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June 2016
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From Good to Great
Food for Your Soul
By Noel Pinnock The late Senator Ted Kennedy called providing access to healthcare for all Americans...
PAGE 6
MR. D-MARS Why Average Won’t Do – How to Go from Average to Great By William H. Harrison Who wants to be average?
PAGES 16-17 PAGE 8
d-mars.com Opens Doors to Help EVERYONE Win
PAGE 18
d-mars.com Celebrates Blacks in the Music Industry and Business for Black Music Month By d-mars.com News Provider Black Music Month began in 1979, when Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams developed the idea to set aside a month dedicated to celebrating the impact of Black music. PAGE 14
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In the Business Community…
Mayor Turner Swears in Jarvis Johnson as District 139 State Representative
Start up Your Future: Teaching for Today's Entrepreneurial Business Culture
What material success does is provide you with the ability to concentrate on other things that really matter. And that is being able to make a difference, not only in your own life, but in other people's lives.
- Oprah Winfrey
June 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
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul
ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black
“From Good to Great” is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Business Journal. Are you good at what you do? That’s good, but it’s even better when you’re great at what you do. This month’s issue is all about being great in business. It’s all in your mindset. You want to be great? You can. There is nothing stopping you from reaching your greatest potential. Go out there and be great! The cover story for this issue is all about going from good to great. Yes, you may want to be successful, but you will not get there without a team. It’s important to understand that you cannot get to a certain level of success by yourself. It takes a devoted team of individuals behind the scenes to make things work. Also, are you paying it forward? Are you mentoring? Giving back is key. This cover story will encourage you on your journey to greatness. 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.
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 Noel Pinnock William H. Harrison Pastor Gene Johnson Lady Gail Johnson d-mars.com News Provider
4 Things Millennials Need to Know to Protect Their Financial Future.............................................................................................. 4 Food for Your Soul............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 The Exception Is Now the Rule...................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Why Average Won’t Do..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 African-American Female History Makers in Business..........................................................................................................................10 Classroom Technology Unites Students..................................................................................................................................................... 11 Black Wall Street............................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 d-mars.com Celebrates Blacks in the Music Industry and Business................................................................................................ 14 Working Together We Can Go from Good to Great............................................................................................................................ 16-17 In the Business Community..........................................................................................................................................................................18 Did You Know? George Washington Carver.............................................................................................................................................20 Am I insurable? 3 Steps to Take..................................................................................................................................................................20 Divine Connection Ministries........................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Do You Suffer from a Longevity Disconnect?.......................................................................................................................................... 22 Inspire Your Tween Reader........................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Where There’s a Will........................................................................................................................................................................................ 24 Start up Your Future.......................................................................................................................................................................................26
MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month "Have a vision. Be demanding." - Colin Powell
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
4  June 2016
4 Things Millennials Need to Know to Protect Their Financial Future
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By d-mars.com News Provider
ore than 100 million working Americans have no disability coverage other than Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Millennials - now the largest part of the workforce - may be most at risk. Millennials are least likely to have disability coverage offered through their employers or private insurance providers, and most don't understand longterm disability insurance, according to a recent insurance industry study. However, one in four 20-year-olds will become disabled before they retire, as noted by the Council for Disability Awareness. This is a reality many boomers are experiencing firsthand. Nearly 75 percent of all individuals receiving SSDI benefits today are between the ages of 50 and full retirement age, according to the Social Security Administration. Life perspectives can be different for millennials, born in the early 1980s to early 1990s, when compared to boomers, born in the 1940s to early 1960s. But there are several practical steps that millennials can take to ensure they are prepared should they experience a disability, says Tricia Blazier, personal health and
financial planning director for Allsup.
Understand SSDI eligibility. Not everyone is eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. As the name implies, it's insurance and individuals must have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes for five of the last 10 years in order to qualify. They must also have been disabled before reaching full retirement age, which is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. Finally, they must meet Social Security's definition of disability, which means they aren't able to work because of a mental or physical disability that has or is expected to last for at least 12 months, or to result in death.
Know the benefits of SSDI. Eligible workers last year received an average monthly SSDI income of $1,166. More than half of beneficiaries receive monthly benefits in the range of $700 to $1,400. SSDI income does not replace a full-time wage, but it's an important safety net for the more than 10 million workers and their dependents who rely on it, says Blazier. She added that dependents and spouses may be eligible for additional income benefits averaging a few hundred dollars a month. She also notes SSDI includes additional
support. For example, individuals become eligible for Medicare 24 months after their cash SSDI benefits begin. Particularly important for younger workers, return-to-work incentives are also available to SSDI recipients. These incentives allow individuals to attempt work through the Ticket to Work program, while still providing disability benefits for a period of time. SSDI also includes provisions to protect a person's future retirement benefits. Apply for and secure help getting SSDI benefits as soon as possible. The SSDI application process can be confusing and frustrating. Most people who apply are initially denied. Those who appeal face a national backlog of more than 1 million claims. "Getting expert help at the very beginning of the SSDI application process in-
creases a person's chance of being awarded at the application level," explains Blazier. "They will have their benefits faster than the months or years many people must wait if they have to appeal." Participate in employer-provided longterm disability coverage if available. Some employees are eligible for employerprovided or subsidized long-term disability coverage. Many of these policies have provisions that require individuals to also seek SSDI, Blazier notes. Therefore, even if employees have private coverage, it's important they understand their SSDI eligibility requirements and benefits. For more information on SSDI eligibility and benefits, call the Allsup Disability Evaluation Center at (800) 678-3276 or visit Expert.Allsup.com. – BPT
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
June 2016  5
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
6 June 2016
Food for Your Soul
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By Noel Pinnock
Contributing Writer
he late Senator Ted Kennedy called providing access to healthcare for all Americans "the great unfinished business of our society." He was correct, that is, until the Health Care Reform Act became the law of the land. Whether you are a business person or a citizen, the Healthcare Reform Act definitely has changed the American landscape and diametrically affected the way many businesses across this nation approach the healthcare, awareness, and social well-being of their employee workforce. Personally, I have several employees whose needs are very diverse, and as their manager, I must be mindful of their needs and appropriate tasks and responsibilities accordingly. Sadly, many companies and organizations focus more
on meeting the bottom line or maximizing expenditures, thus leaving employees to meander and crumb for leave. In countries like Canada, healthcare is free and has been for years. The City of Houston epitomizes a health and awareness business culture by providing employees with several benefits to include a floating holiday. This floating holiday can be utilized as a rest day within a benefit year, as well as a wellness day, which can be used by employees for well-woman doctor visits. Additionally, they allow time to exercise during lunch and short breaks. Of course, someone has to pay for these employee benefits. However, think about the long-term ef-
fects your business or organization will sustain if employees are not provided an opportunity to protect themselves from sickness or better yet, seek medical treatment when the inevitable does occur. If you are a business owner, an executive, or manager, take a few moments to respond silently to one of these questions: • If you do not take care of your employees, how can your business or organization accomplish its mission and sustain or increase profits over time? • How can you run a business if employees have high levels of burnout? • How can we avoid hazards to our health if we are not aware of what is hazardous?
Again, late Senator Ted Kennedy said it best, "For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die." Promote a health and awareness culture in your business/organization. Ultimately, its healthy employees who will help you accomplish the goals and mission of your business/organization. Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC, IPMA-SCP is an author and host of “MBK – Houston Movement” on MJWJ Global Radio Network. To read more about Noel, please visit www.noelpinnock.com.
The Exception Is Now the Rule: There's a 'New Majority' in College Classrooms By d-mars.com News Provider
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hen most people hear "college student," they likely envision an 18-year-old who is fresh out of high school. But the student body on America's campuses has evolved. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 75 percent of undergraduate students today could be considered "non-traditional." These non-traditional students are often career-changers, entrepreneurs and parents who are balancing the demands of school, work and family life. They want the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate capability and value to employers immediately, not after a few years of learning on the job. These non-traditional students are the "new majority," and as they pursue the right resources to succeed academically and navigate the responsibilities they carry outside of school, they are reshaping the future of education. Who embodies the new majority? Students like Thomas Wolfe, Andres Hernandez, Felipe Dugrot and Lisa Smith - all recent DeVry University graduates who set out to pursue their career goals with a very specific set of criteria in mind. "I knew I needed a school that would be customizable to my schedule," says Wolfe. "DeVry University not only offered many ways to learn, but they were committed to helping me complete my degree on time, on my terms." A father of four, Wolfe worked full time at Sapa Extrusions while taking classes at DeVry University's
Atlanta campus. He earned his bachelor's degree in technical management with a specialization in business intelligence and analytics management, and is a plant controller at Sapa. Hernandez also juggled academic and professional responsibilities. He held three on- and off-campus jobs - including an internship and position as a data model technical specialist, both at American Express - and launched Upstge, a grassroots music-streaming hub, while attending DeVry University in Phoenix as a fulltime student. The computer information systems skills he developed in his courses were directly transferable to his current role as a data engineer at American Express. "In my field, technology is constantly evolving and I need to keep up with the changes," says Hernandez. "DeVry University was in tune with what my industry needed and prepared me to deliver on those expectations through technology skills that were immediately applicable to my work." Dugrot, a father of two with a busy schedule, wanted
a school that would offer him flexible online courses and the expertise that is essential for a career in technology. He earned his bachelor's degree in network and communications management and is a solutions support engineer for GE Healthcare. "To me, a bachelor's degree symbolized freedom and opportunity," he says. "I've made my family proud, and have new skills that I plan to continue to hone." Smith was looking for a degree program that offered high-definition learning for a growing field. She began working at Kforce Staffing & Solutions in between earning her bachelor's degree in network and communications management at DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. Smith recently completed her MBA program and continues to work at Kforce as a consultant. "I wanted a school that understood the job market and the importance of training and preparedness in a technology-focused career," says Smith. "The hard and soft skills I gained at DeVry University gave me more confidence both personally and professionally." For Wolfe, Hernandez, Dugrot and Smith, a nontraditional college experience offered them the resources and flexibility to gain the necessary skills for their career paths - and the confidence to advance their professional lives. DeVry University helps these students, and many others like them, overcome what were once perceived as barriers to their aspirations. And with a decades-long history of partnership and collaboration with some of the nation's leading companies, DeVry University will continue to give its students the skills that the job marketplace needs today and for the future. – BPT
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
June 2016  7
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
8 June 2016
Why Average Won’t Do – How to Go from Average to Great By William H. Harrison
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Contributing Writer
ho wants to be average? That sounds like a naive question. You may think no one wants to be average. Then why do so many business leaders deliver average results? A few words that come to mind when I think of average are: typical, common, and ordinary. Each word describes the results of an average business. In this month’s article I’m going to show you the dangers of being an average business leader and how you can transform into a great leader. You owe it to yourself and those you lead to strive for greatness. What Average Looks Like – According to 2013 statistics from the US Census, non-employer businesses, which make up the vast majority of small businesses,
average just $44,000 in annual revenue. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division within the Department of Labor, reports that less than 50% of small businesses successfully make it past four years of operation. According to Statistic Brain, an online platform and community that is focused on statistics and analytics, only 53% of small businesses had a website in 2014. I hope you can see where I’m going with this. Why would anyone want to do business with an average company? Why would anyone want to work hard for a company that only produces average results?
Overcoming Average – A commitment to excellence demands above average performance. When you focus on being the best, you automatically strive for greatness. Clients and customers notice right away that you are different than your competitors. They recognize your attention to detail and your ability to go above and beyond. If you are not sure of what above average service looks like, then study top leaders in your line of business. What do they do different than you? Why are they so successful? Take the time to learn from your competitors. You will be amazed at how much you are able to emulate. Most
importantly, commit yourself to create a culture of excellence that permeates throughout your organization. The Great, Not Good, Life – When you focus on greatness it becomes evident in every aspect of your life. Once you make your mind up you no longer want to be average other parts of your life will reflect that as well. Your relationships will become more rewarding as friends and colleagues will value you more and more. Ultimately the satisfaction you get from running your business will improve as the number of repeat customers increase. Not to mention you are cementing your legacy. After you are long gone you will always be remembered for the great service you provided people. From this day forward say goodbye to average. Make a commitment to provide value to everyone in your life. Living an average life is boring. By pushing yourself every day to be the best, you will leave a lasting impact on the world. In the end that’s what it’s all about anyway. Will Harrison is Principal Consultant at West Arlington Consulting Group. West Arlington focuses on helping businesses improve the customer experience and reduce business cost. You can contact Will at info@westarlingtonconsultgroup.com.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
June 2016  9
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
10 June 2016
African-American Female History Makers in Business By d-mars.com News Provider
d
-mars.com takes pride in the fact that we continue to inspire, inform, and educate the community. When it comes to business, we always want to honor and highlight those African-American history makers in all areas, including business. African-American women have had great and phenomenal success in business, but it didn’t come without its share of struggles and challenges. Despite the difficulties, they didn’t give up. It doesn’t matter what challenges you are facing as an up-and-coming entrepreneur or established entrepreneur, you just can’t give up in order to reach the level of success that you are striving for. These female entrepreneurs should inspire you to dream big and do bigger than what you originally planned.
Madam C. J. Walker Sarah Breedlove (December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919), known as Madam C. J. Walker, was an African-American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a political and social activist. Eulogized as the first female self-made millionaire in America, she became one of the wealthiest African-American women in the country. Walker made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of beauty and hair products for Black women through the Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, the successful business she founded. As was common among black women of her era, Sarah experienced severe dandruff and other scalp ailments, including baldness, due to skin disorders and the application of harsh products such as lye that were included in soaps to cleanse hair and wash clothes. Other contributing factors to her hair loss included poor diet, illnesses, and infrequent bathing and hair washing during a time when most Americans lacked indoor plumbing, central heating, and electricity. Initially, Sarah learned about hair care from her brothers, who were barbers in Saint Louis. Around the time of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (World's Fair at St. Louis in 1904), she became a commission agent selling products for Annie Turnbo Malone, an African-American hair-care entrepreneur and owner of the Poro Company. While working for Malone, who would later become Walker’s largest rival in the hair-care industry, Sarah began to adapt her knowledge of hair and hair products to develop her own product line. In July 1905, when she was thirtyseven years old, Sarah and her daughter moved to Denver, Colorado, where she
continued to sell products for Malone and develop her own hair-care business. Following her marriage to Charles Walker in 1906, she became known as Madam C. J. Walker and marketed herself as an independent hairdresser and retailer of cosmetic creams. (“Madam” was adopted from women pioneers of the French beauty industry. Her husband, who was also her business partner, provided advice on advertising and promotion; Sarah sold her products door to door, teaching other black women how to groom and style their hair. Walker was also known for her philanthropy and activism. She made financial donations to numerous organizations and became a patron of the arts. Villa Lewaro, Walker’s lavish estate in Irvington-on-Hudson, New York, served as a social gathering place for the African-American community. The Madame Walker Theatre Center opened in Indianapolis in 1927 to continue her legacy. Both of these properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cathy Hughes Radio maven Cathy Hughes was born
in Omaha, Nebraska in 1947. Beginning her career in radio in 1969, Hughes’ first position was with KOWH, a Black radio station in Omaha. Her successes there prompted the Howard University School of Communications to offer her a position as a lecturer and as Assistant to the Dean of Communications. In 1973, Hughes was named general sales manager to WHUR-FM in Washington, D.C, and by 1975 was hired as the general manager of the station. Under her guidance, WHUR-FM, which had been struggling along with $300,000 in annual sales revenues, increased its annual revenues to more than $3.5 million. In 1978, Hughes left WHUR for WYCB Radio, where she served as the vice president and general manager of the station. Hughes and her husband at the time, Dewey Hughes, decided they wanted to buy their own radio station in 1979, and after being rejected by thirty-two banks, they found a lender. With their loan, they purchased WOL, a small Washington, D.C. station and Radio One was born. While Hughes wanted a talk format for the station, the bank was pressing for music. A compromise was reached permitting Hughes to have
a morning talk show program that was followed by music programming throughout the day. Hughes’ marriage ended shortly after purchasing the station and she began her path as a single mother. She purchased her husband’s share in the station, but hard times soon forced her and her son, Alfred, to give up their apartment and move into the station to make ends meet. Over time, however, the station began turning a profit, largely due to the success of her talk show. Since the early days of being a station owner, Hughes’ rise has been remarkable. Today, Radio One owns more than 60 radio stations throughout every major market in the country, In January of 2004, Hughes launched TV One, a cable television channel targeted at the African-American community. Today, Hughes has the distinction of being the first African-American woman to head a media company publicly traded on the U.S. Stock Exchange, and she continues to serve as Chairperson of Radio One. Sources Used: thehistorymakers.com en.wikipedia.org
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
June 2016  11
Classroom Technology Unites Students Nationwide, Ushers in New Learning Experience By d-mars.com News Provider
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hen Cyndi Roberts steps into her classroom in Columbus, Ohio, her 19 students finish their conversations and get ready to start the day's lesson. Like a scene from a high-tech science fiction film, she's followed by voice-activated motiondetection cameras as she greets 14 people in the seats in front of her and five students who are gathered almost 500 miles away. For Roberts, assistant national dean, College of Engineering and Information Sciences at DeVry University, any distance vanishes. She writes on the whiteboard in her Columbus classroom, knowing her notes are appearing, in real-time, on the whiteboard in front of her students in Philadelphia. Cameras automatically follow the student voices and movements there too, so Roberts can hear their questions and see their responses. Exchanges like this are the norm for students who take classes in DeVry University's innovative connected classrooms. The new learning experience incorporates cutting-edge technology to connect two to three classroom locations for simultaneous instruction, with a single instructor. "This connected-classroom technology is not merely a teacher standing in front of the room, lecturing to students over a vid-
eo feed," says Brian Bethune, Ph.D., national dean of the College of Media Arts & Technology at DeVry University. "It is a completely interactive, immersive education environment. Through this technology, we aim to meet the next generation needs and expectations of our students, and provide an enhanced experience. Here, students take active roles in discussions and interact with professors and fellow classmates - whether sitting next to each other, or in cities far apart." Framing today's education experience Currently, there are 23 innovative classrooms on campuses across the country, each equipped with voice-activated motion cameras, facial recognition software, highdefinition wide-screen monitors with picture-in-picture views, desktop cameras and interactive touch-screen whiteboards. The technology enables an immersive learning community among students with diverse geographies and education needs. The classrooms are used for courses ranging from engineering technology to composition and financial accounting.
ing Tomorrow's Student," indicates that as technology changes how humans interact and access information, it is also changing how students prefer to learn. The report acknowledges digital technology not only enhances existing classrooms, but it can also completely change the relationship students have with their physical learning environment.
Driving tailored, targeted learning for tomorrow Instructors complete in-depth trainings so their curriculum fits the classroom format, rather than vice versa. While remote conferencing is widespread in the business world, a setup like this is completely new to education. "From day one, I made a point to learn remote students' names and include them so much, in fact, I now have to hold back from calling on them exclusively," says Teresa Hayes, a professor at DeVry University's campus in Chicago. "It's made me very aware of each student in my class. I can tell which ones are struggling and give them the attention and resources they need. The technology has changed the way I teach." Hayes's adaptive approach represents the state of education as a whole. A Pew Research report, "'How Do They Even do That?: How Today's Technology is Shap-
Technology-driven classrooms can fill a gap in today's globally connected world. When classes are only offered online or inperson, students who prefer on-site learning are limited by course offerings at their local campus. The connected classroom technology provides benefits on a practical level, including having access to more courses and exposure to video conferencing capabilities that mirror the way communications happen in many companies today. The next steps for the technology will be to expand to more DeVry University campuses and more classrooms in the near future. Toward the end of class, students from the different campuses wave goodbye and wish each other a good weekend. It seems connecting new friends is one thing that may never change about the college experience. – BPT
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
12 June 2016
Black Wall Street
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By d-mars.com News Provider
n 1921, the Greenwood district neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was the site of one of the most devastating massacres in the history of United States race relations. Known as “Black Wall Street” to those in the community, Greenwood in the early part of the 20th century was a thriving business district featuring African-American owned businesses, a strong black middle and upper class, schools, hospitals, and theaters. However, this changed in 1921, when this once affluent black neighborhood was burned down in the Tulsa Race Riot.
Below are some things that you may not have known about Black Wall Street. Money Stayed Inside the Community The dollar circulated 36 to 100 times in this tight-knit community, according to sfbayview.com. A single dollar might have stayed in Tulsa for almost a year before leaving the Black community. Comparatively in modern times, a dollar can circulate in Asian communities for a month, Jewish communities for 20 days and white communities for 17, but it leaves the modern-day Black community in six hours, according to past reports from the NAACP.
People in Tulsa Were Leading in Luxury Possessions In a time when the entire state of Oklahoma had only two airports, six Black families owned their own planes. The average income for a Black family was well over what minimum wage is today. Dr. Simon Berry, who owned the bus system in Tulsa, recalls that in 1910 his average income was around $500 a day, according to reports from sfbayview.com. Desegregation Killed the Resurgence of Black Wall Street In the initial years after the riot, surviving residents began to rebuild the once-vibrant city. It thrived again until the desegregation of the 1950s and ’60s began to entice the Black people of the time to live elsewhere, causing Black
Wall Street to never again be what it once was. What Happened to the Bodies of Those Who Died After the Riot? No one knows exactly how many bodies were buried after the riot burned down the city. The Tulsa Race Riot Commission conducted archeological digs to test the soil for unmarked graves around the area. The test revealed that hundreds of bodies had been buried outside of the cemetery. The Creation of Black Wall Street Was Intentional In 1906, O.W. Gurley, a wealthy African-American from Arkansas, moved to Tulsa and purchased over 40 acres of land that he made sure was only sold to
other African-Americans. Gurley also used the area to give refuge to AfricanAmericans running from the harsh oppression of Mississippi. The Greenwood neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, housed one of the most successful Black economies in American history. d-mars.com encourages the African-American community never to forget our history. Before this riot, this was a successful and prominent AfricanAmerican area. Though this was a great tragedy, we must remember what can happen when African-Americans come together. Working together, not against each other in all areas, including business, we can build great prosperity for ourselves and the next generation. Source Used atlantablackstar.com
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
June 2016  13
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
14 June 2016
d-mars.com Celebrates Blacks in the Music Industry and Business for Black Music Month
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By d-mars.com News Provider
lack Music Month began in 1979, when Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams developed the idea to set aside a month dedicated to celebrating the impact of Black music. Created by music business insiders, the group successfully lobbied President Jimmy Carter to host a reception on June 7, 1979, to formally recognize the cultural and financial contributions of Black music. Since 1979, Black Music Month has grown from a small commemoration to national proportions, with events held annually across the country. During this month, d-mars. com celebrates Black Music Month, highlighting prominent Blacks who have made great contributions to the music industry in the area of business.
LARKIN ARNOLD In 1970, Larkin Arnold became one of the first African-Americans to be hired as an attorney by a major record label when he joined Capital Records. Four years later, he was promoted to vice president of Capitol Records, creating and heading the company's Black Music Division. In 1975, Arnold signed Natalie Cole to Capitol Records, and in 1977, he served as the executive producer for Caldera’s record Sky Island. That same year, he signed Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, the former backup band for Marvin Gaye. In 1978, Arnold left Capitol Records for Arista Records. As senior vice president, Arnold ran the West Coast office and was in charge of bringing in new artists and products. Arnold held this position until he was hired in 1980 by CBS/SONY Music as senior vice president. There, he spearheaded the marketing and promotion of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album that sold over twenty-five million units worldwide. Arnold also represented Teena Marie, Luther Vandross, Surface, Peabo Bryson,and The Reflections. In 1988, Arnold founded Arnold & Associates, one of the few wholly integrated legal and management teams in the record industry. Arnold has received numerous honors and awards including the NAACP Executive of the Year Award, Outstanding Graduate Award of Howard University School of Law, the Distinguished Graduate Award of Howard University, the Congressional Black Caucus Outstanding Citizen Award, the Langston Bar Association Lawyer of the Year
Award, the NATRA Award for Record Executive of the Year, Pollstar Award for R&B Manager of the Year, the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Award for Outstanding Community Leadership, and a 100 Black Men Honor.
QUINCY JONES An impresario in the broadest and most creative sense of the word, Quincy Jones’ career has encompassed the roles of composer, record producer, artist, film producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, television producer, record company executive, magazine founder, and multi-media entrepreneur. As a master inventor of musical hybrids, he has shuff led pop, soul, hip-hop, jazz, classical, African and Brazilian music into many dazzling fusions, traversing virtually every medium, including records, live performance, movies, and television. By the mid-1950s, he was arranging and recording for such diverse artists as Sarah Vaughan, Ray Charles, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Dinah Washington. In 1957, Jones decided to continue his musical education by studying with Nadia Boulanger, the legendary Parisian tutor to American expatriate composers such as Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copeland. To subsidize his studies, he took a job with Barclay Disques, Mercury’s French distributor. Jones won the first of his many Grammy
Awards in 1963 for his Count Basie arrangement of “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Jones’ three-year musical association as conductor and arranger with Frank Sinatra in the mid-1960s also teamed him with Basie for the classic Sinatra at the Sands, containing the famous arrangement of “Fly Me To The Moon.” When he became vice-president at Mercury Records in 1961, Jones became the first high-level Black executive of an established major record company. Toward the end of his association with the label, Jones turned his attention to another musical area that had been closed to blacks--the world of film scores. In 1963, he started work on the music for Sidney Lumet’s The Pawnbroker, and it was the first of his thirty-three major motion picture scores. In 1985, he co-produced Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, which won eleven Oscar nominations and marked Jones’ debut as a film producer. In 1990, Jones formed Quincy Jones Entertainment (Q JE), a coventure with Time Warner, Inc. The new company, which Jones served as CEO and chairman, produced NBC Television’s Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. He is the founder of VIBE and SPIN magazines. The laurels, awards and accolades have been innumerable: Quincy has won an Emmy Award for his score of the of the opening episode of the
landmark TV miniseries, Roots, seven Oscar nominations, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, Grammy Awards, and N.A.R.A.S.’ prestigious Trustees’ Award and The Grammy Living Legend Award. He is also the recipient of honorary doctorates from Howard University, the Berklee College of Music, Seattle University, Wesleyan University, Brandeis University, Loyola University (New Orleans), Clark Atlanta University, Harvard University, Tuskeegee University, and other well-respected universities. Jones was also named a Kennedy Center Honoree, for his contributions to the cultural fabric of the United States of America. As producer and conductor of the historic “We Are The World” recording and Michael Jackson’s multiplatinum solo albums, Off The Wall, Bad and Thriller (over forty-six million copies sold), Jones stands as one of the most successful and admired creative artists/executives in the entertainment world.
Happy Black Music Month! Sources Used nmaam.org thehistorymakers.com
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
June 2016  15
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
Working 16 June 2016
We Can Go from By Dawn Paul
Associate Editor
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n business, we know it’s all about connections. As the saying goes, “It’s not about what you know but who you know.” d-mars.com President and CEO MR. D-MARS, was known as “Hookup Man” before starting this multimedia company. He was always connecting people and businesses, and because of his connections, people would benefit. dmars.com is a well-respected brand and company because of the stellar marketing and consulting services MR. D-MARS and the company provide. However, MR. D-MARS knows and understands that he could not keep d-mars.com at the level of success it is today without serving the small business community, paying it forward through mentorship, and having a devoted and talented team behind him.
TheImportance Importanceof ofMentorship Mentorship The The definition of mentorship is a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person. The mentor may be older or younger, but have a certain area of expertise. Think back. Who helped you get to the level you are at today? Who mentored you? Who was that individual who gave you advice or that opportunity to reach a certain level of success? Now think again. Are you doing for another what you have received? It is very common when you gain a certain
position or the higher you go to forget the hardships and helping hand that you received. You had to have had someone to help you get to where you are today, so don’t forget to give that same opportunity to someone else. Mentorship is so important. Mentorship is vital, because a good mentor’s guidance will help you before you make mistakes, giving you invaluable education, experience, and insight in the business you are interested in. Now the keyword is good. A good mentor has your best interest at heart. A good mentor is someone who you learn from and who is willing to give you information, not withholding anything from you. Good mentors are not jealous of your drive and determination, and they are not intimidated by you. Good mentors truly want to see you succeed and to go farther than them. Good mentors teach you what they wish they would have known. Now let’s flip that. What makes a good mentee? Let’s be honest. If you knew everything, you would not need a mentor. A good mentee is humble and has an open mind to learning. Now humble is the key word. So what if you’ve done something a million times? Your mentor may
show you a different way of doing something that you never thought about that can save you time and money. In the business world, one bad move, and you can end up in bankruptcy. Know that you can always learn and will never stop learning. MR. D-MARS says it over and over again, “I love young people. I love mentoring young people. We have a great responsibility to help teach the next generation.” When it comes to mentorship, the next generation is crying out for great mentors and seasoned professionals. There is no shortage of young people out there ready to receive good mentorship. It is important to remember that the mentor and mentee relationship has no age barrier. It does not matter what you have achieved or what age you are. You always need great advice from someone who has been where you are trying to go.
TheImportance Importanceofof The Businesses Connecting Businesses Connecting Though d-mars.com has grown and evolved over the years, some small businesses have the misconception that we are here only for the
big guys. So untrue. d-mars.com, as a minority-owned company, knows the struggles of being a small business owner and would never forget the importance of the small business owner being the backbone. That small business that has been in the community for 10 years, will stay in the community, as it has roots there unlike a national brand. d-mars.com knows the importance of that caregiver with a small business who serves our elderly on a fixed-income. The mindset at d-mars.com is one that keeps small businesses in mind. We know that small businesses matter to our economy.
WhySmall SmallBusinesses Businesses Why MatterininAmerica America Matter (Small Business Resources) 1. Small business in America is a top job creator 2. Small business is a loud voice in public affairs and politics 3. Small business is a steady part of the American work force 4. Small business contributes to local communities Though we have been able to grow and gain lucrative business contracts with larger
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Together
June 2016 17
m Good to Great companies, small businesses are still very important to the d-mars.com brand. MR. D-MARS says “I love small businesses. We are here for the small business community. As the city grows, our business has been blessed to be able to grow with it. However, we pride ourselves on being able to cater to the small business community and help them achieve success. Small businesses do matter at d-mars.com.” Small businesses and big businesses need each other. You may not think of it that way, but it is true. Big companies rely on smaller ones to
achieve success and vice versa. A smaller company relies on a banker to help them secure a business loan to help their business grow. We need each other. Having that mindset helps you to remember that we all can win.
The TheImportance Importanceofof Teamwork Teamwork Before you pat yourself on the back too hard, let me pose some questions to you. Do you have an assistant that does research for you to help you stay current on business trends? Do you have an executive assistant who answers your phones? Do you
have an accountant who keeps your financials in order? You get where I’m going with this. You cannot do anything alone. You cannot achieve greatness alone. Though you may be a great visionary, you have to have key people around you to help your visions become a reality. That million dollar idea would not have come into fruition without a talented team to back you. Not to sound cliché, but as the saying goes, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”
Important Reasons Reasons 55Important Why Teamwork Matters Why Teamwork Matters (Potential.com) 1. Motivates unity in the workplace environment 2. Offers differing perspectives and feedback 3. Improved efficiency and productivity 4. Provides learning opportunities 5. Promotes workplace synergy
“If you want to go “I am a successful businessman, but I from good know that I could not have made it this far unless I had a great team behind to great, you me,” says MR. D-MARS. Teamwork is defined as cooperative or coorditruly have to nated effort on the part of a group of persons acting together as a understand that team or in the interests of a common cause. To be a great leader, there is no ‘I’ you can’t take the credit solely for your achievements. Everyone on in team. We the team matters. No job is too small, and no individual should be all need each treated as if they don’t matter. A good leader respects their team and other. Businesses treats their team how they would want to be treated. need each other At d-mars.com, we inspire, inform, and educate in all of our publications to succeed. The and initiatives, always wanting to help better the lives of those around us. next generation needs our Whether it be a multimillion dollar company or the small businessman, d-mars. mentorship to succeed. That com is here to help everyone succeed. Visit us on the web at www.d-mars.com, is the way the community and join our Black Pages Online Business Directory. will thrive and live up to its best Sources Used: potential.” Wikipedia — MR. D-MARS
smallbusinessresources.com dictionary.com potential.com
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18 June 2016
In the Business Community…
To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’
Mayor Turner Swears in Jarvis Johnson as District 139 State Representative
Black Women Lead
Greater Houston Black Chamber
Build Up Houston
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June 2016  19
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
20 June 2016
Did You Know? George Washington Carver
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By d-mars.com News Provider
t d-mars.com, we don’t just celebrate Black history in the month of February, but when it comes to our history, we inspire, inform, and educate throughout the entire year. Did You Know is a regular running and relevant piece to the d-mars.com publication and just one of the ways we celebrate and highlight our history year-round. This month’s Did You Know? highlights George Washington Carver.
He was known as the young "plant doctor." Even as a child, Carver was interested in nature. Spared from demanding work because of his poor health, he had the time to study plants. His talents flourished to the extent that people started to ask him for help with their ailing vegetation. In a 1922 interview, he recalled, "Often the people of the neighborhood who had plants would say to me, 'George, my fern is sick. See what you can do with it.' I would take their plants off to my garden and there soon have them blooming again.”
Appearing before Congress made him "The Peanut Man." Besides peanuts, Carver's research also involved clays, seeds, and sweet potatoes. So why is his name associated with just one legume? It's thanks in large part to an appearance he made before the House Ways and Means Committee. In 1920, Carver spoke at the United Peanut Association of America's convention. He was such a success that the
Am I Insurable? 3 Steps to Take By d-mars.com News Provider
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ost people intuitively know the benefits of good health. Some work hard to maintain their health throughout their lifetime, and others not so much. Despite the best or worst intentions, health complications can occur at any time which may impact many areas of life, including finances. At some point in our lives, perhaps when a personal experience jolts some serious thinking, many may even wonder, "Am I insurable? Am I eligible for life insurance?" And for those who have
group decided to have him tell Congress about peanuts and the need for a tariff in January of 1921. Though his congressional presentation didn't start out well—the representatives weren't predisposed to listen to a Black man—Carver ended up winning over the committee. They were drawn into testimony that covered many of the products Carver had created with peanuts, such as flour, milk, dyes and cheese, and ended up inviting him to take as much time as he needed to talk. After his appearance, peanuts and Carver were intertwined in the public's mind. The scientist didn't mind the association; however, when asked in 1938 if his work with peanuts was his best, Carver answered: "No, but it has been featured more than my other work."
He didn’t write down details. Though Carver worked on many products, both peanut and non-peanut, he didn't see the need to keep detailed records. In 1937, Carver was asked for a list of the peanut products that he'd developed. He wrote in reply, "There are more than 300 of them. I do not attempt to keep a list, as a list today would not be the same tomorrow, if I am allowed to work on that particular product. To keep a list would also give the Institute a great deal of trouble, as people would write wanting to know why one list differs from another. For this reason we have stopped sending out lists." However, Carver did see the point in writing down advice and recipes, which experienced health issues, they may be surprised to hear that the answer may be yes. For example, MassMutual has been offering life insurance coverage to breast cancer survivors since 1964. Thanks to continuous evaluation of underwriting guidelines, the company believes that more survivors than ever are qualifying for coverage with shorter waiting periods and lower premiums. So what factors influence a person's ability to obtain life insurance coverage? Family medical history, life expectancy, risk factors (such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol), and lifestyle (for example, smoking status) may play a role. If a pre-existing condition exists, insurers may look at the specific type of illness, severity, time elapsed since diagnosis, stability of the person's health, and treatment regimen, among other variables.
Carver would stop by Ford's laboratory in Dearborn, Michigan, and Ford himself visited Tuskegee in Alabama. Ford also gave the funds to install an elevator in Carver's dormitory as the scientist grew weaker in his later years. Carver's connections also extended outside the United States. Supporters of Mahatma Gandhi asked Carver for advice about how Gandhi could build up strength in between hunger strikes. And the Indian leader wrote Carver to thank him for sending agricultural bulletins.
He cared about people, not money.
he shared in agricultural bulletins such as "How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it For Human Consumption" (1916). So while you can't see all of Carver's formulas, Carver's instructions for peanut soup, peanut bread, peanut cake and more are available!
He was a well-connected man. Carver was a friend, colleague or associate to a veritable "Who's Who" of the 20th century. This began in 1896, when Booker T. Washington hired him to oversee the agricultural department at the Tuskegee Institute. Between 1919 and 1926, Carver corresponded with John Harvey Kellogg (of cereal fame), as they shared an interest in food and health. Carver and automaker Henry Ford quickly struck up a friendship after meeting in 1937. Although not everyone with a history of a serious illness will be able to obtain life insurance coverage, the good news is that with more medical information available, better detection, earlier diagnosis, and more effective treatment of illness may mean people live longer, healthier lives. And that means those with a history of serious illness may qualify for life insurance at rates similar to people without pre-existing conditions - once their condition is under control.
So what can people do to help improve their insurability? MassMutual offers these 3 tips: Buy when you're young. If you purchase life (and disability income) insurance coverage before health issues begin to creep in, you will likely end up paying a lower premium over the lifetime of the
Throughout his life, Carver's actions demonstrated how little he cared for money. For example, he turned down a six-figure job offer from Thomas Edison. Carver also didn't spend much on clothes (and consequently was always shabbily dressed). In addition, Carver filed only three patents on the products he'd developed. As he explained, "One reason I never patent my products is that if I did, it would take so much time I would get nothing else done. But mainly I don't want any discoveries to benefit specific favored persons. I think they should be available to all peoples." In 1917, Carter revealed what motivated him: "Well, someday I will have to leave this world. And when that day comes, I want to feel that my life has been of some service to my fellow man." Though you know him as “The Peanut Man,” these are other facts that you may not have known about this great inventor. Source Used: www.biography.com
policy. Make your health a priority. People who watch their weight, exercise regularly, get routine physicals and preventative health screenings, and consistently take prescribed medications will generally have a better risk assessment, which could help increase their eligibility for coverage. Stop smoking. It's an undisputable fact: non-tobacco users qualify for significantly lower rates than people who smoke or chew tobacco. There's always a health benefit to stopping, too. Cardiovascular risks drop rapidly, and after a period of cessation, former smokers can typically obtain a better rate. Take every precaution to protect your health, and your financial health. Don't put it off for a rainy day - make it a priority. For more information, visit massmutual.com. – BPT
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June 2016 21
Divine Connection Ministries
Reaching the Lost at Any Cost Pastor Gene Johnson and Lady Gail Johnson
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Contributing Writer
leasant Hill Church of Deliverance (PHCOD) is a church that believes in reaching the community. They are there to “reach the lost at any cost,” says the leadership. Pastor Gene Johnson and Lady Gail Johnson (Pastor and Lady Johnson) have a passion and deep love for others that runs through their veins, which provokes results. Their passion has commissioned them to birth ministries that feed and clothe the homeless, reach inmates in prison, and help battered women. PHCOD makes every possible effort to give God’s love, encouragement, and prayer to people who are in need of physical and spiritual healing. DC Katy is constantly finding innovative ways to aid the needy through prayer, food, or emotional support. The PHCOD Outreach Team currently devotes consistent quality service to several women and men in shelters. Their goal is to help those who have been battered, neglected, and abused. They have made a tremendous impact in the lives of the women at shelters such
as Angela’s House and The Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Countless hours are spent collecting donations and providing spiritual enrichment. They strive to illuminate the truth that GOD has better for them and that their current situation is just a testimony in its infancy, a test. To take the effort a step further, transportation has been made available, so the women can attend Sunday morning worship services. Cenikor of Deer Park, TX, is another foundation that’s dear to the heart of the DC Outreach team. They have participated in housing some of the Cenikor program graduates and host the Cenikor graduation at their LaPorte, TX, worship location. Giving to others is a part of who the PHCOD family is. Every year in October, PHCOD has the Fight Like a Girl
(FLAG) Conference. They take this time to highlight breast cancer awareness and domestic violence. The FLAG conference is also dedicated to helping women from all walks of life recharge spiritually, emotionally, and socially. The conference consists of amazing speakers, workshops, ministering through dance, and other experiences to push you closer to Christ and your purpose. The PHCOD church family sponsors many of the women from the shelters to attend the conference. They provide transportation and everything needed for them to have a first class experience to take in all that this conference offers. The holidays can be quite rough for those who have lost loved ones. Pastor Johnson knows this all too well. His mother passed away days before his birth-
day, and her celebration of life took place on his birthday. Pastor Johnson decided to take a positive route for dealing with her absence. He decided to give to others. Christmas morning for Pastor and Lady Johnson is giving gifts and food to the homeless. However, they don’t do this alone. Many of the members decided to get involved. This has become one of the many traditions for PHCOD. PHCOD is a church that is about love in action. When they say they love and care for you, their words hold weight. It’s great to have intentions and say beautiful words, but the words are empty, if there is not demonstration. PCHOD has now expanded their territory by creating a 2nd location in Katy, TX. This location is called Divine Connection (DC-Katy). PCHOD is now a church with multiple locations, but one heart that is filled with the love of Christ and a passion for the community. DCKaty is growing at a phenomenal rate! The people of Katy, TX, have embraced DC-Katy. PHCOD and DC-Katy are definitely putting actions with words. They are determined to impact the lives of others, and they give all the glory to God. For they know it is God who makes everything they do possible. For more, please visit them on the web at www.stopbythehill.org.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
22 June 2016
Do You Suffer from a Longevity Disconnect?
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us there are five inherent behavioral biases that make us our own worst enemies when it comes to saving for retirement. • Not being aware of increasing life spans (longevity disconnect) • Putting off difficult or time-consuming tasks (procrastination) • Thinking that bad things only happen to other people (optimism bias) • Making decisions based on what other people are doing (herd mentality) • Putting today's wants ahead of tomorrow's needs (instant gratification)
By d-mars.com News Provider
hey say that age is just a number. For the 10,000 who reach retirement age every day, however, that number may come with a multitude of questions about whether they have done enough to prepare for retirement. The good news is that Americans today are living longer than previous generations. But too many of us don't realize that this boost in lifespan means we need to fund a retirement that could last for 20 or 30 years. This is what's known as the longevity disconnect. Calculating how much you need to save for retirement is even more difficult if you don't realize how long retirement can be.
What concerns Americans the most? One of the biggest worries Americans have when it comes to retirement is outliving their money, according to a plan participant survey by Prudential Retirement. A substantial 71 percent of survey respondents fear they may not have sufficient income for their retirement years. Only one in five are highly confident they will have enough to last a lifetime. "Today we have more financial infor-
Smart planning
mation, education and planning tools available to us than ever before," says Christine Marcks, president of Prudential Retirement. "But despite the steady drumbeat of headlines about retirement planning, we're still not getting it right." Why are people having a hard time saving for retirement? Why are they actually saving less when they need to save more?
Blame our brains The answer to those questions may surprise you. Research shows the reason could lie in how our brains are wired to
respond to the environment. Humans are conditioned to focus on survival in the here and now. Yet, our contemporary life demands that we plan for multiple scenarios and contingencies, often with effects that could shape our lives far into the future. Behavioral researchers have found that people actually perceive their future selves as strangers, and many find it difficult to understand the financial needs that "stranger" will have in his or her lifetime. That's one reason why saving for many years ahead is difficult for us. This and further research from Prudential shows
For older Americans approaching retirement, the greatest advice comes from the people who know best: those already in retirement. Many retirees agree that, if they had to do it again, they would take advantage of everything available through their employers. Other advice includes maximizing contributions to your workplacebased retirement plan or IRA, and taking advantage of IRS-allowed catch-up contributions if you're 50 or older. Retirees also suggest that those approaching retirement assess all the ways they spend money today, and avoid impulse purchases or peer pressure. Careful planning now can help you to achieve your to achieve your goals of a secure and fulfilling retirement and make it last a lifetime. – BPT
Over 50? Time for a financial checkup. Brandon Herndon, Agent 10103 Fondren Houston, TX 77096 Bus: 832-431-4222 brandon.herndon.rv4s@statefarm.com
Especially as you near retirement. Be proactive when it comes to your financial health. It’s never too late to get on the right path to a healthy financial future. Let me help you get where you need to be. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. ®
1001303.1
State Farm, Bloomington, IL
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June 2016 23
Inspire Your Tween Reader By d-mars.com News Provider
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eading is a gateway to other places, time periods, or even worlds. It's also the springboard to success in school and beyond. Parents can inspire a life-long love of reading by encouraging and guiding their children, especially as they get older. “The tween years are particularly important for developing a joy for reading,” says Jeff Kinney, author of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and creative lead at StoryArc Media. “Some children will naturally gravitate toward books and others tend to be reluctant readers. Parents are the key to providing ample opportunity and modeling the importance of reading. Experts agree that reading is a skill that will pay off throughout life.” When they are toddlers, it’s easy to sit down and read a picture book. When they are tweens, they are more independent, plus there are plenty of distractions. Kinney offers three ideas for inspiring your tween reader to pick up a book.
Humphree, Princess Dagger and the rest of the gang featured in weekly webisodes. The first book in the series, “Cosmoe’s Wiener Getaway,” was published in May 2015 and now, Cosmoe and his space-adventuring partners return, ready to save the galaxy (and of course sell more hot dogs) in this zany adventure. Besides, what could possibly go wrong when you combine hot dogs and a flying space circus? “The Popularity Papers” Think graphic novels only appeal to boys? Think again. Most are genderneutral and some are created with girls in mind. One example is the Popularity Papers book series, where best friends Lydia and Julie relentlessly pursue one goal: cracking the code of popularity. The books are fashioned as a notebook detailing their observations of cool kids, incorporating humor and messages on the importance of friendship.
Explore an interest Does she adore baseball? Is he all about the outdoors? Does she love animals? Reading for fun can be powerful when you consider your child’s interests. Whether fiction or non-fiction, the tween genre has countless books that touch on virtually every subject imaginable. Chat with your tween about what he or she thinks would be fun subjects to explore. Then visit your local library. Librarians are great resources for knowing what would appeal to your child’s interests, plus what’s hot with different age groups. And, don't forget the power of online booksellers too — searching and reading reviews can be part of the adventure.
Graphic novels Tween readers aren’t limited to traditional chapter books. Variety is key for tweens, who vacillate from comic books to magazines to traditional chapter books to anything on a screen. One segment that has exploded in popularity with the tween crowd is graphic novels. These books incorporate comic-style art along with conventional storytelling to draw the reader in. Here are three summer-time "must reads" that are guaranteed to excite your tween: “Galactic Hot Dogs: The Wiener Strikes Back” Since the initial launch of Galactic Hot Dogs on Funbrain.com, millions of kids have delighted in the exploits of Cosmoe,
“Poptropica: Mystery of the Map” Poptropica.com began as a virtual world in which kids explore a chain of story-based islands, travel back in time, battle monsters, solve mysteries and complete quests in a kidSAFE-certified environment. Now a New York Times best-seller, Mystery of the Map is the first book to tell the origins story of the Poptropica game - extending the fun from screen to page. The next book in the Mystery of the Map series is due out in August 2016.
Shared reading Shared reading can be a great way to bond with your tween or encourage a reluctant reader. You could read the book together each night, taking turns reading pages or chapters out loud. Alternatively, you could both read independently and then talk about the chapters together. Feeling especially motivated this summer? Start a kids' book club with other parents. Select a book to read each month and then have kids meet for snacks and a discussion. Too busy to meet regularly? Start an online group or discuss the book via text. The more kids talk about reading, the more excited they’ll get about reading. After all, the more kids read for fun, the better they do in school and eventually, in life. – BPT
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
24 June 2016
Where There's a Will - and More - There's Peace of Mind By d-mars.com News Provider
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hat’s the state of your estate? Robert Fishbein, a vice president and corporate counsel in Prudential Financial's Tax Department, says now's a good time to find out. Changes in federal estate tax law have significantly increased the amount at which federal estate tax is triggered, says Fishbein. The individual exemption is $5.45 million so a couple can accumulate almost $11 million dollars of assets without federal estate tax depleting the value. And the increased exemption is indexed for inflation, so the $5.45 million will increase over time. As a result, most individuals no longer need an estate plan to minimize federal estate tax. That said, Fishbein adds, there are compelling reasons for having an estate plan, and three core documents you’ll need to create one: a power of attorney, a living will or health care proxy, and a will. In this article, Fishbein describes these core documents and how you can use them.
Power of attorney A power of attorney is the document designating someone to make financial decisions for you, whether you’re out of the country for a long period, have a physical injury preventing you from conducting business in person, or are mentally incapacitated. A power of attorney can be “springing” — going into effect after your incapacity — or “durable,” meaning it goes into effect immediately. The challenge with a springing power of attorney is it can be subject to disagreement and dispute between the holder of the power and another family member. One solution is to require the incapacity be certified by a physician, although even those findings can be disputed. With the durable power of attorney, there’s no basis for contesting whether the holder of the power can act. The risk is the holder has the im-
mediate right and ability to access and take action with respect to the financial assets subject to the power. One possible strategy? Limit the power to specific assets. This won’t help if the grantor if the power is totally incapacitated and the holder may need access to all of the grantor’s assets. A durable power of attorney is arguably less problematic, provided you are comfortable with the person you’re choosing. The holder of the power has a legal obligation, as a fiduciary of the grantor, to act in the best interests of the grantor and not in his or her interests. It makes sense to have a power of attorney so you know your financial affairs will be attended to. The alternative could be a costly judicial process and court appointment of someone to manage your assets while you are living and unable to do so yourself.
Living will and health care proxy A “living will” ensures your health care wishes are acted upon if you are unable to make such decisions. It lets you describe the types of treatment you do or don’t want under specific circumstances. For example, if you have a terminal illness, you may not want extraordinary measures taken to save your life. The challenge is it’s almost impossible to an-
ticipate all possible scenarios to indicate what health care treatment you’ll want. An alternative to a pure living will is a “living will and health care proxy,” wherein you designate an individual to make health care choices for you. The living will portion describes in general terms your health care philosophy, and the health care proxy allows you to name an individual to make health care choices for you consistent with that philosophy. The choice of such an individual is important, and you should make sure you are comfortable he or she understands and will act consistent with your wishes. You should have a living will drawn up as part of your basic estate planning. Again, the alternative is a costly legal process for someone — maybe not of your choice — to get appointed as your proxy to make health care decisions on your behalf.
Last will and testament A “last will and testament” serves several important purposes, including determining how your assets are distributed, who’ll care for your minor children and who’ll invest and distribute property held in trust for your children, grandchildren or other beneficiaries. The basic function of a last will and testament is to ensure your assets are distrib-
uted as you’d want. Absent a will, your assets will be distributed in accordance with applicable state law. You’ll also designate the legal guardian, and possible successors, for any minor children who survive you and your spouse. This is one of the most important and difficult decisions for parents — so difficult that it sometimes can hold up the entire estate plan. But agreement by the parents is important and avoids the possibility of someone else being courtappointed who may or may not share your child-rearing views. With the increase of the federal estate tax exemption and an individual’s ability to use the exemption of a deceased spouse, trusts for federal estate tax planning have been made largely irrelevant for most individuals. However, if you have minor children who could take property if both you and your spouse die, or grandchildren who could take property if a child of yours dies and leaves children, you’ll probably need trusts to hold property for those beneficiaries. Such trusts will enable you to determine who’ll invest the trust property, how it’ll be used for the child’s benefit and at what age the beneficiary will receive the remaining property. Think you don’t have a large enough estate to warrant setting up trusts for your beneficiaries? Consider even the most basic estate when you own a house, have retirement assets and maybe additional investments or property. Given the total value of these assets, you’d probably want to hold them in trust for minor heirs. If there’s life insurance, a trust for younger beneficiaries will almost certainly make sense. Although federal estate tax is no longer a significant consideration for most individuals, you may want to consider the cost of state estate tax. The state exemption is sometimes less than the federal exemption, and state estate tax can take a meaningful bite out of what you expect to leave to your beneficiaries. – BPT Prudential Financial, its affiliates, and its financial professionals do not render tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax and legal advisors for advice concerning your particular circumstances. The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its affiliates. 0292396-00001-00
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June 2016  25
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
26 June 2016
Start up Your Future: Teaching for Today's Entrepreneurial Business Culture
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By d-mars.com News Provider
very year Christine Rainwater asks her Washington, D.C. - based undergraduate business students the same question on their first day of class: are any of you interested in starting a business? “Ten years ago, I would only get two or three students to raise their hands,” said Rainwater, a DeVry University professor and president of the Small Business Advisory Firm. “Now, the majority of my students do – and some share ideas even before class begins. It really represents a new mindset as students take a more entrepreneurial approach to learning. I think they’re surrounded by fast-growing startups like Uber and GrubHub, and they feel inspired to quickly bring their own business ideas to life.” Business enterprise shows like Shark Tank, Beyond the Tank, and How I Made My Millions are indicative of a bigger business trend: renewed growth in small business and startup ventures. According to the 2015 Kauffman Index of Startup Activity and National Trends, the Startup Activity Index rose in 2015 – reversing a downward trend that began in 2010 – allowing the largest year-overyear increase in the past twenty years. “Students see new, successful companies run by young creatives whose passion propelled them to success faster than climbing the traditional corporate ladder,” said Rainwater. “Not only is this inspiring more people to do the same, but it’s encouraging a whole new type of student to head back to school looking for resume-building experience that can jump-start job prospects right out of the program.”
“In the past, people had to go through an extensive process to start their own businesses,” said Rainwater. “Today, technology has removed many of the barriers that used to stand between big thinkers and entrepreneurship.” Rainwater considers immersive learning an imperative tool for business students’ professional development. She believes that it not only fosters creative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit, but also creates a safe environment for students to build tangible skills that can be immediately implemented in the workplace – across a variety of roles and practices. To help today’s students learn more about starting a new business, DeVry University offers a small business management and entrepreneurship degree specialization within its College of Business & Management. At the graduate level, its Keller Graduate School of Management offers an entrepreneurship concentration within its MBA program. “Right now, U.S. startup activity is rising for the
first time in five years, showing entrepreneurs are the most hopeful they have been in several years,” said Rainwater. “And the beauty of these entrepreneurship programs is they not only teach students how to grow businesses, but they arm them with skills to succeed when they hit obstacles along the way – setting them up for long-term success.” – BPT
Shaping a New Culture of Entrepreneurs Today’s college student is different than past generations. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 75 percent of undergraduate students today could be considered “non-traditional.” They are often busy, working adults that have to balance the demands of school, work and family life. Several non-traditional students need colleges that can fit into their busy schedules of work and family responsibilities. Moreover, many are coming back to school because they want to advance their current career or move to a new field quickly. Non-traditional students want their degree to speak for itself, demonstrating their capabilities and value. That’s why Rainwater puts hands-on learning at the center of her curriculum. “In my Senior Projects course, I challenge my students to explore their own neighborhoods, develop business plans for local companies and even kick-start businesses of their own,” she said. “It’s always rewarding to see their eyes light up when they first come up with a viable idea, or see the impact they’ve made in their communities.” The approach has given students real-life experience and has encouraged collaboration with local organizations. Online grocery store Relay Foods enlisted the help of Rainwater’s students to revamp their salsa canning and distribution plan. As a result, the students were able to help the grocer increase brand awareness and customer appeal for their signature salsa. Another student turned her passion for making premium homemade soap into a business, eventually turning the side job into an online boutique. The Benefits of Breakthrough for Rising Innovators Outside the classroom, Rainwater is the president of the Small Business Advisory Firm, a network focused on meeting the educational, networking and program-specific requirements to compete in the federal and privatesector contracting environment.
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