d-mars.com Business Journal 44

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

Inspire, Inform & Educate

44

Edition

“Building Better Communities”

INSIDE

Social Responsibility: Volunteering as a Team

By Christina R. Grochett Top reasons companies work with their employees to select a cause and plan fun team-oriented activities that benefit the community.

PAGE 15

The Worst Presentation Sins And How To Avoid Them

By Barbara Hofmeister Tips on some of the worst presentation sins and ways to avoid them.

PAGE 17 Photography by Grady Carter

Top left to right

MR. D-MARS, Faheem Hameed, Stephanie Boutte-Phillips & Nathaniel Rido Bottom left to right

MR. Almendarez, D-MARS & ??????????

Mary Dr. Jonita Reynolds & Shari Koziol

“Whatever you put in your community, is what you receive from the community.”

Four Great Reasons to Really Get to Know Your Customers

By Rhonda White Four reasons on why you should get to know your customers PAGE 22

Donald Lewis Mobile Collegiate Tutorial Service

Look Who’s Coming to Houston!

By Humphrey Brown III Reformer...Revolutionary...Pioneer PAGE 42

Jim Sharp for Texas Supreme Court

Community Builders

See pg. 4 - 9

(Left to Right) Board Members William-Paul Thomas and Carolyn Scantlebury; Dr. Jonita Reynolds, GCCSA CEO; Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee; Board Member, Christopher Wright, Former Board Member Demetra Jones; Board Member, Dr. Susan Moreno; Jeff Wallace, GCCSA Director of Community Services.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

2.

Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr. SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis JR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Jr. EDITING CONSULTANT ReShonda Tate-Billingsley

operations coordinator Brandale Mills ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mike Jones PHOTOGRAPHY Leon Galbreath Grady Carter MARKETING CONSULTANTS Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik (Faith) Myron Davis DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Livy Wilson & Amanda Shelton Noel Pinnock Alison Scott Christina R. Grochett Barbara Hofmeister William McElrath Charlotte Jackson Charles Swindell Elvia Valdez Marilyn Logan Carroll G. Robinson Michael O. Adams Rhonda White Robert Holdsworth Betty Sanders Dr. David Jones Tyra M. Metoyer Carla Lane Wykesha C. Hayes

When I created d-mars.com, I wanted to build an organization that catered directly to the needs of the community. Nearly eleven years after the first publication of the d-mars. com Business Journal, our company has evolved, but our mission and our role within the community has remained unchanged.

A thriving community is the foundation for thriving individuals and businesses and vice versa. This cycle is a vital part in establishing and maintaining better communities. That’s why we’re dedicating this issue to “Building Better Communities;” to highlight individuals taking the initiative to improve our communities and to equip you with the necessary knowledge and tools to work together to revitalize our community.

This month’s issue features articles offering a range of insight from ways to build better businesses to learning how to take control of you life’s destiny. I am confident that after reading this month’s edition, you feel even more accountable for the betterment of our foundation and take the necessary steps to help “build better communities.” We all know it takes a village to raise a child, but that village is also responsible for creating better environments for our children and our children’s children.

As always, please support our advertisers. It is because of them that we are able to keep inspiring, educating and informing you at no cost. Thank you for your continued support!

CONTENTS Changing Lives and Building Better Communities…………….................... 4-9 Are you Ready?........................................................................................... 10 Social Responsibility: Volunteering as a Team………………………............ 15 The Worst Presentation Sins And How to Avoid Them…………................. 17 Whatever Controls Your Heart Controls Your Destiny………………............ 18 Transforming Communities by Transforming Lives…………………............. 19 5 Tips to Protect Yourself from Credit and Identity Theft……….................. 19 Setting the Stage……………………………………………………................. 19 A recession of love when the lifestyle changes………………………........... 20 Four Great Reasons to Really Get to Know Your Customers………........... 22 Go Green And Save Money…………………………………………………..... 22 What’s Hot in the Commercial Debt Buying Market - 3 Trends to Watch... 29 The Boys N Da’ Hood: The Ingredient to Better Communities……............ 30 16th Annual Pinnacle Awards Finalist Announced…………………….......... 31 Working with Family Members…………………………………………........... 32 Finish the Race…………………………………………………………….......... 34 Look Who’s Coming to Houston!................................................................. 42 Building Better Businesses……………………………………………...…...... 44 Real Talk: Getting Back on Track................................................................. 44

MR. D-MARS D-MARS.com Business Journal Tip of the Month “Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

Humphrey Brown III

7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 806 Houston, Texas 77074 713-272-9511 . Phone 713-272-6364 . Fax 1-800-453-8752 . Toll Free www.d-mars.com

“d-mars.com is certified with SBE, HUB, DBE & Port of Houston SBDP.”

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

3.

Changing Lives and Building Better Communities

By Livy Wilson & Amanda Shelton, Contributing Writers

T

here are only so many words you can use to express the need for building better communities. Talking about a vision is nothing without taking the necessary actions to make the right things happen.

Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA) has not only recognized the need to better local communities, but has also placed itself as the largest Community Action Agency in the state of Texas.

This honor afforded them the opportunity to receive funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

ARRA was signed into law by President Obama, February 17, 2009, to specifically assist low-income citizens in employment related services that, created and saved jobs, stimulated economic growth and built a foundation for long-term economic growth. In the fall of 2009, GCCSA was allocated $7.2 million with less than a year to devise a useful plan of action. It was their primary mission to affect as many households and wage earners as possible, disperse and report on funds received, and ensure a successful stimulus project for the people served in Harris County, Texas – the third largest County in the United States.

With the support of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and the GCCSA Board of Directors, strategic steps were taken to ensure that innovative employment-related services and program activities were provided. Because GCCSA was the only organization in Harris County to receive the stimulus money, they wanted to ensure the immediate and long-term economic and employment needs of the community were met.

“Our goal was to have a direct resept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

turn on investment,” GCCSA CEO Dr. Reynolds said. “When President Obama reviews the effects of the stimulus funds, we want him to recognize that we fulfilled every aspect of the Act and what it encompassed.”

GCCSA wanted to ensure their low-income clients, as well as the general public, realized how the funds im-

cial service agencies, faith-based organizations, small businesses and public and private sectors. Based on the exceptional turnout, GCCSA partnered with over 70 entities, representing various areas and constituencies of Harris County.

Dr. Reynolds said preparing to effectively distribute the funds in ac-

pacted their surrounding communities.

This mission helped lay the foundation for the creation and sustainability of economic growth and employment opportunities for the Houston community.

September 11, 2009, GCCSA hosted an ARRA Breakfast Forum to announce the potential opportunity to local colleges and universities, so-

cordance with the strict guidelines administered by the government took a collaborative effort to achieve synergistic results.

“Failure was not an option,” Dr. Reynolds said. “We knew it was our job to do something for the served and un-served.”

Dr. Reynolds and her GCCSA Leadership Team wanted to make sure

www.

to enlist diverse and sound organizations to help impact the community.

“Finding a common thread with the different organizations was important, because we are stronger together than we are individually.”

Dream Fulfilled

Nathaniel Rido of Southeast Vocational Alliance attended the breakfast forum and later received funds that allowed him to hire and train disabled veterans. There are over 4,000 disabled veterans in the Houston area that need employment, Rido said.

“Even though we are a small organization, we are trying to do whatever we can to assist these men and women who have served our country,” he said.

Stephanie Boutte, Director at Houston Training and Education Center (HTEC) had a tough time attracting students to the center before she received the funds from GCCSA. “The center is located in [one of ] the highest crime areas in the city of Houston,” she exclaimed.

Having the opportunity to partner with GCCSA, and implementing our training and scholarship program, our students have a visible sense of pride, she said.

“They have a new sense of belonging to something worthwhile,” Boutte said.

She said the community backs the positivity of the school and encourages the students to continue doing positive things.

“We’re making a big difference in the community,” she said. “I get texts every day from students saying, ‘thank you for changing my life,’ or ‘you have no idea how this helped me.’”

Service Areas The ARRA funds are monitored 4.

by the government using the National Performance Indicators (NPI’s) that provide information on every outcome associated with stimulus dollar spending. Mirroring this structure, GCCSA, created its partnerships around five principle service areas: (1) Education, (2) Community Reinvestment, (3) Job Placement, (4) Business Development and (5) Employment Support.

der this service area.

Job Placement

This area involves efforts that provided a direct consumer link to employment opportunities. Events like community job fairs, job readiness courses, employment-focused case management, and on-thejob-training programs were acceptable programs under this Education This initiative is related to voca- area. tional training allowing consumers the opportunity to acquire skills making Business them more viable and competitive in Development their profession, i.e. – computer techThis area incorporated efnology, green job construction, health forts to support entrepreneurcare assistance, etc. Scholarship pro- ship and commerce in the grams were also acceptable under this community. This section also Livy Wilson speaks on the success of the ARRA grant and the grant’s service area. included initiatives relating to importance to the Houston area community.

Mary Almendarez of the League of the creation of business plans, United Latin American Citizens (LU- financing and business workLAC), Council 402, used the ARRA shops, and IDA (Individual Develop“ARRA allowed us to create the job Before receiving ARRA funds, dollars received to support their annual ment Account) programs.

Shari Koizol from Crisis Intervention hotline to help assist with those needs,” scholarship funds. LULAC Council Faheem Hameed, Program Co- of Houston managed a crisis hotline she said.

402, has been giving scholarship funds ordinator from CDC Association of primarily addressing behavioral and to local high-school seniors since 2002 Greater Houston used their funds to mental health emergencies. She used GCCSA ROI = Realization Of and this year they the funds as a resource Impact© were able to double “Excellence In Action – At GCCSA, we have an to create a job hotline.

Dr. Reynolds said GCCSA looked the amount of recipi“Since the eco- at the American Recovery and Reinunwavering commitment to excellence in all that we do. ents from previous nomic downturn I vestment Act, for what it really meant.

In that, we expected nothing less from the community years. have noticed more “The community had the impresstudents organizations chosen as GCCSA-ARRA partners.”

The stress and crisis de- sion that the stimulus was solely dehave expressed how pression in families voted to creating jobs. But, if you look much they needed these scholarship help integrate “green” jobs in differ- due in part to joblessness,” Koizol said. at the real picture, a lot of our underfunds to buy books and help pay for ent non-profit organizations and pro- “There is no other family in crisis more served needed to get the skills first becollege tuition. The students are ex- grams. Being included as a partner in than those whose family leaders are out fore being able to get a job.” panding beyond their boundaries in GCCSA’s ARRA program assisted us of work .”

Dr. Reynolds felt that single parpursuit of their educational goals, Al- in doing the research and providing As we continued to respond as cri- ents may not have the convenience to mendarez said. the training related to green jobs, green sis counselors, we met callers who we leave their child to go to work. The “Unfortunately in our community, technology and stimulus sophisticatedly inthe culture is not recognizing that edu- green resources, he corporated many areas, in“Transparency In Action – GCCSA comprised an cation is the key to the future,” Alm- said. cluding childcare and afterARRA team to not only monitor the distribution of endarez said.

“We were exschool care assistance that funds, but to also ensure transparency.”

We must continue to insist that cited because the would help invigorate our our kids go to college and further their world was making economy. education, so that after starting their a shift to going green and we wanted were able to put in contact with the “We absolutely believe that we can careers they expand their focus on be- to be a part of that,” Hameed said. other GCCSA-ARRA agencies for re- change lives and build better commucoming a part of the solution, she said. “ARRA provided us an opportunity sume help, job placement and other nities!” Dr. Reynolds said.

“This is key to building better to get in on the cutting edge of what useful resources, Koizol stated. communities,” Almendarez said. it means to be green, especially in relation to the construction “Support In Action – Many of our trades, affordable housing and sustainability.” partners took the call to action as a Hameed said market chance to exceed expectations; setting rate housing is starting to their performance above the ordinary jump on the research. Usand extraordinarily surpassing ing green methodologies in program goals.” terms of affordable housing will help provide for significant savings to homeowners; in the Community Reinvestment This initiative included efforts that end, putting more food on their tables. added quality to neighborhoods and communities to increase property val- Employment Support ue and spur commerce through volunThis includes programs supporting teerism, clean-ups and home restora- consumers that were seeking employtion and construction projects. Home ment, including recently employed renovations, home safety and security consumers. This effort also included Keith “D-Mars” Davis highlights the importance of leaders devoted projects and youth conservation pro- childcare, clothing, rent and utility asto investing in the quality of communities. grams were also adequate programs un- sistance. sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

5.

GCCSA - ARRA Partners

VN TeamWork, Inc. ESL Training Program

National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) The Imagine Project

Instructor Vivian Pham teaching class par- abilities of these under and un-served Harticipants Basic English Skills to low-income ris County residents is helping them to gain Vietnamese, Chinese, and Spanish language better opportunities for employment. groups. Improving the communicative

Metamorphosis Conference, Inc. META2 Girls Program

5th Graders from Dogan Elementary and 6th Graders from Fleming Middle school in Houston’s Fifth Ward engaged in the revitalization project. After being mentored and

Participants in the META2 Girls program engaged in the learning Module 2 Internet Safety workshop, a component of the course-based program designed to instill a introduced to the construction industry via sense of self-worth to teenage girls through an after-school program, over 70 students mentorship and teaching. took part in cultivating a field of organic greens and vegetables.

Texas Southern University Sankofa Academy

Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Center Workforce Development and Life Skills Program

and workshops focused on Adult Literacy which included computer classes, life skills, counseling, as well as professional development. Fifth Ward CRC not only supported students in re-tooling and increasing their capabilities in the workforce, but also created an all-inclusive program designed to assist participants in the transition toward self-sufficiency by focusing on the personal The Sankofa Academy’s career-college Targeting the employable adults ages 17 and improvement and professional aspects of the preparatory workshops worked with older, Fifth Ward CRC held training classes individual’s lives.

VN TeamWork, Inc. Computer Literacy Training Program

Instructor Jason Pham training class participants to use Microsoft Windows operating system. Reaching over 300 low-income individuals, VN TeamWork’s Computer Literacy Training Program provided monthly classes on Internet & Email, Microsoft Office, in addition to other Microsoft applications to Vietnamese, Chinese, and Spanish populations in Harris County.

students in high-poverty, low-performing schools to meet rigorous, academic

achievement standards and complete career and college preparation activities, leaving each participant empowered!

Houston Community College Certified Nursing Aide Training Program

Left to Right: LaTiffany Young, GED client, Will Travel Consultant Service: Delicia White consultant, Roy Shears, GED client, Linda Taylor, GED client.

CDC Association of Greater Houston Green Jobs Development Training for CDCs Left to Right - Seminar Participants Michaelle Wormly and Helen Smiley networking at the “Green Jobs, Green Technology, Green Dollars for CDCs” Seminar which focused on informing, motivating, and moving organizations to the idea of not just “going green” but truly “being green from the inside – out” and the positive impact it would have on business development in Harris County.

Sankofa Academy participants learning about the SAT and ACT.

HCC’s Certified Nurse Aide Program is one of Houston’s most premier CNA programs with a completion and placement rate exceeding 90%. With the GCCSA ARRA CNA Nurse Aide Training Program, HCC

was able to extend tuition-free training to qualified applicants, providing sustainable employment options and increased self-sufficiency for participants.

Texas Business Alliance Youth Entrepreneurship Academy

HoustonWorks, USA New ERA Job Placement The New ERA Job Placement Program hosted a job fair on March 30th which was attended by over 200 job-seeking Houstonians. Participants completed job applications, as well as networked and interviewed with various companies, including Target, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Kelly Services, Metro and many others.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

TBA conducted entrepreneurship training to 15 Houston-area high school teens.

Within the 7-month program, the students were exposed to vibrant, real-world applications of business ownership, and today, 13 participants are proud business owners.

6.

Swan Services Pre-Apprentice Education Training Construction

Community Artists’ Collective Vocational Sewing Program

SER Jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast, Inc. SOFT Program - Strengthening our Foundation Training

The SOFT Program prepares individuals, ages 50 and over, to achieve employment in the workforce by equipping them with training courses focused on job-readiness, financial literacy, and job-search techniques.

Swan Services’ Pre-Apprentice Education Post graduation, the participants receive taiTraining Construction program changed lored job development services. the lives of low-income families, one hammered nail at a time. After employing under-served individuals in construction ap- Career and Recovery prenticeship, Swan Services rehabbed eight Job Placement Support Readiness seniors’ residents in various economically distressed neighborhoods.

Hosting their April Job Fair, Career and Recovery attracted over 500 job-seeking Houstonians who were given access to 20 pre-screened employers.

ARRA Students showing their “TWIC” Transportation Worker Identity Credential Cards and Forklift Operator Certificates that were paid with ARRA funds.

(Left to Right): ARRA Clients Dennis Goodwin, Velda Gibson, Calvin Johnson and Alvin Robinson.

ARRA-funded Staffer Marco Mena (who is fluent in Spanish and English) congratulates ARRA Client Kelvin Lyons who has received his Forklift Operator Certification paid by ARRA funds. ARRA Bilingual Outreach When Harris County’s economy was ripping ing Program’s multi-location, weekly courses Specialist Marcos Mena and ARRA client at the seams, Community Artists’ Collective propelled over 60 low-income individuals to Kelvin Lyons. grabbed needle and thread. With project- become highly-skilled seamstresses, which based work activities and one-on-one in- allowed them to gain greater employability ARRA-funded Staffer Paul Berryman structions and tutorials, the Vocational Sew- and become entrepreneurs. (standing) assists DHHS Manager/EngSoutheast Houston Community Development Corporation lish Literacy Instructor Kathy Walters (2nd from left) with English Literacy instruction.

East Side University Village Community Learning Center - GED & ESL The “first language” of most people who are deaf/hard of hearing is American Sign LanThe opportunity to enroll in guage (ASL), not English. Because of this GED and ESL courses at no- most DHHS students come to Career and cost, opened doors for teen- Recovery Resources reading at a 2nd-4th agers, seniors, parents, and grade level (this includes many with High others to pursue and make School diplomas). Thus, the first step todreams of continued educa- ward job readiness is basic English Literacy.

When DHHS clients are ready to apply for tion a reality. a job, our program provided ASL interpretation on job interviews.

D.A.R.E. America Boys to Men Program

Names and titles of individuals in the photo: ARRA/Deaf Services Clients (*): * Edson Robles, Kathy Walters (Deaf Services Manager/Literacy Instructor), * Marilyn Johnson, *Earl Johnson, Paul Berryman (ARRA Staff: Deaf Services Computer Literacy Instructor/Employment Specialist), and * Rosa Roque.

Middle School and High School males, ages 14-19, received mentorship and life skills training via the Boys to Men Program.

The comprehensive program encouraged young males to pursue drug-free and crime-free paths, set personal and professional goals, and to increase their overall quality of life.

ARRA Clients who have graduated from A&B Training Academy, display their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificates: (front) Cassandra Charles, (middle row) Fabio Chaves, Thelma Jenkins, Olukayode Agunbiade, Blanca Hunter, (back row) Shonta Robinson, Sonya Conway, A&B Training Academy Director Sophie Ngongi, and Mabel Ugbanaja.

Children’s Defense Fund Beat the Odds Scholarship Fund 13 Beat the Odds scholarship recipients were awarded a $3,000 scholarship to use toward their final semester of college or vocational/ technical training program. The students’ display of perseverance and commitment to education, despite adverse circumstances, led to a 2010 recipient class of future community leaders poised to make a difference in the Metro-Houston area.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

ARRA client, Kymberli Browder, poses after paying her tuition to attend Royal Beauty School thanks to the financial assistance of the Career and Recovery GCCSA - ARRA program.

7.

Elite Change, LLC Boys to Men Program

Picture Description/Details GCCSA ARRA Partnership Breakfast Forum The Boys to Men Program introduced teenage males to positive influences and instilled goal-oriented life lessons through its mentorship program aimed at guiding young men to brighter futures.

(Left to Right) Board Members William-Paul Thomas and Carolyn Scantlebury; Dr. Jonita Reynolds, GCCSA CEO; Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee; Board Member, Christopher Wright, Former Board Member Demetra Jones; Board Member, Dr. Susan Moreno; Jeff Wallace, GCCSA Director of Community Services.

LULAC LULAC – Scholarship Program

NAACP Environmental Justice Program

LULAC’s Scholarship Program awarded $105,000 to 103 Houston-area students.

With the help of GCCSA ARRA, LULAC was able to increase its Scholarship Fund from $44k in 2009 to $105K in 2010. In addition, ACT and SAT software was given to HISD High School libraries to help increase college-entry test scores.

The Environmental Justice Program hosted the 1st Annual Career Fair.

Hope for Jobs Employment Training Institute

Mr. Carl Cheatham (26) entered the NAACP Environmental Justice Program (EJP) looking for employment and a chance at improving his life-situation. He found both with the Environmental Justice Program. Mr. Cheatham was among the first of the EJP graduates. Mr. Cheatham’s first words when he joined, “All I need is to be given a chance.” During his time with NAACP EJP, he helped and shared what he Dr. Jonita Reynolds, GCCSA CEO and knew to be helpful with fellow clients.

Mr. Livy Wilson, ARRA Project Manager, kicking off the EJP 1st Annual Career Fair.

1. 430 individuals participated in ETI employment related services

2. 23 class and seminar participants gained employment 3. 31 individuals obtained employment from attending the Hope for Jobs Career Fair

GCCSA – Expanding Capacity Beyond Measure Moving toward the future, we recognize that Building Better Communities does not start, and more importantly, does not end with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. At GCCSA we pride ourselves on being the change agent that ignites action and furthers reaction in the community. With ARRA, GCCSA has been able to create an upsurge in self-sufficiency for under-served and un-served populations; instilled a sense of empowerment and ownership in the community in which we all live; expanded community partnerships; strengthened our community’s organizations; and placed firmer foundations in the lives of low-income individuals and households. Just as we have since 1965, we will continue to be a voice, neighbor, helping hand, and an enduring spirit for those disadvantaged individuals in sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

the Greater-Houston area. For Gulf Coast Community Services Association, the ROI, Realization of Impact© on Harris County is one that has returned dividends that are poised to continually progress and propel the community.

We would like to express our appreciation to the Obama Administration, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, GCCSA Board Members, the community partners who worked with us and share in our success, as well as, the Harris County community.

As you embark upon this call to action to Build a Better Houston community, we encourage you to take the time to gain a greater awareness of the resources and community agencies, both large and small, around you.

For example, GCCSA services the SE Region of Harris County through its www.

Head Start/Early Head Start and Community Service programs. Besides initiating the education of infants and pre-school aged children, GCCSA also offers the following services to the community: • Adult Literacy Services • Computer Literacy • EL Civics/Citizenship Workshops • Bus Passes (Metro Q-Cards) • Rental Assistance • Mortgage Assistance • Utility Assistance • RISE Program • Neighbor 2 Neighbor Utility Assistance Program (Direct Energy Customers only) • Reliant KARE Utility Assistance Program (Reliant Energy Customers only)

• • • •

•

•

• •

•

• • • •

•

•

Good Neighbor/Food Pantry Furniture Vouchers Clothes Closet Home Safety and Security Program Home/Buying Education Class Housing Counseling/PreForeclosure Prevention Reverse Mortgage Assistance Individual Development Account Program Money Management Workshops Prescription Card Program Case Management/Navigation Back to School Program Transportation Program (RIDES) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Eye Glass Vouchers 8.

• • •

•

Legal Symposium Small Business Workshops Operation Get Employed: Job Readiness Training Commodities Supplemental Food Program

In addition to Gulf Coast Community Services Association’s programs, there are community organizations in your neighborhoods that can be a change agent for you, your family, or business and can assist you in moving to a higher level of economic empowerment. Just like GCCSA, these community organizations rely on your support and remain readily available to carry out the humanistic efforts which are the basis of their being.

African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston Alliance for Multi-Cultural Community Services

Angelle’s Project Asset Building Network

Bethel’s Place

Houston Training and Education Center, Inc. (HTEC) Houston Works USA

Innovative Alternatives, Inc. L&S Small World Academy

League of United Latin American Citizen (LULAC) Council 402 Lee College

Metamorphosis Inc. MLK Jr. Community Center

Monarch Child Development Center Monica Lamb Wellness Foundation

Mounting Horizons Mt. Zion School and Daycare

National Association For The Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) National Association of Minority Contractors, Inc Greater Houston Chapter

Bread of Life

National Hispanic Professional Organization (NHPO)

Career and Recovery Resources

Network of Opportunities Abound Here (N.O.A.H.)

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Pro Vision Inc.

CDC Association of Greater Houston

Progressive Amateur Boxing Association

Children & Family Center for Innova- Project GRAD tive Research @ U of H SEARCH Homeless Services

Children’s Defense Fund

Ser Jobs for Progress

Community Artists Collective

SHAPE Community Center

Community of Faith Foundation, Inc.

Southeast Houston Community Development Corporation

Crisis Intervention of Houston

Southeast Vocational Alliance

D.A.R.E. America

St. Julien Communications Group

David & Ivory Ministries, Inc.

Elite Change, LLC

St. Stephen’s Episcopal/Haven Center

Excellent Care Management, Inc. Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corp.

Swan Services, LLC

Gateway to Care

Tech Corps Texas

Harris County Department of Education

Harvest Life Foundation HISD Foundation

Hope For Families, Inc. Houston Area Urban League

Houston Community College Houston Department of Health & Human Services

Houston Gateway Academy

T Ellis Art Inc.

Target Hunger Tejano Center for Community Texas Business Alliance

Texas Southern University Texas Teacher Academy

Turning Hearts Ministry VN Team Work, Inc. -

William A. Lawson Institute for Peace Prosperity (WALIPP) Workshop Houston

Houston Read Commission sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

9.

“Are You Ready?” Mobile Collegiate

By Author Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC Contributing Writer The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for the pharaohs and their queens. There are about eighty pyramids known today from ancient Egypt. The three largest and best-preserved of these were built at Giza at the beginning of the Old Kingdom. For thousands of years, the largest structures on earth were pyramids. The most well-known of these pyramids was built for the pharaoh Khufu. It is known as the ‘Great Pyramid;’ however, these pyramids cannot be rebuilt despite our technological advances and sophisticated software application because the blueprints could never be found. If the architects of one the world’s most prized wonders would have left the blueprints for their magnum opus then we would be able to duplicate them exactly as they were constructed in the past.

Mark Twain once stated, “The trouble with the world is not that people know too little but they know so much STUFF that ain’t so!” This is true in today’s society especially as it relates to building our future. It appears that we have lost the thread that was woven in the tapestry of sustaining and cultivating communities that work for the betterment of its residing constituents.

I can remember when mentoring and encouraging others was a cultural norm rather than a special event. Neighbors looked after one another and lessons from yester-years were shared openly and candidly. In the November DMars Business Journal edition, I wrote: The African proverbial phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child,” is certainly applicable at levels of our life, and is not limited to young children, teens, or young adolescents and is by no means exclusive to a specific gender, class, or ethnic group. It originated from the Nigerian Igbo culture and proverb “Ora na azu nwa,” which means it takes the community/village to sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

raise a child. The Igbo’s also name their children “Nwa ora” which means child of the community.

You see, the blueprint of our existence was established on this village philosophy; whereby, everyone in the village played an integral role in the lives of everyone in the village despite gender, class, and other demographical differences. Encouragement was a cultural norm and direction and guidance was unbiased and non-selective. Nowadays, it appears that this blueprint of building our communities has become a faded image on the easel. People really just do not care about each other anymore. Many people possess the ‘it’sall-about-me’ mentality and assisting others reach their goals, break through the glass ceiling, or even change a flat tire becomes a distant second or sloppy thirds.

We need to re-engage the people in our communities because our villages continue to expand every day. Take the time out to mentor a young person in your community and encourage him/ her to mentor someone else in the community and continue this process until everyone in the community has a person in their network. With the advent of social media mediums like Facebook and Linked-in as well as wireless apps, connecting with people could not be easier. It doesn’t really take a lot of time to send a message of encouragement or offer a suggestion on an education/career decision. All it takes is an unyielding desire to sincerely care about someone else’s future. Malcolm Gladwell in the Tipping Point described the conditions of creating an epidemic and identified three major factors that contribute to epidemics: 1. Change doesn’t happen gradually but dramatically 2. You have to have something contagious 3. Small things have big effects These conditions can be applied to creating an epidemic of hope in our struggling communities. We don’t have to re-invent the wheel and if we borrow the blueprints from our forefathers and mothers then unlike those who tried to reconstruct the pyramids, we will not only be able to duplicate what they did but do it even better; especially, if we want to see tangible and significant advancements for our future and our children’s future…because it was the smallest encounters in our lives that have had the most profound effect on us! Wouldn’t you agree? If you do, then are you ready? www.

Tutorial Service™

tional Services” in the NCLB Act, refer to free-of-charge, extra help in academic subjects. We provide services outside the regular school day—before or after school, on weekends or during the summer. Generally, eligible students are on free or reduced-price lunch, and enrolled in Title I schools placed on the state’s “in need of improvement” list for two or more years.

Pre-register online with MCTS (http:// www.mctutorservice.com/registration. html). We’ll validate eligibility and Donald Lewis follow up with an official application, or you may contact your child’s school In 2007, Donald Lewis founded counselor for applications.

Mobile Collegiate Tutorial Service™ (MCTS). His company mission en- FAQ’s sures that students reach academic What kind of tutoring program do standards in core subjects in which they we offer? may have challenges. MCTS employs MCTS offers tutoring in Math, certified teachers, college graduates Reading, English, Computer Literacy and/or current college students who and Science (grades K-12). The tutormeet No Child Left Behind (NCLB) ing is objective based, and focuses on guidelines with expertise in reading, student curriculum. Pre and post-tests mathematics, algebra, science, english, determine growth in identified deficit and computer literacy. Since inception, areas. Programs based on need, range the company has provided tutorial from four weeks to the end of the services to K-12th grade students in school year. private, charter, and public school set- I need a tutor. Can you help me? tings, through individual and/or group After completing the online apintervention sessions. Skills increased plication (http://www.mctutorservice. as a result of tutoring, based on stu- com/registration.html), we match an dent report card grades, post program experienced tutor to your child’s spesurveys, TAKS scores, SAT scores, and cific needs. verified with parents and schools.

Mobile Collegiate Tutorial Ser- How do I know my child will benvice™ benefits elementary and second- efit from your tutoring service?

Student needs are the primary foary students in Region IV area school cus, which includes not only academic districts (HISD, FBISD, NFISD, etc.). development, but also social developSurveys given to teachers in district elementary schools with students receiv- ment. Our tutors serve as student role ing tutoring services, stated that TAKS models and tutors. Students learn they skills and scores increased because of too can succeed in school, and contintutoring interventions. Shadydale ue on to a university. moved from Acceptable to Recognized Why should I choose Mobile Colleranking (2007-2008), and maintained giate Tutorial Service? recognized status through 2010. This MCTS has a proven record of sucperformance resulted from working cess, and affordable pricing for private with 3rd-5th grade students in reading tutorials, because our tutors fill a need and math. Dominion Academy main- by working part-time. We service tained an Acceptable rating because schools and school districts throughout of extra intervention assistance to 8th the Houston Metropolitan and Fort grade science and math students. Dur- Bend area. ing 2009, over half of the junior stuInterested in making $15-25/hour dents at Kashmere HS prepared for the as a tutor?

TAKS exit exam and showed a positive We offer a variety of positions increase in math TAKS scores. with large group sessions, one-on-one tutoring, after-school and home tutoring. All applicants must pass a criminal FREE TUTORING Your child may be eligible for background check, have transportafree tutoring and other supplemental tion, and documented education. APacademic enrichment services. These PLY ONLINE TODAY!!! (http://www. services called “Supplemental Educa- mctutorservice.com/careers.html).

10.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

11.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

12.

An alternative to traditional wire braces?

By Alison Scott Contributing Writer Are you embarrassed by your smile?

Afraid all people notice is your crooked teeth? If so, you’ve got plenty of company. Lots of people didn’t have the opportunity to wear braces when they were younger and others who did wear them have watched their teeth slowly drift out of alignment later.

Like them, you’d probably love to have a more attractive smile-but you hate the idea of wearing traditional wire braces.

A Better Choice for Many Adults Fortunately, there’s a better way— Invisalign clear aligners. Used successfully by more than a million people, they fit over your teeth and gently move them into proper alignment. They’re comfortable, easy, and fast, and, best of all; virtually invisible—so no one knows you’re finally doing something to fix your smile.

While not for everyone, aligners can be used to correct a wide range of problems including teeth that are too close together, too far apart, overbite(where upper teeth bite over the lower ones), cross bite(where one or more upper teeth bite to the inside of lower teeth) and many other common esthetic and functional irregularities.

A Boost from Computers The idea of using aligners to move sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

teeth isn’t new but, it took computer power to make it simple and effective.

Today we use computers to generate a three dimensional projection of exactly how your teeth need to move to reach their correct position. Computer assisted design and manufacturing technology then creates a series of totally personalized aligners to get the job done.

Each aligner moves teeth gently and gradually (about .25-.33 millimeters) into a new position. When it’s done its job, you move on to a new aligner. To make sure everything is going according to plan we’ll check on your progress every six weeks or so.

Each patient is different, however on average it will take between 10 and 12 months to achieve the desired results.

Treatment That Fits Your Lifestyle Not surprisingly, the thing patients like best about these aligners is the fact that they’re virtually invisible. But there are a number of other important advantages as well, including: • Comfort. Aligners don’t hurt.

All you experience is a feeling of pressure • Convenience. Invisalign aligners are removable for eating, brushing and flossing.

• No wasted time—progress checkups take just a few minutes.

Just Ask If that sounds good, you owe it to yourself to learn more about Invisalign.

Just ask and we’ll be happy to explain the process and how these customized aligners can gently, comfortably and invisibly give you the beautiful smile you deserve.

Lasting Impressions Dental Group 4418 Almeda Houston, Texas 77004 Drs. Alison Scott Cuillier, Rhesa Bautista, Khalilah McAfee

713.528.0040 www.

13.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

14.

Social Responsibility:

Volunteering as a Team cial setting provides employees with a relaxed atmosphere to do something fun and challenging with their co-workers that make them feel good.

By Christina Robinson Grochett, University of Phoenix South Texas Vice President Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.”

In today’s economy, businesses are focusing on more than just their products and services.

Instead, many have directed their attention to developing talent and boosting employee morale. Whether it is fundraising, donating materials or volunteering time, giving back to the community has extensive benefits to employees and businesses. Below are a few of the top reasons companies work with their employees to select a cause and plan fun team-oriented activities that benefit the community.

Character and Talent Development.

Volunteering in community activities often provides employees with a fresh new perspective on life they might not have experienced otherwise. Taking them out of their comfort zone and allowing them to help others in a team environment brings interesting and challenging opportunities that can result in developing new skills, exploring their likes and dislikes and discovering things about themselves that could lead to a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Networking.

Community events often give employees the opportunity to meet and interact with colleagues in other departments as well as provide the chance for teams to work together outside of the workplace. Whether it is during work hours or on weekends, the sosept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

Appreciation.

Many volunteers experience a sense of increased self-esteem and self-worth after participating in a community event.

Helping others makes employees feel good about themselves and the impact they are making on the community. Ultimately, mingo Bowl Fundraiser in July. After these feelings lead to increased morale and a more positive collecting donations from their friends, family and colleagues, these volunteers outlook about the company. dressed in their best bowling attire and It’s the right thing to do. spent a Friday afternoon competing to Between an increasing demand for win the coveted Flamingo trophy. help and limited resources and donaTheir efforts raised more than tions, community organizations need $24,000 to help 30 children attend support now more than ever. HelpMDA camp this summer. University ing those who can’t help themselves is employees presented these funds at the something businesses who can afford MDA/Jerry’s Kids Labor Day Telethon to – whether it is via donations or volon September 6. Campus employees also unteered time – should do. volunteered to help answer phones and As employees feel good about the Houston Rockets donated an autothemselves and the impact they are graphed basketball to the organization. making in the community, the business The University’s Houston campuses typically see an increase in employee chose to give back to MDA together as morale, production and an overall hapa team. Once the cause was selected, the pier workplace environment. employees have gone out of their way to Giving back to the community is a fundraise each year from participating staple at University of Phoenix, which in the annual bowling event to hosting has six locations in the Greater Housbake sales at the campus. Last year, Uniton, Sugarland and the Woodlands versity of Phoenix Houston campuses areas. The University’s Houston camraised more than $17,500 to send 22 puses selected the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which sends more than 4,000 children to accessible summer camps each year with no charge to their families, as a charitable cause. The organization’s mission touched employees two years ago and the team has helped raise funds for them ever since.

This year, 100 University employees and its corporate partners such as the Houston Rockets, Wal-Mart and 3 Mark Financial participated in a Flawww.

children to MDA summer camp.

Not only does this partnership foster stronger bonds between employees, it also boosts employee morale and helps the team feel good about working at a company that cares.

Christina Robinson Grochett is the State Vice President/ Director of South Texas for University of Phoenix. An accomplished leader and champion of higher learning, she was selected as a 2010 Women of Influence by Houston Woman Magazine and one of the Top 10 business women by the American Business Women’s Association in 2008. Under her leadership, the Houston campuses were selected as a 2009 Best Place to Work by The Houston Business Journal and were awarded with the 2009 and 2008 Alfred P. Sloan Awards from the City of Houston for Workplace Flexibility and Innovation.

15.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

16.

The Worst Presentation Sins And How To Avoid Them

By Barbara Hofmeister, Contributing Writer

Hundreds of thousands of meetings are held every day - be it in business, private and social environments. During our lifetime, we will attend many and on some occasions, we will be the person who speaks in front of the audience. In such occasion, our success depends on our ability to present ourselves clearly and in the interest of the listener.

Following are some of the worst presentation sins and ways to avoid them.

they can digest easily and eliminate conflicting messages and jargon. Use vocabulary everyone can understand and repeat your main message during your presentation several times.

6) Boring your audience - Package the information with vocal variety and pitch, active body language and style to make it interesting. Be honest and lively and always well prepared!

1) Never, ever read your 7) Lacking passion - Believe speech! Unless you are very prac- in your message and let them know how ticed in this, your voice will be monotonous and put people to sleep. Practice until you know your beginning sentence, the ending and the main point of your speech by heart and then deliver from the heart with conviction and sincerity. A few deep breaths if you are nervous won’t hurt.

much you believe in it. Passion is captivating, contagious and more convincing than logic. Whether your presentation is “perfect” or not if you are passionate about it the message will come across.

dience of one or one thousand if you are well prepared and speak from the heart your audience will respect you for - but not down to them. Don’t make effort and love you for sharing the 2) Droning on when the jokes about the audience. Don’t assume your topic is exhausted - If you are that you know more than they do or emotion. not clear what the purpose of your mes- that you know what they think. sage is, you might try desperately to get points across that you are not even clear 9) Information overload on yourself. To avoid that, make sure - K.I.S.S. - Keep It Short and Simple. you can state your message in one short Give them what they need to know to clear sentence before you prepare your be able to do what you want them to speech or presentation and work toward do. Don’t overload them with too many details. keeping that message clear.

8) Insulting your audience - Talk to them and with them

Barbara Hofmeister is the author of several Self Development Workbooks and numerous practical Articles. She is a renowned Speaker and Trainer and has her own Coaching and Mastermind Program at http://www.trainingvisions. com with the free weekly INSIGHT newsletter.

3) Hammering your 10) Too many slides - Many points in - Sometimes we want to presenters seem to confuse quantity get a point across and instead of using different examples, we just hammer the point across, again and again until we believe the audience must have gotten the message. Using real life examples to illustrate our point will be much more efficient and more fun too.

with quality. Visual aids are there to reinforce your message but neither your PowerPoint slides nor other visual aids will rescue you from a poor presentation. Your enthusiasm will always be your best messenger.

make our eyes glue to the lectern or up on the ceiling as if looking for divine inspiration. The result is that your audience feels left out, unimportant to you and within a short time span will lose interest. Make sure you keep eye contact with the room looking slowly from side to side actually stopping to look into the eyes of some people in the audience.

their arm or ask rhetoric questions that you give an answer to yourself but which will get your audience thinking too.

11) Being inflexible and 4) Looking either at the unapproachable - make your lectern or ceiling instead audience part of your speech. Ask them of your audience. Nerves can questions they can answer by raising

A speech or a presentation is not about you. It is about the message and the better you can get your message across the more successful your presentation or speech will be.

Jim Rohn said: “Always be your 5) Confusing your audi- best. You never know who is in the auence - Give them key points that dience.” No matter if you have an ausept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

17.

Whatever Controls Your Heart Controls Your Destiny

By William D. McElrath Contributing Writer Your compositional makeup consists of three main components: your heart, brain, and body. Each part has a level of importance and plays a distinct role in your existence. Even though they are independent in their responsibilities, they are interconnected and must rely on each other for you to think and act as a normal individual. Of the three, your heart is the most important and dominant player. Your heart will keep pumping when your brain is shut down (comatose). The heart will also continue to operate when your body is unable to perform (paralyzed), but once your heart fails, everything stops and you cease to exist.

Your heart is the commander-inchief and nuclear reactor providing the instructions, energy, and fuel to your brain and body. This is where your real power lies, not only because it determines your beginning and end; it is also the home of your feelings and emotions. Your brain is your computer and network master. It gathers, stores, and transmits knowledge, experiences, feelings and emotions between your heart and body. Your brain is mediator between the heart and body with no emotions, feelings, or desires. Its purpose is to create, calculate, reason, remember and communicate between your heart and body. The job of the brain is to make sure the heart and body stay on the same page and work in harmony. Your body is the mechanism that participates, performs, and appears on life’s big stage. It takes its lead from your heart via your brain. It is the part of you that likes to see and be seen, look good, feel fit, and have that sex appeal. It expresses and displays the emotions and feelings of your heart. However you feel in your heart, your brain will tell your body to act accordingly. If your heart is full of happiness, it will be displayed by your appearance and actions. If you don’t feel sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

good, your actions and appearance will also display that. What you feel in your heart is what people will see in you.

Within your heart, two factions are vying for control. Faith and fear are in constant battle trying to control you and your destiny. Faith is believing you can achieve, fear is believing you can’t. Faith is the positive force that has setup shop in your heart to make your dreams a reality. It resides in the same neighborhood that effort, commitment, determination, and victory hang out waiting for you to put them to work. Your faith’s objective is to let you be all you can be. It must be planted deep in your heart and fertilized with knowledge, creativity, and imagination. Once it starts to grow, it will sprout action, persistence, and perseverance. Your faith generates the desire in your brain to seek knowledge, learn, and understand. Your faith takes you down the road of life leading, achieving, winning, and living your dream.

Your fear is the shady character in your heart that seeks to deceive, confuse and destroy your hopes and dreams. It lurks in the bushes and around the corners of your heart in an effort to attack your faith. Your fear resides in your heart on the negative side of the tracks along with despair, defeat, hopelessness, excuses, and laziness. They all sit around doing nothing, laughing and talking about how your faith is wasting time and energy trying to make you be all you can be. Your fear has no desire for you to do your best, achieve goals, or live your dreams. Its main goal is to prevent you from reaching your full potential.

The struggles and disappointments of daily living sometimes take a toll on your faith and it becomes weak and weary. Loss of a job, a reduction in income, family problems, failed venture, or any number of things can have you thinking, what’s the use? Once this happens, your fear sees an opening to cloud, confuse and control your heart. It begins to clutter it with what ifs, maybes, and doubt. This enables your fear to evict your faith and make it homeless in your heart. Your fear will lock up commitment, determination, and victory, replacing them with despair, defeat, and hopelessness. Instead of striving, your fear tells your brain and body, “let’s slow down, it’s too hard. Why do we want to practice, when we’re going to lose anyway?” Instead of seeking goals and dreams as your faith would do, your fear tells your brain and body, “let’s crown defeat and use excuses as backup.” As you create www.

this negative mindset and doubt your ability, your faith dissipates. You start to feel your fear overpowering your faith. Instead of feeding your faith, your fear is growing stronger with each negative thought. Your fear starts your brain worrying about problems instead of seeking solutions. You begin to look at the glass half empty, instead of half full. Your body becomes inactive, lazy and out of shape with your fear in control. You lose your desire to live your dream.

Even though times may be hard and problems endless, you cannot let your fear overpower your faith.

You must let your faith navigate you through the rapids of hard times. If you do this, your faith will keep hope alive and looking to corral your fear.

Your faith will keep your brain seekByanswers ?????????????? and reenergize your body ing to start getting in shape. Your faith will find a way to free effort, commitment, and will power to let them get ready for work. Once your faith is rejuvenated, it will step out of the shadows of your heart to let negative thinking and doubt know there is a new sher-

iff in town. It will then head to Main Street of Heartland City for a showdown with your fear. Your faith will then shout out to your fear, “it’s you or me, but one of us has got to go”.

As your faith walks toward your fear, it knows it’s ready to win back your heart.

They stop about five heartbeats away from each other and your fear looks into the eyes of your faith and sees determination raging. At that very moment, your fear realizes it cannot win and retreats. Afterward, your faith will tell your brain and body, “now its time to make it happen”! “Let’s climb the ladder to our destiny!”

If you want to realize your dreams and achieve your goals, understand one thing: Your faith must be in control of your heart. Believe you can, no matter what obstacles you face. Never let your fear rule your heart. With your faith in control, you will experience the thrill of victory. With your fear in control, you will experience the agony of defeat. Your faith will take you far; your fear has no car. Always remember, Whatever Controls Your

Heart Controls Your Destiny.

18.

Transforming Communities

by Transforming Lives

By Charlotte Jackson Contributing Writer We hear a lot of talk about transforming communities, renewing our cities and making changes, but until we get to the root of the issue, we will never make progress. Before you can transform a community, you must transform lives. And no matter how many books you read, how many selfhelp seminars you attend, body alterations that you make or new material possessions you purchase, you will never succeed until you begin that new life

described in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Once your heart is focused on God, you take on a new outlook. Instead of being bitter that you have to work multiple jobs to pay the bills, you praise God for the sources of income.

Instead of complaining that you have to walk to the bus stop, you praise Him for eyes to see the many beautiful creations along your walk. Look up and see the beauty of the trees, flowers and sky. Take another look around, notice the cars, the flashing lights, the public schools, the churches and you will know there has to be a God as no person could figure out how to make all of these things work. Not to mention that as you walk, thank God for the exercise you are getting for free instead of trying to squeeze a trip to the local gym into your busy schedule.

You will notice that the more you praise God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon you, the more energy you have and the more desire to make changes in your life. Suddenly, you realize that you no longer want to be dependent on others but you want

to work harder to purchase the possessions you need. You begin to do your job with a little more pride, to care for your body, to make sound financial decisions and to set a higher example for those in your life to follow.

It will not be long before you notice that you are to see others succeed as much as you want to succeed. It is no longer a matter of “what can I do?” but instead, “Look what we can do together.” When you give yourself to God, you find time to help that unemployed neighbor brush up their resume and look for employment. You realize that instead of spending a day in the heat trying to sell your clothes that you have long since worn, you can give them to a local women’s shelter for their Dress for Success program. You want to spend time with younger children teaching them to read, hanging out with AIDS patients helping make their last days a little brighter. Before you know it, not only have you been transformed but you have helped transform your community.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Credit and Identity Theft

1

When you order checks, don’t use your full first or middle names; use your initials with your full last name instead. Who’s going to guess that “B” stands for “Barbara” or “Bertram” when attempting to forge your signature?

2

By Charles Swindell Contributing Writer

Today’s fast-paced world of electronic convenience has made identity theft an ever-increasing problem. You probably know someone who this has happened to – it may have happened to you. It can be a nightmare – and an expensive and time-consuming one at that. There are simple actions you can take that can help to protect your identity and your credit rating: sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

Instead of using your home phone number on your checks, put your work number. In addition, if you have a PO Box, use it for your address and never, ever publish your Social Security number on your checks.

3

where it was stolen immediately. You’ll want enough back-up proof as possible for your credit card issuers that you were diligent.

5

If your credit cards are stolen, call all national credit-reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert lets any company that checks your credit know that your information was stolen and that they are to contact you by phone to authorize any new credit. Their numbers are: Equifax, 800-685-1111, Experian, 888-397-3742, and Trans Union, 800888-4213. In case your Social Security card or number is stolen, it may be best for you to notify the Social Security Administration at 800-269-0271, too.

Make photocopies of every piece of identification that you carry with you daily – and be sure to copy both sides. Keep the copies in a safe and handy place. If you’re wallet is ever stolen, all the information you’ll need – auto license and registration, credit While no amount of caution can card account numbers, and customer be totally foolproof, being aware of the service hot lines, will be available to potential identity theft possibilities and you in one place. of how to protect ourselves –even if we fall victim - are simple steps to give us If your credit cards are stolen, file added defense. a police report in the jurisdiction

4

www.

Setting the Stage:

Constructing the Future, One Layer at a Time

By Elvia Valdez Contributing Writer Through the years, I have learned that one’s family’s circumstances do not have to dictate one’s future. We’ve all heard the sayings that if you want something done right, do it yourself. That is why I know that it will take my sweat and energy to lay down the foundation of things I want to attain but trust, it will take a close working relationship with the “Master” designer. No onenight stands here. I’ve tried for too long to do it alone and I’ve concluded it cannot be done.

As a public relations practitioner, I deal with people every day and what’s better is that much of my career revolves around education. I get to empower people through the gift of education as I work with people who are waiting at a second chance at life through the gift of donation. While I realize that many times I am not the most popular girl in the room and that is okay with me. I get through my long days because I know that I speak for so many people who depend on me.

I don’t convince people do to anything that they do not want to do because that’s their own personal decision.

What I do insist is that they make a decision. I am constantly reminded that zero lives are saved if we do nothing. It doesn’t matter what line of work we are in, the same can be said for anyone regardless of their professional industry.

If we don’t take the time to invest in our community, then there won’t be much of anything left when we are ready to sit back and enjoy it. If we don’t invest in our children, then someone else will, someone who doesn’t give two cents about their future. It may be best for us to say to them, “Keep the change.” Two cents can’t get you anything let alone, a step in the right direction.

In building a better future, we must roll up our sleeves jump in and take action. No one has a more vested interest in our community than “you.”

19.

A recession of love when the lifestyle changes?

By Marilyn Logan, Contributing Writer Unemployment remains up, home prices are staying down and no one is sure where the Stock Market will land.

Analysts had crafty answers for Wall Street and Main Street but really no solutions for what is happening on “Our Street” and in our homes. Financial stories previously seen on the front pages are not viewed as newsworthy anymore.

A sense of normalcy has set in.

Here is the reality of what is happening on “Our Street” and in our homes. Unemployment has sustained a mark above nine percent; half of

American households live on less than $45,000 a year and one out of five households live on less than $20,000.

Marriage rates have been steady and, surprisingly, divorce rates have declined somewhat. The real question is “Why?” Answer: People cannot afford to move out; simply put, their finances are forcing them to move down the hallway instead of down the street.

Now, we hear that the recession is turning the corner and the indicators are, according to some pundits, showing that we are in a recovery. Will Wall Street really change? I honestly don’t know. I am a big advocate of controlling what we can control and an even bigger advocate for individual, couple and family financial empowerment.

For couples, the real question is how we - Couple Inc. - are going to fare?

Someone posed questions to me at a recent conference, “Does the love change when the lifestyle changes?”

People typically look at a relationship from the standpoint of what they can get out of it instead of what they can put into it. And, love is like a prize fighter trying to stay undefeated but will always have a challenger trying to topple his crown – and Mr. Money is

For more information, please contact me the number one challenger!

I can only really think of one type at 713-876-6316 or visit my website at www. of love that is simple, pure and unwav- marilynlogan.com. ering in the worst of circumstances Watch my new T.V. Show – a parent’s love for a child. The love “The Money Lady” HCCTV I experienced in marriage was beautiMonday/Wednesday @ 3:00 p.m. ful, but conditional. It wasn’t until I Or Go to: hccs.edu/hcctv changed my financial errors that we were able to marry. Hey, I do not underestimate the power and effect of money. Relationship surveys continue to illustrate that money matters have outpaced infidelity as the number one cause of marital breakups. I am not saying that money is everything but, in my opinion, it is right up there with breathing.

Generally, Americans have a hard time taking a less-is-more approach with our lifestyles. It’s work to do - hard work - but worth every step. We do it every day for our company’s bottom-line. Make those skills translatable at home.

We need to fight about dishes, not dollars. Protect your love when the lifestyle changes, recognize the challenges, set a plan of action, adapt to the existing economic conditions and get your money right!

Properly Funding Our Education System Is An Investment, Not An Expense

By Carroll G. Robinson, Esq. & Dr. Michael O. Adams, Ph.D. Contributing Writers

If Texas is to remain a great state and Houston a growing and prosperous city, we must improve our public schools and increase our investment in our community college systems and four year institutions of higher education.

This coming legislative session -2011- must not be dominated by the politics of redistricting or be an exercise in shortsighted budgeting. Legislators must make a distinction between investments and expenses as they develop the state’s next biennium budget.

Properly funding our education system is an investment; it is not an expense.

Numerous research studies have informed us that the more formal education a person has, the more money they will earn during their lifetime; they are less likely to commit crime or end up costing tax-payers in terms of social sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

services expenses.

The studies also tell us that among African-Americans and Hispanics, college graduates are more likely to start a business, create jobs and expand access to not only to an income and homeownership, but also to the possibility of generating and growing wealth that can be passed from one generation to the next.

It’s long past time for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to stop the politics of trying to rewrite history into a list of prevarications. TEA needs to focus on working with local school districts to make sure our children are learning, graduating from high school, and going on to successfully complete college or are ready to enter the workforce with the reading, analytical, math, science, writing and reasoning www.

skills necessary to compete globally.

If we aren’t going to properly educate all of our children in our public schools and prepare them for college level academics, then legislators must provide sufficient funding to community colleges and four year colleges and universities to take on the additional remedial responsibility of leveling up our high school graduates so that they can compete, succeed and graduate from college with the intellectual skills and resources necessary to go on to graduate or professional school or immediately enter the workforce.

Professors Stephen L. Klineberg and Steve Murdock of Rice University, the former head of the United States Census Bureau and Texas’ former State Demographer, have both been warning us for years that if we don’t start properly

educating the ever-growing number of Hispanics and African-American children in the Texas public school system, we will not just have a widening academic achievement, we will have a negative long term impact on the economic growth and prosperity of our state.

If we properly invest in education now, it will pay dividends for years to come. If however, we are “pennywise but pound foolish,” over the long term, it will cost us billions in terms of increases in crime and social services expenses.

We support investing in education now, rather than waiting to pay a higher price later.

Robinson and Adams are professors in the Master of Public Administration program at Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan – Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs in Houston, TX.

20.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

21.

Four Great Reasons to Really Get to Know Your Customers

By Rhonda White, Contributing Writer

2. It builds your business and brings in new customers.

Let’s face it. People like to talk. We communicate about what makes us sad, mad, happy or overwhelmed, just about anything. Your customers will talk about you too, if they’ve established a good relationship with you and have received good service and products.

They’ll happily refer you, their friend, to other friends they have. Reward your customers for their referrals by offering a small gift or discount as a “Thank and you’re there to help them. You’re at You.” They’ll be even more eager to their service, ready to please. please you with some more referrals for 4. It will make your business better.

1. It builds a lasting relationship and your business.

Getting to really know your customloyalty to your company. er will help you see their needs better. It Building relationships all starts 3. It makes you approachable.

When you take time to get to know will help you focus on what they like and with getting to know someone first.

Rarely does it happen overnight. It takes your customers, they’ll feel a common what they don’t. If you take time to ask time. Did you get that? Yes, it takes time bond with you as a real person on their for feedback you’ll get a better prospec— sometimes a few weeks, sometimes level. Have you ever been anywhere to tive on what your customers really want. even longer, and it’s a continual process purchase something and you didn’t get Don’t assume you know what they want establishing a good relationship. It also what you really wanted because you felt from your point of view. Many business takes “your” time “personally”. We’re all intimidated by the sales person behind owners have been extremely surprised busy with our business, but your cus- the counter or desk? Some businesses to find out that their customers really tomers are the foundation that makes like to have that effect of “sophistica- preferred green instead blue, or wished your business thrive. Take time to ask tion,” but you’re placing your customer’s that they offered an easier way to order questions, chat with them, offer help needs to the side if you don’t get down refills, etc. And you can be sure, that as and make yourself available. Be sincere with them on their level and make them soon as some other business comes their when you’re establishing relationships feel “safe” with you. They need to feel way with the perfect product or solution and you will reap the golden rewards of that no question is too silly where you’re that they’ve been looking for…they’ll be concerned. You really care about them tempted to wander their way. You can loyal customers.

Do you ever wonder about the lives of your customers? I remember how thrilled I was to get my very first customer. It was a delightful moment that I shall never forget – I’ve got a Sale! Wow! I’ve got Money!! I have to admit to you that I didn’t really go on thinking much about the life of that customer, nor do I even remember their name. But, over the years, since that day long ago, I’ve learned the real value getting to know your own customers.

Why You Should Get to Know Your Customers:

Go Green And Save Money

By Robert Holdsworth, Contributing Writer As companies and institutions everywhere are asking, “How can we afford to go green?” Others have learned that the real question should be, “How can we afford not to?” Between the savings from energy efficiency, government incentives, rebates and well structured financing and lease options, energy projects can be excellent investments rather than daunting expenses.

By taking a carefully planned “whole facility” approach, companies can target both the “low-hanging fruit” (such as lighting upgrades and sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

maintenance solutions) and a combination of other equally significant and cost effective solutions (such as available technologies to improve the efficiency of HVAC, refrigeration, equipment loads, etc) to achieve substantial returns. The efficiency gained across multiple load categories will amass to very significant reductions in overall energy consumption and costs. Often, these savings can help to fund more expensive, longer term solutions. Experts all agree that increasing energy efficiency is the most important and financially prudent step any business www.

can take in “going green”. By reducing demand and consumption first, the scope and cost of secondary phases (such as adding renewable energy sources) can be better controlled.

Many government and utility programs have been designed to reward companies following just such an approach. For example, New Jersey’s Pay for Performance program returns up to 100 percent of the money spent for design and 50 percent of the money spent for implementation, which significantly reduces payback time and increases R.O.I.

keep you customers longer by keeping them satisfied and staying on top of what their real needs are. Many business owners glean ideas for expanding their business from their customers. Business owners do not become successful by guessing what people want. They find out themselves by asking their customers and act upon it.

There are numerous reasons to get to know your customers, but you can’t place a price tag on the value of a real friendship and good relationship. You will be a “happy” business owner when you get to really know your customers… we all need friends and your customers are only a phone call (or email) away.

Rhonda White Home Business Internet Marketing wahm-announce.com, www.greatarticlesformoms.com

Furthermore, equipment lease or rental agreements can be used to eliminate out of pocket and capital expenditure costs and immediately enrich cash flow. Structured properly, these agreements cover the entire project cost and have such low monthly costs that they are off-set by the savings. In other words, the monthly energy savings outpace the monthly lease payments creating additional, immediate, unexpected cash flow and profit for the facility.

In addition to cost concerns, companies are often interested in knowing how energy reduction programs will affect their operations. A professional, well designed system should improve lighting quality, enhance occupant and employee comfort, reduce wear and tear on system components and improve equipment performance.

So again, the answer is, “You can’t afford not to go green”.

22.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

23.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

24.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

25.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

26.

By Carla Lane, Contributing Writer

I need a raise, but I know that asking for one when a lot of people are out of work seems ridiculous, I haven’t had one in two years. How do I ask without seeming ungrateful?

Here are some strategies to ensure that you will be able to make more money during a recession and ask for a raise. First of all, you need to realize that recessions happen and they are a normal part of economics and the way markets and capitalism work. This doesn’t mean that you have to enjoy a recession but simply to realize that it is eventually going to happen. You need to overcome your fears about recession and just take the necessary steps to conquer it. Worrying about it isn’t going to improve the situation, but if you realize that it could happen to anyone any time, then you will be more prepared for when it actually happens. You should also be sure to be in touch with what the vital signs of the economy are and how to observe these signs so you can make calculated decisions instead of frantic ones. You should also be sure to have a career backup plan in case something should happen at your business and you can’t work anymore. Earl Nightingale, a famous radio personality, says that in the time you spend not on the job should be used to pursue education and hobbies that could eventually bring economic benefits to you and your family.

If a person were to spend only an hour or two a day learning to do something productive, then the loss of a job, no matter how long you have been there, would be a trivial matter and may actually allow you to move on to bigger and better things. Learn to do other things that are valuable so that if the worst should happen, you will be able to move on quickly and effectively.

You should also get your career in shape. If there are things you are responsible for that you aren’t doing, then you definitely need to be doing better.

There is always room for improvement and progress is one of the best ways to protect yourself from job stagnation.

You should always be developing a new marketable and valuable skill that will help you perform better at work and in life. Perhaps the most fundamental step that needs to be taken to get a raise is to ask for it. Now, this may seem obvious at first to most people, but you would sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

be surprised how few people who believe they deserve a raise actually ever ask for one. You can’t expect your boss of supervisor to just offer a raise to you out of nowhere. Superiors will consider giving you a raise much more seriously when they know that you are actually seeking one. They can’t give you something if they don’t know you want it.

Always stay motivated and committed to doing something new and different. Spend time thinking about what you can do to make your role at work more significant and more valuable to the company. Raises are almost always associated with employees that are valuable to the company. If they don’t believe that you are giving them a good return on their money, then why on earth would they offer to give you more money if you are probably just going to continue doing the same things? You should also take cues from people who have been able to be successful and who have made a good income for themselves.

One of the best ways to become a better person and better employee is to spend more time with the best people.

Don’t become a burden to them, but ask for advice and let them know that you value their opinion and position and that they are important to you as a trusted source. Learn from the best so that you can become the best.

You have to plan ahead and be persistent if you are truly serious about getting a raise in your current position or if you want to move up in the company. While it is good for people to understand that you are committed and ambitious, you don’t want them to assume that you are trying to get into places that you shouldn’t be or that you are using methods that are unacceptable to get there. It should be seen in your work ethic and commitment that you want to be better and not simply because you say you are vying for the manager’s position. You should be careful not to underestimate your worth and also make sure that you don’t overestimate it too. When you ask for a raise you will almost certainly be asked to explain the reasons why you think you www.

are worth of a raise. You also have to be persistent and don’t stop at no. Just because a manager says no to giving you a raise doesn’t mean that there is no merit to the idea or that the door is permanently closed. You should welcome it as an opportunity to evaluate your position and work on the things that will make you worthy of a raise. If you are told no when you ask for a raise, then you should ask what you could do to ensure that you will be eligible for one in the future. You may expect to hear words that might sound harsh to some, but be prepared to take the advice and do what needs to be done.

When you ask your manager to give you a raise you need to understand what your worth is and make sure that you ask for that amount. You need to be very honest with yourself and make sure that you are asking the right questions. You should consider what someone in your position and with your skill set should be compensated and determine if that is the case. You should also evaluate if there are other places you can turn to help you determine how much money you are really worth. You also need to organize your thought and make sure that you can present and defend your case for a raise. It is probably a bad idea to bring the position and roles of other people in to question when you are asking for a raise.

There are likely other factors involved

that you cannot see and that may make a significant contribution to the position of others. You need to leverage the expectations of performance and what you have consistently delivered to be effective in asking for a raise. You may be able to compare the position that you hold to ones that are being offered by employers to new employees and compare yourself to them. If you are in the market for a raise and believe that you are worth more, then a look at the want ads and employment sites might be a good way to go too.

You need to be sensitive to the position of the company and also consider those around you. But just because the company isn’t doing as well or the economy is in tough times doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve a raise or are not justified in asking for it. Your asking for a raise should always be based on your value to the company and what you have offered them. It is a good idea to present yourself in the best light, but you also have to be prepared to consider anything in your employment history that may have been less than encouraging. You should be able to defend your position that you are eligible for a raise, but you should never seek to justify past actions or assume that your manager is going to ignore your history. Past performance is a very likely indicator of future performance. Good luck!

27.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

28.

What’s Hot in the Commercial Debt Buying Market – 3 Trends to Watch

By Michelle Rodriguez, President, HSW Financial

Looking forward – a look into the future of the commercial debt buying industry.

If you’re a commercial debt buyer, you have likely had a very good run over the past 24 months. Our nation’s struggling economy and constrained capital markets have forced companies to seek alternate methods of creating liquidity. Commercial debt buyers have proven themselves very capable of filling the gaping void that I like to call the “liquidity vacuum.” But my question is: are we positioned to continue to burgeon as the economy recovers and capital markets begin to flow again?

Based upon more than 13 years of experience and knowledge of the credit and debt buying industries, I would like to share a few thoughts below which should enable you to prepare for the prevailing winds of changing market conditions.

I have always been fascinated by the widely held opinion that the commercial debt buying industry is a counter cyclical sector. If you hold this opinion, it means that you buy into a “feast and famine” mindset that your business will prosper during down economic cycles as delinquencies and default rates increase. And by contrast that your business will decline as collections, cash flow and credit become more manageable for your clients. While this mindset may have been popular in the not too distant past, it is no longer the case, and I believe this type of thinking could adversely impact the industry’s ability to prosper in an improving economy.

The real issue is not whether you understand that our industry doesn’t have to be held hostage to market cycles, but rather that you don’t lose your sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

edge by becoming complacent and taking the current frothy market conditions for granted. I watched investment bankers, home builders, commercial real estate brokers, etc. fail to prepare for a market downturn, and I’m fearful that many commercial debt buyers may be falling prey to the same flawed logic by failing to prepare for a market upturn.

While there may be differing opinions among market prognosticators as to whether the economy has hit bottom, or whether we have farther to fall, at some point most rational professionals realize that recovery will take place.

When the economy, and in turn account management begins to improve – when your clients’ are able to generate liquidity by more conventional means, consider how will this impact your business. The correct answer is that it shouldn’t – but only if you have been smart, innovative and focused on customer centricity.

A universal truism linked to market maturation, is that service provides must change and innovate as markets mature in order to survive. Those commercial debt buyers who have used the last few years to diversify their operations, add product lines, and find new and value added ways to engage their clients will be here for the long haul.

Those who have not will be weeded-out by the increasing demands of the marketplace – it’s just that simple.

All commercial debt buyers should consider the following three trends to position their business for the future: • Pricing Flexibility: As markets recover, commercial debt buyers will need to become more flexible, creative and aggressive in their pricing regardless. Additionally, commercial debt buyers will need to shorten closing cycles by becoming much more astute at assessing risk and streamlining the closing process. In fact I’m currently seeing products such as Performing Portfolio’s close at 40% or higher; Non performing Portfolio’s are being reviewed and grouped as early as 60 days and closing anywhere between 15-40%; and Charge-offs are closing anywhere from 1-15%. Was this the case 3 years ago or even last year……No! What are driving these results are the indicators and I will mention some examples. Indicators that affect strategies and cash flow for both sides, to name a few when due diligence is administered, are the length of time in business; a poor www.

payment history which involves slow pays, first payment defaults, or just no pays; high delinquencies, past and current credit rankings; the number of bankruptcies and liens located; the demographics in the portfolios; if equipment is involved the fair market value on that equipment and the saturation levels in the market place when it comes to reselling that equipment; industry ranking is a key indicator that affects the market value or appeal of portfolios. For instance, the last several years, the construction and transportation industry have been in the spotlight of downturns, leaving us to anticipate bankruptcies as high as 20%, whereas we continue to see upside potential for medical paper; the industry recovery rates; and even if the accounts are set up on ACH or will they require some manual feeds such as invoicing. ACH holds a higher retention rate. All of these indicators affect the portfolio pricing for whatever product the commercial debt buying is reviewing. And in case you do not know what we consider as a product line that would be Performing accounts, Non Performing, Charge-offs, Deficiencies, Judgments and even Bankruptcies.

This should give you some comfort in that this promises no more waiting months or years without a guarantee of return (a true benefit when you factor in the time value of money).

• Product Development: Commercial debt buyers must collaborate with their clients in order to meet the changing needs of the market place and in doing so, expand revenue channels and profit centers. It will be tough to remain competitive moving forward if all you can do is purchased distressed/ non-performing debt at steep dis-

counts. Clients will not only expect turnkey private label servicing, but they’ll also expect commercial debt buyers to offer a broad array of professional services offerings that include risk management, portfolio appraisal services, some forms of syndication and other hybrid credit facilities.

• Market Expansion: Commercial debt buyers must consider opportunities beyond the U.S. border. The risk of purchasing and/or servicing cross border debt is not nearly as speculative as it was even just a few years ago. I’m seeing private programs being developed for the captive companies and Alliances are being designed specifically to bridge current gaps for both sides.

The bottom line is this…you simply cannot prepare for the future without anticipating the future. In fact, the most important job that I have as President of HSW is to envision the future, and anticipate what may lay ahead – my clients demand it, my employees deserve it, and it’s what good leaders do.

If your comfort zone as a leader has been limited to current market conditions, it is important to break out of this unhealthy mindset. You cannot grow a business by maintaining the status quo in a changing economy. For the good of your business, to the benefit of those you serve, and for the betterment of the industry, it is time to elevate your vision and begin to look forward.

About the Author Michelle Rodriguez is President of HSW Financial, one of the nation’s leading commercial debt buyers. HSW specializes in acquiring and servicing both performing and non-performing equipment leasing portfolios. More information can be found by visiting our website at www. hswfinancial.com or call us at 888-217-8898.

29.

The Boys N Da’ Hood: The Ingredient to Better Communities

By Dr. D. L. Jones, Contributing Writer Most current literature, nightly news reports, urban preachers’ sermons, and barbershop conversations suggest that African-American males are in deep trouble. How is that? First and foremost, they lead our nation in homicides and oddly enough, they now have the fastest growing rate for suicide.

If it couldn’t get any worse, Black males have been contracting HIV and AIDS at a faster rate than any other race in the country. Speaking of prison, their incarceration, conviction and arrest rates have been at the top of the charts in most state within our nation. Americans are experiencing one of the greatest economic depressions in the history of this great country. However, this is not uncommon to the Black male; in the labor market Blacks have always been the least likely to be hired, and in many cities, the most likely to be unemployed.

It is not surprising that there are common connections between, underperforming schools, socially irrelevant churches and low performing AfricanAmerican males and the hardships experienced in our urban communities.

Hats off to the many great churches, preachers, schools, and homes that serve as the common denominator for building great communities for the Boys N Da’ Hood.

Black leaders and sociologists understand that the environment within urban communities has a profound influence on college readiness, self efficacy, economic growth and urban community stability.

More importantly, building lives parenthetically build better communities which influence the way in which Black males come to understand the power of economic growth, education, sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

citizenship and social responsibility. The evidence is clear, the better the community the better the child. Heretofore, we have seen many of our larger urban communities falling prey to economic injustice, poor performing schools, domestic upheaval, and the absence of community solidarity. These attributes are the cause for poor communities.

Left unchanged history will repeat itself.

The good news is that our urban communities have always had an undercurrent of people who swim against the troubled waters of social injustice to see that our young Black men have a better future. I was reminded of this fact when I received the “Most Distinguished Alumni Award” at my former college in Michigan. As I stood to receive this award, I found myself getting choked-up as I reminisced back on my childhood mentor, Dr. Luther Dease, my friend’s dad who lived two blocks from my home. With tears in my eyes I began my acceptance speech by saying “This award does not belong solely to me, Dr. Dease would you please stand.

This award belongs to this man who took the time to mentor me and many other Boys N Da’ Hood. Regardless of the tough times many Black males experience growing up, Dr. Dease was the undercurrent and the winds of change for many young boys, especially the one standing in front of you today.”

What is the message? It is Gestalt in theory; the part is not greater than the whole. It takes a village to raise a child and properly raised boys enhance the village. Building better communities start with building young lives one child at a time. Good communities consist of good individuals, good schools, good churches, and economic stability.

The answer to building good communities is not as simple as the aforementioned prescription. Some of the friends I grew up with have fallen prey to the prison system, drugs and/or a life of crime. We all came from the same community, experienced the same growing pains within single parent homes and did enough “dirt” that warranted punishment. Most attended public schools, but those who succeeded had a common denominator within their lives; someone who cared about The Boys N Da’ Hood: The main ingredient to Building Good Communities. www.

30.

16

th Annual Pinnacle Awards

Finalists Announced:

Companies Represent Excellence in African American Business

By Tyra M. Metoyer, Contributing Writer

The Houston Citizen’s Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) announced the finalists for its prestigious African American Business Achievement Pinnacle Awards. Awards will be given in three categories. The finalists were selected from dozens of excellent nominees. Winners will be presented at the 16th annual, black-tie event on Friday, October 8, 2010, at Houston’s InterContinental Hotel at 7:00 p.m. where The Honorable Alexis M. Herman will deliver the keynote address.

Advocate Award: The Advocate Award was created to honor an organization that has been a true champion for African-American small businesses in the Greater Houston Metropolitan area. These organizations are diligently working to ensure the stability and growth of small businesses through its diversity supplier programs, community outreach and education. The finalists for this year’s Advocate Award are: Comerica Bank, Prairie View A&M University and Texas A&M University.

Mack Hannah, Jr. Upstart Award: This category is named in honor of humanitarian, community and land developer, banker, financier, and diplomat, Mack Hannah, Jr. The criteria states that these businesses must be: 51 percent African American owned, a for-profit business in operation for no more than two years, and located in the Greater Houston Area or surrounding cities.

The Mack H. Hannah, Jr. Upstart Business Award recognizes a business on the path to entrepreneurial greatness. The four finalists this year represent a diversity of companies and industries. They are all innovators and are already successful in their own right. The finalists are: Awesome Multiservice; Brooks and Davis real Estate Firm, LLC; Simply Sweets and Zion Promotional Products.

Pinnacle Awards: sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

Pinnacle Award nominees must also be 51 percent African American owned, a for profit business for a minimum of three years, and located in the Greater Houston Area or surrounding cities. Of the following 10 finalists, four winners will be named 2010 Pinnacle Award winners: Aztec; Dean’s Professional Services; Joie De’ Linens and Event Planning; Lasting Impressions; Melodrama Boutique; RPH Consulting; T&K’s Mobile Detailing and Pressure Washing; The DeJohn Group; Therapy In Motion; and Urban Divas Hair Studio.

“These companies, their growth and access to even greater opportunities are what The Chamber has been dedicated to for the past 75 years, “Eric Lyons, president of Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce said. “They are professional, capable, and committed to maintaining a high quality business operation worthy of the Pinnacle Award. Likewise, the Advocate Award finalists are pillars of the Houston business community and are well-respected. This is the continuing legacy of the Pinnacle Awards.”

to support African American entrepreneurial growth. 75 years later, the HCCC mission is still to help secure business opportunities for AfricanAmerican business owners, entrepre-

neurs and professionals and provide them with programs and forums to educate, equip and empower the growth and prosperity of their businesses.

About the Pinnacle Awards African American business excellence is exemplified in the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce’s Pinnacle Awards. The Houston Citizen’s Chamber of Commerce established the Pinnacle Awards in 1994, and is celebrating 16 years of recognizing outstanding African American Businesses in the Houston community. The Pinnacle Awards are the most prestigious awards in honor of African Americanowned businesses. The 16th Annual Pinnacle Awards will be held Friday, October 8, 2010.

Tickets and Tables for the event are still available for purchase, and can be obtained by visiting www.hcccpinnacleawards.org.

About HCCC The Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce (HCCC), a non-profit organization, was established in 1935 www.

31.

Working With Family Members

Working with members of your family has the potential to be a very trying, sticky and challenging situation. It can bring out the best in you and your relatives--and also the worst in your working relationships. It can cause you to minimize or overlook errors or omissions that your relative commits, or it can make you excessively hypercritical and condescending.

Just why does this happen? Working with family members is difficult for any number of reasons: • You know so much about the other person--you’ve been privy to intimate information about them.

• You have years of experiences with them, both positive and negative.

• You know the other person’s “hot and cold buttons,” the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that reward, cajole and pacify, or punish, threaten and dismiss the other person.

• Maybe you don’t like your relative or, conversely, you’re very close with that person, which means you could either be overly critical or overly protective of them.

• You may provide too much supervision or teamwork--or you may provide too little.

As a result of the knowledge and closeness you have with this other person, you may find it difficult to be rational, logical, accurate or fair with your thoughts, feelings and behaviors when it comes to interacting with that person.

So how do you begin to correct the situation? First, you need to approach the other person and acknowledge that the current relationship isn’t working optimally, that something is either “too right” or “too wrong,” too positive or too negative. Then you need to discuss the impact your behaviors or attitudes are having on other employees and the company as a whole. Third, you need to agree to meet together or with an experienced, neutral, fearless and objective HR manager or external consultant.

Fourth, it’s important that you both sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

agree that you’re going to work together to improve and maximize the current relationship for your own sake as well as the sake of the organization.

Next, you both need to agree that you want to work toward making the working atmosphere more professional and less personal. You have to agree not to allow your personal feelings, either positive or negative, to enter into the workplace. But be warned: These tactics will only work if you empower someone you trust, including another relative, to step in and stop actions that appear to be based on irrational feelings, either positive and negative (in other words, actions that you’re taking that overlook or are overly critical of your relative’s behavior).You also need to clarify the specific goals each of you agrees to meet so that behaviors and attitudes are directed toward meeting the company’s goals and mission. Ensure that any statement of goals you create is specific, can be measured and assessed, and can be successfully achieved.

After that, you’ll want to make sure that your roles are carefully, objectively, rationally and completely described to ensure optimal clarity by all individuals for all roles. This is an especially critical step because it’s very common that working relationships fall apart when this step has not been taken. When employees at any level are confused about “who is responsible for what,” conflict and misunderstandings result.

And finally, make sure you build trust. Start by acknowledging the current situation. You’ll be appreciated and valued for discussing a topic that others know about but are reluctant to bring up. Make sure that others can trust what you’re saying and doing by backing up your thoughts and actions with clarity and explanations. Then, when you make a commitment to change the status quo, do what you’re saying and say what you’re doing. Make sure your actions speak for themselves, and when they don’t, offer clear explanations. In addition, act with integrity, honesty and truthfulness in all that you do.

32.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

33.

Finish the Race

By Carla Lane, Contributing Writer

I

t has been three years since Claire Markwardt’s experienced a horrific fall in the final stretch of the Ohio State high school cross country championship. And while tens of thousands of people have seen the YouTube video, Markwardt has seen it only one time.

Once was enough for the talented athlete to watch herself fall to the ground as first, her left tibia and then her fibula, snapped in half. Only once has she watched herself crawl the final 45 feet to the finish line, ensuring that she would complete the final race of her high school career. And even that one time, she had to stop the video at the point where a race official picks her up and carries her to a doctor.

What Markwardt saw in the video might not be visible to the rest of us.

She saw a teenage girl who, a year earlier, watched the State Meet from the stands and made a personal commitment to run in that race in her senior year. She saw a girl who fulfilled that commitment, and then, with a badly broken leg 45 feet from the finish line, had a choice: Finish, or don’t finish.

To her, it was a no-brainer.

When Markwardt speaks of her memories from the meet, the first thing she mentions is how perfect the entire day was supposed to be. She was to run the biggest race of her life in the morning. As soon as it finished, she was to drive with her dad to her big sister’s wedding, where she would be the maid sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

of honor.

At the one- and two-mile markers, Markwardt was on a personal-best pace.

Then, as she entered the stadium at Columbus’ Scioto Downs, with about 400 meters to go, she heard her left leg crack. The leg had been sore on and off for the previous two weeks. When she heard the crack, Markwardt thought it was a muscle pull or tear. She thought she could gut it out to the finish line.

There was a runner from one of a rival school right in front of her. She recounts how she just kept staring at the back of her jersey and pushing to catch her. But some 200 meters later, Markwardt heard the leg crack again. And again. Then there was a louder crack, and her entire leg gave out. She fell to the ground as onlookers winced at the sound and the sight of what happened.

One of Markwardt’s teammates, unaware of what had happened, encouraged her to get up. She tried, using her right leg. But as soon as she shifted weight to the left, the loudest crack yet came. And her leg gave out again.

At that point, she knew what had happened. She knew her leg was broken pretty badly. And she knew she couldn’t get up again. So she started crawling.

She thought not of her coach, nor her parents, nor anyone else who had encouraged her to never give up, to see things to the finish. Instead, she thought of the countless stories she had heard about runners who collapsed before a race’s end and somehow found the courage to cross that last line. Even if her leg had given out at the 400-meter mark, she said, it wouldn’t have mattered. She was going to finish. She had come so far. Her team had come so far. All season, they had been working for state, and now they were there. She was almost done, and there was no way she was going to let the team down.

So, she finished the race in a time of 20:24.07, only 18 seconds slower than her personal best (20:06), despite crawling for the last 45 feet. www.

So often, we have every reason not to finish what we start. No one have would have thought badly of Claire if she had given up after hearing the first unnerving crack and feeling the first piercing pain.

No one would think badly of an entrepreneur throwing in the towel, with an economy like this it is hard to keep the doors open.

No one would say anything negative about the college student who decides to change their major because the classes required for the degree are just too hard.

Who would say anything about

the salesperson that always meets their quota but never goes beyond it? After all, they are meeting quota.

We should all be like Markwardt and challenge ourselves. To commit to whatever it is that you want to do. And commit with everything you have. And when you do, you will find that when you finish, you have accomplished more than you ever thought you could.

Education is Keey 4 Kommunities: A Kall To Action!

By Wykesha C. Hayes, M.Ed Contributing Writer

ties because I wholeheartedly believe that they are the heart beat of our society. More importantly, when we fail them today, we fail the potential of our Kommunities tomorrow. It is necessary that we begin to give a loud voice to the circumstances of our youth and the issues that impact them. Perhaps, you are fortunate enough to live within a white picket fence Kommunity but the reality is many of our urban students do not.

We must and can compensate by getting involved and enriching the opportunities available to them. You see, when we decide to change the circumstances of those less fortunate, we in turn open the door to greater opportunities for ourselves. In essence, a common cliché applies “We are only as strong as our weakest link” and when this link is our youth the most vulnerable among us, we face even greater repercussions as a society.

Getting involved in reversing the above mentioned statistics is simple.

Find your passion and couple that passion with an organization, school, or youth group to offer your expertise.

For example, Keey 4 Kommunities, Inc. (www.keey4kommunities.com) is a local organization dedicated to “Building Youth, Strengthening Families and Changing Kommunities”. I founded this non-profit, as an extension of what my passion and purpose is. Wherever your purpose, passions, or expertise lies, there are youth and Kommunities who are in need of your contributions. I employ you to GET

In 2009, The America’s Promise Alliance released a report, Cities in Crisis, that revealed devastating statistics. According to the report three out of 10 students are failing to earn a high school diploma, with one quarter of a million students failing to graduate from public schools within the 50 largest cities. These numbers are staggering and yet we have thriving individuals in the heart of these cities who do not find it necessary to engage in building stronger better Kommunities.

The fact remains that when our students are left unequipped with the necessary tools, namely a high school diploma for starters, our Kommunities suffer. Perhaps, it is unclear that the overwhelmingly high number of high school drop outs, plays an enormous role in the productivity of our Kommunities as a whole. Research after research has shown that education impacts employment status, which directly impacts earning potential, which in turn impacts the driving force of our Kommunities.

INVOLVED TODAY, OUR KOMI choose to focus on youth as the MUNITIES NEED YOU! pulse of building stronger Kommuni-

34.

THE EXPERT NETWORK

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

35.

THE EXPERT NETWORK

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

36.

THE EXPERT NETWORK

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

37.

THE EXPERT NETWORK - MEDICAL

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

38.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

39.

THE EXPERT NETWORK - MEDICAL

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

40.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

41.

Look Who’s Coming to Houston!

By Humphrey Brown III, Contributing Writer

Reformer…revolutionary… pioneer.

These are but some of the words that describe the ministry and message of one of the nation’s foremost Kingdom theologians and down-to-earth pastors, Dr. Dana Carson. Dr. Carson first hit the national scene when he was one of the first pastors to broadcast on the WORD Network. The popularity of his radical message and raw delivery was spurred over the years not only by word of mouth, but by his television broadcasts on TBN and BET. Always the trailblazer, Dr. Carson is one of the original pastors to broadcast every Sunday morning on Praise 92.1.

His broadcast has a committed following of thousands of listeners who tune in weekly to listen to his unique Kingdom message. Combining biblical study and scholarship with the lessons learned in the ghettos of Chicago, Dr. Carson is frank and real – people love the way he teaches the practical application of the Word of God on a level that anyone and everyone can understand. Dr. Carson is no stranger to adversity, having overcome the odds as a high school dropout who completed his education at the Dawson Skills Center in one of the most crime-infested areas of the south side of Chicago, directly across the street from the projects.

Thousands of Houstonians have heard of his name… they’ve watched his weekly broadcast every Sunday on Daystar, saw him host the Daystar show “Celebration,” viewed him on the WORD Network or streamed in live to the Dana Carson Ministries Network on StreamingFaith.com. For years, Dr. Carson has received requests from his followers to bring his ministry to the Houston area. However, he wasn’t moved to act until God released him.

Dr. Carson had proven himself as an accomplished, well-respected, and anointed leader in Austin, TX, building one of the largest AfricanAmerican-led churches in a city described as “the preacher’s graveyard.” Apparently, no one told him that the city was a graveyard for preachers, because he came with the power of resurrection and sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

established a mega-church. He also wrote articles and was oftreferenced by the Austin American Statesman and became known locally as the pastor of the former Lt. Governor Bob Bullock, who followed Dr. Carson’s television broadcast.

The ministry of Dr. Carson grew exponentially in Alvin, a city not historically known for AfricanAmerican-led churches. However, Dr Carson defied the odds by establishing a vibrant ministry in an Dr. Carson consecrates candidates for The ROCK Intl. unlikely place that continues to Network of Kingdom-minded Leaders touch and attract people in Brazoria County and the Greater Houston area. The ROCK of Christ’s Kingdom World Outreach Intl. (www. has served the Alvin community for years with health therockalvin.com), people of all ages gather weekly to hear his electrifying, transforming teaching in an extraordinary worship context filled with interactive media technology.

Dr. Carson’s ministry is built upon the Great Commission to go into the world and preach the gospel. He has trained leaders and planted ROCK churches in New York, Mississippi, Austin, Lake Jackson, Missouri City, and North Houston as well as South Africa, Liberia, and the Philippines. Dr. Carson trains these leaders through his international fellowship of Kingdom-minded leaders and through Dr. Carson ministers at The ROCK Johannesburg, Carson Kingdom Institute, which prepares leaders one of many churches he’s planted internationally for 21st century ministry. awareness fairs, Hurricane Katrina relief services, Dr. Carson purchased a 66,000 sq. foot facility and mentorship and exposure opportunities through in Alvin with a youth center that ministers to chila federal at-risk program for junior high school dren and youth through innovative programs and youth. The ROCK helps to prepare Alvin children facilities. Youth are trained for leadership through Triple A Youth Ministry: arts, athletics, and apprenticeship. This revolutionary leader and his ministry have made one of the largest single land purchases by a church in America by purchasing 221 acres of land.

This land will serve as the DCM and ROCK international headquarters and will be used to develop nonprofit and for-profit businesses. The ministry also established one of the nation’s favorite restaurants, Fat Daddy’s Soul Food and Chicago-Style Dining, in Alvin, TX (www.fatdaddysinc.com).

Now finally, Dr. Carson has been released of Dr. Carson takes time to mentor his youngest son, Devon, in the Lord and inspired by the Holy Spirit to begin a the midst of his leadership training responsibilities church work in Houston. By popular demand, this for academic achievement by giving away backpacks work will be launched Saturday, September 25th with school supplies and providing immunization at the Carter G. Woodson School on Airport Blvd. information, while they enjoy giant inflatable fun, across the street from the former St. Agnes Baptist games, food, and entertainment through its annual Church facility.

Back 2 School Bash. Along with these community God has led Dr. Carson to the Houston area to investments, Dr. Carson also serves as a chaplain raise up an army of Kingdom-minded worshipers. He with the Alvin Police Department. At the Reflections will offer his teaching and preaching ministry twice a www.

42.

cently released One True King, the book sequel to the widely acclaimed, The Doors of the Church are Closed. He is the founder of DCM Church Growth Consultants, Carson Consulting Group, Intellichurch Kingdom Products and Curriculums Corporations. He is also an adjunct professor of leadership in the doctoral program at Oral Roberts University.

Dr. Carson looks forward to bringing his calling and leadership experience to lift the Aerial view of DCM’s 221 acres of land southeast Houston community. week in the southeast area. On Saturday from 6-7:30 His vision is to build a Bible-centered, Spirit-filled, pm he will offer an extraordinary worship service that Community-building, Kingdom-minded ministry. is innovative, Spirit-filled, and anointed. He will be His ministry in the Houston area is aimed at edubringing the strength of his academic training and down-to-earth teaching to everyday people every Tuesday from 7-8:30 pm through the University of DCM (www.theuniversityofdcm.com) where the enrollment is free but the learning is priceless.

Dr. Carson holds three earned doctorates: Boston University in theological studies, Regent University in organizational leadership, and Logos University in Christian psychology. He also holds three Masters The ROCK experiencing its Xtraordinary Worship Service degrees: a Master in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M, a Master of Divinity from Austin Pres- cating people with the Kingdom message, restoring byterian Theological Seminary/Oral Roberts Uni- families through his couple’s ministry, and developversity, and he was the first full-time clergy to ever ing leadership skills in youth and college students, graduate with an MBA from the world-class Fuqua while raising and empowSchool of Business at Duke University. Dr. Carson’s ering Spirit-filled chilbachelor’s degree in Business Administration is from dren to become leaders in the film location of “The Great Debaters”, which government, education, starred Denzel Washington - HBCU Wiley College. church, and family.

The ROCK Houston (www.therockhouston. com) will not just be another church, but a Kingdom experience for the family. Tuesday will not simply be a normal Bible study, but a structured learning context where people will understand the Kingdom of God to Dr. Carson and his daughter Angel ignite the help them to transform congregation with their singing abilities their families, finances, Dr. Carson is a well-published author who has and faith as they learn written multiple publications and articles. He re- to triumph in Kingdom wisdom and knowledge.

The University of DCM will allow a time to get biblical questions answered in a spirituallytransforming, learning environment.

Dr. Carson invites those of you in need of a spiritual covering or a place to learn biblicallyMiracles happen at The ROCK! Dr. Carson prays and based, sound Kingdom the blind see, the lame walk, and marriages are restored sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

First Lady Carson imparts Kingdom wisdom into the women of The ROCK

truths to become a part of this exciting ministry where membership matters, and service makes the difference.

Join Dr. Carson every Saturday evening for extraordinary worship from 6-7:30 pm at the Carter G. Woodson School and don’t forget to come “Holla at the Scholar” on Tuesdays at 7pm at the University of DCM. For more information about Dr. Carson, visit his website at www.danacarsonministries.com.

Children and youth are priority at The ROCK, and their facilities are 5-star

43.

Building Better Businesses

By Betty Sanders, Contributing Writer Dr. Jean Kantambu Latting has always had a passion for helping people and communities maximize their potential and improve their quality of life.

“As a young child, my favorite stories were about people who were willing to go the extra mile to achieve a goal or to help others,” she explained.

Today, she has incorporated that passion into her professional life by using a “whole person” (holistic) approach in her consulting and coaching work, which is dedicated to building better businesses by helping individuals maximize strengths, authenticity, and integrity. Even under challenging circumstances, individuals with whom she works report that they have gained increased skill in strategically analyzing their work settings, relationships, and impacts on others while demonstrating their ability to walk their talk.

Approximately thirty years ago, Jean began her career in the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston where she has taught courses in empowerment, organizational change and behavior, social justice, leadership, and research methods.

During her tenure, she has received numerous awards, including selection

for several teaching awards, election to an honor society, and appointment to an endowed professorship. One of her significant achievements was founding the Center for Organizational Research and Effectiveness, a research and development program focused on helping nonprofit organizations improve their effectiveness. Two years ago, Dr. Latting officially retired from the University of Houston, earning the title of Professor Emeritus of Leadership and Change. She has continued to teach leadership courses.

Recently, her commitment to building better businesses has intensified with a focus on developing leadership skills, emphasizing helping people, and enhancing group strengths.

She is the author of numerous publications and the co-founder of Leading Consciously, LLC, and a consulting, training, and research organization dedicated to increasing leadership capability. The Leading Consciously approach is based on the principles and skills outlined in her recent book, Reframing Change: How to Deal with Workplace Dynamics, Influence Others, and Bring People Together to Initiate Positive Change, (Praeger 2009).

This book was co-authored with Dr. V. Jean Ramsey, a former professor in the School of Business at Texas Southern University.

Dr. Latting and her colleagues facilitate work groups and leadership teams in achieving their goals by coaching them to build upon the strengths of others, bridge individual differences, and develop greater mutual accountability. Assessment tools and other measures available provide individu-

By Pastor Chris Hartwell Contributing Writer In May 2008, I had an unexpected tragic motorcycle accident that left me 30 feet from my bike, lying face down, with a broken neck. Before the crash, I was what some would consider, favored because I had a growing ministry, a loving wife and three beautiful girls; but I was

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

at a dead end. The misfortune not only broke my neck but it pulled me out of the cave of chaos and calamity to get me back on track with my preordained purpose and destiny. Three weeks in the hospital and months of recovery without a day off were required to rebuild my endurance, restore my depth perception and muscle tone. Getting back on track is not an easy task but following these steps will aide in becoming victorious.

We are in the last quarter of 2010, which means we have survived the sultry days of summer and the hazards of halftime distractions. It is time to get back on track! You may have lost possessions, people and opportunities but you can regain your “swagga” by renewing your passion, commitment and covenant. This will aswww.

For more information about her work and to read her blog, visit www.leadingconsciously.com.

Let us Promote your Business, Your Event, or You! Advertise today in D-MARS Business Journal Call US TODAY!

Real Talk: Getting Back on Track

als and work groups with benchmarks for determining their effectiveness in critical areas for success. The results of this work have revealed greater ease in reaching decisions, increased ability to surface difficult issues, greater understanding of how to leverage differences, and streamlined processes for completing work tasks.

713.272.9511 misplaced priorities. This should lead us to interrogating ourselves with these lines of questions: 1) What does God want done? 2) Where does God want it done?

3) When does God want it done?

The last step in your comeback involves asking, “Who does God want involved?” We can experience perpetual defeat because we have the wrong people cast in the wrong role. You may be in covenant or partnership with someone who has unproductive habits and unhealthy relationships, which ultimately causes you to be ineffective. The results of regaining our passion, commitment and covenant will allow us to experience success beyond our limitations.

sist in refocusing our priorities. Jimmy Dean says, “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”

Discouragement over the past and fear of the future are the two reactions that often accompany failure. We look back and remember the mistakes that we made and then we look ahead and wonder For more information please visit www. whether there’s any future for people who hartwellministries.org or email pastor Chris at fail so foolishly. This can cause one to pastorchartwell@gmail.com. be drawn in different directions. Passion will cause us to evaluate: “Where did I go wrong?” “What am I willing to give up?”

“Who is my allegiance to?”

The next step in your recovery is commitment. Challenge yourself on where and whom you spend your time with. The real problem may not be the economy but

44.

THE EXPERT NETWORK

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

45.

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

46.

THE EXPERT NETWORK

sept. 15 - oct. 15 2010

www.

47.