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Expanding Your Education

PAGE 4

PAGES 18-19

Marlon D. Mitchell, President and CEO of HBDi and Staff

Fostering Economic Growth in This City Is Houston Business Development, Inc. Behold…Tacit Knowledge By Noel A. Pinnock I have always said that in a land that is constantly going through entropy, only the learned will survive. PAGE 8

PAGE 24

PAGE 10

Expand Your Education Options With an Online Degree By J Thomas Smith You can expand your education by earning an online college degree from wherever you are in the world. PAGE 14

Texas Southern University and the Houston Community College System Set up Academic Partnership Agreement

Texas Southern University Winter Commencement

Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty to those for whom you work and persistence.

— Colin Powell

December 2016 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

VICE PRESIDENT

“Expanding Your Education” is the theme for this month’s issue. If you are a business owner or entrepreneur, are you staying current on the trends in your area of business? To help ensure that your business grows, it’s important that you continue to expand your education. Having that business knowledge will help take your business to higher levels. Expand your education!

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 cover story is about Houston Business Development, Inc. (HBDi). HBDi has been a vital component in stimulating economic growth, supporting the expansion of small businesses, helping to combat community deterioration, and fostering employment opportunities for low-moderate income citizens in the Houston metropolitan area, the surrounding counties, and the state of Texas. Marlon D. Mitchell is President and CEO of HBDi. He and the HBDi board are committed in their efforts to nurture and develop small businesses. 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 Taelor Smith

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Charlette Washington

DISTRIBUTION

Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Comerica Bank Noel A. Pinnock Texas Southern University J Thomas Smith d-mars.com News Provider

Comerica Bank News........................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Look to This Financial Tool.............................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Small Businesses and the Holiday Shopping Season............................................................................................................................. 6 Behold…Tacit Knowledge................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 New Streaming Service for African Americans......................................................................................................................................... 8 Texas Southern University News.................................................................................................................................................................10 Randalls Grocery Delivery Launches in Houston....................................................................................................................................10 Nielsen News..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Expand Your Education Options With an Online Degree....................................................................................................................... 14 U.S. Small Business Administration News................................................................................................................................................. 14 Court Cases to Lower ATM Fees Re-Instated...........................................................................................................................................16 Houston Business Development, Inc.....................................................................................................................................................18-19 Racial Bias in the 21st Century Workplace...............................................................................................................................................20 Easy DIY Tips to Save on Your Winter Energy Bills................................................................................................................................ 22 Tips for Your Car That Can Save You Money............................................................................................................................................ 22 Texas Southern University Winter Commencement.............................................................................................................................. 24 7 Social Security Facts You Need to Know...............................................................................................................................................26 Why Winter Is a Smart Time to Buy a Home............................................................................................................................................28 Getting the Most out of Your Social Security..........................................................................................................................................30 Tech Tools..........................................................................................................................................................................................................30

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “All business is personal…Make your friends before you need them.” – Robert Johnson

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4 December 2016

Business

Comerica Inc. Named One of the 50 Best Companies for Diversity by BLACK ENTERPRISE BLACK ENTERPRISE, in partnership with the Executive Leadership Council, has released its listing of the "50 Best Companies for Diversity" as featured in the publication's October 2016 issue. The companies singled out for distinction demonstrated a significant commitment to diversity in four key areas: board of directors, employee base, senior management and supplier diversity. In 2005, BLACK ENTERPRISE began publishing its list of the "Best Companies for Diversity," identifying those corporations that proved to be the best of the best in developing a culture and executing policies that promoted inclusion of African Americans within their workforce, senior management ranks, corporate boards, and supplier pools. This year's roster of companies recognized the value of the link between diversity and engagement, which is driven by corporate leadership. In compiling this year's list, the BLACK ENTERPRISE research team found hundreds of companies declined to take part in the survey. Some companies did not participate, stating that they did not have adequate time to provide diversity figures. Others admitted that their organizations' numbers simply did not measure up. "At a time when African American executive talent is more abundant than ever, corporations should willingly embrace our inclusion to drive their performance," says BLACK ENTERPRISE's President and CEO, Earl "Butch" Graves Jr. "The companies featured on our roster provide a strong culture of inclusion, starting at the top, with many of the CEOs presiding over internal inclusion councils and tying diversity best practices to job performance and compensation." In selecting the 2016 companies, BLACK ENTERPRISE and ELC sent surveys to the nation's top 1,000 publicly traded companies with strong U.S. operations. The final list includes those that showed a commitment to diversifying its ranks in four areas: employee base, senior management, supplier diversity, and board of directors. Companies were also chosen based on programs created to nurture and maintain a diverse professional space. Surveys did not simply focus on black inclusion, but ethnic minority groups as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Supporting criteria used to finalize the list included efforts directed toward women, the disabled, veterans, and the LGBT community. BLACK ENTERPRISE, your ultimate source for wealth creation, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine provides 6 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, BLACK ENTERPRISE produces television programming, business and lifestyle events, web content and digital media. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, and the authority on black business news and trends. 1. Aflac Inc. 2. Allstate Corp. 3. Ameren Corp. 4. American Express Co.

5. Aramark 6. AT&T Inc. 7. ADP Inc. 8. Bank of America Corp. 9. Carnival Corp. & plc. 10. Cigna 11. The Coca-Cola Co. 12. Comcast NBCUniversal 13. Comerica Inc. 14. Consolidated Edison Inc. 15. Duke Energy Corp. 16. Edison International 17. Eli Lilly and Co. 18. Entergy Corp. 19. Exelon Corp. 20. Fannie Mae 21. FedEx Corp. 22. Ford Motor Co. 23. General Mills Inc. 24. General Motors Co. 25. IBM Corp. 26. Illinois Tool Works Inc. 27. Johnson Controls Inc. 28. Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. 29. JPMorgan Chase & Co. 30. Kellogg Co. 31. Macy's Inc. 32. Marriott International Inc. 33. McDonald's Corp. 34. McKesson Corp. 35. Merck & Co Inc. 36. MGM Resorts International 37. Morgan Stanley 38. Nationwide Insurance Co. 39. Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. 40. PG&E Corp. 41. PepsiCo Inc. 42. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. 43. Prudential Financial Inc. 44. Southern Co. 45. State Farm Insurance Co. 46. TIAA 47. Toyota Motor North America Inc. 48. Verizon Communications Inc. 49. Walmart Stores Inc. 50. Xerox Corp. Source: BLACK ENTERPRISE

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CBP-6112-07 AA CRA Ad-MM.pdf

10/14/16

December 2016 5

10:31 AM

We’re building our community, one mortgage at a time. Get the experience, knowledge and advice you deserve. Buying a new home can be challenging to navigate. At Comerica, our Mortgage Specialists can help you feel at home with your decision. We’ll help you research and analyze all your options to determine the best mortgage program for you. For more information, visit your local Comerica banking center or visit Comerica.com today.

RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER. Comerica Bank NMLS ID: 480990 Loans are subject to credit approval. Not all offers available for all mortgage transactions.

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CBP-6112-07 10/16

6 December 2016

Finance

When Bad Health Hits, Look to This Financial Tool By d-mars.com News Provider

orking hard may take a toll on your health. But what are your options when your work pays the price for

your bad health? Chronic illness, an injury or a severe disability can create a financial crossroads for people. Often, people are torn between trying to keep working in ill health, losing important income and benefits, and trying to stabilize their health conditions. A cancer diagnosis, stroke or car accident is just the beginning of a challenging path. Usually, financial problems follow soon after. Many people have limited options and turn to investments and savings set aside for retirement, like a 401(k) or an IRA. “Many workers make the worst mistake when they borrow money against their 401(k) after a work-disrupting illness or disability,” says Tricia Blazier, personal health and financial planning director for Allsup. “This devastates your financial future for the long term, and it’s very difficult to recover.” But nearly three times as many American workers are insured for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits because they pay FICA payroll taxes as those who establish a 401(k). That breaks

down to 152 million workers insured for SSDI, according to the Social Security Administration, and about 52 million with an active 401(k), according to the Investment Company Institute. In addition, it’s estimated only 32 million workers have private long-term disability insurance through their employers. “Really you need all three — 401(k), LTD and SSDI — in your financial toolkit, no matter how old you are,” Blazier says. “You need to consider SSDI because you can access this income without penalty or trade-offs before you turn 591/2 years old, unlike your 401(k).” The SSDI program is insurance for workers who experience a severe disability. It pays monthly income for those people who qualify due to a severe chronic or terminal illness or disability, and it includes incentives to return to work if they medically recover. “The SSDI program has risen in visibility in recent years because of its importance for the aging workforce, especially since so few workers have private disability coverage,” says Blazier, who provides guidance with finances and budgeting for SSDI applicants. “The important thing to recognize is that SSDI has valuable benefits that go beyond monthly income,” Blazier added. “They include access to Medicare, dependent benefits, plus the future opportunity to return to work if you are able.”

SSDI as part of your financial toolkit Blazier says many workers don’t consider filing SSDI applications because they don’t understand eligibility rules or feel conflicted about seeking benefits from the program. “This is an insurance program, and you’ve paid the premiums,” Blazier says. “You are making a huge mistake if you don’t at least find out if you’re eligible for SSDI when you are forced to leave work due to an injury, illness or disability.” Common questions about this program include: How do I know if I’m eligible for SSDI? Social Security has stringent rules to receive benefits. Individuals must have paid FICA payroll taxes, usually worked five out of the last 10 years, and have a severe work-disrupting condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or is terminal. Applicants also must be under full retirement age (65-67).

What does it take to file an SSDI application? Options include answering simple questions online at your convenience and letting an expert SSDI representative complete and submit Social Security forms on your behalf, schedule appointments with Social Security weeks in advance, or complete forms and submit them on your own. Why is SSDI important to my financial future? Receiving Social Security disability income does not have to be a permanent circumstance. Thousands of individuals who experience work-disrupting illness go through rehabilitation, recover and eventually return to work. Your SSDI application is the first step in this process to reclaiming the life that provides you with financial and health stability you need. Along with regular monthly income, SSDI includes access to health care insurance, dependent benefits, protection for your Social Security retirement income (so your retirement benefits are less likely to be reduced) and return-to-work incentives. “Your financial future doesn’t have to be over, and neither is your career, even though you have to stop working for a few years,” Blazier says. “Realize SSDI is an important support for you, and that you’ve already paid for it.” For more information about SSDI eligibility and your Social Security disability application, visit FileSSDI.Allsup. com. – BPT

Finance

How Small Businesses Can Capitalize on the Holiday Shopping Season

10 percent, according to Aberdeen Group.

By d-mars.com News Provider

or entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, the holiday season offers an incredible opportunity to boost sales and increase the bottom line. Just like how the early bird gets the worm, starting holiday promotions early will position your business for optimum growth. Polishing your online identity, optimizing marketing opportunities and engaging in positive customer relations are key strategies for boosting profits. It may be the season of red and green, but businesses that take advantage of these expert tips will be better positioned to see a lot of numbers in the black.

Email marketing tips The most essential step in creating effective holiday marketing emails is to start early. In fact, 2015 email data from GoDaddy shows that it’s best for companies to get a head start on their email marketing campaigns as early as November. The days with the highest open rates before Christmas were during the first week of November, specifically Nov. 2. Even if those dates have passed, starting ASAP can help boost traffic and sales. “Black Friday and Cyber Monday might seem like the perfect days to send promotional emails, but small businesses should proceed with caution," says Eric Gilbert,

Social media tips

director of GoDaddy Email Marketing. “With higher sending volume comes lower email open rates. Our advice to our customers is twofold. First, get a head start on your holiday campaigns by sending before the peak shopping days arrive. And second, be sure to write crisp, compelling subject lines to help stand out in the inbox." In creating an effective email, consider providing valuable information and useful tips rather than straightforward sales copy. Shab Sadeghi, founder of Shabbella, a lifestyle brand for women, uses GoDaddy Email Marketing to stay in touch with her customers throughout the holiday season. “I like to share style tips on how my customers can wear Shabbella products multiple ways throughout the season,” says Sadeghi. “In the past, I’ve provided beautiful gift boxes with orders during the holidays. I love to give back to my customers, plus everyone loves gifts!” Another way to increase email marketing efforts is to send personalized emails. Personalized emails improve click-through rates by 14 percent and conversion rates by

Keeping active on popular social media platforms helps brands engage with their customers and influence purchasing decisions. What's more, 51 percent of people will use social media to get gift ideas, according to a statistica survey. In addition to staying active, give your social efforts a holiday makeover with a few new strategies. For example, music is a huge part of how people interact during the holidays. Share popular holiday songs and encourage your audience to do the same. Next, go for the emotional response. Heartwarming stories of generosity, charity and creativity abound during this time of year and tend to get a lot of play on social media. In addition, focus on the entertainment value over the sale. The holidays, while joyful, are often filled with stress. Giving your users a break from the madness with a funny holiday-themed image or video will help them associate your brand with more than just your product. Finally, make social interactive. Respond in a timely manner to user questions and comments. It will help build your brand reputation and leave a positive impression on your audience.

Storefront and website tips Whether customers are visiting in person

or virtually via a website, you want to give them an easy-to-navigate experience and plenty of purchasing options that meet their holiday shopping needs. First, categorize items as gifts on your website. For example, “gifts for your husband” or “gifts for kids.” Reflect this messaging in product copy and consider writing blogs that support gift ideas for specific audiences. Additionally, promote the upsell by offering packages of products and/or services in bundles. Second, hire a web developer and graphic designer to spruce up your website to reflect the essence of the holidays. Alternatively, use a DIY website builder that's affordable and easy to use like GoDaddy. For physical stores, tasteful holiday decor can enhance the ambience and get shoppers in a festive state of mind. Finally, for brick-and-mortar purchases, consider offering complimentary gift wrapping. For online purchases, provide free shipping when a certain amount is purchased. With each day there's another opportunity to upgrade your holiday marketing strategies, but you must start now. With these tips, you'll have an edge on the competition. To learn more about how small businesses can get a head start on their holiday marketing efforts, visit headstartday. com. – BPT

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Decemberâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;2016â&#x20AC;&#x192; 7

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

8 December 2016

Behold…Tacit Knowledge

By Noel A. Pinnock Contributing Writer

have always said that in a land that is constantly going through entropy, only the learned will survive. Those who don’t will perish and die in the stagnation of the moment or the inertia of the day. We can no longer simply accept that our society will get better and that the golden eggs of opportunity will soon hatch and open the door to prosperity and abundance. Much like our ancient patriarchs and matriarchs who wandered around the wilderness outside of Canaan, we are not going to enter the land flowing of milk and honey and possess the promises of a better tomorrow or better today, until we, as community, begin to coalesce around the notion that our future depends on how well we are prepared for it. Preparation is defined as the action or process of making ready or being made

ready for use or consideration. At the core of preparation is education, but not in the conventional sense of the reading, math, and athematic. Now don’t get me wrong. Literacy and numeracy are core pillars between the foundation of nature and the rafters of nurture and are the keys that unlock the doors of academic progress, but in today’s society, that can only get you so far. Over 70% of today’s careers require both mental and physical skills. 30% requires post-secondary education such as an associate’s, bachelors or master’s degree and 40% requires labor/trade skills licenses or certifications to support careers in nursing, welding, technology, etc. Couple this with the fact that over 80% of jobs today involve offering services instead of making things as most of this has been outsourced on a global scale, according to the Business Insider. The reality, ladies and gentlemen, is that there is a huge wilderness or chasm that stands between recent society’s high school graduates and employment. According to “Education to Employment: Designing a System That Works” report published by McKinsey & Company, there are about 75 million young people globally who are educated but are unemployed. Paradoxically, there is a critical skills shortage at the same time. Education and learning is a way of life today and one would expect that making a living would be rather easy. The answer is “not exactly.” Though education and learning is a way of life and provide the compass to life’s achievement, we must

not lose focus on the power and importance of tacit knowledge. Michael Polanyi, a Hungarian-British polymath, who made important theoretical contributions to physical chemistry, economics, and philosophy, once said that, “We can know more than we can tell.” We think of all knowledge as something that can be recorded in words, visualized, and taught. However, this isn't always the case. Tacit knowledge is a class of knowledge that's difficult to communicate. Tacit knowledge is a particular challenge for management. Firms would like to prevent knowledge loss due to employee t u rnover. How e v e r, tacit knowledge almost always goes with the employee. Tacit k nowled ge is essential to competitive advantage because it's difficult for competitors to copy. It's the reason some firms pump out innovation after innovation while other firms struggle. By definition, tacit knowledge is unwritten, unspoken, and hidden vast storehouse of knowledge held by practically every normal human being, based on his or her emotions, experiences, insights, intuition, observations and internalized information. Tacit knowl-

edge is integral to the entirety of a person's consciousness, is acquired largely through association with other people, and requires joint or shared activities to be imparted from one to another. Like the submerged part of an iceberg, it constitutes the bulk of what one knows and this represents the bottom and not the top. I submit to you that in all you are getting, don’t stop at basic knowledge through education and learning, but tacit knowledge that is acquired through day-to-day interactions. It is this knowledge that is the basis of: Language Innovation

Body Language Intuition

Leadership

Humor

Aesthetic Sense

Snowboarding

Sales

Emotional Intelligence

At the end of the day, do your part, play your part, and earn your part because your next sale, career move or promotion may just depend on what you can’t tell, but demonstrate. To read more about Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC, IPMA-SCP, please visit www. noelpinnock.com.

Brown Sugar - New Streaming Service for African Americans Featuring the Biggest Collection of the Baddest Movies The biggest collection of the baddest African-American movies of all-time have a new subscription-video-on-demand streaming home as Brown Sugar launches today. Brown Sugar is now available for mobile phones and tablets in the Google Play Store and iTunes App Store and for computers at www.BrownSugar.com. There is a free initial trial period for subscribers with a retail price of $3.99/month thereafter. Brown Sugar features an extensive library of iconic black movies, all unedited and commercial-free as they were originally seen in theaters. The Mack, Foxy Brown, Shaft, Super Fly, Dolemite, Cotton Comes to Harlem, Uptown Saturday Night, Cooley High, Three The Hard Way, Coffy, Black Caesar, Five on the Black Hand Side, Cleopatra Jones, Mandingo, Willie Dynamite, Which Way is Up?, Car Wash, The Original Gangstas– Brown Sugar has them all. Brown Sugar's one-of-a-kind library consists of titles licensed from all the top Hollywoodstudios. Brown Sugar is a black explosion of hot chicks, cool cats and cult classics: Fred "The Hammer" Williamson, Pam Grier, Jim Brown, Richard Roundtree, Jim Kelly, Godfrey Cambridge, Max Julien, Richard Pryor, Rudy Ray Moore, Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones,

Isaac Hayes, Tamara Dobson, Yaphet Kotto, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Bernie Casey, Leon Isaac Kennedy, Thalmus Rasulala and many others are all streaming now on Brown Sugar. Williamson and Grier, the King and Queen of the genre, are official ambassadors for Brown Sugar, as is contemporary rap artist and producer Rick Ross, a huge fan of the movies. "Brown Sugar is just like Netflix, only blacker," said the iconic Grier, who can be seen in Foxy Brown, Coffy, Black Mama/ White Mama, Original Gangstas, Drum and more. "These movies are entertaining and fun, but they were also empowering to the black community as they depicted African Americans as strong leading

characters and heroes for the first time." Rick Ross commented, "You can see the influence of these movies in every aspect of rap and hip-hop; in the music, the lyrics, the fashion and overall style - the Blaxploitation genre is where it all began." Brown Sugar curates its films for fans, including themes like: • War in Harlem - Cotton Comes to Harlem, The Black Godfather, Across 110th Street • Foxy Mamas - Foxy Brown, Coffy, Cleopatra Jones, Friday Foster, Sheba Baby • Righteous Revenge - Dolemite, Black Caesar, Hell Up in Harlem, Hammer • Stickin' it to The Man - The Mack,

Black Gunn, Three The Hard Way • Good Cop, Black Cop - Action Jackson, They Call Me Mr. Tibbs • #BlackLove - Bad, Black & Beautiful, Brothers, Black Sister's Revenge • Shake Down, Take Down - Blue Collar, Amazing Grace, Cool Breeze • Black Horror - Blacula, Sugar Hill, Blackenstein • They Got Game - The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, Greased Lightning, Joe Bullet In the early 1970's, movies began to be made starring African Americans in lead roles. Many of these films were action-fueled crime dramas, along with some comedies and even some camp, all infused with funk and soul music. Audience appeal of the genre eventually broadened across racial and ethnic lines as stars like Pam Grier and Fred Williamson became household names and songs from the movies such as the "Theme from Shaft" and "Super Fly" cracked America's Top 40. The movies not only had an enormous influence on filmmaking, which continues to this day, but on all other art forms - especially hip-hop as well as American culture overall. Brown Sugar is owned by Bounce TV, the fastest-growing African-American network on television. Source: Brown Sugar

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Decemberâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;2016â&#x20AC;&#x192; 9

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

10 December 2016

TSU Board Chairman Derrick Mitchell, TSU President Dr. Austin Lane, HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E., HCC Board of Trustees Chair Adriana Tamez, Ed.D., and HCC Trustee Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Ed. D.

Texas Southern University and the Houston Community College System Set up Academic Partnership Agreement

dministrators from Texas Southern University (TSU) and the Houston Community College System (HCCS) recently signed a historic memorandum of understanding at the College of Education at TSU. The agreement provides the framework that will allow both institutions to ensure that students will have a seamless, cost-effective transfer from HCCS to TSU. TSU President Dr. Austin Lane, TSU Board Chairman Derrick Mitchell,

HCC Board of Trustees Chair Adriana Tamez, Ed.D., HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E., and HCC Trustee and two-time TSU alumnus Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Ed. D. were among the administrators in attendance. “We are excited to partner with HCCS and strengthen the bonds of higher education between the campuses,” President Lane said. “This agreement allows us to develop programs that will enhance the educational experience of students attending both Houston Community College and Texas Southern. 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 recognizes both institutions as active educational partners committed to providing greater educational opportunities and services for students. Benefits to students will include scholarships, joint admission, and conditional admittance to TSU’s Honors College. Data sharing will contribute to the maintenance and efficiency of transfers, and promote effective cooperation between the two insti-

tutions. HCC will accept reverse transfer credits from TSU students who leave college prior to completion of their baccalaureate degree in order to complete the requirements for an HCC associate degree. “This is the beginning of a great relationship for our students here at HCC,” Chancellor Maldonado said. “The enrollment and registration process will be taken care of when our students choose to transfer to TSU. All they have to do is show up to class. This is a great partnership that will not only save money for students, but will increase their success rates.”

Business

Randalls Grocery Delivery Launches in Houston and Austin Randalls recently launched a new grocery delivery program with a fleet of state-of-the-art home delivery trucks, offering customers convenient and time-saving grocery shopping, delivered right to their door. Randalls customers will be able to access this service online at shop.randalls.com, as well as through the Randalls delivery app available on iOS and Android devices. "We're very excited to bring Randalls grocery delivery to Houston and Austin," said Sidney Hopper, president of Randalls. "We know how busy folks are, and this new service will help give time back to our customers juggling family, work, evening activities and various responsibilities." To celebrate the launch and provide our customers with additional savings, shoppers placing Randalls grocery de-

livery orders by January 4, 2017, will receive $10 off their first order in addition to FREE delivery by entering the promo code GROCERIES at online checkout. Randalls' Grocery Delivery service offers one-hour delivery windows and a shop-by-history feature that saves all previously purchased items for easy repeat purchasing. "The process is simple. Customers order online and select a delivery date and time," Hopper said. "Our personal shoppers select the items and carefully load them into temperature zoned trucks for delivery. Our trucks will keep your foods frozen or chilled to ensure temperature control and product quality." Deliveries are delivered to the door by a driver who then reviews the order and checks off each item for the customer's approval.

Randalls is launching the service with more than 25 new delivery trucks in Houston and Austin. With a minimum order of $49, customers can have their groceries delivered, and even carried into their home in a one-hour delivery window of their choice… making shopping at Randalls easier than ever before!

About Randalls: Randalls operates 44 stores in the Houston and Austin areas and is part of Albertsons Companies, one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. The company operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 19 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway,

Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs. Albertsons Companies is dedicated to helping people across the country live better lives. In 2015 alone, with the help of generous customers, Albertsons Companies and the Albertsons Companies Foundation gave more than $270 million in food and financial support to the more than 2,300 communities they serve, improving the lives of millions of people in the areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, programs for people with disabilities, and veterans outreach. Albertsons Companies is committed to making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. Source: Randalls

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

Decemberâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;2016â&#x20AC;&#x192; 11

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

12 December 2016

Technology

Nielsen Forecasts Digital Shopping Will Drive Retail Holiday Sales In 2016 Anticipated Holiday Spending on the Rise

E-commerce retailers stand to benefit from shoppers' continued affinity for online shopping, according to Nielsen's 2016 holiday trend report. Consumers across all generations are spending more online, however Millennials are leading the way with 25% planning to increase their online expenditures this holiday season. Overall, 19% of U.S. shoppers are planning to spend more online, up from 17% in 2015. This holiday season, digital shopping will play a major role in retail holiday sales. According to Nielsen's bi-weekly Omnibus English language survey of 1,159 adults aged 18+, as of Nov. 11, consumer sentiment around online shopping is outpacing in-store. Fifty-eight percent of shoppers stated that they have purchased their holiday gifts online compared to 40% in big-box retail stores and 25% in department stores. "With a growing appetite for all things digital, online platforms will have a more significant role in helping consumers both research and purchase gifts during this holiday season," says Jordan Rost, VP of Consumer Insights, Nielsen. "Retailers take note, virtual environments present opportunities and unlimited growth potential for merchants - especially with the millennial, digital consumer." For the 2016 holiday season, Nielsen worked to uncover the top retail and shopping trends. The below insights are derived from a Nielsen survey of 2,037 U.S. adults aged 18+ online between Nov. 2 and 4, 2016, by The Harris Poll®.

shift beyond a one-day-event. Digitally savvy consumers are looking for deals on a daily basis. o Black Friday Categories On The Rise: This year, shoppers are planning to spend more on pet gifts (30%), jewelry (29%) and cookware (29%) than they did in 2015. Traditional categories such as apparel, consumer electronics, video games, toys and gift cards remain at the top of shopping lists for Black Friday. o Department and dollar stores are set to see the biggest rise in shoppers compared to last year, with 59% of consumers planning to shop in department stores and 21% in dollar stores, increases of 2% and 3% respectively. • Cyber Monday: This year, more consumers plan to shop on Cyber Monday (63% vs. 60% in 2015). o Mobile commerce is making

large gains in 2016, with 50% of consumers planning to use their phones to shop on Cyber Monday, up from 39% in 2015. • Optimism: Millennials lead all generations in spending optimism, with 12% planning to spend more, followed by Generation X at 8%, Boomers 6% and the Greatest Generation planning on 4% increase in spending. • Ready to shop: Millennials also lead consumers who are shopping earlier with 30% having already started, followed by Generation X (23%), Boomers (22%) and Greatest Generation (16%). • Spending More: African-Americans lead increased spending, with 15% planning to spend more, up from 14% in 2015, while the total population only has 9% planning to spend more. • More Food: Multicultural households are leading the push towards food as holiday gifts, with 19% of African Americans, 14% of Asian Americans, 13% of Hispanic Americans and 8% of Non-Hispanic white consumers planning to spend 8% more on food as a gift. • Cookware as Gifts: Multicultural households also dominate shoppers planning to spend more on cookware as gifts: 8% of African-Americans, 7% of Asian-Americans and 6% of Hispanic Americans anticipate spending more on cookware gifts, compared to the average population at 5%. "For retailers, the winning strategy for this holiday season will be to get digital right," said Thom Blischok, Strategic Retail Advisor to Nielsen "In today's digital landscape, it's no longer just about promo-

tions, it's about effectively engaging with the omnichannel consumer. Malls will need to go very deep on discounts early to attract shoppers and bricks and mortar stores will really need to provide a captivating, in-store experience to properly compete."

About Nielsen Nielsen Holdings plc is a global performance management company that provides a comprehensive understanding of what consumers watch and buy. Nielsen's Watch segment provides media and advertising clients with Total Audience measurement services for all devices on which content — video, audio and text — is consumed. The Buy segment offers consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers the industry's only global view of retail performance measurement. By integrating information from its Watch and Buy segments and other data sources, Nielsen also provides its clients with analytics that help improve performance. Nielsen, an S&P 500 company, has operations in over 100 countries, covering more than 90% of the world's population. For more information, visit www. nielsen.com. Source: Nielsen

NIELSEN: TOP RETAIL SHOPPING TRENDS FOR HOLIDAY 2016 • Black Friday: 54% of U.S. consumers are planning to shop on Black Friday, up from 50% in 2015. That said, the weight of Black Friday deals continues to

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

14 December 2016

Expand Your Education Options With an Online Degree

By J Thomas Smith Contributing Writer

ou can expand your education by earning an online college degree from wherever you are in the world. Today, earning your diploma is simpler and easier than ever. No longer must you spend your days or evenings on the bus or in rush hour traffic commuting to a college campus. (Oh, how I remember those days.) Today, you have the option to earn college credits from home and keep your day job. The majority of online courses are the same as courses you would take on campus. The only difference is you can engage in your studies from home, the office, the beach or maybe your favorite coffee bar. These convenient programs are available for undergraduate and graduate degrees alike.

Online Degree Options There are two primary options available for earning a degree completely offcampus. There are your brick and mortar universities and online universities, both offering a broad array of programs via the Internet. Both program options offer flexibility and are very often less expensive than traditional programs. As more students demand flexibility in their class schedules, many schools have adapted their regular offerings. It is now very common to find many

traditional campus college courses available in both formats, online and on-campus. This makes it possible for those who cannot attend a particular regular course to do so online. Of course, the traditional colleges that are adding online degrees are doing so to remain relevant and competitive, as they meet the changing needs and demands of today's students.

The Distance Education Option A distance education college program is another primary type of academic institution that offers some of their degrees online. Distance education colleges often specialize in a wide range of courses. They normally provide virtual classrooms, online courses, and teleconferences. These colleges often have locations in large metropolitan areas across the country. Learners then have the option to take a course online or at the school's physical location. There are a few that have research-based, independent study programs. Very often, the campuses are virtual.

National Accreditation or Regional Accreditation Not all online colleges are accredited. While some schools may have high quality specialized degree programs, they have not sought accreditation. Many religious schools and other specialized programs are in this situation. The degree candidates perceive value in the programs and accreditation is not necessarily important to them. Unless you have a special reason for going to a particular unaccredited college, you may earn a more useful degree if it is accredited. Employers typically require accredited degrees and accreditation is required to receive federal financial aid.

also a pool of funds available to students who simply request it. Do your homework. You could save money even before you enroll.

Online Programs Accommodate Busy Schedules

Neither national nor regional accreditation is inherently superior to the other when it comes to a university’s academic programs. But, there may be some advantages to enrolling in a regionally accredited online school over one that is nationally accredited. While nationally accredited on-line colleges have easier admission standards and are more affordable, regionally accredited colleges tend to have better reputations academically and the credits are more widely accepted by other schools.

It May Cost a Little. It May Cost a Lot. The tuition costs for online colleges on average are lower or equal to the cost of a regular four-year school. Many online colleges might even be considered cheap, when compared to some high priced four-year schools. However, some online specialty programs could be more expensive than campus-based programs. Assuming the schools are accredited, both of them offer federal financial aid (i.e., student loans), which can make a college degree feasible for individuals from low-income families. Loans along with grants and lower tuition make this an affordable option for many students. Some funding sources are based on academic scholarships, others are based on need, but there is

If you have a busy schedule like many people today, a great way to get the degree you want or need to advance on the job could be as close as your laptop. An online degree program can be an ideal way to advance your career. The majority of people who enroll in an online degree program can expect to complete a bachelor's degree in about the same amount of time as campus-based students. Web-based degree programs are an excellent option to the standard fouryear college. Learners benefit from variety in their education program and many will find online degree programs very rewarding. However, not all degrees can be, or should be offered by way of online teaching. On the other hand, many courses of study do transfer easily from a virtual campus to a brick and mortar campus. If you have a busy and demanding routine, before deciding on an on-campus degree program, consider looking into online programs that could conveniently accommodate your schedule and make it easier for you to expand your education. J Thomas Smith is host of “Sunday Morning Live” on “The Real Sound of Htown” KMJQ/ Majic 102.1 (9-11 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 on facebook.com/jthomas.smith.12 and instagram. com/drjtsmith102.

SBA, FDIC Announce Enhanced Money Smart for Small Business Training Curriculum for Entrepreneurs

he U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recently announced enhancements to Money Smart for Small Business, a resource that provides practical guidance for starting and managing a small business. “The enhanced Money Smart for Small Business curriculum has been improved to make entrepreneurship more accessible to everyone and to better meet the financial management needs of entrepreneurs,” said Tameka Montgomery, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial

Development. “The FDIC has been an exceptional partner in providing small businesses and entrepreneurs with resources needed to help get their businesses off the ground.” Money Smart for Small Business, a free curriculum available on the SBA website, was jointly developed by the SBA and FDIC in 2012. The agencies expanded the program in response to feedback from the small business community. Three new modules were added, focusing on managing cash flow, planning for a healthy business, and helping learners to determine if owning a business is a good fit, bringing the total number of modules to 13. The curricu-

lum is available for download at no cost in both English and Spanish. In addition, a Train-the-Trainer curriculum was created to help organizations train instructors to deliver the modules. The agencies also simplified the process to join the Money Smart Alliance, a group of nonprofit, government, and educational organizations that promotes and teaches Money Smart for Small Business. Organizations now can join the Alliance by completing a simple online form. Training modules can be taught in any order or independently and typically run 60–90 minutes. Each module, and the Train-the-Trainer curriculum, includes a fully scripted instructor

guide, participant workbook, and PowerPoint slides that can be edited to meet the needs of any audience. These features and flexibility make Money Smart for Small Business a valuable resource for entrepreneurs. The SBA joins 160 nations around the world to recognize Global Entrepreneurship Week 2016. To learn about starting a business, begin with the Money Smart for Small Business resource designed to provide introductory-style training for new and aspiring entrepreneurs. The enhanced Money Smart for Small Business curriculum is available at www.sba.gov and www.fdic.gov. Source: www.sba.gov

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Court Case to Lower ATM Fees Re-Instated: U.S. Supreme Court Paves Way for Independent ATM Providers to Sue Bank Networks for Level Playing Field Five-Year Old Litigation Against VISA & MasterCard to Proceed; The National ATM Council Applauds Summary Dismissal of Appeals by the U.S. Supreme Court

onsumers in rural and low-income urban areas with less access to bankowned ATMs came one step closer to seeing lower ATM fees recently, when the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed an appeal filed by VISA, MasterCard, and the big banks to block class action litigation spearheaded by The National ATM Council, Inc. (NAC) over the past five years. NAC, which filed suit in 2011 against the global networks to halt antitrust abuses, applauded this decisive action of the nation's highest court. NAC Executive Director Bruce Wayne Renard said: "NAC is genuinely pleased with the order of summary dismissal issued yesterday by the United States Supreme Court. After five years, it is time the case is heard on the merits. The anticompetitive rules at issue have protected VISA and MasterCard from competition for network services at retail ATMs, with the result that consumers have been paying inflated prices for using ATMs and fewer ATMs were deployed than other-

wise would have been the case." NAC Board Chair Bonnie Dalrymple stated: "The thousands of independent ATM providers across America that play a vital role in making convenient access to cash available throughout our nation's urban and rural communities require and deserve the relief sought in this case. Yesterday's Supreme Court's ruling is a real step forward for the interests of U.S. retail ATM entrepreneurs, and the continued widespread access to cash for consumers throughout our nation." The lawsuit, initially filed in 2011 before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by The National ATM Council and several independent operators of automated teller machines alleged that VISA and MasterCard's network rules unlawfully prohibited ATM operators from offering lower prices for transactions over PIN-debit networks that are not affiliated with Visa or MasterCard. The suit alleged that the defendants' network rules amounted to price fixing that artificially raised the price that consumers pay for ATM services, limited the revenue that

ATM-operators can earn, and violated the Sherman Act's prohibition against unreasonable restraints of trade. After NAC filed its case, two additional class action cases were filed on behalf of consumers, who also sued the major U.S. banks in addition to VISA and MasterCard. The cases were later joined for consideration of a dismissal motion by the networks/banks before the trial court. The consolidated cases were dismissed on legal grounds by the DC federal District Court. NAC appealed that ruling to the federal appellate court, the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia, seeking reinstatement of the case for trial and reversal of the district court's dismissal. Last year, the Circuit Court ruled unanimously in NAC's favor and NAC's case was reinstated for trial before a new trial judge, DC District Court Judge Richard Leon. Before the litigation could proceed, the networks/banks filed a petition for certiorari review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Cert was granted and the parties have since fully briefed the case. Yesterday,

one day following submission of the final brief by the networks/banks, the Supreme Court issued its order summarily dismissing the appeal. The effect of this dismissal is to reinstate NAC's case for trial, and for proceedings on NAC's pending motion for an injunction to immediately eliminate the offending VISA/MasterCard network rule. There are approximately 425,000 ATMs in service across the nation, of which an estimated two thirds are operated by independent ATM providers.

ABOUT NAC The National ATM Council, Inc. is a not-for-profit national trade association dedicated to ethically and effectively representing the business interests of ATM Owners, Operators and Suppliers in their efforts to provide safe, secure and convenient delivery of cash to consumers throughout the United States. Source: National ATM Council, Inc. www.natmc.org

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18 December 2016

By d-mars.com News Provider

ouston Business Development, Inc. (HBDi) has been serving small businesses and contributing to Houston’s economic growth for nearly three decades. This nonprofit 501(c)(3) communitybased development corporation was established in 1986. Since that time, HBDi has been a vital component in stimulating economic growth, supporting the expansion of small businesses, helping to combat community deterioration, and fostering employment opportunities for low-moderate income citizens in the Houston metropolitan area, the surrounding counties, and the state of Texas. Marlon D. Mitchell is President and CEO of HBDi. He and the HBDi board are committed in their efforts to nurture and develop small businesses and strengthen inner-city communities by providing much needed capital and development services.

“

To enhance the growth of small businesses, we provide access to capital and business planning assistance not readily available from conventional lenders. For nearly 30 years, we have been instrumental in helping small businesses. HBDi is committed not only to the small business community, but the community as a whole.” — Marlon D. Mitchell, President and CEO of HBDi

HBDi is headquartered in Houston’s southeast quadrant, in the Palm Center – Business Technology Center. HBDi accomplishes its mission through providing affordable, flexible small business loans, and an array of business support services designed to enhance the growth

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December 2016 19

of small businesses. HBDi is a non-bank, community lending organization that serves as a catalyst in providing aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with debt capital and access to an array of resources to start and/or expand their businesses. Since inception, the corporation has participated in funding over $90 million in small business loans in Houston, resulting in over 3,500 jobs being created for low-moderate income citizens.

HoustonBusiness BusinessDevelopment, Development,Inc. Inc. Houston LoanPrograms Programs Loan HBDi loan programs offer lower fixed rates, long-term amortization, and quick turn-around. Through various loan programs, eligible small businesses are able to access affordable financing that they may not otherwise qualify for with conventional lenders.

Available AvailableHouston HoustonBusiness BusinessDevelopment, Development,Inc. Inc. Loans Include: Loans Include: • Small Business Loan • Fast Track Loan • Start-Up Business Loan • SBA 504 Loan

Houston Business Development, Inc. Houston Business Development, Inc. Resources Resources

Borrower Services - HBDi is available to help borrowers with their questions and to comply with the terms of their loan. This includes pre-payments, loan assumptions, maintaining appropriate insurance, financial information, and several other transactions. Business Technology Center (BTC) - The BTC provides business owners with access to office equipment, conference rooms,

and bundled administrative support services enabling a reduction in costly overhead expenses. Within a professional and nurturing environment, new and emerging companies are given access to the tools and resources necessary for growth. Business Information Center (BIC) - The BIC is a comprehensive resource library located within the BTC for small business owners and individuals desiring to launch a new business. An array of business-related tools are available to assist business owners, including Entrepreneur Start-up Guides, a library of business-related “how to” videos, business planning resources, books, periodicals, and much more. A state-of-the-art computer lab loaded with the latest business software applications and Internet access is also available to the public free of charge. Partnerships - SCORE is just one of HBDi’s partnerships that bring education and vital information to small businesses. This collaboration has created workshops, seminars, and special training classes designed to enhance business acumen and keep small business owners informed on a regular basis at a minimum cost. Experienced professionals from SCORE, HBDi, and other agencies are on hand to conduct classes covering a variety of business-related topics. HBDi continues to expand so it can continue to be an asset to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed, while helping Houston in the area of economics. Part of HBDi’s expansion includes their redevelopment vision. This redevelopment plan will be a force for neighborhood improvement. Making this plan into a reality will make HBDi a place where economic development services, healthcare, and community organizations will converge to become a hub of excellence and connection from Southeast Houston to the greater economic vitality of the Houston region. Mitchell has recently been named the 2016 Financial Services Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Region VI of the SBA, which includes the Central Region’s five states - Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. HBDi continues to be recognized for being a great contributor to the growth of small businesses in our community. This nonprofit corporation remains steady in its service as a catalyst in stimulating economic growth and revitalizing communities throughout the city of Houston. There are issues that small business face growing their business that the larger companies do not, from having access to affordable office space and support services. HBDi understands what small businesses need in order to succeed and to compete in the business world. HBDi has a heart for the Houston small business community and the betterment of Houston. HBDi is the one-stop shop for small businesses. Houston Business Development, Inc. is located at 5330 Griggs Road, Houston, Texas 77021. For more information, please call 713845-2400 or visit www.hbdi.org.

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20 December 2016

Race Forward Releases New Report on Racial Bias in the 21st Century Workplace "Confronting Racial Bias at Work"

akes an In-Depth Look at the Shortcomings of Title VII and the Need for More Proactive Systemic Solutions for Workers of Color Race Forward: The Center for Racial Justice Innovation released its latest research report, Confronting Racial Bias at Work: Challenges and Solutions for 21st Century Employment Discrimination at their 2016 Facing Race National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Coming on the heels of a presidential election that will weigh heavily on the future of racial and social justice in this country, the research report examines the effectiveness of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and/or national origin. Confronting Racial Bias at Work provides readers with a bird's-eye view of the systemic barriers that too often block workers of color seeking justice at each stage of the Title VII system of protection, which operates on a largely reactive and case by case basis. The report takes a critical look at the origins of Title VII and how the law is falling short of systemic racial equity that workers of color need and deserve. Findings show worker advocates

across multiple industries report that intentional and unintentional racism as well as gender discrimination occur "frequently" or are a "daily reality." The Confronting Racial Bias at Work at Work report argues that we must not only reinforce the largely reactive antidiscrimination structure established by law so that it reaches more workers and protects them more effectively, but we must also promote proactive systemic solutions to increase the pressures, incentives, and mandates for racially equitable outcomes in employment. "More than 50 years after Title VII's inception, Confronting Racial Bias at Work, serves as a wake-up call that workers of color still face far too many barriers when seeking justice within the anti-discrimination system created by the law," says Race Forward Research Director Dom Apollon. Confronting Racial Bias at Workdraws from academic research, interviews with discrimination lawyers and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) officials, and surveys of worker advocates with a specific focus on three worker organizations: The Los Angeles Black Workers Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance in Massachusetts, and the Laundry Workers Center in New York City. The report details how these organizations have had to resort to other approaches, including advocating for state and local protection

for excluded workers, utilizing local policies that require companies to improve hiring practices, and engaging consumers through public campaigns. The report is comprised of four sections: • Part One: Covers the legislative origins of the EEOC, the federal agency created by Title VII in the 1960s to protect workers against intentional discrimination. • Part Two: Covers the difference between how workers' racial discrimination claims are supposed to operate in theory within our federal courts and bureaucracies, and the extremely challenging way that they operate in practice. • Part Three: Profiles recent campaigns from three resourceful worker organizations that have felt forced to work largely outside of the slow and limited legal and administrative systems established by Title VII. • Part Four: Presents systemic solutions and recommendations. Confronting Racial Bias at Work is the latest report by Race Forward, a nonprofit organization devoted to bringing a systematic analysis and innovative approach to complex race issues. Another recent project on racial disparities in employment was Clocking-In: Making Work that Works for All of Us (2014), an interactive, multimedia tool available in English and Spanish that high-

lights racial and gender inequities in the restaurant, retail, and domestic industries. Previous reports include Building the We: Healing-Informed Governing for Racial Equity in Salinas (2016), Moving the Race Conversation Forward (2014), and Shattered Families: The Perilous Intersection of Immigration Enforcement and the Child Welfare System (2011). Race Forward unveiled the report last week to more than 2,000 attendees at its 2016 Facing Race Conference, the largest multiracial intergenerational gathering for racial justice organizers, educators, creatives, and thought leaders. Confronting Racial Bias at Work executive summary and full report are available for download online at www. raceforward.org/racialbiasatwork.

ABOUT RACE FORWARD Race Forward advances racial justice through research, media and practice. Founded in 1981, Race Forward brings systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity. Race Forward publishes the daily news site Colorlines and presents Facing Race, the country's largest multiracial conference on racial justice. For more information on Race Source: Race Forward: The Center for Racial Justice Innovation

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22 December 2016

Easy DIY Tips to Save on Your Winter Energy Bills

By d-mars.com News Provider

ere's what Americans have to look forward to this winter: While the south will be drier and warmer, the northern U.S. can expect "wetter, cooler conditions," predicts the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "Regardless of the outlook, there is always some chance for extreme winter weather, so prepare now for what might come later this winter," says Mike Halpert, deputy director for NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. As a homeowner, what can you do to get ready for the season's frigid blasts, in order to keep your family warm and comfortable while avoiding heart-stopping heating bills? Whether you have an older or a newer home, chances are it could use additional insulation to make it more energy efficient. Approximately 90 percent of U.S. single-family homes are under-insulated, according to research conducted by Boston University for the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. With proper insulation, "residential electricity use nationwide would drop by about 5 percent and natural gas use by more than 10 percent," says Dr. Jonathan Levy, professor of environmental health at Boston University. Fortunately, adding insulation in a few key spots in the home isn't difficult, and is within the skill level of many doit-yourselfers. Two key areas to check for proper insulation are the attic hatch and

basement walls. If your home's hatch to the attic is above a heated space (versus in an "unconditioned" space such as the garage), it could be a prime source for heat loss. "Hot air rises, and many attic hatches are not properly sealed and insulated, so homeowners can be losing big money through that opening," says Tom Savoy, technical director for Insulfoam. The U.S. Department of Energy rec-

ommends inspecting the attic hatch to make sure it is "at least as heavily insulated as the attic, is weather stripped, and closes tightly." For the insulation, homeowners can easily cut and attach rigid foam panels made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or graphite polystyrene (GPS), notes Savoy. Rigid foam insulation is also easy to install on basement walls, in garages and attics. Some manufacturers even of-

fer DIY Insulation Kits to help simplify the job. Available at home improvement stores nationwide, such kits can be used for a quick weekend project to boost your home's energy savings. Because insulating the attic hatch and basement walls happens inside the home, you can complete these jobs even in the dead of winter in order to start seeing immediate savings on your energy bills. – BPT

Home Improvement Tips for Your Car That Can Save You Money By d-mars.com News Provider

o you tend to put off some tasks, especially mundane ones like those pesky home improvement chores? While procrastination is not uncommon, staying on top of the chores not only can help keep you organized, it can save you money. Take cleaning your garage, for example. With the winter season rapidly approaching, now is a good time to take stock on just how cluttered it is. More than likely you’ll see there’s too much stuff around, and possibly not even enough space for one of the most important items in your garage: your car. Start cleaning now because you really don’t want to keep your car or truck outside during the rainy/snowy season. In short, winter can wreak havoc on your

vehicle, including the tires. “The colder climate definitely can alter your tire pressure,” says Pat Keating, senior manager, technical engineering for Yokohama Tire Corporation, manufacturer of everything from ultra-high performance tires to passenger car and SUV tires, including the GEOLANDAR G015 that’s built for any weather condition, including snow. “Maintaining your tire pressure is extremely important because tires affect everything from braking to steering to fuel efficiency,” Keating says. “As the season turns to winter, tires can lose up to 10 percent of their pressure. A tire that is under-inflated by only 8 psi can reduce fuel economy up to 2 percent, which will affect your drive and can cost you money at the gas pump.” Five minutes a month to check your tire’s air pressure is all it takes to maintain proper inflation and save money,

according to Keating. And who couldn’t use extra money these holidays? The cash can come handy when everyone’s driving more and spending more. “The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) recommends checking the tires when they are cold — at least four hours since the vehicle was last driven.” Keating added. “Always use an accurate tire gauge and make sure the valve is free of debris and water.” The correct tire pressure is specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle, not the tire manufacturer. The proper inflation levels can be found on a placard on the inside of the car door and/or in the owner’s manual. Placing your tires on your “home improvement check list” can save you cash in the long run. Keating offers some other tire tips that will help you this winter season:

* Check your tread depth by placing a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire’s tread has worn down to the legal limit and you need to buy new tires. * Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch (the lowest legal limit). It's best to replace them before they reach 2/32 depending on your drive (geographically and type of streets). * Rotating your tires regularly promotes even wearing of tread. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. * Checking your alignment at least once a year or sooner, especially if the vehicle is pulling to one side. This will help avoid uneven wear on tire tread. Tire balance should also be monitored. For more tire care and safety tips visit www.yokohamatire.com/tires-101 or www.rma.org. – BPT

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Texas Southern University Winter Commencement

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Finance

7 Social Security Facts You Need to Know By d-mars.com News Provider

lanning ahead and getting an accurate picture of your options may be key to getting the most out of your retirement. However, a survey commissioned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) aimed to better understand how much Americans know about Social Security retirement benefits suggests many may be leaving Social Security retirement benefits they're entitled to on the table, or incorrectly assuming what benefits may be available in retirement. Here are some the most common questions and answers for people of all ages: My spouse can qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, even if he or she has no earnings history. True! Many spouses choose to stay at home to raise children or otherwise spend extended periods of time outside the paid workforce. This can affect a spouse's ability to qualify for Social Security benefits. In such cases, the spouse who earns less may be eligible for a Social Security spousal benefit. A spousal benefit can be as much as 50 percent of the higher earning spouse's full retirement age benefit. The exact percentage will depend on whether or not each spouse has reached his or her full retirement age.

As a divorced person, I can collect Social Security retirement benefits based on my ex-spouse's earnings history. True! You may be eligible to receive retirement benefits based on your exspouse's earnings record, provided your marriage lasted at least 10 years, you are currently unmarried, you are at least 62 years old and the benefit you would receive based on your personal earnings history is less than the benefit amount you would receive if you filed for benefits based on your ex-spouse's earnings record. If your ex-spouse has not yet applied for retirement benefits, but qualified for them, you can collect benefits based on his or her record provided that you have been divorced for at least two years. Under current Social Security Law, full retirement age is 65. False! Your full retire-

ment age is based on the year you were born. For people born between 1943 and 1954, the full retirement age is 66. If you were born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67. For anyone born between 1955 and 1959, the full retirement age increases gradually. Once I start collecting Social Security, my benefit payments will never change. False! The Social Security Act of 1973 included a provision for cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to help Social Security benefits account for inflation. Each year, the Social Security Administration uses specific indexes and formulas mandated by this legislation to determine whether a COLA will apply to benefits paid in the coming year and if so, how much the increase will be. If I file for retirement benefits and have minor dependent children, they also may qualify for Social Security benefits. True! When you file for Social Security retirement benefits, your children may also qualify to receive benefits based on your record. An eligible child can be your biological child, adopted child or stepchild. A dependent grandchild may also qualify. Normally, benefits stop when children reach age 18 unless they are disabled. However, if the child is still a full-time student at a secondary school at age 18, benefits will continue until the child graduates or until two months after the child becomes age 19, whichever is first. I must be a U.S. citizen to collect Social Security retirement benefits. False! You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Resident aliens who pay into the Social Security system may qualify to receive retirement benefits, assuming they earn enough credits and meet additional criteria. To become part of the Social Security system, non-U.S. citizens must have lawful alien status, permission by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work in the U.S. and a Social Security Number. I can continue working while collecting my full Social Security retirement benefits - regardless of my age. False! You can work and receive Social Security retirement benefits. However, if you have not reached full retirement age, your earnings will be subject to the retirement earnings test. If your income exceeds the test limit, Social Security may withhold all or a portion of your benefits. Withheld benefits are repaid over your lifetime once you reach full retirement age. Final decisions about Social Security filing strategies always rest with you and should always be based on your specific needs and health considerations. It is important to acquire as much information as possible in order to make an informed Social Security claiming decision because one year after the Social Security claiming decision is made, it cannot be changed. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BPT

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Real Estate

3 Reasons Why Winter Is a Smart Time to Buy a Home

sion bundled into the sales price. These savings help when you buy, and they add up over the life of your mortgage.

By d-mars.com News Provider

on't give up on buying a home as winter nears. In fact, December through February may be better for buyers than the busy season in spring and summer.

The right agent can help.

Enjoy less competition and lower prices. Fewer properties are typically available during the winter, as sellers and buyers aim to complete transactions before the school year begins. You can turn that to your advantage. "In winter, there are fewer properties, but it's less competitive, with fewer buyers per property," says Greg Jaeger, president of USAA Residential Real Estate Services Inc., and former real estate agent. The more favorable supply-demand balance can lower prices. In the winter, "negotiations are slower-paced and there is more negotiating room," Jaeger says. Also, winter sellers may be more motivated, especially if they're forced

to sell by divorce or by corporate or military transfers. In January and February, homes cost 8.45 percent less on average than in June through August, according to NerdWallet research conducted using Realtor.com data from 2014 and 2015. That's in line with what Jaeger sees, particularly in competitive real estate markets where supply is limited.

Lower prices help at closing - and over the life of your mortgage. A lower price eases your home purchase in many ways, Jaeger says. It lowers your down payment, any closing costs that are calculated as a percentage of the home's sale price and your mortgage payments. There's also less of a seller's agent commis-

When supply is limited, the right agent can help you get a jump on other buyers. Agents who are well connected learn about properties before they are listed. The right agent understands the market where you are buying. That includes doing competitive market analysis so you understand what the house is worth. Look for an agent who suits your style. For example, if you're a statistics geek, you need an agent who'll provide them. "Just having access to statistics doesn't mean they have analytical skills and will use them," Jaeger says. He recommends USAA's Real Estate Rewards Network as a source for seasoned agents who deliver great service to USAA members. Many resources are available to help consumers find the right agent, including USAA Real Estate Rewards Network, a free program that gives members access to USAA's network of real estate agents and rewards when they buy or sell. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BPT

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A Surprising Strategy for Getting the Most out of Your Social Security By d-mars.com News Provider

he temptation to start collecting monthly Social Security checks at age 62 is hard to resist, but claiming the benefit too early can have damaging consequences for your overall retirement funds. According to Kiplinger.com’s October list of "Financial Decisions You Will Regret in Retirement," taking the money as soon as you are eligible at 62 is actually considered one of the worst mistakes you can make in your lifetime by many advisors. That's because the longer you wait to claim benefits, the more money you are eligible to receive in your monthly check. The Social Security Administration says the increases from delaying your benefit can be large and explains that a worker would receive $750 a month if she starts her benefit at age 62, but $1,000 a month at her full retirement age of 66. Or, if she delays until age 70, she would receive $1,320 a month. There are obvious advantages to waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security, but for individuals who can't or don't want to continue working that long, it might not be so easy to defer the monthly cash benefit. Certified financial planners Neil Krishnaswamy and Tom Davison say older adults do have options for filling the financial gap until they are eligible for their maximum benefit at age 70. Both experts

outlined strategies that incorporate housing wealth early on in retirement instead of using home equity as a last resort option, which has been the conventional wisdom until recently. This can be achieved by either selling the home and downsizing or, if you plan on staying in your current home for many years, using a reverse mortgage to convert part of the home's value into a liquid asset. "Setting up a reverse mortgage with a term payout that lasts eight years is one idea to consider in this scenario,” Krishnaswamy wrote in an article posted to Forbes. com on Oct. 12. He explained how the loan proceeds can help bridge a homeowner’s finances by replacing all or a portion of the income Social Security would have provided during the interim. A reverse mortgage can also make sense for affluent retirees in high tax brackets

seeking to maximize their Social Security benefit. Davison, a wealth manager and researcher in Columbus, Ohio, wrote a 2014 case study, “Delay Social Security: Funding the Income Gap with a Reverse Mortgage” that showed how using a reverse mortgage line of credit to bridge the gap can dramatically improve a retirement financial plan. Instead of spending down an IRA or other investments where withdrawals are taxed, withdrawals from the line of credit, which are not taxable income, can be used to pay expenses. This allows the investment portfolio to grow until the first required minimum distribution at age 70, the same year the retiree can claim the maximum Social Security benefit. Davison emphasized the long-term benefits of the reverse mortgage line of credit if the borrower is able to put money towards voluntarily repaying it over time. The re-

verse mortgage line of credit will grow at a reliable rate and can be used to support spending later in life when fewer borrowing options are available. A reverse mortgage is a loan that enables homeowners that are generally 62 or older to use part of their homes’ equity to obtain cash proceeds that can be used in many ways, without giving up ownership of the house. Borrowers may choose to draw their funds as a lump sum, as a monthly term or tenure payment, or they may choose to create a line of credit that can be drawn upon on an as-needed basis; borrowers may also choose a combination of a monthly payment and a line of credit. The loan does not have to be repaid until the last surviving borrower or remaining eligible non-borrowing spouse passes away or permanently leaves the home, or fails to meet loan obligations that include paying property taxes and insurance, and keeping the home maintained. There is no penalty for repaying all or some of the loan early, and as Davison stresses, repaying the line of credit when expenses are low will enable it to grow and make funds available later on when you need it. To learn more about reverse mortgage loans and how using home equity can fit into an overall financial plan, visit www. reversemortgage.org/equity, a consumer education website hosted by the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. – BPT

Technology

Tech Tools

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hether you’re a first-time or experienced homebuyer, chances are a good portion of your real estate journey will take place online. In fact, four in 10 homebuyers start their househunting with an online search, according to the National Association of REALTORS. It’s easy to understand why: Online tools and apps can make the homebuying experience — including finding a mortgage — easier and more enjoyable. If you’ll be shopping for a home this fall and winter, use the tools homebuyers find most useful, according to the Bank of America Homebuyer Insights Report: • Mortgage calculators — It’s important you’re as comfortable with your mortgage terms and lender as you are with the home you’re paying for. An affordable mortgage helps homebuyers reap the full benefits of home ownership, including building equity and long-term financial security, and a mortgage calculator can help you understand what you

would pay each month, as well as estimate monthly mortgage payments and rate options. As the Homebuyer Insights Report revealed, more than half of Generation X homebuyers and 46 percent of millennials and baby boomers use mortgage calculators during the home shopping process. • Finance websites — Home shoppers can learn a lot about mortgage options and a bank’s customer service through websites that feature reviews of mortgage loan officers and lending institutions. More than a third (36 percent) of first-time homebuyers and over a quarter (28 percent) of experienced homebuyers use bank apps or websites to research reviews of lenders and loan officers. • Loan status portals — Applying for a mortgage can sometimes be overwhelming, but real-time loan status information is transforming the process. For example, Bank of America’s Home Loan Navigator allows mortgage applicants to securely upload, submit and sign documents, get real-time status updates on their application and loan, receive important documents and disclosures and even communicate with experts via secure messaging. • Mobile real estate listings — With many home listing websites available, it can

be difficult to narrow down online searches to homes that meet all your criteria in your location of choice. Using a bank’s online real estate center can help you refine your home search or, if you’re selling, it can help you determine your home’s estimated value. And some even provide the ancillary information you’re looking for – like school data and walkability scores — to make a home purchase decision. • Down payment sources — Saving for a down payment can be one of the most challenging tasks of buying a house. It’s sometimes difficult to know how much you’ll need for your down payment, or to figure out how to fit the extra savings category into your monthly budget. You can find numerous down payment calculators online, but Bank of America’s Down Payment Resource

Center goes a big step further than most by offering a searchable database of more than 1,000 local and national assistance programs that may be able to save you money on your down payment. • Social media — Decorating your home is one of the most enjoyable aspects of home ownership. Many buyers turn to social media resources like Pinterest for home decor inspiration. In fact, 49 percent of millennials use Pinterest, 37 percent Facebook and 33 percent Instagram for home decorating ideas, while 32 percent of Gen Xers use Pinterest, 37 percent like Facebook and 11 percent favor Instagram, according to the Homebuyer Insights Report. • Home design apps — With inspiration in hand, homebuyers can use home design apps to put their ideas into virtual reality. These apps allow you to take and store room measurements, make notes on design ideas and see virtual representations of what your decor plans will look like in your home. From white walls to fully-furnished, many design apps can help you visualize your dream interior for free, and more robust versions are available for purchase. To learn more about home buying and mortgages, visit Bank of America — Home Loans. – BPT

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