Dewey Digital Named Official Website Producer for Democratic National Convention

WWW.DEMCONVENTION.COM

"The Internet and emerging media cross all language and cultural lines in the U.S. today,” said Tim Chambers, Principal for Dewey Digital. “We are excited to build out an online presence for the Democratic National Convention that will allow the entire nation to engage and connect up with this key event -- in ways that reach people in the media they use, in the language they speak and on the issues they care about most."

Feb. 5, 2008, DENVER – Furthering its commitment to engage a broad spectrum of communities in new and creative ways, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today unveiled its new website at www.DemConvention.com featuring a dynamic new look and including extensive Spanish language content. The website will be the cornerstone of the 2008 Democratic National Convention’s online communications efforts, combining technology from a variety of platforms to engage constituencies in Denver and across the country in meaningful and innovative ways in the lead up to and during Convention week – August 25-28, 2008.

“To truly make DemConvention.com a go-to resource and an all-access pass to our event, we needed maximum flexibility and a platform on which to build the cutting-edge functionality that will help our Convention leave its mark,” said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. “Offering extensive Spanish language content is just one of the many ways by which this site will bring more people into the Convention experience than ever before. From video, audio and photos to contact tools and our blog, DemConvention.com will use a variety of methods to engage new communities, generate interest and fuel enthusiasm around this Convention – for those in Denver and beyond.”

In the coming months, the DNCC will work continuously to expand the site by innovating in creative, meaningful ways. During Convention week, the DNCC will position DemConvention.com as a resource for delegates, media and other Convention attendees as well as a means for Democrats and netroots activists all across the country to participate in the Denver experience. Starting today, visitors to the site can sign up to receive regular updates on Convention news, events and other developments. Press releases and other relevant materials for members of the media are also available. Dewey Digital, named today as the DNCC’s Official Website Producer, designed the site to provide increased flexibility and functionality for new features to be introduced in the months ahead. The company specializes in new media technology, public policy, issue outreach and political action and uses cutting-edge media tools to speak to 21st century Americans.

"The Internet and emerging media cross all language and cultural lines in the U.S. today,” said Tim Chambers, Principal for Dewey Digital. “We are excited to build out an online presence for the Democratic National Convention that will allow the entire nation to engage and connect up with this key event -- in ways that reach people in the media they use, in the language they speak and on the issues they care about most."

To promote connectivity between users, the site also provides delegates and advocates with an “online home” to meet and organize before, during and after the Convention through various social networking applications like Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and others.

DemConvention.com will continue to provide up-to-the-minute news and features on the blog and information on volunteer opportunities, delegate selection, the nomination process and past Democratic Conventions, including the first Democratic National Convention in Denver 100 years ago.

The site was first launched in April 2007.

Dewey Square Group Launches DSG LATINovations, New Practice Focuses on Hispanic Community

Oct. 2, 2007, Washington, D.C. – Intent on building on its experience as one of the country's leading public affairs firms, the Dewey Square Group today announced the launch of DSG LATINovations, the firm's new venture to tap the country's fastest growing population.

DSG LATINovations will be led by former DNC Communications Director Maria Cardona and former Congressional Hispanic Caucus Executive Director Maria Robles Meier, bringing decades of experience in communication strategies, coalition building and marketing within the Hispanic community. Cardona is based in DSG's Washington office and Meier is based in the firm's office in Los Angeles.

"The very fabric of America is markedly different in this generation than in any generation before it," said DSG Chairman Chuck Campion. "Today, the success of a growing number of public policy initiatives and products depend in no small part upon the ability to build support among the Hispanic community. DSG LATINovations can become Washington's strongest Hispanic public affairs firm by building that support with some of the country's leading Hispanic strategists."

As the buying power of Latino consumers approaches $1 trillion and many states experience rapid growth among Latino populations, effective communication, outreach and marketing demand strategies that include these communities.

"Hispanic Americans are far from a monolithic community, and reaching them effectively is imperative but can be challenging as it needs to be done in an appropriate manner," Cardona said. "DSG LATINovations was created to help the public and private sectors build relationships with, navigate and successfully tap into the distinct and growing communities throughout."

DSG LATINovations currently represents Fortune 500 companies in the technology, finance, health care and automotive industries.

"We are proud to bring together DSG's diverse set of services and talents and apply them to help ensure that the power and voice of the Hispanic community is known and heard" Meier added.

Joining Cardona and Meier at DSG LATINovations will be DSG Principal Cynthia Jasso Rotunno, a former special assistant to the President and former White House chief of staff for the Political Affairs Office and DSG Associate Carissa Faña, a former policy analyst for Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez.

About the Dewey Square Group: Founded in 1993, the Dewey Square Group is one of the nation's leading public affairs firms with offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, Tampa, Sacramento and Detroit, and affiliates in every state. DSG builds critical support for the policy positions, products and brands of our clients, which including Fortune 100 companies, major national associations and not-for-profit organizations. To find out more, please visit www.deweysquare.com.

Maria Cardona
Cardona is former Senior Vice President for the New Democrat Network and Director of NDN's Hispanic Project. A former DNC Communications Director, Cardona served in the same position for the Department of Justice's Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and was the Clinton Administration's chief spokesperson on immigration. At the Department of Commerce, Cardona served as Deputy Press Secretary to Ronald H. Brown and later as Press Secretary to Secretaries William Daley and Mickey Kantor.

Maria Robles Meier
Meier is a Capitol Hill veteran and the former Executive Director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Meier directed national strategy for the 21-member CHC and formed CHC partnerships and coalitions with other organizations, elected officials and businesses to further the CHC agenda. Meier also directed outreach for Representative Robert Menendez and was the Associate Director of the Democratic Steering & Coordination Committee in the Senate. In 2004, Meier helped manage Hispanic messaging and policy for the Kerry/Edwards Campaign.

Cynthia Jasso Rotunno
Before joining DSG, Rotunno served as the Executive Director of the Don't Count Us Out Coalition - an advocacy group addressing the undercounting and under-representation of minorities in the TV ratings business. Rotunno served the Clinton/Gore Administration from 1996-2001 in various capacities including: Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for Political Affairs Office at the White House (1997-2001); Deputy Director for Government, Business and Community Affairs on the 53rd Presidential Inaugural Committee (1997); Deputy Public Liaison Director on the 1996 Clinton/Gore Campaign.

Carissa Faña
Faña has served as a Legislative Assistant for the Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, US Rep. Nydia M Velázquez, where Faña managed a cross section of issues, including immigration reform, environmental policy, telecommunications, and worked closely with Hispanic small businesses throughout the country. Faña also served as the congresswoman's liaison to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, providing policy recommendations through the Housing, Business and Economic Development task force, coordinated conferences and established strong working relationships with national and local Hispanic organizations.

KARIN JOHANSON, FORMER DCCC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
JOINS DEWEY SQUARE GROUP
Veteran Strategist Joins Firm’s Grassroots and Government Relations Practice

March 19, 2007, Washington, D.C. – Karin Johanson, who most recently was executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), has joined the Dewey Square Group’s (DSG) Washington office as a principal in the grassroots and government relations practices.

Johanson has more than 25 years of experience working in Democratic politics and on Capitol Hill, including a stint as chief of staff to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

“At DSG we pride ourselves on our ability to attract the top strategists from the world of political campaigns, and in Karin Johanson we have one of the best,” said DSG Chairman Chuck Campion.  “Karin started as a staffer on Capitol Hill and went on to play a critical role in major campaigns, including the 2006 Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives.”

In 2006, Johanson worked with Congressman Rahm Emanuel managing the political side of the DCCC.  She designed the largest congressional field operation in history, an $11.5 million effort covering 36 congressional districts.  In 2004, Johanson served as state director for America Coming Together’s Florida grassroots campaign, where she developed the campaign’s infrastructure and the overall state campaign strategy.

As political director of EMILY’s List in the 1990s, Johanson helped elect scores of Democratic women to office.

“Karin Johanson has proven herself as one of the country’s top grassroots organizers and strategists and will be a major asset to DSG and our clients as we continue to design national and state-based grassroots campaigns for some of the country’s highest-profile public policy issues,” said Michael Whouley, head of DSG’s grassroots practice.

Johanson began her career on Capitol Hill, where she rose to the position of chief of staff to Congressman Steny Hoyer. 

“Dewey Square is known as one of the nation’s premier public affairs firms, and I am proud to be a part of such a seasoned and well-respected team,” Johanson said.

Founded in 1993, the Dewey Square Group is a strategic marketing and grassroots communications firm with offices in Washington, D.C., Boston, San Francisco, Tampa, Sacramento and Los Angeles and affiliates in every state.  DSG’s clients include Fortune 100 companies, national associations and not-for-profit organizations. 

DSG’s Jill Alper & Howard Edelson Win “Campaign Managers of the Year” Award

American Association of Political Consultants Honors Work on Granholm Campaign

Washington, D.C. – The American Association ofPolitical Consultants (AAPC) presented the “Campaign Manager of the Year” Awardto Jill Alper and Howard Edelson for their work on Michigan Governor Jennifer M.Granholm’s reelection campaign.  The award was presented last night at the 2007Pollie Dinner inMiami,Floridaat the AAPC’s annualconference.

Heading the Granholm campaign, Alperserved as the day-to-day strategist for the campaign along with Edelson, who wasthe hands-on manager.  Together they guided Governor Granholm and Lt. GovernorJohn Cherry’s impressive 56 percent to 42 percent victory over Republicanchallenger Dick DeVos.  The win was first and foremost a testament to GovernorGranholm's leadership forMichigan.

Alper is a principal at the DeweySquare Group (DSG), one of the nation’s leading public affairs and marketingcommunications firms.  As head of DSG’s campaign practice, Alper heads thefirm’s political consulting and strategic planning work for candidates acrossthe country. 

“All of Jill’s colleagues at theDewey Square Group are proud but not surprised,” said DSG Chairman ChuckCampion.  “Jill’s experience and strategic talents were reflected in the amazingwork she did for Governor Granholm’s re-election.  We congratulate Jill and hercampaign colleague, Howard.”

A veteran of statewide, federal andfive presidential campaigns, Alper began her work for Governor Granholm in 2001and still serves as an advisor.  Alper has had significant experience in thestate ofMichigan, where she has designed strategiesfor eight successful state-wide general election and primary campaigns. Alperserved asMichiganstate director forClinton-Gore in 1992 and as a strategist for the Presidential campaigns ofClinton, Goreand Kerry.

“Jill and I have worked side by sidefor the last 20 years helping candidates organize, connect with voters, managetheir message and ultimately win elections.  She is a terrific choice by AAPC tofollow last year’s winners Ken Mehlman and Matthew Dowd,” said DSG FoundingPartner Michael Whouley.  “Jill is a true asset to the Dewey Square Group andthe Democratic Party.”

The AAPC award was given toBush-Cheney ’04 Campaign Manager Ken Mehlman in 2005, while Pollster of the Yearwent to Matthew Dowd.

Dewey Square Group Joins WPP
Leading Public Affairs Firm Acquired by Global Communications Firm

Aug. 17, 2006, Washington, D.C. – The Dewey Square Group (DSG), a nationally-recognized firm specializing in grassroots advocacy, coalition building, public affairs communications and strategic marketing announced today it has joined WPP, one of the world’s leading marketing communications services firms.

“The opportunity to partner with WPP’s international family of talented marketing communications firms will be an important asset to DSG and DSG clients,” said Charles M. Campion, Chairman of DSG. “While Dewey Square will continue to operate independently, we can now offer our clients access to WPP’s comprehensive range of global communications services.”

Founded by Campion, Charles Baker and Michael Whouley in 1993, DSG has established a formidable reputation as the premier provider of sophisticated, cutting-edge campaign techniques and talent to meet the challenges of corporate, national advocacy and political clients. As a result, Dewey Square has attracted an impressive client base of Fortune 500 companies, national advocacy groups, major trade and professional associations and leading non-profit organizations.

“Dewey Square is a unique company with a very specialized practice,” said Howard Paster, WPP’s executive vice president. “There are no more than a handful of companies that can do what they do and nobody does it better.”

DSG employs some of the nation’s most sought after and respected political strategists, operatives and consultants. Drawing upon personal relationships and experience from political campaigns, government service and the private sector, DSG’s nationally recognized staff designs and implements creative solutions for clients faced with significant marketing and public affairs challenges and opportunities.

“Over the past decade, I’ve watched the Dewey Square Group become one of the country’s most respected and successful consulting companies,” Paster said. “WPP’s goal is to help them continue to succeed and to grow even stronger.”

The Dewey Square Group will operate as an independent WPP agency.

DSG operates offices in Washington, DC, Boston, Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Tampa, and maintains a comprehensive national grassroots network of local public affairs managers across the country.

For further information, visit www.deweysquare.com.

* WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY) is one of the world's leading communications services groups, made up of leading companies in advertising; media investment management; information, insight & consultancy; public relations & public affairs; branding & identity, health care communications; direct promotion and relationship marketing; and specialist communications.

WPP's worldwide companies include JWT, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, Young & Rubicam Brands, Grey Global Group; The Voluntarily United Group of Creative Agencies; BatesAsia; Group M; MediaCom; Mediaedge:cia; MindShare; The Kantar Group; Burson Marsteller; Hill & Knowlton; Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide; B to D Group; Enterprise IG; Fitch; and CommonHealth among others.

WPP companies provide communications services to clients worldwide including more than 300 of the Fortune Global 500; over one-half of the NASDAQ 100 and over 30 of the Fortune e-50. Collectively, WPP employs 92,000 people in over 2,000 offices in 106 countries.

For further information, visit ww2.wpp.com.

Dewey Square Group Launches Multicultural Marketing Practice

July 7, 2006, Washington, D.C. - The Dewey Square Group (DSG) today announced the formation of its Multicultural Marketing practice, a new service that allows DSG clients to actively connect with African-American, Latino and other emerging consumer markets throughout the country.

“The nation’s top organizations and businesses have long turned to Dewey Square and to develop strategies and relationships in emerging markets – their success often depends on it,” said DSG Chairman Chuck Campion. “Dewey Square’s pioneering efforts to reach key and diverse communities provide a decided advantage for our clients as they seek to navigate an ever-changing marketplace.”

DSG’s Multicultural Marketing Practice is led by Minyon Moore, a former White House Political Affairs Director with more than two decades of experience in national political campaigns, building coalitions and managing state and local issue campaigns. “Our clients recognize the benefits of communicating to America’s multicultural markets,” Moore said. “And expanding our efforts will help DSG clients form lasting relationships with consumers and provide America’s fastest growing consumer base a better understanding of the products, services and even issues that can benefit their lives.”

Moore is joined in the practice by Maria Cardona, former Director of the New Democrat Network’s Hispanic Project, and Los Angeles-based Maria Meier, former Executive Director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

DSG’s integrates multicultural marketing into every aspect of client service, from grassroots and grasstops strategies to communications. The practice also creates targeted, specific coalitions that engage diverse markets, opinion leaders, cultural influencers, specialty media and elected officials on behalf of our clients.

“America’s Latino community is a vibrant and increasingly influential voice,” Cardona said. “Our collective relationships and experience within the Latino community and other communities deliver a connection with credibility, creating critical support for our clients, their issues and products.”

Founded in 1993, the Dewey Square Group is a national public affairs and marketing communications firm with offices in Washington, D.C., Boston, Tampa, Sacramento, San Francisco and Los Angeles. DSG’s nationally recognized professional staff provides creative and cost effective solutions for companies and organizations faced with complex, high profile public campaigns.


DSG Brings on Congressional Hispanic Caucus Executive Director Maria Meier
Capitol Hill Veteran Joins National Public Affairs Firm

Nov 28, 2005 - Maria Meier, executive director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and long-time Capitol Hill veteran, will join the Dewey Square Group as one of the firm's principals, Dewey Square Group Chairman Chuck Campion announced today.

Meier, who officially becomes part of DSG on December 1, will be based in the Dewey Square Group's Los Angeles office. Along with focusing on DSG clients in California, Meier will help guide the firm's national emerging markets practice.

"Maria Meier is recognized as one of the top talents in the country, and Dewey Square is proud to add her to our team," Campion said. "DSG prides itself on its national reach in public affairs, communications, grassroots campaigns and coalition building, and Maria will greatly enhance that reach and help DSG expand its services for our clients in California and around the country."

Meier has been the CHC's executive director since 2003, developing the organization's policy agenda and managing its operations. Her work included building CHC partnerships and coalitions in an effort to develop and raise the Caucus's national profile in shaping Hispanic issues

Before joining the CHC, Meier served as director of outreach for the then- Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, U.S. Rep. Robert Menendez. In 2000, Meier worked as western field communications director for the Gore- Lieberman Campaign, managing communications for 13 Western states, including California.

Meier worked for the City of San Jose as a community relations specialist from 1991 to 1999 and began her career as a legislative assistant to California Senator Alan Cranston. A graduate of Stanford University, Meier received a bachelor's of arts degree in international relations.

"Maria has deep roots in California and brings to the DSG practice in California a national reputation as a top-notch strategist and leader in promoting Hispanic issues," said Karen Skelton, head of the DSG's California office.
Founded in 1993, the Dewey Square Group has offices in Washington, D.C., Boston, San Francisco, Tampa, Sacramento and Los Angeles and affiliates in 48 states. DSG clients include Fortune 100 companies, national associations and not-for-profit organizations.