Business Journal Inspire, Inform & Educate
January 2015
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It’s a Family Affair
BUSINESS: It’s a Family Affair By Alvin Terry New Year’s Resolutions should have been made by now and ready to be implemented with the new “Business Plan.”
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Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Requests Action on Foreign Trolls
By Carroll G. Robinson Houston’s Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has an extensive and distinguished record as a leader in the area in which the courts and technology intersect and has proved a staunch defender of American innovation. PAGE 12
Pictured (l-r): Pastor Terrance H. Johnson, Je’Caryous Johnson and Keith J. Davis, Sr.
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A Brotherhood Not Defined by Blood: Three Men Represent for their City 7 Big (but easy) Ways Businesses can Reduce Employee Absenteeism By d-mars.com News Provider An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – especially for small businesses grappling with the high costs of worker absenteeism.
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Black Heritage Committee Hosts 22nd Annual Black Heritage Western Gala
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100 Black Men Metropolitan Houston Chapter Presents Casino Couture
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable...Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 2015 3
Journal Behind The
Publisher’s Message
Keith J. Davis, Sr.
SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis
VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valerie Jones
ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla
Office Manager Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.
First off, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and I hope you have already started planting the seeds in your business which will allow it to grow throughout the year. This issue of the Business Journal is themed “Family Affair,” and it focuses on how to manage family in business – from creating a family atmosphere at work to celebrating your community of family. I hope you find the information valuable and are inspired to do more in your business to help it prosper. Enjoy! As always again, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, 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.
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black
PHOTOGRAPHY
CONTENTS
L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines
MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes
online support specialist Anthony Torregosa
LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa
DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Valerie Jones Noel Pinnock Alvin Terry Mikal Powers d-mars.com News Provider Carroll G. Robinson
A Brotherhood Not Defined by Blood: Three Men Represent for their City...................................................................................... 4 “Shhh…It’s Not a Family Affair!”..................................................................................................................................................................... 6 BUSINESS: It’s a Family Affair......................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Building a Family at Work............................................................................................................................................................................... 8 5 Job Interview Questions You Must be Prepared to Answer.............................................................................................................10 Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Requests Action on Foreign Trolls........................................................................................ 12 2015 Greater Houston Black Chamber Membership Meeting and Board Installation................................................................... 14 Black Heritage Committee Hosts 22nd Annual Black Heritage Western Gala................................................................................ 14 100 Black Men Metropolitan Houston Chapter Presents Casino Couture........................................................................................ 14 7 Big (but easy) Ways Businesses can Reduce Employee Absenteeism..........................................................................................15 Did You Know?...................................................................................................................................................................................................18 Old Folks Saying….............................................................................................................................................................................................18
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The Business Owner: • The ability to stimulate money in our communities • Publicity at an affordable price • The professionalism it provides to black-owned businesses
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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
4 January 2015
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Brotherhood Not Defined by Blood: By Valerie Jones Associate Editor
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n a world in which the statistics for young black men aren’t favorable and the public is constantly bombarded with negative news and images of black men, it’s refreshing and downright inspiring to see individuals rise from difficult circumstances to become successful business professionals and great stewards of their community. Such is the case with Terrance H. Johnson, Je’Caryous Johnson and Keith J. Davis, Sr. These three men have triumphed through adversity, uncertainty and a volatile economy to become an example for their community, teaching us that we’re all united.
Three Men Represent for their City
The Pastor Terrance H. Johnson, often referred to as “Pastor J,” is the founder and senior pastor of Higher Dimension Church. Growing up in the South Park community of Houston, Pastor J describes it as meager beginnings… “government cheese, food stamps, one set of good clothes and plenty of hand-me-downs.” He attended Angelina Junior College with plans to pursue a career in professional basketball, but when that didn’t pan out, he decided to enroll into Texas Southern University. Soon after, Pastor J received his call into ministry.
“I was called at the age of 13 and didn’t understand it, I was called a year later and still didn’t understand it, but at age 20, I received and accepted my call for good,” he said. “The pivotal moment for me happened in the season of my life when I was rebelling and being disobedient to my parents. I remember my mother telling me these words: ‘I’m putting you in the hands of the Lord.’ That meant she was submitting to this way of getting my attention. I was in a car wreck and several other things were happening in my life…God got my attention. I went to stay with my uncle in Fort Worth and attended a revival there. It was at that revival that I rededicated my life to Christ.” Pastor J earned a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Sociology from American Baptist College in Nashville, Tenn. Today, he and his wife Torsha make it their mis-
sion to help their congregation and community. With four children, they exemplify strong family values and believe the church is only as strong as its families. Under Pastor J’s leadership, Higher Dimension fed almost 20,000 people in 2014, provided school supplies and backpacks to thousands of children, shipped more than 3,000 pairs of shoes to Haiti and collected more than 20,000 diapers to donate to those in need. He and his wife purchased three cars and gave them to church members who were walking. Through his ministry, Pastor J also provides scholarships to help students pursue higher education. “Helping people…that really fuels me. I’m passionate about that,” said Pastor J. “In a real sense, that’s what I believe God has called me to do – to be significant more so than being successful. I enjoy helping people transform their lives so that they can have a better quality of life.” Pastor J aims to transform lives in many ways. He is truly an advocate for his community. “A lot of times, people will put a cap or limit on the pastoral role to just preaching, but as a pastor, I also have a responsibility to be a community leader,” he said. Being a community leader also means being a community developer – being a part of a political race, trying to influence the marketplace biblically – it’s not just preaching and counsel. I think the pastor is also called to speak truth to power.” Additionally, Pastor J teaches the importance of helping one’s fellow man. “In the scripture, there is a mandate on my life to give back. I’m mandated to be my brother’s keeper,” he said. “Everything about the kingdom is helping those who can’t help themselves. If you cross over the bridge, come back over and help someone else get across. If you get your degree, help someone else get theirs. If you’re a recovered drug addict, help somebody else get clean.”
The Playwright Raised in the Houston neighborhood of Acres Homes with three sisters to a young single mother, Je’Caryous Johnson was forced to grow up fast. His grandmother was instrumental in helping to raise him, implementing spiritual values in him at an early age. Johnson credits his grandfather for his business acumen, as he was a self-made man in the landscaping and soil business. Johnson attended Nimitz High School and was a self-proclaimed troublemaker and problem child. “Problem children haven’t discovered what they want to do in life. They’re wandering and the only way they can seek attention is to cause problems,” Johnson said.
One particular instance in Johnson’s freshman year of high school would change his life forever. Johnson was causing trouble and rather than kicking him out of school, his teacher introduced Johnson to two other teachers who were in charge of the school’s National History Day competition. As part of the competition, Johnson had to write a 10-minute play. The school had never placed in this competition. But with the submission of Johnson’s play the school advanced to nationals. “My school made it all the way to nationals because of me – a former troublemaker,” Johnson said. “At that point, the attention I was getting from the school wasn’t negative, it was positive.”
Johnson followed this trajectory throughout college, writing a play about Emmett Till in 1998 at the University of Houston. It was greatly acclaimed. “That was a piece of history that many were curious about, but that wasn’t well-known at the time,” Johnson said. “I feel fortunate to be able to enlighten, educate and entertain people through theater.” Today, Johnson, who resides in Los Angeles, Calif., has more than 20 years of experience in the performing arts and is one of the highest-grossing playwrights in the world, having directed great acting legends, including Billy Dee Williams, Richard Roundtree, Vivica Fox and Louis Gossett, Jr. He is the CEO of Je’Caryous Johnson Entertainment, Inc. and I’m Ready Productions, Inc. He is a four-time national championship playwright and recipient of the NAACP 2007 Trailblazer Award. His Je’Caryous Johnson Foundation provides scholarships and the Je’Caryous Johnson Acting School helps to support aspiring African American artists in theater, film and television. Not bad for a “troublemaker” from Acres Homes. “I create art. Art is the mirror for life and the rehearsal for change,” he said.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
January 2015 5
Johnson shared he experiences the most joy when he looks at the audience from behind the curtain backstage, and they’re laughing, crying or visibly showing emotion from one of the plays. “I create shows that allow people to escape their realities, but also look at the possibilities of their lives,” Johnson said. “My show is an extended ministry that deals with the dynamics of love and family.”
Referral Service. After retiring from Brown and Ferris in 1999, due to an overwhelming response from clients requesting his services as their marketing consultant, Davis decided to follow his true passion and founded d-mars.com – named after his nickname “MR. D-MARS.” He currently serves as Publisher and CEO.
The Publisher Keith J. Davis, Sr. grew up in north Houston in the tough community of Fifth Ward. At a young age, he recalls vivid pictures of drug deals and murder. “I always saw the negative side of black people – the drug dealing, the robbing, etc.,” Davis said. “The perception of black people wasn’t positive in my community.” The redeeming qualities of his upbringing were witnessing his mother, father and grandmother helping people in the community. It wasn’t until he left his own community that he saw more positive images of black people. “I just fell in love with black people,” he said. Though Davis was shaken by the loss of his mother to breast cancer when he was just 13, he resolved to dedicate his life to showing the better side of the black community. Davis holds an honorary doctorate degree from the Christian Bible Institute & Seminary. He served in the U.S. Army active duty and reserve for more than eight years and received an honorable discharge. He’s always had a passion for helping his fellow man and the community and he does the same with his business. He became well-known in Houston for his connections and garnered the nickname “The Hook-up Man” or “D-MARS,” which stood for Discount Marketing and
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d-mars.com specializes in advertising, marketing, media and communications. In addition, the company publishes four monthly journals – Business, Health & Wellness, Community and Black Pages North. d-mars. com also host signature events highlighting top professionals in the fields of business, health, law, supplier diversity and fashion. Davis is well recognized as one who contributes to and advocates for his community. Throughout the years, he’s receive numerous awards, recognizing his
business leadership and outreach in the community. “I most enjoy celebrating black people,” he said. “I love to be able to show black people in a different light and I love celebrating them, which I’m able to do through our awards ceremonies.” Davis recalls a defining moment in his career, about 13 some odd years ago. “I was driving on the freeway and I was having some problems in my business and I was just ready to quit and throw in the towel,” he said. “It was then a tear rolled down my eye and something inside me said not to walk away. You know your true purpose when you cannot walk away from it. I knew this is what I would be doing until the day I die.”
A Community of Family
hat unites Pastor J, Je’Caryous Johnson and Keith J. Davis, Sr. is greater than what separates them. They didn’t allow being from “the hood” to negatively define them. They remind us why it’s so important to value your community and always give back to your community. The family dynamic is evident. “Every person I’ve been able to touch has been family to me…the people who attend my plays are family…the students at my acting school are family,” said Je’Caryous Johnson, whose mother is the head of group sales and sister is the head of digital marketing at his company. “Pastor J is a part of my spiritual family and is a very good friend, and so is Keith [Davis].” Pastor J and Davis have known each other 16 years, and Pastor J de-
scribes Davis as a church member, friend and confidante. “I love his authenticity. A lot of people are gold-plated, but he’s genuine,” Pastor J said. “I also admire his work ethic and willingness to not fail. His fortitude and resiliency has been unparalleled compared to others. He’s gone through a lot, but he’s still anchored.” Davis shared family doesn’t always have to be blood. “Your community is your family. We all occupy the same space. As a community, as a family, we have to support each other more, share information and share connections,” he said. “We should always ask ourselves how we can work together to make the black community better. It’s not about where you’re born or who you’re born to…it’s about making the decision to advance and helping others do the same.”
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
6 January 2015
“Shhh…
It’s Not a Family Affair!” By Noel Pinnock
Contributing Writer
“Family Affair” is a 1971 number-one hit single recorded by Sly and the Family Stone for Epic Records label. Sylvester Stewart melodically strung these powerful words together, below, that still resonate in our world today, approximately 44 years later: “One child grows up to be Somebody that just loves to learn And another child grows up to be Somebody you’d just love to burn Mom loves the both of them You see, it’s in the blood Both kids are good to mom Blood’s thicker than the mud” Blood is thicker than mud, regardless of viscosity; however, the families in the 70s look much different in the 21st century. Technology and intentional revolutions in power and industry across all markets and sectors have reshaped the way we do business. Webster defines “family” as a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household. Well, we can no longer define family as Webster did years ago because we no longer live within the confines of geographical, psychological, political, technological, social, demographical or cultural boundaries as families did once upon a time. Our world is no longer flat – much like today’s family. Our values, albeit rooted in history, have changed and it is time for us to make the necessary adjustments to building a bigger sense of purpose rooted in our new family configuration called Planet Earth. Face it; with four generations operating, oftentimes asynchronously, in the workplace, it is even more imperative that we face the challenges of unique ideologies, idiosyncrasies and independence more collectively and strategically. In today’s market, we are more heterogeneous than homogenous. We rely on each other now more than ever before. Conditions that can send stocks soaring upward or spiraling downward can be directed by a YouTube video, post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter, not to mention the growing bloggerspheres that uniquely identify subscribers who are caught in the seductress web of their own self-interests. One could easily take a cheek swab and isolate the DNA through a series of polymerase chain reactions to determine the maternity or paternity of a child, but in today’s highly advanced and evolving environment, this becomes more difficult every day. Kathe Kollwitz once wrote, “I do not want to die... until I have faithfully made the most of my talent and cultivated the seed that was placed in me until the last small twig has grown.” A writer of InspireMe® wrote: “This is a beautiful image--I love the idea that each of us was born with a seed inside of us that will grow into a full tree – beautiful and amazing – if only we provide it with conditions that will allow it to grow. And what are those conditions?
Simply this: using the talents, abilities and gifts that we were provided with in order to contribute something to the world, in order to give something in just the right measure, in ways that only we can contribute. If we do so, then we grow, learn and develop those gifts so that they are even more beneficial to the other people who inhabit this planet with us. One day we all will die. That is okay with me. But as many people have said throughout history, we do not want to die knowing that we have never lived.” We have to remember there are only two types of people on the planet: those who add value or those who subtract it. Ask yourself the following questions: • How do I contribute to the process of growth for the seed that was placed in me around the world? • What are the possible results of neglecting my world seeds? • Am I helping others discover, cultivate and harvest their world seeds? Philosopher-poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “Treat a man as he appears to be and you make him worse. But treat a man as if he already was what he potentially could be, and you make him what he should be.” According to the Maxwell Daily Reader:
“In almost every instance in which the impact was positive, the person believed in you. He or she probably saw something in you that perhaps you didn’t even see in yourself. Wouldn’t you like to be that person to others? If the answer is yes, then try to love others and see them as 10s. If you have a family, start with your spouse and your kids. And then broaden the circle from there. Believe the best in others, and you will bring out their best.” We no longer live in the United States of America but we can now say, without fail or disbelief that we live on planet earth. Our seas no longer separate us from our neighboring countries on the east and west of us, but provide us constant waves that propel us across the turbulent waters only to set our anchors down for a little while before making the next stop along our life’s journey, never looking leeward but forward to the next earthly engagement. After all, the God we serve is no respecter of man and accepts everyone who seeks Him into His family…how about you? After all, it is no longer a family affair anymore. #getatit! www.noelpinnock.com
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
January 2015  7
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
8 January 2015
BUSINESS: It’s a Family Affair
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By Alvin Terry
Contributing Writer
ew Year’s Resolutions should have been made by now and ready to be implemented with the new “Business Plan.” If you have a family-owned business, I hope that all of the family members who are directly involved in the operations of the business have had an opportunity to add some valuable input to help ensure the business can continue to be successful. It’s time to make some “new money” and collect the “old money” that is carrying over from 2014 on the books. We really want to get through the first quarter of the business year to gauge exactly what the business environment is looking like. Did we lose customers last year? If so, why? Did we gain new customers? If so, how? Is it time for a staff change with new responsibilities? Should we consider new hires or layoffs? Are your family members burnt out and decided to pursue other job opportunities in the job market? Did the chemistry work between the family members or did everyone outgrow their nerve endings? Did anyone in the family have false expectations or did not know what to expect on what it takes to run a business?
Building a Family at Work
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By Mikal Powers
Contributing Writer
mericans, on average, spend more than eight hours at work each day or participate in a work-related activity. In most cases, this is more time than Americans spend at home or with their family during the work week. Professionals are also staying in the workforce longer
If you had a “Business Development Committee,” an “Advisory Board” or outside mentors, did they perform up to your expectations? Did they help contribute to the company’s bottom line or just give suggestions and advice that did not have any measurable impact to the success to the business? Did your banker help guide you through the rough patches while waiting on accounts receivables to come in? Whether you have a product or service, are you continuing to provide and the lines between personal lives and work have blurred, so it’s is not surprising that workers are focused on finding jobs and careers that align with their values and contribute to their feelings of self-worth. In fact, a University of Phoenix survey found that 47 percent of working adults gain an equal or greater sense of self-worth from their jobs and careers as they do from their personal lives. Because Americans identify so much of themselves through their career and spend most of the week among colleagues, it’s important for employers to cultivate a strong company culture. Small and large businesses alike can benefit from encouraging a family-like and team-oriented atmosphere to cultivate and maintain a strong camaraderie among employees. Prioritizing team building and individual achievement through ongoing professional development opportunities is a great way for employers to encourage the development
added value to your customers? Do you need to upgrade your product or your service? Is it time for pricing adjustments? Obviously, there are a lot of moving parts in keeping a business on track. Every business, whether family-owned or not, experiences the same challenges on a daily basis. Fortunately, with the right team of people as mentors armed with current market information, you can help keep your family business on track.
Running a business, whether familyowned or not, will always have its challenges. Continuing education on an ongoing basis can definitely help stem the tide of any frustrations you may encounter. After taking in all of the above, you and your family members will eventually decide to continue with the status quo or make the appropriate adjustments. For information on business or real estate, contact me at alvin.terry@rocketmail.com or 713-392-9107.
By articulating a clear company vision and culture of support through growth opportunities, employers can transform the “workplace” into a supportive environment, where employees feel they’re a member of the family.
of current employees and their ability to effectively work as a team. In addition, employers that take the time to recognize the contributions employees’ families make help to further strengthen the employee’s emotional connection to his or her position. Most employees have spouses, significant others, children or extended families that provide emotional and household support while that individual is spending time at work. Taking opportunities to host employee outings and invite families to attend shows appreciation for their efforts behind the scenes and improves morale.
Mikal Powers is campus director at University of Phoenix Houston Campus overseeing campus operations. Powers earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in business administration from University of Phoenix. He spent five years as a Helicopter Search and Rescue Swimmer and Operations Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. After earning his degree, Powers attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and became a reserve officer for South Texas where he is committed to keeping communities safe and assisting residents in need. ............................................................. http://www.bls.gov/tus/charts/ http://www.phoenix.edu/news/releases/2014/06/ careers-contribute-to-self-worth-for-nearly-half-ofamerican-workers.html
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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
January 2015  9
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
10  January 2015
5 Job Interview Questions You Must be Prepared to Answer
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By d-mars.com News Provider
t's a competitive market for all types of jobs, from entry level on up. If you have an interview scheduled, make certain you're prepared for the questions you'll be asked. The first step is to do your homework, which includes researching the company, the industry and the job position you're applying for, said Jodi Berkshire, assistant director of Career Services at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. No one can be prepared for every question an employer might ask, but you should be prepared with ways to gracefully answer categories of questions. Here are Berkshire's top five job interview questions to anticipate: 1. "Tell me about yourself." Don't mistake this one for an easy question. If you don't carefully prepare your answer prior to the interview, it will show. Craft a short response that gives a thumbnail sketch of you professionally. This is a great place to insert some of your sterling qualities and accomplishments, and you should make sure that they dovetail with the requirements of the position for which you are interviewing. Be positive
that hiring manager would be looking for. Here is your chance to sell yourself. Don't be afraid to let them know what a great addition you'll be to their company.
and enthusiastic, and whatever you do, don't ramble. 2. "What are your strengths?" "Why should we hire you?" Here's a simple way to prepare. Take a sheet of paper and fold it in half vertically. On one side list all the specific technical qualities that you possess. Look at the job description and consider each skill that is mentioned. For example, if the job description mentions software skills that are required and you have those skills, go ahead and list them. In the other column, list the personal qualities that you bring to the job. These could be things like punctuality, reliability, enthusiasm, work ethic, professionalism, etc. Again, take another look at the job description and anticipate what qualities
3. "What is your greatest weakness?" "How have you overcome it?" You have two good choices here. You can either choose a weakness that is really a strength to an employer (you become so engrossed in your work that you find it hard to take a break until the project is completed), or choose something that you had to master at the beginning of your career that would be an expected learning curve for any entry-level recent college grad (you didn't really grasp project management in your first job and you had to make a deliberate effort to learn about time lines and time management). If you choose the second example, make sure that you stress how your performance increased once you mastered the missing skill. 4. "What do you know about our company?" "How did you hear about us?" Or, "Why do you want to work for us?" These are all variations on the same theme. The real question is: Did you do
your homework? Any interviewer will expect that you have researched the company. That means that you should know their website inside and out. Have you Googled the company? Have you read any recent articles about them? If the only information you have to offer is what any person off the street who isn't applying for the position knows, it shows that you don't care enough and you're not very thorough. 5. "What would your past employer tell me about you?" Again, tread carefully. Do not under any circumstances say anything negative about any past employer. Settle on a few of your strongest qualities and concentrate on those that reflect your strong work ethic and professionalism. Here is another perfect opportunity to sell yourself, but once again, be careful not to ramble. Once you've done your research, practiced answers to commonly asked questions and become comfortable with the idea of selling yourself, remember to smile. In most interview situations, the candidate who appears to be relaxed, confident (not arrogant) and enthusiastic usually has the best chance of being hired. – (BPT)
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
January 2015  11
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
12 January 2015
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Requests Action on Foreign Trolls OPINION
By Carroll G. Robinson Contributing Writer
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ouston’s Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has an extensive and distinguished record as a leader in the area in which the courts and technology intersect and has proved a staunch defender of American innovation. Following the success of the landmark America Invents Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama September 16, 2011, Congress continues to seek a legislative remedy to the problem of “patent trolling” and its negative impact on innovation. However, Jackson-Lee is among the first leaders to specifically address the emerging threat posed by the patent trolls that are controlled by foreign governments – known as government-sponsored patent trolls (GSPT) – and their impact on Texas and the economy more broadly. On October 8, 2014, Jackson-Lee sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman expressing her concerns for GSPTs. These entities, like privately owned trolls, use patents exclusively as a method to collect revenue rather than to manufacture products or protect innovations. Froman, nominated by President Obama in May 2, 2013, functions as the White House’s lead negotiator on all international trade matters; and there is no question GSPTs have the potential for serious trade implications. GSPTs violate a variety of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, to which many of GSPT host nations are obligated to adhere. As the Congresswoman’s letter highlights, these entities essentially subsidize private enterprises in their country of origin and utilize the deep pockets of governments in countries like France and China, which each control their own GSPT. And Texas is on the front lines of the fight against those who use patents offensively rather than as a tool to protect research and development investments. That is because these GSPTs often bring their frivolous claims in the notoriously patent troll convivial U.S. District Court for the Eastern District. The French government controlled troll, known as France Brevets, actually established a shell company incorporated in Marshall, Texas for the sole purpose of su-
ing in the Eastern District Court, despite France Brevets having no actual business and/or industry in the area. This means that, as taxpayers, we get to pay for these court proceedings as foreign governments choose to venue shop for the most favorable court. Jackson-Lee’s senior leadership on the Judiciary Committee, along with her work on the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet have well-credentialed her as she emerges as an early leader while seeking to bring more attention to the GSPT issue. But the Congresswoman can’t go in alone. She will need the support of not just her colleagues in Congress, but also advocates within the Executive Branch, such as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Time is ofthe essence. Jackson-Lee recom-
mends that Froman consider addressing these harmful entities with many of our trading allies, many of whom sponsor trolls, during the ongoing Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations. As Jackson-Lee’s letter points out, this problem is growing as countries feel compelled to either start their own GSPT or risk being out-gunned as all countries battle to bolster our economies in an ever globalized marketplace. Just last year, China founded a GSPT called Ruichuan IPR Funds. Though the establishment of the GSPT comes as no surprise, given China’s reputation for being a fierce competitor in the global market, when coupled with members of the Chinese Army hacking into American businesses and government systems, it seems indicative of
a more broad Chinese trade offensive against the U.S. The history-making American Invents Act represented the most significant change to the U.S. patent system since 1952. It updated our policies to better mesh with ever-evolving technology-economy, a task which necessitates the almost perpetual focus and effort from lawmakers. As Washington seeks to blueprint and finally pass thoughtful patent trolling legislation, which many see as legislation of similar vitality to the American Invents Act, they should follow Jackson-Lee’s lead and pay distinct attention to the threat posed by GSPTs. The robust Texas economy and American worker have labored too hard in times of prosperity as well as struggle to be edged out by foreign trade allies that don’t want to play by the rules.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
January 2015  13
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
14 January 2015
In the Business Community…
To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photos’
2015 Greater Houston Black Chamber Membership Meeting and Board Installation
Black Heritage Committee Hosts 22nd Annual Black Heritage Western Gala
100 Black Men Metropolitan Houston Chapter Presents Casino Couture
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
January 2015 15
7 Big (but easy) Ways Businesses can Reduce Employee Absenteeism
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By d-mars.com News Provider
n ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – especially for small businesses grappling with the high costs of worker absenteeism. Employee time lost to health issues costs American businesses $84 billion a year. For U.S. businesses, helping workers stay healthy costs far less than the financial impact of having them miss work for illness or injury. With cold and flu season in full swing, HR directors and other business leaders should take steps to help employees stay healthy and on the job. Here are seven steps your small company can take to help reduce worker absenteeism:
1. Encourage healthful habits. Simple factors such as getting enough sleep and frequent hand washing can go a long way toward keeping people healthy. While you can't make workers get seven to eight hours of sleep, you can spread the word on how it's done. Key tricks? Turn off the electronic devices an hour before bedtime, avoid caffeine and alcohol and go to bed at the same time every night. Employers can more directly encourage other healthful habits, such as hygiene. Create mini-health stations throughout the office and include hand sanitizer, fresh tissues and a covered re-
local farms for vegetables, dry-cleaning drop-off service and onsite fitness classes create a convenience factor that encourages healthy engagement. In addition to supporting employee health, they are a low-cost way to round out a benefits package without increasing monthly premium costs.
ceptacle nearby. Post signs with proper hand-washing guidelines in company restrooms. You can promote a healthy diet by providing healthful options such as trail mix and water in vending machines. Distribute healthy recipes.
2. Provide 24/7 support through a wellness program. Businesses that offer employee wellness programs like the health and wellness solutions provided by Provant can lower their medical costs and offer a spectrum of additional benefits, including reduced absenteeism. Customized workplace wellness programs give employees round-the-clock access to valuable information, health professionals and advice – live or via technology – that can help them stay healthy. Plus, these programs can help employees manage diseases, assess their health and set personal wellness goals.
3. Reward well-being actions. Sometimes inertia is all that stands between employees and improved health. You can inspire employees to be healthier by offering, say, an exercise class at lunch. Provant health incentive programs such as reimbursement for gym memberships, health challenges for most miles walked in a month, insurance premium reimbursements or rewards points (good for merchandise)
6. Tell them to stay home. for healthful habits have seen marked increases in engagement and significant health risk migration for those rewarded for their healthy choices.
4. De-stress the workplace. Stress is part of having a job, but you can help workers stay healthy and be more productive by helping them manage that stress. Give them chances to get up from their desk – how about making that next meeting a walking one? Offer a workshop on relaxation techniques and make sure your health plan offers an Employee Assistance Program for mental health help. Have a de-stress zone in the office.
5. Provide auxiliary benefits. Auxiliary benefits such as dental or vision coverage support employees' overall health maintenance and value-adds such as partnerships with
Despite their best efforts, employees will get sick. When that happens, it may be best to encourage them to stay home. Workers suffering with a virus like the flu or a bad cold could spread the illness throughout the office if they come to work when sick. And those with non-communicable illness or injuries may extend the total amount of time they miss from work if they push themselves to return too soon or don't take the time they need to make a full recovery.
7. The obvious – Get a flu shot. Sometimes the answer is right under your nose. Make it easy to get flu shots. You can even bring nurses right to your workplace or offer a remote flu program, making it convenient for individuals to get vaccinated. To learn more about wellness programs that can help reduce employee absenteeism, visit www.provanthealth.com. (BPT)
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Did You Know?
I
Photo Credit: ESPN
n honor of the Super Bowl --- did you know former NFL player Doug Williams was the first black starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl? Williams led the Washington Redskins to a victory over the Denver Broncos on January 31, 1988 during Super Bowl XXII. Williams was named the Super Bowl MVP, passing for a Super Bowl record of 340 yards and four touchdowns. Williams later went on to be head coach at Morehouse College and Grambling State University.
Put it in the Boot and Bury It
A metaphor for saving something (usually money)
Tony was a man who earned modest wages and was always cautious of what he spent. That’s the way he was raised and that’s how he raised his own children. He wasn’t a huge risk taker and wasn’t a fan of gambling or any sort. So, Tony was a little surprised when his young grandchildren all pitched in to get him $20 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets for his birthday. However, he was grateful for the kind gesture and decided, rather than scratching them all off himself, he distributed them evenly among the grandkids. This excited the children and as they scratched off their tickets, most of their faces were filled with disappointment after they saw they didn’t win anything. But one smile appeared…little Chasity, who’s 10 years old, scratched off a ticket that won her $50. (That’s a hefty amount for a 10-year-old). Tony was joyful when he asked little Chasity what she planned on doing with the money. Her response: “I’m going to put it in my boot and bury it.” It was something she’d heard her grandpa Tony say on numerous occasions. When the other grandkids asked Chasity what that meant, she explained to them it meant she was going to save it rather than spend it right away. Tony couldn’t have been prouder as he smiled from ear to ear.
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