and plop down to eat. Her husband, Trevor, joins them. One of their employees sits down, too, and now it’s a typical evening at their typewriter shop.
Becca and Trevor Brumfield at TB Writers Plus in Dayton, Ohio.
The Brumfield family started down this path more than a year ago when Trevor bought a typewriter online, repaired it, and started using it. Before long, he lost it to his wife and, as he puts it, “Naturally, had to buy another one.”
“That turned into several more, which became 60, which turned into 100, and that became, I gotta sell some of these,” Trevor laughed. A full-time auto mechanic, it might seem odd for someone just 26 years old to start down such an arcane career path.
Over the last twenty years, typewriters have seen something of a renaissance. Fueled first by internet insecurities and one enthusiast’s declaration of a “Typewriter Insurgency,” writers, artists, business professionals, and college professors continue challenging the digital paradigm. “It’s not a booming industry,” Trevor admitted. “But the interest is there, and business goes in waves.” The industry got a secondary boost from the recent Taylor Swift video, “Fortnight,” which featured the megastar with an old Royal 10.
Taylor Swift’s Royal 10 in ‘Fortnight.’
Swift had them as props, but a few famous people are actual typewriter fans and users. Most notable is Tom Hanks, whose collection and passion for the machines are well known. The exposure has helped Trevor’s shop steadily grow. “I’m not sure exactly how many machines we have serviced in total,” he said, noting the expansion from his home garage last year. But we can typically get through 30-50 machines a month depending on what needs to be done to each.”
At last count, TB Writers Plus has inventoried more than 600 machines. Many are cannibalized for parts, and others are refurbished for sale. Trevor does the bulk of that work but has also trained Becca. An atmosphere of learning and openness permeates the shop. No organized training program exists, and factory training was discontinued years ago. Everyone who works here is an unofficial apprentice.
PART II – HE DOESN’T DO IT ALONE
Three part-time employees, Tyler, Keenan, and Torii, have been learning on the job, guided by Trevor’s experience. Each tackles the intricacies of these incredibly complex machines in their own way.
Tyler Lewis, of Fairborn, began as a technician in November 2023. “I mostly refurbish and repair, taking apart the machines, cleaning them, and putting them back together.” He learned about TB Writers Plus from an article in a local zine. A zine is, in his words, “An underground, independent magazine that people publish usually by using copy machines.”
Tyler should know since he’s the primary writer and publisher of his own zine, appropriately named “Tylerzine.” He was working at the Wright State University college newspaper and pitched his own article idea. “I met Trevor, immediately liked his openness, and ended up hanging out that first day for like six hours,” he said.
He sits at a typewriter loaded with purple ribbon and cranks out a short poem based on a prompt suggested by someone else in the room. Tyler’s passion and personal brand of artistic expression suit the typewriter world. “My entry point has always been the literary aspect of typewriters,” he said. “I am a devout believer in language, so what typewriters represent as a means of expression greatly appeals to me.”
Technician Keenan started as a hobby when Trevor was still working out of his garage back in 2023 but took some time off for school. The 28-year-old Kettering resident came back in May of this year. “I wanted to learn more about how typewriters work, and it was an enjoyable way to spend my time,” he said.
“I enjoy the simplicity of the process compared to modern technology that feels invasive at times,” Keenan explained. “It’s just a simple typewriter on the workbench that needs fixing. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Tori’s B checks out a 1930s era Smith-Corona manual.
At the workbench, technician Torii B, from Bellbrook, hovers over an antique Smith-Corona. She scrutinizes the machine, evaluating any repairs needed before it’s put up for sale. Torii is a 36-year-old marketing and design professional and working mom. Although she has freelance design clients, she left a full-time marketing job last May. She’s applied for permanent positions in her field, but nothing’s been a good fit so far.
About a month ago, a friend told her about an anachronistic typewriter repair shop whose owner sought part-time help. As it happened, she and the friend have a role-playing game involving type-written note cards and the adventures of two fictional journalists. Her interest peaked, she reached out to TB Writers Plus, and before long, she signed on as a part-time tech and general worker.
Her diverse background fits this very mechanically oriented job. “I went to school for visual communications,” Torii said, pausing momentarily. “But, before that, I studied mechanical engineering.”
“I like the physical act of working on the machines,” she explained. “Watching the machines move keeps my mind like a well-oiled machine. Each one is like solving a puzzle.” She points to three small containers, each filled with tiny machine parts, springs, levers, and knobs. Her task is identifying and cataloging them for future repair work. It might seem tedious, but there are no more typewriter parts in production. Every part salvaged is vital to the shop’s operation.
PART III – THE TYPEWRITER COMMUNITY
A team can only function well with good leadership, and this one is no different. Trevor is doing his best to help his crew find their way. “Each works a little differently than their coworkers and has their own skill set,” he said. “Tyler is really good at detail-oriented work. Keenan’s strength is getting a lot of work done quickly. Torii is still finding her place in the shop,” Trevor continued.” She’s helped us with inventory ideas and graphic design and handles other odds and ends around the shop.”
Trevor Brumfield adjusts a 1955 Royal Quiet De Luxe.
Trevor’s interests and skills are well-suited, and he clearly enjoys this work. But what he likes most about the job is the people. “All of our customers treat my shop like a safe haven. I’m not sure why, but people drop their guard when they walk in here,” Trevor explained. “We’ve heard some crazy stories from people; war stories, childhood traumas, business plans, just about anything you can think of.”
“We have customers that will leave work in the middle of the day just to come here to vent because they are having a bad day. Next thing you know, they’ve been here for 3 hours, and their boss is calling.”
Brumfield’s modesty won’t allow for his own kindness and personability as reason enough for people to gravitate to him and his family. “I don’t know what it is about this place that makes people feel so at home, but I don’t think it is just me – or any one person here. But as soon as they walk in, they get this look like they just had a weight removed from their shoulders.”
Customer and typewriter enthusiast, Greg Parker, of Urbana, Ohio, with two of his growing collection.
TB Writers Plus customers are an eclectic mix of artists, collectors, and businesspeople from all over the country. Greg Parker, for example, is from Urbana and has purchased three typewriters from the shop. The 40-year-old, married Army veteran has been collecting typewriters for about ten years. He currently has seven, including two Royals, an Underwood, and an Olympia. He explained his interest in the machines is mainly about the experience.
“I grew up with typewriters and used them when I was young,” he said. “But I really like the aesthetics.” Parker’s not a writer or artist but a welder by trade. “I do some journaling, and I have some memoir stories I’d like to put down on paper someday,” he said. “But I feel like I was born too late, like in another time. I enjoy the mechanics of the machines. The sound and the feel are very different from a computer. When you type something on paper, it’s like you really created it yourself.”
“Type-ins” attract enthusiasts from all over the country for a common purpose. TB Writers Plus has hosted several, including a costumed Halloween event and a 4th of July fireworks type-in.
Creativity and the personal connection with a simpler time is common throughout the typewriter community. For example, on Sunday, October 27th, TB Writers Plus is hosting a costumed “type-in” event, encouraging people to come dressed in the same era as the typewriters they bring. Type-ins are most easily explained as cruise-ins for typewriter enthusiasts. Scattered around the country, these predominantly social events, provide the opportunity for aficionados to talk typewriters, socialize, and even do some typing.
Back at the dinner table, the boys are no longer interested in their meals and require some encouragement. Trevor digs into his food as he and Becca talk about their day. Eventually, they would like TB Writers Plus to be independently sustainable as afull-time career. For now, they, their crew, and, of course, Clayton and Sam, are enjoying the work and the people who share in the simplicity and resurrection of a by-gone era. To learn more, visit www.tbwritersplus.com.
Author’s Note 1:While researching this article, I had the good fortune to meet many of the shop’s customers and supporters. The loyalty they seem to share is remarkable, not just for the typewriter community in general, but for Trevor and his staff in particular. I want to note, for the record, how honored I am that they welcomed me into the circle. It’s truly an amazing community.
Author’s Note 2:While typewriter shops are still operating throughout the U.S., their numbers are dwindling. Trevor Brumfield has been buying out the inventory, tools, and parts in an effort to stay ahead of those closings and keep up with demand.
Author’s Note 3:Update August 2025 – As of this date, TB Writers Plus has expanded its footprint in the Davis-Linden Building. The shop now includes a larger typing and show room, community space, equipment washing room, additional storage and much more. They’ve also seen a change in personnel in the past year.
You may not believe it, but I’m writing this week’s edition of “Deer In Headlines” on an antique manual typewriter. Remember the typewriter? The truth is, I just bought this machine a few days ago at TB Writers Plus, a startup typewriter shop in Dayton, Ohio.
I have three manuals, but this is a sleek 1945 Smith-Corona Clipper, matte black, with a textured chassis and gold-lettered, enameled keys. It sounds like I’m describing a classic car, doesn’t it? That’s exactly how some people see it.
Your next question is obvious, and I’ve heard it a dozen times already – why? I’m a technically savvy person with a significant digital presence. So why would I sit down to write on an old typewriter? That’s a great question. I’ll try to answer as we go. Let me first say I’m not alone.
Over the last twenty years or so, interest in typewriters has been on the rise. That sharp, rhythmic clickety-clack has charmed a whole new generation of writers, collectors, and nostalgics. It’s commonly known that actor, author, and director Tom Hanks is a long-time typewriter collector. Whole communities of typewriter enthusiasts share photos and samples from their beloved machines online and in person.
Many attend type-ins, where people gather at typewriter shops, homes, libraries, or anywhere else to, well, type. I often refer to them as cruise-ins for typewriter enthusiasts. There’s even an activity called type-casting, where you create something on a typewriter, scan it as an image, and post it online. (Learn more about the so-called “Typewriter Insurgency” here.)
As a Gen Xer who hit high school during the 1980s, modern office tech was still coming of age. We barely had reliable copy machines. Most schools and businesses had a mix of PCs and typewriters (mostly electric), so I learned both almost simultaneously. I’m comfortable with either.
In the background, Gery’s 1964 Royal Safari. (Photo by Hue12 Studios, Dayton, OH)
I bought my first manual typewriter while I was in college, mostly for its portability. A good bit of my earliest writing was done on that machine. It was—or rather is—a 1964 Royal Safari, light blue with off-white keys and accents. It still sounds like I’m describing a ‘57 Chevy. And yes, I still have it.
Aside from nostalgia and mechanical admiration, I think digital overstimulation may have contributed to some people’s leaving the computer behind. I can relate. I’m so immersed in the continuous urgency of the digital environment that I just want—no, need—the quiet of the old ways.
I know the typewriter can be noisy, but I wasn’t referring to “quiet” in that sense. When those keys snap against the paper, I am fully engaged and undistracted from my writing. The slower pace allows me to choose my words more carefully, and there are no pop-ups, email messages, or social media nonsense. It’s kind of freeing.
I’ve also heard some people turn to the typewriter out of paranoia. Privacy has become a real concern in the digital world, and viruses can’t infiltrate typewriters, nor can your printed pages be hacked. You’re most definitely off-grid. But there’s a price to pay for that: time.
You will probably still have to transfer whatever you type into a digital file. Since my column is delivered to the publisher electronically, what you’re reading now was scanned and cleaned up in digital form before being emailed to my editor. All told, it probably added an extra two hours to my process. Plus, I can’t type as fast on a manual as I can on a laptop – yet. That said, I highly recommend hand-strengthening exercises.
There is also something to be said for durability and workmanship. These machines were built to last. This old Clipper, made at the end of World War II, was clearly well-cared for and properly serviced by its last seller. It still works beautifully. How many laptops make it even five years, let alone 80? None.
Unfortunately, however, unless some manufacturer starts cranking out new parts or whole typewriters, once the remaining machines are used up, they’re gone. That really will be the end of an era. No backspace, no return. Just silence.
Until then, you’ll find this reporter parked behind my Safari or the old Clipper, banging out the next great works by Yours Truly.
(See the gallery for photos of the typewriters mentioned in this piece and more.)
Gery Deer’s 1964 Royal SafariPhoto (c)2024 GLD CommunicationsGery’s 1945 Smith-Corona Clipper Photo (c)2024 GLD CommunicationsPhoto (c)2024 GLD CommunicationsGery at his desk, typing Deer In Headlines “The Carriage Returns.”The actual typed pages of this column.Gery’s 1938 Smith-Corona Sterling. A copy of Richard Polt’s “The Typewriter Revolution” and a card featuring his Typewriter Manifesto are on the desk!August 2024 – Gery’s most recent find, a 1955 Royal De Luxe purchased from an antique mall in Logan, OH. Another “beauty” shot of the Safari on the bench at TB Writers Plus after her refit.
BEAVERCREEK, Ohio – March 12, 2024 – The seventh annual Rafi’s Amigos Golf Outing is scheduled for Friday, May 31st, 2024, beginning at 8:00 AM EDT, at Beavercreek Golf Club, 2800 New Germany Trebein Rd., Beavercreek, Ohio. For the second year, proceeds will fund a one-day, immersive experience at Air Camp for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) students from three Greene County Schools. Full details are available at https://www.askrafi.com/events/7th-annual-rafis-amigos-golf-outing
José “Rafi” Rodriguez, Colonel (Retired) USAF, president of Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC, organizes and hosts the event. “I started Rafi’s Amigos Golf Outing to raise funds for causes dear to my heart, and I am grateful for the incredible community support,” Rodriguez said.
Jose “Rafi” Rodriguez (second from right) with representatives of Air Camp, who will host JROTC students benefiting from the golf outing.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Rodriguez joined the Air Force ROTC at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez, where he was a distinguished graduate. After a 26-year career in the Air Force, Rodriguez retired as a senior officer while serving at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton.
Over the last six years, Rafi’s Amigos Golf Outing, which Rodriguez describes as a “scramble,” raised money for several regional organizations, such as United Way of Greater Dayton Area, and continues to grow. Last year’s event exceeded expectations by several thousand dollars, allowing 40 students and their instructors to attend Air Camp.
Air Camp again was a natural partnership given Rodriguez’s background, the region, and the goal—to support the youth of his community. Based in Dayton, Ohio, Air Camp, Inc. was founded in 2006 by Dr. Vince Russo and Dick Reynolds, Lieutenant General (Retired) USAF.
Russo currently serves as the organization’s President and Chairman. “Early on, we decided to use aviation as the learning medium because the real language of aviation is math,” he said. Our goal is to use aviation to help the students understand the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and inspire them to pursue careers related to those fields.” More information about Air Camp is available at aircampusa.org.
This year’s presenting sponsor is the White-Allen Auto Group / White-Allen Family of Companies in Dayton. Tim White is the president and grandson of the company’s founder. White explained why his company has supported the golf outing for the last several years. “When you’re dealing with the future of STEM education for the young members of society, that’s a wonderful mission to get behind.”
Rodriguez proudly chose “Rafi’s Amigos” because he wanted it to be where people could enjoy a community event for a great cause. “Amigos” is the Spanish word for ‘friends,’ I consider this an event where friends come together, old or new, to support a common cause in our community,” Rodriguez explained. “I hope people will come to support these future leaders of our country.”
In conjunction with International Networking Week, GLD Communications has scheduled a Referral Marketing Master Class at The Hub in the Dayton Arcade, 31 South Main Street, Dayton, OH 45402, on Wednesday, February 7th,11:30 AM until 1:00 PM. The class typically costs more than $250, but this session has been specially priced at just $40 per person.
Presented by GLD Communications’s founder and creative director, Gery Deer, the 90-minute lunch-and-learn session includes techniques for identifying and developing referral partnerships. Pre-registration is required. Seats sell out quickly. Register at gldcommunications.com.
GLD Communications Creative Director, Gery Deer, will present the class.
Deer started GLD Communications in 1997 as a part-time job. Today, it is an old-school public relations firm with media production and content distribution all under one roof. The company provides newswire stories, documentary-styled film productions, podcasting, reputation and crisis management, and copywriting services. This master class is part of the agency’s business success coaching services.
Deer said people rarely learn to turn passive networking into proactive referral partnerships. It requires strategy, time, and commitment. He also noted that most people confuse networking with referral marketing when they are symbiotic.
“People mistakenly interchange the words networking’ and referral marketing, but the two have a causal relationship,” said Deer. “This master class explains how strategic networking is just the beginning and provides the opportunity for Referral Marketing partnerships that can generate revenue for years.”
An award-winning writer and creative director, Deer has navigated many changes in his business over the years. “We have withstood recession, lagging sales, and staffing issues,” he said. “I built and maintained our public relations media agency on referrals, but it was a massive learning curve. I wish someone had a class like this back when I started.”
Deer said the course also offers insight into leveraging your current networking opportunities to identify potential referral partners. He will also cover the various networking organizations ranging from service clubs like Rotary to professional referral organizations, specifically Business Networking International (BNI). Nikki Gates, Managing Director of the Miami Valley Ohio Region of BNI, will also be in attendance to offer information on her organization’s growth in the Dayton market.
Event parking is not included but is available at Reibold Parking, 25W W. 5th St., Dayton, 45422. For more information and a direct link to register, visit www.gldcommunications.com.
A few weeks ago, I was driving along minding my own business when a deer decided it would be a great time to remodel the front end of my pickup truck. It was dark but I was neither sleepy nor distracted yet saw nothing in advance of the collision. The animal seemed to come from out of nowhere. There was a loud, metallic bang, a hard shudder, and the hood of my truck popped straight up in front of the windshield.
Fortunately, I could see well enough around the hood to get the vehicle to the side of the road. Once I stopped and the dust had settled, the first words that entered my mind were, “So that happened.”
I called 911 to report the accident, and no irony was lost on either me or the dispatcher about a guy named Deer hitting a deer. Not to worry, she was great and sent an officer right away. If you have followed my column, you know this was certainly not my first traffic accident, nor was it the most serious. It was, however, my second deer strike in about four years. Enough, already. I’ve met my quota now, right?
Here’s a photo of Gery’s Ford F-150 truck from this article. It was totaled.
I think I was most upset because I had recently paid off the loan on the truck and, just that morning, even ordered new tires. Ever the optimist, I remember I laughed out loud and said to nobody, “Well, at least I don’t have to buy the tires now.” Like they say, onward and upward, right?
Hitting a deer on an Ohio roadway is almost a rite of passage. I’m surprised our driver’s education classes don’t include a section detailing what to do after a deer strike. I can hear it now, in the best 1970s filmstrip narrator’s voice. “After you have hit the animal, get out to see if it’s still alive. Oh, it’s a six-pointer! Be careful. Those antlers are sharp!” Then, it would go on to tell you to call the police and decide what to do with the carcass.
Here in the Buckeye state, if you hit a deer with your car, you’re entitled to keep it. What you do with it after that is entirely up to you. The first time it happened to me, the responding police officer asked if I wanted the carcass, and I said no. Then she said, “Well, you’ll need to decide which of the guys arguing over it gets to take it home.” Seriously? I told her to flip a coin. In hindsight, I should have sold it to one of them. After all, I was out a truck, and they got free venison.
Between hunters flushing them out of the woods into the road and people feeding them on the back porch, deer strikes are becoming more problematic every year. I read an Ohio highway statistic that vehicles had hit more than 13,000 deer in 2022. I can believe that. The day the body shop picked up my truck, the flatbed driver told me he’d hauled four other deer-damaged vehicles just that afternoon. With an overall deer population in the state just under 800,000, I’m surprised the accident tally is so low.
What can you do to avoid hitting a deer? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. The problem with deer is that they’re jittery, indecisive, and never travel alone. Trying to outguess them will get you hurt or worse.
The best things you can do are buckle up, drive with your bright beams on in rural or wooded areas, and always remember when you see one, there are always others. By the way, those deer whistles that you stick to the grill don’t work — a siren, maybe, but not those.
Above all, avoid distractions while driving, especially at night. No text, call, or cigarette is that important. Put that stuff down and pay attention to the road. Trust me, it takes only an instant for everything to change.
Although my truck was totaled, it was at least large enough to protect me. I have seen deer go up the hood and crash through the windshield, seriously injuring the driver and passengers. So, please watch out for those… deer in headlights.
Publication Notices:Deer In HeadlinesandDeer In Headlines II are media properties of Gery L. Deer and GLD Enterprises Communications, Ltd., who is also the copyright holder. The product is distributed via The Jamestown Comet.com (A property of GLD Communications), and by Green County Newspapers / The Xenia Daily Gazette by special permission.
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