d-mars.com Business Journal 110 by d-mars.com

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Business Journal Inspire, Inform & Educate

October 2016

INSIDE

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110th Edition @dmars_com

Time for a Change

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Nature's Unit Is the Smart Unit By Dawn Paul Getting that temperature just right in your home or office building, you need that perfect unit. PAGE 4

PAGES 20-21

Troi Taylor and Kelley Taylor

Taylor Construction Management: Executing Projects to Perfection

2016 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation ALC

By d-mars.com News Provider The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) is the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the global Black community. PAGE 14

Judge Alexandra Smoots-Hogan

Re-Elect for Harris County 164th Civil District Court

Pension Reform – The Path Forward

By Mayor Sylvester Turner When you find yourself in a hole, the first order of business is to stop digging. PAGE 26

Joe Stephens

for Justice of the Peace -PCT 3 Position 1

Judge Elaine H. Palmer Re-Elect for Harris County 215th Civil District Court

Hazel Jones

for Judge of Harris County 174th Criminal District Court

Clyde Leuchtag

for Judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law 1

Judge Mike Engelhart Re-Elect for Harris County 151st District Court

Judge Maria T. Jackson Re-Elect for Harris County 339th State District Court

Kristen Hawkins

for Judge of Harris County 11th District Court

Kevin Fulton

Robert Johnson

for Judge of Harris County 177th Criminal District Court

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

— Booker T. Washington

Teana Watson

for Judge of Harris County for Judge of Fort Bend County 11th Civil District Court 400th District Court

Shawn Theirry

for State Representative District 146

October 2016 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

VICE PRESIDENT

“Time for a Change” is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Business Journal. Have you seen your business grow or are things stagnant? Have you made the changes necessary to help take your business to the next level? As an entrepreneur, these are some of the questions you must ask yourself. Things cannot stay the same. For growth, there must be change. Now is the time to start making changes in your business practices. Now is the time to start aiming higher. It’s time for a change.

Kim Floyd

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.J. Johnson C.T. Foster Tiffany Black

PHOTOGRAPHY

This month’s journal highlights Taylor Construction Management (TCM). TCM is a premier global company in the construction industry. At the helm of TCM’s success are Troi Taylor and Kelley Taylor. TCM is not a construction company, but so much more. This project management services firm and strategic problem-solver is an active contributor to the business 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.

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 J Thomas Smith Noel A. Pinnock Mayor Sylvester Turner d-mars.com News Provider

Nature’s Unit Is the Smart Unit..................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Inaugural Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs............................................................................................................................................... 6 Educational Attainment of Young Adults..................................................................................................................................................10 Small Business Concerns and the Upcoming Election.......................................................................................................................... 12 2016 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation ALC................................................................................................................................. 14 Black History Spotlight: Carla Hayden........................................................................................................................................................15 Are You Free?.....................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Are You Ready for the Change You Seek?..................................................................................................................................................18 Taylor Construction Management......................................................................................................................................................... 20-21 Change Is Evolutionary!................................................................................................................................................................................. 22 How Do You Define Leadership?.................................................................................................................................................................. 24 Pension Reform – The Path Forward..........................................................................................................................................................26 Tips for Updating Your Insurance...............................................................................................................................................................28 If You Become Disabled or Laid Off............................................................................................................................................................28 Financial Tips....................................................................................................................................................................................................30 Robert Johnson: Justice and Fairness for All.......................................................................................................................................... 32 3 Things to Look for When Buying a New Home.................................................................................................................................... 34 Smart Tips for Buying a First Home........................................................................................................................................................... 34

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” — Booker T. Washington

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Nature's Unit Is the Smart Unit

4 October 2016

planted by God and what she saw lacking with other units on the market. Other units are standard, in that once you set your desired temperature, they turn on and off but do not account for the need of other unit settings without a physical switch. “Nature's Unit is a smart unit, so it has a brain and thinks on its own once you set the desired temperature level. The unit has the ability to move between air, heat, and fan settings and can be configured for use in homes, commercial buildings, and automobiles,” says Taplin. There may be units similar to Nature’s Unit, but none go the extra mile like Taplin’s invention, automatically transitioning between air, heat, and fan settings without the switch of a button.

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

etting that temperature just right in your home or office building, you need that perfect unit. Houstonian Jerrilynn Taplin, is the proprietor of Nature’s Unit. With smart technology and advanced mechanical engineering, not only does Nature’s Unit provide reduced discomfort, but less stress without the use of multiple switches and much more. Taplin is a success today, but it wasn’t always easy for her. This single mother of 5 is a retired employee of the United States Postal Service. How do you go from working for USPS to being a proprietor of a highly sought after invention revolutionizing units? Taplin says, “I have prayed and made many sacrifices to get my idea where it is today. You can pray, but without working on your goals, there can be no results.” Taplin as a woman of color is especially proud to represent one of the many facets of who we are and what we are capable of. Booker T. Washington High School still has a special place in her heart, as she credits the school with helping make her the woman she is today. She is a shining example to young girls and boys of color that anything is possible in business and life. Nature’s Unit was birthed from a seed

“I’m a proud native Houstonian and graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. People will tell you that you can’t make it, but I’m living proof that nothing can stop you if you put your mind to it. Nature’s Unit transformed from an idea to an invention through World Patent Marketing. Though the journey wasn’t easy, I didn’t give up. I am proud of this invention.”

Q&A with Jerrilynn Taplin: 1. What is special about Nature’s Unit? Nature's Unit is distinctive in that it eliminates the need for adjusting your thermostat’s heating and cooling settings. Given the unpredictable nature of weather conditions today, especially during the more unstable months transitioning from winter to spring and fall to winter, there is a constant need, even daily, to switch from air to heat and for considerable temperature adjustment. Cold mornings call for heat while warm afternoons and evenings call for air. Nature's Unit will provide consistent comfort levels as it is regulated by consumer desire and outside temperature. The unit has the ability to move between air, heat, and fan settings and can be configured for use in homes, commercial buildings, and automobiles. Also, Nature's Unit eliminates those uncomfortable hot and cold moments we experience waiting for unit settings to be ready for use. This feature is particularly beneficial in large commercial buildings and spaces so large that temperature change takes substantial time. It will also be energy efficient, requiring less power to stabilize your temperature while avoiding overuse of the unit settings switch.

— Jerrilynn Taplin, Nature’s Unit Proprietor

2. What obstacles did you face during the process of getting Nature’s Unit patented? Not having a background in HVAC and/or Engineering, I was a bit hesitant and insecure, given my lack of knowledge in these areas. Also, budgeting to ensure that I had the capital for investment was critical in my ability to reach this phase of the process. Lastly, there is my health. In 2010, I was diagnosed with Lupus, so the stress associated with completing each step of the process so far has been challenging. However, each of these obstacles has provided a learning opportunity for me as well. Though not initially confident in my knowledge of HVAC and Engineering, I have learned a great deal and am much more secure when speaking about the product. Also, budgeting is now a much easier task, and I am successfully managing my health. 3. How did you overcome the obstacles? The most important tools for me in overcoming these obstacles were, and still are, trusting God, having faith, believing that the impossible is, in fact, possible, and putting forth the hard work necessary to get things done. Specifically as it relates to finances, it takes a lot of money to patent an idea. I have found that this is the reason many ideas

To find out more about Nature’s Unit, please contact Jerrilynn Taplin at 832-569-1216 and naturesunit@gmail.com.

remain just ideas. In spite of the financial challenges, God has opened many doors for me and connected me to people who have been able to help me achieve my goals. In fostering these relationships, I have also been able to learn from others to develop my knowledge and get others involved. 4. What advice do you have for aspiring AfricanAmerican entrepreneurs? Never give up on your dreams and aspirations. Though frustrating at times, keep God first and pray without ceasing. Keep positive people around you who have your best interest at heart and who will give you encouragement when you so desperately need it. First Lady Michelle Obama said, "There is no success without sacrifice." I have made many sacrifices. As a mother, I gave my all for my children. I treat Nature's Unit like one of my children. I cannot just think about it and not act on it. I have to give it the effort for things to happen.

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6 October 2016

Inaugural Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs By d-mars.com News Provider

mong the 5.4 million U.S. firms with paid employees, 481,981, or 8.9 percent, had been in business for less than two years in 2014, according to findings from the U.S. Census Bureau's inaugural Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs. In contrast to the employer firms that had been in business for less than two years, there were 167,917, or 3.1 percent, that had been in business for 16 years or more. More than 4 in 10 employer firms (2.4 million, or 44.1 percent) have been in business between 11 and 15 years. Beginning with the recent release of 2014 statistics and continuing through the release of 2016 data, the Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs will supplement the Survey of Business Owners, conducted every five years. The Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs provides a timely, more frequent socio-economic portrait of the nation's employer businesses by gender, ethnicity, race, and veteran status. It includes a relevant topic not found in the Survey of Business Owners: the number of years a firm has been in business. The survey is a public-private partnership among the U.S. Census Bureau, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Minority Business Development Agency. "As 'America’s Data Agency,' the Department of Commerce puts open data resources and digital tools in the hands of families, communities, and federal and local leaders to help them make data-driven decisions,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker said. “The Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs is a new and exciting resource that responds to data users' request for more timely statistics on the demographics of America’s business owners.” The tables released provide estimates of receipts, payroll and employment for the nation, states and the District of Columbia, and the 50 most populous metropolitan statistical areas. Firm size data are available by sales size (the number of firms with sales/receipts of $1.0 million or more) and employment size (the number of firms with 500 employees or more). "For the first time, we are making statistics available every year that show a portrait of America's business owners, providing information vital to understanding the state of our economy," Census Bureau Director John H. Thompson said. "We thank the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Minority Business Development Agency for their partnership in providing this more timely data for everyone from policymakers to small business owners." The 2014 Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs statistics show that there were 949,318 minority-owned firms with paid employees, comprising 17.5 percent of all employer firms. These minority-

owned employer firms generated $1.1 trillion in receipts (approximately 3.3 percent of the receipts for all employer firms). Among minority-owned employer firms, 12.9 percent had been in business for less than two years, while only 1.4 percent had been in business for 16 or more years. Of the 949,318 minority-owned firms with paid employees, more than half (506,595, or 53.4 percent) were Asianowned; 108,473 (11.4 percent) were black or African-American-owned; 26,757 (2.8 percent) were American Indian or Alaska Native-owned; 4,701 (0.5 percent) were Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander-owned; and close to a third (298,563, or 31.5 percent) were Hispanic-owned. The owner of a Hispanic-owned firm may be of any race. Women owned approximately 1.1 million employer firms, or 19.4 percent, with receipts totaling $1.3 trillion, or 4.0 percent. Of these, 10.8 percent had been in business for less than two years, whereas 1.9 percent had been in business

for 16 or more years. Veterans owned 405,235 employer firms, or 7.5 percent, with receipts of $924.1 billion, or 2.8 percent. Of these, 6.8 percent had been in business for less than two years, while 3.6 percent had been in business for 16 or more years. Each year's release of the Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs will contain a module focusing on different topics. Later this month, the Census Bureau will release statistics from the 2014 module on the characteristics of businesses and their owners, including information on business innovation and research and development activities. The newly released Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs statistics are not directly comparable to the Survey of Business Owners due to significant changes in methodologies. Note: Firms in this news release refer only to employer firms. References such as “Asian-owned” refer only to businesses operating in the 50 states and the District of Columbia that selfidentified 51.0 percent or more of their

ownership in 2014 to be by individuals whose race was Asian. For this release, nonminority refers to the non-Hispanic white population. The Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs does not distinguish between U.S. residents and nonresidents. Companies owned by foreign governments or owned by other companies, foreign or domestic, are included in the category “Publicly held and other firms not classifiable by gender, ethnicity, race and veteran status.” The Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs collected data from a sample of approximately 290,000 employer businesses that were in operation anytime during the survey year. The collected data in a sample survey are subject to sampling variability, as well as nonsampling errors. Sources of nonsampling errors include errors of response, nonreporting and coverage. For more information about the survey, including design, methodology and data limitations, see www.census.gov/programssurveys/ase.html. Source: www.census.gov

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

6/9/16

10:52 AM

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.

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8â&#x20AC;&#x192; October 2016

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October 2016â&#x20AC;&#x192; 9

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10 October 2016

Educational Attainment of Young Adults

ducational attainment refers to the highest level of education completed (e.g., a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree). Between 1995 and 2015, educational attainment rates among 25- to 29-yearolds increased. The percentage who had received at least a high school diploma or its equivalent increased from 87 to 91 percent, with most of the change occurring between 2005 and 2015. The percentage who had completed an associate’s or higher degree increased from 33 percent in 1995 to 46 percent in 2015. Similarly, the percentage who had completed a bachelor’s or higher degree increased from 25 percent in 1995 to 36 percent in 2015, and the percentage who had completed a master’s or higher degree increased from 5 percent in 1995 to 9 percent in 2015.

Percentage of 25- to 29-year-olds who completed at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, by race/ethnicity: Selected years, 1995–2015 NOTE: Race categories exclude persons of Hispanic ethnicity. Prior to 2005, separate data on persons of Two or more races were not available; data for American Indians/Alaska Natives are not shown prior to 2005. SOURCE: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Current Population Survey (CPS), Annual Social and Economic Supplement, selected years, 1995–2015.

Percentage of 25- to 29-year-olds who completed an associate’s or higher degree, by race/ethnicity: 1995–2015 NOTE: Race categories exclude persons of Hispanic ethnicity. Prior to 2005, separate data on persons of Two or more races were not available. SOURCE: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Current Population Survey (CPS), Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 1995–2015.

Percentage of 25- to 29-year-olds who completed a bachelor’s or higher degree, by race/ethnicity: Selected years, 1995–2015 Interpret data for 2006, 2007, and 2014 with caution. The coefficients of variation (CVs) for these estimates are between 30 and 50 percent.

NOTE: Race categories exclude persons of Hispanic ethnicity. Prior to 2005, separate data on persons of Two or more races were not available; data for American Indians/ Alaska Natives are not shown prior to 2005.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Current Population Survey (CPS), Annual Social and Economic Supplement, selected years, 1995–2015. Source: National Center for Education Statistics

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12 October 2016

Small Business Concerns and the Upcoming Election By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

olitics is on many American’s minds, and it’s a hot topic. It is election time, and that means very soon we will be casting our vote for candidates on the local and national level who can get the job done. Though the latest headlines show the shenanigans of political candidates, that should not deflect one off of the real issues that should be addressed. One of the major concerns is the small business community. The small business community is a vital component to the economic growth of the city, community, and nation. Stimulating small businesses, minimum wage, and reduced taxes for small businesses are just some of the concerns that candidates have addresses. Let’s face it, if you are a small business owner, you do have concerns that heads of Fortune 500 companies do not have to deal with. Not being a national brand, you are all that you have. For many small business owners, your business is your main source of income. If you are a small business owner, you should be concerned about this upcoming election, locally and nationally. Which candidate has the small business community’s best interest at heart? Have you done your research on these candidates and reviewed past decisions and history as it relates to small businesses? One thing I know for sure. If

you don’t vote, you cannot complain when changes come that impact the small business community. Every election, including this one is important. Exercising your right to vote as a citizen, and especially a business owner, is nothing to take lightly, as the person you elect will make decisions that will affect your bottom line.

forms are top of most lists of company woes," says entrepreneur Tom Ewer, "and for small businesses the major worries are clients stalling payments, unexpected outgoings, and outstanding bills that won't wait to be paid." The good news is that cash flow issues are largely curable. Product demand and healthcare regulations are far more resistant to control from inside your office walls, but cash flow can be dealt with. There are plenty of recent solutions designed to achieve better budgeting and invoicing. The key is finding one that fits your business.

Top Concerns of the Small Business Owner Hiring New Employees Hiring new employees is a challenge many small businesses are having to deal with. Part of the difficulty relates to employee healthcare, but it also has to do with the substantial costs of bringing new employees on board. According to one estimate, the total cost of onboarding -- taxes, benefits, equipment, training, bonuses, etc. -- can range from 1.5 times to 3 times the salary of the position. That's a significant investment for companies that are typically strapped for cash. Increasing Profits For small businesses with perhaps five to ten employees, increasing profits is the biggest challenge. There are any number of reasons, but usually it comes down to an inability to remain a low-cost leader against the competition (who may have access to better resources and economies of scale).

Growing Revenues Part of the difficulty with increasing profits is that many firms have found it hard to increase their revenues. The issue can't necessarily be explained by a single root cause, because revenue issues are generally specific to the business itself. As renowned sales expert Jim Keenan says, “Increasing sales revenue comes down to four things: strategy, structure, people, and process.” Managing Cash Flow "Money problems in their various

Avoiding Client Dependence For many small businesses -- especially the ones that have fewer than 10 employees -- client dependence is a huge issue. If a business depends on a single customer for more than half its income, that should raise a huge red flag. If that's the case, the business is totally reliant on the client to stay operational and profitable. Diversifying your client base needs to be a priority if growth and stability are also goals. Are the above some of your top concerns as a small business owner? Yes or No? Get informed about the candidates, get educated, and vote! When it comes to your business, you cannot afford not to vote. Source: www.inc.com

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October 2016 13

In God We Trust KEEP

Commissioner El Franco Lee’s last appointee:

Harris County Civil Court at Law #1

Judge

Clyde

GOP Judge promotes fairness and justice!

Leuchtag

Endorsed By: • The Houston Chronicle

Justice with Compassion

• Houston Lawyers Association • Houston Association of Women Attorneys

Top Rated Civil County Court Judge

• COGICPAC • Baptist Ministers’ Association of Houston and Vicinity

Honorably Serving the Community

KeepClyde.com

The Only African-American County Civil Court Judge Political ad. paid for by Clyde Leuchtag Campaign

FultonforJudge.com “ . . . living proof of the American Dream. Kevin Fulton, our choice for the bench.” – Houston Chronicle

for Judge • 11th Civil District Court From the Community, For the Community • Selected a Top Attorney in 2014, 2015, & 2016 by H-Texas Magazine • Super Lawyer Magazine Rising Star in 2016 • Member Texas State Bar College • Member Texas State Bar of Texas Pro Bono College

• Endorsed by the Houston Chronicle • Endorsed by the Baptist Ministers’ Association of Houston and Vicinity • Endorsed by Church of God in Christ (COGIC) PAC • Endorsed by Katy Christian Magazine

Elect the first African American to the oldest court in Texas Pol. ad. pd. for by the Kevin Fulton for Judge Campaign, Sandi Steinbacher, Treasurer in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.

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14 October 2016

2016 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation ALC:

Defining the Moment, Building the Movement By d-mars.com News Provider

he Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) is the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the global Black community. This annual event brings together thought leaders, political leaders, the community, and celebrities and notables to engage on issues in the area of education, justice, public health, and social and civil issues. This conference brings thousands together to have relevant dialogue and explore today’s issues impacting our community. One of the reasons why the ALC is vital, is that these issues are from the African American perspective. This year continued to elevate and address issues important to our community, with the theme “Defining the Moment, Building the Movement.” Town hall meetings, power luncheons, and policy sessions hosted networking and talk of solutions to those issues that our community faces. The ALC is so important because it also gives those unsung African American history makers the recognition and honor that they deserve who the mainstream media may not give attention to. A major highlight to this year’s event was President Obama’s last Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner addressing the ALC as President of the United States.

“Now, we know, however, that what matters most for our community is not just the symbol, not just having an African American President. It’s having a President who’s going to do his or her darndest to make the right decisions, and fight the right fights. And think about the fights that we’ve waged together these past eight years.” – President Obama, 2016 Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation History 1970 – African American lawmakers hold their first Annual Legislative Conference 1971 – The Congressional Black Caucus is established by 13 members of the 92nd United States Congress

1976 – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is established by CBC as a non-partisan research institute to promote involvement in the national political process 1986 – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation launches its Internship Program to give future Black leaders an opportunity to work in public service 2013 – $4 million invested in African American owned banks to spur economic development in Black communities Their mission is simple, as they strive to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is achieving their mission by: • Facilitating the exchange of ideas and information to address critical issues affecting our communities

historical resources for the public, academics, educators, and students

• Providing leadership development and scholarship opportunities to educate the next generation of leaders • Promoting public health and financial empowerment for all communities through innovative programs • Developing strategic research and

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation envisions a world in which all communities have an equal voice in public policy through leadership cultivation, economic empowerment, and civic engagement. For more information about the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, please visit www.cbcfinc.org. Sources: www.whitehouse.gov www.cbcfinc.org

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October 2016 15

Black History Spotlight: Carla Hayden By d-mars.com News Provider

filters on their computers. Eventually the Supreme Court upheld the right of adult library users to request the filter’s deactivation, though they did not overturn the requirement that the filters be installed. Hayden has worked with the A.L.A. to publicize and uphold the right to deactivate the filter.

-mars.com inspires, informs, and educates in all areas, and it’s especially important to highlight African American history makers who have made advances in the world. This month, we shine the spotlight on Carla Hayden, who recently took the oath as the 14th Librarian of Congress. Not only is she the first woman to hold this position, but she is also the first African American to hold this title, serving as chief of the oldest federal cultural institution in the nation.

Awards & Recognitions

About Carla Hayden Hayden received a B.A. from Roosevelt University and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the Graduate Library School of the University of Chicago. Prior to her latest post she served, since 1993, as CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland. Hayden was nominated by President Obama to be a member of the National Museum and Library Services Board in January 2010 and was confirmed to that post by the Senate in June 2010. She worked as library service coordinator for the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and as a professor

Washington DC, USA - The library officially serves the U.S. Congress. at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Library and Information Science. In 1991, she returned to Chicago where she worked as the Chicago Public Library System’s deputy commissioner and chief librarian. She is also the second African American to become the executive director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, one of the oldest free libraries in the United States. Hayden was president of the American Library Association from 2003 to 2004. She succeeded in getting Attor-

ney General John Ashcroft to declassify reports on the Act’s provisions and eventually, through her efforts and the efforts of other civil liberties organizations, the section of the Act that allowed the F.B.I. to demand private individuals’ library records was rescinded. Hayden has continually championed the cause of civil liberties and freedom of information. She spearheaded the A.L.A.’s efforts to overturn legislation that forced all libraries receiving federal funding to install internet content

In 1995, she was the first African American to receive Library Journal’s Librarian of the Year Award in recognition of her outreach services at the Pratt Library, which included an after-school center for Baltimore teens offering homework assistance and college and career counseling. She has been honored with the Andrew White Medal by Loyola College, the President’s Medal by Johns Hopkins University, and the Legacy of Literacy Award by the DuBois Circle of Baltimore. Hayden was named one of Ms. Magazine’s 2003 Women of the Year and one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women of Maryland. She is also the first African American to receive the Librarian of the Year Award from Library Journal Magazine. Fortune Magazine ranked Hayden among the World's 50 greatest leaders in 2016. Sources: www.thehistorymakers.com Library of Congress

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16 October 2016

Are You Free?

drances affect the level of freedom you have working towards achieving your goals. The work required for you to be free from anything that is holding you back is an investment of time coupled with willingness to shift and change. This is extremely important if you desire to prosper and succeed.

To help you on your journey to Frenetta Tate freedom, there are three areas Contributing Writer for consideration that require honest and objective self-reflecvery successful person has tion:

gone through a process of personal reflection. You cannot fly high and be very successful without first knowing what you need to do, what is holding you back from doing it and how to actually make it happen. Napoleon Hill, thought leader and author of Think and Grow Rich, was known for inspiring men and women all over the world with his philosophy of individual achievement. An excerpt of his story touches on how he saved his money and bought a dictionary. He went to the word impossible and literally cut it out of the dictionary and threw it away. In his mind, impossible was a negative concept. Mr. Hill believed that there is nothing impossible for any man or woman who wants to succeed in life. However, the things that you aspire to do will be impossible if you have people and things holding you back. These hin-

• EVALUATION. Assess yourself. Your mindsets, beliefs, thoughts and behaviors are drivers that have helped to shape you into the person you are today. It is important to assess the influence of these drivers. You assess them by reflecting on whether they are helping you be your best or hindering your growth. Are your behaviors self-sabotaging or selfaffirming? Are your thoughts and actions aligned with your goals? Basically, where are these drivers driving you? You must honestly evaluate your life to put you on the right track towards your success. What habits, actions and decisions have I made that I know have been holding me back? • IDENTIFICATION. Identify your stuff. In the process of evaluation, you identify those things that are keeping you bound. These things can be

people, places or things that you have allowed in your life that have created barriers to your growth and development, literally preventing you from moving forward in your life. Your no-holds barred transparency and honesty will afford you the opportunity to refine and improve in the areas that are no longer serving you. • ACTION. Make a decision and take action. The journey to achieving and sealing your freedom so that you can reach your highest level of potential and success is wholly dependent on the decisions you make. Once you evaluate your life and identify those things that are hindering you, you will need to decide what needs to be removed or released from your life relative to the things that are not helping you be your optimal best. What changes can I make in my life

to get on the right track to gain the freedom that I seek for myself? Don’t be hard on yourself. If you have never gone through this process, you may have a lot of things come up for you. Deal with them as they come. Commit to make the changes that you know you need to make in order for your life to flow unhindered. Be encouraged that you are making changes to better your life. Trust the process. There may be people who you will discover are not contributing to you being the best you can be. It may be their attitude, outlook or negativity towards life. You will have to decide how much you want that person to impact your life from this point forward. Whatever you decide, followthrough with your decision and trust the entire process. Making a decision is a positive beginning and a sign of progress. Once you decide, you must align your actions with your decision so that you will see results. Do I have people in my life that are a liability to my growth and freedom? Regularly implementing this process will help you to maintain your focus. It will give you the freedom to succeed and champion the actions that build and edify, while positioning you for greater victories in life. Frenetta Tate is a certified women’s empowerment coach, business strategist, author and motivational orator. Follow her on Twitter @ FrenettaTate and Facebook @ FrenettaTateInternational.

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October 2016â&#x20AC;&#x192; 17

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

18 October 2016

Are You Ready for the Change You Seek? Those Who Fear Change

By J Thomas Smith

Contributing Writer

ne thing in life is certain--change. Just think back to how things were only five or ten years ago and you will realize in a very short time that so much is already quite different. Cell phones, satellite radio, cable TV, automated cars, WiFi and so much more. In broadcasting, I witnessed the evolution from playing phonograph records, to 4-track tapes, to CDs, to mini-discs, and to computerized automation. Yet, along the way, many resisted and complained about the changes. I'm sure there are some of you who know people who refused to adapt to the computer age. I still know some "old timers" who would want to use word processors or even typewriters if they were available, instead of computers. Well, when change comes we have several possible mindsets, some of which are more adaptive than others. Let's examine them one at a time.

The first mindset is to refuse to adapt or change to any new circumstances, just like the person who would prefer to use a word processor. These are generally people who are afraid of change. I believe that the fear of being inadequate is also consistent with this mindset. When change requires new learning, as it often does, some people don't think they will be able to master the new skills or adapt fast enough, so it is easier to simply renounce the changes than make any effort to adapt at all. The problem is that these are the people who are left in the dust, or to put it in corporate terms, they are "outplaced."

The Slow Starter The second mindset is the slow starter. These people usually start out either refusing to change or anxiously running around trying to figure out what to do about it. They do not like change any more than the next person and they persistently resist until one day, it dawns on them that the change may actually bring benefits. Once they see that there is a payoff for them, they fairly easily do the necessary things to adapt to the change.

The Worrier A third mindset is what we see in the over anxious people around us. They are the ones who instinctively make mountains out of molehills and have a nervous energy about them whenever confronted

with a different situation. They think of all of the things that could possibly go wrong and seem to just go around in circles. They don't adapt to the change; they just worry themselves sick over it.

The Change Agent The final one is the most rewarding mindset. These are the people who consistently look at the world and understand that change is a part of everything. These people welcome change. In fact, they are frequently the change agents that generate change. They realize that change is what makes things happen and keeps progress flowing.

“Who Moved My Cheese?” Revisited Are you able to recognize your own mindset in one of the descriptions above? Several years ago, Spencer Johnson's bestselling book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” was the rage. The book is an excellent description of the characters that represent the four possible mindsets in the change game. Hem. The first character in the book was a little person named Hem. Hem feared change and believed it would make things worse. He avoided it in any way possible. Scurry. The second character was a mouse named Scurry. Scurry ran around in circles, just attempting to accomplish something, anything. Sometimes he was right, sometimes wrong, but he was constantly moving.

Haw. The third character was a little person named Haw. Haw was slow to figure things out, but eventually he adapted to the change and realized that the change could bring something better. Sniff. However, the real winner was the mouse, Sniff. Sniff delved into action early, sniffing out the terrain and choosing what to do next. He adapted the quickest. Think about the character you would like to become. What would you have to give up to be that character? Are you ready to make a plan right now to implement the needed changes into your life? With vision, commitment and a good plan, it is possible. When you identify any area in your life that requires some attention and you commit to making the necessary adjustments, it’s strange how life gets in the way sometimes and we revert back to our old, familiar ways. If you can remain focused, you can overcome this tendency and achieve the success you seek. If you cannot, perhaps a coach is the answer. A coach will support your progress and hold you accountable for the goals you set. Good luck as you make the changes that will make you a more happy and success-full person. I’ll see you at the top! Dr. J Thomas Smith is host of “Sunday Morning Live” on KMJQ/Majic 102.1 (9-11 am CST). He is an attorney, author, keynote speaker, and mental health consultant. Your comments are welcome at jtsmith@radio-one.com or jtsmith@worldfamousradio.com. Follow on Twitter @drjtsmith102 and at facebook.com/jthomas.smith.12.

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A Global Company Ex 20 October 2016

By Dawn Paul

• Master Budget and Schedule Development and Control • Management of Design Review and Value Enhancement Process • Part Time/Full Time On-Site Project Management Team • Construction Delivery Approach Recommendations • Equipment Planning and Delivery Coordination • Regulatory Agency Approval Coordination • Activation and Occupancy (Move Coordination) • Contract Close-Out

Associate Editor

aylor Construction Management (TCM) is a premier global company in the construction industry with offices in Houston and Dallas. At the helm of TCM’s success are Troi Taylor and Kelley Taylor, President and CEO, respectfully. This husband and wife team are not only breaking down barriers as African-American entrepreneurs in this industry, but standing out among the competition by executing every project to perfection. TCM is not a construction company, but so much more. This project management services firm and strategic problem-solver is an active contributor to the business community with a passion for our community. Over the years, TCM has seen tremendous and exponential growth. TCM’s team of highly skilled professionals has grown year-over-year. They are on course to increase their staff by 70 -75% by the end of 2016 or first quarter of 2017. Moving forward, they want to continue to grow their Dallas footprint and enter the federal market. Not only does this company have strong teaming partnerships and joint ventures with some of the largest firms in Houston, they have made their mark, making a name as a company that has integrity, along with their reputation for providing quality services.

Taylor Construction Management services include:

• Launch Gap Analysis • Program Management Consulting Services from Planning to Activation • Team Member Selection, Contract Development and Negotiation • Program Management Implementation Plan

This project management services firm may be a young company, but TCM’s average years of experience is 20 years, allowing them to be competitive and offer the same industry specific quality of experience that a larger firm offers. Houston Independent School District (HISD) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) are among those on TCM’s diverse and impressive client roster. In this industry, the Taylors know there are not many people of color in their position. The Taylors understand

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xceeding Expectations

October 2016 21

their role is not just to keep TCM a successful company, but to also serve as an example for the next generation, continuing a legacy of diversity in this business. TCM as an African-American owned entity appreciates the great need for diversity to create economic growth. Kelley Taylor says, “Diversity breeds creativity and innovation. Diversity is very necessary for the growth of our economy. As our population becomes more diverse, so should commerce. On a more personal scale, I consider myself an African-American woman entrepreneur. Both parts (African-American and woman) are equally important. I think it is important for our children to see people who look like them as business owners, and that’s true for every ethnicity.” Where other companies may struggle being a small company in this competitive domain, TCM continues to stand out from the competition because of their service and work ethic, and size is not a factor. TCM is that kid on the playground who doesn’t realize he or she is small. In actuality, they are a small company. However, they have some of the best talent in Houston on the team. Their project managers and site inspectors are some of the best in the business. Their clients know that TCM is here to stay. “The talent we hire is a major factor in TCM’s success. We are committed to hiring the best talent – no matter their geographical location. We are committed to developing our internal talent so that their technical and soft skills remain relevant. Most important to anything else, we do our best to keep God first in every endeavor,” Troi Taylor expresses.

Get to Know Taylor Construction Management Troi Taylor and Kelley Taylor What are the biggest challenges that one can face in the construction industry today, and how does Taylor Construction Management overcome and stay successful? We serve in the capacity of owner’s representative. We manage the design/build process for the project owners (clients). We liaise between the project owner and the architects and general contractors to ensure that the construction process is completed within scope, schedule, and budget. I think the biggest hurdle for the project management industry is finding the right talent. It is a very competitive market. We’ve been fortunate enough to employ a variety of search methods to ensure that our client has the very best talent available to us. We make every effort to hire local talent. At TCM, we believe it is very important that we show the community that we are vested and want to bring jobs to the community.

Testimonial I have worked with Taylor Construction Management through their contract on the project management side of the Bond Program with HISD. Taylor Construction has always been very responsive, very progressive, and very aggressive in returning with the finished product. They have always been honest in all of their dealings with HISD. They are a prime program manager, and I look forward to working with them in the future on HISD projects.” — Kedrick Wright, Senior Manager, Facilities Design for HISD

For more on Taylor Construction Management, please visit them on the web at www.tcm-llc.com.

Talk about how Taylor Construction Management is an active contributor to the business community. Our CEO, Kelley Taylor, continues to seek out ways to serve the Houston business community. She completed Leadership Houston and is a member of the Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce where she was honored as a STEAM role model. Our president serves on the Mayor’s Office of Business Opportunity Advisory Board and the Board of Directors for the Houston Minority Supplier Diversity Council (HMSDC). Most recently, Mayor Turner appointed him to the METRO board. How is Taylor Construction Management paying it forward in the community? One of our favorite things to do is support our community. We encourage our team to do so as well. At the time of this article, in fiscal year 2016, TCM has given nearly $100,000.00 to charity and business organizations right here in Houston. We welcome the opportunity to speak to students regarding career choices, life skills, and the importance of making good choices. Truthfully, our commitment to community is not just talk.

TCM from the competition. The goal-setting and planning phase is just as vital as executing the construction phase. TCM is always at the forefront of mission-critical facility improvement projects with unique leadership needs to deliver a tight budget, fast-track completion, and/or stringent regulatory requirements. How has Taylor Construction Management stayed current with the trends in the industry? We stay current by being visible in the local project management and construction community. It is important that we don’t just seek information, but serve as a conduit for information as well. Also, we are members of the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP). We joined GHP at the Senior Advisory Partner level because we understand the value of the investment. Each organization where we hold membership affords us the opportunity to gain intel on the direction of the local and national economy. There are not many people of color in your position in this industry. Do you see Taylor Construction Management opening doors for the next generation? ABSOLUTELY! We certainly hope so. It is incumbent upon us to conduct business with the highest ethics and execute project services to perfection. Part of our responsibility is to change the perception of small businesses. What advice do you have for those going into the project management industry? I would tell them to do their homework. Do the research. Find out what it takes to be a project manager. If you are entering this industry for the first time, make sure it is what you want to do because there are a lot of soft skills involved with being a successful project manager. You have to have the technical execution along with the communication, relationship building, and relationship management skills. One does not work without the other. Because of the value of capital projects, it’s important that you have a passion for project management because it is that passion that will keep you going when the going gets tough.

We view each project as a blessing, privilege, and great responsibility. It’s not enough to deliver the project within the quality, schedule, and cost parameters. We strive to ensure that we make the building process fun for our owners. Our customers know that we are fully committed to exceeding their expectations.” — Taylor Construction Management

Talk about how Taylor Construction Management is not just a “construction” company, but provides so much more. We truly are strategic problem-solvers. Before a project enters into the construction administration phase, it has to be designed. In order to successfully design the project, you have to establish defined project goals. The project goal always has to be the “North Star” and serve as the compass by which all decisions are evaluated. TCM has developed an expertise in forging consensus and creating empowered project teams that are energized about achieving defined goals. This is the intrinsic value that separates

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

22 October 2016

Change Is Evolutionary!

By Noel A. Pinnock

Contributing Writer

rammy award-winner Donnie McClurkin’s We Fall Down lyrics are still definitely on target with this month’s edition of d-mars.com, partly, because he was able to successfully capture the essence of catching, correcting and learning from failure. “We fall down but we get up…we fall down but we get up, for a saint is just a sinner who fell down but we couldn't stay there…” The incomparable William Shakespeare is infamous for saying, “To err is human.” The verb err means to do something wrong; to make a mistake is "to err." To err is human because all people/humans make mistakes. Unfortunately, we are programmed at an early age to think that failure is bad and this belief prevents individu-

als and organizations from effectively learning from missteps. As children, we learn at some point that admitting failure means taking blame! When asked how many of the failures in their organizations are truly blameworthy, executives reported 2% to 5%. However, when asked how many are treated as blameworthy, they reported 70% to 90%. Amy Edmondson and Mark D. Cannon (Harvard Business School) wrote: “It hardly needs to be said that organizations (individuals) cannot learn from failures if people do not discuss and analyze them. Yet this remains an important insight. The learning that is potentially available may not be realized unless thoughtful analysis and discussion of failure occurs. For example, for Kaiser [Permanente's] Dr. [Kim] Adcock, it is not enough just to know that a particular physician is making more than the acceptable number of errors [in misread x-rays]. Unless deeper analysis of the nature of the radiologists' errors is conducted, it is difficult to learn what needs to be corrected. On a larger scale, the U.S. Army is known for conducting After Action Reviews that enable participants to analyze, discuss, and learn from both the successes and failures of a variety of military initiatives.

Similarly, hospitals use "Morbidity and Mortality" (M&M) conferences (in which physicians convene to discuss significant mistakes or unexpected deaths) as a forum for identifying, discussing, and learning from failures. This analysis can only be effective if people speak up openly about what they know and if others listen, enabling a new understanding of what happened to emerge in the assembled group.” You see, hindsight is always 20/20, but in order to realize the power that is produced in failure, we must first be able to acknowledge it. Second, we must analyze it. Thirdly, we must learn from it. German theoretical physicist Albert Einstein once stated, “We can’t solve yesterday’s problems at the same level of thinking we are at when we created them.” As McClurkin exhorts, when we have fallen down, that requires a change in our beliefs, as well as our thinking. When we change

our beliefs, we change our thoughts. When we change our thoughts, we change our feelings. When we change our feelings, we change our actions. It is about taking action after the error, failure or short fall. It is an opportunity for improvement. Those who catch, correct and learn from failure can succeed. Don’t wallow in the blame game. Now that we know that failure is not fatal, let us examine what life looks like after one does encounter this inevitable dynamic through the lens of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a vital force in the failure recovery process. It is vital because we cannot carry stones in our pockets and expect to run at optimal speeds. Again, Shakespeare wrote “To err is human,” but he also spoke about forgiveness. Forgiveness is reciprocal my friends because to receive it, one must give it, and to accept it, is to move your life progressively forward. After all, we fall down but we can’t stay there. We have to get back up, but getting back up doesn’t end the process. It simply begins the process of catching, correcting and learning from the force that made us fall in the first place. So, there you have it. Get at it and rediscover the power in failure, remembering that failure is not fatal, but failing to change might be. To read more about Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC, IPMA-SCP, please visit www. noelpinnock.com.

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. ®

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24 October 2016

How Do You Define Leadership? By d-mars.com News Provider

"Leadership is the collective action of everyone you influence. Merriam-Webster defines leadership as: Your behavior — your actions and • a position as a leader of a your words — determines how you group, organization, etc.; influence. Our job as leaders is to • the time when a person holds the energize whatever marshals action position of leader; and/or within others." • the power or ability to lead – David Casullo, president, other people. Bates Communications However, the definition of leadership "Leadership is stepping out of your can differ person to person. Business comfort zone and taking risk to creNews Daily spoke to managers, busi- ate reward." ness owners and experts to explain what – Katie Easley, founder, leadership means to them. Below are Kate Ryan Design some of the responses. "Leadership is when someone is "Leadership is about having a selfless willing to stand up front to be heart and always being willing to reach either the target or the hero to take out and lend a helping hand." responsibility for the success or – Bob Reina, failure of a given goal. Not everyCEO and founder, Talk Fusion one has the guts to be a leader and [take] personal risks that they may "A leader is someone [who] leads by encounter." example and has the integrity to do the – Darlene Tenes, right thing even when it is not popular. founder and designer, CasaQ A good leader has positive influence over others, inspiring them to become a "Leadership is the behavior that better person and example for others to brings the future to the present, by model their life against, as well." envisioning the possible and per– Mark Little, founder and president, suading others to help you make it a Diversified Funding reality." "A true leader is secure in creating a framework that encourages others to tap into their own skills and ideas and freely contribute to the whole of the project or company."

– Judy Crockett, owner, Interactive Marketing & Communication

"A leader is a person who takes you where you will not go alone."

– Susan Ascher, CEO, founder and president, SusanAscher.com

– Matt Barney, founder and CEO, LeaderAmp

"Too many people view management as leadership. It's not. Leadership comes from influence, and influence can come from anyone at any level and in any role. Being open and authentic, helping to lift others up and working toward a common mission, build influence. True leadership comes when those around you are influenced by your life in a positive way."

– Kurt Uhlir, CEO and co-founder, Sideqik

"Leadership is not about finding ways to lead better or to motivate your team. It's about being there from the beginning as equals and becoming a mentor when they need you to be one."

– Michael Womack, co-founder, hovelstay.com

How do you define leadership? Source: www.businessnewsdaily.com

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

26 October 2016

Pension Reform – The Path Forward By Mayor Sylvester Turner Contributing Writer

hen you find yourself in a hole, the first order of business is to stop digging. That’s what we did – and pardon the pun here – with the pothole crisis. That’s what we did with the biggest budget gap since the Great Recession. And that’s what we are now doing with pensions. That’s historic, but the even bigger news is the renewal of the can do attitude and coo perative spirit that has served our city well since its founding. Instead of continuing to fight as they have in the past, a broad spectrum of Houstonians are now putting aside their differences and working together to dig us out of this financial hole. Through their pension governing boards, our City employees have put $2.5 billion of concessions on the table. These hard-working public servants are giving up benefits to which they are entitled in order to create a more stable future for our city. City leaders are promising to no longer fudge on what we owe to City employees every year. The business community and legislative delegation are helping to get the plan enacted into law. And, as I have said

many times before, I will later ask taxpayers to step up and share in these sacrifices by agreeing to repeal the revenue cap that is crippling the City’s ability to meet its growing needs. Now, let’s take a closer look at the path forward. Just imagine reducing by more than $200 million what the City will have to pay next year while also controlling what we have to pay every year after. Then imagine having $7.7 billion of currently unfunded pension obligations immediately reduced and then eliminated entirely over time. This plan achieves fully funded, secure, sustainable and affordable retirement plans that our employees can rely on and taxpayers will find it affordable, and we do it without increasing the City budget or needing to raise taxes. Although we are dealing in the billions of dollars, this really isn’t that much different than a consumer mortgage. We will have a 30-year fixed payment plan and just like a mortgage, the debt will be gone at the end of 30 years. The City will pay what it owes every year, and there will be no more refinancing every year to put us deeper in the hole. The benefits changes from the pension systems will immediately reduce our unfunded liability to $5.2 billion for a 33% reduction right off the bat. Their offer is like the down payment. It is their upfront commitment to helping,

and it has a significant impact on the total amount we will have to pay now and in the future. We will couple this with $1 billion in pension obligation bonds (POB) to further reduce the unfunded liability. Yes, we are trading one form of debt for another, but at a lower interest rate. As Fitch Ratings recently noted, “POB use in conjunction with reforms to benefits and contribution practices increases the odds of strengthening funding positions and improving longterm sustainability.” In keeping with the national trend, we are also lowering the assumed rate of return on pension investments to a

more realistic 7%. And, to ensure the City never again finds itself facing a multi-billion dollar debt with no way to pay for it, we are limiting the amount to be spent each year for pension benefits. If anticipated costs rise above this limit, the City and the pension systems will have to return to the table to make adjustments to bring costs back in line. If this type of system had been put in place 15 years ago, we would not be where we are today. For some time, we have known we had choices to make regarding our employee pensions. The current situation is straining our finances and putting at risk our ability to meet our pension obligations in the future. We have chosen a path that will minimize adverse impact on our hard working employees, especially the thousands of police, fire and municipal workers eligible to retire today. No other plan provides both immediate and long-term benefits and takes the pension issue off the table for good. We are closer than ever before to solving this. There will be a few who will criticize but not one of them has presented anything that reduces the unfunded liability by even $1 immediately and then pays it off entirely in 30 years while also moving us forward in a unified manner. Is it perfect? No. But is it a very good plan for City employees, taxpayers and the future of this great city? Absolutely!

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

28 October 2016

FINANCIAL

Changes in Your Household? Tips for Updating Your Insurance

By d-mars.com News Provider

When adult children move home

he American household is changing. The typical single-family home has evolved in the 21st century. Today, it's not uncommon for older parents to move in with their grown children, and with the combined rise in housing costs and debt from college loans, more college graduates are moving home with their parents. In fact, 47 percent of adults in their 40s and 50s either have a parent aged 65 or older living with them and are raising a child or financially supporting an adult child, according to the Pew Research Center. Along with larger family meals and more loads of laundry, there are important insurance considerations that today's households need to consider. Making sure you are covered will go a long way to ensure the safety and financial well-being of your loved ones.

It's not often someone in their mid-20s is excited about moving back in with their parents. But almost one-third of adults between the ages of 18 and 34 are living with their parents. This transition can be expensive. Experts say hosting an adult child can cost between $8,000 and $18,000 per year. Therefore, from the beginning, you should set clear expectations. How long do they plan on staying? What is their work schedule? Will they help pay bills and insurance? As long as your child lives in the same household as you, there is no age limit to how long they can be listed on your auto insurance. However, 26 is now the maximum age that your child can be covered on your health insurance plan. Another insurance consideration is whether to include any of their expensive electronics or other personal belongings on your homeowners insurance policy. If so, will they help pay if the cost of the policy goes up? To help avoid misunderstandings, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners created a Welcome Home contract for hosting your adult children. To download the contract, and find other helpful resources, including tips and information to help all of you make the right insurance decisions, visit www.In sureUonline.org. – BPT

When your parents move in You probably remember having a few "tough talks" with your parents when you were growing up. If your parent or an elderly relative is moving in with you, it's time to have another one of these talks. One of the biggest points to discuss is finances, which includes insurance. You

want to be sure your parents are up-todate with their auto and life insurance premiums. And if your relative is bringing valuable possessions into your home, you may need to update your homeowners policy.

Also important is discussing potential long-term healthcare needs and discussing end-of-life wishes. These conversations can be hard, and it's important to make your loved ones feel cared about, not cared for.

FINANCIAL

If You Become Disabled or Laid Off, How Can You Pay Your Bills? By d-mars.com News Provider

he transmission on your car fails resulting in a trip to the repair garage. Your appendix bursts requiring an overnight hospitalization. A windstorm damages your roof causing a leak. What do these situations have in common? They’re examples of life’s unexpected, expensive surprises that can easily result in a bill of $1,000 or more. Each has the potential to adversely impact your finances. As shocking as it may sound, twothirds of Americans today would have trouble paying an unexpected $1,000 emergency. More than half of adult Americans are considered financially unhealthy, according to the Center for Financial Services Innovation. For many Americans, an unexpected expense can present an insurmountable challenge which can have a ripple effect on their bills. And it's not only low income families that are struggling. One in five households earning more than $75,000 a year are unsure as to whether they could cover an unplanned $2,000 expense.

The great crippler of Americans’ financial health: Disability Consider these disability statistics:

• More than 375,000 Americans become totally disabled each year. • For a 32-year old, a disability lasting 3 months is 6 1/2 times more likely than death. • More than 50 percent of disabled Americans are in their working years, age 18-64. • Among 20-year-olds, more than one in four will become disabled before they retire. • And 95 percent of disabling incidents are not work related so are ineligible for Workers' Compensation. Will the federal government’s Social Security Disability Insurance program come to the rescue? Don’t count on it. Benefits are only available to Americans who have paid FICA taxes at least 10 years. Also, only 32 percent of applicants qualify for benefits and the average benefit paid by Social Security Disability is $1,130 a month. If you have long-term disability insurance, typically it covers 60 percent

of your base salary up to a maximum of $10,000 a month. Most income earners, regardless of income level, have fixed monthly bills that consume 65-75 percent of their paycheck. Even with a disability plan, a disabled person more than likely will have a difficult time making ends meet. Aon Integramark, a financial services company, reviewed a number of disability products and found that many will not pay if an individual can work in another capacity other than their occupation when they became disabled. For example, if you are employed as a nurse at the time you become disabled, and after your injury, you are unable to continue as a nurse, but are able to work as a cashier at a retail store, you may not be considered disabled and eligible for benefits. However, there are other policies specifically designed to address this situation, such as Aon Integramark’s Income Assist(R), which provides benefits when you become disabled, regardless of the type of disability you suffer, as long as certain eligibility criteria are met. “Consumers have been abandoned by a lack of affordable financial security products,” says Doug Silverman, vice president of Aon Integramark. “Income Assist was designed to respond to consumer needs and help protect their financial health in tough times.”

Loss of a job means loss of bill-

paying power: Unemployment

Another unexpected situation that can wreak havoc on an individual’s financial situation is the sudden loss of their job. While the Social Security Act of 1935 established the federal-state Unemployment Insurance (UI) system, which pays benefits to workers who are laid off, the program is over 80-years-old and is showing its age. Generally, a person must work one quarter in the previous year to qualify, and the average UI payment is a little over $300 a week and lasts an average of 26 weeks. For many, that's not enough to make ends meet.

How you can be prepared for life’s unexpected, expensive surprises The ability to pay for an unforeseen auto repair, health care deductible or tax bill is critical to your financial health. To help Americans improve their financial health, Aon Integramark has developed a unique insurance product called Income Assist. It provides short-term disability income benefits with unemployment benefits — financial peace of mind — at an affordable monthly rate. For more information about Income Assist, visit www.incomeassist.com. – BPT

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

30 October 2016

Financial Tips: 5 Ways to Digitize Your Life and Save Even More By d-mars.com News Provider

echnology evolves and improves seemingly every time you blink. From apps to virtual reality and voice assistants to robots, technology affords us the ability to make life easier so we can enjoy what matters most to us. And when it comes to managing finances, digitizing your life can actually have a bonus effect on your wallet. Digital Lifestyle Expert Katie Linendoll teamed up with Capital One to share simple tips to digitize your life and save even more. “We live in a day and age where new technologies afford us the ability to improve our lives in new, off beat ways,” Linendoll says. “By applying that same principle to our personal finance routines, we’re better poised to cut unnecessary costs while saving precious time and hard earned money, too.” Whether you’re budgeting for backto-school season, saving for your next vacation or simply just "tech curious,’" Linendoll’s tips offer a great way to employ modern technology to aide your bottom line. 1. Make your home smarter. Strengthening your financial IQ begins at home. Enhancing your home life with smart products can save you time, energy and money. By switching to a smart thermostat, which can

turn on and off when you need to, you’ll save up to $145/year. 2. Cut the cord. The average cable bill per household is around $99 per month, and most people only watch a handful of those channels. A onetime purchase of a media streaming device costs about the same as a single month of cable. Subscribe to your favorites and you can save around $1,000 a year. 3. Leverage cutting edge technology. Voice-activated technologies hold a lot of promise to make our lives easier. For example, with the Capital One Skill for Amazon Alexa, you can use any Amazon Alexa-enabled device like the Amazon Echo to access your Capital One accounts and check your balance, make a payment and manage your account — all using just your voice. 4. Trade in your old tech for cash. Have some old phones and tablets lying around?

They could be worth a couple hundred bucks. Many internet trade-in sites and retail stores will offer gift cards and even free shipping for your old tech through something called “recommerce,” aka reverse commerce. If you can make money off old things lying around, do it! 5. Take charge of your spending (and saving). Many Americans struggle to come up with emergency expenses, which makes having the f lexibility to bank more ways all the

more critical. Enroll with a bank like Capital One, which offers great digital tools and services — such as Online BillPay, Enhanced Transactions, Mobile Check Deposit and Personalized Alerts — which ultimately work harder for you and your bottom line. – BPT

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32 October 2016

Justice And Fairness For All Rober t Johnson for Judge 17 7th Criminal District Court By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

obert Johnson is no stranger to the criminal courts, continuously fighting for justice as one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Houston. For the past 13 years, he has been working diligently, giving his clients the best legal representation. Now Johnson is ready to fight for justice on the bench, as judicial candidate for the 177th Criminal District Court in Harris County. A Houstonian, having lived in the city for 40 years, and having the extensive legal experience, he is well-aware of what the Harris County Criminal Courts are in need of. If elected, he will bring to the Harris County 177th Criminal District Court “Justice and Fairness for All.”

Q&A with Robert Johnson How does your experience and education prepare you to hold the position of judge for the Harris County 177th Criminal District Court?

he is the youngest criminal district court judge in Texas. He was appointed to the bench at age 33. It’s frightening that he has limited life experience in this position, making major decisions. A criminal district judge has the power to send you to prison for life. My legal experience and life experiences will assist me in making tough but fair decisions while on the bench. Prior to earning my law degree, I worked for 10 years in the private sector. I will use this experience while on the bench. What issues do you want to address if elected as judge of the Harris County 177th Criminal District Court? I would like to clean up the trial docket in the 177th Criminal District Court, including the capital murder cases. Also, I would like to modify the current bonding schedule. We need to utilize our current mental health program, veteran’s court

I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. I earned my law degree with honors from Texas Southern University - Thurgood Marshall School of Law. I have been a criminal defense attorney for 13 years. I have tried cases in Harris County and the surrounding counties. Before practicing criminal defense law, I gained insight and knowledge with the Fort Bend County DA’s Office, so I have experience on the prosecutorial and defense side. What is your reputation in the legal community? I am a person of integrity, I am on time, and I’m a professional. Also, the most important thing, is that I have a reputation for being fair. My work with my clients and my pro bono work speaks for itself, as I provide excellent legal service. Practicing criminal law for 13 years, I have never been disciplined by the State Bar of Texas. I have always been in good standing. The integrity and character in my private practice will translate onto the bench in the 177th Criminal District Court.

“FAIRNESS is really lacking in the Harris County Criminal Courts. This is the reason why I am truly running. If elected, I will follow the law and protect our communities. Punishment and justice will be distributed equally, and no person will be above the law.” – Robert Johnson, Judicial Candidate 177th Criminal District Court

What is your platform? My platform is justice and fairness for all. We desperately need this in our criminal courts in Harris County. We need judges who can be fair and impartial while on the bench. Most importantly, we need judges who will follow the law, will not prosecute from the bench, and who will protect our communities. This is what I will bring to the bench if elected. What do you see lacking in the Harris County Criminal Courts that make you want to run for judge of the Harris County 177th Criminal District Court? FAIRNESS is really lacking in the Harris County Criminal Courts. This is the reason why I am truly running. If elected, I will follow the law and protect our communities. Punishment and justice will be distributed equally, and no person will be above the law. We need more diversity on the criminal benches in Harris County. My opponent is 37 years of age and

program, and drug court program. Incarceration is not always the answer. This is not a benefit to tax payers, because they bear the financial burden of housing prisoners. Making people productive citizens is what a good criminal judge does. Endorsements Include: • African American Police Officers League • Houston Black American Democrats • Houston City Council Member Larry V. Green, Esq. • Houston GLBT Political Caucus • Houston Stonewall Young Democrats • Mexican American Sheriff's Organization

• Texas Coalition of Black Democrats • Tejano Democrats • Harris County Labor Assembly, AFL-CIO • Houston Lawyers Association Johnson says, “If elected, I will make my rulings based upon the law and remain fair and impartial at all times. There will be justice and fairness for all in the 177th Criminal District Court in Harris County if I am elected.” Early Voting is October 24 - November 4, 2016. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2016. For more on Robert Johnson and his platform, please visit him on the web at www.robertjohnsonforjudge.com.

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34 October 2016

Real Estate

3 Things to Look for When Buying a New Home By d-mars.com News Provider

urchasing a new home is an exciting and sometimes stressful experience. Whether you’re moving to a new town or looking to upgrade from your current space, finding a new home requires patience, expert guidance and a keen eye for detail. As a home seeker, the first thing you’ll evaluate is location, space and amenities such as fireplaces, granite countertops, a finished basement, deck or a swimming pool. The next thing to consider is cost, shopping for the right mortgage, making your down payment and negotiating other fees. Finally, you look at the various features inside and outside the home that make it safe, convenient and energy-efficient for you and your family.

To ease some of the stress of house hunting, here are a few top considerations to keep in mind throughout the process: Always start with an impartial home inspection. Home inspections can help potential buyers uncover the structural issues of a home, while also examining

if electrical wiring and devices are up to code, plumbing lines are performing correctly and HVAC systems are running efficiently. In order to locate and properly evaluate any concerns, it is crucial that you research the best impartial home inspector in the area, be present during the inspection itself and thoroughly read the inspection report on the property. Sometimes issues identified are quick fixes which you can address yourself, such as replacing older electrical switches and outlets. You can evaluate if you’re able to make these quick updates safely yourself by viewing sample installations at www. youtube.com/leviton. However, other conditions may require more laborintensive repairs and outside contracting, which should be included in your budget or negotiated with the seller before purchasing your new place. Determine any value-add features you want that are already in the home. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a home buyer’s expected tenure in a newly purchased home is approximately 14 years on average. While it’s not uncommon to change things the longer you live there, it’s equally important to note the features that certain properties already have during your ini-

tial home search to avoid costly replacements and construction projects down the line. As you’re searching, keep the long-term in mind and consider what you may want in the future. Be sure to ask a lot of questions during each walkthrough. For example, are there enough bathrooms to meet your family’s needs? Will your family grow? Does the kitch-

en have a gas line for appliances? Is there a properly-installed and updated heating and cooling system? Does the master bedroom have a walk-in closet? What amenities will make you and your family feel safe, happy and comfortable from the moment you walk in the door and for years to come? What measures have been taken to make the home safe? It’s important to consider a home’s safety features, especially if you’re moving into a new residence with children or pets. So, what classifies as a safety amenity? Depending on the home and location, safety features should include alarm systems, working door and window locks, working carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Outlets. Especially when it comes to electrical outlets in areas like the living room and bedroom, products like Leviton’s SmartlockPro AFCI Outlet should be installed. These AFCI outlets prevent electrical fires in the home and are tamper-resistant, providing added safety for all members of the family. To see what other electrical safety and home products you should look for or look to install in your potential home, check out www.Leviton.com/ HomeSafety. – BPT

Real Estate

Smart Tips for Buying a First Home That Will Be Easy and Affordable to Personalize By d-mars.com News Provider

all this the age of personalization. You can customize practically anything these days, from the kind of information you get on your favorite news feed and the offers you receive from your bank to the icons, background and sounds on your smartphone. Personalizing something really makes it feel more “yours,” so of course you want to be able to do that to your first home. If you’re shopping for your first home, you may already know what you want to do to personalize it. However, you may not be aware that certain features can make a home easier and more affordable to customize after you’ve moved in. For example, if you think you’ll need room to expand for a growing family down the road, it will be cheaper in the long run to buy a home with an attic or basement that you can finish into living space than to try and build on an addition from scratch. As you’re shopping for your first home, keep in mind these elements that will help make it easier and financially feasible for you to make your new home truly your own:

Architectural bones that are right for you What’s your personal style? Do you favor a mid-century modern look? Art-

Room to grow

deco? Craftsman? Colonial? It’s important to choose a home in a basic architectural style you love, because while you can affordably change the color and landscaping, it’s much harder to create a whole new look. Look for exterior features that play up the home’s architectural style, and then think of ways to customize them down the road. For example, simply painting the gingerbread trim on your Victorian style home in a different color can celebrate the look you love while making it your own.

More Americans are living in multigenerational homes. Whether you plan to grow your family by having kids, moving your aging parents in with you, or adopting as many pets as you can fit in your house, you may find you’ll need more space in your new home before you’re ready to move out of it. Homes that have unfinished basements and/ or attics will be easier to customize for your growing space needs. Converting an attic or basement into living space can cost much less than having an addition built on your home and attics are perfect spaces to easily add light and fresh air with skylights or roof windows.

Energy efficient lifestyle features Green considerations and energy efficiency are top priorities for many of today’s first-time homebuyers, so it’s important to look for a home that has conservation-minded features like a high-efficiency water heater or low-flow showerheads. The best eco-conscious home features, however, will also enhance your lifestyle. Upgrades like Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered, fresh-air skylights like those from Velux America provide natural light plus passive ventilation, helping to cut energy costs while reducing dependency on artificial light and ventilation sources. If you buy a home that already has skylights, you can personalize them by adding energy efficient blinds in designer colors and patterns. And if you add solar powered sky-

lights to the home, it’s easy and costeffective since there is no cost for electrical work to operate the units. Solar skylights, blinds and installation costs are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. A programmable touchpad remote allows you to adjust the amount of light entering through the venting skylights and also to adjust the blinds with the touch of button. The skylights close automatically in case of rain. You can also easily and affordably add more natural light to interior spaces like hallways and closets with Sun Tunnel tubular skylights, which can be installed by a handy DIYer in a few hours. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

A price that lets you add value Popular renovation and fixer-upper shows make it easy to understand the idea of finding a home at a price that will allow you to add value. A home that needs some renovation and upgrading will likely cost less than a comparable new home, but it also affords you the opportunity to extensively personalize your space. If you buy a home that needs work for a price well under your budget limit, you can use the extra money to invest in renovations that put your personal stamp on your home. In addition to customization for additional enjoyment, those upgrades will also allow you to instantly add value to your home. – BPT

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