d-mars.com Business Journal 103

Business Journal Inspire, Inform & Educate

March 2016

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103rd Edition @dmars_com

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Creating Change in Your Community

Janice Taylor and Dr. Sabrina Y. Lewis

By Dawn Paul Women's History Month is an annual declared month highlighting the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.

PAGE 4

PAGES 22-23

Nicole Murphy: The Queen of DESTINY

By d-mars.com News Provider The month of March celebrates women, and d-mars.com shines the spotlight on actress and entrepreneur, Nicole Murphy.

Douglas Smith and Marque Fountain The Kings of Furniture

PAGE 18

PAGES 8-15

d-mars.com 2016 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs

In the Business Community…

• Women of Color for Hillary & Texans for Hillary PAGE 31

Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.

– Booker T. Washington

March 2016 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

“Creating Change in Your Community” is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Business Journal. Entrepreneurship is important, especially in the African-American community. There is nothing better than owning yourself. As an entrepreneur, I take pride in the fact that I own a business. As important as it is to be successful in business, it is also equally important to give back to your community. Are you creating change in your community? Has your business made contributions to the community? Let’s remember in our business endeavors to always give back.

The cover story for this issue is on Your Cost Furniture. Douglas Smith and Marque Fountain are co-owners of this furniture enterprise, and these millennials have carved their name at the top of the list with some of the most successful business owners in the area. They credit God, faith, family, true friends, and hard work for their accomplishments. As much as Smith and Fountain love the business side, they have an equal love for the community. This article and other articles in this journal will inspire you.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

Contents

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS William H. Harrison Carla Lane Noel Pinnock d-mars.com News Provider

Janice Taylor and Dr. Sabrina Y. Lewis........................................................................................................................................................ 4 3 Tips to Get You Through This Roller Coaster Economy....................................................................................................................... 6 3 Common Tax Mistakes That Could Cost You........................................................................................................................................... 6 d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs.......................................................................................................... 8-15 Nail Therapy........................................................................................................................................................................................................16 d-mars.com Spotlight on Nicole Murphy....................................................................................................................................................18 Douglas Smith and Marque Fountain: The Kings of Furniture..................................................................................................... 22-23 5 Changes to Watch for This Tax Season................................................................................................................................................. 24 Ask Carla.............................................................................................................................................................................................................26 5 Tax Tips for Small Business Owners......................................................................................................................................................28 Change or Die....................................................................................................................................................................................................30 Selling Your Home? Let the Bidding Wars Begin....................................................................................................................................30 In the Business Community.......................................................................................................................................................................... 31 The Financial Solution.................................................................................................................................................................................... 32 Texas Southern University News................................................................................................................................................................ 32 5 Ways to Tackle Tech Trouble Today........................................................................................................................................................ 34 3 Tips to Land a Job After College............................................................................................................................................................... 34 Fostering Your Child’s Love for Science....................................................................................................................................................36 There’s No Free Lunch....................................................................................................................................................................................38

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “Since new developments are the products of a creative mind, we must therefore stimulate and encourage that type of mind in every way possible.”

– George Washington Carver

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

4 March 2016

d-mars.com Business Spotlight on

Janice Taylor and Dr. Sabrina Y. Lewis

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

W

omen's History Month is an annual declared month highlighting the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. This month d-mars.com puts the spotlight on Janice Taylor and Dr. Sabrina Y. Lewis, co-founders and coowners of J & S Solutions Group. J & S Solutions Group believes in making veterans their first priority, supplying stellar customer service. With over 32 years of customer service experience and over 23 years of education and compliance specialty experience, J & S Solutions Group works with countless professionals, including attorneys, accountants, schools, and veterans’ agencies.

Testimonial

“J & S Solutions Group is capable, efficient, and an exceptional company.”

— Hope for U. S. Veterans This fierce female duo has set J & S Solutions Group above the competition, providing superior business solutions to companies with customer service issues not only because of their experience, but because of their education and passion for the industry. Ms. Taylor has worked in a Fortune 500 fast growing company in Houston, Texas, for 32 years. She holds a BA degree in Business Administration from Sam Houston State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix in Organizational Management. Dr. Lewis obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wiley College, an MBA from Texas Southern University, and a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. This has prepared Dr. Lewis for a successful career in organizational behavior, training, business and management, and leadership.

J & S Solutions Group believes that good customer service can save your business when things aren't going so well on the frontend. J & S Solutions Group can provide business solutions to

businesses and their customer service issues. Some of the business solutions offered include, but is not limited to: • Partnering with the management team to align their Customer Service Department policies and systems with the company’s objectives • Recommending solutions for customer service issues and ensure effective and long-term problem resolutions • Develop and implement procedures pertinent to the effective and efficient operation of the Customer Service Department • Assist companies with developing surveys to assist in customer feedback • Train company personnel in customer service • Train in the areas of: communication effectiveness, call control, rapport, phone etiquette, and conflict resolution • Develop automated voice mails for your call center

J & S Solutions Group’s goals include improving veteran access to their benefits, providing business solutions to the VET and companies they do business with. Their main focus is to ensure that veterans have access to educational opportunities and that the schools they attend will provide quality customer service and remain in compliance. They

Testimonial

“J & S Solutions Group comes highly recommended. Their company would be a valuable member to the City of Houston.

I am sure that whoever hires this company will find J & S Solutions Group to be qualified and experienced workers with their combined 55 years of experience in business.”

— Client of J & S Solutions Group want to help our vets pursue their educational goals and have successful careers. J & S Solutions Group is there to bridge the gap, creating a strong partnership between the schools and

the vets. J & S Solutions Group discovered there were no independent companies providing this type of service to veterans, schools, and universities. There are issues with debts that impact both the student and the school. They know that their one-on-one relationship with schools and the students can better control compliance issues. The value J & S Solutions Group adds in customer service helps them stand out against their competitors.

J & S Solutions Group’s Certifications Include: • Hire Houston First • Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) • Women Business Enterprise (WBE) • HUB

When it comes to the best in customer service and business solutions for your company, J & S Solutions Group has you. J & S Solutions Group is more than a business, but a way to selflessly serve our veterans, assisting them in making the right decision for their VA educational benefits and helping to keep them out of debt. The slogan at J & S Solutions Group is “Proud to serve the men and women who served our country.” For more on Janice Taylor, Dr. Sabrina Y. Lewis, and how J & S Solutions Group can help you, please visit www.jandssolutions group.com.

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

6 March 2016

3 Tips to Get You Through This Roller Coaster Economy By d-mars.com News Provider

T

he stock market is off to a rocky 2016 and experts advise we buckle up. Uncertainty around China, oil and interest rates is leading to waves of selling and a sharp decline in the market. This volatility is a reminder that we should expect the best and prepare for the worst. At the very least, we're in for a roller coaster of uncertainty, and now is the time to get financially prepared.

Here are three ways to get your money in order for uncertain times.

1. Stow away cash in an emergency fund.

You should have six months' expenses saved in case of an emergency. And by emergency, we aren't talking about a desperately needed wardrobe upgrade, or a European vacation to cope with a mid-life crisis. This should be money set aside to deal with life's emergencies like layoffs, medical bills or unforeseen crucial expenses. Don't feel bad if you haven't saved up six months' expenses though - according to a recent Bankrate survey, fewer than four in 10 Americans can handle expenses outside their normal budget. To get a rough goal for your emergency fund total, simply add up all recurring monthly expenses including rent/mortgage, food, gas, car payment, cable, phone, etc. and multiply by six.

Try to put 5-10 percent of each paycheck after taxes to this fund, and be sure to put the money into accounts that are liquid and stable, like a checking, savings or money market account.

2. Play it safe with investing.

Investing shouldn't entail blindly paying a stockbroker and assuming all the risk with no tangible goal for success.

New investing tools have emerged that bring elite investment options to everyday Americans.

These can be great assets in a tough economy. Aspiration, for example, offers strategies that limit the volatility of the stock market and invest in companies with sustainable business practices toward the environment and their own workers that make them poised for growth. Best of all, customers set their fee, even if it's zero.

Yes, you read that right - Aspiration lets investors pay them whatever they think is fair, and it can be changed at any time. If this sounds like a gimmick, know that Aspiration is a trusted brand that was just named one of Fast Company's Top 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2016.

If you prefer paying an advisor for advice, Personal Capital is another newschool financial company that provides award-winning technology to help you manage day-to-day finances and invest-

ments. Personal Capital offers investment advice from licensed financial advisors, at a significantly reduced all-in management fee.

Once your portfolio is set, start invest-

ing a modest amount each month. Even $50 a month will add up over time, and that money will do you more good in the long run than one night at the bar, 10 overpriced lattes, or five deli lunches.

3. Open a fee-free bank account.

The days of big banks dominating the industry and charging outrageous fees

could be coming to an end. Convenient banking options exist that bear interest and don't charge an arm and a leg for services. Take the Aspiration Summit Account, a checking account that offers a 1 percent annual percentage yield (100 times the interest rate you get at big banks), $0 monthly service fees, and free access to any ATM in the world. Instead of spending millions on Washington lobbyists or corporate jets for its executives, Aspiration puts that money back toward making this the best account possible for its customers. And it gives 10 percent of all its revenue to charities helping struggling Americans. Money magazine named this the "Best Checking Account in America." Another option is your local credit union which will often have better services and fairer interest rates than a big bank.

Once your finances are in order, peace of mind can set in.

A down economy is hard on everyone, but knowing you've taken the basic steps to save in case of emergency will pay off huge in times of need. And if the stock market never crashes and the economy only points upward, you can always use the spare cash for a down payment on that European vacation you've always wanted. – BPT

3 Common Tax Mistakes That Could Cost You By d-mars.com News Provider

T

ax season is in full swing, and according to the IRS, Americans often leave more than a billion dollars on the table in unclaimed re-

funds.

With the average refund hovering at $2,800, ensure you get back your maximum refund and avoid these common filing mistakes this tax season.

1. Using an incorrect filing status.

When filing your taxes, you may be confused about whether your filing status is single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household. Your filing status affects a few things: what kind of credits and

deductions you might be eligible for, your tax bracket, and the value of your standard deduction.

Filing status is a grey area for a lot of filers who are married and may fall into multiple categories. If you're legally married and going through a divorce, you could potentially file as married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household. You can't file as head of household if you and your spouse lived together at any point in the last six months of the tax year. In fact, the head of household filing status might be the one that causes the most headaches.

Confused about which filing status applies to you? Consulting with an experienced professional tax preparer can help set you on the right course.

They can help determine if you qualify for a filing status that is more to your advantage.

2. Taking the standard deduction instead of itemizing.

3. Forgetting to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Only one in three taxpayers itemize their deductions, but millions may be missing out on the benefits.

Often times, home ownership is a life change that helps taxpayers move from taking the standard deduction to itemizing. Itemizing your deduction allows taxpayers to deduct qualifying charitable donations, medical expenses, state income or sales tax, and employee business expenses, among others. Itemizing can save taxpayers hundreds of dollars. For example, if a single taxpayer pays $9,600 in mortgage interest, property taxes and charitable donations, that is $3,300 more than the standard deduction of $6,300. With a marginal tax rate of 25 percent, itemizing saves this taxpayer up to $825.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax benefit for lower-income workers. The IRS estimates 20 percent of those eligible for the EITC fail to claim the credit on their taxes.

In fact, many overlook the EITC because they may not earn enough money to have to file a return, but because the EITC is a refundable credit, those who do not owe taxes can still be eligible to receive this credit.

Another mistake taxpayers make?

Paying full price at the tax office!

If you filed your taxes with someone other than H&R Block last year, H&R Block will do your taxes for half of what you paid last year. Make an appointment today at hrblock.com/ payhalf before the offer runs out on March 31. – BPT

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

8 March 2016

2016 Top 50 Black

Professionals and Entrepreneurs

“

I take pride in the fact that d-mars.com recognizes some of the best of the best in Houston. Celebrating and recognizing the great accomplishments of AfricanAmericans is what we are all about. It is important to celebrate those in our community making great strides in their respective fields. As an entrepreneur myself, I know the hard work it takes to build a successful business, so I applaud all of our 2016 P&E recipients. This group of professionals and entrepreneurs are leaving a legacy for the next generation to follow.

Living Legends Commissioner Gene L. Locke “I am humbled and honored to have been recognized at the d-mars. com Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs Awards Ceremony. To be given the Living Legend Award, especially in the Houston area that has an abundance of talent, warms my heart. I have dedicated my life to serving our community. Now, as Harris County Precinct One Commissioner, I will transfer that dedication to my role as a public servant, providing services for all county citizens.”

– Commissioner Gene L. Locke

Marcus D. Thierry “To be recognized as a Living Legend at the d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs Awards was an honor. Making history as President and CEO of Red Styxx Beverage and DRIVEN Golf, I am proud to be named a Living Legend, serving as an example for the next generation, showing them that with hard work, a strong support system, and strong faith in God, anything is possible.

Partnering with d-mars.com has been a great benefit for the DESTINY Moscato brand, so to be a recipient of this award, I am extremely humbled. Awards events like these are vital to highlight the great professional achievements of African-Americans. Thank you MR. DMARS for what you do!”

-Marcus D. Thierry, The DRIVEN Group

Congratulations to all 2016 Top Black P&E Award Recipients

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

March 2016 9

Traiblazer

Super Traiblazer

Alton L. Frailey “It is a tremendous honor to be among those selected as the d-mars.com 2016 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs. With so many individuals deserving of this recognition, I am humbled to represent the work of those who came before me. For it was their work and sacrifice that enabled me to be the husband, father, and professional I am today.

Together, we must prepare future generations to take the helm by continuing to influence economic and social growth throughout our communities. MR. D-MARS’ annual showcase of professionals and entrepreneurs who are paying it forward by positively impacting families and communities they touch, is evidence of that work ahead of us happening today.

Likewise, his highlighting of those efforts demonstrates MR. D-MARS’ commitment to recognizing and supporting the achievements emanating from that work. I am grateful and proud to be a part of that vision.”

- Alton L. Frailey, Katy ISD Superintendent

Greshaun Fulgham “I have attended a d-mars.com awards event previously, but to be named as a Trailblazer at this year’s d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs Awards was a very special recognition for me. As CoFounder and President of Red Styxx Beverage and DRIVEN Golf, history-making companies, trust when I say that I do not take this award lightly. I really have to applaud MR. D-MARS for his genuine spirit of celebrating African-Americans in business.”

—Greshaun Fulgham, The DRIVEN Group

Family Affair

Innovators

J & S Solutions Group We at J & S Solutions Group wish to commend d-mars.com for the stand you have taken to promote Black businesses in the Houston area. You highlighting our business at the P&E Awards was well received. We feel that highlighting J & S Solutions Group and the services that we provide speaks volumes to the support of our company. Events like the P&E Awards continues to successfully promote local Black businesses like J & S Solutions Group. Keep up the good work!”

- J & S Solutions Group

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

10 March 2016

Community Heroes

Dr. Charles McClelland “Receiving the Community Hero Award was one of the proudest, yet humbling experiences in my life time. To be recognized for the years of service dedicated to helping educate students by such a prestigious organization such as d-mars.com, is an honor that made my family proud of me and one that I wish my mother had lived to see.”

– Dr. Charles McClelland, Texas Southern University

Supplier Diversity

Super Top P&E

Dr. J Thomas Smith “The occasion was very enjoyable. It provided another opportunity to network and to see what my friends and colleagues are doing in the community. While it is flattering to receive recognition for the work one has done and the opportunities one provides to others in the community, it serves as a reminder of how much more can done to be of service to others. As we seek to serve others in our business, and as we are successful in meeting their needs, we prosper. As we proper, we have more to give, whether by way of community service or philanthropy. It was good to see the contributions my peers are making to the community. Thanks for the inspiration and the reminder.”

- Dr. J Thomas Smith

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Super Top P&E

Top P&E

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

12 March 2016

Top P&E

Sheldon Theragood This d-mars.com award means so much to me. I was blessed growing up to have a mother, father, and grandmother who taught me to never give up and have faith in God. I knew with my faith in God, that one day all my hard work would pay off and my vision would come to pass. This award is a great indication that my vision to help our youth is coming to pass. I am humbled that my efforts are being recognized.”

– Sheldon Theragood, Houston Police Department

Up And Coming

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March 2016 13

Sponsors

TSU TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

I

L WELDING ACAD STRIA EMY NDU

“Integrity with Attitude” 713-672-WELD

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14  March 2016

2016 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs After Party

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March 2016  15

2016 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs After Party

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

16 March 2016

Nail Therapy

T

By Noel Pinnock

Contributing Writer

here was a man walking down a dirt road and he heard a hollering scream that sounded like a wounded animal.

As he continue to proceed down the road, the sound became louder and louder. He finally reached the source, and it was an old dog sitting on a porch next to his owner. The man asked the dog’s owner, “Why is your dog making so much noise?” “It appears as though he is in terrible pain!” The dog’s owner said, “Well, he is lying on a nail.” So the man asked, “Why doesn’t he just move or you pick him up and remove the nail that is apparently hurting him so bad?”

The dog’s owner replied in a screeching voice, “Weeeeelllllll, it doesn’t hurt him bad enough…yet!”

Much like the dog in this story, we have been ignoring the pain the nail has been causing us in our lives and careers.

We fail to think long-range, and we are often fearful about taking chances to advance our careers forward. Maybe you made a bad decision, experienced a bad turn in the market, or encountered a bad

boss who stifled your productivity or held your talents hostage. It doesn’t matter where the pain-point lies, one thing is for sure…you have to stop ignoring, and start exploring. Exploring new opportunities to better yourself and the situations surrounding your success factors must become a laser focus in your pursuit to change outcomes and build leverage within your network.

By definition, therapy is the attempt to remediate a problem, usually following a diagnosis. Well, in this article, I am the doctor and have examined this situation for many years. There is only one therapy that I can recommend to mitigate the ‘Nail Disorder,’ and that will require you to face the brutal facts, lower your resistance to change, and become more adventuristic.

Brutal Facts: Identify and list your fears of a career or life change. Why do you fear this transition and what aspects of this transition seem the toughest to you? Sometimes eliminating the negatives before getting on the positives is the best way to proceed on the new path. To identify your fears and then attain the freedom from fear releases the tensions and enables the positives to take the place of the uncertainties which reside deep within.

List everything pos-

sible that seems like a hurdle or any unknown fears that you have.

Lower Resistance to Change: It is now time to move on to the positives and let the positives only inspire you to an excited beginning. It would be a new change and it would not come easily and happily to you if you do not accept the change with your heart and mind. The second step is mental preparedness and feeling excited about this new step in your life. Take time and write out at least a few pages in a document on what is motivating you towards this career change, for example: more money, more satisfaction at work, a new challenge or any other need. The point is, during the life/career change process you will need a lot of inspiration and motivation to drive the change and do your best to have it flow from you first. Failure isn’t fatal but failing to change is.

Become More Adventuristic: Now with your personal fears, goals, and planning taken care of, it is time to move on to the 3rd step in your ‘Nail Therapy,’ and it is a very important step, because it pushes you out of your comfort zone. Comfort is the enemy and not your friend, because comfort enters your home (mind) as a guest, remains as your host, and eventually becomes your master. You have to evict this thinking so that you can embrace new adventures and opportunities.

As with every achievement in life, you cannot get there unless you have a goal in mind and also not only in mind, but in concrete plans. Clarify your goals first. With any change or shift in life, you must identify your short-term goals and long-term goals toward achieving either a new skill set or preparing for a new opportunity. Spend time in planning and making your goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound or smart. You may encounter some setbacks, but use them to build your come back, and when you are back, don’t turn your back on others that may be on their back and need help to get back on track.

So…are you ready for your nail therapy…Yes or No? (Circle One) If yes…#getatit!

Noel Pinnock is an author and host of “MBK – Houston Movement” on MJWJ Global Radio Network. To read more about Noel, please visit www.noelpin nock.com.

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

18 March 2016

d-mars.com Spotlight on

Nicole Murphy T

By d-mars.com News Provider

he month of March celebrates women, and d-mars.com shines the spotlight on actress and entrepreneur, Nicole Murphy. Nicole is well-known for her beauty, but as she is beautiful, she is just as business savvy. One of her most successful and recent business endeavors is DESTINY Moscato. When first approached with this partnership by business moguls, Mark Thierry and Greshaun Fulgham, she saw the great potential that DESTINY would have. Nicole, always going with her keen business instincts, partnered with DESTINY, and has been basking in the DESTINY success ever since. When it comes to Moscato, the DESTINY Moscato brand is one of the best-selling brands of Moscato in Texas. With this Moscato flying off of the shelves with national distribution, Nicole has made herself the queen of DESTINY. DESTINY Moscato is an amazing product that can stand on its own, but it helps to have star power behind it.

Mark and Greshaun had their pick of celebrities to partner with who had the crossover appeal to represent DESTINY Moscato, but in the end, it was a no brainer to have Nicole be not only a partner, but the face of DESTINY Moscato.

Nicole is not just good for the brand when it comes to beauty, but she is actively involved with every decision made regarding DESTINY Moscato. This is something uncommon in the beverage business. Greshaun says, “Nicole has been an absolute pleasure to work with.

Not only is she smart, but she has great instincts, not to mention she is a beautiful person inside and out. We speak with her almost on a daily basis, and she is an integral part of the nationwide success and the global vision.”

Though it may seem that Moscato is more embraced or popular among African-American consumers, not true when it comes to DESTINY Moscato.

DESTINY Moscato is embraced and patronized by many different consumers, and a big part of that is due to Nicole’s cross cultural relatability. Nicole, Mark, and Greshaun love that the AfricanAmerican consumer is supporting the product, and they are elated to see that DESTINY Moscato, as an AfricanAmerican owned beverage company, is crossing racial lines and being purchased by all. Mark says, “DESTINY Moscato is a quality product that is enjoyed by all cultures. We created a product with a champagne style bottle so that it could be celebrated, accepted and enjoyed by

The Queen of DESTINY

“Mr. Thierry, Mr. Fulgham, and I instantly agreed that DESTINY would offer the world great wine and beyond. I would like to inspire others to have faith that the best is always available to you. As an actress, an entrepreneur, and mother of five amazing kids, my journey has been very rewarding. I am so proud of the products we have designed for the consumer’s pleasure, and hope that finding your DESTINY will become a philosophy and wonderful lifestyle for our consumers. I truly believe in DESTINY!” — Nicole Murphy

the general public as a whole.”

DESTINY DIAMOND and DESTINY RUBY are a luxury line of Brands housed under the umbrella company, RED STYXX BEVERAGE. DESTINY Moscato was born from a deep desire to inspire others to live the best life and believe in their dreams. This

Moscato offers the most unique and quite simply the best Moscato taste experience due to their uniquely patented formula. What started out with a vision, expanded into action with partnerships with H-E-B and other distributors, and also expansion in other states.

Nicole’s partnership has helped DESTINY Moscato exceed expectations and continuously helps this beverage receive overwhelming support. Nicole Murphy has earned her title as “The Queen of DESTINY.” To learn more about DESTINY Moscato, please visit www.destinymoscato.com.

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

20 March 2016 Final HEB Diversity Red ads.qxp

4/7/08

11:24 AM

Page 5

At H-E-B, each and every Partner is responsible for upholding our commitment to diversity. Our daily actions value both the differences and similarities that make our Customers, Communities and Partners so unique.

®

For more information on diversity at H-E-B, visit

www.heb.com

©2008 H-E-B Food Stores

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

22 March 2016

“Your Cost Furniture is a successful business because of the community, our customers, God, and hard work. Douglas and I have the same mindset, and that is why we have been so successful. Being young and African-American entrepreneurs, we feel good about that, but Your Cost Furniture is just the beginning.”

— Marque Fountain

Furni Our Cost Is Your Cost

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

I

s it time to buy new furniture for that living or office space? Are you dreading buying furniture because a fear of pushy salesman and overpriced furniture that is of mediocre quality? Forget what you think you know about the furniture business. Forget your past experiences purchasing furniture. There is a gem right here in the heart of our city providing Houstonians and those in the surrounding areas quality furniture at the best price. Your Cost Furniture is the go to for all of your furniture needs. Your Cost Furniture is just that…your cost. Douglas Smith and Marque Fountain are co-owners of this furniture enterprise, and these millennials have carved their name at the top of the list with some of the most successful business owners in the area.

Smith and Fountain are more than business partners, but more like a brotherhood when it comes to this business. Both growing up in Missouri City, Texas, they have known each other for as long as they can remember. During and after college, Smith worked at several furniture establishments, gaining invaluable experience on how the furniture business works. Smith was a great success when it came to sales, so instead of continuing to make someone else rich, he decided to work on making himself rich and partnered with Fountain to open Your Cost Furniture. Smith, a graduate of Texas Southern University, and Fountain, a graduate of Oklahoma State, found this furniture business partnership to be a win-win for both.

Smith and Fountain were determined not to be statistics. Seeing drug dealers and the rough environment sometimes African-Americans face, they were encouraged to become business owners. It is of great importance for them to be positive influences and productive members of society, paying it forward in their community. They have worked hard to help ensure that Your Cost Furniture is now and will continue to be a successful business, helping to dispel the myth and negative stereotypes that are associated with young African-American males. When it comes to their secret to success, there’s really no secret. They credit God, faith, family, true friends, and hard work for their accomplishments. In addition, of course without loyal customers and the support of the community, Your Cost Furniture would not be where it is today.

Why do people love Your Cost Furniture? It’s simple. They say, “We will beat all competitors’ prices!” Your Cost Furniture has tie-ups with the leading furniture manufacturers. They ensure that the customer gets a great deal buying quality furniture for any home or office needs. Not only does Your Cost Furniture provide great prices and furniture, but the best in customer service. Their trained and highlyskilled professional staff makes the furniture buying process an enjoyable experience, and customers don’t ever walk out feeling as if they were taken advantage of or overpaid for their furniture. This mindset and this reputation at Your Cost Furniture keeps customers coming back and has new customers continuously walking through the door. Your Cost Furniture’s profits reach over one million dollars in sales each year. Smith and Fountain are not only meeting their business expectations and goals, but exceeding them.

As much as Smith and Fountain love the business side, they have an equal love for the community. With their blessings, they are able to give to charities and provide backpacks and much needed school supplies to children in the underserved communities in Houston and the surrounding areas. Through Your Cost Furniture, they have created the Your Cost Furniture Giveaway, providing furniture to those in need and the Your Cost for Kids Scholarship Foundation. They want to help their community the best way they can, and through their business, they are doing just that. Their work has not gone unnoticed, and they have received recognition for their business and community endeavors, receiving a 2016 d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award.

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iture!

Your Price!

March 2016 23

“I worked for another furniture store before opening this business, and I was one of the best salesman that they had. That experience gave me great insight into this industry. I always wanted to start a business with my brother, Marque, and I knew this could make us successful AfricanAmerican entrepreneurs.”

— Douglas Smith

Smith and Fountain know that with hard work, dedication, and strong faith in God, you can make it. When it comes to business, their motto is, “Be the best you can! With God everything is possible.”

Achieving success only encourages them to aim bigger and achieve more as African-American entrepreneurs.

To read more about Your Cost Furniture, please visit yourcostfurnituretx.com.

Smith and Fountain spoke to d-mars.com about Your Cost Furniture: Being Millennials and successful entrepreneurs, how does it feel that you don’t work for anyone but yourself?

Being entrepreneurs is a blessing itself. Being your own boss and owning anything is great. We’ve always wanted to be good role models for our African-American youth, showing them that there is another way to be successful. We can’t express how much we love being our own boss.

Talk about the importance of a successful business partnership?

We've always been leaders, which is the amazing thing about the both of us. That has always been our strong bond and has kept us friends until this day. We both have the mindset for success. We have never wanted to work for anyone else. We believed we were smart enough to be successful entrepreneurs. You need that business partner with the same mindset and genuine spirit that you have to keep you motivated.

everything to our business, so we will get you what you want at your cost and more. Overall, we want to keep our customers happy.

What lessons have you learned along the way?

The biggest lesson learned is that you have to be patient and wait on God’s prosperity. When you don’t wait on Him, things will not go accordingly.

We have had ups and downs and learned from both. Learning to stay patient and trust God has grown Your Cost Furniture into a prosperous business.

What is special about Your Cost Furniture?

Your Cost Furniture is proud to be a place that can serve the customer with integrity. At Your Cost Furniture, there’s no catch. Customer service means

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

24 March 2016

5 Changes to Watch for This Tax Season

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By d-mars.com News Provider

his tax season brings changes you should know about as you’re preparing your 2015 return and planning for 2016 and beyond. Here are five areas to keep in mind.

There’s a delayed filing date.

If you’re a procrastinator filing at the last minute, this year you have more time.

Because Friday, April 15 is a federal holiday, your 2015 income tax return is due the following Monday, April 18. This is also the due date to file for an extension until Oct. 15 or to make an IRA contribution for 2015.

“The due date to file your return or for an extension may also be affected by state law,” says Robert Fishbein, a vice president and general counsel at Prudential Financial. For example, if you live in Maine or Massachusetts, Monday April 18 is a state holiday and you don’t have to file returns until the 19th. But be careful, Fishbein warns, as the delayed filing date for the 2015 returns may not delay when you must make estimated tax payments.

There are new steps for fighting fraud and ID theft.

Tax return preparation software may

now require you to provide your driver’s license number for the IRS and state tax agencies to combat tax return fraud.

“The rules here are tricky,” says Fishbein.

“You have no legal obligation to provide that information or to have a driver’s license to file a tax return. But depending on your software, you may need to provide information to file your return. It’s possible that withholding your driver’s license will slow the process.”

Another new anti-ID theft/fraud measure is a 16-digit verification code for online filers. If the code is on your Form W-2, you’ll need to enter it when prompted by your tax software program.

If you fail to provide the code, you won’t be able to e-file your return. “Not all Form W-2s will have the code,” Fishbein notes.

Note health care reporting changes.

Again this year you must report “minimum essential coverage,” or MEC. If you indicate so on line 61 of your Form 1040, you won’t be subject to a penalty tax. This is the first year employers are required to report if coverage qualifies as MEC, and they must send the applicable form to you by March 31, 2016. “Of course, for early filers this means you may not have evidence of your coverage qualifying as MEC,” Fishbein says.

“But assuming you know that you have MEC, you can still complete line 61 and file your return.”

If you do not have MEC, you must pay the penalty tax — currently $325 per adult and $162.50 per child, up to a maximum of $975 — for each month you weren’t covered, unless you can demonstrate you’re eligible for an exemption.

Examples include if coverage is considered unaffordable (more than 8 percent of household income per person), if you had a short coverage gap (fewer than three months), or if your income is below the tax return filing threshold.

Watch for retroactive reinstatements.

Until the end of 2014, taxpayers had been permitted for some time to deduct the greater of their state income tax or their state sales tax. This helped residents of states, such as Florida and Texas, that don’t have an income tax. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 retroactively extended this provision for 2015. For those who have not tracked their state sales tax payments, there’s a table that provides a safe harbor deduction based on income. Also, the sales tax from the 2015 purchase of a new automobile can be added to the sales tax from the table.

Also reinstated retroactively to the be-

ginning of 2015 is a provision allowing distributions from an IRA to be paid directly to a charity and excluded from income. “The amount donated to charity will avoid income tax,” Fishbein says.

Without this provision, an individual would have to include the amount in income and take a charitable deduction that might not entirely offset the income amount. This provision is available up to $100,000 of charitable donations in a calendar year. You must be 70 ½ or older and required to take IRA distributions.

Roth recharacterizations may affect you.

If you converted a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in 2015, and if the converted investment has declined in value, you can recharacterize that amount and not pay income tax on an amount greater than the current value. “The law allows this type of ‘do over’ option when you convert to a Roth IRA,” Fishbein explains. “For a 2015 conversion, you must recharacterize on or before Oct. 15, 2016 and not convert again to a Roth IRA until 2017.” - BPT *Prudential Financial, its affiliates, and their financial professionals do not render tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax and legal advisors regarding your personal circumstances.

Prudential Financial Inc. Newark, NJ, 028879700001-00

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March 2016  25

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26 March 2016

Ask Carla

a few suggestions that should help you “ethically” look for a new opportunity while not compromising your current position.

notes from the office. It’s a good bet that if your current employer catches you engaging in any of these activities, you may find yourself with a lot more free time to spend on your job search.

Let your prospective employers know your job search is confidential.

By Carla Lane

Dear Ask Carla,

Contributing Writer

I am looking for a new job, and I want to use my current supervisor as a reference.

I am looking for a new job because although I like my supervisor and the work, I don’t like the environment. My fear is that if I tell her that I am looking, she will make the environment difficult or fire me.

I also need to use my vacation and other time off to interview, and I don’t want her to block my time off. What should I do?

I

f you have a supportive relationship with your supervisor, you can let him or her know you’re looking for more or different responsibilities, and together, you can explore every possible opportunity internally. Most often, it’s in the company’s best interest to try to retain a valuable employee (be honest about your performance and if you are a valuable employee). Also, before you go to the supervisor with your desire for a change, ask yourself is there a specific situation that the supervisor could change to make you want to stay?

If you decide not to tell your supervisor that you’re thinking about making a move, be sure not to do anything that could reveal your intentions. Below are

Don’t dress differently than usual.

When asked by prospective employers if they may contact your current employer tell them “No.” Let them know they may contact former employers for references, because you’re keeping your job search confidential at this time. Lying could result in your current supervisor learning of your job search through a reference check.

Don’t tell anyone at work or on social media that you are looking for a new position.

If word of your search gets back to your supervisor, you may find your timeline for finding a new position involuntarily accelerated.

Schedule interviews during nonwork hours.

Be honest to prospective employers about your need to interview before or after work hours. If they must interview you mid-day, suggest your lunch hour. If that will not work, take a personal or vacation day.

Keep doing your job! Productivity should continue until you make your exit.

Don’t search for a new job at work, even if you have idle time. No matter how tempting it may seem, don’t do it!

This is an integrity issue. Don’t make your current employer pay for you to find your next employer. Keep doing your current job until the last day you walk out the door.

Don’t use the company computer, internet, fax or phone for your search.

That computer at work…it’s not yours.

That said, stay off job boards while you are at work. Don’t send job search-related emails from your office email address.

Don’t use the company fax machine to send out resumes. Don’t mail thank you

If you wear a suit because you have a job interview that day but you never wear a suit to work, this will raise suspicions.

Bring your interview clothes with you to work and change in the car or in the restroom when you get to your interview.

If your supervisor asks if you are looking for a job, be honest.

One of the worst things you can do is lie. This will damage whatever relationship you may have with that supervisor.

This could mean less than gracious references, termination, and an even more uncomfortable work environment.

No matter what you decide, keep giving your current position 100% until the day you leave. Whether you disclose that you’re leaving or not, how you handle yourself will affect your professional reputation.

Carla Lane is President and CEO of LaneStaffing, Inc. (lanestaffing.com), a multimillion dollar employment solution provider headquartered in Houston, Texas. She is also founder of This Woman’s Work, Inc., a nonprofit organization that empowers women and girls by giving them access to career opportunities, programs, and long-lasting relationships. Send your questions to carla@askcarla.net.

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March 2016  27

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28  March 2016

5 Tax Tips for Small Business Owners By d-mars.com News Provider

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tarting a business can be intimidating, but with a solid business plan and guidance from the small business community of experts, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether you own a local restaurant or an online Etsy shop, one of the biggest things to get used to as a new small business owner is filing taxes for the first time. If you're filing a business return, hiring an experienced professional tax preparer can help you avoid making common mistakes that can impact the success of your small business.

To get the most from your deductions, here are five tips for small business owners to keep in mind this tax season: 1. What tax deductions can I claim?

Even if the expenses were incurred during the previous calendar year, the IRS allows businesses to deduct up to $5,000 worth of certain start-up expenses in the year the business began (subject to limitations). In addition to these costs, corporations and partnerships are allowed to deduct up to $5,000 of their organizational costs in their first year of operation.

2. Is my car mileage deductible? If

you use your home as a place of business and consider it your principal place of business, car owners are typically allowed to deduct mileage costs from their home to business-related stops.

3. Can I deduct business travel expenses? When you are traveling away from your usual business location, you may be able to deduct ordinary and necessary expenses related to your work.

These expenses include transportation costs, lodging, dry cleaning or laundry, tips, baggage charges and business equipment usage expenses such as fax machines or phones. Meals can be deducted if the trip is overnight but there is a 50 percent limitation on these deductions.

4. Are personal care and clothing expenses deductible? No, the IRS has a

very strict rule against personal clothing being deducted even if they are bought for business use and only worn at work.

5. How does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affect my taxes and deductions?

The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace allows for small business to purchase health insurance for their employees. If you pay at least half of your employee's premiums and have less than 25 full-time and equivalent employees with an average annual wage of less than $50,000 ($51,600 for 2016), you may be eligible for the small business health care tax credit. See the calculator at healthcare. gov.

Tax preparation is not one-size-fits all, and navigating credits and deductions makes them even trickier - especially for small business owners and individuals with more complicated tax situations.

Filing a business return for the first time can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. A new offering is launching this year called Block Advisors that specializes in personalized tax preparation, tax planning, small business taxes and year-round support. For small business owners, Block Advisors also provides back-end needs like payroll and bookkeeping. Visit blockadvisors.com for more information or to find your nearest location. – BPT

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March 2016 29

A FUTURE IN PROGRESS DEAR COMMUNITY:

An exciting transformation is underway, one that has already started to elevate Houston Community College to a new standard of excellence and a model for community colleges nationwide. As we continue down this road of change, we want to share the status of our positive momentum: how far we have come, what we are doing, and the direction in which we are headed for our students, businesses and community.

Over the last year, we have streamlined operations to make it easier to work with the college, revolutionized the student experience and fundamentally reshaped how we work with businesses and industry partners. Although this level of change takes time – especially with an institution of this scale – the early results speak volumes and show real promise for our college and community in the years ahead.

HCC is among the top community colleges in the nation for preparing students for jobs and universities. We continue to work on new innovations, to scale our partnerships and results, and to rethink our approach – necessary steps for all high-performing organizations. We recognize the changes in technology, business, and society, and we are constantly adapting to help prepare our students for an ever-changing world.

This strategy has enabled us to make significant progress in improving the student experience before, during and after their time with us — as well as helping them secure higher paying jobs and entrance into the universities they want to attend. Highlights of this transformation in 2015 included: •

Graduating 22% more students than the previous year.

•

Receiving the prestigious award for Excellence in Governmental Financial Reporting, the 2015 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, recertification as an Achieving the Dream Leader College, and national recognition for our graduation rates.

•

Paving the way for a Board of Trustees vote this past January that was unanimously approved for a first-of-its-kind plan to waive the out-of-district fees for Dual Credit students. Starting this fall, this will allow high school students from all districts to attend HCC at no charge.

•

Obtaining an award from the U.S. Department of Labor for $4.2 million to fund apprenticeship programs in Healthcare, IT industries and plumbing occupations.

•

Earning a revised outlook from Moody’s Investors Service on the HCC system to stable and wan upgrade on the Junior Lien debt, which reflects a strong management team and the projection of continued operating health.

•

Establishing many new and innovative partnerships with leading companies and organizations, such as Wells Fargo Bank, the Robert Garner Firefighter Foundation, engineering departments at University of Texas at Tyler and Texas A&M University, San Jacinto College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Jones County Junior College for an Upstream/Midstream Skill Training and Safety Collaboration, the Houston Area Construction Education Collaborative with Lone Star College, San Jacinto College and the Houston Airport System, and The Greater Houston Partnership for UpSkill Houston.

Despite our many accomplishments, our transformation is a journey and there is much more work to do. We are Houston’s community college, and we are committed to becoming even better in all that we do and all that we offer.

To achieve our vision, we will continue to push the boundaries and dare greatly, focusing on the need to ensure quality instructional programs and courses, increase student retention and persistence rates, service high demand fields through skills training and credentialing programs, and improve the student experience.

We understand the pivotal role we play in helping the people in our community obtain vital education and necessary skills and in supporting the businesses that drive our economy. In fact, our economic impact hits on local, regional and state levels in a major way. Last year, HCC and its students added $3.4 billion in income to the service-area economy.

That is why we have gone to great lengths to develop a pathway to achieve our vision, to fulfill our duty to be responsive to the community and be fully engaged with each other. Because this college does not belong to a few, but to the whole of our great city, and it is essential that all of our major stakeholder groups – students, society and taxpayers – benefit from their investments. This past year has produced solid results to that end. In fact, for every $1 spent, it represents:

STUDENTS

$2.80

gained in lifetime income for students.

SOCIETY

$12.80

gained in added state income and societal savings.

TAXPAYERS

$6.30

gained in added taxes and public sector savings for taxpayers.

Thank you for your continued support, your belief in our college, and your dedication to our great city. It is your commitment that truly makes the difference and allows us to take HCC to new heights.

In service,

Adriana Tamez, Ed.D. Board Chair Houston Community College

Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E. Chancellor Houston Community College

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3/9/16 12:40 PM

30 March 2016

Change or Die – the 4 Truths About Change

new technology creates its own industry.

When you buy a new smart phone you also buy other complimentary products.

You might need a case for your phone or how about a Bluetooth device to go with it? Embrace change, and figure out how your business can thrive from it.

By William H. Harrison

C

Contributing Writer

hange is hard for businesses and people to handle. Many people like to keep the status quo. We’ve all heard the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” However, that attitude isn’t great for business or your personal life. In this month’s article, I will give you four reasons why you should embrace change.

Change Is Inevitable – John Maxwell once said, “Change is inevitable.

Growth is optional.” One thing you can count on is that change is right around the corner. Just ask a cab driver in any major US city and they will agree. A simple app that connects riders to every day drivers changed their industry forever, see Uber. Blockbuster, a thriving video rental company, filed Chapter 11 because it couldn’t compete with online video services. Do you know what changes in your industry are coming and how you plan to respond to them?

Do you have a plan?

Change Is Needed – According to the National Restaurant Association, approximately 40,000 new restaurants open every year. If you are like me and you enjoy experiencing different restaurants, that’s good news. I couldn’t imagine eating at the same restaurant over and over. What if there were only one car to choose from? What if there were only one airline you could fly on? Customers enjoy new products and features.

Is it time for you to consider making changes to your services?

Change Should Be Embraced – It’s believed that children under the age of 5 will never learn how to drive. By the time they become adults, self-driving cars will be commonplace on American roads. This is just one of the many changes you can expect to see. We all have two choices when it comes to change. You can fight it, or you can embrace it. Fighting it usually doesn’t work, just ask typewriter manufacturers. By embracing change, you position your business for success. Every

Change or Die – Those are pretty strong words, but it’s the truth. Your company won’t be around long if you don’t change. We now compete on a global scale. There was a time when you only had to worry about the guy or gal across the street. Now you have to worry about the guy or gal half way across the world. The continued existence of your business depends on how fast you can adjust to market changes.

This means you must read up on your industry. You must anticipate changes in the law that will impact your business both positively and negatively. You can’t watch from the sidelines as things happen. In today’s business climate, your business must change or die. So, I ask you, “Will you change or die?”

Hopefully I’ve convinced you that change is a good thing. If you seek business longevity, you must embrace change.

It’s going to happen, and it’s needed.

Will Harrison is an expert at helping companies deal with change and adapting to market conditions. To learn more about William H. Harrison and the West Arlington Consulting Group, please visit www.wacon sultgroup.com.

Selling Your Home? Let the Bidding Wars Begin

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By d-mars.com News Provider

1. Dirt's a deal-breaker: Make a o wonder you're clean sweep

thinking of selling your home - it's a "seller's market" right now. The housing supply has dwindled, creating more demand for fewer homes.

At the same time, according to Realtor Tammy Reinke, buyers' expectations are higher than ever. They've become accustomed to model-perfect homes.

What's the upshot? "Sellers have a choice," says Reinke. "You can win the price war - or win the beauty contest."

By winning the beauty contest, you'll gain pricing leverage. And if your home shows well, it can even spark a bidding war - generating offers that exceed your asking price.

Here are three top "beauty" tips to set your home apart from other contestants, and set yourself up for a fatter settlement check.

"Buyers want to see a clean home," says Reinke. "And the first thing to deal with is stained carpets and ceilings."

Stained carpets should be cleaned or replaced. Stained ceilings deserve your attention, too. They can scare off prospective buyers who fear that ceiling imperfections might be a sign of bigger problems.

"If you've got a stained popcorn ceiling, don't bother trying to spot paint over it, it doesn't work," Reinke says. Even professionals find it difficult to match the original finish and color. In addition, flocked or heavily textured ceilings are best replaced because they look so outdated.

Instead, consider installing ceiling tiles or panels directly over the offending ceiling, using a simple DIY track-and-clip system. To weigh all your ceiling replacement options, pop some real popcorn and settle back with the Armstrong Ceiling video guide to ceilings for lots of ideas and inspiration.

2. Declutter de house Buyers can't picture themselves in your home if they can't see past your piles of stuff. "There's a difference between clutter and an intentional collection," says Tiffany Little, a senior interior design at Albion Associates.

Pull together different items - like pottery or framed photography - using a common design element like color, similar patterns, texture or materials. "It's OK to leave some surfaces empty, and to create a display of personal mementos in a stylish, organized manner in other areas," says Little. "This makes the personal items even more special."

3. Spark design interest So you've cleaned and decluttered, but now your rooms seem blah and uninviting. Nothing enlivens a space like a splash of color. Toss some bright new pillows on the sofa or add tasteful artwork or accessories to complement your color scheme.

Paint adds personality, too, but choose your colors carefully so your wall pal-

ette flows naturally from room to room.

"I like using a neutral color palette for larger rooms - from ivory tones to values of grey," says Little. She adds mid-tone colors to smaller rooms, while selectively using vivid or deeper colors as accents with accessories and artwork throughout the home.

Finally, don't forget to add texture, whether with a woven area rug or sculptural wire baskets. "Texture adds great dimension and depth to a room," says Little.

"I especially love the look of Armstrong Ceilings decorative metal ceiling panels in textured tin or copper as accents above a kitchen island. This turns the ordinary, smooth sheetrock ceiling into a wow factor. By adding this textured ceiling color in with a few of the dishes, or countertop items, it unifies the room's palette," she added.

With a bit of primping, your home can win the ultimate beauty contest and attract a buyer who's willing to meet your price, or even pay a premium to call it their own. – BPT

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In the Business Community…

March 2016 31

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

Texas Southern University - Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Women of Color for Hillary & Texans for Hillary

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

32 March 2016

The Financial Solution You've Been Looking for Might Be Right Under Your Roof By d-mars.com News Provider

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hat would you do with a little extra money? Chances are, you thought of something pretty fast — and you probably had more than one idea.

Whether you’re looking to improve your home, pay off outstanding debt or take a vacation, a little cash can go a long way and you can find the money without changing jobs or cutting expenses. The answer lies within the walls around you in your own home.

The housing bust of 2007-09 was a rough time for many homeowners, but today’s market has shown signs of continued recovery and as it does, homes continue to increase in value. Sixty percent of homeowners report equity in their homes has increased since 2013, and almost half expect their equity will increase even more this year, according to research from loanDepot. And as that equity continues to grow, more and more homeowners are realizing that capitalizing on it can be a valuable tool to support their financial stability.

“Homeowners who bought during the housing boom are regaining equity many thought was lost forever, yet too many are not aware of the equity they have gained or they are unclear about

how to determine changes in their equity,” says Bryan Sullivan, chief financial officer of loanDepot. “People who bought after the housing boom when prices were low are realizing homeownership can be a great investment and asset leveraged through equity to realize many dreams. Whether they choose to leverage their home equity now or reserve it for future needs, millions of homeowners have choices today not available just a few years ago.”

To better understand how homeowners would leverage additional funds from a home equity loan, loanDepot surveyed

1,000 homeowners to get their responses. The most common uses for funds from a home equity loan included: • Remodeling projects. The majority of respondents, 39 percent, said they would reinvest the money acquired by their loan into making further improvements to their home, continuing to support its value.

• Consolidating high interest debt. For homeowners with significant debt obligations, a home refinancing loan can offer the opportunity to pay down that

debt and replace it with a home loan that features a more favorable interest rate.

• Save for retirement. More than 17 percent of those surveyed said they would use the money to bolster their current retirement package or even start a retirement fund.

• Pay down student loans. College was a wonderful part of your life, the loans — not so much. Nine percent of respondents said they would use the money to be done with those payments once and for all.

• Take a trip. If that dream trip seems to always be just slightly out of your financial reach, a home equity loan can help. Nearly five percent of respondents said they would use the additional money for vacation and travel purposes.

Learn more about taking out a home equity loan Everyone could use a little extra money and finding it is easier than you may think, you just have to capitalize on your home’s inherent value. To learn more about obtaining a second mortgage and the flexibility such equity would offer you, visit www.loanDepot.com/homequity. – BPT

Texas Southern University Presidential Search Committee Announced By d-mars.com News Provider

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he search for Texas Southern University's 12th president has begun with the formation of a 14-member Presidential Search Committee appointed by the chair of the TSU Board of Regents Derrick Mitchell. The committee is charged with conducting a comprehensive national search for a successor to John Rudley, Ed.D, who announced in December he will retire at the end of this year after 9 years leading the university.

Regent Oliver Bell has been appointed to lead the Search Committee. According to Bell, the Board of Regents has selected the firm of Diversified Search, Inc. to facilitate and assist with the search process. Bell states, “Diversified Search will do most of our early leg work, including posting the position description, fielding the initial slate of applicants and reducing that candidate pool down to 15-20 of the most qualified.” He went on to say that, “The Presidential Search Committee will then interview candidates in that pool and recommend up to five for consideration by the full board as the future TSU President. The Board of Regents will then name a new president.”

The Search Committee comprises members from the university and business community, including regents, faculty and staff, students, alumni, and local business leaders. "The members of the Presidential Search Committee bring a deep understanding of the institution, and their complementary backgrounds will give the committee diverse perspectives from across disciplines and programs throughout the university," says Bell, who was appointed Regent in 2015. “This is an exciting opportunity in higher education. We are confident we will find an inspiring and innovative leader to build upon the university’s legacy."

Bell says the search time table is aggressive but seeks to include input from the entire campus community. A tentative goal of June 1, has been set to have a new president selected. Thus, the committee began working via electronic communications in February. The Search Committee has met twice to begin its initial operations. “We will identify candidates in March and April, interview candidates in April and May and make a recommendation to the board so the board can name a new president. While we are targeting a June deadline, we will not rush the process. We will take the time necessary to make the right recommendations and choices.”

From March 7-9, 2016, the Presidential Search Committee will host several forums and town hall type meetings with students, faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders, and administrators to gather input on the characteristics of the next president.

These meetings will be led by Diversified Search, Inc. The committee is exploring the possibility of an online survey tool, as well to provide an additional opportunity to those who may not be able to attend on campus forums. “In a global sense,” Bell says, “we are looking for a leader who can articulate the university’s vision for the next three to five years, encourage all stakeholders to participate, and execute that vision. We seek a president who can follow up on the good that has been done at TSU, reinforce the positive, move us away from the negative, and implement changes to provide an even brighter future.”

Bell says the search process is designed to be open, but the process is also designed to protect the confidentiality of our applicants. The University wants to be as transparent as possible without jeopardizing information entrusted to them by the candidates. Mitchell says, “We do intend to conduct considerable outreach, both on campus and with higher education thought leaders, as we

seek diverse input about our next leader, but also about the issues that impact higher education, thus impacting Texas Southern University.”

The members of the Presidential Search Committee are: 1. Oliver Bell, Regent, Committee Chair 2. Ahunanya Anga, TSU Associate Professor 3. Alaina Benford, Norton Rose Fulbright, Alumnus 4. Dominique Calhoun, TSU Student Regent 5. Marcus Davis, The Breakfast Klub, Alumnus 6. Tandra Jackson, KPMG 7. Sherman Lewis, The Lewis Group 8. Jose Medrano, Medrano Insurance Agency 9. Fundi Mwamba, Total Gas & Power, North America, Alumnus 10. Crystal Owens, TSU SGA President 11. Edward Stemley, Jr., TSU Dean, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 12. Marilyn Rose, TSU Regent, Alumnus 13. Wesley Terrell, TSU Regent 14. Mammo Woldie, TSU Professor, Jesse H. Jones School of Business

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

34 March 2016

5 Ways to Tackle Tech Trouble Today By d-mars.com News Provider

Y

our next tech-tastrophy could take many forms.

Maybe it's the quick flash out of your monitor screen, the smoke coming from your printer or that mysterious clunking sound your favorite device keeps making - just because you accidently dropped it one or five times.

If you're a small business professional trying to manage the budget, the last thing you have lying around is extra money to replace what you already have. But breathe easily, because these terrible tech tragedies can be prevented. To help you keep your tech safe, Staples Tech Services has teamed up with tech and small business expert Ramon Ray for five tips you'll want to upload into your daily lifestyle immediately.

Line up emergency tech support You rely on your equipment to be functional. So when it's not, you need an affordable tech support service. For small businesses in particular, tech issues can impact productivity and the bottom line. Staples' new Next Day Guarantee means that PCs brought in before noon are serviced by 5 p.m. the next day. Staples' tech team will also handle problems

like malware removal and PC tune-ups and select Staples stores will handle mobile repairs, including broken screens, poor batteries, and home buttons.

Educate your staff Some of the biggest dangers faced by your organization relate to the behaviors of your employees. Poor passwordmanagement policies can lead to out-

A

merica's unemployment rate recently hit its lowest level in seven years.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, that's just in time for 2.8 million graduates with bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees to enter the workforce.

However, a college degree does not always lead to gainful employment.

Millennials make up 40 percent of the unemployed in the United States, according to Anthony Carnavale, a director and research professor at Georgetown University's Center on Education and Workforce.

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that students select a college or university with the resources to land them a job. While it is important to consider proximity, cost, accreditation and atmosphere, you also want to keep the end

Don't discount the importance of keeping your PCs and servers clean.

Over the course of multiple months, dust can build up inside desktop units and servers, and over time, that dust can cause components to work inefficiently. With a can of compressed air, cotton swabs and a cleaning cloth, you can keep the internal workings of your computer clean for as long as it's in use.

If you're operating on a budget, as every business is, it can be tempting to opt for less expensive equipment, especially if you're buying multiple items at once. However, less expensive devices can fail more quickly than some of the more expensive options. You'll be better off for the long-term when you invest in high-quality equipment that will remain reliable for many years.

Your business depends on its technology every single day, so support your bottom line by employing the tips above to keep your tech running as long as possible. Because once you see the smoke, it's already too late. For more technology help, see the experts at Staples Tech Services today. – BPT

Software problems can render your devices unusable more quickly than hardware damage. To protect against malware and security breaches, your software should be updated regularly.

This includes the definition updates for your antivirus software as well as your operating system, which has built-in protections against malware.

Businesses with multiple pieces of equipment should make sure they update automatically rather than requiring administrators to manually update each device.

By d-mars.com News Provider

Keep it clean

Pay extra for quality

Keep software updated

3 Tips to Land a Job After College

siders guessing your system passwords and finding a way into your databases.

Employees can also let in malicious traffic by clicking on links in emails or on social media sites. Hire a technology expert to train your staff on responsible technology use and make sure you sit in on the class as well.

goal in mind - a career.

So what else should you look at when researching a school?

1. Make meaningful industry connections.

It's all about connections in today's job hunts, and it's likely the same will be true for the class of 2020 and beyond. In fact, 80 percent of jobs aren't advertised according to Steven Rothberg, founder of CollegeRecruiter.com.

A search on a university's LinkedIn page will reveal the cities, companies and industries in which alumni work.

Access to a strong alumni network will help prepare students for a career by opening doors to internships and jobs.

A network of trusted and connected professors is equally as important as a network of successful alumni. During the campus visit, students should ask about the faculty's experience and reputation and make introductions early.

2. Gain real world experience.

Today's employers are on the lookout for students who have found their niche and demonstrated leadership skills in real-world scenarios.

For example, students thinking

about a career in engineering should look for schools with programs like EcoCAR 3, a premier collegiate competition grooming the next generation of advanced engineers trained across disciplines - from engineering to marketing. Public relations majors can participate in the Bateman Case Study Competition, where college teams create and implement a full public relations campaign to raise awareness on a selected topic. The National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition offers students interested in information assurance or computer security the opportunity to defend a commercial network against common outside threats.

"More and more we're seeing today's top companies request students from our program because they've gained the hands-on experience that the classroom doesn't offer," says Kristen De La Rosa, EcoCAR 3 program director at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory. "We give students the opportunity gain access to millions of dollars of cutting-edge technology and top industry experts to solve complex engineering and marketing challenges. For this reason, almost 100 percent of our participants land a job immediately after graduation."

3. Position yourself close to the action.

While a beautiful campus is nice to look at, that alone isn't enough to justify years of time and money. It helps to be close to an industry hotspot where internship and volunteer opportunities are plentiful and easy to access.

Studying near industry hubs will help students gain access to mentors, networking events and international conferences, furthering their competitive advantage and adding value to their degree.

Tech-savvy students who dream of launching the next big start-up should position themselves near the action in Silicon Valley, Boston or Austin. For those looking to create the next headturning design it is best to study fashion and design in New York City or Los Angeles.

Physical proximity to an industry, participation in extracurricular activities and third-party recommendations can help make a student's dream career a reality. Parents and high schoolers should keep these tips in mind throughout the college application process to make the most of college and hopefully land that first job. – BPT

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36  March 2016

Fostering Your Child's Love for Science Could 'STEM' the Tide of Job Shortages By d-mars.com News Provider

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iddle school is a m a k e - o r- b r e a k time for budding scientists.

The subject matter gets more difficult, test anxiety often occurs and other interests emerge. U.S. students rank 27th in math and 20th in science out of 34 countries scored, according to the latest research from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. That lagging interest in STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - is contributing to an ongoing U.S. shortage of highlyskilled workers that may reach 3 million by 2018.

3M, a company rooted in science, understands the need for the next generation of science innovators, inventors and leaders. For decades, 3M scientists and engineers have developed products that solve problems and improve lives.

A shortage of STEM-savvy workers will slow innovation across all industries.

If your child has a passion for science, encourage their curiosity. Here are some ideas from 3M science experts on how to further foster a love of science:

1. Find an after school program or STEM mentor.

A high-quality STEM after school program leads to improved attitudes toward STEM fields and careers; increased STEM knowledge and skills; and higher likelihood of pursuing a STEM major in college according to a study from the Afterschool Alliance. Another option is to find a mentor. Teachers, college students and working professionals are often eager to share their knowledge with budding young scientists. Many universities and businesses encourage mentorship, and your school's science teachers might have some suggestions on where to find one that's right for your child.

2. Plan at home experiments.

According to 3M science mentors, taking science out of a book and applying it to real life is one of the best ways to spark an interest in science. You can find plenty of science experiments to conduct inside your home. A great resource is www.scienceofeverydaylife.com, which features fun activities that explain science principles, like how solar energy works by cooking a pizza with the sun or how chemical reactions function by making homemade ice cream.

3. Encourage exploration.

As interest grows, students are eager for more challenges. For instance, with the Summer Olympics on the horizon this year, a sport-loving student may want to explore more about the forces that impact gold medal-quality swimming, running or cycling. Linking science to another interest can further their passion.

4. Give them a challenge.

A range of opportunities exist for interested students at science-based summer

camps, after school programs or fairs. If your child is already on a path of science experimentation and innovation, consider encouraging him or her to enter science challenges and competitions. Each year 3M and Discovery Education partner to develop the Young Scientist Challenge.

Students in grades 5-8 can enter the contest by creating a one to two-minute video on a proposed solution to solve an everyday problem. All video entries must be submitted online at www.youngscientistchallenge.com by April 20, 2016.

5. Hit the road.

Going to an observatory or space museum is fun, but also a major learning opportunity. Before taking the trip, view the destination's website with your child and identify areas of particular interest. That will build anticipation and really amplify the visit.

Over its nine years of involvement in the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, 3M has seen the tremendous impact a parent, family member or mentor can make in a child's curiosity and confidence in science. That foundation yields strong critical thinking skills and opens the door for rewarding career opportunities with lasting benefits. – BPT

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March 2016 37

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38 March 2016

There's No Free Lunch and Most Workers Don't Want One Anyway By d-mars.com News Provider

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ou've probably heard the popular adage that "there's no such thing as a free lunch," underscoring the idea that it is impossible to get something for nothing.

Yet most Americans wouldn't want a free lunch anyway, recent research shows.

Only one in five (18 percent) American workers prefer free lunches as one of their top three employee benefits of choice, according to the 2015 MassMutual Generations@Work Study. Instead, 47 percent of workers age 18 and older prefer more vacation time, 44 percent opt for better 401(k) matches, and 40 percent like free health care coverage, according to the study.

What benefits workers prefer largely depends upon their gender and generation, the study finds, complicating benefit decisions for employers.

"Given the varied preferences for employee benefits, the takeaway for employers is to offer as broad a menu of benefits as possible. They should also consider offering new or expanded benefits on a voluntary or employee-paid basis," says Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice

president of MassMutual Retirement Services and Worksite Insurance.

Half of all baby boomers surveyed and 48 percent of millennials say their benefit of choice is more vacation days, according to the study. Nearly half of Gen Xers (47 percent) prefer better 401(k) matches, the survey found, with more vacation days coming in a close second (44 percent).

After more time off, boomers express preferences for financial benefits. Fortythree percent of boomers want better 401(k) matches, 38 percent appreciate free health care coverage, and 24 percent want more investment choices for their retirement savings, according to the study. Four in 10 (43 percent) prefer expanded health care benefits.

Breaking with boomers, millennials like flexible work schedules (43 percent) and reimbursements for education and tuition (30 percent). But many Xers join their boomer colleagues in wanting better 401(k) matches, most likely a reflection that few Xers have access to pensions and that many boomers have not saved enough for retirement, according to Sarsynski.

Men's benefits of choice are more vacation time (50 percent), better 401(k)

matches (43 percent) and flexible work schedules (39 percent), MassMutual's study finds. Women's preferences are spread between more vacation (44 percent), better 401(k) matches and flexible work schedules (40 percent), expanded health care choices (37 percent) and free gym memberships (31 percent).

Workers should make the most of the benefits their employer currently provides and suggest other benefits that companies might make available on a voluntary basis, Sarsynski said. She recommends workers take inventory of their benefits and prioritize their importance based on personal financial needs: • * Make sure you have health care

coverage unless you are already protected by a spouse's medical plan.

• * Protection benefits such as life insurance and disability insurance rank next in importance, especially if you are married, have children or other people depend upon your ability to earn a living.

• * Defer as much of your income as you can afford for retirement as early as possible. The sooner you start saving, the longer the power of compound earnings will have to work and boost your savings power. Make sure you contribute enough to your employer's 401(k) or other retirement plan to qualify for any matching contributions.

• * Use your vacation time as it's important to get a meaningful break from your job.

The research was conducted on MassMutual's behalf by KRC Research as part of an employee benefits education initiative. The study focused on 1,517 working Americans who were at least age 18 in a wide variety of jobs and industries. – BPT

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