California Black Chamber of Commerce Names Kristene Smith Public Relations 'Small Business of...

Business Editors/Assignment & News Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 21, 2001

Sacramento-based PR Firm Recognized for Multi-Cultural

Approach; Expertise in Outreach

The California Black Chamber of Commerce has announced the awards recipients

for Northern and Southern California "Small Business of the Year." Sacramento-based public relations and marketing firm Kristene Smith Public Relations will be honored as the Northern California region winner at the Ron Brown Memorial Awards Dinner in San Francisco on August 24th. Noted for its ability to assist both public and private entities with successful multi-cultural community engagement campaigns, Kristene Smith Public Relations is the foremost African American-owned public relations firm in Sacramento. "We are very honored to receive this award from the California Black Chamber of Commerce. Our first commitment is always to community, making sure that through our work, tremendous benefits will be realized to enrich the community at large. Our clients include both public and private business, showcasing great opportunities for marketing to a host of cultural groups across the state," states Chief Executive Officer Kristene Smith. The firm's clientele includes the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, Sacramento City Unified School District, California National Organization for Women, Executive Valet Services of Sacramento at the Sacramento International Airport, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Sacramento.

The general community is invited to attend the event:

Event:     Ron Brown Memorial Awards Dinner & Concert

Theme:     "Connecting the Dots For Business Growth and Development"

Date:      August 24, 2001

Time:      6:15 pm no-host reception
           7:15 pm dinner

Location:  Cathedral Hill Hotel
           1101 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco

Sponsors:  Pacific Bell/SBC & Wells Fargo Bank

The Southern California region "Small Business of the Year" award recipient is S&A Technical Staffing, Inc., in Upland, California. President Anita Starks will attend the event to receive the award. The evening's featured speakers include Ray Wilkins, President/CEO, Pacific Bell/SBC; Gwen Moore, President/CEO, Gem Communications; and Tim Hanlon, President, Wells Fargo Bank, among others.

For inquiries, please contact Kristene Smith Public Relations at 916/424-8536 or visit the California Black Chamber of Commerce's website at www.calbcc.org.