d-mars.com Business Journal 107

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July 2016

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The Power of Leadership

Rainy Day Savings Strategies

While it is important to financially plan for the future, preparing for the unexpected also is a good idea. It is often the unforeseen illness or accident that catches us off-guard and strains our financial resources.

PAGE 6

In the Business Community…

Mayor Sylvester Turner Media Luncheon Annual Barrier Breaker Award Luncheon Black Pages Online Membership Meeting PAGES 12-13

PAGES 18-19

John Scroggins, Unity National Bank President & CEO

Let’s Bring Back Black Wall Street!

PAGES 4-5

Agreement Sets up Academic Partnership Between Texas Southern University and Lone Star College System Texas Southern University President Dr. Austin Lane and Lone Star College Chancellor Dr. Stephen Head…

PAGE 22

The METRO Office of Small Business Opens Doors for Small Businesses to Thrive

Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.

— Michael Jordan

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE ON THE MOVE Take your company to new heights!

CONTRACTORS

SMALL BUSINESS UNIVERSITY (SBU)

OUTREACH

METRO’s OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS OFFERS: • Outreach • Certification

• Face-to-Face Match Up • Small Business University (SBU)

For more information, contact METRO’s Office of Small Business at smallbusiness@RideMETRO.org or call 713.739.4844

July 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.J. Johnson C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

“The Power of Leadership” is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Business Journal. The latest issues impacting our community have made it clear to us that economics is power. It is of the utmost importance that we own ourselves. Keeping dollars in our community helps to keep our community economically empowered. However, this cannot be accomplished with one or two people, but the community as a whole. We as a community have to come together to build a strong economy in our community. Working together in our community, we can make a difference not only for our generation, but for the generations to come. Let’s leave a legacy of greatness.

This month’s cover story is on Unity National Bank. 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. However, this changed in 1921, when this once affluent Black neighborhood was destroyed in the Tulsa Race Riot. Working together as a community and keeping the Black dollar in the community is what made Black Wall Street what it was. Black Wall Street can happen again. Under the leadership of John Scroggins, Unity National Bank has 2 convenient locations serving the Houston area. This great African-American institution is helping to keep dollars in our community.

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.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Contents

L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Charlette Washington

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tashara Callaway

DISTRIBUTION

Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Frenetta Tate Comerica Bank J Thomas Smith Noel Pinnock Texas Southern University William H. Harrison Port of Houston Authority d-mars.com News Provider

The METRO Office of Small Business.........................................................................................................................................................4-5 Five Practical Ideas for Those Who Aspire to Lead.................................................................................................................................. 6 Rainy Day Savings Strategies........................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Yes! You Can Have It All!................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Poised for Opportunity....................................................................................................................................................................................10 When Is the Best Time to Invest – or Not?................................................................................................................................................10 Did You Know? Booker T. Washington......................................................................................................................................................... 11 Black-Owned Banks in the United States.................................................................................................................................................. 11 In the Business Community..................................................................................................................................................................... 12-13 Tips to Keep Small Businesses up and Running During a Move........................................................................................................ 14 The Power of Economics and the Black Dollar...................................................................................................................................18-19 Don’t Believe the Hype – the Leadership Myth.......................................................................................................................................20 First-Time Homebuyers................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Texas Southern University News................................................................................................................................................................ 22 The Right Technology Services Are the Key to Killer Customer Service.......................................................................................... 24 The Port of Houston Authority..................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Helping First-Time Home Buyers.................................................................................................................................................................26 The Power of Leadership...............................................................................................................................................................................28

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “You know you are on the road to success if you would do your job, and not be paid for it.”

– Oprah Winfrey

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

4 July 2016

METRO Congratulates the 2016 Class of the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program By d-mars.com News Provider

T

he Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is one of the most powerful agencies in the city, providing transportation to Houstonians. Though this agency is mostly associated with transportation, there are countless departments within METRO that are helping to provide great change beyond the transportation arena, and one of those departments is the Office of Small Business. METRO’s Office of Small Business is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the Small/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SBE/DBE) Programs through Small Business certification, business development outreach, and contract compliance monitoring. One of METRO’s business development outreach efforts is a partnership with well-respected companies and agencies to help our small business community gain opportunities and to help them grow. There is no denying that small businesses have made and continue to make great contributions to our economy, and METRO understands and recognizes that as a powerful leader.

Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP) METRO, the City of Houston, the Houston Independent School District (H.I.S.D.), and the Port of Houston Authority understand that the small business community is vital to Houston’s economy. For the past three years, these four organizations have partnered for the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP). The fourth year of the IMPP kicked off May 10, 2016. The IMPP was an 8 week workshop (ending June 30, 2016) that connected small businesses (protégés) with established businesses and agencies (mentors).

80 online applications were received, and 40 firms were interviewed. To have

reach programs strategically designed to assist small businesses in reaching their goals. For more on the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, please visit www.ridemetro.org. a successful learning environment where these protégés would gain the maximum benefits and knowledge, 20 of the 40 small businesses interviewed were chosen. This celebrated program fosters and strengthens long-term, effective working relationships between small businesses and established companies and local agencies.

Things to Know About the IMPP The goals of the IMPP: • Enhance business skills • Broaden the base of small businesses • Provide knowledge and experience of established firms to small businesses Protégés benefitted from participating in the IMPP in the following ways including but not limited to: • Understanding business financials and bidding • Creating and strengthening working relationships between established and emerging companies • Understanding how to do business with local government agencies • Gaining technical assistance in

specific areas for protégés Program Requirements: • Currently certified as a Small, Woman-owned, Veteran-owned, Minority-owned, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise by the City of Houston, METRO Small Business or hold a current registration from the Port of Houston or the Houston Independent School District (H.I.S.D.) • In continuous operation for at least 24 months • Revenue between $150,000 and $4 million in the most recent fiscal year • Minimum of four (4) employees • Must be able to commit to eight (8) workshops • Must be able to identify the type of guidance needed for development Because METRO wants to help provide small businesses with opportunities to grow and prosper, this successful collaboration with the City of Houston, H.I.S.D., and the Port of Houston Authority for the IMPP was a perfect partnership. This is just one of many of the METRO Office of Small Business out-

2016 Interagency Mentor • Received 80 Online Applications • Interviewed 40 firms • Selected 20 of the 40 interviewed

2016 Protégé’s Industries

Industries Construction Engineering General Services Information Technology (IT) Suppliers

No. of Firms 6 4 5 3 2

Not Photographed: • Fulvio Jaramillo, Decon LLC Structural Engineering • International Star Consultants LLC dba ISC Professional Recruitment Services Source: Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County

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July 2016 5

METRO, the City of Houston, the Port of Houston Authority, and H.I.S.D. with the 2016 Class of the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program.

Shearrard Thomas, LyncVerse Technologies

Grace Cervin, AGS Consultants LLC

Fran Nwoko, Beautiful Ventures Inc

Donald Middleton, Middleton Brown LLC

Larry J. Brown, Middleton Brown LLC

Hernan Escalante, Brewer & Escalante Associates Inc.

Asim Tusail, Blackline Engineering LLC

Sherry McManus, Doc2E-File Inc.

Carl Smith, Lloyd, Smith & Associates LLC

Richard Arnold, International Flooring

Edwin Lloyd, Lloyd, Smith & Associates LLC

Darryl Samuels, D. Samuels & Associates LLC

David Madrigal, Teksys Inc.

Jose Rivera, C.E.O. Performance Chemicals

Tierra Johnson, Bocci Engineering LLC

Cornell Johnson, CandCNET Associates Inc.

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Dagoberto Alonso, DJ’s Screen Printing

Julie Irvin, Keystone Resources

Vladimir Naranjo, PMG Project Management

Terri Ray, Adprint International Inc.

6 July 2016

Five Practical Ideas for Those Who Aspire to Lead

T

it is important to understand how social interaction plays a major role in leadership. To learn how to work together requires a great deal of trust between and among leaders and members of a team.

Trust is built upon actions and not merely on words. When mutual respect exists, trust is fostered and confidence is built.

Frenetta Tate

Contributing Writer

hroughout history, there have been many rules, pointers, styles, and tenets written to educate and inspire leaders. But there are certain leadership ideas that are timeless, challenging, empowering, and that can set you apart from other leaders, if embraced and applied.

1. Leaders come in different flavors.

There are two different types of leaders, and you will probably encounter more than one type in your lifetime.

Formal leaders are those we elect into public positions or offices, such as senators, congressmen, and presidents of local clubs. Informal leaders are those we look up to by virtue of their wisdom, experience, expertise, and contribution in a given field, such as elders of a tribe or our grandparents. Formal and informal leaders practice a combination of leadership styles introduced by such thought leaders as Kurt Lewin, Rensis Likert, and Daniel Goleman – from authoritative and directional styles, to participatory and coaching styles; each style has its own benefits.

2. Leadership doesn’t just happen. It is a process of becoming.

Although certain people seem to be

5. Leadership styles depend on the situation.

born with innate leadership qualities, without the right environment and exposure, they may fail to develop their full potential. So like learning how to ride a bicycle, you can also learn how to become a leader and hone your leadership abilities.

Knowledge on leadership theories and skills may be formally gained by enrolling in leadership seminars, workshops, and conferences. Daily interactions with people provide the opportunity to observe and practice leadership theories.

Together, formal and informal learning will help you gain leadership attitudes, gain leadership insights, and further the cycle of learning.

To commit to leadership is also committing to being a life-long learner, because each day brings new experiences that put your knowledge, skills, and attitude to the test.

3. Leadership starts with you.

Life application is a key to leadership success. The best way to develop leadership qualities is to apply it to your own

life. Because leaders are always in the spotlight, it is important to keep in mind that your credibility as a leader depends much on your actions, like your interaction with your family, friends, and coworkers, to the way you manage your personal and organizational responsibilities. Repeated actions become habits.

Habits in turn form a person’s character.

The depth of your character holds the seed of your leadership and will leave a lasting impression on others.

4. Leadership is shared.

Leadership is not the sole responsibility of one person, but rather a shared responsibility among members of a team.

It is a false narrative that leadership is a one-person venture. Leaders create other leaders. A leader belongs to a group.

Each member has responsibilities to fulfill. Formal leadership positions are merely added responsibilities aside from their responsibilities as members of the team.

Effective leadership requires members to do their share of work. In light of this,

Aside from culture, beliefs, values, and form of government, the current situation of a nation also impacts the leadership styles used by its formal leaders.

There is no rule that only one style can be used when leading. To operate from this premise would not be wise. An effective leader aligns his or her leadership style with the current needs. Therefore, leaders often employ a combination of leadership styles depending on the situation.

For example, when leading an organization and staff, you have to be motivated and competent. A combination of leadership styles, from delegative to highly participatory are most appropriate. But if the staff has low competence and low commitment, a combination of high coaching, high supporting, and high directing behavior from organizational leaders is required.

No matter where you find yourself on the leadership ladder, this insightful advice will help you soar to newer heights as you continue to develop and grow as a leader.

Frenetta Tate is a business strategy coach and motivational orator. Learn more at www.frenettatate.com. Follow her on Twitter @frenettatate and Instagram @frenettatate.

FINANCIAL BRIEFS

Rainy Day Savings Strategies

general rule of thumb for saving is to set aside at least 10 percent of your monthly income, but only you can truly determine how much you want and need to save. Consider using free online tools like savings calculators to determine what it will take to help you reach your goal and assure your emergency fund is well stocked.

Teach your kids to save. Establishing good saving habits in your children may not be as difficult as you think. Start an early saving habit by helping your child open a savings account at a bank. It will help them attain a sense of responsibility and establish good stewardship skills that will last them a lifetime.

W

hile it is important to financially plan for the future, preparing for the unexpected also is a good idea. It is often the unforeseen illness or accident that catches us off-guard and strains our financial resources. ”No one can predict the future,” says Vanessa Reed, assistant vice president and community reinvestment manager with Comerica Bank. “It is always better to prepare for a rainy day and not need it, than to walk out without an umbrella when the storm comes.”

In some cases, you just want to save for a specific purpose or item, such as a family vacation or new television. Regardless of your reasoning, saving money is important and doable. The following are a few tips to help you establish some additional funds each month: Create a budget. It’s not possible to

set money aside if you don’t know exactly what you have. A budget will help you know where your money is going and identify any extra to save.

Look for opportunities to save. Is refinancing your home right for you?

Can you carpool or take public transportation to work instead of driving?

Or, how about cooking dinner at home

a couple more nights a week or taking your lunch to work? Coupons are still a great choice–check the newspaper or online for your favorite retail outlets to see if there are any coupons available.

If you have credit or debit cards, see if you are accumulating reward points and how those points can be used.

Create a monthly savings goal. The

Source: Comerica Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

For more information, please contact Ben Wheatley at ben@benwheatleypr. com or 713-662-0359.

Comerica Bank and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with your advisors regarding your specific situation.

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July 2016 7 CBP-6100-07 CRE Ad-MM.pdf

1

6/9/16

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Let’s grow, right now.

When it comes to business, timing is everything.

And, with historically low rates, there’s never been a more opportunistic time to expand your business with a commercial real estate loan from Comerica. As the leading bank for business*, we’ve been financing business expansion for nearly 150 years. Whether you need to build or purchase, expand or refinance, it’s the right time. Are you ready?

Call 800.705.2387, stop by a Comerica banking center or visit comerica.com/cre.

®

MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER. Comerica Bank NMLS ID: 480990 *Comerica ranks first nationally among the top 25 U.S. financial holding companies, based on commercial and industrial loans outstanding as a percentage of assets.

Data provided by SNL Financial, June 2015.

CBP-6100-07 06/16

RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

8 July 2016

Yes! You Can Have It All!

F

By J Thomas Smith Contributing Writer

rom the time I was a child to this very day, there have been numerous things that I’ve said I wanted to do and was told, “You can’t do everything,” or “You can’t do that.” Usually, it was said by someone who did not know me well. My mother and grandmother always encouraged me to explore.

The statement “You can’t do everything,” could very well be.

Can you have all the money you would like to have? You may. But working so hard, would you have time to enjoy the fruits of your labor?

What I Refuse to Believe During my first year in law school, I was shopping at one of my favorite gadget stores. That day I ran into one of my colleagues, a very well-known talk show host. As we were catching up, I told him I was in law school, and he said, “You don’t know what you want to do!” He was so wrong.

What I cannot see the reasoning in, and what I absolutely refuse to believe, is:

have to be in one career for my entire life. I don’t have to have just one source of income. I can do many things. I believe this to be true for everyone. We all have the power to choose. Why can’t you choose to make gizmos for a few years, then go into radio sales for three or four years, then teach for several years? Perhaps you would like to teach while you are in sales and make gizmos on the side, if that would please you.

Who makes these rules? Who says we can't have it all? Obviously, we cannot have all things or do all things at the same time. However, most of us do plan to live for some time. Choose now to

be, to do, and to have all that you desire from the buffet of life. Be all that you can be and encourage others to do the same too. And as you pursue your goals and dreams, be great.

Dr. J Thomas Smith is host of “Sunday Morning Live” on KMJQ/Majic 102.1 (9-11 am CST) (www.myhoustonmajic.com). He is an attorney (www. jthomassmithlaw.com), author (www. thesecrettoanewlife.com), keynote speaker, and mental health consultant (www.jthomassmithsap). Your feedback is welcomed at drj@worldfamousradio. com. Follow on Twitter @drjtsmith102.

• That I cannot pursue at anytime any interest that I choose for as long as I choose • That I cannot move into any profession/career if I so choose.

We always have a choice!

Unless You Are Jay Leno

Life Is a Buffet

Can you have all the cars you would like to drive? You may. But would you have time to drive them? Unless you are Jay Leno, you would just warehouse them.

I will never accept the idea that I have to choose one thing. I don’t have to choose one job. I don’t

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July 2016  9

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

10  July 2016

O

Poised for Opportunity

By Noel Pinnock

Contributing Writer

pportunity is at the core of our existence.

If our forefathers and foremothers did not leverage the opportunity to explore the great seas in search of a better tomorrow, then we would probably not have an America today. Likewise, if it were not for the teachers of opportunity in my life, then I would not be the man I am today. Now do NOT get me wrong. I have failed, floundered, and faltered in many instances. I have not made the best of every opportunity. Like you, I am human, and to err is human. However, this truism should not be the compass that directs your life but rather serves as a morale consciousness that prods you along your journey. We must be relentless in seizing opportunity by the horn, and take the journey. In the midst of uncertainty and a sea of ambiguity, be encouraged that the best of life is yet to come. Joel Osteen wrote in his book, It's Your Time: "Your best days (opportunities) are in

front of you and not behind you. God will not let you go through more than you can handle. If you have a big challenge that is standing in your way of opportunity that just means you have a bigger destiny. Extraordinary people face extraordinary difficulties. But the good news is we serve an extraordinary God...

In tough times you've got to draw the line in the sand. This difficulty will not bury me. This loss, this disappointment, this

injustice, will not cause me to give up on my opportunities and dreams. I refuse to live in self-pity. I know I am a seed. That means I cannot be buried. I can only be planted. I may be down but it is only temporary. I'm not only coming back; I will come back better than I was before."

back, but we have to be open and attentive. Remember, accomplishing anything requires discipline. You must be deliberate and determined. Have a clear goal in mind. At the end of the day, we must all get at it!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, young and old, it is never too late. For every setback, God has a predestined come-

To read more about Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC, IPMA-SCP, please visit www.noelpinnock.com.

When Is the Best Time to Invest - or Not? By d-mars.com News Provider

T

he stock market has ridden a roller coaster this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), a stock market index comprised mostly of "blue-chip stock" companies, swung down and then up by 2,000 points between Jan. 1 and mid-April.

If you are investing for retirement or another reason, you may have asked yourself, "When is the best time to invest - or not?"

"Stock market volatility can be unsettling and give many investors pause, especially when it involves their hardearned money," says Brian Haendiges, senior vice president, MassMutual Investment Services. "While many things contribute to movements in the stock market - both good news and bad, economic changes and consumer sentiment - volatility is normal. Investors need to tune out the noise from short-term market fluctuations and focus on their longer-term goals, especially when it comes to investing for retirement."

Since the Great Depression in 1929, there have been 26 bear markets, including in 2008, and 26 bull markets,

according to the most recent report by seekingalpha.com. A bear market is defined as a 20 percent decline in the Dow Jones that was preceded by a 20 percent rally while a bull market is defined as a 20 percent rally that was preceded by a 20 percent decline.

Financial experts like Haendiges caution investors against trying to time the market. After all, history tells us that it's better to stay put rather than jump in and out.

As Warren Buffett, legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway has

been quoted saying, "If you aren't willing to own a stock for 10 years, don't even think about owning it for 10 minutes." Historically Mr. Buffett follows a long-term value investment strategy whereby investments are held for longer periods of time to maximize the potential for a greater return.

"The lesson is clearly to stay the course," Haendiges says. "Despite the inherent volatility in the stock market as it reacts to short-term trends, the long-term trend of the market has been upward."

As an investor, you should keep in mind that past performance is no guarantee of future results. It's a good reason why you should review your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon with a financial advisor to determine which investments are most appropriate.

If you're concerned about volatility, you can diversify your investments across a wide variety of different asset classes to potentially reduce risk and enhance returns. Asset classes can include: stocks and bonds of companies in different industries, sizes, regions and countries, real estate, commodities and precious metals, to name a few. While diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss, positive performance of some investments may be offset by the poor performance of others.

So is now a good time to invest or should you avoid jumping into the markets?

"There is no way to accurately predict market fluctuations as experienced money managers can disagree about where markets are headed in the short term," Haendiges says. "Investors should consult an investment professional about what makes sense for them. One thing we have learned, though, is that when it comes to long-term investing, time in the market trumps market timing." – BPT

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July 2016 11

Did You Know?

Booker T. Washington

By d-mars.com News Provider

A

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 dmars.com publication and just one of the ways we celebrate and highlight our history year-round. This month’s Did You Know? highlights Booker T. Washington.

Washington was one of the most significant figures in post-Reconstruction America. While he was never technically an entrepreneur, his life work was committed to advancing the educational and economic position of African-Americans in the United States. He authored 14 books. Through his work, he established deep relationships with renowned entrepreneurs and philanthropists, including Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, George Eastman, and William Howard Taft. These connections allowed him to funnel huge donations to several initiatives and programs aimed at educating African-Americans.

Under Washington's leadership, Tuskegee became a leading school in the country. At his death, it had more than 100 well-equipped buildings, 1,500 students, a 200-member faculty teaching 38 trades and professions, and a nearly $2 million endowment. Washington put much of himself into the school's curric-

ulum. He taught that economic success for African-Americans would take time, and that subordination to whites was a necessary evil until African-Americans could prove they were worthy of full economic and political rights. He believed that if African-Americans worked hard and obtained financial independence and cultural advancement, they would eventually win acceptance and respect from the white community.

Below are facts that you may not know about Booker T. Washington.

Did You Know?

He had an Italian middle name.

The T. in Booker T. Washington stands for Taliaferro (locally pronounced “Tolliver”), a relatively common surname in Maryland and Virginia. The Taliaferro name itself can be traced to one Bartholomew Taliaferro, who immigrated to London from Venice in the 1560s. Its meaning in Italian is “iron-cutter.” Washington chose his own last name when he enrolled in his first school in Malden, West Virginia. His mother only allowed him to go to school after much begging and a commitment that he would work in a local salt works from 4:00-9:00 a.m. each morning before class.

Washington had a great sense of humor.

Washington threw himself and his students into forming the fledgling Tuskeegee—working to build the physical

campus while studying a curriculum that mixed academic and vocational education. As the college grew, more and more of Washington’s energy went into travel and fundraising to keep Tuskegee solvent and growing. Washington became well known as a powerful public speaker to both black and white audiences, putting people prone to disagree with him at ease through humor. Washington’s contemporary James Hardy Dillard reported that he could “not only tell a good joke well, but tell what was only the shadow of a joke so well that his audience would be shaken with laughter.” Many of Washington’s recorded one-liners utilize— sometimes ironically—racial stereotypes and dialect that would be seen as inappropriate today. A milder example of this came at the ceremony in which Washington became the first African-American to receive an honorary masters’ degree from Harvard, when he quipped, “I feel like a huckleberry in a bowl of milk.”

President Theodore Roosevelt invited Washington to dine at the White House—and then tried to pretend

their dinner never happened.

On October 16, 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt extended a last-minute invitation to Washington to join him that night for a simple family supper. After casually announcing the dinner in a press release, members of Roosevelt’s administration were shocked by the vociferously negative response from many white Southerners. The Memphis Scimitar declared Washington’s invitation “the most damnable outrage which has ever been perpetrated by any citizen of the United States.” Black citizens sometimes visited the president there on official business, but Washington’s invitation to dinner as the presumed equal of a white leader hit a nerve. (Few of the visit’s critics recalled that John Adams had dined with a Haitian diplomat and his wife at the White House in 1798.) Seeking to put out the fire, Roosevelt’s staff backpedaled, suggesting the dinner hadn’t taken place, or that it had been a lunch, and that in any case Roosevelt’s wife and daughters were not present. In the African-American community, if the dinner was seen as a mark of progress, the reaction was a reminder of how much progress was still needed. In 1903 ragtime composer Scott Joplin produced an opera about the incident (now lost), titled “A Guest of Honor.”

Sources Used: tech.co biography.com history.com

BLACK-OWNED BANKS IN THE UNITED STATES By d-mars.com News Provider

ALAMERICA BANK

Location: Birmingham, Alabama Founded: January 28, 2000 FDIC Region: Atlanta Assets: $35 404 000

CITIZENS TRUST BANK Location: Atlanta, Georgia Founded: June 18, 1921 FDIC Region: Atlanta Assets: $392 286 000

FIRST STATE BANK

BROADWAY FEDERAL BANK FSB

CAPITAL CITY BANK & TRUST COMPANY

CARVER STATE BANK Location: Savannah, Georgia Founded: January 1, 1927 FDIC Region: Atlanta Assets: $41 573 000

CITY NB OF NEW JERSEY

COMMONWEALTH NATIONAL BANK Location: Mobile, Alabama Founded: February 19, 1976 FDIC Region: Atlanta Assets: $63 244 000

FIRST INDEPENDENCE BANK Location: Detroit, Michigan Founded: May 14, 1970 FDIC Region: Chicago Assets: $215 924 000

Location: Los Angeles, California Founded: February 26, 1947 FDIC Region: San Francisco Assets: $385 055 000

Location: Newark, New Jersey Founded: June 11, 1973 FDIC Region: New York Assets: $340 301 000

Location: Atlanta, Georgia Founded: October 3, 1994 FDIC Region: Atlanta Assets: $294 572 000

Location: Danville, Virginia Founded: September 08, 1919 FDIC Region: Atlanta Assets: $38 882 000

Location:Tuskegee, Alabama Founded: October 11, 1991 FDIC Region: Atlanta Assets: $63 127 000

FIRST TUSKEGEE BANK

HIGHLAND COMMUNITY BANK

ILLINOIS SERVICE FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN

INDUSTRIAL BANK

LIBERTY BANK & TRUST COMPANY

MECHANICS & FARMERS BANK

NORTH MILWAUKEE STATE BANK

ONEUNITED BANK

SEAWAY BANK & TRUST COMPANY

UNITED BANK OF PHILADELPHIA

UNITY NB OF HOUSTON

Location: Washington, DC Founded: August 18, 1934 FDIC Region: New York Assets: $342 524 000

Location: Boston, Massachusetts Founded: August 02, 1982 FDIC Region: New York Assets: $590 624 000

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Founded: November 16, 1972 FDIC Region: Dallas Assets: $545 019 000

Location: Chicago, Illinois Founded: January 02, 1965 FDIC Region: Chicago Assets: $573 168 000

Location: Chicago, Illinois Founded: November 09, 1970 FDIC Region: Chicago Assets: $84 948 000

Location: Durham, North Carolina Founded: March 01, 1908 FDIC Region: Atlanta Assets: $304 809 000

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Founded: March 23, 1992 FDIC Region: New York Assets: $67 930 000

Location: Chicago, Illinois Founded: January 01, 1934 FDIC Region: Chicago Assets: $140 148 000

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Founded: February 12, 1971 FDIC Region: Chicago Assets: $91 490 000

Location: Houston, Texas Founded: August 01, 1985 FDIC Region: Dallas Assets: $68 125 000

Sources: FDIC | saintheron.com

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12 July 2016

In the Business Community…

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Mayor Sylvester Turner Media Luncheon

Who's Who in Black Houston

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In the Business Community…

July 2016 13

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

Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. 20th Annual Barrier Breaker Award Luncheon

Black Pages Online Membership Meeting

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14 July 2016

Tips to Keep Small Businesses up and Running During a Move By d-mars.com News Provider

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mall businesses relocate for many reasons. Business may be booming and you need a bigger facility to keep up.

Perhaps you added staff and everyone’s tired of being elbow-to-elbow in your current office.

Whatever the reason for your small business move, some simple steps can make the process as easy and cost-effective as possible.

“Just as individuals and families tend to move more when the weather warms, spring and summer are great times for a small business to move,” says Anita Campbell, founder, CEO and publisher of Small Business Trends. “In fact, May is National Moving Month! However, small businesses may worry about moving costs and challenges getting in the way of their day-to-day operations, but moving doesn’t have to mean putting your business on hold.”

Campbell offers some advice for small businesses about to relocate: • Create a plan to help minimize the inevitable disruption of moving. "Meet with key team members and make lists – lots of lists," Campbell says. "Outline what has to be organized, coordinated and physically moved. Consider everything." Your plan should include a time-

line and schedule for your move. Detail every aspect and when it should happen, and make sure everyone on the team is aware of the timeline.

• If you’re a one- or two-person show, you may be able to accomplish your move on your own, doing all your own packing and renting a moving truck.

However, for multi-person offices, it may be best to leave moving to the pros.

When getting quotes, be sure to have the moving company come to your site and review your operation to ensure the quote is as accurate as possible. Shop multiple companies that specialize in moving small businesses, read their online reviews and be sure to check their insurance coverage.

• Even if you’re having your business professionally moved, some items you’ll want to transport on your own.

Campbell recommends stocking up on moving necessities like packing tape, boxes, paper and bubble roll at Staples.

Remember different items will require different sizes and styles of boxes. For example, fragile or heavy items will require reinforced boxes, while bankers boxes are ideal for file folders.= • Plan where everything will go in your new location before you get there.

Don’t wait until your operation is onsite; begin organizing right away.

• Stay productive by scheduling your move during off hours or days. Put critical documents and data on a cloud ser-

vice so you can access it while computers are in transit. Let everyone know when and where you’ll be moving by using Staples Print and Marketing services to print and send out announcement cards to clients and customers prior to the move.

• "Moving is an opportunity to declutter, saving time and money because the less you have to move the lower the costs of moving," Campbell says. "Moving also is an opportunity to innovate or upgrade. You might decide to replace old, uncomfortable office chairs. It may turn out to be cheaper to buy new desks and have them delivered than to move the old ones that have seen better days."

• Once you’re set up in your new location, let everyone know where you’ve landed. Update your online profiles, including your company’s Facebook page, your personal LinkedIn account, your company blog and website, and all your social media accounts. Use Staples’ Print and Marketing Services to update all your marketing materials like letterhead, brochures, signage and change of address cards.

“Moving doesn’t have to interrupt your small business operations,” Campbell says. “With some planning and help from resources like Staples, you can make your small business move easy and smooth.”

Visit www.staples.com to find products and services for small businesses. – BPT

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16  July 2016

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18 July 2016

By d-mars.com News Provider

nity can help us gain power th economics. d-mars.com applau Unity National Bank for helpin to give our community economic power. Together, we can recreate Black Wall Street. For more on Unity National Bank, please visit

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nown as “Black Wall Street” to those in the community, Greenwood (district neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma) in the early part of the 20th century was a thriving business district featuring AfricanAmerican owned businesses and a strong Black upper and middle class. However, this changed in 1921, when this once affluent Black neighborhood was destroyed in the Tulsa Race Riot.

Recent events around this country have caused discourse, but it has also reminded the African-American community that there is power in economics. Money is power. Working together as a community and keeping the Black dollar in the community is what made Black Wall Street what it was. Black Wall Street can happen again. Countless African-Americans around the country are putting their money where their mouth is, literally, and banking with institutions in the community. One of these institutions is Unity National Bank.

Under the leadership of John Scroggins, Unity has 2 convenient locations serving the Houston area. This great African-American institution is helping to keep dollars in our community.

unitybanktexas.com.

and online banking with bill pay, mobile banking, overdraft protection, safety deposit box, cashier’s checks, and notary services.

JohnScroggins, Scroggins,President Presidentand andCEO CEOof John of Unity National Bank Unity National Bank John Scroggins received his Bachelor’s degree and MBA from Texas Southern University. He has been President and CEO of Unity National Bank since May 2008, and also serves as Chief Lending Officer. Scroggins facilitates the growth of the loan portfolio, overall asset quality, as well as the development of Business Banking products and services.

He is a veteran in the financial industry with over 36 years of experience.

AboutUnity UnityNational NationalBank Bank About Unity National Bank was founded in 1963 and is based in Houston, Texas. Unity National Bank provides business and personal banking products and services in Texas. Its business banking products and services include loans, such as SBA loans, commercial real estate, real estate development and construction, and commercial loans, as well as credit cards and loans for faith-based organizations; and various checking and savings accounts; and business online banking, bank by phone, mobile banking, overdraft protection, merchant account, wire transfer, cash management, night deposit, coin and currency, safety deposit box, cashier’s checks, and notary

services. The company’s personal banking products and services are comprise loans, such as vehicles, and personal loans, as well as credit cards; checking and savings accounts, CDs, and IRAs;

The latest tragedies impacting our communities have changed our mindset about economics, reminding us that the power is in economics.

Working together in the area of business and banking in our commu-

Banking with Unity National Bank is about turning words into action. Funding and growing ourselves as a people and being able to resuscitate Black Wall Street will help to bring financial stability and wealth back to Black families and businesses. I’m a small business owner, and one of the most important things about banking with Unity is being able to build a relationship with an institution that actually cares about you as a person.

Unity understands the struggles of the community and provides comparable, if not better, solutions and services to an ever growing Black community. People are ready to take back their lives, and in Texas, Unity provides an important step in that process. Pooling resources and finances has never been as important, and Unity National Bank is helping bring it all together, one account at a time.

– Artemis, Cosmic Soul Yoga & Wellness

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Unity National Bank Locations: Unity National Bank 2602 Blodgett St. Houston, TX (713) 387-7400 Unity National Bank 1661 Texas Pkwy.

Missouri City, TX (281) 835-2400 Sources: bloomberg.com atlantablackstar.com

hrough uds ng

July 2016 19

“When you put your money in a bank, it’s especially important to put those funds in an institution that will keep your dollars in the community. It means a lot to me and Unity National Bank when account holders, no matter what amount, trust us with their money. We don’t just hold deposits here, but we turn those deposits back around and put them out into the community in the form of small business loans. This is just one way that Unity keeps dollars in our community.”

– John Scroggins, President & CEO of Unity National Bank

President and CEO of d-mars.com, MR. D-MARS, talked with John Scroggins about the importance of banking with Unity National Bank.

Talk about Unity National Bank being a community bank and what it has to offer.

We are proud to be a community bank. We want to thank our current customers. And to prospective customers of Unity National Bank, we welcome you with open arms to serve you. All products and services that you enjoy at other

institutions, we offer them here at Unity National Bank as well, but with customized service. We have great professionalism and our office hours are competitive. Not only is our staff diverse, but our portfolio is diverse as well. We are conveniently located in Third Ward and Missouri City, Texas. We are proud to be a community bank. We are proud to be involved with helping to keep Black dollars in the community.

How are we giving back to the community banking with Unity National Bank?

Deposits made here at Unity National Bank don’t just sit here in the bank, but your deposits are put back out into the community and used for small business loans. When putting money in a bank, it’s important you have an institution that is owned by the community. Unity Bank is the one on the forefront and actually involved in the community. We are here for the community. We can reciprocate and put loans back out in the community that can help support small businesses and give them access to capital. This will help sustain the movement economically. You do commerce with me and Unity National Bank, and I can do commerce with the community. We can keep our community economically empowered that way.

What is the difference between Unity National Bank and larger institutions?

We are able to put forth a product like SBA loans, and what that does is give us an opportunity to be more innovative. We have to always be protective of our depositor’s money. We don’t take inordinate risks. We don’t look at just the credit score alone. Thus, we end up providing more loans, helping the people in the community.

How do you feel seeing so many young people make deposits with Unity National Bank?

What it says to me is that this is a movement.

This is real and something that is not going away. This is not a fad or just something being done based on emotion. It’s great to see that these young people mean business, and that it’s engrained in them to move forward and create great change.

With so many new customers coming into Unity National Bank, is there a longer wait period than usual? If so, what would you tell customers (current/new/ prospective) about the wait?

With the enormous growth, the wait is longer than normal, but that is to be expected.

However, I want to applaud the Unity National Bank staff for being able to meet the blessing of large growth. I recently was talking to a group of prospective customers about the wait, thanking them for their patience, and they didn’t mind the wait. The customers had no problem with the wait, expressing that the cause was worth the wait. That was big, and I couldn’t have put it better myself.

Talk about churches and faith-based organizations holding an account with Unity National Bank.

Putting money in our bank would reflect well with what their mission is and with what our mission is as well. If you have a church in this community, you’re serving the community spiritually. Holding an account with Unity National Bank would mean that you are serving the community financially as well.

Should we demand that large companies and national brands in our community support this bank?

Absolutely. Don’t come and do your business in the community, but take your money out of the community. The money you put in our community will stay in the community at Unity National Bank. Our rates for businesses are competitive, and our customers will appreciate that we keep dollars in the community.

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20 July 2016

Don’t Believe the Hype – the Leadership Myth

By William H. Harrison

A

Contributing Writer

re leaders born or bred?

There’s a common myth that you are either born a leader or not. Well put me on the record as stating that no one is born a leader. I’ll even go a step further. Most of what we think is natural leadership really isn’t. Hear me out before you dismiss my idea. In this month’s article, I’m going to lay out my case against the ‘Leadership Myth’ and if successful, your thoughts on leadership will change.

Leadership is Not Sexy – We all fantasize about being the boss and

calling all the shots. Who hasn’t envisioned themselves in the shoes of President Obama or Oprah Winfrey taking charge and living large. If it were only that simple. Sure they enjoy and have the respect and admiration of millions of people around the world. However, I suspect they would be the first to tell you how hard it is to be a leader. To be a good leader, you first have to realize it’s a journey with many peaks and valleys.

Many of your decisions will be questioned by those close to you and those not so close to you. You will face unforeseen challenges that will test your leadership. You may even question your own strategy. No matter what, you have to understand that leadership is not always sexy, but it is always needed.

Power vs.

L e a de r sh ip – Some people confuse power with

leadership. What’s the difference you may ask? Power is control over people.

Leadership requires taking responsibility for the people who work for you. See the difference. Someone with power can demand almost anything from a person while a leader has to earn the respect of others. Leaders can’t accomplish anything meaningful without the cooperation and support of their team. Are you using a power model to get things done?

Imagine how much more you could accomplish if you only changed your approach. Great leaders respect the power they have been given and never abuse it.

No Born Leaders – No that’s not an error in the heading. Leaders are not born. They are developed over time through experience, success, defeat, and self-reflection. What do the experts say? According to Steward Friedman, the founding director of the Wharton Work/Life Integration Project, he believes leaders are indeed developed and not born.

One of the myths that I am trying to bust…is that you are born with this capacity to be great. Not true. It

is a matter of, yes skill. There is a lot of luck. But there is also persistence, discipline, passion, and courage to pursue that which is most important to the people around you.

This is exciting news for those of us who want to become great leaders. With the proper amount of work and dedication, we can all become great leaders in our own right. It might take some of us longer than others, but we all can get there.

Okay, it’s settled. We all can become great leaders if we are willing to put in the work.

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.

Source: Will Yakowicz Inc.com ‘Why Great Leaders Are Made, Not Born” Oct 14, 2014

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July 2016 21

First-Time Homebuyers: You're Closer to a down Payment Than You Think By d-mars.com News Provider

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or many first-time buyers, saving for a down payment is the most difficult step in the home-buying process.

However, it's a common misconception that you need 20 percent down to buy a home.

Actually, lenders across the country offer mortgage products with very affordable down payments — some as low as 3 percent.

Owning a home has always been a key component of the American Dream; in fact, many surveys show that 65 percent of Millennials agree that homeownership and the American Dream go hand-in-hand. Home ownership also comes with several benefits like building equity, receiving annual tax deductions and becoming more engaged with the local community. It serves as a stepping stone for long-term wealth creation, too. Historically, firsttime buyers have represented 40 percent of all home purchasers, but today they make up about 30 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Down payment misconceptions could be to blame.

“It’s safe to say that most first-time buyers aren’t aware that there are reasonable loan options available that re-

quire less money down,” says Geoff Lewis, president of RE/MAX, LLC. "Choosing an option with a smaller down payment can make it possible for potential buyers to enjoy the benefits of homeownership sooner.”

Most popular low down payment options • FHA Loans — Traditionally the mortgage of choice for first-time buyers, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), offers government-insured loans with as little as 3.5 percent down. The most popular FHA loan option, the 203(b), is widely available from lenders across the country.

You may qualify with a credit score of just 500, although there may be limitations on some condo purchases.

• Home Possible from Freddie Mac — This program allows you to put between 3 and 5 percent down, as long as you intend to use the purchased house as your primary residence, and don’t currently own or share ownership of another house. You’ll also need to complete a required homeownership education program online.

• Conventional 97 from Fannie Mae — Just 3 percent down is enough to help you qualify for a Conventional 97, as long as you’re applying for a fixed-rate mortgage on a single-family home that's less than

$417,000. You’ll also need to participate in a homeownership education program, and at least one of the purchasers applying for the loan must be a first-time buyer.

• HomeReady from Fannie Mae — Another option that requires as little as 3 percent down, HomeReady can offer below-market interest rates. This program also allows non-occupant borrowers to apply; for example, parents can secure this type of loan for a young adult, who’s just starting to establish credit.

In addition to these mortgage options, there are also a variety of down payment

assistance programs that may be available through your state or lender. Today, many loan programs allow for down-payment funds to come from third party sources, like cash gifts from relatives.

Buying a home with a smaller down payment has distinct advantages too.

You’re less likely to become “house poor,” which can happen when you spend the majority of your total savings on home ownership, leaving little cash in reserve for unforeseen emergencies or desirable home improvements.

Something to keep in mind when considering your loan options: putting less than 20 percent down can also result in the additional monthly cost of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). However, if your home value is appreciating, PMI can be eliminated in a few years through refinancing.

“Homeownership isn’t reserved just for people who can afford a large down payment. Mortgages that offer an option for less cash down are making it possible for many to enjoy the American Dream,” Lewis says. “Mortgages are like any other product, you have to shop around to find the one that works best for you. Lenders and real estate agents can give you a good idea of what your choices are.”

To get a head start on your home search or find an experienced agent in your neighborhood, visit remax.com. – 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.

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Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

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22 July 2016

Texas Southern University News

Agreement Sets up Academic Partnership Between Texas Southern University and Lone Star College System

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exas Southern University President Dr. Austin Lane and Lone Star College Chancellor Dr. Stephen Head met recently to sign an articulation agreement between the two institutions. The plan will facilitate transfers, recruitment, admission, and advising for prospective students registered in the Lone Star College system. The establishment of this agreement provides the framework to develop programs that will enhance the educational experience of students attending both Lone Star College and Texas Southern University.

The articulation agreement is Dr. Lane’s first official act as president since being named to lead Texas Southern University on June 7th. The signing ceremony was held at Lone Star College’s Victory Center and was attended by students, administrators, and board members from both institutions, as well as a host of community members.

“We wanted Lone Star College to be the first community college that we partnered with to strengthen the bonds of higher education,” Dr. Lane said.

“Lone Star College students are the population that we want to attract to Texas Southern University. We are going to work in an aggressive manner and

ensure that interested students know how to get from the community college system into a direct track that ends in a bachelor’s degree.”

The agreement includes a plan for credit transfer, data sharing, and benefits for transfer students. Texas Southern University will accept a minimum of 60 semester credit hours that can count toward obtaining a baccalaureate degree.

“I’m optimistic about the future relationship between Texas Southern University and Lone Star College,” Chancellor Head said.

“This relationship is about providing an opportunity to succeed for students at both institutions.”

Lone Star College will accept reverse transfer credits from Texas Southern University students who leave college prior to completion of their baccalaureate degree that will allow them to complete the requirements for an associate degree from Lone Star College. Application fees will

be waived for transfer students, and they are eligible to apply for a special $3,000 scholarship. The general transfer award is renewable for up to four terms and is based on eligibility.

Derrick Mitchell, chairman of Texas Southern University’s Board of Regents, said, “It’s an exciting time at Texas Southern University, and we are thrilled about this articulation agreement. This is one of the pieces we need to provide higher education for deserving students and reach our enrollment goals.”

“We want to make sure that Lone Star College and all of its students have pathways to a successful life and are given the resources necessary to succeed. This agreement is the right push at the right time,” said Alton Smith, a member of Lone Star College System’s Board of Trustees.

Eligible students meeting certain requirements can be accepted into the

Texas Southern-Lone Star joint admissions program. Students accepted for joint admission can participate in either alternate or simultaneous enrollment between institutions.

About Texas Southern University Texas Southern University (TSU) is a comprehensive, metropolitan institution providing academic and research programs that address critical urban issues, and prepares its increasingly diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of 8,000 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. TSU has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and it has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college.

Source: Texas Southern University

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July 2016  23

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24 July 2016

The Right Technology Services Are the Key to Killer Customer Service By d-mars.com News Provider

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hink sales numbers trump customer service?

Think again. Research shows companies focused on providing a superior experience across the customer journey realized a 20 percent increase in customer satisfaction and 10-15 percent increase in revenue.

Furthermore, 45 percent of people will abandon an online transaction if their questions or concerns are not addressed quickly. And perhaps the most shocking of all: It costs six to seven times more to attract a new customer than to retain an existing customer.

Given these factors many companies are taking a closer look at their customer retention rates and evaluating the customer experiences they provide. To meet customers on their terms and facilitate employee productivity, it's critical to invest in new technology. However, not all businesses have the internal IT resources or expertise to efficiently implement technology and effectively manage it on a continuous basis.

For these businesses, working with a trusted technology partner provides an

easier route to weather the changes and delight customers. Numerous companies have worked with Dell to ensure they don't have to worry about downtime or system failure. Dell ProSupport Plus, for instance, provides these companies with the highest level of hardware and software support so they can deliver the best experience to their customers. Powered

by Dell's SupportAssist technology, this support program not only helps resolve issues quickly and proactively, but can also prevent issues before they happen through predictive capabilities. This means less effort by IT staff and more peace-of-mind for both the company and their customers. For example, Dell ProSupport Plus with SupportAssist users are able to spend up to 91 percent less time on resolution. Imagine what an IT staff could do when they're able to shift that time away from maintenance.

Another time when a technology provider's services become critical is when businesses implement new solutions. The continual evolution of technology such as cloud, converged datacenters and big data presents a world of new opportunities - and new challenges. Not only do businesses need to contemplate how to get their new technology up and run-

ning quickly, they also need to be able to maintain, refresh and address any issues that arise.

To sail over the many potential hurdles, the Dell ProDeploy Enterprise Suite is helping IT managers and business leaders navigate the growing complexity of multiple platforms and risk of transitioning to new technologies while minimizing any downtime, all within the confines of limited resources and budgets. Businesses can rely on Dell experts and partners to lead deployments from basic hardware installation through planning, configuration and complex integrations. Companies using Dell deployment services can reduce IT

effort by 91 percent and deploy systems 39 percent faster.

With new technology solutions up and running, businesses should be positioned to provide the best customer service possible. However, without a properly trained crew there will be no one to sail the ship or right it when needed. In addition to investing in technology, organizations need to give their IT team the right training and tools to do their job well. Dell has addressed this critical need by introducing training and certification that gives a company's IT staff access to the same resources as Dell engineers.

If the technology powering the business is running smoothly, it's reflected in effortless and memorable interactions with customers that inspire loyalty and build revenue.

Customer service IT services and customer support will continue to evolve as new technologies are developed and customer expectations will continue to rise. By being proactive and partnering with a technology vendor who is intent on staying ahead of the curve, companies can gain an edge against the competition while building an unbreakable brand reputation. – BPT

The Port of Houston Authority: “Gateway to the U.S.” HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)— The opening of the expanded Panama Canal, and the larger vessels that will transit it, was recognized during a recent meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. “Houston is well positioned for increased trade through the canal to and from East Asia, currently our fastest growing container trade lane,” Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria said. “We look forward to the opportunity to serve our customers and further establish the Port of Houston as a gateway to the U.S.” Port Commission actions taken during the meeting demonstrate that “we are ready” for the continued growth and increased cargo experienced by our terminals, as the commission approved several items supporting investments in terminal infrastructure and operations. One highlight was the award of a $34 million contract for construction of three dockside electric container cranes at Bayport Container Terminal. When fully operational, these three new Super Post-Panamax cranes will increase the number of cranes operating at the Bayport terminal to twelve. The cranes are expected to be delivered to Bayport in about 18 months.

In his report to the commission, Executive Director Roger Guenther reported that the Port Authority is “seeing less steel than anticipated”: over 1 million tons of steel moved over the wharves through May, versus 3.1 million tons through the

Port Authority’s SOLAS VGM process can be found at www.portofhouston. com.

Also during the meeting, Chairman Longoria applauded Guenther for his appointment to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Performance Freight Statistics Working Group. This group supports a newly established program “to provide nationally consistent measures of performance” of the nation’s largest ports. The working group will report annually to Congress on port capacity and throughput.

About the Port of Houston Authority

same period last year. Containers TEUs were about 6 percent less than in 2015 in terms of total TEUs, loaded TEUs through May were down about 8 percent and “empties” were up about 2 percent.

Putting that in perspective however, the executive director added that these cargo volumes are in comparison to “the five strongest months ever” in the Port Authority’s history. Guenther separately noted that he projects the Port Authority’s position will be “significantly strengthened” with the addition of the new 2M Asian service – Maersk Line’s TP18 service and Mediterranean Shipping Company’s Lone Star Express service – the

Port Authority’s third all-weekly shipping service to call from Asia.

In other actions, the Port Commission amended Tariff Nos. 8, 14, and 15 regarding Regulation V1/2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The Port Authority worked with other U.S. operating port authorities and members of the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association (OCEMA) to develop a streamlined approach to providing VGMs. The new subrules cover the Turning Basin Terminals, Barbours Cut Terminal, and Bayport Container Terminal and are effective July 1, 2016. Details regarding the

For more than 100 years, the Port of Houston Authority has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals of the Port of Houston – the nation’s largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas, and the nation. It supports the creation of nearly 1.175 million jobs in Texas and 2.7 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling almost $265 billion in Texas – 16 percent of Texas’ total gross domestic product – and more than $617 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the Port Authority website at: www.portofhouston.com.

Photo: Business Wire Source: Port of Houston Authority

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26  July 2016

Helping First-Time Home Buyers Get from 'I Can't' to 'I Can'

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By d-mars.com News Provider

inally! The economy is improving, interest rates are low and many consumers now find themselves in a great position financially to become a first-time homeowner. There's a small problem though for some locations around the country - the booming real estate market is resulting in rising home prices and increased competition for the most desirable properties.

The S&P/Case-Shiller national home-price index recently estimated that 2016 prices are within four percent of the peak in 2006. In some areas, low inventories around the country are making the situation even more challenging.

These conditions are introducing first-time buyers to common challenges and frustrations while searching for their dream home. "Don't get discouraged," says Travis Peace, executive director of mortgage at USAA Bank. "Buying a home requires some fortitude and the process intimidates many -not just those doing it for the first time." As a result, Peace says it's easy to concentrate too much on home buying "can'ts" rather than "can-dos," and he offers this advice on how to overcome some common barriers.

"I Can't" No. 1: I can't figure out the home-buying process.

Peace notes that it's essential to do research and to be equipped with basic information, but also be willing to ask for help when needed. For example, an experienced real estate agent can keep a buyer apprised of everything from area sales trends to the latest changes in state and federal laws that could impact a mortgage application.

"This is where experienced, licensed professionals can help," Peace says. "Real estate agents can be an advocate for the buyer throughout the entire process."

In addition, free tools like USAA's Real Estate Rewards Network can connect buyers with an agent and even provide rewards based on the sale price of the home.

"I Can't" No. 2: I can't find the perfect home for my family.

Finding the perfect home may not be realistic, but shoppers can find the right home. Personal situations will dictate buyers' ability to wait for a home in a particular neighborhood or design style to come on the market, but not everything has to be left to chance.

Peace says the key is to set realistic expectations and not fixate on negatives that can be changed. "Whether it's the number of bedrooms or distance to work or school,

it's alright to have some non-negotiables.

However, buyers should be willing to be flexible on things that can be relatively easy to change, like paint colors or landscaping."

"I Can't" No. 3: I can't afford a 20 percent down payment.

Putting 20 percent down on a home has become more of a guideline than a rule.

Today, not being able to put 20 percent down does not mean buying a home is out of reach. Peace notes that depending on a

buyer's financial situation, there may be a responsible way to get into your new home without putting 20 percent down.

Government-sponsored loan programs from the Federal Housing Authority, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac provide loan options that require down payments as low as three percent. Veterans Affairs (VA) loans don't require any down payment. While those programs are often great options for consumers who qualify, Peace notes that buyers should keep an eye on their potential total monthly payment.

"Some of these loans include fees and private mortgage insurance (PMI) that could significantly impact your overall cost," Peace says.

Even private lenders are offering more competitive loan options. For example, USAA Bank's Conventional 97 loan allows borrowers to acquire a mortgage with only three percent down and the bank pays the PMI costs.

Scott McEniry, a USAA member, recently moved into his new home with the help of the Conventional 97 loan. "It felt like a lifeline had been thrown to me as suddenly a house purchase was within reach again," McEniry says.

Whether a house-hunting novice or seasoned expert, Peace underscores that being informed, getting the right help and having a healthy dose of determination are the best ways to turn a dream home into a reality. – BPT

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

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Descuentos de hasta 40% Para una cuota de sequro de autos, mandanos un email, llama o visita nuestra oficina.

Se habla espaĂąol

Congratulations 2015 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Ken Ross Agent

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www.kenrross.com Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

July 2016  27

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

28 July 2016

The Power of Leadership By d-mars.com News Provider “The Power of Leadership” is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Business Journal. There is great power in leadership. Are you a leader? Do you have the power to lead? Only you can answer those questions. While some aspire to be leaders, there are many who wanted to go on one path, but their life took a different direction, thrusting them into leadership.

Inspire. Inform. Educate. These are the three focuses of the d-mars.com publications. Below are some unsung history makers in the area of business.

Sandra Miller Jones Marketing executive Sandra Miller Jones was the first African-American woman to graduate from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Business when she received her M.B.A. degree in 1971.

Upon graduation, Jones was hired as the first African-American woman manager at Quaker Oats Company, where she managed several of the company’s major franchises including the $100 million-plus Quaker Oatmeal franchise. In 1978, Jones left Quaker Oats and founded Segmented Marketing Services, Inc. (SMSi), a national marketing services company. SMSi’s client list includes Procter & Gamble, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Revlon, Quaker Oats, Kraft Foods, General

Mills, and the United States Postal Service, among others. In 2013, Jones founded SMSi Health Insurance Solutions, whose mission is to help underserved consumers acquire affordable health insurance. She also became an adjunct professor of marketing at Wake Forest University’s Babcock School of Management.

Jones helped establish the National Black MBA Association and the Chicago Minority Purchasing Council, and helped start a business initiative for the League of Black Women in Chicago, Illinois. She has served as board chair of the Jack and Jill of American Foundation’s WIN (We Invest Now) for Tomorrow, a program that teaches financial and investment skills to African-American teenagers. She has also served on the boards of Family Services, Inc. and Summit School in Winston-Salem, as well as board chair of the Winston-Salem YWCA. In addition, she was active in women’s and youth activities at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church in Winston-Salem.

John H. Johnson John H. Johnson, widely regarded as the most influential African-American publisher in American history, was born on January 19, 1918, in Arkansas City, Arkansas, to Leroy and Gertrude Johnson Williams. Growing up in Ar-

kansas City, no high schools existed for black students, so Johnson repeated the eighth grade to continue his education. After moving to Chicago with his family shortly thereafter, Johnson attended DuSable High School, where he graduated with honors.

After graduating from high school, Johnson went to work for the Supreme Life Insurance Company while attending the University of Chicago. While with Supreme, he was given the job of compiling weekly news clippings for his boss, which eventually gave him the idea for his first publication, Negro Digest. In 1942, after graduating from the University of Chicago, he acted on this idea, and with a $500 loan against his mother’s furniture and $6,000 raised through charter subscriptions, Johnson launched Negro Digest, which later became Black World. Three years later, he launched Ebony.

Johnson also expanded from magazine publishing into book publishing, and owned Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the largest black-owned cosmetics company in the world, Supreme Beauty Products, and produced television specials. Johnson also later became chairman and CEO of Supreme Life Insurance, where he had begun his career.

In addition to his business and publishing acumen, Johnson was highly involved at both community and the

national level. In 1957, he accompanied then-Vice President Richard Nixon to nine African nations, and two years later, to Russia and Poland. President John F. Kennedy sent Johnson to the Ivory Coast in 1961 as Special Ambassador to the independence ceremonies taking place there, and President Johnson sent him to Kenya in 1963 for the same purpose. President Nixon later appointed him to the Commission for the Observance of the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations.

Johnson was also the recipient of numerous awards that spanned decades, from the Spingarn Medal to the Most Outstanding Black Publisher in History Award from the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Johnson Publishing has also been named the number one black business by Black Enterprise four times. In 1996, President Bill Clinton awarded Johnson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. He also received more than thirty honorary doctoral degrees from institutions across the country, and served as a board member or trustee of numerous businesses and philanthropic and cultural organizations.

Johnson passed away on August 8, 2005, at the age of 87.

Source thehistorymakers.com

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