d-mars.com Business Journal 113 by d-mars.com

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Business Journal

January 2017

Inspire, Inform & Educate

113th Edition

The Power of Business Partnerships Seth Howard & Isreal C. Holmes,

Co-Owners of the Mosaic Bar & Lounge 18-19

INSIDE

4-5 Q&A with Chris B. Brown, Houston City Controller

14 A Tribute to Our President

Mayor Sylvester Turner Houston Selected As Site For 2020 World Petroleum Congress

2â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; January 2017

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January 2017 | 3

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

This month’s d-mars.com Business Journal will inspire you in the area of business. There are so many successful business owners in our city, but business owners and entrepreneurs cannot achieve success alone. There is such power in collaborating and forming business partnerships. If you are a business owner, working with other businesses and supporting other businesses in the community can help create economic growth for the city of Houston. Seth Howard and Isreal C. Holmes prove that there is power in business partnerships. Together, they have created one of the

Behind the Journal

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Tiffany Black PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Taelor Smith

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Charlette Washington Project Coordinator Taelor Smith DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J Thomas Smith Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Frenetta Tate Noel Pinnock Texas Southern University d-mars.com News Provider

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04-05 06 Business 06 Succeed Beyond 2017 10 Houston Selected As Site For 2020 World Petroleum Congress 13 Three Ways to Help Businesses Attract and Retain Top Talent 13 Creating Desirable Jobs by Getting Back to the Basics

18 Cover Story 18-19 Welcome to the Mosaic Bar & Lounge

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

— Booker T. Washington

04 Finance 04-05 Houston’s Financial Steward Is Watching the Bottom Line 08 Mayor Turner Issues Statement Regarding City of Houston 24 6 Common Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”

contents

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

hottest venues in Houston, the Mosaic Bar & Lounge. Since 2011 when this establishment opened, it has been a welcome addition to the booming Museum District. Howard and Holmes are co-owners and business partners in this entertainment enterprise, and their hard work and like-minded business savvy proves what can happen when we collaborate in business. 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.

18-19

20 Education and Career 20 Working on a Diverse Team 22 Job Opportunities Await in Tomorrow’s Expanded Urban Areas 22 Pay for School in 2017

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION • Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Journal • Black Pages Online Business Directory • Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors for Diversity • Business Connection • Business Development • Business Consulting • Graphic Design • Photography • Printing • Web Design • Online & Email Marketing • Public Relations • Social Media • Advertising • Writing • Promotional Marketing

26 Real Estate 26 Housing Data Reveals Gaps

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28 Technology 28 Tech Talk Translations for SBOs 30 The Latest Advancements in College Education 26

Other News You Can Use 08 It Is All About Timing 12 New Year…New Brand? 14 A Tribute to Our President 16-17 Texas Southern University Hall of Fame Exhibit 24 Race and Gender Quotas for Texas Bar Board of Directors

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4 | January 2017

Houston's Financial Is Watching the Bottom Line By d-mars.com News Provider

he City Controller is more than just “the money guy,” managing the City’s funds. This position as Houston’s chief financial officer holds the great responsibility of managing the City’s $13 billion debt portfolio, as well as its $3 billion investment portfolio. Elected in 2016, Chris B. Brown, Houston City Controller not only has a proven track record of professional experience in the private and public sector, but he also has the proven commitment of service to the Houston community. A proud Houstonian, Brown is the City’s financial steward.

“I am committed to improving the lives of all Houstonians in my role as City Controller. I am driven every day by the opportunity that I have as a public servant to make the lives of Houstonians better and, as City Controller, my focus is accomplishing that by making sure that we are effectively managing taxpayer dollars.” – Chris B. Brown, Houston City Controller

As the elected City Controller, Brown strives to always have the best interests of the taxpayers in mind when making decisions on how the city spends its dollars. In addition to the Controller’s Office being responsible for managing the City’s portfolios, it also has the duty to certify the availability of funds before City Council can approve a contract and audit any city department to ensure public dollars are being efficiently managed. “While the Controller’s Office is independent from the Mayor, it is critical for us to work together to help push the city forward. As the Chief Financial Officer for the city, our office works in conjunction with the administration on many financial matters. Again, we are an independent office so our ultimate responsibility is to serve as the ‘financial

watchdog’ for the taxpayers of Houston,” says Brown. Brown’s commitment to the people of Houston is that, as their elected City Controller, he will always be diligent in making sure that this office manages public dollars in the most effective way possible. The privilege and responsibility of public service was taught to Brown by his father, former Houston City Council Member Peter Brown. As a fourth generation Houstonian, he is truly committed to working every day to make Houston better in whatever way he can. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

Steward

January 2017 | 5

Q&A with Chris B. Brown, Houston City Controller 1. Why is it important for you as the Controller to be independent?

The Houston City Controller is the “financial watchdog” over the city government’s fiscal affairs. The Controller’s independence helps ensure that we are able to objectively assess the finances of city departments free of any internal or external pressures. As such, I believe the Controller’s independence is critical to our office’s ability to effectively oversee, manage, and shepherd taxpayer dollars.

2. Please talk about your role in regards to the Mayor’s Houston Pension Solution and Pension Reform?

Pension reform is currently the main topic of discussion at City Hall – and rightfully so. The city currently has more than $7 billion in unfunded pension liabilities that threatens the financial stability of the city. The city has arrived at this point for a variety of reasons – actuarial miscalculations, underfunding contributions, etc. – but the plain truth is that a crisis has been looming on the horizon for some time, and now we must address the issue head-on. The good news is that over the past year Mayor Turner, City Council, and all involved stakeholders have come to the table and reached an agreement around a package of proposed reforms. I am in full support of these reform efforts and now it’s up to our leaders in Austin to pass legislation that will allow our city to avoid a financial crisis. The Controller’s Office has helped develop and propose a framework that roughly mirrors the tentative plan put forward by the administration. Similarly, our office has served as strategic counsel for the Mayor’s Office regarding the financial implications of the proposed reforms. Over the course of the past year I’ve attended various civic club meetings, participated in several panels, and have appeared on several media outlets to discuss the plan and the critical need for reform.

3. What is the financial outlook for Houston this year?

“I am committed to being as accessible as possible to the citizens of Houston. I do my best to be in the community as much as I can so that I can hear the concerns of Houstonians as it relates to the city’s finances. I encourage Houstonians to engage with our office and the City to make sure we are upholding our promise to you as elected officials,” Brown says. For more on Chris B. Brown and the City of Houston Controller’s Office, please visit www.houstoncon troller.org or call (832) 393-3460.

I am cautiously optimistic in my financial outlook for Houston in 2017. The energy industry had a tough 2016 as crude supply outpaced demand. With that came a drop-off in sales tax revenue that began in 2015 as Houstonians and businesses slowed their spending in the region. With 2017 looking up for the energy industry, we are hopeful that the regional economy will return to its growth of years past. The real estate market has remained resilient through the energy down turn. This is a positive sign for our property tax revenue. Also, we will likely see a strong economic “boost” to start the year, as the Super Bowl comes into town in early February. I believe that this will help kick the year off and will develop the economic momentum that will make 2017 a strong year for Houston.

4. The City Controller's Office is attempting to locate the rightful owners of more than $410,000 in unclaimed cash. What happens to the unclaimed cash?

Unclaimed funds occur due to situations like a water service deposit refund, an outstanding vendor check, or outstanding monies that have gone unclaimed by citizens. The City Controller’s Office does not use these funds even if they go unclaimed, so our goal is to make sure that they get to their rightful owners! There is a process for how the unclaimed funds are allocated and that depends on the amount of dollars that are outstanding. If the total is under $100, the City keeps the funds until the rightful owner collects. If the total is over $100, then the City escheats the funds to the State Comptroller’s Office. The funds then remain in the account until they are claimed. If you believe you are the rightful owner of unclaimed property (under $100), you can visit the “Unclaimed Property” page on our website (www.houstoncontroller.org) for more information.

5. Please talk about what you have accomplished for the city since being in this role?

In the year since I took office, our office has been focused on saving money for the taxpayers wherever possible. With that, we were also able to save the city more than $165 million dollars by refinancing some of the city’s bond obligations. The Controller’s Office was also able to conduct 12 audits that resulted in $2.5 million of savings for City of Houston taxpayers. We also reevaluated several existing contracts and recommended that they be re-bid in an effort to increase transparency.

6. Please talk about your volunteerism and community involvement?

I have had the opportunity to serve on the Boards of several nonprofits and charitable organizations over the years. I currently serve on the Boards for Search Homeless Services, the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace & Prosperity (WALIPP), the Asia Society of Texas Advisory Board, and the Hermann Park Board, to name a few. During that time I’ve worked to raise awareness and resources for the organizations that I’ve served. For example, in 2008-2009 my wife Divya and I organized a “sleep out” for Search Homeless Services, an organization committed to improving the lives of the homeless population. Through this work we were able to get several hundred people to participate in sleeping outside, as well as to raise significant funds for the organization.

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6 | January 2017

Business

Succeed Beyond 2017 By J Thomas Smith Contributing Writer

eflect on the beginning of 2016. If you are like most people, you began the New Year with many goals. What goals did you set? Perhaps 2016 was the year you were going to slim down, get a better job, earn more money, meet the perfect mate or stop smoking.

How Did That Work Out? 2016 is over. Did you accomplish all of your goals? It is alright to admit that you did not accomplish what you hoped that you would or worse, what you knew you could have. Recognition is step one toward creating positive changes in your life. New Year after New Year, you have reflected on the past and you promised yourself that this New Year would be different. You set goals and you made resolutions that you would accomplish what you had failed to accomplish the year before, and yet, you repeated the same behavior and failed to accomplish your goals.

Are You Practicing Insanity? Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.” Why do you expect changes if you keep setting goals in the same way as before? Are you really expecting to accomplish your goals? It is time to take an approach that is different. You will be ending 2017 the same way you have ended 2016 unless you are willing to change your approach. The start of a new year is not necessary for setting and achieving a goal. However, the start of a new year does have a psychological effect on us. You feel like you are given the opportunity to wipe the slate and start fresh. The reason you want to wipe the slate is because of what you did not achieve. Those who achieve their goals don’t want a fresh start. Those individuals want to remember and continue to build upon their past success.

Resolve to Produce Results As successful individuals achieve their goals, they are constantly setting new goals and they move forward. Maintaining that momentum produces results that never end. You do not need a new year to get into action. What you need is to be resolved to

produce results in your life. This is certainly what making a resolution means; to be resolved to improve or change behavior. You didn't achieve your goals in the past because you wanted to get the envisioned results without modifying your behavior and following the steps to success. Well, I believe that Einstein said it right; it is crazy to think that the same old patterns of behavior will get new results.

Seven Steps to Success Let’s have a new beginning. Let's begin this New Year with start forward motion by achieving goals continually. Here are the action steps to achieve your goals and produce the success you desire in your life: 1) Start with baby steps, by avoiding huge sweeping changes. Pick small goals that you can accomplish within the next 30 to 60 days. 2) Become committed to your goals by writing them down and signing your name to them. 3) Read your goals out loud daily and ask yourself what behavior and actions are needed today to achieve them. In the past you made goals, became busy with life, and soon your goals were quickly forgotten. Remind yourself daily. 4) Take action based on your decisions each day. A little progress each day will bring you closer to your goal. 5) At the end of your day, read your goals again out loud and ask yourself if you put forth every possible effort to achieve them. Make necessary adjustments in your action plan the following day when reading your goals again. 6) Achieve your goals within 30 to 60 days. 7) After you have achieved your goals, make new 30 to 60 day goals right away and repeat the process. If you commit to following these seven steps to success, at the end of 2017 you will be celebrating new beginnings. This successful pattern of behavior will move you forward from success to success for years to come. 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.

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January 2017 | 7 CBP-6112-07 AA CRA Ad-MM.pdf

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8 | January 2017

It Is All About Timing

City of Houston News

By Frenetta Tate Contributing Writer

here are certain people who are just destined to touch you at the point where your ‘readiness’ resides. It is not everyone you meet, but certain people you encounter who will have that ‘thing’ about them that inspires you to the point of movement. This does not happen to me very often at all, but when it does - I am all ears, and I am ready to act. Never be offended that you were not the one who a person listened to. Instead be happy that they finally got the message and have begun walking towards their destiny. At the time you told them, they were not ready. It is all about timing.

Mayor Turner Issues Statement Regarding City of Houston Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For Fiscal Year 2016 By Sylvester Turner Houston Mayor

esults from the City of Houston’s most recent financial audit confirm the need for pension reform and a long-range financial plan for Houston. While the City’s assets grew in value over the past year and we received a clean opinion from our auditors, the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2016 highlights the continued growth of Houston’s pension obligations. When new governmental accounting standards took effect in 2015, they required more transparent reporting of cities’ long-term pension obligations. This requirement immediately worsened the City’s balance sheet by $2.9 billion. The new standards, known as GASB 68, reduced the city’s net position to about $145 million. That is, if the City were to have immediately sold all of its assets and paid all of its debts and obligations (including pensions and retiree health care costs), it would have had about $145 million left over as of June 30, 2015. Now, the new numbers for FY2016 show a net deficit of approximately $95 million as of June 30,

2016. The key driver is what we owe in pension costs now and in the future. We will not sugar-coat this ongoing trend, which is the reason I have prioritized pension reform and financial stability through the first year of my administration. But it is important for the people of Houston to know that the City can still pay its bills; the report indicates that the City had more than $2.37 billion in cash available as of the end of the last fiscal year. And it is important for the people of Houston to know that the pension reform plan approved by City Council and headed for the Texas Legislature is designed to improve the City’s net position. We can reverse this trend, and we are on track to do so. In the end, it is difficult to evaluate the City’s net position in the same way one would evaluate a business. The net position envisions an unrealistic scenario in which the City closes down, sells all its assets and pays all its current and future obligations. That will not happen; it’s not how cities work. The City of Houston remains strong and vibrant, and we are staying in business. It is

also worth noting that the City’s assets are not shown at full market value, and so the CAFR may understate the City’s net worth. But the new CAFR verifies what I have said since taking office: we must have meaningful pension reform, and we must have a strategic long-term plan to achieve sustainable structural budget balance, where the City does not spend more than it receives in revenue each year. We are making progress and we will not let up. Houston solves problems. That’s what we do. We can solve this one, and we will, through shared sacrifice and a commitment to commonsense financial management.

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It is said that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. This is about timing. When YOU are ready, YOU will move. It is all about YOUR READINESS! Nobody else can ‘make you ready,’ and that is just the plain truth. It comes from within you, and when you are ready – you will do what you have to do. It is then that you will do what it takes to follow and pursue your dreams. No matter how much motivation you get from external sources, it is really on YOU. Remember that there is also an appointed time for you, and when that time comes, you will be ready. When you are ready, you will move and make the decisions that you need to make. You will do what you have to do. You will be that student who is ready to be taught. Again, it is all about timing. Frenetta Tate is CEO of Frenetta Tate International, an innovative coaching, training, and business strategy company. Connect with her on Instagram @frenettatate.

January 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 9

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10 | January 2017

Houston Selected As Site For 2020 World Petroleum Congress By Sylvester Turner Houston Mayor

he third time was the charm for Houston in the competition for the triennial meeting of the World Petroleum Congress. In voting held in Bahrain recently, WPC delegates awarded the 2020 WPC to Houston. The Bayou City beat out Vancouver for the coveted event that has an estimated economic impact of $60-80 million and draws as many as 10,000 top-level international oil executives together every three years. It was Houston’s third try. The 2014 and 2017 events were lost to Moscow and Istanbul. The last time Houston was selected as the host was 1987. “I want to thank the U.S. bid committee for their hard work,” said Mayor Turner. “We spent six years building relationships with WPC delegates and it paid off. Houston is the epicenter of energy on the global scale and this is where the new technologies are being developed. The Houston event will feature strong speakers, strong technical tours, strong sponsorships and strong corporate and community support. This all combines with our diversity, welcoming attitude, entertainment and cultural offerings to create the best convention the WPC has ever seen.” A key factor in Houston’s win over Vancouver was a promise to dedicate 100% of the net profit from the Houston event to establish a Global Legacy Program that will benefit the next generation of energy industry young professionals. The funds will be redistributed

around the world by the WPC to select Legacy Projects that align with WPC Legacy Committee initiatives, including educating and developing the future of the energy industry. “The young people in school today will be the industry professionals and innovators of tomorrow,” said Turner. “They will develop the solutions needed to conquer our global energy challenges. We have to

invest in their futures.” “This decision was due to the hard work of a diverse team that covered all the bases,” said Galen Cobb, U.S. WPC Bid Committee Chair. “The federal government, City of Houston, Houston First, Consular Corp, industry trade associations, energy company operators and service companies joined together for the common purpose of promoting Houston as the world energy city leader it is. We have so much to be proud of and want to showcase it to the world in 2020.” “This is a major win for the city of Houston and for our energy sector,” says Mike Waterman, executive vice president of Houston First. “WPC will bring thousands of the top minds in this industry to Houston from across the globe. Not only will the event have a significant economic impact on our city—filling our hotels and restaurants—it will also help create new business opportunities for our energy companies. Capitalizing on the strength of Houston’s core industries when going after business is a growing focus for us at Visit Houston.” Mayor Turner and members of the U.S. WPC Bid Committee traveled to Bahrain to make the final pitch on Houston’s behalf and to witness today’s vote by WPC delegates. The mayor’s itinerary also included meetings with the U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce, the Bahrain Ministers of Education and Oil, the Bahrain Economic Development Board and the U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission.

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January 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 11

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12 | January 2017

New Year…New Brand? By Noel Pinnock Contributing Writer

randing is more than just a business buzzword. It has become the crux of selling in the new economy. If the old marketing mantra was "Nothing happens until somebody sells something," the new philosophy could be "Nothing happens until somebody brands something." In its simplest form, a brand is a noun. It is the name attached to a product/service or person. However, upon close inspection, a brand represents many more intangible aspects of a product/service or person: a collection of feelings and perceptions about quality, image, lifestyle and status. It creates in the mind of customers and prospects the perception that there is no product/service on the market that is quite like yours. In short, a brand offers the customer a guarantee and then delivers on it. You might infer then, that if you build a powerful brand, you will in turn be able to create a powerful marketing program. However, if you cannot convince customers that your product/service is worthy of purchasing, no amount of advertising dollars, fancy packaging or public relations will help you achieve your goals. Therefore, successful branding begins with superior products/services, backed by excellent customer service

that permeates an entire organization. Jim Collins refers to this as The Three Circles: A Hedgehog Concept. In his book Good to Great, it reads: To quickly grasp the three circles, consider the following personal analogy. Suppose you were able to construct a work life that meets the following three tests. First, you are doing work which you have a genetic or God-given talent, and perhaps you could become one of the best in the world in applying that talent. (‘I feel that I was just born to be doing this this.’) Second, you are well paid for what you do. (‘I get paid to do this? Am I dreaming?’) Third, you are doing work you are passionate about and absolutely love to do, enjoying the actual process for its own sake. (‘I look forward to getting up and throwing myself into my daily work, and I really believe in what I am doing.’) Building a brand for your organization or yourself does take work and involves knowing your customers and products/services.

deeply passionate about? Personal branding is essentially the ongoing process of establishing a prescribed image or impression in the mind of others about an individual, group or organization. Personal branding often involves the application of one's name to various products. For example, the celebrity real-estate mogul and newly elected President, Donald Trump, uses his last name extensively on his buildings and on the products he endorses (e.g. Trump Tower). Marketers McNally and Speak define the personal brand in this way: "Your brand is a perception or emotion, maintained by somebody other than you, that describes the total experience of having a relationship with you." The relationship between brands and consumers need to be constantly made and remade, and this continuous process creates a demonstration of the ambivalence in brand cultures. This same logic follows for personal brands - there is a constant desire for a reinforcement of the self-brand.

Youmust mustask askyourself yourselfthree three You underlyingquestions: questions: underlying

full-scalere-branding re-brandingisis IfIfaafull-scale needed, here are somethings thingsto needed, here are some to keep in mind: keep in mind:

1. What can you or your organization do better than anyone in the world? 2. What drives your organization’s economic engine or your personal economic goal? 3. What are you or your organization

• Detach yourself from your old image. You or someone in your organization might have been instrumental in the design of previous logos or marketing materials, so there could be some emotional attachment to it. To be suc-

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cessful in your re-branding, it is important to try to stay detached from what you are used to seeing and open yourself up to new ideas. • Branding takes time. Re-branding impacts all of your marketing efforts and materials – print and digital. You need to make sure it accurately portrays the mission and the direction of your organization. Coming up with multiple concepts and having a committee review and giving input is extremely valuable. • Consistency is key. Keep the look throughout all communication and marketing material consistent with the new image – use the same voice, same colors and same logo. A branding guide can help ensure everyone using your brand is on the same page. • Communicate early and often. Let everyone in on the upcoming change. Get your audience’s buy-in beforehand and get them excited to see what is on the horizon. The better you prepare the audience, the faster they will accept and adopt it. What I have described to you can apply to any organization selling a product/service or can apply to an individual engaged in job seeking, promotion, sports recruitment, etc. All you have to do is get at it! To read more about author Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC, IPMA-SCP, please visit www.noelpinnock.com. #GetAtIt

January 2017 | 13

Business

Three Ways to Help Businesses Attract and Retain Top Talent By d-mars.com News Provider any companies recognize that attracting and retaining top employee talent can result in a significant cost savings because employee turnover can result in productivity loss and involve additional expenses associated with hiring and training new employees. An employee parting ways may leave with a strong knowledge base of company projects, clients and procedures, and depending on the job level, it can take several months before a new hire becomes fully productive. While there are various ways of addressing staffing challenges, there are steps companies can take to help with employee retention.

Identify Identifytop toptalent. talent. A company's future growth is often dependent on hiring new employees or retaining the most important ones. Having the right employees in place to meet the ongoing demands of business objectives is a process. Job descriptions and employee evaluation forms can be useful to identify new and existing top talent, but assessing all aspects of employee performance can help employers identify their true all-stars. Employers should look to identify successors for key positions and provide career development opportunities that align with organizational needs and foster a more engaged workforce that puts top talent in line for future leadership roles.

Returnto tothe thebasics. basics. Return Recent data from Towers Watson's, "2014 Global Talent Management and Rewards Study-At a Glance," found that key drivers of attraction and retention continue to point to base pay, career advancement and job security. Their research, "Under pressure to re-

main relevant, employers look to modernize the employee value proposition," also found that top employees often consider the physical work environment important, another driver of employee retention sometimes overlooked by employers. Additionally, office arrangements such as open space plans, collaborative work spaces and hoteling may elevate the importance of the work environment and optimize work spaces to offer a compelling experience for employees that could potentially address talent retention challenges.

Work Workwith withthe theproper properpartner. partner. Companies can find talent development initiatives through working with outside partners like DeVryWORKS, the workforce solutions team from DeVry University. DeVryWORKS helps employers understand their critical business issues and workforce needs. The team also designs tailored education solutions with programs offered by DeVry Education Group's institutions, as well as talent sourcing through DeVry University's students and alumni. DeVry has a history of working with leading employers to help companies attract and retain top talent while also supporting professional development and career advancement. Not every employee retention concern can be addressed or promptly corrected, but those problems that can be solved may help companies hold onto what could be viewed as its most valuable resources while successfully competing in today's global economy. To learn more about ways that DeVryWORKS branded communications, recruitment campaigns and preferred partner tuition initiatives are designed to help companies improve their employee development and retention, visit DeVryWORKS.com. – BPT

Creating Desirable Jobs by Getting Back to the Basics By d-mars.com News Provider

hen it comes to hiring and retaining employees, companies are always looking at new alternatives to build their staffs. However, new research shows that when it comes to attracting top talent, many professionals prefer a return to the basics, meaning stable employment with competitive base pay with traditional medical and retirement benefits are key. The findings come from a recent survey conducted by the Career Advisory Board, which was established by DeVry University in 2010. The survey asked employees to offer their insight into what is most important for them when looking for the right workplace. Below are some of the most interesting findings.

Predictability over over perks perks Predictability Employees responded resoundingly that they wanted their work life to be more in line with those of the generations before. Eighty-one percent of survey respondents said they would like to work a single, full-time job as opposed to contract work or several smaller positions. This desire rang especially true with millennials as 91 percent of those surveyed agreed. Respondents also preferred going to the office every day (22 percent) compared to working from remotely fulltime (18 percent). Millennials, in particular, were more likely to seek a job where they had to be in the office each day (27 percent). Stable jobs were valued by 84 percent of survey respondents, while only 16 percent said they preferred a job that may come with riskier employment opportunities.

Employerslooking lookingto stay the Employers to stay the course course For employers looking to attract and retain top talent, they should focus on solidifying their existing benefits packExperience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

age. A competitive salary remained the most important benefit employees consider in an employer, but traditional offerings such as medical/dental coverage, paid time off and retirement plans were heavily favored over newer perks, including onsite food, wellness offerings and day care. Employers also don't need to look at making dramatic changes to their existing organizational structure to attract employees. Thirty-six percent said they prefer working for a single manager, while 18 percent said they appreciated the opportunity to report to multiple managers. However, no matter how employers establish their hierarchy, they should always be looking for ways to give employees a chance to impact company decisions. Fifty-six percent said they prefer a job with "authority to make decisions that impact the entire organization," a sign employees care deeply about where they work and want to have a vital role in its growth.

Employees seizing seizing what they Employees what they want want For employees looking for new positions, the job market is healthier and those with the right skills and attributes will have their pick of positions. As we move further away from the recession years and the economy improves, those who can afford to take their time in their job search are most likely to find a position offering the things most important to them. "The survey results show us that businesses today need to be good employers, offering stable employment with competitive base pay and traditional medical and retirement benefits," says Alexandra Levit, business and workplace consultant and Career Advisory Board member. "The average American worker isn't necessarily looking for all the bells and whistles." To learn more about the study, visit www.careeradvisoryboard.org. – BPT

A Tribute to Our President

14 | January 2017

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

ery soon President Barack Obama will be making his Farewell Address, and our country will be in the hands of another leader. Many will agree that there will be no other president like President Obama. Of course there was President Kennedy and other U.S. presidents who created great change for this country, but President Obama will always have a special place in our hearts. President Obama was a man who not only made history as the first African-American U.S. president, but he will be remembered as being a president with such a caring spirit and compassion for the American people. Whether it was paying tribute to those whose lives were lost due to violence or those who fought for this country, this country could always see President Obama’s heart. That is one of his qualities that will always be loved and appreciated by Americans. First Lady Michelle Obama had the same spirit, loving and embracing people in a genuine way. When she would surprise guests touring the White House, show love to veterans through the Joining Forces program, or interact with children for Just Move!, she showed her love for this country and its citizens. Let’s not forget their numerous television appearances seeing that humorous side. Though the Obamas are a historical First Family, they were and always will be real people. That kind of realness you just cannot fake. We will never forget President Obama and First Lady Obama. That historical moment when President-elect Barack Obama spoke from his home city of Chicago and gave his victory speech in 2008 will not be forgotten.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can. Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

His powerful "Yes We Can" 2008 presidential campaign slogan had a great message that is still true today. Together, not separately we can make a difference for our generation, our families, the future generation, our community, and this country. In 2008 President Obama encouraged us to work together to answer the call to make great change. There is always a moment when it’s important to come together, especially to make this world a better place for everyone to live. President Obama’s name means "one who is blessed" in Swahili. Of all the African-American firsts God could have chosen to make history as our first African-American President, He chose Barack Obama. I could not think of a better first African-American U.S. President, First Lady, and First Family. I have been proud to see President Obama show courage, integrity, character, and heart. He left a great legacy as the first African-American President of the United States. Because of him, we should dream bigger and do bigger, not only for ourselves, but for those around us as well. Yes, we still can.

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January 2017 | 15

Nominate Your 2017

Professionals and Entrepreneurs (P&E) of Texas

In the following categories: All nominations should include name, emails and/or phone number and the reason for the nomination. Submit to contact@d-mars.com

2016 Living Legend

2016 Super Trailblazer

UP & COMING P&E Under 5 years’ experience

TOP P&E Gene L. Locke Of Counsel, Andrews Kurth

2016 Community Hero

5-20 years’ experience Derrick Mitchell Board of Regents, Texas Southern University

2016 Trailblazers

2016 Family Affair

Mary Prince & Jay Prince Owners, Rookies Cookies

2016 TOP P&E

Isiah Carey Media Personality

COMMUNITY HERO

SUPER P&E

20+ years’ experience

LIVING LEGEND

Established and successful family businesses Anthony J. Snipes City Manager, Missouri City, Texas

Chief Vera Bumpers METRO Police Department

P&E Pioneer in their field or industry

P&E who makes tremendous contributions to the community

FAMILY AFFAIR Pastor Byron Stevenson Senior Pastor & Founder, The Fort Bend Church

TRAILBLAZER

P&E selected by their peers for showing significant achievement in their specialties

AWARD CELEBRATION FEBRUARY 23, 2017

2017 DIRECTORY & AWARDS CEREMONY

d-mars.com Asst. Chief Lisa Haywood-Campbell Houston Fire Department

ADVERTISING | MARKETING | MEDIA | COMMUNICATIONS

If you are a business or a corporation and would like to advertise in our directory or become a sponsor of the event, please contact us by phone at (281) 748-8111 or email president@d-mars.com. Serious inquiries only please. For general question about the directory or the event, please call (713) 272-9511.

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Hall of Famers

16 | January 2017

to Be in the Spotlight When Gridiron Glory Comes to Houston Submitted by Texas Southern University

exas Southern University alumnus Michael Strahan, Southern University’s Aeneas Williams and Prairie View A&M’s Kenny Houston will be spotlighted as TSU brings one of America’s largest traveling exhibits to Houston. Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame opens on January 30 in TSU’s University Museum. Excitement for the exhibit is mounting and ticket sales are picking up. Houston, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986, and Williams, a member of the 2014 Hall of Fame class, will appear alongside Strahan in commercials, invitations, f lyers, posters, social media, and on a billboard promoting Gridiron Glory. The display will be visible on the I-45 North exchange at the Telephone Road exit near Hobby Airport. Houston starred in the Oilers’ defensive backfield for six seasons (1967-72), racking up 25 interceptions and an NFL record of nine touchdowns on interception returns, a number that is now tied for fourth-most in league history and the most in franchise history. He finished his career with the Washington Redskins (1973-80), snagging an additional 24 interceptions. Williams played 14 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams. He earned eight Pro Bowl nods with 55 career interceptions and nine touchdowns. “Even as an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I am still amazed when I view all of the football memorabilia that in this spectacular exhibit,” Houston said. “I always wanted all of my family, fans and friends to see this…and now that the Canton exhibit is trave-

ling to Houston they will be able to see it.” “I am thrilled to be associated with Gridiron Glory,” Williams said. “This exhibit highlights all of the key moments in the history of the game and is a must visit for all football fans.” Gridiron Glory will be housed in TSU’s University Museum beginning January 30. The 6,000 square-foot exhibit features hundreds of artifacts from the Hall of Fame collection and captures the essence of the Hall’s experience. Gridiron Glory will be available for viewing through April 30, 2017. This interactive multimedia experience includes original artifacts, rare documents, immersive fan experiences, educational programming and remarkable footage from NFL Films showcasing the American legacy of the game of football and its historical significance. Many of the items on display in Houston will be available for the first time. The exhibit includes the Vince Lombardi Trophy, an authentic interactive instant-replay booth, Knute Rock ne’s 1919

Hall of Famer Kenny Houston

Hall of Famer Aeneus Wi lliams

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January 2017 | 17

Massillon Tigers helmet, Jim Brown’s jersey worn in an actual game, and Emmitt Smith’s rushing-record game mementos, among other highlights. Media, businesses and organizations are invited to partner with TSU in this amazing experience. Funding through exhibition ticket sales and sponsorships support college scholarships and student programs. Unique underwriting opportunities include evening venue rental for companies or organizations to host private viewing receptions and funding group tours for youth centers, schools, and young athletes. For details, including sponsorships, group tours, daily packages and options for retail ticket outlets, contact Kendrick Callis at 713-313-7933/calliskd@tsu.edu, Rodney Bush at 713-313-7603/bushrr@tsu.edu, or Linda L. Ragland at 832-443-6272/llr@mybrandsite.com. For individual ticket purchases and hours of exhibition, visit sites.tsu.edu/gridiron/. Hall of Famer Michael Strahan

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18 | January 2017

Welcome to the Mosaic By Dawn Paul Associate Editor

reat vibes, great food, and satisfying signature cocktails are just some of the perks that the Mosaic Bar & Lounge (Mosaic) brings to Houston’s professional “grown and sexy” crowd. Since 2011 when this establishment opened, it has been one of the hottest spots in the city, being a welcome addition to the booming Museum District. Seth Howard and Isreal C. Holmes are co-owners and business partners in this entertainment enterprise, and their hard work and likeminded business savvy proves that there is power in business partnerships.

When some may say that with the economy it is hard to create entrepreneurial success, Howard and Holmes prove the naysayers wrong. With great planning, a good work ethic, and a prime location, the Mosaic has proven itself as a major player on the entertainment scene. These proud Prairie View A&M University graduates with over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience have not only started a successful business, but they have kept it thriving. Howard says, “ I have been an entrepreneur since I was 11-years-old. My father owned his own law practice. He set the example of entrepreneurship for me. I was born and reared to own my own business.” Holmes always had that same drive and expresses, “I think I received the entrepreneur itch in college trying to pay for school. I have been an entrepreneur ever since. However, I definitely think it was in my DNA to be my own boss.” Whether you are looking to book a birthday party, a nonprofit event, or whatever the special occasion, the Mosaic has you. When it comes to quality service for the clientele, Howard and Holmes leave no stone unturned. You can always expect first-class service at the Mosaic, because these business partners treat the client not only how they would want to be treated, but steps above. This is one of the reasons why the Mosaic stays booked and has been well-received and patronized by all ethnic groups. Whether you need a relaxing spot to wind down after a long day at work or if you are looking to just get hang out Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

Bar & Lounge

January 2017 | 19

Get to Know Seth Howard and Isreal C. Holmes Please talk about the importance of AfricanAmericans owning our own businesses and supporting each other in business. It is very important, because we need to own ourselves. There is power in ownership and entrepreneurship. Before the Tulsa Race Riot, “The Black Wall Street” in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a prime example of African-Americans thriving when we own our own businesses and support other businesses in our community. Circulating dollars back in our community is what economic empowerment is all about. This successful Black economy does not have to be a thing of the past. Other ethnicities follow that model, and we should as well. Working together today, we can create that again.

with friends over the weekend, you should discover the uniqueness of the Mosaic. This great place with a stylish patio that is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Houston is just minutes away from the Medical Center. At the Mosaic you are guaranteed a fun and safe atmosphere with professional patrons, a refreshing ambiance, great music, food pleasing to the palate, and cool libations. Not only does the Mosaic stay busy as the “go to” for professionals, but it also brings star power. February 2nd - 5th the Mosaic welcomes Golden Globe Award Winner Taraji P. Henson as the host of their major event Super Bowl weekend. So if you haven’t already, come and discover the experience that the Mosaic has to offer. Though they are definitely driven in the area of business, they are also passionate about the community that they serve, giving back through this business. Active members of this community, these business partners have community initiatives that they participate in throughout the year. They host an annual event, the Jones Leadership High School Drive to assist college-bound students. Also, they have a partnership with their alma mater Prairie View A&M University to provide funds for college students. Howard and Holmes have created greatness working together, and their example of business leadership is something that does not go unnoticed. This establishment has remained profitable and frequented because these men of business are not award-driven, but customer-driven. The Mosaic is located at 5927 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77004. If you are looking for a venue to book your party or special event, the Mosaic is your place. You do not want to miss Super Bowl weekend at the Mosaic Bar & Lounge for the largest luxury tent party hosted by Taraji P. Henson and sponsored by GUCCI. For tickets, please visit www.mosaicbarand lounge.com or Mosaicsuperbowl2k17.eventbrite.com.

Talk about where the Mosaic was in the beginning and where it is now as a well-known establishment. The Mosaic has grown and evolved, keeping up with the neighborhood around it. From being a place that was fun to socialize at, this is now a venue where all ethnicities can enjoy great entertainment and network as well. We host community, corporate, nonprofits, and other events. It is important for the Mosaic to be a place where any group can come and connect. We look forward to offering our clientele more as we continue to move forward. What are rules you live by that keep you successful in business? You have to surround yourself with the right people. This cannot be stressed enough. Who you surround yourself with matters. Another piece of advice is always listen to the customer. This is a number one rule when it comes to business. If you don’t have customers, then you don’t have a business. How are you paying it forward to next generation of African-American business owners? It is our duty to leave a legacy that the next generation will want to follow. It is imperative that we put in the necessary sweat equity and stress hours so when the next generation follows, they have a template to continue to succeed and go beyond what we have built. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs? Being an entrepreneur is very demanding, but you control your own destiny if you put in the necessary work. You just cannot give up. With faith, you can take a simple thought and bring it into fruition. You should always be about elevation and never get comfortable in business. Step out and take a risk in order to create success. If there is high-risk, there is high-reward. If there is low-risk, there is lowreward. Ignore the naysayers and the distractions. Keep your eye on the prize. If your goals give you goose bumps, then look at that as confirmation from God. Success is yours for the taking. Go out and seize the moment.

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20 | January 2017

Education and Career

3 Tips for Getting the Most out of Working on a Diverse Team By d-mars.com News Provider

rowing up, we're constantly taught to play well with others. Did you know that skill might actually help you land a job? Nearly 80 percent of employers seek candidates who work well on a team, according to a National Association of College and Employers report. From automotive engineering to business management, odds are you'll work alongside diverse individuals throughout your career. An article in Scientific American says, with an open-mind, diversity enhances creativity, problem solving and decision making. That goes for diversity in areas of interest and expertise, as well as race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. "The ability to thrive in a diverse environment is essential for job-seekers," says Kristen Wahl, director of EcoCAR 3, the current Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition sponsored by the Department of Energy and General Motors. Of the thousands who've participated in student competitions led by Wahl, a perfect 100 percent have been hired or accepted into a post-grad program upon graduation. In the spirit of self-improvement, we've rounded up three tips to help you maximize the benefits of working in a diverse group.

Not only do you stand to learn something, your members will likely appreciate you listening and giving them the space to contribute.

Freshenup upyour yournewsfeed. newsfeed. 1.1.Freshen In today's connected world, information is shared continuously, across multiple platforms, like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Access to new ideas, ways of thinking and knowledge is at our fingertips. To stay smart, you need to follow 400+ accounts on Twitter according

Embraceopen open 3.3.Embrace communication. communication.

to Bloomberg's Tom Keene. Luckily, Twitter allows users to create "lists," where you can curate a group of Twitter accounts in one place. Follow a diverse set of influencers, journalists and business leaders and you will start seeing daily topics, issues and news from varying perspectives. "Part of being a steward of an inclusive environment is being aware of what is going on in the world and finding out what has worked for others," Wahl says. Wahl uses Facebook and Twitter to post stories about how EcoCAR 3 students embrace their differences. In the competition, students transform a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro into a hybrid electric vehicle without sacrificing the iconic cars performance or safety. To succeed, each team needs members from engineering, business and communications departments. Students also represent a variety of races, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations. Wahl also posts about industry trends

toward globalization and diversity. She recommends also following the National Science Foundation for research findings that could shape the future.

Askquestions. questions. 2.2.Ask Bill Nye once said, "everyone you meet knows something you don't." Working with others grants you access to different ideas, information and perspectives. The next time your group gets together to work on a project, make a point of asking how each person feels about the project and what gave them that insight or opinion. As noted by Scientific American, in the same way that a writer and a scientist will approach a problem differently, those "different from one another in race, gender and other dimensions bring unique information and experiences to bear on the task at hand."

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Effective communication drives positive experiences in diverse workplaces. "In EcoCAR 3, we use open communication as a tool to create an inclusive environment where all students can learn and succeed, regardless of their sex, ethnicity, background or learning style," Wahl says. Wahl invites students to email or call her with questions. She also encourages them to work with one another through problems. Additionally, EcoCAR 3 hosts annual fall and winter workshops where students converge for a week to meet, participate in breakout sessions led by industry leaders, and speak with EcoCAR 3 organizers in person. "While they technically compete with one another to build the best hybrid vehicle, the students actively find ways to collaborate with and help one another," Wahl says. "They come to workshops as strangers and leave as friends." Keep lines of communication open with your team by planning weekly get-togethers or creating a group on Facebook. Are you ready to take the next step? Join organizations that value diversity and inclusion. Most companies, colleges and organizations post a diversity mission statement you can find online. You can also find out where a group stands by asking people already involved in the organization. – BPT

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22 | January 2017

Job Opportunities Await in Tomorrow's Expanded Urban Areas By d-mars.com News Provider

redicting the future can be a Herculean task in its own right, but when it comes to forecasting the growth of urban areas across the globe, research points strongly toward some new truths. One, urban areas will continue to grow. Two, with continued development of "smart' technologies for homes, businesses and entire cities, there is expected to be a significant impact on the employment landscape.

The boom boom of urban areas The areas Today, more than half of the world's population lives in urban areas, according to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations' estimates and projections data reported in the 2014 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects. And, that figure is only predicted to grow. In fact, experts estimate urban centers will be home to two-thirds or 66 percent of the world's population by 2050. These same predictions also see more people flocking to larger cities. By today's estimates, there are 28 megacities - locales with populations of more than 10 million people - across the globe. However, that number is expected to jump to 41 megacities as early as 2030. And as these cities continue to grow, managing that growth effectively becomes even more important.

Thegrowth growth of of technology technology and The and the"Internet "Internet of of Things" the Things" As cities continue to grow, experts forecast they will face challenges. There will be the need for infrastructure improvements to meet the challenges in housing, transportation, energy and employment to continue functioning successfully. As well as the ability to anticipate and prepare for future job skills requirements. A key factor in addressing both of these dilemmas lies in the continued development of technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT), to help cities utilize resources more efficiently. IoT can be integral in helping to maintain efficiency in these ever-grow-

ing cities by transforming the existing infrastructure into a giant interactive network to include everything from air quality, transportation and energy to communication systems.

Findingprofessionals professionals to meet Finding thechallenges challenges of of change change the To prepare for the new economy, students can learn through coding bootcamps like those offered by DeVry University. Over a 10-week course period, these bootcamps offer attendees coding skills education that can be applied in the growing IoT economy. They also prepare students for the marketplace by helping them create a portfolio, develop an interviewing strategy and fine tune

their social media presence. Students can feel more empowered to face the challenges that are ahead. "Innovative education is critical. To meet the needs and wants of today's students, and of employers looking for professionals with targeted skill sets, we continuously explore new ways to deliver relevant educational offerings," said Shantanu Bose, Ph.D., provost of DeVry University. "Bootcamps are accelerated learning opportunities to augment current knowledge or immerse oneself into new disciplines in a matter of weeks or months. And like degree and certificate programs, bootcamps can be impressive additions to resumes when aligned with the chosen field." – BPT

Pay for School in 2017: Fastweb's Recommendations for Students in the New Year By d-mars.com News Provider s 2017 begins, Fastweb (www. fastweb.com), the leading website for scholarship and financial aid information and a member of the Monster network, encourages students to focus on paying for school by applying to the exciting new scholarships and utilizing the important online tools available now. Fastweb has highlighted excellent scholarships for new and returning college students in their Fastweb's 2017 Scholarships article. There are valuable opportunities open now and throughout the school year accepting applications. Those opportunities include: The Toshiba ExploraVision Science Competition with 8 awards up to $10,000, the Hans P. Loewen Scholarship with an award amount of $2,000, the Fountainhead Essay Contest with multiple awards up to $10,000 and the Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest with an award amount of $20,000. These, and the many other opportunities highlighted, are for college

bound students as well as existing college students and graduate students. "As we begin a new year, we hope to motivate students to prioritize looking for ways to pay for school and achieve their educational goals," said Mark Nelson, Vice President of Product Management at Fastweb. "Our college bound and existing college students can look forward to outstanding opportunities being identified and added to our industry leading scholarship database throughout the year." Since October 1, 2016, students have been able to fill out the FAFSA for the 2017–2018 school year. In the past, the FAFSA open date was the first day of the year. Fastweb urges students who have not yet filled out the application to do so now to initiate the federal student aid process. Understanding the FAFSA and the financial aid process is crucial for all students and many online tools can be found in Fastweb's Financial Aid section. Resources are available to help students understand the FAFSA, Budg-

eting and Personal Finance. Get more information on scholarship opportunities and financial aid on Fastweb.com. All resources are available online and always at no charge.

About Fastweb: Fastweb, a top site in the Monster Worldwide network, is the nation's recognized leader in helping students pay for school, by providing scholarship and financial aid information, as well as information on jobs and internships. One out of three college-bound seniors use the site and more than 50 million users have benefitted from Fastweb's information and services. Fastweb lets students create personalized profiles that can be matched against its expansive databases of colleges and scholarships. As the oldest and most popular free online scholarship matching service, the database has more than 1.5 million scholarships totaling over $3.4 billion. To learn more about Fastweb, visit www.fastweb.com and follow Fastweb on social media for

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the latest on paying for school all year long: Twitter (at @PayingForSchool); Facebook; Pinterest; Google+.

About Monster Worldwide: Monster Worldwide, Inc. is a global leader in connecting people to jobs, wherever they are. For more than 20 years, Monster has helped people improve their lives with better jobs, and employers find the best talent. Today, the company offers services in more than 40 countries, providing some of the broadest, most sophisticated job seeking, career management, recruitment and talent management capabilities. Monster continues its pioneering work of transforming the recruiting industry with advanced technology using intelligent digital, social and mobile solutions, including our flagship website monster.com® and a vast array of products and services. For more information visit monster.com/about. Source: Fastweb

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24 | January 2017

Finance

6 Common Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid By d-mars.com News Provider

t's probably safe to say handing cash to Uncle Sam does not top the list of your favorite things. When it comes to filing taxes, making a small mistake can mean paying more taxes than you need to or forking over cash to cover penalties. Fortunately, there's an easy way to make sure your tax return is mistakefree: just take a little extra time to double check your work. Here's a closer look at the six most common tax-filing errors and tips to help you avoid making them. 1. Mistake: Not reporting all income. Reporting your income is easy if your employer sends you a wage statement (called Form W-2) documenting what you made throughout the year. But what about the money you earned from any freelance work? Unfortunately, many people forget to report extra income from side jobs such as photography shoots, design projects and Etsy shops. How to avoid the error: Depending on how much you earned, you may receive an "information return" called Form 1099 from the institution that paid you. There are numerous 1099 forms that report different types of income earned during the year, but

in some cases you may not receive the document. For example, if you earn less than $600 as a freelance writer, the institution is not required to send you Form 1099-MISC. However, you still need to include the amount earned in your total annual income so it's important to keep your own records of each transaction. "To help accurately report your income, review last year's return and match your income sources item by item," says TaxAct Director of tax development, Mark Jaeger. "If you discover you haven't received a 1099 for your work, last year's return will serve as a reminder to ask about it. Keep in mind, all freelance or side-gig income is reported on Schedule C as part of your Form 1040." 2. Mistake: Mistyping bank accounts and personal information. Believe it or not, incorrect bank account numbers or personal information - like Social Security Numbers - is one of the main reasons tax returns are rejected. Using a nickname or a shortened version of your legal name also lands near the top of the list. How to avoid the error: Double - or triple - check any personal or bank account information before you submit your completed tax return. "If you need

help figuring out account information, don't be afraid to ask your bank for assistance," Jaeger says. 3. Mistake: Paying too much to file your taxes. Whether you tap a tax professional or choose a DIY tax provider that charges an arm and a leg for their product, paying too much to file your return is a mistake. How to avoid the error: Fortunately, filers have more affordable options to choose from. When looking for DIY options, do some comparison shopping. The leading tax preparation software providers offer similar features and benefits, but the price points can widely vary. In many cases, prices increase as the filing deadline nears. Look for a provider like TaxAct that not only offers a low price, but also guarantees your price won't increase if you start your online return but wait to file later. 4. Mistake: Not e-filing. While 91 percent of tax returns were e-filed in 2016, there are still filers who file a paper return. Going the pencil and paper route often means longer tax return processing times. How to avoid the error: Electronic filing (e-filing) is the quickest and most accurate way to file your tax return. In fact, the IRS typically processes e-filed

returns within 48 hours. If you're due a refund, you'll get it quicker if you e-file and choose direct deposit. 5. Mistake: Incorrect calculations. When the IRS receives your tax return, one of the first steps the agency takes is to check the figures to make sure they add up. Unfortunately, it's easy to miscalculate numbers - especially if you're in a rush or aren't sure what to add or subtract. How to avoid the error: First, take your time and double check all numbers. Second, consider using DIY tax software so you don't have to do the math on your own. 6. Mistake: Using the wrong filing status. Choosing the wrong filing status, like Head of Household instead of Single, can have a great impact on your tax rates, the number of personal exemptions you can claim, your qualifications for certain tax deductions, credits and more. How to avoid the error: Before starting your return, review the five different filing statuses to help you select the one most appropriate for your tax situation. Carefully selecting the right one will help you feel confident you're taking the right steps to maximize your tax outcome. – BPT

Project on Fair Representation Applauds Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for Amicus Brief in Support of Challenge to Race and Gender Quotas for Texas Bar Board of Directors By d-mars.com News Provider

lectively represent their interests, it has chosen to enforce strict racial and sexbased quotas for its leadership. But the State Bar is a government agency, and governmental quotas on race and sex are anathema to equal protection under the law. Quotas make bare the indignity of a naked racial and sex-based classification, because they define an individual's sole worth based on an immutable trait. In the eyes of the State Bar, you either are or are not a minority member, and that single quality defines whether you can or cannot serve in a specific government role. These quotas are utterly unjustified and patently unconstitutional." Despite the Attorney General's position, the Texas State Bar is continuing to defend the law. The Texas State Bar has hired the law firm of Vinson and Elkins to defend its set-asides. The Project on Fair Representation has provided counsel to Mr. Gegenheimer. They are Mr. Jonathan Mitchell, Visiting Professor of Law at Stanford University and a former Texas Solicitor General; and Mr. J. Michael Connolly and Mr. William Consovoy of Consovoy McCarthy Park PLLC of Arlington, Virginia.

he Project on Fair Representation applauds Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for submitting an amicus brief in support of Greg Gegenheimer, the Austin, Texas lawyer who sued the Texas State Bar for race and sex discrimination in federal court earlier this month. Under Texas law, the State Bar Board of Directors must include "four minority member directors appointed by the President of the State Bar." The law states that only "female, African-American, Hispanic-American, Native American, or Asian-American" lawyers will be considered for these positions. Mr. Gegenheimer asserts that this law violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because there is no justification for imposing these race and gender quotas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's amicus brief, which was filed last night, supports Mr. Gegenheimer's motion for a preliminary injunction. Attorney General Paxton notes that "The State Bar has chosen the wrong tool to achieve the benefits of diversity. Instead of trusting its membership to vote for the most qualified candidates to col-

Source: The Project on Fair Representation

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26 | January 2017

Real Estate

Housing Data Reveals Gaps in Economic Opportunity Along Generational, Racial, and Socio-Economic Lines By d-mars.com News Provider

s the U.S. housing market nears full recovery, widening gaps along racial, socioeconomic, and generational lines are impacting the growth of the housing market and individual cities, according to a growing body of Zillow® research. For example, though millennials want to own homes, the share of young people living at home with their parents has increased sharply. Black mortgage applicants are denied loans at a much higher rate than applicants of other races. And housing affordability is twice as bad for those making a low income than those making a high income. "Our research on housing has unlocked issues that are closely linked to broader social and economic problems in the U.S. – such as poor access to credit, weak income growth, and social mobility," said Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Svenja Gudell.

Zillow's research shows: • Millennials want to own homes and have views about homeownership that are as conservative as their grand-

parents'. But the share of millennials (18-34) living at home with their parents has increased sharply over the past decade. • Since 2012, the share of younger millennials (18-25) living at home has decreased from 55.5 percent to 54.2 percent, while the share of older millennials – those 26-34 who were scarred by the recession in their first years out of college – has increased from 12.9 percent to 14.5 percent. • Young people are renting for longer before buying their first home, compared to a generation ago. And although first-time buyers' incomes have not changed significantly, the median price of their first home has increased by about a quarter. • The homeownership rate for black Americans has remained persistently lower than the national homeownership rate for 100 years. In 2016, 71.9 percent of white Americans owned their home, and 41.3 percent of black Americans did. • Black applicants are denied home loans at a much higher rate than applicants of other races. Although the denial rate for black applicants has fallen in recent years, conventional loan applications from blacks are still

denied at more than twice the rate of those submitted by whites. • Over the last 20 years, home values in the metro areas with the most social mobility have soared, making it difficult for low-income people to afford living in the very places where they could most easily achieve socioeconomic growth. • Housing affordability is worst for those making a low income, even if they are living in the cheapest homes available. Nationwide, the bottom third income earners spend twice as much of their income on mortgage payments than the top third. In some expensive markets, those making incomes in the bottom third would have to spend more than half of that income to afford the monthly payment on the cheapest homes on the market. • The cheapest homes were most likely to face foreclosure during the housing crisis, forcing those families to rent while their finances were recovering during a decade of the highest rent appreciation in history. • Homeowners are disproportionately white and college-educated. Three-quarters of all homeowners who bought in the past year have a college degree.

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Zillow

Zillow® is the leading real estate and rental marketplace dedicated to empowering consumers with data, inspiration and knowledge around the place they call home, and connecting them with the best local professionals who can help. In addition, Zillow operates an industry-leading economics and analytics bureau led by Zillow's Chief Economist Dr. Svenja Gudell. Dr. Gudell and her team of economists and data analysts produce extensive housing data and research covering more than 450 markets at Zillow Real Estate Research. Zillow also sponsors the quarterly Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey, which asks more than 100 leading economists, real estate experts and investment and market strategists to predict the path of the Zillow Home Value Index over the next five years. Zillow also sponsors the bi-annual Zillow Housing Confidence Index (ZHCI) which measures consumer confidence in local housing markets, both currently and over time. Launched in 2006, Zillow is owned and operated by Zillow Group (NASDAQ:Z and ZG), and headquartered in Seattle. Source: Zillow

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28 | January 2017

Technology

Shopping for Small Business Solutions?

Tech Talk Translations for SBOs By d-mars.com News Provider

s a small business owner, you do it all: the books, marketing, customer service, product, inventory and - oh yes - tech support. In fact, small and microbusiness owners are more likely to shoulder all tech tasks for their firms, according to a study by the National Small Business Association. Yet unless your business is IT, chances are you struggle to speak the language of business technology solutions. "Small business owners need to be masters of virtually every aspect of their business, but they shouldn't have to be translators, too," says Nate Spilker, vice president of cloud services for Citrix. "Technology can help small businesses grow and stay ahead of the competition. Organizations of all sizes need the technology they use to be easy to adopt, improve efficiency, reduce costs and boost productivity, no matter what their industry."

Microbusinesstech techchallenges challenges Microbusiness The 3.7 million microbusinesses (which the Small Business Administration defines as having fewer than nine employees) make up more than 75 percent of all private-sector employers, and provide nearly 11 percent of private sector jobs, according to the SBA. Their tech needs are significant, yet 40 percent of microbusiness owners handle all their company's IT support, according to the National Small Business Association. Additionally, 60 percent allow employees to telecommute, which can make sharing files and data problematic. Telecommuting employees may save documents and files on local hard drives, rather than centralized locations where others can securely access and collaborate on the documents. What's more, 57 percent don't use cloud computing, a technology designed to enhance collaboration, the NSBA reports. Technology can help microbusiness owners improve efficiency, reduce and control costs, provide superior customer service and satisfaction, and focus more time on activities that help the business prosper. Stephen L. Nelson, CPA, used Citrix ShareFile to securely, quickly and easily share documents and files with his clients. Replacing the inefficient method of physically mailing documents with file sharing technology allowed his small

team to get more done in less time, reduced the need for physical storage space for paper files, and increased productivity for his firm and his clients. Lowering overhead, paper and office space costs allowed Nelson to grow his business 10 percent.

Talkingabout aboutsolutions solutions Talking The terminology that describes common tech tools can be mystifying to small business owners. Spilker and the small business technology professionals at Citrix offer explanations of some common terms and tools: • Digital transformation - Technology is profoundly affecting how companies of all sizes do business. They are moving away from traditional, more labor-intensive processes in favor of digital tools, activities and processes. • Cloud computing - Instead of storing, managing and processing data on an office computer or local server, cloud computing executes the same functions by using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet. • File-sharing - Transferring files or documents via email or ftp servers has

drawbacks, including potential security issues, version control challenges and slow speeds. File-sharing technology allows people using different devices to access, edit, change and otherwise use files, documents and other types of data stored in the cloud. Citrix ShareFile, for example, makes it easy for small business teams to securely share files and client data, collaborate on documents and obtain electronic signatures. • Integrated document workflow - In order to keep work moving, small businesses require the ability to work with documents and move data between multiple kinds of software. For example, an accounting firm needs to be able to take data from W-2s (which might be stored in one format) and move that information to a tax form stored in a different format or "living" in a different system. • Real time - When hardware or software does its job so quickly - in a matter of miliseconds - the user can immediately take entered data and put it to work. • File sync - Storing files in multiple locations or having multiple users work with them on different devices can lead

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to discrepancies between versions. File synchronization technology basically compares these multiple versions to each other and allows users to update all versions with the most current changes, regardless of which user made the changes. • Cyber security - Criminals who attempt to steal, manipulate, hack or otherwise illegally access a business' proprietary computer systems and data are cyber criminals. All the steps a business takes to thwart these criminals - including anti-virus software and firewalls are aspects of cyber security. "ShareFile has really allowed my firm to digitally transform," says Nelson. "The addition of automated workflows and secure file-sharing has improved efficiencies, which allows my team to focus our attention on delivering the best client service possible, while ensuring vital company and client data remains safe. Adopting a safe and secure online portal for customer engagement has been essential for delivering on the bottom line." To learn more about small business technology solutions, visit www.share file.com. – BPT

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30 | January 2017

Technology

The Latest Advancements in College Education Are Happening Digitally By d-mars.com News Provider

he face of education in the United States is changing. Many of today's universities are embracing digital technology to deliver instruction in ways not available to previous generations. We have seen the digital instruction methods evolve from the use of learning aides such as computers, digital projectors and DVD players to online learning, which allows students the flexibility to tackle their coursework at a time and pace that works best for them. Some advanced technologies can seamlessly link two or more classrooms for simultaneous instruction, ultimately expanding student access to courses and professors to participate together in one synchronous learning experience. An innovative classroom format can instill important virtual collaboration skills and encourage interaction with tools like remote wireless content sharing and two-way whiteboard displays, as are found in DeVry University's extended classrooms.

Addressing Addressingthe theevolving evolvingneeds of today's needs of today's student student Video-connected classrooms are generally equipped with voice-activated motion cameras, facial-recognition software, high-definition wide-screen monitors - complete with picture-in-picture views, desktop cameras and interactive two-way touch-screen whiteboards. This technology is designed to help students learn and interact with their fellow classmates no matter where they are taking the class.

DeVry also recently launched its new video connected classroom technology that seamlessly links 23 DeVry campus locations for simultaneous instruction depending on the program, course and extended classroom availability. "Our students tell us they appreciate having a variety of courses available, and taught in ways that fit their schedules and preferences," said Robert Paul, president of DeVry University. "The connected classroom technology allows students to have real-time visual interaction with faculty and fellow classmates. These high-tech classrooms exemplify our investment in academic experiences that are collaborative yet personalized, with student engagement at the core."

experience by offering these additional on-campus capabilities: • Tech playgrounds at select campus locations throughout the country, putting students in touch with innovative technology in imaginative settings. • Hardware and software upgrades, including adding thousands of new computers in campuses nationwide, to revitalize existing desktop stations and network labs. • Internet bandwidth increases to improve wireless capabilities and provide a faster, more seamless learning experience. – BPT

Preparingfor foraadigital digitalfuture future Preparing DeVry's extended classrooms are just one example of technological innovations taking place in the classroom setting. Over the next year, the university plans to invest heavily in technology to enhance the student

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