Dennis Erokan, president

vision | ideas | leadership

Mention music and theatre and Dennis Erokan's eyes light up. An accomplished actor, blues musician and producer, Dennis relishes the role of performer but really digs producing. In business, Dennis is also known as a producer, having orchestrated the creation of 10 successful niche publications, a CEO think tank, and now in his work as president of the Placemaking Group. Quite simply, Dennis makes things happen.

Dennis brings some 25 years of marketing strategy and information industry experience to the Placemaking Group. Here he is a lead strategist in the development of big ideas and is always available should any client need his help.

From 2000 to 2005, as director of the Alliance of Chief Executives, Dennis worked closely with 50 of the 250 members, gaining valuable insight into the strategic issues and marketing challenges that many companies face. Today, he applies this essential knowledge directly to client programs and projects.

A pioneer in niche market publishing, Dennis created BAM Magazine in 1976 to give the West Coast entertainment industry a way to reach young people at a reasonable cost. An innovator from the start, he made BAM the first publication to be distributed free at point-of-purchase in retail outlets throughout California.

In 1978, Dennis founded the first Bay Area Music Awards, more commonly known as the "Bammies." He continues to produce the internationally recognized awards program, which attracts over 6,000 music industry leaders annually.

In 1984, Dennis launched MicroTimes. This magazine focused on the heroes in the computing industry instead of the endless descriptions of electronics, and became the nation's largest regional computer magazine with a circulation topping 200,000 when sold in 1999.

When not producing for work or pleasure, Dennis contributes his time and talent to a number of regional performing arts organizations including serving as the president of the Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette and a board member for the Diablo Regional Arts Association.

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