d-mars.com Business Journal 10 by d-mars.com

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Nov/Dec 2006 ��

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Rising to the

Photo By: Zach Jones

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MR.D-MARS,Gerald Womack,Marcus Davis,Ron E. Reynolds and Dr. Linne Traylor

Kandi Eastman

“The Sweet Talker” KMJQ Majic 102.1 FM

Jacqueline Hendry

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sisters With Vision, Incorporated

First Lady Pastor Suzette Caldwell

Windsor Village United Methodist Church

Keith J. Davis, Jr.

Keith J. Davis Jr. Foundation

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Journal Behind the

Publisher’s Message Keith J. Davis, Sr.

This is definitely a special edition. That’s because it’s celebrating some people who are the “Pinnacle” of success. You’ll definitely love reading about the unique individuals who took home the esteemed Pinnacle Awards this year. Their successes are but a reflection of their dedication and commitment to the community and their businesses. But more than anything, I hope they will serve as inspiration for you to strive for the best in whatever you do. The Pinnacle Awards couldn’t recognize everyone, but if they could I’m sure there are others worthy of ranking among the award winners. There’s the brother I met just last week who recently opened his own business, and even though times are hard, he’s finding a way to volunteer at a local high school and share the story of following his dream. Or the young lady who stepped out on faith and a few dollars to start her business and is now enjoying such a successful business that she started a young entrepreneurial program. And then there’s you. I may not know your story. But if it involves a dream and the dedication to make that dream a reality, then you should be applauded. I hope that you will enjoy the informative articles in this edition and even more, I hope that you will be inspired to continue to reach your very own pinnacle.

Sharon C. Jenkins Deacon Ramone Harper Pastor Lorenzo Ewing Kiven Roberson Keith J. Davis, Jr. Veronique Landry Ken Carwin Glover Tanisha Blacknell Robert K. Legington Natasha Gransberry Ronald E. Reynolds Patrick Nicosia, D.D.S

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month

Have you risen to your pinnacle? Perserverance, persistance and prayer ...can help you reach your pinnacle Rising to the Top...................................................................................................... 4 Young Entrepreneur..................................................................................................6 So you Say You’re on the Top of your Game...................................................... 7 Words of Wisdom......................................................................................................7 Interest Rate changes, good time to evaluate investment portfolio.............10 Enriching our Future.................................................................................................16 So you want to sell Grandma’s House..................................................................17 Employment Law that effects African Americans..............................................20 Pioneering Healthcare Professionals Face Challenges.................................21

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one who always endeavors to keep the dream alive. What has been some of the biggest challenges you faced in running your business?

Gerald Womack

Womack Development Most people know Gerald Womack as a real estage mogul who has dominated the real estate market, particularly in urban areas. The Houston native says getting to this pinnacle of success has been a labor of love but it’s a journey he wouldn’t trade for anything.

During the early years the single largest challenge was finding the necessary funding to enable me to expand the business in order to keep up with my competitors. Financial Distributors are reluctant to invest in small businesses particularly when they have not been established in the community for a long time. Staying abreast of ever-changing market trends attracting a loyal and dedicated staff and establishing a broad client base was also a challenge. However, I am happy to say that these factors are no longer of great concern.

his way through the ranks and eventually into a position with the corporate office of Chick-filA, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. A native Houstonian, Marcus is a product of the Houston Independent School District and an alumnus of Texas Southern University (Bachelor of Art, Political Science) and Prairie View A&M (Master of Education Administration program). He is also a member of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Davis credits truly keeping God first, and the support of family, as the keys to the success of tbk Holdings,Inc.’s endeavors. Not surprisingly, he places a special emphasis on spending time with the three most beautiful girls in the world - his wife, Melvinie Davis, and his daughters, Lundyn, age 9, and Bailey, the latest addition to the family – and his son, Joshua, age 2.

Why do you feel you stood out and rose to the top among all the nominees? I will say that I have reached this point in my career through faith, a strong determination to achieve and the support and love of family and friends. I have also been blessed to assemble a staff of professionals that have supported me down through the years. Many have been with the firm since its inception and have contributed greatly to my success. My friends and staff are most inspirational and have helped to open many doors that might have otherwise been closed and for this I will forever be grateful. My faith and belief in God has also sustained me through many ups and downs. There were times when I might have wavered in my determination to succeed had it not been for my faith in God and the support of my fellow man. Through God all things remain possible. Why do you remain committed to serving the community? My mother taught all of her children that it is better to give than to receive. In keeping with my upbringing I have tried to give back to my community at every opportunity. I am also inspired through my relationship and friendship with Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee. She has served as an outstanding role model for me when it comes to supporting your community. What motivational words would you provide to people hoping to follow in your footsteps? I realized as an entrepreneur I would only be limited by my own aspirations. I knew I could achieve whatever I “dreamed” as long as I worked hard and abided by the “Golden Rule”. Today I remain motivated by my love of family and my commitment to continue to work hard to ensure that Womack Development & Investment Realtors, Inc. continues to be the very best and most successful minority owned real estate firm in the community.

Marcus Davis

The Breakfast Klub and Reggae Hut To the big wigs in the restaurant industry, Marcus Davis is known as chief steward of tbk Holdings, Inc., the parent company of the breakfast klub and the Reggae Hut. But to the thousands of customers who frequent the downtown establishment on a regular basis, Marcus is an ordinary guy whose company makes great food. Davis doesn’t take his success for granted. “This is a ministry with which we have been entrusted and it’s only through God’s grace and guidance that we have realized this to be a testament to what He can do,” he says. For more than four years, Davis has brought a unique blend of cuisine and community spirit to the Bayou City. The concept for the breakfast klub was born after Davis noticed that Houston was in dire need of a place serving unique breakfast meals and a “soulful” atmosphere. He decided upon two favorites from the east and west coasts - Catfish & Grits and Wings & Waffles - as the restaurant’s signature dishes. After draining his pockets - and the pockets of a man who believed in his dream - he opened the doors of the breakfast klub in September, 2001. Since its opening, the breakfast klub has attracted droves of visitors from around the country and consistently receives rave reviews, being recognized as the best breakfast in the city by the Houston Press for three consecutive years.

Tbk Holdings, Inc. recently acquired and renovated the Reggae Hut, a longstanding staple in Houston’s Third Ward community, which specializes in authentic, mouthwaterWhat is your business philosophy/motto? ing Caribbean specialties. The restaurant My Mother instilled in me a strong desire served as a considerable inspiration to Davis to be the very best that I could be - to always during the breakfast klub’s formative stages. reach for the stars and to always dream big. With widespread community support, tbk She taught me that there was nothing I could Holdings,Inc. unveiled a revitalized Reggae not achieve. That the only limits would be the Hut in January, 2006, to the delight of its ones I placed on myself and that no one could many loyal patrons. stop me if I was determined, persistent and true to myself. I suppose others would use the Marcus began his food service training at term “driven” if asked to describe my work an early age, after being drafted into his dad’s philosophy but I choose to describe myself as catering business. Subsequently, he worked

Ronald E. Reynolds, Esq. Esquire Title Company

Ronald E. Reynolds, Jr., has a resume a mile long. He has accolades to last a lifetime, but the Missouri City resident says his most significant accomplishment is all that he has done and continues to do to benefit the community. Ron spends the majority of his personal time serving the community by practicing law pro bono, being the voice of the voiceless, advocating for people who have been maltreated, and building a coalition of consciousness for human rights. Reynolds, a product of Fort Bend schools, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Public Affairs degree from Texas Southern University (TSU), and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. A former TSU Adjunct Public Affairs Professor, Reynolds was one of the youngest persons to be appointed as an Associate Municipal Judge in the City of Houston by Mayor Lee P. Brown in 2002. He is currently a Partner in Brown, Brown & Reynolds Law Firm and co-owner of Esquire Title Company, Bellaire Office. He also serves as the President of the Missouri City and Vicinity Branch of the NAACP and is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., ANSUN Political Action Committee, 100 Black Men of Houston, 2006 Fort Bend Leadership Class, and Past President of the Houston Lawyers Association, to name a few. Why do you feel you stood out and rose to the top among all the nominees? Although I am infinitely grateful for the honor of being one of the recipients of the 2006 Pinnacle Award, I humbly acknowledge that receiving this award has more to do with a POWER higher than myself and other than myself. Commensurate with that is the belief, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Much has indeed been given to me, and as a result, I have devoted my life to being deeply rooted, ever-growing, and forever serving. Reaching the apex of success as defined by the Houston community is an accomplishment that I shall forever cherish. Know, however, that as a perpetual servant of the public, my work has just begun.

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Why do you remain committed to serving the community? Gandhi’s profound words inspire me, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Those who know me know that I embody an inherent fervor for helping others, especially those less fortunate than I. Therefore, as long as I have breath, I vow to give of my time, talents, and treasures to heal the hurts of humanity. Because of personal challenges in my life, I recognize that I did not achieve what others are defining as the pinnacle of success all by myself. Thus, it is incumbent upon me to bridge the chasm that has allowed me to excel beyond heights ever imaginable. What motivational words would you provide to people hoping to follow in your footsteps? If excellent is possible, then good is not enough. I encourage all who aspire to reach the pinnacle of life, to always LEAD: Live a Godly life; Educate to elevate your minds; Aim high; and Deter mine to succeed. Each of you is genetically coded for genius, therefore, you must personify the CASH (competence, attitude, skills, habits) that will propel you into your purpose. Trust me, when you remain steadfastly committed to your purpose, walking confidently knowing who you are and whose you are, you will collide with destiny! What is your business philosophy/ motto? As a servant-leader, I embrace the business philosophy that excellent is not the goal, it is the standard. In every personal and professional pursuit, I mark my work with excellence, and when called, I answer. It is because I walk the talk, daily, I can fervently say that there are no circumstances around me more powerful than the power within me. Each day, I plan purposefully, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively, and pursue persistently. Once I’ve done all that I can to leverage my resources in order to organize, strategize, mobilize, and politicize, I am reassured knowing that there is a Higher Power that will do what I can’t.

Lord, Peter did not sink. When you get distracted by the sharks and you begin to sink, all you have to do is cry out to the Lord, even ye of little faith, and He will lift you up again and bring you back to the shore safely.) Family and friends are always part of an individual’s success. However, most of an individual’s success comes from within. The drive, the desire, and the determination are all intrinsic qualities that successful business people have. In addition, a successful businessperson also has to be willing to take on new challenges and proceed in a new direction in order to maintain a competitive edge. Even in the field of medicine, with the constant atmospheric changes in medical care, doctors also have to make drastic adjustments in their practice in order to weather the sweeping changes caused by managed care. A good businessperson makes adjustments where necessary in order to survive the technological and socioeconomical changes of time. For me, the climb to the pinnacle was a struggle, but with every struggle came a lesson to be learned that made me smarter and stronger. The climb to the pinnacle was slippery, but every slip made me hold on tighter and tougher. The climb to the pinnacle was apprehensive, but every apprehension yielded to assurance and ascertainment. The climb to the pinnacle required going up an incline, but every incline lead to the peak, the apex, the zenith where I can now look down and see that the climb to the pinnacle wasn’t that bad after all.

Kandi Eastman “Sweet Talker”

Congratulations on 13 years KMJQ 102.1 FM

Corner, a nationally syndicated entertainment feature on the American Urban Radio Network’s USA Music Magazine. Kandi has earned numerous honors for her contributions to the radio industry, including the national award for On Air Personality of the Year. She has also earned recognition for her outstanding community service through features in such magazines as Essence and Today’s Black Woman. Moreover, she has received praise for her work through a flock of plaques and momentos from churches, community-based organizations, businesses and more. Everybody knows that she is truly a woman of distinction and is certainly “The Only Kandi Mom Wants You To Have”.

Jacqueline Hendry

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sisters With Vision, Incorporated Possessing a passion for healthcare, coupled with a heart to help young females achieve their purposed destiny in life were the motivating factors that led to the formation of Sisters With Vision, Incorporated. What was once an embryonic thought in the mind of Jacqueline Hendry burst forth into a vivid reality in 2003. The full scope of the non-profit 501 (C) 3 program includes an initial scholarship award of $1,000 upon graduation. If the student continues to meet certain criteria they could receive $1,000 for four consecutive years. In addition to the financial arm, experienced and caring mentors are assigned to each student to provide guidance and encouragement 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The recipients are also required to participate in two annual events, namely the Annual Scholarship Awards Gala in August and the Angel Tree Christmas project in December.

It is a “must” that the concept of

Kandi Eastman began her career as a caring, sharing and giving back to the

communications major at Boston’s Northeastern University, where she served as Station Manager and News Director for WRBB, the university’s radio station. Impressing not only the college community with her on-air talents then, Kandi also grabbed the attention of WILD, the city’s leading urban radio Dr. Linnie Reed Traylor station, which offered her a position to host its Midday show. She gladly There are many factors that have placed accepted the opportunity and from then me at the pinnacle of my career. First, and on, the “Sweet Talker” has charmed foremost, my belief that I am fulfilling the listeners of Raleigh, North Carolina’s plan that God has prepared for me. He is WQOK, Norfolk, Virginia’s WOWI, and where I get my strength when I am weak, currently, Radio One Houston’s KMJQ/ my directions when I am lost, my light Majic 102.1. Kandi joined the Majic famwhen I am in the dark; my hope when I ily in 1994 as a host for the Midday Majic am despondent, my peace when I am in Carpet Ride. This unrivalled show offers turmoil, my joy when I am full of sorrow. listeners a full package of R&B Hits & The trials and tribulations I experi- Oldies, interviews and an inspirational enced are all part of life. But as long as gospel hour where Kandi provides callers I stay focused on Him, I will not sink. with spiritual wisdom and parenting (As long as Peter stayed focused on the advice. In addition, she also hosts Kandi’s

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Following a family tragedy, she dropped out of high school one month before graduation. Still filled with big aspirations, she received her GED and pursued work in a medical clinic. Still desiring more, Jackie enrolled at Prairie View A&M University and received a degree in nursing. For eight years, she worked as a Medical Assistant and became director of the facility prior to a life-changing and courageous move. Partnering with a medical doctor, Jackie ventured into the deep waters of building her own medical clinic from infancy. Affordable HealthCare Clinic was launched and today many patients are receiving just what the name suggests…affordable, quality health care. A few feet away from the clinic is the Affordable Pharmacy and situated between these two flourishing businesses is HIPS Dance and Total Fitness, equipped with state of the art physical fitness machines. Her most recent business venture is that of Jackie’s Grill and Deli, another affordable entity for constituents as well as a much-needed neighborhood business on Houston’s northwest side. She attests today that her faith has guided her, prayer has sustained her and God has divinely positioned her to bless the lives of many who would otherwise fall by the wayside. Testimonies from the recipients and parents alike speak to the void that has been filled by the care and generosity of Jacqueline Hendry. Miss Jackie, as she is affectionately called, employs 30 full-time staff persons. She is currently studying medicine at Houston Baptist University and views healthcare as the natural fit for her helpful and compassionate spirit. Jackie has used her valley experiences to propel her to positive and progressive heights. Despite meager beginnings, personal hardships and ongoing challenges with diabetes, motherhood is the crowning glory of all that God’s hands have provided. Her two-year old son, James Ray (Pie) is the blessing that makes the rigors of a hard days work…totally worthwhile. In preparation for the 2007 Scholarship Gala, Sisters With Vision, Inc., (SWV) is accepting donations, sponsorships and in kind contributions in order to help fund year three of this medium of financial assistance to our future leaders of tomorrow...today. Donations may be made online at www.sisterswithvision.org.

community are grasped and actualized. Jacqueline Hendry has definitely passed the acid test of hard knocks, bruises and bad breaks, and today is a great role model of what the Sisters With Vision, Incorporated organization promotes. In the fall of 2005, a total of 80 vibrant, college-bound students received $1,000 scholarships uniquely issued to cover the cost of their college entry necessities. In 2006, the number of first time recipients was 42…in addition to the 74 who received their second $1,000 issue; bringing the grand total to $116,000! All of this was accomplished with no outside donations or contributions.

Jacqueline Hendry has emerged from a diamond in the rough into a jewel of rare brilliance in her field. She was the only child of a 15-year-old single mother. In spite of hardships, heartaches, challenges and crises, Jackie prevailed successfully.

First Lady Pastor Suzette Caldwell

Windsor Village United Methodist Church The staff at DMARS would like to congratulate Pastor Suzette Caldwell, pastor at Windsor Village United Methodist Church. Pastor Caldwell is the recipient of the first annual Brenda Joyce Davis Community Award.

Congratulations for receiving the

Brenda J. Davis Community Award

POPS

Place The best wisdom often comes from those who’ve been around a bit – and Booker T “Pops” Davis, Jr. has lots of wisdom to share you.

“To whom much is given, much is expected”

A Young Entrepreneur in the Community “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” I usually use this column to share with you some notable figure I’ve encountered or talk about an experience that has helped me grow as a young entrepreneur. But in this issue, I wanted to take a moment to share with you some wisdom I’ve learned along the way as I strive to make my mark in the business world. As a young entrepreneur, I continue to aim for the top and every day I’m faced with different obstacles that try to hinder me from achieving my goal. Sometimes, the journey can be discouraging. Sometimes I want to give up and just do like many of my peers and forget my business aspirations and just focus on having fun. But I’ve learned that in anything that you do there will always be obstacles. And as I continue to study and learn the basics of business, I’ve come to learn that success is not

By Keith J. Davis, Jr. Contributing Writer given; it’s earned. With that said the obstacles that you must face can be overcome with focus and will. You must strive to be the best, never give up and always push yourself to the limit. As the leader of the Keith J. Davis Jr. Foundation, I apply these quotes and statements to my life and business; to benefit me in all aspects of life. So to aspiring entrepreneurs, I encourage you to stay focused, have the drive and apply this to your life as well.

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So You Say You’re On Top Of Your Game Now, By Deacon Ramone Harper

www.myspace.com/bnbconsulting

re you on top of your game (whatever game that may be) by your standards or by God’s?Who has led you to the pinnacle of your success? The pinnacle is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as the “highest point of achievement or development.” Many of us spend our entire life chasing success and trying to get to the top. The Pinnacle Awards of 2006 celebrate the many winners and nominees, but I have been led to go another direction in this edition. Yes, I congratulate all the winners and even all of you entrepreneurs who probably are just as successful and worthy of recognition. But, I want to make sure that the people who have arrived at the pinnacle can stay there and those who strive for this place can go about getting there the right way. In Luke 4:5-9, you will find the story of when Satan led Jesus to the pinnacle of the mountain and promised him authority and splendor of all kingdoms. Jesus could have fallen into the temptation of this offer if he wasn’t in the word of God. That was easy in itself because Jesus wasn’t only in the word, but he was the Word. So when Satan offered him the world, Jesus was able to deny Satan by reciting scripture. Many of us want success so bad that we will get it by any means necessary. This type of success never lasts because if you have to crook and steal your way to the top, then you are going to have to

huh?

do those same things to keep it. Everyone who is now at the top should stop for a second and check yourself – make sure your pinnacle moments are led by God or else you may be standing on a shaky foundation waiting to cave in. If you don’t believe me then I encourage you to read Ezekiel 28. It tells the story of how Lucifer was kicked down from Heaven because of pride. Pride comes before destruction but those who are humbled will be exalted.

are insecure and they can’t rest because they are worried about losing their wealth. Those are people who probably were elevated to the pinnacle by other sources that promised them things that they couldn’t keep. In a way, many business owners have sold their souls in effort to be successful but in the end find that there is nothing but empty promises at the end. What does it prosper a man to gain the whole world but yet lose his own soul (Mark 8:36)???

A few months ago Pastor J did a sermon entitled “I want it so bad that I can taste it.” He was talking about the story of Zacchaeus, who wanted to see Jesus so bad that he was willing to climb trees in order to see him. Do you see the difference? You may want fame and fortune so bad that you can taste it, but all Zacchaeus wanted was Jesus. He must have known that if you seek the kingdom of Heaven first, then everything else would be added to him (Matthew 6:33). I would like to impart into you business owners to check your motives and make sure that the pinnacle of success that you are striving for or have reached is based on eternal things and not things that will soon pass away.

So what do we do? Do we stop chasing success or trying to get to the pinnacle in our careers? Of course not! I am simply challenging you to strive for success by doing it God’s way. Although the climb may be a little slower, you may have to pass on some deals that you know aren’t right, you may have to work a little harder, but believe me….the promise is worth the process. Let God elevate you to top of your game (let me correct that - the top of His game) in your career because when He does it, then it will last forever! How can you find out if you are doing it the right way or not? Here’s a checklist to help you gauge: 1) What type of reputation do you and your company have? 2) Why do you want it so bad? 3) Does it glorify God or you? 4) Does it help others? 5) When you die, will the business continue to bless others?

How do you know if your pinnacle is self driven or God driven? God’s success is not the same as how most of us see it. Proverbs 10:22 says the blessing of the Lord brings wealth and adds no sorrow to it. It’s apparent that a lot of people who are at the top are not truly enjoying blessings because they are always stressed out, they are unhappy, they

Words of Wisdom from Pastor Lorenzo Ewing, Life Coach On following your calling… I believe first and foremost, it is my calling to do as Jesus did, serve. I am a servant leader who believes in people. I also believe it is my duty as a citizen, husband and parent to encourage positive change and growth for the next generation. It is imperative that we realize, in order to build better communities, we must build better families. Better families are not created over night, nor are they created simply because they attend church. Better families come by way of love. Love is demonstrative. The way we improve our community is through Godly love toward one another.

remember that in order to be a success, we must seek to please God, not man. On taking lemons and making lemonade… In the words of Langston Hughes in his poem ‘Mother to Son’, “my life ain’t been no crystal staircase”. I was a divorced father of two until the Lord brought my lovely wife Kandice into my life. She helps me raise my two sons, Eden and Elias. Being in a blended family can be tough. It is about compromise and the adults being mature enough to keep the children’s interest at heart. The way our family makes it work is through prayer, planning, and communication. What we (both parties) have realized is this, we need each other. Love unites us, unity empowers us.

On persevering… Failure is not finality! Keeping God first in your life, will sustain, energize and motivate On my life philosophy… you to be the best version of yourself, even My life philosophy is walk in integrity, be when people around you don’t believe in you a man of your word, trust in the Lord and be or your dream. Relying on “self sufficiency” consistent in your hard work. I liken it to a steady is not enough. Developing a consistent prayer dripping of water, sooner or later, the concrete life and possessing a humble spirit is the has to ‘give way’. Scripture Prov. 14:23 In secret to success. No matter how tough it all labor, there is a profit. After my tenure at gets, you can’t give up. People are counting Higher D as Asst. Pastor came to a close, one on you, even if they never tell you. We must of my biggest challenges was developing a plan

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to impact a generation. That meant finding committed and consistent people. In the words of Nehamiah, “finding people who had a mind to work.” I do believe this proverb, ‘no man is an island.’ You need people who believe not only in your vision/mission, you need people who will believe in you. Once I found a strong team of people, the next challenge I faced was encouraging them to be team players. Creating synergy between people who might not other wise know each other. In anything you do, there will be opposition. However, being a winner doesn’t mean you don’t lose, it means you don’t stop when you lose!! Pastor

Lorenzo Ewing 281-497-1971 www.fellowshipoflove.org

Millionaire Monday By Kiven Robertson Contributing Writer

If you were at 9800 Club Creek for already knows the answer to. the TWEF / Higher Dimension / D-Mars “If this was a gospel concert with artist like sponsored Millionaire Monday, you left Kirk Franklin or Yolanda Adams, with a cost the place inspired, informed, educated and associated with admission, the event would definitely motivated. have been filled to capacity, but what was the Pastor J of Higher Dimension began cost of admission for this event? by welcoming the spirit of the Lord into Brown further asserts that the attendance the mist and creating a proper atmosphere for this free event would have been the same for the move of God. To a standing crowd, if there were a fee attached because of how Pastor J shared how “we, too, must be like people view information. Brown shared there the Apostle Peter and confirm the call to get are winners, losers and those who have not yet out of the boat comes from Jesus.” discovered how to win, implying the attendees Before introducing phenomenal speaker were among the winners and those who have Les Brown, he reminded millionaires in the not discovered how to win just yet. making how Peter left eleven people behind Later Brown addressed goal setting, stating to do what had never been done before how many people set goals. The problem with demonstrating how separation from the group their goals is not that they aim to high and miss, will be necessary. but aim too low and hit if they set any goals With Millionaires properly inspired for at all. Sharing his own goal-setting challenges, greatness, Les Brown begins by informing he states how he has grown and developed 20 the audience that he and the other speakers years in the speaking industry, but it could have will only remind them of some things they been 34 years if he had not listened to already know about themselves. He asks individuals who spoke negativity in his life the audience to tell the person next to them concerning his life’s goals and intentions. that “there is something special in them.” Brown spoke of how he constantly heard he Brown surveys the audience of over 800 with would never be considered an intellectual inspired eyes and wit as he asks a question he resource. He heard reasons given like him

being mislabeled as Educable Mentally Retard (EMR) or his lack of a formal education, but at some point he had to separate himself from those individuals to pursue what was inside of him. In his self-proclaimed Colonel Sanders years, he states the philosophy “Learn, Earn, and Pass it on” as he teaches others what he has learned and perfected. Sharing a bit more of his personal self, Brown speaks of being adopted and how this is what drives his appreciation and dedication to the mission of Texas Woman’s Empowerment Foundation and garners his respect for founder Deavra Daughtry. After 25 minutes of crowd interaction, biblical and great historian quotations, and all out motivation, Brown introduces Millionaire Monday speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs for a two to three minute opportunity to introduce their product or service. Brown closes out his portion of the program by sharing additional resources and materials available for personal development. In parting words, he mentions his plans to return to the Houston area to work with some serious individuals who are willing to make the personal investment in themselves.

HAS YOUR DREAM EXPIRED???

By Kiven Robertson Contributing Writer All things must come to an end. No matter how we look at life, there are constant reminders that all things must come to an end.

We all have an expiration date. We all have a time when our time is up and our assignment here will be completed.

As we move through our day-to-day lives, we see constant reminders of how the end is near. We awake for work and may turn on the news to hear about the weather, or may have an interest in what is happening in financial yet all we see is murder and mayhem.

Many times we find ourselves giving expirations dates when our time isn’t up yet. I have seen it happen time and time again. How many of you know or have friends who have dropped out of school. It may have been high school, college, or graduate school, but they dropped out. Although their reasons vary, the truth of the matter is, many placed premature limits on their formal education. They assigned themselves an expiration date. They thought it best to throw in the towel than to “run on and see what the end was gon’ be” as gospel song states.

You may go through your morning hygiene routine to find that the tube of toothpaste or can of deodorant is near empty. Not death, but again, a reminder that all things must and will come to an end! You get in your car and are driving to work to find that the instrument panel and a sticker on your windshield is serving you notice that in less than 800 miles, you will need to change your oil and you have less than a quarter of a tank of gas. Another reminder. While driving to work, you will pass by cemeteries, funeral homes, hospitals, and insurance companies. You pass old people, old houses, old cars, old building, old neighborhoods, old stuff and feel the tug of life telling you that things get old. Not only do they get old, but they run-out, they have limits, and they expire.

Many of us have looked at different portions of our lives and given them premature expiration dates. Some single man or woman has given an expiration date to their hopes and dreams of marriage and having children. Some family has given an expiration date of their dream of owning a house! Some individual has given having a good job an expiration date and chosen to stay right where they are.

There is great news for those who have given portions of their life expiration dates. I challenge you to write down this date and make one promise to yourself. The promise is simply this: This will be the expiration date for the life goals you have given premature terminal expiration. This day, the day you read this article, will be deemed your Inspiration Date. It will be the date that you resurrect your dreams and goals. This will be the date that you make a covenant and promise with yourself. This date will not be like New Year’s where you are inspired to make a few life adjustments for a brief time, but this date will serve as a reminder to you of the date you made a life covenant and committed to doing just what you said. You will not just say I want to lose 10 lbs, but you will commit to a complete and healthy lifestyle change. You will not just say I want to have more money, but you will commit to being a good steward over all of your financial affairs. Again, I challenge you to write down this date, revisit or reformulate your goals, and create a plan to get you one step closer to them daily. THE LIFE YOU HAVE ISN’T THE LIFE YOU HAVE TO KEEP! There is greatness in you and the world is anxiously waiting for your arrival. Press on and be Inspired!!

Some don’t see college as an option because they have a G.E.D or didn’t finish high school at all.

www.d-mars.com | NOV/DEC 2006

Why you should be using By Veronique Landry Contributing Writer

D-MARS E-Blast

or the past two years, D-MARS has introduced email marketing with A Proven Open Rate its popular E-Blasts. And while the Your customers and prospects can’t act on program has been an astounding your e-mail solicitations if they never open success, some business owner’s them. While open rates have been on the question, “Does it really work?” decline over the past year, conversions are actually rising, which is a strong tribute to Here’s why it does. e-mail as a successful marketing tactic.

A Qualified List

Right now, e-mail marketing performs best when used for customer retention, not acquisition. With the proliferation of spam, most consumers are filtering out all but the most recognizable e-mail. In a consumer e-mail study by DoubleClick, the vast majority (93 percent) said they considered an e-mail to be spam when it came from an unknown sender, but the majority said they open at least 60 percent of permission-based e-mails D-MARS has a database of 35,000+ clients, who make up our permission-based list.

Relevant Content

Most Internet users are on many permission-based lists, but they look forward to-and avidly open and read-e-mail with content that’s specifically relevant to their needs. What would your customers and prospects most like to receive from you? That’s what you should think about when deciding what to put in your eblast. Building a successful e-mail campaign hinges on sending messages that fit your list members’ attributes and preferences.

Recipients quickly scan the “from” and “subject” lines and make almost instantaneous decisions about whether or not to open your e-mail. D-MARS always displays our name, one that customers will recognize in the “from” line. That will make it clear the e-mail is Ask the majority of small-business owners, coming from a valued source of information. and they’ll tell you the one tool they can’t live In an e-mail marketing survey published last without is e-mail. In fact, with its extremely April by InternetRetailer.com, greater e-mail low cost of implementation and quick frequency was linked to higher response rates turnaround time on campaigns, e-mail and more conversions. This study suggests that marketing is becoming the customer the most effective e-mail frequency may be retention tool of choice for entrepreneurs two-to-three times per month, with half of the nationwide. And there’s no better way to survey respondents in that group experiencing reach–customers, than D-MARS eblast. e-mail response rates of five percent or higher. Call 713-272-9511 for more information.

www.d-mars.com | NOV/DEC 2006

The new

credit score

f you’re thinking of opening a business, or getting money for your business, you know the importance of your credit score. Well, you might want to know that the three credit bureaus -- Experian, Equifax and TransUnion -- introduced the VantageScore recently to compete directly with the FICO score. But it will take a while before the new score takes over the marketplace.

most don’t provide your FICO score. Instead, they send out their own proprietary scores that are on a different scale. These scores are based on similar criteria to the FICO score and can give you a general idea how your credit history stacks up, but they aren’t the same score that most lenders use (although some credit card and auto lenders are starting to use Experian’s PLUS score). TransUnion sends its own credit score, called the TrueChoice score. And Equifax is the only credit bureau to provide the FICO score from its Web site. You also can order your FICO score, based on all three reports. Having all of these different scores became confusing, so the three credit bureaus came together recently to offer one score, the VantageScore, which they hope will compete with the FICO score.

Most lenders continue to use the FICO score -- developed by Fair Isaac. You actually have three versions of the FICO score, based on your credit report from each of the bureaus. Most lenders look at all three of your scores and use the middle one. That’s why it’s important to get a copy of all three of your credit reports to make sure they’re accurate, which you can do free every 12 The VantageScore is on an easy-to-undermonths at AnnualCreditReport.com. stand letter grade scale -- with scores ranging from 501 to 990, the higher the better. A score But those credit reports don’t include your of 901 to 990 equates to a grade of A, 801 to score -- you’ll have to pay extra for that. Plus,

Interest rate

The FICO score continues to dominate the market, though, so it’s a good idea to check out MyFico.com to see what you can do to improve your score.

to evaluate investment

• The household sector is more financially leveraged than in past cycles, and consumer demand growth may wane as rates rise. Consequently, consumer cyclical stocks may come under pressure. The retail sector, in particular, has shown a past tendency to under perform in a rising rate environment.

By Ken Carwin Glover,

H&R Block Financial Advisors

t’s always a smart plan to periodically evaluate investment portfolios. Many investors do when they have a personal change in their goals or there is a shift in market conditions. One condition that should cause investors to evaluate stock and bond portfolios is changes in the interest rate environment.

Now that Ben Bernanke and other Federal Open Market Committee members have slowed the tightening of monetary policy, investors should be on top of the effects interest rate changes may have had on their portfolios. This is especially poignant now as energy costs and interest rates are higher than a year ago. Based on precedence set in past cycles of rising rates, there are some specific strategies that may help investors better position their portfolios to weather changing conditions. • Higher interest rates may cause upward pressure on the dollar as global investors chase

The new score was just introduced last week, and adoption is gradually moving along. The credit bureaus plan to replace the proprietary scores at their Web sites with the VantageScore over the next few months, but right now they’re focusing on marketing the score to lenders. Keep an eye out on the VantageScore Web site over the next few months for more details and an explanation of how the score works and what to do to improve it.

changes, good time higher yields. A stronger dollar, however, could negatively impact those companies with large international operating exposure.

900 equals a B, and so on down to 501 to 600, which is an F. The score can vary a bit based on each of your credit reports, so it’s still important to check out all three reports for errors. But the methodology will be the same across all three credit bureaus.

• During periods of rising interest rates, banks are faced with higher borrowing costs and lower loan demand. The combination typically leads to weaker profit margins, thus exposure to financial stocks should be closely managed. • In the past, utilities stocks have historically under performed when rates rise, due to the capital-intensive nature of the business and as investors search for higher yielding alternatives. Excessive exposure to utilities may be managed down. • Generally, investors may turn to more defensive sectors as interest rates rise. One approach is greater exposure to the consumer staples group and to health care. These are two historically defensive sectors that are less interest rate sensitive than other sectors, and may also benefit from relatively low exposure to international markets.

portfolio

• Investors should also be aware of the inherent interest rate risks in closed-end and open-end bond funds. Such funds often employ significant leverage and advertised yields may not equate to future income, especially in volatile markets. Investors may choose a high quality laddering structure as an alternative to excessive bond fund exposure. While a rising interest rate environment may provide challenges to a stock and bond portfolio, adequate management and prudent allocation decisions should help investors manage through some of the changing market conditions and maintain a path toward their financial goals. Whether investors manage their own investments or seek the counsel of a financial advisor, rising interest rates are a good reminder to evaluate the allocation of assets in portfolios. Ken Glover is a financial advisor of H&R Block Financial Advisors in the Galleria, Houston. He provides investment advice for clients of varying income levels. Please contact him at 713-840-0161 for a complimentary portfolio review.

• Allocations to the bond market can be made with income as the primary goal. Investors may maintain short-to-moderate duration portfolios focused on high quality issues. A hold-to-maturity strategy may be the core of a bond allocation as principal bond values may fluctuate in times of volatile interest rates. Bond laddering may be one of the most opportune strategies in a rising rate environment.

www.d-mars.com | NOV/DEC 2006

Enriching our Future By Tanisha Blacknell Contributing Writer

Chenedra Richardson has always had a commitment to making sure students were properly educated. That’s why creating a company to do just that was something she felt she was called to do. As the owner of the company Ordained 2 Teach, a tutorial and enrichment service, Richardson was already on the path to helping young people. But for her, it wasn’t enough. “I believe that I was born to work with people by providing assistance to families from all walks of life,” Richardson says, adding that’s why she remains committed to the community. It’s also why she decided to start the CEO Homeschool Academy. “The purpose is to raise chief executive officers. We’re raising them to become leaders in the community. By working with children I have direct contact with our future by helping shape the lives of children. It is my belief that all children are gifted and have something special. It is my goal to help each child discover their individual gifts and build on them,” states Richardson. The school, which opened this year, will be a multi-sensory, multilevel academy for students of various learning styles, such as a.d.d., a.d.h.d., regular students, gifted and talent students. Students range from Pre-K to 8th grade but Richardson says the unique thing about the school is that they adapt learning to the student’s skill level. “Multilevel means if a child is working at a fifth grade level in math, we’ll tailor their lesson to them,” she said. “We actually tailor to each

individual child. We don’t have the standards where they have to be at a specific level. We incorporate teaching to get them in a comfort zone to build on that strength.” But Richardson says parents don’t need to worry, they do use a bonafide curriculum and some traditional methods – it all depends on the child. “We’re much different from any other schools because we offer life skills, Colbart Ball career development workshops, science library, student lounge (as opposed to a teacher lounge) and a library. We also bring the real life applications to the classroom. For example, we’re taking a field trip to Boston because we’re studying the American Revolution.” Richardson was raised in South Park, and graduated with honors from Texas Southern University with an education degree majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and will be graduating this year with a Masters in Family and Marriage Therapy. She plans to use her education, talents, skills and passion for educating to help each child discover their individual gifts. “If you work on a child’s gift then they’ll reach the basics. For example, if a kid loves to sing, we’re putting on a play to exercise their singing abilities. They do one thing while conquering other subjects. Once he’s allowed to shine in his gift, then he’ll perform,” she said. Richardson knows her journey with the school won’t be easy. But she’s experienced success with Ordained 2 Teach and she’s confident she’ll do the same with CEO Homeschool Academy. She gives all credit to God for her success. She says that God has been the motivating factor in her life, and if it

were up to her, she would have not made it this far. Her biggest challenge thus far has been finding the funds. “We are embarking upon something new and different for our culture and it is a challenge to find someone willing to invest in our vision (Home Schooling & Teacher Supply Store),” she says. As she continues to provide the necessary tools to educate children, her philosophy is that all things that are alive can grow and prosper with “the proper nourishment-encouragement, love, and prayer. My advice is to pray and ask for direction, research all you can, pull from your resources, and GO FOR IT!” Currently CEO Homeschool Academy has 14 students that they homeschool, but a move to a new, much larger building on two and a half acres means expansion is in the horizon. They are currently accepting new applications.

• Specializeing in Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities • ADD/ADHD • Individual/Small Group Tutorials • Homeschool Assistance • Boost Self-Esteem • TAKS Preperation • Afterschool Study Hall (M-F/3:00-6:30) For more information,

Call 281.933.7100 www.ceo-homeschoolacademy.com

M ake a c hange!

was always a scrawny kid. Both my younger brothers are taller than me and I still wear the smallest shoe size in family. I weighed a “buck thirty five” as my peers so effortlessly told me over and over. I was simply skinny. The ridiculing made me insecure and so I did something about it.

I began to take martial arts classes, believing if I couldn’t be “big”, I could be “bad”. During this time, I also began to lift weights and I loved it. The more poundage I was able to lift, the more real my manhood was to me. Bench presses, flat squats, dead lifts, bicep curls, tricep pulls and dumbbell flys. The more I repeated movements, the harder my muscles became and the more weight I lifted, the more muscle I was able to put on. I was in hog heaven. One day someone spoke to me and said, “What’s up big man”? I looked

around as if prepared to envy someone else near me, but this guy was talking to me? I was shocked. I was the big guy now? I couldn’t believe it, but it motivated me even more.

I began to pump, pump some more and pump again. Then to my despair the worst thing in the world happened. The demon of weight gain defiance knocked on my door and I stopped sizable gains. I couldn’t understand it. I wasn’t doing anything different. My intensity didn’t change, the weight steadily increased and I wasn’t getting any bigger. So I stopped training and began to study. I studied like a third year college student during midterms. Through this intense study I found information on a weight trainers plateau. Apparently, when one trains for a certain amount of time the body becomes accustomed to this training and is no longer aggravated enough for

By Robert K. Legington Contributing Writer

change. In essence, because I did the same things again and again, using the same weight over and over, working out the same times day after day. My body became used to the process. The article then said to circumvent this dilemma I should change up my routine every now again.

Sounds a lot like life. Many times we do the same things over and again expecting change. We’ve all heard the phrase the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. In business, relationships and introspection we must learn to understand our habits and make change to rid ourselves of the polyonymous plateau. Everything doesn’t need to be changed, but in all of us there are things that should. Examine your goals and if you’ve been doing the same thing for the last five years and you aren’t any closer to your finish line, MAKE A CHANGE.

www.d-mars.com | NOV/DEC 2006

So You Want To Sell

Grandma’s House?

By Natasha Gransberry Contributing Writer

Losing a loved one is hard enough without having to deal with unresolved legal issues upon their passing. As a real estate and estate planning attorney, I have learned that the most common probate matters center on the transfer of real estate. Probate is the process by which legal title of a person’s property is transferred from the estate of the deceased person to their heirs. When people pass away without a will, the states decide who their property is transferred to. The only way to avoid this dilemma is through proper estate planning. Initially, a person may believe he owns his parent’s home as soon as the parent passes away. However, ownership is not synonymous with title. A good example is when real estate agents and mortgage professionals confer with someone wanting to sell his parents’ or grandparent’s home. After the agent finds a buyer for the property and the mortgage broker has the buyer financed, there is one phone call that can potentially destroy the sale. The title company or real estate attorney calls and notifies someone in the transaction that the family does not have clear title (a title that is free of liens and legal questions as to ownership of the property) to sell the property. Instead of the eager parties being able to close, they are thrust into the costly process of trying to clear up heirship and title issues. The unnecessary time and expense involved in this process could have been avoided if a simple will had been prepared by the deceased beforehand. In our community, most people shy away from wills and probate matters until they are backed into a corner and forced to sell the real estate. We must realize that death is inevitable and that it is prudent to prepare through proper estate planning. I know most people think attorneys are out to charge excessive fees that prevent the client from receiving a benefit. Nevertheless, a will offers less heartache, less headache, and less financial burden when you are ready to sell Grandma’s House. The reality of the situation is that you can simplify property transfers with wills or living trust. Whether you accept the reality and prepare now or choose to pay later in clearing title, someone must take the steps or anyone can sell grandma’s house. This is required even if you are merely attempting to transfer your parents’, grandparents’, or siblings’ property if one of them should die without a will. You will not be able to refinance, take out an equity loan, or even apply for a homestead exception for your taxes. Eventually, you can clear the title to grandma’s house, but not without the time and expense of hiring an attorney. So, if you continue to operate without a plan for your assets or you are the heir of real estate that does not have clear title, you are creating more work. Selling Grandma’s house may be painful enough, so avoid added burdens and clear the title before it is time to sell. Better yet, consult with someone about estate planning for grandma’s house while she is still alive and while you’re at it, prepare for your families’ future as well.

The article is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be neither formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

www.d-mars.com | NOV/DEC 2006

B uild i n g B e t t e r

nyone who hopes to start a business knows they’ll need one of two things: money or credit. And since most of us aren’t raking in the dough, credit is key to building a successful business.

If you don’t have a record of making payments or managing credit, lenders don’t know whether you’re reliable. They’ll likely turn you down or charge you higher interest rates until you can prove your creditworthiness.

It’s better to establish and build a credit report for yourself now before you need to borrow money. This will take some time -- in order to have a credit score, you must have had credit for at least six months with at least one of your accounts updated and reported within the past six months, according to Myvesta, an organization that educates consumers about credit. But it’s not enough just to establish a credit report. When you get credit, it’s important to follow these key steps to net the best possible score: • Make your payments as soon as you get your bill. Avoid waiting until the last minute. If you push it to the due date, any little snag could cause you to be late -- no Internet access, ran out of stamps or got lost in the mail. Making your payments on time is one of the main factors that determine your credit score. A single missed payment can drag down your score, and the incident can stay on your record for up to seven years. Late payments can also cost you extra in fees as well as trigger a higher interest rate. Also try to pay more than the minimum required on your loans and credit cards each month. You’ll pay them off sooner and save a bundle on interest. • Don’t max out your credit cards. Lenders look at how much available credit you actually use. Experts advise that you keep your credit card use to less than 30 percent of your credit limits. So, if your card carries a $500 limit, try to keep your spending below $150 -- even on a secured credit card. Not only will this strategy help you to get the best

December 16, 2006 Sharpstown Mall 1:00pm – 4:00pm

t i d e r C

possible rates, it can help you avoid getting in over your head in debt.

• Don’t carry a balance. One of the biggest myths about credit is that you need to carry a balance month to month in order to build a history. Not so. In fact, credit scores don’t even distinguish between those who carry a balance and those who don’t, according to Consumer Credit Counseling Services. Go ahead and use your credit card each month, but stick to smaller purchases you can afford to pay in full. You’ll save money on interest charges and you’ll be less likely to get into trouble down the road. When it comes to building your credit, a little discipline can go a long way. If you’re starting from scratch, these strategies can help get your credit history off the ground:

Make a secure start. One of the best ways to build a credit history from scratch is with a secured credit card. These cards allow you to make a deposit with a lender (such as your bank or credit union), and the amount usually becomes your credit limit. The issuer takes on zero risk because if you don’t pay on time, it can dip into your account to cover the bill. Most issuers require a deposit of $300 to $5,000. You build a history just as fast with a secured card as with a regular one, says Ryan Sjoblad, a spokesman for Fair Isaac, a credit-scoring company. After making payments on time for a year with a secured card, you should have an adequate history to switch to an unsecured card.

Get store credit. Consider getting a card to finance purchases at your favorite retailer or gas station. Qualifying for these cards is generally easier. But be careful -- too many of these cards can actually hurt your credit score. One or two should suffice. Shop around for the best deal and read the terms carefully. Watch for annual fees and other charges, and Open a savings and checking account. make sure you know how long you have to Although they aren’t considered “credit,” these pay the balance before interest kicks accounts may show up on your credit report. Lenders view savings and checking accounts Don’t open too many new accounts at as signs of stability. Over time, your once. When it comes to building your credit, withdrawals and deposits will show that you patience is a virtue. It takes time to create can handle money responsibly, and that you a solid record of consistency in making have reserved cash to cover payments. But be payments to demonstrate your creditworcareful not to bounce any checks, which will thiness. Start off slowly with one or two accounts. Use them responsibly for at least scuff up your report. six months to one year before applying for Pay all your bills when you get them. another, if you need it. Applying for too many Credit cards, student loans and other debt aren’t accounts in a short period of time could be a the only bills that can impact your credit report. red flag to lenders, according to Equifax, one Your cell phone, cable TV, utilities and Internet of the main credit bureaus, especially if your service may show up as well, so it’s important credit history is less than three years old. to stay on top of all your bills. Years of on-time Even if you don’t qualify or open an account, payments may or may not get reported. But one each application for credit can remain on wrong move and -- bam! -- it’s on your credit your report for two years. Applying for too report. A great way to make sure you don’t miss many of the same kinds of accounts can any payments is to pay your bills electronically. also drag down your score. Lenders like to Many banks now offer the service for free. You see that your money management skills are could also go with a reminder service, such as well-rounded. A checking account, a secured Memo to Me or RememberIt.com, that notify credit card and a co-signed car loan, for you via e-mail or cell phone when it’s time to example, show more versatility than a write a check. pocketful of Visas.

“Don’t max out

your credit cards”

V A PRODUCTIONS With

SHARPSTOWN MALL Presents

A one-day celebration in Sharpstown mall for holiday shoppers and mall tenants to allow various local schools, gospel groups, dance groups & secular groups to perform and share in the real meaning of Christmas. This event will also allow many to be contributors in our “Adopt a family program”. This year our goal is to help 10 single parent families with Christmas toys, clothing, counsel/ministry and provide referrals if needed. This up-lifting event will highlight music and the arts at its finest and allow the citizens of Houston Texas to take part in a phenomenal celebration that will benefit 10 single parent A Celebration of families that are not able to provide for their families during this Christmas season. We are currently seeking sponsorship for A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS 2006. This event will help to promote all parties involved and assist 10 single parent families during this Christmas season. It is our belief that the event will extend goodwill on behalf of the companies sponsoring. Families that will be selected are asked to write a 500-word letter explaining why the family should be selected. Families will be given gifts and one on one attention in order to help further assist them. Submit your letters to Stacey at vaps@ev1.net

Christmas 18

www.d-mars.com | NOV/DEC 2006

EMPLOYMENT LAWS THAT AFFECT

AFRICAN AMERICANS By Ronald E. Reynolds, Esq. Contributing Writer

Are you aware that Texas is an employment at-will state? That means that unless you have an employment contact, your employer may terminate you for any reason or no reason at all, so long as it’s not discriminatory. For example, lets say that you work for A.B.C., Inc., and you have been working there for over 15 years, never missed a day of work, never called in sick, worked on holidays and weekends, and all of a sudden one day your boss called you into his office and told you to pack up your stuff, you’re fired!!! When you ask why, he replies, “Because your work is too perfect”, or better yet, he doesn’t give you a reason. Under Texas law he can do just that, without having good cause for his reason to terminate you. Therefore, as long as your employer doesn’t base their decision on your race, sex, age, national origin or religion, then they cannot be held liable for breaking the law. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals against employment discrimination on the basis of race and color as well as national origin, sex, or religion. But any other reason is fair game. It is unlawful to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his/her race or color in regard to hiring, termination, promotion, compensation, job training, or any other term, condition, or privilege of employment. Title VII also prohibits employment decisions based on stereotypes and assumptions about abilities, traits, or the performance of individuals of certain racial groups. Title VII prohibits both intentional discrimination and neutral job policies that disproportionately exclude minorities and that are not job related.

Discrimination on the basis of an immutable characteristic associated with race, such as skin color, hair texture, or certain facial features violates Title VII, even though not all members of the race share the same characteristic. Title VII also prohibits discrimination on the basis of a condition, which predominantly affects one race unless the practice is job related and consistent with business necessity. For example, since sickle cell anemia predominantly occurs in African Americans, a policy, which excludes individuals with sickle cell anemia, must be job related and consistent with business necessity. Similarly, a “no-beard” employment policy may discriminate against African-American men who have a predisposition to pseudofolliculitis barbae (severe shaving bumps) unless the policy is job related and consistent with business necessity. Harassment on the basis of race and/or color violates Title VII. Ethnic slurs, racial “jokes,” offensive or derogatory comments, or other verbal or physical conduct based on an individual’s race/color constitutes unlawful harassment if the conduct created an intimidating hostile, or offensive working environment, or interferes with the individual’s work performance. Title VII is violated where minority employees are segregated by physically isolating them from other employees or from customer contact. Title VII also prohibits assigning primarily minorities to predominantly minority establishments or geographic areas. It is also illegal to exclude minorities from certain positions or to group or categorize employees or jobs so that certain jobs are generally held by minorities. Coding application/resumes to designate an applicant’s race, by either an employer

or employment agency, constitutes evidence of discrimination where minorities are excluded from employment or from certain positions. Requesting pre-employment information, which discloses or tends to disclose an applicant’s race suggests that race will be unlawfully used as a basis for hiring. Solicitation of such pre-employment information is presumed to be used as a basis for making selection decisions. Therefore, if members of minority groups are excluded from employment, the request for such pre-employment information would likely constitute evidence of discrimination. However, employers may legitimately need information about their employees’ or applicants’ race for affirmative action purposes and/or to track applicant flow. One way to obtain racial information and simultaneously guard against discriminatory selection is for employers to use “tear-off sheets” for the identification of an applicant’s race. After the applicant completes the application and the tear-off portion, the employer separates the tear-off sheet from the application and does not use it in the selection process. If you believe that you or someone that you know have been discriminated against in violation of Title VII, then you should immediately contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or an attorney. There are time limitations that may affect your right to seek justice. Texas may be an employment at-will state, however, that doesn’t mean that your employer can treat you differently than similarly situated employees on the basis of your race.

Is this your position?

D-MARS Image Marketing has an exciting opportunities with a growing marketing company that is looking for seasoned candidates. Must have a desire to learn in an ever-changing, fast-paced and successful environment. * Writers * Receptionist * Web Developer * Graphic Designers * Sales Account Executive * Customer Service Representatives Apply today by emailing a resume to Ana Romero at

ana@d-mars.com or 713-272-9511. 20

www.d-mars.com | NOV/DEC 2006

P i o n e e r i n g H e a l t h c a r e P ro f e s s i o n a l s Face Challenges By Patrick Nicosia, D.D.S., M.S Contributing Writer

arketing, lecturing, advertising, seminars, and tradeshows are all areas businesses and healthcare professionals use to expand and market their products and services. Few consider the idea of pioneering a new technique or technology, to become leaders in their field. Often, conducting the everyday business of “doing business” prevents them from becoming aware of new breakthroughs in their industry, on which a practitioner, or entrepreneur, could capitalize. Once professionals are aware of a new system or technology, it has often been on the market long enough to allow some time for competitors to establish themselves on the cutting edge. Taking the leap to become the first can catapult a professional to leadership within his or her industry quickly expanding business and establishing a firm niche. It can also be stressful and costly before the transition is complete. But know what’s in store. After spending 30 years as a periodontist in Houston, I became eager to reach the next level of excellence I was seeking in my profession. Conventional surgical placement of dental implants did not afford a consistent level of predictable excellence. I was seeking an opportunity to expand my knowledge to a higher level to give patients greater security and comfort and at the same time reduce my own stress levels. This goal continually pushed me to attend continuing education courses across the country, always looking for the latest cutting edge, yet practical technology. Unfortunately, dentistry evolves slower than other healthcare fields. I was exposed to something new to the U.S. in 2003, while attending an international

dental implant symposium in licensing, equipment and training, he or she should be Chicago. sensitive to the broad market and Something that I felt was competition. The new DENXR poised to propel dentistry into a computer navigation adds about whole new scientific arena, the 15% to the cost of traditional DENXR computer-navigated methods. Patient Response has dental implant system. At that been remarkable! Very few time, there was only one trial potential patients decide not to facility in the country utilizing utilize this technology once they the new procedure. I quickly understand its benefits and are technology affording the surgeon familiarized with the process. the ability to place implants don’t arbitrarily without opening large areas of Thirdly, gum tissue, and eliminating the decide who needs your service, need for sutures, with virtually no or who will afford it. Inform bleeding and accuracy to within all past and potential clients, 4/10 of a millimeter was the as well as professional referral future. Deciding to become a sources, about what is available, pioneer by implementing this perhaps through a mailout, but into my practice wasn’t a hard also through staff communicadecision – I was ready. But, there tion, your website, and seminars. are many challenges to being one What someone doesn’t need of the first to take the plunge that today, may be something they I know about now, but certainly didn’t expect then. Know what to expect. Initially, know that there is a major learning curve in training for employees and the surgeon. It is important to factor in the down time it takes to train everyone and how that translates into costs and lost business. I would say that I underestimated additional expenses including lost business (chair) time by at least 40%. In spite of this, I had to remain focused on the potential and drive forward. Including staff at all levels in any product or tech training is invaluable and mandatory. Every staff member must have a good working knowledge of the new technology in order to be supportive of the changes & “buy in” to the system. This knowledge and belief in the system gives them ability to speak to patients, positively and enthusiastically, answer questions, and to communicate with referring doctors regarding the procedure.

need tomorrow, or they may know someone who does. Everyone benefits when they know what options are out there. A new technique or procedure that reduces risk and improves patient recovery can actually decrease professional liability. In four or five years those coming out of residency will be trained in, and utilizing these new technologies. So go ahead, get in the game early, be a pioneer. Remember, making a difference and helping others is what your profession is all about. It can also go a long way in maintaining your passion for excellence for those who have been in the game quite a while.

Secondly, consider the fee that must be charged to patients, and make it affordable and profitable. Although the practitioner may now be incurring new fees for