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November 13The Black Academy of Arts and Letters

Naomi BrutonDallas, Texas

Gigi Bolden Carl Payne Terri J. Vaughn Dorien Wilson

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November 13 – 16The Black Academy of Arts and Letters

Bruton TheatreDallas, Texas

Dorien Wilson Charmin Lee Denise Dowse Tommy Ford

7 Stars. 6 Shows. 4 Days. 1 Stage.

“South of Where We Live” is the next generation

actors from top TV sitcoms, this glimpse intothe opportunity to participate in the on-stagevenues across the country and received numerousnominations. After receiving rave reviewsN.C., “South of Where We Live” is bringingstudded shows at The Black Academy of Artsopportunity into an impact opportunity. Weat its very best.

Definition of “South of Where We Live”To Look SOUTH

SOUTH of your executive suite.SOUTH of your six or seven figure salary.

SOUTH of your degree and title.Going BACK to the communities from which you’ve come!

PURPOSE: The real story begins longseries of community outreacharound issues and solutionsplatform for actively engagingweeks leading up to the premiere

The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, Inc. and New Image Motor Sports

November 13

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weeks leading up to the premiereto truly make a difference.donated to support these

FEATURES: - Cast appearances/assemblies- Participation in voter awareness events- National/local media blitz in concert with community initiatives- Support of corporate diversity and philanthropic activities- Outreach to civic and government organizations

EMPOWERMENT: 6 weeks from October to

SHOW DATES: Thursday, November 13 –

TIMES: Thursday/Friday – 8pmSaturday/Sunday – 3pm and

ATTENDANCE: 10,500 Theatre capacity

LOCATION: The Black Academy of ArtsNaomi Bruton Theatre650 South Griffin StreetDallas, TX 75202

ADMISSION: $32.50 – $37.50 (Group discounts

CONTACT: Adrian Parker, The Parker917-881-2643 // ap@theparkmark

generation in live entertainment. Featuring a cast of familiar

into a 60-hour corporate workshop gives theater audiencesstage antics. Since its inception the production has touched

numerous theatrical awards, including 4 NAACP Image Awardat the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston Salem,

bringing the heat to Dallas November 13 – 16 during six star-Arts & Letters. We’re excited to translate this entertainmentWe invite new partners to come experience art imitating life

Definition of “South of Where We Live”SOUTH of your home on the hill.

of your executive suite.of your six or seven figure salary.

of your degree and title.to the communities from which you’ve come!

long before opening night with the “Empowerment Tour,” aoutreach initiatives that raise awareness, support and dialogue

solutions involving minorities. “South of Where We Live” will be aengaging the Dallas community to make a real impact the

premiere. The cast and the community will come together

The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, Inc. and New Image Motor SportsPresent

November 13 – 16, 2008

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premiere. The cast and the community will come together. A portion of the partnership and event proceeds will beefforts.

appearances/assemblies at schools, churches and non-profitsParticipation in voter awareness eventsNational/local media blitz in concert with community initiativesSupport of corporate diversity and philanthropic activitiesOutreach to civic and government organizations

to mid-November

Sunday, November 16

and 8pm

Arts and Letters, Inc.

discounts & VIP tickets available)

Marketing Groupap@theparkmark.com

The Black Academy of Arts And Letters, Inc and NI7present

the Dallas premiere of

TOMMY FORD’S “SOUTHBy Kenneth B. Davis

Directed by Tommy FordNaomi Bruton Theatre // 650 South Griffin Street (Canton &

Opening Night: Thurs., Nov. 13 //Tickets: 214-743-2400 or www.ticketmaster.com

Media Contact: Adrian Parker // ap@theparkmark.com

DALLAS (Nov. 4, 2008) – The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, Inc. announces the Dallas premiere ofTommy Ford’s “South of Where We Live,” written by Kenneth B. Davis, Nov. 13Theatre.

The cast of familiar favorites from TV sitcoms and films includes“Dream On,” “Goode Behavior,” “Beethoven’s 4th,” “House Party 4”),Steve Harvey Show,” “ER,” “Soul Food,” “Dirty Laundry”),“The George Lopez Show,” “The Hughleys”), TOMMY FORD

MEDIA RELEASE

TV SHOW FAVORITES HEADLINE “SOUTH OF WHERE WE LIVE”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:October 31, 2008

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“The George Lopez Show,” “The Hughleys”), TOMMY FORDUndercover,” “Who’s Got Jokes?” “Harlem Knights”),“Coach Carter,” “Law & Order,” “The Bernie Mac Show”),Murder,” “Family Law”) and GIGI BOLDEN (“General Hospital,” “The Bernie Mac Show”).

Six hot-shot executives are sequestered in a conference room for a leadership development seminar.The 60-hour session, meant to maximize managerial skills, quickly escalates into a bickering, blaming,back-stabbing category 5 disaster. Kenneth Dole (TOMMY FORDtrying hard to hide his dysfunctions from everyone, especially Edwina Beard (chain smoking beauty whose big IQ is outweighed only by her big mouth.Stan (DORIEN WILSON) discover they have more in common than just success, arrogance and whitespouses – they also both married for money. As the gloves come off, so do the masks as the seminartest their pride, patience and past. Each character is forced to discover who they really are andremember where they’re really from.

“At its core, the play is about going south of your home on the hill, your degrees, your salary and yourexecutive suite, and going back to the communities from which you’ve come,” said Ford, who is also thedirector and producer. “My job is to make a deposit. Other shows come to town and make withdrawals.‘South of Where We Live’ is about positive thinking and community empowerment.”

While in Dallas preparing for the upcoming production, Ford has taken each trip as an opportunity todonate his time back to the very communities that have made his career successful.Empowerment Tour, the goal is to build a platform for raising awareness and support for issues facingminority communities. The entire cast will be in Dallas volunteering for community events prior toopening night.(cont’d)

The Black Academy of Arts And Letters, Inc and NI7present

the Dallas premiere of

OUTH OF WHERE WE LIVE”Kenneth B. Davis

Tommy FordTheatre // 650 South Griffin Street (Canton & Akard Streets)

: Thurs., Nov. 13 // Run: Nov. 13 – 162400 or www.ticketmaster.com

ap@theparkmark.com // 917-881-2643

The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, Inc. announces the Dallas premiere ofTommy Ford’s “South of Where We Live,” written by Kenneth B. Davis, Nov. 13 – 16 at the Naomi Bruton

The cast of familiar favorites from TV sitcoms and films includes DORIEN WILSON (“The Parkers,”,” “House Party 4”), TERRI J. VAUGHN (“All of Us,” “The

Steve Harvey Show,” “ER,” “Soul Food,” “Dirty Laundry”), CARL PAYNE (“Martin,” “The Cosby Show,”TOMMY FORD (“Martin,” “The Parkers,” “New York

MEDIA RELEASEMEDIA CONTACT: Adrian Parker

917-881-2643 • ap@theparkmark.com

TV SHOW FAVORITES HEADLINE “SOUTH OF WHERE WE LIVE”

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TOMMY FORD (“Martin,” “The Parkers,” “New YorkUndercover,” “Who’s Got Jokes?” “Harlem Knights”), DENISE YVONNE DOWSE (“Ray,” “Guess Who?”“Coach Carter,” “Law & Order,” “The Bernie Mac Show”), CHARMIN LEE (“Girlfriends,” “Diagnosis

(“General Hospital,” “The Bernie Mac Show”).

shot executives are sequestered in a conference room for a leadership development seminar.hour session, meant to maximize managerial skills, quickly escalates into a bickering, blaming,

TOMMY FORD) is an egotistical mover-and-shakertrying hard to hide his dysfunctions from everyone, especially Edwina Beard (TERRI J. VAUGHN), thechain smoking beauty whose big IQ is outweighed only by her big mouth. Marlena (CHARMIN LEE) and

) discover they have more in common than just success, arrogance and whiteAs the gloves come off, so do the masks as the seminar

Each character is forced to discover who they really are and

“At its core, the play is about going south of your home on the hill, your degrees, your salary and yourexecutive suite, and going back to the communities from which you’ve come,” said Ford, who is also the

“My job is to make a deposit. Other shows come to town and make withdrawals.‘South of Where We Live’ is about positive thinking and community empowerment.”

While in Dallas preparing for the upcoming production, Ford has taken each trip as an opportunity todonate his time back to the very communities that have made his career successful. Coined theEmpowerment Tour, the goal is to build a platform for raising awareness and support for issues facing

The entire cast will be in Dallas volunteering for community events prior to

Since its national premiere last year, the production has touched venues across the country, receivedfour NAACP Image Award nominations and been featured at the National Black Theatre Festival in NorthCarolina.

“South of Where We Live” is executive produced by New Image Motor Sports.at 8 p.m. Performance times are Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 16 at 7:30p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Single ticketsonline at www.ticketmaster.com. For group discounts and VIP packages, contact the box office at 214743-2400. The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc. NaomiGriffin Street (corner of Canton & Akard Streets).

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW AVAILABILITYTues 11/4 – Sun 11/9 :: Radio call-insSun 11/9 – Sun 11/16 :: Radio in-studioSun 11/9 – Sun 11/16 :: TV Morning Show AppearancesThu 11/13 :: Premiere Night Interviews and Photo Ops

CELEBRITY COMMUNITY APPEARANCESMon 11/10 at 2 p.m. Children’s Medical Center (Main Campus at 1935 Medical District Dr. Dallas, TX75235)Mon 11/10 at 5 p.m. Boys and Girls Club of Oak Cliff (2907 Linfield Rd. Dallas, TX 75216)

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:October 31, 2008

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Mon 11/10 at 5 p.m. Boys and Girls Club of Oak Cliff (2907 Linfield Rd. Dallas, TX 75216)Tue 11/11 at Lancaster High School (200 East Wintergreen Rd. Lancaster, TX 75134)

CELEBRITY VIP RECEPTIONSCast members will meet and greet attendees at special VIP receptions directly following each show. VIPpackages are available for purchase at theatre box office.

VENUE MEDIA CREDENTIALSPre-coverage, event listing and show coverage are welcome. Requests for media credentials should besubmitted to ap@theparkmark.com by Wednesday, November 12.& backstage passes will be accommodated on a first come, first serve basis. Please arrive 30 minutesbefore showtime for press check-in. Working media only.Media Contact: Adrian Parker // ap@theparkmark.com# # #

Since its national premiere last year, the production has touched venues across the country, receivedfour NAACP Image Award nominations and been featured at the National Black Theatre Festival in North

“South of Where We Live” is executive produced by New Image Motor Sports. Opening night is Nov. 13Performance times are Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 16 at 7:30

Single tickets are $32.50 - $37.50 and availableFor group discounts and VIP packages, contact the box office at 214-

2400. The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc. Naomi Bruton Theatre is located at 650 South

Sun 11/16 :: TV Morning Show AppearancesThu 11/13 :: Premiere Night Interviews and Photo Ops

Mon 11/10 at 2 p.m. Children’s Medical Center (Main Campus at 1935 Medical District Dr. Dallas, TX

Mon 11/10 at 5 p.m. Boys and Girls Club of Oak Cliff (2907 Linfield Rd. Dallas, TX 75216)

RELEASE – Page 2MEDIA CONTACT: Adrian Parker

917-881-2643 • ap@theparkmark.com

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Mon 11/10 at 5 p.m. Boys and Girls Club of Oak Cliff (2907 Linfield Rd. Dallas, TX 75216)Tue 11/11 at Lancaster High School (200 East Wintergreen Rd. Lancaster, TX 75134)

Cast members will meet and greet attendees at special VIP receptions directly following each show. VIPpackages are available for purchase at theatre box office.

coverage, event listing and show coverage are welcome. Requests for media credentials should besubmitted to ap@theparkmark.com by Wednesday, November 12. Requests for entertainer interviews& backstage passes will be accommodated on a first come, first serve basis. Please arrive 30 minutes

in. Working media only.ap@theparkmark.com // 917-881-2643

The Stars

DENISE YVONNE DOWSE (Hazel): Originally from Honolulu

in English/Theatre, and moved to California after seven yearsTheatre Director. She has guest-starred on shows such as LawShow, Charmed, Everwood, The Guardian, Without a Trace, Judginginclude “Her Best Move “(2007), “Reign Over Me” (2007), “Guess(2004). Denise is an accomplished performer of both the screen

CHARMIN LEE (Marlena): Charmin’s credits include recurring

Law.” Charmin's passion to create extends beyond acting as sheDrama Logue/Hollywood Reporters "pick of the week" for herlooked back. Since then musicals, short films and music videosarray of other award winning theater productions including “Thepassion for educating and empowering young people throughsolution. Through blessing them, I shall be blessed!" For morehow to "Color Their Dreams.“

GIGI BOLDEN (Shelly): This energetic actress is a veteran of

Theatre Institute. A few of Gigi’s stage credits include “Vanities,”received a nomination from the NAACP for Best Playwright. Gigifor her stage performances in “South of Where We Live” (writtenperformed her one-woman show, “Ugly” (another Kenneth B.2005, and was subsequently nominated for an NAACP TheatreHospital” and “The Bernie Mac Show” and can be seen in the soon

CARL PAYNE (Humphrey): Raised in Harlem , his television credits include

roles in The George Lopez Show, The Hughleys and Quantum LeapSwirl, an independent film produced by his own production company Alter Ego. He also appeared inTwo of a Kind and Overnight Delivery. Payne graduated from Howard University and is a trained dancer intap. He's also skilled in playing the trombone and piano. In his spare time, he enjoys daredevil activities, including ridingmotorcycles and parasailing. Payne currently lives in Los Angeles with his family.

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DORIEN WILSON (Stan): For over a decade, Dorien has

Charles on HBO’s ACE award winning series, “Dream On,” toNAACP Image Award as Best Supporting Actor. Wilson hasLompoc, California, Wilson is a graduate of the Pacific ConservatoryAmerican Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, CA. OtherBehavior" with Sherman Hemsley and recurring roles on "LivingHe has guest starred on "Seinfeld," "Moesha," "Friends," "The

WENDY RAQUEL ROBINSON (Edwina): On television,

Grier on The Steve Harvey Show, for which she received fourcan currently see her on CW’s – The Game. On the big screen,Lawrence, and “Something New.” Other film projects includestarring Sandra Bullock, “Squirrel Man” with Bill Cobbs, “Withand “The Walking Dead.” On stage, she has performed in a number(V-Day-L.A.), Eddie Lee Baker Is Dead, Black Woman’s Blues,Vanities, for which she received an NAACP Theatre Award forShow)

TERRI J. VAUGHN (Edwina): First, she stole America's heart

Harvey Show” and then made her way to UPN's “All of Us.” Fromher first sitcom role on the hit show Living Single, to a memorableER, this San Francisco native has proven herself to be a talentImage Awards and received a nomination for a 2005 BET Comedyrecently in the family dramedy, “Dirty Laundry,” which is makingFilm Festivals.

TOMMY FORD (Producer/Director/Kenneth): Tommy is

Jokes.” Recently Tommy filmed two television pilots – “Jamilia’sTommy on FOX’s hit “Martin,” displaying a versatile style onon UPN’s “The Parkers”, Tommy is constantly entertaining. Awith Richard Gere, “Butcher’s Wife” with Demi Moore and “Acrossstage productions for which he has received critical acclaimproductions are “Jonin',” “South of Where We Live,” “Monsoonlong time dream and launched a series of children’s books that

The Stars

Honolulu Hawaii, Denise graduated from Norfolk State University with a BA

years in Germany working as the Aschaffenburg Military CommunityLaw & Order, Shark, All of Us, Inconceivable, Threshold, The Bernie Mac

Judging Amy, The West Wing, and a host of others. Her film projects“Guess Who?,” “Coach Carter” (2005), and she also starred in “Ray”

screen and theater and a talented writer, producer and director.

recurring roles on CW's “Girlfriends, “CBS' “Diagnosis Murder” and “Family

she is also an accomplished director/acting instructor. After receivingher directorial debut of August Wilson's “Fences“ in 1996, she has never

videos have been added to her repertoire while continuing to direct an“The Children's Hour,” and “The Visit.” Above all, Charmin embraces a

through the performing arts. "I will never be too busy to be a part of thethan 20 years Charmin Lee has toured the country teaching our youth

of many stage productions. She perfected her craft at the Lee Strasberg

“Vanities,” “Applause” and “Feelings” - of which she is a co-writer andGigi has received Best Supporting Actress nominations from the NAACP(written by Kenneth B. Davis) and “Long Time Since Yesterday.” Gigi

. Davis story) at the world famous National Black Theatre Festival, inTheatre Award as Best Actress for the role. She has appeared on “General

soon to be released films “Two Degrees” and “The Tears of a Clown.”

Humphrey): Raised in Harlem , his television credits include Martin and The Cosby Show, as well as guest starring

Quantum Leap, starring Scott Bakula. In film, Payne co-wrote and starred in, an independent film produced by his own production company Alter Ego. He also appeared in The Breaks, Black and White,

. Payne graduated from Howard University and is a trained dancer in breakdancing, jazz andtap. He's also skilled in playing the trombone and piano. In his spare time, he enjoys daredevil activities, including ridingmotorcycles and parasailing. Payne currently lives in Los Angeles with his family.

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has been a staple on American television. From talk show host Eddie

Professor Stanley Oglevee on The Parkers—for which he received thedemonstrated Hollywood’s elusive trait: staying power. A native of

Conservatory of Performing Arts, in Santa Maria, CA, and the prestigioustelevision credits include starring as Franklin Goode in UPN's "Goode

"Living Single," "Friends," "The Steve Harvey Show" and "Sister, Sister.""The Fresh Prince of Bel Air," and "Martin."

television, she tickled audiences for six seasons as the attractive principal Regina

four NAACP Image Award Nominations for Best Actress in a Comedy. Youscreen, you’ve seen her in the comedy, “Rebound” opposite Martin

include “Two Can Play That Game” opposite Vivica A. Fox, “Miss Congeniality”“With Or Without You,” “Ringmaster,” “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,”

number of well received productions, including The Vagina Monologues, Agnes of God, A Midsummer’s NightDream, The Colored Museum andfor Best Choreographer and Best Actress Nomination. (NOT in DALLAS

heart with her portrayal of Lovita Alizay Jenkins on the WB's “The Steve

From her first professional job in a 20-city tour of “Tellin' it Like it Tiz” tomemorable turn as a single mother wrongly accused of abusing her child on

talent to be reckoned with. Vaughn has been honored with three NAACPComedy Award . She has appeared on Showtime’s “Soul Food” and

making the rounds and creating a strong buzz through the Independent

currently a co-host on TV One’s new #1 comedy show, “Who’s Got

Jamilia’s Box” and a pilot for Aaron Spelling “Hitched.” Whether playing“New York Undercover,” or his recurring role as the fun-loving fatherfew of his film credits: Eddie Murphy’s “Harlem Knights,” “Mr. Jones”

“Across The Track” with Brad Pitt. He has been involved in numerousacclaim for his producing, directing and acting efforts. Among these

“Monsoon Christmas,” “Living Room,” and “Distant Fires.” Ford has followed athat are designed to promote healthy, spiritual and non-violent living.

The Story

Joint Effort: Audience joins veteran actors on a journeyWinston-Salem Journal review by Erin Perkins (8/2/07)

A talent pool of seven actors brought to life Kenneth B. Davis’hilarious and interactive performance yesterday.

In the play, seven black professionals with big salaries - andtested during a 60-hour-long business conference on social relationsand retaliation to ensue while they’re stuck with each other.

But pride and wealth can’t alter the path of their journey togetherattending the conference, they begin to discover that therewind up “south of where they live,” meaning that their egos have

Leading the cast is Tommy Ford, who portrays Kenneth, angained attention as one of Martin Lawrence’s sidekick in the sitcomtiming as Kenneth.

Portraying Edwina, Karen Malina White also shows off herSouthern lady. White, who has appeared on The Cosby Show andlaughs.

Michael Beach (Soul Food, Third Watch) seemed to make a

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Michael Beach (Soul Food, Third Watch) seemed to make aactivist, Humphrey, winning laughter at every outburst.

Denise Yvonne Dowse captures the audience’s empathy asemotionally involved with the other characters during the conference

South of Where We Live had a cast of familiar faces from film,audience engage with the characters and the plot.

But it was also the audience’s participation during the performance

Repeatedly during the performance, the stage lights would dimwho shared his or her thoughts with the audience. Allowing thethe story more authentic and fun. Sometimes, the charactersaudience members.

In the end, South of Where We Live takes everyone’s line of thinking

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The Story

Joint Effort: Audience joins veteran actors on a journey

Davis’ script for South of Where We Live during a

even bigger egos - find their pride and patiencerelations. It doesn’t take long for arguments, insults

together. As the characters reveal their motives foris more to life than they imagined. In fact, they

have come down a few notches.

an outspoken jerk with a crude mouth. Ford, whositcom Martin, displays his quick wit and comedic

comedic background as a vivacious, fast-talkingand The Bernie Mac Show, never failed at drawing

a connection with the audience as the outraged

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a connection with the audience as the outraged

as Hazel, the facilitator struggling not to becomeconference.

film, TV and theater, which seemed to help the

performance that helped them to connect with the story.

dim and one spotlight would focus on a characterthe audience to interact with the characters made

characters would even solicit advice or a response from

thinking in a new direction.

Making a deposit in the communityThe goal of the “south of Where We Live” Empowerment Tour is to empower, educate and motivate our communities.To that end, we will engage in a series of interactive events that truly touch lives and make a lasting impression.

Media Involvement

SOWWL Empowerment Tour Events10/5 – Firewater Grill Tank Concert10/6 – Pearl C. Anderson Middle School10/6 – Woodrow Wilson High School10/14 – DISD “Saving Our Boys” Education Matters Rally10/21 - Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, TX10/21 - Paul Quinn College in Dallas10/21 - Vision Regeneration, Inc. in Dallas10/22 - Harold Wendell Lang Sr. Middle School in Dallas10/22 – Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual--11/10 Children’s Medical Center Dallas Main Campus (Tommy, Dorien11/10 Oak Cliff Boys & Girls Club (entire cast)11/11 Lancaster HS (entire cast)

The cast/crew are available for local/national media activities:• Live interviews and call-ins•Morning show appearances•Publication profiles•Appearance at media sponsored community event•Guest hosting/DJ•Photo Ops

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•Photo Ops

For more information, media passes and scheduling, please contact917-881-2643.

Important Linkswww.southofwherewelive.com - Official websitehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7tUEKTolwU – See the TV commercial

Confirmed Partners

The goal of the “south of Where We Live” Empowerment Tour is to empower, educate and motivate our communities.To that end, we will engage in a series of interactive events that truly touch lives and make a lasting impression.

Media Involvement

Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts

Dorien and Denise)

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contact Adrian Parker at ap@theparkmark.com or

commercial