the-d5-group

Public Sector Pulse: Silence Is Still a Decision. You Just Didn’t Make It Explicit.

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:23:25 GMT

You do not need early answers. You need early presence.

Most public complaints begin with the same sentence. “No one told us."
That moment is not about the work you did. It is about what people experienced.

When residents hear nothing, they do not assume neutrality. They assume neglect, avoidance, or indifference. Silence does not pause the narrative. It simply hands it to someone else.

Why Silence Creates Risk

Directors often wait to speak until details are confirmed. That instinct feels responsible. It is understandable. In practice, it creates a vacuum.

When there is a vacuum, people fill it fast. Speculation spreads. Assumptions harden. Tension rises. By the time facts are ready, trust has already taken a hit. This is not a communication failure. It is a timing failure.

What the Public Assumes When They Hear Nothing

The department is unaware
The issue is not being taken seriously
Information is being withheld

None of these may be true. All of them damage credibility.

What Effective Early Communication Looks Like

Early communication does not mean early answers. It means early acknowledgment. Let's say that again... it means early acknowledgment.

The process is not complicated:

Name the issue
State what is known
Commit to the next update

That is enough to at least stabilize the moment.

A Usable Example:

“We’re aware of the service issue affecting parts of the city today. Our team is working to confirm details, and we will share an update by 4 p.m.”

This message does four things at once:

It confirms awareness.
It acknowledges impact.
It sets expectations.
It reduces speculation.

Where Directors Lose Leverage

Waiting until you feel ready
Over-editing/thinking for precision
Assuming silence buys time... It does not. Others will speak in your place.

Why This Starts With You

Your staff will mirror your response speed. If leadership hesitates, hesitation becomes policy. Residents judge intent before outcomes. Delays feel personal, even when they are procedural.

In short, leadership is not about having answers first. It is about showing up first.

Closing Question

Right now, what are residents forced to assume because you have not acknowledged the issue?

A Solution

I f you want an outside read before the next disruption forces the issue, book a 60-minute strategy session with us. We will review your current communications, identify where the narrative breaks under pressure, and leave you with clear, actionable steps your team can use right away.

This is a paid session. The fee is $150. If you move forward with a project within 30 days, we apply the $150 as a credit toward your first invoice. Your consultant is a Professional Certified Marketer through the American Marketing Association.

Click the button below for more information.

The D5 Group Earns Gold ADDY for Warren Police and Community Trust Initiative Film

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:49:25 GMT

A City of Warren and The D5 Group partnership.

The D5 Group earned a Gold ADDY for the mini documentary created for Warren’s Police and Community Trust Initiative. The D5 Group earned the Gold ADDY at the AAF Akron Advertising Awards on February 27, 2026.

The Office of the Mayor of the City of Warren launched the initiative with The D5 Group. The initiative strengthens relationships between residents and the Warren Police Department.

The work also includes an online Climate Survey with more than 800 responses, an audio series with residents and members of the Warren Police Department, photography, a dedicated website, and a blog post that shares the backstory of the initiative.

The film features the Honorable Doug Franklin, Mayor of the City of Warren; Chief Eric Merkle of the Warren Police Department; Urban League Executive Director Thomas Conley; Warren City Schools leadership; residents; youth leaders; and members of the local business community.

DeShawn Scott, CEO of The D5 Group, served as Executive Producer. He led project strategy and helped shape the Mayor’s vision into a clear visual story. Appleridge Productions served as the production partner.

For The D5 Group, the award reflects work built around resident engagement, public trust, and stories that include diverse perspectives.

The Police and Community Trust Initiative remains active. Work continues across its public platforms and community resources.

Explore the film and related resources at warrenpcti.com

The Public Sector Pulse: If You Can’t Explain It in 30 Seconds, Your Department Has a Risk

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:27:05 GMT

If you cannot explain it fast, you cannot control it.

A department can do excellent work and still lose authority in one week. That loss starts when leaders cannot explain the work under pressure. Not because the work is wrong. Because the work cannot be explained fast, clearly, and consistently when it matters most.

A disruption. A bill. A headline. A question asked under pressure.

Those moments are where the public decides whether your department is competent, prepared, and worthy of authority. In those moments, trust does not erode because you lack activity. Trust erodes when the department cannot explain itself clearly during disruptions.

If your leadership team cannot explain your department’s purpose in 30 seconds, you do not have a messaging problem. You have a risk problem.

Why 30 seconds matter

Directors do not get long runways when scrutiny hits. Staff are pulled into briefings, media inquiries, legislative questions, and community meetings. Information moves faster than approvals. People form conclusions before the next internal meeting starts.

I n that environment, the department that speaks plainly earns the space to lead. The department that cannot speak plainly gets defined by others.

That definition becomes the story. The story becomes the operating environment.

The mission statement test

Most departments have a mission statement. Many of them read like they were designed to avoid disagreement rather than drive decisions.

Here is the difference between what is common and what is usable.

Common version

We are committed to serving the public by ensuring equitable access to high-quality services and promoting collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across programs and stakeholders.

It sounds responsible. It is also hard to repeat, hard to defend, and easy to ignore.

Usable version

We keep residents safe and services running by preventing problems, responding fast when they happen, and making recovery measurable.

A usable statement does three things.

It says what you protect.
It says what you do.
It gives a listener a way to judge performance.

A usable statement is not a slogan. It is an operational tool. It gives staff a shared frame under pressure. It gives leaders a simple narrative that can survive hearings, headlines, and hard questions.

Clarity is a leadership control, not a branding exercise

When disruption hits, three groups look for the same thing.

Internal teams want direction.
Elected leaders want assurance.
The public wants proof you are in control.

If your department cannot quickly explain its role, priorities, and measures of success, each group fills the gap with its own assumptions. That is where rumor grows, morale drops, and external confidence weakens.

Clarity reduces the number of interpretations in play. It speeds alignment. It protects credibility. It also helps you make decisions. When a new demand arises, the clearest departments can respond quickly.

Does this support our purpose?
Does it reduce the risks we own?
Does it improve the outcomes we promised?

The pressure test directors should run

Do not wait for the next crisis to discover your team cannot explain the work. Pressure test now.

Ask supervisors to explain the department’s role without notes.
Ask program leads to describe what success looks like in one sentence.
Ask frontline managers what the public should expect from your department in a disruption.
Ask your communications lead to write a 30-second answer to the toughest question you do not want to get.
Ask your deputy to give the same answer in a different room with different staff and see if it still matches.

Listen for the same failure patterns.

Explanations that start with process instead of purpose.
Language that sounds like internal policy instead of public service.
A list of activities with no outcome.
Statements that nobody can repeat twice in the same way.

If your answers vary widely, your department is carrying avoidable risk. Confusion does not stay internal. It shows up in response time, in inconsistent decisions, and in public messaging when pressure spikes.

What to do next

You do not need a long rebrand effort. You need a small set of clear statements that staff can use in real time.

Start with three elements.

Your purpose in plain language.
Your top three priorities when conditions change.
Your measures show you are performing.

Then build discipline around repetition. The goal is not creativity. The goal is consistency under stress.

Because the next disruption will not wait for your department to find the right words. The first clear story that lands will shape what comes next.

If you cannot explain it in 30 seconds, your department has a risk.

Ready to pressure test your department’s 30-second explanation?

If you want an outside read before the next disruption forces the issue, book a 60-minute strategy session. We will review your current marketing or communication efforts, isolate where your story breaks under scrutiny, and leave you with clear, actionable steps your team can use right away.

This is a paid session. The fee is $150. Your consultant holds the Professional Certified Marketer designation from the American Marketing Association.

Click the button below for more information.

Community Engagement in 2026: What Busy Nonprofit Leaders Need to Get Right

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:10:42 GMT

A practical framework for nonprofit leaders facing tighter resources

Most nonprofits say community engagement matters. Few define what it should look like. Engagement is not a post here and there, one event, or being on numerous social channels. It is the steady work of making your mission visible, accessible, and understood.

The steady work is not easy, especially during these times of funding cuts and other external pressures. The changes emphasize the importanceimportance of engaging your audience. When resources are tight, clear communication and consistent visibility protect trust, connections, and community support.

If you want mission or program growth in 2026, then you need a clear strategy that guides every action. Remember this and don't confuse the two:

Strategy sets direction.
A plan shapes the steps.

Without both, your activities become a giant bowl of guesswork. For small and mid-sized nonprofits, where time is tight and the pressure is real. This is why clarity matters. It's going to lay the groundwork and save time, not add to it.

2026 is still young, so it's not too late. Here is what strong engagement requires:

Start With Strategy Before You Plan Anything

Do not begin with content. Begin with purpose. Strategy sets the direction.

Ask:

What outcome matters most?
Who needs to act?
Why should they act?

Most engagement struggles start here. Unclear strategy = scattered, hard-to-manage work.

Make the Work Visible

People respond to what they can see and understand.

Show:

Program activity
Real people and real places, not stock photos or AI
What changed because of the work
Action the community recognizes

Visibility builds trust. Trust drives participation.

Use the Right Channels for the Right Purpose

Each channel has a job.

Facebook: local reach and conversation
Instagram: visual stories and recognition
Email: detail, updates, and follow-through
Website: clarity and credibility

Use the proper channels. Be where your audience is. Be intentional.

Be Consistent in Cadence

A quiet channel signals an organization with little or no activity

Share:

Weekly content
Monthly priorities
Quarterly goals

Set a pace your team can sustain, then stick to it.

Keep Messages Clear and Actionable

When messages confuse people, they stop paying attention.

Include three things in every message:

What they need to know
What you want them to do
Why it matters

Clarity saves your team and your audience time. Organized confusion creates headaches.

Strengthen Visual Quality

How your work looks shapes how people respond.

Focus on:

Clean design
Consistent branding
Real photography
Readable formats

You don't need high-end production. You need clean, consistent visuals people can read and trust.

Measure What Guides Decisions

Track only what helps you act.

Vital:

Registrations
Email sign-ups
Website clicks
Partner shares

Fewer metrics lead to clearer decisions. Avoid vanity metrics.

When funding is tight, you cannot afford random outreach. Start with strategy. Decide what matters most, then build a plan that protects visibility and trust.

Small and mid-sized nonprofits rarely have time to build a strategy while running programs and managing operations. Patchwork marketing wastes time and often stalls progress.

Our job here is to clarify your engagement strategy and turn it into a simple plan your team can run, with support where it makes sense.

Strategy Sessions are 60 Minutes and $150. Click the button for more info.

Make Your 2026 Nonprofit Marketing Budget a Mission Tool

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:17:35 GMT

Your marketing budget isn’t overhead. It’s how your mission grows.

I say this in every workshop, presentation, and consulting session: "Your organization is a three-legged stool. It stands on operations, finance, and marketing."

Operations delivers the work and constantly needs to be "fed".
Finance manages the money.
Marketing feeds both.

But marketing can’t do anything without a plan. And your budget is only as strong as the strategy behind it. No plan? No growth.

If you don’t have a current marketing plan, start there. Marketing brings people, partners, and support. Without it, nothing grows. That’s why your marketing budget isn’t just a spreadsheet. It’s your growth plan for 2026.

Here’s how to build one that reflects your mission and supports real results.

1. Fund Outcomes, Not Activities

Marketing isn’t what you do. It’s what you deliver.

Start by identifying the outcomes that matter most to your organization. Your budget should prioritize investments that help you:

Increase enrollment and retain participants
Acquire new donors and grow lifetime value
Expand community reach and public engagement
Build advocacy, partnerships, or earned income streams

If a line item doesn’t connect to a measurable result, it needs to be reconsidered. Focus the dollars where they move the mission.

2. Organize by Function, Not Fads

Don’t chase the latest marketing trends. Structure matters more than buzzwords. Organize your budget around functional categories that keep your strategy grounded and actionable:

Content. Messaging, visual creative, and written materials that carry your voice

Distribution. The channels that move your content: email, social media, and paid promotion

Data. Tools and systems for tracking, reporting, and insight

People. Internal staff or expert partners who get it done

This framework doesn’t just support execution; it makes your marketing spend easier to explain, evaluate, and improve.

3. Match Spend to Stage, Not Memory

Too many budgets rely on last year's spending. Start with where you are now, and where you’re going.

If you’re scaling programs or visibility, expect to spend 10 to 20 percent of revenue on marketing
If you’re maintaining or stabilizing, the 5 to 10 percent range may fit
If you work in campaign cycles, align spend with campaign-specific goals

Budget for your growth stage, not out of habit.

4. Leave Room to Move

Locked budgets break. Flexible ones grow.

The most effective marketing budgets have room to adapt. Build in space for quarterly adjustments, pilot campaigns, and unexpected high-impact opportunities. Change happens fast. Your budget should be ready to respond, not stuck in January’s plan.

5. Measure or Miss

If you can’t measure it, you can’t defend it. And if you’re not reviewing your numbers, you’re not learning.

Make sure you track:

Enrollment and participation
Donor engagement and conversion
Cost per action or acquisition
Channel-specific performance

Review your results monthly. Cut what underperforms. Invest where things are working. Marketing is not overhead. It’s how your mission reaches more people.

Let’s Build the Right Budget

A clear, outcomes-focused marketing budget is a leadership tool. It reflects your strategy, sharpens your focus, and supports measurable mission growth.

We work with nonprofits to build marketing budgets that are built to grow. Strategic. Actionable. Accountable.

Book a fifty-dollar strategy session to shape your 2026 marketing budget. Your fee is credited to your project if you move forward.

Flying High at 30: A Timeline Told by the People Who Built It

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 22:01:17 GMT

Thirty years of impact, told by the people who made it happen

For their 30-year milestone, Flying High wanted more than a tribute. They asked for a visual story that honored their timeline using real photos and authentic voices. No interviews. No on-camera appearances. Just the people who built the work, telling it in their own words.

We used archival photos and a narrated timeline voiced by Flying High staff. The result was a clear, focused video that showed their history through familiar moments and memories.

The video premiered at their 30th anniversary breakfast at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield.

What the Project Covered

A 30-year journey told in sequence
Milestones pulled from archival content
A direct look at their current direction

How It Came Together

The D5 Group partnered with Sound United Podcast Studio. Together, we handled:

Scripting and story structure
Archival photo review and preparation
Voiceover coaching and session support
Audio and video production

The Flying High staff recorded all narration. Most had never done voiceover work before. We guided them through the entire process.

What Stood Out

Staff voices added weight and connection
Archival photos brought shared history to the surface
The timeline format kept the story clear and easy to follow

Audience Reaction
The room stayed engaged. Many attendees recognized themselves or their organizations in the story. The short format helped both videos land without losing attention.

Watch the Videos

Part One:

Part Two:

Watch Here

Want to Tell Your Story?

We work with organizations that want to document real impact and connect clearly with their audience.

Whether you're planning an anniversary, launching a campaign, or highlighting results, we can help shape the story and get it seen.

Let’s start the conversation!

330.469.2015

Some Truths About Local Marketing

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 13:25:50 GMT

Most local marketing advice is wrong, and you pay the price.

Since 2007 (ahhh, the memories), I’ve run businesses on both sides of the marketing coin, first as an owner outside the industry (Red Karma), and now as someone whose professional and work revolves around it. In other words, I’ve been the client trying to make sense of inflated marketing promises, and I’ve been the professional helping others avoid those same traps and thrive.

The above has taught me many things. But in this case, I will focus on one: much of what small businesses (and nonprofits) are told about local marketing doesn’t hold up in practice.

You see, there’s no shortage of articles suggesting ways small businesses can “beat big national competitors” or how nonprofits can “amplify” their mission through local ads, social media, and a few creative posts. The majority of the suggestions look encouraging, but they’re rarely accurate.

Here are a few that are frequently suggested.

Claim #1. “You can afford TV advertising.”

Yes, you can buy airtime. But “affordable” doesn’t mean effective, my friend. Audience data from local stations is based on estimates rather than verified viewers. You might pay for thousands of “impressions” that never reach your target audience.

There’s more… Production costs. This includes meetings, employees or freelancers, scripting, filming, and editing. That once claimed “budget-friendly” idea quickly becomes massively

expensive.

Claim #2. “Radio still works.”

Local radio can help with name recognition, but it isn’t easy to track results. Listener data is self-reported, and real conversion measurement is nearly impossible. If you run a restaurant or service company, consistent messaging can help. But radio alone doesn’t move the needle. It reminds people you exist—it doesn’t show what makes you different.

Claim #3. “Billboards get you seen.”

Keep this in mind: billboards are awareness tools, not sales drivers . They make sense once your brand is already established. For small businesses trying to grow, they’re usually a poor use of limited dollars. For small-mid Nonprofits… No!

Claim #4. “Host a charity event or open house.”

I’m a big fan in this area, so long as you have a strategy behind it, and it’s intentional. Things like ensuring at least a percentage of your target audience attends, or that the event aligns with your business. Events, sponsorships, and community engagement can build powerful local relationships. The secret is this: your value isn’t in the photos or the press release. It’s how you follow up.

Collect contacts, genuinely thank attendees, and stay authentically connected. Otherwise, it’s just another event with no measurable return… and it will be forgotten.

Claim #5. “Social media levels the playing field”

I call BS on this. It’s the biggest myth and money dump in marketing, not just local marketing.

Remember when organic reach had some gusto? No more, it’s collapsed across most platforms. Businesses now must pay to be seen, and even then, the numbers are unreliable. I have proof because I used to be all in on this. I don’t trust the numbers. “Prove it!” is my motto.

If you do some research, independent studies have shown inflated reporting, bot activity, and broad audience targeting that make performance appear better than it is.

If your ad “reached” 10,000 people but generated no real engagement, that’s not reach, that’s noise.

By the way, when the same platform that sells you the ads is also the one grading the outcomes, that’s not transparency. That’s self-interest.

Claim #6. “Digital ads let you control your budget.”

This is technically accurate, but misleading in practice. Remember, I am focusing on small businesses and nonprofits.

A small ad budget doesn’t deliver enough reach or frequency to change audience behavior. The algorithms reward high spenders who advertise consistently. So, while you can set your own budget, the results you get will rarely match the promise you’re sold. I stand on this.

Claim #7. “Google Business Profile is your best friend.”

You should think differently about this one. I’m all about GBP. After all, it’s Google. You should keep it updated because it helps with local search visibility and credibility. However, that’s not marketing; it’s maintenance. It keeps your digital sign lit. It doesn’t bring customers in on its own.

Okay, DeShawn, What Actually Works? I’m glad you asked. I’ll be concise. I’m also going to use the word “please” to emphasize importance.

Please own your data.

Businesses and nonprofits should stop treating platform dashboards as fact. Use your own tracking tools, such as custom links, call tracking, or donor codes. Measure what drives a sale, a sign-up, or a contribution. Some of you have heard me say this many times – “When you control the data, you control the truth.” That’s how you separate what works from what looks good on a dashboard.

Please be consistent.

Most organizations fail at marketing because they stop and start (Or don’t understand it at all). If you know what you’re doing, pick a few marketing channels that you can sustain. Post, communicate, and engage on a schedule you can keep. Consistency builds recognition and trust, helping you stay top of mind.

Please show up.

Presence still matters. Human connections matter. Attend events. Answer questions. Follow up. Deliver what you promise. For businesses, that builds customer loyalty. For nonprofits, that builds donor confidence. Both depend on accountability.

Some major keys to remember:

• Local organizations succeed through credibility, not complexity.

• People do business with those they trust.

• Support comes from reliability, not reach.

Wrapping it up

The Real Advantage of Being Local

Being local is not about looking big. It is about being real. You can deliver in person, follow through on promises, and stand behind your work in a way a national brand cannot. That is your advantage.

Businesses and nonprofits that focus on credibility, consistency, and human connection outperform those chasing algorithms.

If you want marketing that works, measure what matters. Track new customers, repeat business, donor retention, and community trust.

... everything else can be expensive noise.

About the Author

DeShawn Scott is a Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) through the American Marketing Association. He is CEO of The D5 Group, founder of Sound Media, and host of the Sound United Presents podcast. He speaks publicly on grief, widowhood, motivation, business, and other causes he believes in.

The D5 Group Leads Police and Community Trust Initiative in Warren

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:05:46 GMT

Warren’s Trust Initiative Launches Citywide Campaign with Police and Resident Voices at the Center

WARREN, OH, September 23, 2025 — Initiated by the Office of the Mayor, the City of Warren’s Police and Community Trust Initiative (PCTI) partnered with The D5 Group to deliver a citywide awareness campaign focused on transparency, trust, and safety.

Working alongside the Office of the Mayor, the Warren Police Department, the Greater Warren and Youngstown Urban League, Warren City Schools, the PCTI Steering Committee, and residents, The D5 Group developed the campaign’s message framework, visual identity, and content plan. The strategy was informed through research, engagement with the Steering Committee, and collaboration with partners. A citywide climate survey with over 800 responses provided residents with a platform to share their voices and informed the supporting research.

The campaign introduced a unified visual identity system, original photography, the Unfiltered Voices audio series, produced in collaboration with Sound United Podcast Studio, and a new mini-documentary, now available on the PCTI website. Social media extended the campaign directly to residents, sharing survey insights, photos, clips, and personal perspectives that kept transparency and trust in focus.

“This campaign made the city’s commitment visible,” said DeShawn Scott, CEO of The D5 Group. “By working with the Mayor’s Office and partners, and by listening to residents, we built communications that acknowledge the past and set a foundation for trust moving forward.”

The campaign’s theme, “Where we were. Where we are. Where we're going”, reflects trust not as a single milestone but as an ongoing process of continuity and progress.

KEY CAMPAIGN FACTS

Survey Reach: 800+ resident responses
Partners: Mayor’s Office, Warren Police Department, Greater Warren/Youngstown Urban League, Warren City Schools, PCTI Steering Committee, residents
Campaign Elements: Visual identity, original photography, Unfiltered Voices audio series, mini-documentary, blog posts, and social media content
Production: The D5 Group and Sound United Podcast Studio
Theme: “Where we were. Where we are. Where we're going.”

Access: Full campaign content available at www.warrenpcti.com

About The D5 Group

The D5 Group is a Warren-based marketing management firm serving state & federal agencies, county governments, municipalities, and nonprofits.

The D5 Group Unveils New Logo and Brand Identity

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 22:00:55 GMT

A Letter from the CEO: Our Evolved Brand

I remember the timeframe vividly. I had sent in my paperwork to the Ohio Secretary of State online portal in February 2014. The D5 Group was officially registered. While other paperwork needed filing, I was excited about something else: the official logo.

The first D5 Group logo fit perfectly - a "d" representing my "Five D's", the number 5 (important people to me) inside the circle with the the word group (team). The circle representing my loyalty and commitment to everything within it.

The logo had a non-traditional look. The name of the d &5 font was Collegiant. At the time, it represented us well - passionate and non-conforming. Our colors had their purpose too.

Black and white. Enigmatic, powerful, applicable, not flashy, loved - that's why I chose those colors. Not to mention, they look great on clothing and websites. But time and experiences will bring change.

In 2021, life was not good for my family. Good for business, not life overall. I took some time away from the company, a long time. In the fall of 2023, I began to get back into the groove gradually. But while off for that time, much thinking occurred. Not just grief, but business decisions. On the latter, it was time for a change.

Let's fast forward to June of this year. I commissioned an excellent designer to redesign our logo. She listened to my history and reasoning and produced an incredible logo. A month later, I changed our color scheme.

Yes, for nearly a decade, our brand identity has carried us through growth, partnerships, and milestones. It has been a familiar marker of who we are and how we work. But change was needed.

As of August 1, we fully implemented the refreshed identity: a new logo, a modern font, and a color palette of Executive Blue, Foundation Grey, Clarity Teal, and Communication White.

The logo and its change signify our growth, boldness, and abstract swag. It closes the circle and brings forward movement, a sharp focus, and intention.

As for our color scheme:

Executive Blue: Authority and calm competence

Foundation Grey: Balance and grounding

Clarity Teal: Balanced solutions

Communication White: Clean contrast of focus

Something that has not changed is our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and delivering results for our clients and communities.

We look forward to sharing this next chapter with you.

D. Lee Scott

Chief Executive Officer

Ember Business Workshop Series Launches in Warren

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:21:39 GMT

A six-week in-person program focused on business readiness, structure, and long-term growth.

Contact:

Tomica Barnes, Workshop Coordinator

tbarnes@emberworkshops.com

www.emberworkshops.com

The D5 Group Launches the Ember Business Workshops Series to Support Warren’s Emerging Business Owners

A six-week in-person program focused on business readiness, structure, and long-term growth.

Warren, OH – April 24, 2025 — The D5 Group, a Warren-based marketing services firm, announces the launch of the Ember Workshop Series, a hands-on program designed to equip the City of Warren’s emerging business owners with the skills, systems, and structure needed to grow their businesses.

Developed by D. Lee Scott, CEO of The D5 Group, Ember is designed for business owners who have been operating for at least two years and are ready to reinforce the fundamentals that fuel sustainable success. The program is funded by Councilwoman Helen Rucker and supported by Mayor Doug Franklin, reflecting the City’s commitment to small business growth.

The one-day, six-week, in-person workshop blends expert-led instruction with group-based learning activities.

Topics fall under four key areas:

Business Financials

Operations

Growth + Visibility

Wellness + Focus

The program is open to Warren-based business owners who:

Have been in operation for a minimum of two years
Are willing to follow through on program expectations and participation

There is no fee to apply. However, there is a $25 fee for accepted applicants. Enrollment is limited to 13 participants per cohort. Applications are reviewed first-come, first-served, with a deadline of May 9, 2025.

“Ember is structured for accountability and built for action,” said Scott. “The workshops provide practical knowledge from experts that business owners can apply immediately. It’s designed for those who take their business seriously and are ready to invest the time to learn and grow.”

“This program reflects what Warren’s small business owners have asked for—real support and tools to help them grow,” said Councilwoman Helen Rucker.”

"We’re proud to invest in something built for long-term impact. Programs like Ember are key to Warren’s future,” said Mayor Doug Franklin. “When small businesses grow, so does our city.”

For more information or interested applicants, visit: www.emberworkshops.com

Press Release: Orchestra—Social Media Made Simple

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 23:22:52 GMT

Orchestra Social: Bringing Harmony to Clients' Social Media Efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Warren, OH – January 2, 2025 – The D5 Group is excited to announce the official launch of Orchestra Social, a social media management platform built to help businesses and nonprofits easily take control of their online presence. Designed with simplicity, affordability, and teamwork in mind, Orchestra gives organizations the tools they need to manage their social media on one or multiple platforms effortlessly.

"We use Orchestra ourselves, and that says it all," said Meghan Bellino, Production Manager at The D5 Group. "It’s the platform we trust to manage our social media, and we’re confident it can do the same for others.

Effortless Management: A clean, intuitive dashboard makes managing multiple accounts stress-free.
Smart Tools: Save time and maximize results with advanced scheduling, analytics, and collaboration features.
Seamless Integrations: Easily connect tools like Canva, Google Drive, Google Analytics, Facebook Groups, and all major social media platforms to work smarter, not harder.
Built for Budgets: Get premium functionality at a price that works for organizations of all sizes.

A Complimentary Trial for Organizations Ready to Grow
The D5 Group offers qualifying organizations a complimentary trial, the perfect opportunity to experience Orchestra Social’s capabilities firsthand.

Request a Demo Today
Discover how Orchestra Social can simplify your social media efforts by requesting a demo at https://calendly.com/d5group/demo-call

About The D5 Group

Founded in 2014, The D5 Group offers marketing, impact strategy, and creative services to nonprofits, K-12 schools, municipalities, and government entities. Additionally, the group oversees Sound United Podcast Studio, a fully equipped rental studio for professionals and businesses looking to produce podcasts and various audio content.

As a certified Ohio MBE, EDGE, and DBE, The D5 Group is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its business.

For more information, please visit www.thed5group.com or contact us at info@thed5group.com or Toll Free: 1-866-306-4092 | Local: (330) 469-2015

Press Release: Perspectives from the Minority Business Roundtable

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:42:29 GMT

The CEO of The D5 Group Shares His Perspectives on Being a Minority Business Owner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Warren, Ohio – September 23, 2024 – DeShawn Scott, CEO of The D5 Group, joined a panel of local business leaders in The Business Journal’s Minority Business Roundtable to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing minority-owned businesses today.

On August 14, 2024, Canfield hosted an event that united entrepreneurs and financial experts to discuss key issues such as resource accessibility, generational wealth, and the challenge of stereotypes. Participants, including Scott, Terrell Washington from Leaf Relief, and Lisa Robinson from Show Stopper Landscaping, exchanged personal reflections and tactics for cultivating thriving, sustainable businesses.

Watch the whole discussion here: https://businessjournaldaily.com/the-business-journal-roundtable-series-minority-business/

About The D5 Group

Established in 2014, The D5 Group offers marketing and creative services to nonprofits, K-12 schools, municipalities, and government entities. Additionally, The D5 Group oversees Sound United Podcast Studio, a fully equipped rental studio that caters to professionals and businesses looking to produce podcasts and various audio content formats.

As a certified Ohio MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), EDGE (Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity), and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise), The D5 Group is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our business.

For more information, please visit www.thed5group.com or contact us at info@thed5group.com or Toll Free: 1-866-306-4092 | Local: (330) 469-2015

Press Release: D5 Group CEO to Join Minority Business Roundtable

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 19:24:25 GMT

The D5 Group CEO Joins Minority Business Roundtable Hosted by the Business Journal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Warren, Ohio - August 8, 2024 —The D5 Group, a marketing management and creative services firm, is pleased to announce that CEO DeShawn Scott will participate in a Minority Business Roundtable hosted by the Business Journal . The event will occur on August 13, 2024, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Canfield, Ohio. The goal of the roundtable is to promote minority entrepreneurship through impactful discussions.

"I'm looking forward to engaging with fellow business leaders and stakeholders at this roundtable," said Scott. "It presents a chance to make a real difference for minority-owned businesses."

The D5 Group appreciates the Business Journal for providing this platform and its commitment to highlighting meaningful dialogues on minority entrepreneurship.

About The D5 Group

Established in 2014, The D5 Group offers marketing and creative services to nonprofits, K-12 schools, municipalities, government entities, and niche SMBs. It also oversees Sound United Podcast Studio , a fully equipped rental studio for professionals and businesses looking to produce top-notch podcasts and various audio content formats.

For more information about our work or to contact us, please visit www.thed5group.com. You can also reach us by email at info@thed5group.com or by phone at Toll-Free: 1-866-306-4092 | Local: (330) 469-2015.

Press Release: The D5 Group Opens Doors to a New Chapter

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 16:13:53 GMT

Modern Space Triples Podcast Studio Capacity and Supports Growing Business Needs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Warren, Ohio - August 5, 2024 – The D5 Group, a marketing management and creative services firm, is excited to announce its relocation to a new headquarters at 108 Main Avenue SW, Warren, Ohio.

The new office in downtown Warren's central business district within Courthouse Square is modern and larger than our previous location, suiting our growth needs and tripling the space available to our Sound United Podcast Studio.

"We are thrilled about this move. It's a new chapter and speaks to our leadership's strategic vision. From family and clients to community leaders, everyone has expressed their happiness for us - that feels great," said DeShawn Scott, CEO of The D5 Group.

A special invite-only event will be held at a later date.

About The D5 Group

Established in 2014, The D5 Group offers marketing and creative services to nonprofits, K-12 schools, municipalities, government entities, and niche SMBs. Additionally, The D5 Group oversees Sound United Podcast Studio, a fully equipped rental studio that caters to professionals and businesses looking to produce top-notch podcasts and various audio content formats.

For more information, please visit www.thed5group.com or contact us at info@thed5group.com or Toll Free: 1-866-306-4092 | Local: (330) 469-2015

Press Release: The D5 Group Receives Service Impact Nomination

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:05:42 GMT

CEO DeShawn Scott Recognized for Leadership and Community Impact at Legacy Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Warren, Ohio, April 4, 2024 - Valley Economic Development Partners recently nominated the D5 Group, a minority-owned integrated marketing firm, for the Paul Dutton Professional Services Impact Award. This marks the 45th year of the Legacy Awards, which honor achievements across six nomination categories.

The nomination reflects the D5 Group's commitment to community, empowerment, and education. Their contributions have supported many economic development efforts in the Mahoning Valley.

"You can check our track record. Supporting our community and small businesses has always been part of who we are. ", shared DeShawn Scott, CEO of The D5 Group. This nomination recognizes our work and commitment beyond marketing."

As The D5 Group marks its 10th anniversary, this recognition underscores its enduring commitment to supporting and giving back.

About The D5 Group

The D5 Group is an integrated marketing firm based in Warren, Ohio, specializing in consulting, advertising, social media management, and content creation. The company also operates Sound United Podcast Studio, a turnkey podcasting solution for professionals, businesses, and nonprofits.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The D5 Group, LLC

330-469-2015 Ex. 1001

info@thed5group.com

the-d5-group

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Press Release: Perspectives from the Minority Business Roundtable

The CEO of The D5 Group Shares His Perspectives on Being a Minority Business Owner

Press Release: D5 Group CEO to Join Minority Business Roundtable

The D5 Group CEO Joins Minority Business Roundtable Hosted by the Business Journal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Press Release: The D5 Group Opens Doors to a New Chapter

Modern Space Triples Podcast Studio Capacity and Supports Growing Business Needs

Press Release: The D5 Group Receives Service Impact Nomination

CEO DeShawn Scott Recognized for Leadership and Community Impact at Legacy Awards