EP 77 JIM TURNER

Jim Turner has long been a catalyst for change in the state of Pennsylvania, with the City of Chester as his home base.  

 Jim is the President and CEO of Dunamis Marketing, a full-service marketing and consulting firm that specializes in mass media production and placement, strategic planning, event execution, corporate community partnership programs, and ethnic marketing. His portfolio of clients has included: Chester Water Authority, Inner City Broadcasting, Kraft Foods, Mobil Oil, Principal, Mercy, Diamond State, and Coventry Health Plans, Eastern University, University of PA, and Widener Universities, multiple municipalities, the Reach Gospel Radio Network, local television network,  and many faith based and non-profit organizations regarding media strategies. 

 

His work in Chester started with helping to develop the Chester Microenterprise Partnership (CMP)

a collaborative initiative of Pennsylvania Weed and Seed, city of Chester and Philadelphia Development Partnership. Under Jim’s leadership, CMP provided capital, business skills training, technical assistance and related services to entrepreneurial start-ups and established, expanding businesses.  Through its Business Skills Training Program, a collaborative effort with support from Widener University, CMP trained 280 people and assisted more than 540 people to fine-tune their business acumen, helping Chester based business ventures access more than $500,000 in working capital in his 3-year tenure. 

 As the former director of Economic Development for the Chester Economic Development Authority (CEDA); he brought his vast experience and talents to bear in helping to shape the new economic direction of the city of Chester. Jim was responsible for the development of:

•   The Advantage Chester Vendor Program 
•   Small Business Development Program 
•   Marketing and outreach campaigns for the city of Chester 

 “Make the First City Your First Choice.” 

•   Created the Annual Riverfront Ramble that averaged over 10,000 attendees yearly for 11 yrs.
•   Oversaw the Keystone Opportunity Zone Program 
• Chester’s representative for the creation of the Keystone Innovation Zone
• Assist in the creation of a Workforce strategy for the city of Chester - Chester Workforce Development Center (CWDC) emerged as the source for information on jobs and training opportunities for Chester residents in the city.  The center has assisted over 6,000 residents in job preparation through various partners.  

During his tenure at CEDA there was over $1.7 billion dollars in restoration to the city of Chester. Jim continues to help local businesses through the Wideners Small Business Development Center, Chester Business Association, Freedmen Art Alliance, and New Day Chester.

Jim greatest joy is being a part of the ministry team at New Life Ministries International. He has had the honor of traveling extensively around the world with late Apostle Dr. Joyce E. Scott including Malaysia, Singapore, West Africa, South Africa, Liberia, Caribbean Islands, Israel, and throughout the continental United States. The ministry is currently working on major projects for the restoration of Haiti, South Africa, and Liberia building schools, churches, and orphanages. 

 

Jim currently serves the community through a variety of organizations:

• Council of Trustees for Cheyney University
• Chairman of The United Way of Delaware County
• Chairman Boys and Girl Club of Chester
• Vice Chairman Chester Business Association
• Regional Board - United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey 
• Board Member of:
  • Black Business Leaders Coalition
  • Chester County Economic Development Council
  • Chester Community Improvement Project
  • Entrepreneur Works formerly Chester Micro Enterprise Partnership
  • Freeman Art Alliance
  • Lincoln University Business Incubator
  • PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency Justice Advisory Board
  • President’s Advisory Board of Widener University
  • Pennsylvania Re Entry Council Attorney General Office
  • Widener Partnership Charter School (founding member)
• Previous Appointments
  • Commissioner – PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency 10 years
  • Chairman – Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
  • Board Member – Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
  • Chairman – Targeted Community Revitalization & Crime Prevention

In 2010 Jim was honored through Widener University to be inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Chapter 214.   Jim is an ordained minister at New Life Ministries International and is married to his partner in time Deborah, together they have a blended family of 3 children.

CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW VIDEO HERE