Business Journal 149 by d-mars.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 2020

Inspire, Inform & Educate

149th Edition

MOVING FORWARD

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR MAYOR TURNER’S 2nd TERM 12-13

INSIDE

06 Black Heritage Society Presents 42nd Annual Original MLK Day Parade

The 13th Annual McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour

Comerica Bank Names Irvin Ashford, Jr. Chief Community Officer

January 2020 | 3

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

MR. D-MARS CERTIFIED:

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d-mars.com is proud to share the success stories of African American businesses and civic and community leaders. We know that success does not always come easy and it is not always measured in money. How have you helped your fellow entrepreneur? Have you supported your locally-owned African American business? Have you donated to a nonprofit that is working in our underserved communities? Questions to think about and actions to take. This month’s issue highlights the inauguration ceremony for Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with City Controller Chris Brown and City Council member. The ceremony was

Port of Houston

BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tiffany Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla STAFF WRITER Carly Hammack ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kendra Wiseman PROJECT COORDINATOR Lindsey Ford DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Norma Adams-Wade Christopher G. Cox LJ Garfield Cheryl Smith James A. Washington

“People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together.”

METRO

— Michelle Obama

City of Houston

attended by a diverse crowd of campaign supporters, elected officials, community leaders and faith leaders. Mayor Turner spoke about his plans to continue propelling Houston forward in his second term by building on successful programs established in his first term. Mayor Turner has made it a point to be a hands-on leader for the City of Houston. He has brought a performance driven approach to this position, creating more responsive and efficient delivery of city services. As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

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CONTENTS 04 Business 04 The Gig Economy Is On The Rise Is It For You? 05 BlackWoman Start-Up: Working to Close Significant Revenue Gap of Black Woman-Owned Businesses 06 Community 04 06 Black Heritage Society Presents 42Nd Annual Original MLK Day Parade 07 Did You Know? 07 District B Councilmember Jeffrey L. Boney Appointed to Serve on NLC’s Committee 08 Old Folks Saying 09 Commentary: Always Give Love And Thanks 10 Comerica Bank Names Irvin Ashford, Jr. Chief Community Officer 12,21 Cover Story 12,21 Moving Forward: What’s In Store For Mayor Turner’s 2nd Term 24 Finances 24 Next Year’s Tax Tips For Small Business Owners 25 The Benefits Of Having Strong Credit

12,21 14 Health 14 Cervical Cancer is Infecting More Women Than We Thought 15 Kick off 2020 by getting outdoors and enjoying state parks 16 Give Your Backside A Break: 4 Tips If You Sit For Extended Periods 18 How To Find The Right Balance With Pain Management 22 In The Community 22 The 13th Annual McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour

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

25 Real Estate 25 Proposed Changes to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) 26 Technology 26 Common Tech Hurdles When Starting A Small Business 30 Travel 30 How To Find A Bucket List Worthy Sailing Adventure

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4 | January 2020 BUSINESS

The gig economy is on the rise

IS IT FOR YOU?

* Pursuit of the ultimate work/life blend

By d-mars.com News Provider

reelancer, passion projects, side hustles are all synonymous with the gig economy - which has grown substantially over the past decade. The economic downturn of 2008 led many employers to recruit gig/temporary workers to control costs. The explosion of rideshare services and other contract employment has increased the awareness of gig as a steady work stream. According to MetLife’s 17th Annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study, almost 30 million Americans receive primary income from gig or part-time work nearly one-fifth of the total workforce. An additional 15 million supplement “traditional” full-time work with gig work. The study found that 85% of gig workers were interested in continuing their contract work over the next five years, instead of seeking a traditional work role.

What does it mean to go ‘gig’? The gig economy is defined as work based on a fixedterm contract, or that’s paid per project by a company, third party or via an online marketplace. Those who use gig work to earn extra money part-time include full-time employees looking to boost their income, students, people who want to pursue a passion project, stay-at-home parents, job seekers and retirees. Others consider gig work as their full-time employment. It may be surprising to learn gig workers are well distributed across all demographics in today’s workforce, according to the study: * 21% Gen Z (ages 21-22) * 34% Gen Y (ages 23-36) * 21% Gen X (ages 37-52) * 25% Boomers (ages 53 and up)

Flexibility over one’s time is probably the top attraction of gigging. In the study, nearly half the respondents (49%) said that not being able to work remotely was the reason they left full-time work. Flexible schedules offer workers a compelling work/life blend of their choosing. Due to the flexibility and ease of communication provided by technology today, more jobs are becoming open to remote work and adaptable schedules - across many sectors - which may help companies retain fulltime employees tempted by the gig lifestyle. * Autonomy, fulfillment and a sense of purpose Gigging allows workers more choice in the work they do, and freedom to pursue a variety of projects. They can choose where they work and who they work for. Gig workers tend to see work as more than just earning a paycheck. The study found nearly half of gig workers (48%) said they work to gain a sense of fulfillment, and 47% said that a significant influence in working was to feel a sense of self-worth.

Gig work is appealing for many reasons, to many people. According to the MetLife study, 67% of fulltime employees reported interest in gig work as opposed to their current jobs, and 49% of employees expressed the intent to leave their current employer for contract or freelance work in the next five years.

* Employer benefits Gig workers are usually responsible for obtaining medical insurance and other benefits normally provided by employers. In fact, only 4% of gig workers reported that employers offered insurance, and only 5% said they were offered a retirement plan. People who choose to “be their own boss” must also procure their own benefits beyond health care, such as short- or long-term disability, accident insurance and more. Gig workers who want or need benefits may have to pay the full cost of coverage themselves. In the survey, 65% of gig workers said that they would be interested in a wider array of non-medical benefits that they could pay for on their own.

* Co-workers and career development

The challenges gig workers face

What makes gig work so attractive?

Gig workers need to constantly keep up with obtaining and maintaining clients, ensuring their next project (and paycheck) is lined up. They also need to pay their own self-employment taxes and Social Security, among other expenses.

While there are many appealing aspects of gigging, it also presents unique challenges. * Financial stressors

Unlike traditional employees with daily access to networking with colleagues and continuing education through their employers, gig workers wanting to develop their careers must find and pursue those opportunities on their own. Interested in gigging? Read “The Gig Economy: Opportunities, Challenges, and Employer Strategies” report to learn more about MetLife’s insights into the evolving gig economy.

The main stressor for all employees - gig or traditional - is finances. Gig workers may experience more financial stress than traditional full-time workers, however, since their work may be less steady than a traditional position.

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Source: BPT

January 2020 | 5 BUSINESS

BlackWoman Start-Up: Working to Close Significant Revenue Gap of Black Woman-Owned Businesses By d-mars.com News Provider

lthough Black women are being lauded as the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., their earnings are not on par with their white counterparts. In fact, according to American Express, women-owned businesses generate an average of $143,000 a year. However, for women of color, revenue averages have dropped from $84,000 in 2007 to $64,000 in 2018. Conversely, white women business owners’ revenues rose from $181,000 to $212,000. E.R. Spaulding, CEO of BlackWoman Startup, a Chicago, IL-based company created as a support system for black women business owners who wanted to achieve above average business ownership success. They are doing this through coaching, training, customized programming, systems development, innovation, integration and automation, recognized these disturbing facts, and determined to help address it. “I’m a true believer that powerful people ask powerful questions and the information found in the 2018 State of Women Report by American Express, helped me to ask different questions,” said Spaulding, the chief operations officer and a partner in the 200,000-member strong BlackCEO Business Network, along with founder, Trevor Otts. “The answers to these questions revealed that Black women in business who were moving from employee to entrepreneur, were barely making it, because the average

black woman in business was earning only about $24,700 a year as of 2017,” she continued. “This helped me to see that the narrative was incomplete and that Black women business owners needed a life raft,” Spaulding said. A successful business consultant, with a corporate background in project management, operations, and cultural development, Spaulding at one point also found herself in a challenging financial situation which negatively impacted her first company. However, with the help of caring business mentors, she was able to turn her circumstances around. As a result, she says that she created BlackWoman Startup to not only offer affordable, practical and proven success strategies for Black women business owners, but also be a supportive and effective resource. “Marketing Camp powered by BlackWoman Startup is an intensive training ground committed to helping high achieving women transitioning from careers, move into cash flow positive businesses and marketing effectively is a major part of that,” shared Spaulding. “Our Marketing Camps, which typically only accepts 30 highly-motivated people per quarter, is designed to help Black women business owners

build systems to help power their business success for the next 10 years, and we believe in the results and value of what we’re offering so much, for the first time, we’re allowing women to name their own price to attend,” she said. Among the comprehensive marketing training mechanisms to be offered during the power-packed BlackWoman Startup Marketing Camp, will be CRM Management and set up; social media marketing and marketing automation, online billing platforms and systems; squeeze page and landing page design and set up; creating Facebook and YouTube Ads; video marketing and more. Successful business owners skilled in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns, will be providing training including the Evergreen Revenue Model, the PPSA Decision Making Matrix, the Influencer Launch and Automation Mastery. “I remember that feeling of only having $20 to my name and someone stood in the gap to help me and didn’t judge me, and I want to pay it forward,” said Spaulding. “Our programs are here to help black women business owners, while holding them accountable to the greatness within them,” she said. For more information on BlackWoman Startup Marketing Camps or to register, go to: https://blackwomanstartup.com/ marketingcamp/

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Source: NNPA

6 | January 2020 COMMUNITY

BLACK HERITAGE SOCIETY PRESENTS 42nd Annual Original MLK Day Parade

Director of the Black Heritage Society. Attendance for both events will be free to the general public. The parade is part of a full weekend of festivities and community service projects with a focus on recognizing the life and legacy of beloved civil rights leader, the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 2020 grand marshal along with an official lineup of community events and projects will be announced soon. For more information, please call 713236-1700 or visit the official website at www. blackheritagesociety.org.

By d-mars.com News Provider

he Black Heritage Society and the City of Houston have announced open registration for the 42nd Annual “Original” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade on Monday, January 20, 2020. The celebration will take place downtown near City Hall, starting at Smith and Lamar streets, from 10 a.m. to noon. Organizations who wish to participate in the parade are instructed to register via an application on www.blackheritagesociety.org by Friday January 3, 2020. The historic parade was the very first MLK Day Parade held in the nation after being sanctioned by the King family in 1978 here in Houston. Last year, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced that the City of Houston would provide primary support for the nationally-recognized celebration through a collective partnership with the Black Heritage Society, a non-profit organization founded by longtime community advocate Mr. Ovide Duncantell. “We are pleased to partner with the Black Heritage Society for a second year to unite

About Black Heritage Society all Houstonians in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “The 2020 parade promises to be even better than the last. It will celebrate our diversity and represent the values Dr. King preached during his lifetime.” The celebration will showcase a variety of marching bands, decorated floats, dance teams, military and ROTC groups, first responders, city and county officials, VIP guest appearances and notable organizations from around the world. The Mayor’s Drum Major Award will be presented again, recognizing

outstanding performance and originality. Immediately following the parade, the celebration will move to Sam Houston Park (1000 Bagby St.) for the 4th Annual MLK, Jr. Taste of Houston festival. The family-friendly experience is an upbeat blend of popular cuisines and desserts, artwork, kid-friendly activities and live musical performances. “The 2020 theme is centered around love and derived from the famous quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that states, ‘I have decided to stick to love...hate is too great a burden to bear,’” said Sylvester Brown, Executive

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The Black Heritage Society is a self-help, non-profit organization chartered by the State of Texas. We inspire, teach and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the weekend of the federal holiday occurring on the third Monday of each January with a celebratory parade and several communities activities throughout the weekend. Black Heritage Society has a long history of fighting for equal rights, social justice and accommodations for all. Source: Black Heritage Society

January 2020 | 7 COMMUNITY

DID YOU

KNOW

COMMENTARY:

I Was Just Thinking...Mama in the Classroom By Norma Adams-Wade Contributing Writer

wrote my first column in 1988 for a local Dallas newspaper. I wrote about a beloved Dallas guidance counselor and teacher that most students called “Mama.” Chew on that for a minute. A teacher that students called “Mama.” There is so much meaning in that thought that I can hardly contain it. Many of you, some of you, may remember her – Mable M. Jackson Chandler, better known as Mama Chandler. She began teaching and counseling during World War II and did so for 39 years before she retired in 1980 and died some years later. She loved it when students called her Mama. She acted the part, but she wasn’t acting. She was real. She cared. She disciplined with a look, a firm reprimand, a take-no-prisoners persona that commanded respect, with no need to demand it. The funny thing is that with all of her “tough-guy” demeanor, I don’t remember any students who seemed to doubt that beneath that exterior was genuine love. So, I was just thinking... about Tiffani Lankford. She’s the 32-yearold substitute teacher who was arrested earlier this month for fighting back after a 16-year-old student allegedly hit her in the face.

The encounter – that happened at Lehman High School in Kyle, Texas just outside of Austin — was caught on cell phone video recorded by another student. The video shows the teacher repeatedly punching the student, pulling her from the desk and slinging her to the floor where the teacher appears to stomp on the student’s head. Initial news reports said there was no immediate information as to what prompted the encounter. The substitute teacher was arrested, fired, and charged with aggravated assault. But back to Mama. I was just thinking... How would Mama Chandler have handled that situation? First of all, though, the thought seems inconceivable that any student during Mama’s time would ever have imagined hitting this maternal figurehead. I remember quoting Mama’s explanation of how she got the endearing title, though she had no children of her own. She had said: “During the war years, fathers were

in service, mothers had to work. I told my students, ‘I’m your Mama now, while you’re here. You have a problem, come talk to me.’” So, how did we get here – from Mama Chandler to a fist fight? Many people who commented on social media sided with the teacher. Commenters also described modern school systems as out-of-control with student violence, blatant disrespect, and disdain for learning. There was once a popular 1950s television series, called ‘I Remember Mama,’ about a Norwegian immigrant family. One reviewer described Mama, the main character, as “one of the warmest characters ever to grace television.” You could not describe Mama Chandler as warm. But she was certainly loved and respected. She also helped finance many students’ college education, and they floated her with cards, letters and visits over the years. When asked the clue to her success, she answered: “Accepting other people’s children as my own.” So, it’s fair to say that those children, her students, could utter with conviction the television show’s familiar tagline: “I remember the big white house... my little sister...big brother...and Papa. But most of all, I remember Mama.”

COMMUNITY

District B Councilmember Jeffrey L. Boney Appointed to Serve on NLC’s Committee By d-mars.com News Provider

CTX District B Councilmember Jeffrey L. Boney was recently appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2020 Community and Economic development (CED) federal advocacy committee. According to NLC, this committee is responsible for developing policy positions and leading NLC’s advocacy on issues involving housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation, and international competitiveness. In addition, the Committee leads efforts in support of federal grant programs that support these activities, including the Community Development Block Grant program. “I am honored to have been appointed to the NLC’s Community and Economic Development federal advocacy committee,” said Councilmember Boney. “Community and Economic Development have always been extremely important to me and they are issues I continue to advocate for. I am looking forward to

working collaboratively with my colleagues from across the country to ensure policymakers understand the issues that are important to us locally.” The Federal Advocacy Committee members comprise of local elected officials and city staff from NLC-member cities and towns across the country who are committed to discussing and influencing federal policy that has a direct and profound impact on local government operations. For additional information about NLC’s Federal Advocacy Committees, click this link: http:// bit.ly/2SCIRQ5. Councilmember Boney was also elected as the regional director for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) Region 11. The NBC-LEO is a network and caucus within NLC that represents the interests of African American local elected officials. For more details on the caucus, visit: http://bit.ly/2MAScDU. To learn more about Councilmember Boney or to contact him, visit: www.missouricitytx.gov/374/District-B. Source: Missouri City Media News

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Source: NNPA

8 | January 2020 COMMUNITY

COMMENTARY: A Sharp Tongue Cuts from the Inside Out Spiritually Speaking… By James A. Washington Contributing Writer

rowing up, I was never a student of the Bible even though I grew up surrounded by the best kind of Christians there were: the love-filled family kind. I believe I am now being constantly moved by the Holy Spirit (I hope) to see the simplicity in the scripture I now study. As such, I am finding myself gravitating to ministers, pastors and saints as they dissect in sermon and prayer the incredible power of the tongue; yes, that small but dangerously lethal weapon housed in one’s mouth. Without any biblical perspective, history confirms the ability of deceit-filled eloquence to entice weak men to murder, married women to stray,

prideful men to war and so-called peaceloving folk to slaughter. On a daily basis, a reckless tongue can sear forever the spirit of an innocent child, a wanting spouse, a true friend or a caring co-worker. Evil oratory moves men and women to do evil things. But oh, how powerful, how wonderful is a well-intentioned ‘thank you’, a sincere ‘I’m sorry’ or a genuine ‘I believe in you.’ James 3:10 tells us that the tongue wields the power of life and death. Having been the target of ill-intended criticism, and out of momentary anger or hurt having tried to destroy the souls of many I held dear, I know first-hand that James is so right. I have been trying to correct this character flaw by being as deliberately uplifting as possible, thinking of myself as a vessel of the living God first before I speak and remembering

that man was made in God’s own image and cursing any man is tantamount to cursing God. Could it be that James 1:26 holds a key to salvation? “…If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless…” I submit to you that if you compare the words of Jesus Christ to any demagogue, you will find that Jesus’ words repulse with great power all hatred, gossip, rumor and even innuendo. It is impossible to claim to love God without loving Jesus as the living Word of God. Saying so merely confirms the truth in this case that the spoken Word will indeed set one free. “Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:14. I’m told God hates a liar and loves the

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truth. Remember there is no cure for hurt feelings except an honest spoken apology. Hurt feelings fester and infect a person. Think before you speak. And please don’t take my word for it. “He who guards his lips, guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 12:3. May God bless and keep you always. James A. Washington is a father, husband, Christian, writer, entrepreneur and the owner/ publisher of the Dallas Weekly. If you have an Old Folks Saying you’d like to submit for consideration in our dmars.com Business Journal, please email them to editor@d-mars.com. Be sure to include your name, the Old Folks Saying and the meaning. Source: NNPA

January 2020 | 9 COMMUNITY

COMMENTARY:

Always Give Love and Thanks By Cheryl Smith Contributing Writer

ve always heard that one man’s Heaven is another’s hell. While one group is celebrating Juneteenth, the other side was bemoaning the ending of slavery. That’s pretty much the way it is with Thanksgiving. Now, November is significant for a number of reasons, including it is American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month, which brings me to my truth: We’re not living in a vacuum and we have to be concerned about others. Now, when I was growing up, everyone, I mean every Black person I knew claimed some type of “Indian” heritage. They were “part” Cherokee, Apache, Seminole, or Comanche, et al. “Don’t you see my high cheekbones,” many would ask. More ironic than celebrating “Thanksgiving” during American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month, has to be Black people who would rather identify with Native Americans while totally disregarding, dismissing and oftentimes making disparaging remarks about Africa! Well, I just absolutely love Patty Talahongva. A member and former president of the Native American Journalists Association (NAJA). Patty has been very helpful in sharing information about the culture of America’s real first family. We were in a program that brought together journalists from NAJA, the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and National Association of Black Journalists. We had some intense discussions. I learned quite a bit from my sisters and brothers. We shared information about one another’s struggles and tackled stereotypes. The conversations weren’t always calm or civil; but they were definitely eye-opening. Since those days, over a decade ago; I still feel a bond with men and women from each organization. I listened and felt their pain and didn’t try to one up them on whose experience was more painful. When the members of NAJA said that sports mascots were offensive to their people, guess what? I made a commitment to honor them by not referring to those mascots, especially when you got the back story on some of those names.

I also learned about the significance of Totem Poles and other sacred items. Of course, I thought back to my last year that I went Trick or Treating and how because of my “Native American roots,” I dressed as an urban Pocahontas. And there was also the high school I grew up wanting to attend, Weequahic High in Newark, NJ. The colors were orange and brown. I ended up at East Orange High and we were the Panthers. And yes, I am going to say, today, I was a Black Panther, although that wasn’t really the case. I could also tell about the lessons I learned from the other journalism group members, but this is American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month, right? Some people don’t care that they are hurting folks when they make negative comments about another’s culture, heritage, or upbringing. Thanksgiving is celebrated around the world, and many don’t know why. Through my interactions with others, I learned more about my people and the Motherland. Sure, I already loved being Black and my feeling about African people has always been positive. But there’s something to be said about sitting around with a group and the Native Americans can tell you what Nation their parents are from, the languages spoken, traditions and more. On the other hand, here us Black folks were talking about our European experience and nothing more: dressing up for Easter Sunday, getting a turkey for Thanksgiving, struggling to get gifts so Santa Claus could bless everyone. You get the picture! Well, I don’t have to wait until the fourth Thursday in November to eat “good” food, or to bring the family together. Actually, that was a way of life for African people. Heck, Black people tease other Black People for participating in the ONLY celebration regarding the freedom of enslaved Africans in America, Juneteenth! But if we don’t celebrate, who will? We can’t blame our young for not knowing anything, especially if we don’t know and we aren’t trying to find out so we can spread knowledge. We have a responsibility to teach, not to demonize those who don’t know. Know history. Share history.

Source: NNPA Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

10 | January 2020

COMMUNITY

Comerica Bank Names Irvin Ashford, Jr. Chief Community Officer goal is to continue to help our communities thrive and through programs promoting financial education, community and business development and diversity, we can truly help individuals and our communities succeed.”

By d-mars.com News Provider

omerica Bank has named Irvin Ashford, Jr., its new Chief Community Officer. Ashford, will be responsible for community reinvestment nationally and all associated activities, including development, lending, community investments, volunteerism and data analysis. Additionally, he will lead Comerica’s diversity business resource groups. Ashford previously served as Comerica’s National Director of Financial Education and External Affairs and will maintain these responsibilities in his new role. Ashford will report directly into the Office of the Chairman. Ashford joined Comerica Bank in 2000 and has continued to strengthen relationships with the communities served by Comerica through various financial literacy and community development initiatives. Last year, Ashford and his team established the Comerica Money $ense program to address the critical need of teaching sound financial principles to a wide range of audiences from pre-K to senior citizens, as well as small businesses. The program has

“ I‘m looking forward to building deeper relationships with our community partners in the markets we serve,” — Irving Ashord, Jr.

expanded to included Business, Education, Sports and Senior $ense. Coupled with the Comerica Money $ense program, the bank has developed the Financial Education Brigade, a collection of employee volunteers dedicated to improving the community through financial empowerment. “For 170 years, Comerica has placed an importance in serving its community. Our

Ashford has remained a pillar in the community, aiding various civic and community groups that include serving on the board of directors for the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation (TWEF), Dallas Theater Center, Kym’s Kids and Focus on Teens. He also serves of the Board of Trustees for the Webb School, in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, where Ashford was one of the school’s first African American graduates. In 2019, Ashford was inducted into the University of Dallas’ Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business Hall of Fame

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for his contributions to community and economic development initiatives in diverse and underserved communities. Ashford is a Woodrow Wilson International Studies and Public Policy Fellow, an American Marshall Fellow and British American Project Fellow. A graduate of Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, Ashford earned dual master’s degrees – public affairs from the University of Texas and business administration from the University of Dallas. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Comerica, Twitter: @ComericaBank and Instagram: @ comerica_bank.

Source: Comerica Bank

January 2020â&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;11

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12 | January 2020

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ev in ce downtown H along with City Counc A, Abbie Ka Shabazz – D E, Tiffany Th District G, K Gallegos – D Martha Cas – At-Large Michael Kub – At-La 5,

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My goal is to be inclusive of all opinions,” Mayor Turner said. “I want citizens to be a part of the process of moving Houston forward. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

NG FORWARD

January 2020 | 13

HAT’S IN STORE FOR MAYOR TURNER’S 2ND TERM By d-mars.com News Provider

veral Houston leaders were sworn nto office recently at the Inauguration eremony held at Wortham Center in Houston. Mayor Sylvester Turner, City Controller Chris Brown and cil members: Amy Peck – District amin – District C, Carolyn EvansDistrict D, Dave Martin – District Thomas – District F, Greg Travis – Karla Cisneros – District H, Robert District I, Edward Pollard – District J, stex-Tatum – District K, Mike Knox 1, David Robinson – At-Large 2, bosh – At-Large 3, Letitia Plummer arge 4 and Sallie Alcorn – At-Large took their oaths of office at the ceremony, which was attended by a diverse crowd of campaign supporters, elected officials, community leaders and faith leaders. The diversity exhibited at the ceremony represented the inclusivity of Houston and the direction this city ded in. ayor Turner has made it a point to on leader for the City of Houston.

He has brought a performance driven approach to this position, creating more responsive and efficient delivery of city services. He is approaching his second term with the same tenacity, with a focus on expanding street repairs from the already 250,000 completed pothole fills in his first term. He has even requested the Director of Houston Public Works to present a plan that prioritizes and funds the reparation of Houston streets. “The city has fallen behind on street repairs for decades,” Mayor Turner said. “But that is no reason to accept the present conditions. We must

strive to keep pace with deteriorating streets by replacing them within their lifetime of 35 years instead of every 100 years as is current practice.” Apart from improvements to the city’s roads, Mayor Turner has other intentions for making Houston the best it can be. He is looking to involve non-profits and corporations as financial partners in the reduction of homelessness; carry out a newly funded flood mitigation project; debut the final version of the city’s first climate action plan; improve neighborhood parks; and further expand the city’s digital innovation economic sector.

“I plan to build on the successful programs of my first term,” Mayor Turner said. “I know my second term will pass quickly, so I will remain focused on moving Houston forward in a positive direction.” Mayor Turner also has plans to continue work through his Complete Communities initiative. Complete Communities’ goal is to improve neighborhoods so all of Houston’s residents and business owners can have access to quality services and amenities. Ten neighborhoods are currently involved with the initiative, and the mayor is working to extend it to the entire city to ensure no neighborhood gets shorted on services and resources. “This initiative is about working closely with the residents of communities who have not reached their full potential, understanding their strengths and opportunities and collaborating with partners across the city to strengthen them,” Mayor Turner said. With all of the changes headed Houston’s way, Mayor Turner has made it a priority to involve the community in the decisions that are made for their communities. Each year, he attends hundreds of community events where he has an opportunity to speak directly with residents and hear their concerns. Stakeholder engagement will remain an essential part of the decisionmaking process as well as working with super neighborhoods and the city’s diverse business and community groups.

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14 | January 2020

In the Business Community…

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The 13th Annual McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour McDonald’s wrapped up its 13th annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour with the final show at Lakewood Church in Houston. This performance was packed full of talented artists, each offering a wide range of gospel music styles. Every year this tour celebrates McDonald’s continued devotion to Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapters. At each show, a love offering was taken to raise money to support families in staying close when their children are ill. In Houston alone, through online donations and the love offering, more than $30,000 was donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities local chapters. Every show was free of charge and included performances by several award-winning artists such as Tye Tribbet, KeKe Wyatt, Sir the Baptist and Kierra Sheard. d-mars.com had the opportunity for an exclusive interview with Grammy Award Winning Artist Le’Andria Johnson, another renowned name in the lineup for this tour. Here’s what Johnson had to share: 1) Most of us know you from Sunday Best, but tell us where you’re from and what you were doing before you became a Grammy-Award winning artist. I’m an Orlando, FL. native. I was

singing at my home church before this music business journey began. 2) Tell us a little about your spiritual journey and the way God uses you to minister to the masses. It’s been a learning lesson that I’ve applied to my life personally and professionally. My ministry is my life testament. It’s as real as you can get. When someone says, “You’re so real and believable,” I know I’m doing my assignment. I am the true example of God’s goodness and mercy. 3) If you had a message to your fans, what would it be? Stay in the fight. Don’t give up even when it doesn’t look like you’re gonna win! 4) What are you working on now? What can we expect from you next? New Le Way of Life! New outlook, book, music and possibly BIG SCREEN!! So excited 5) How can our audience connect with you? What’s your Instagram? You can hit me on any social platforms Le’Andria Johnson (FB) @Leandriaj (Twitter) @Leandriaj (Instagram) Be sure to check out Le’Andria Johnson on social media and look out for more of the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour next year!

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The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program at the University of Houston was established to identify and encourage HUBs to participate in the competitive bid process with the objective of increasing the number of contracts and subcontracts awarded to Texas HUB Vendors.

The University of Houston HUB Program is committed to expanding business opportunities available in order to promote the successful development of growing businesses, to have a positive impact on improving our local economy and to give back to our community.

For more information about how to do business with the University of Houston, bid opportunities, or to learn about events, workshops and seminars, visit: www.uh.edu/hub

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16 | January 2020 FINANCES

NEXT YEAR’S TAX TIPS for small business owners

By d-mars.com News Provider

hen you completed last year's small business tax return, did you run into surprises? Deductions you could no longer take? Changes in the tax code that left you regretting choices you made last year? You may have discovered you can no longer deduct for entertaining, so hold off on buying sports tickets for clients or potential investors. And unless you made big investments in your small business last year, you may not know that the cap on what you can invest in new equipment for your business doubled. While it's best to consult a tax professional to avoid errors and maximize your situation, here are some tips to make sure you know what's coming for your 2019 taxes - and can take advantage of changes in the tax code.

Mileage expenses You can still deduct car expenses for business purposes, even if you also drive your vehicle for personal use. Keep track of the mileage you rack up specifically for business travel or errands to be accurate in your deductions. Standard mileage rates increased to 58 cents per mile for 2019.

Count that home office For a home office deduction, you must use that room (or garage) for business purposes only. It must be where you conduct most of your business or meet with clients, and you have no other fixed location to conduct much of your business. You may deduct expenses for your home office including a percentage of mortgage interest, homeowners insurance, utilities, repairs and depreciation. If you rent your home and use part of it exclusively for your business, you may be able to deduct the rent paid for that part of the home. If you rent a workspace outside your home, you can deduct that rental cost as a business expense.

as explained in Section 179 of the tax code, as opposed to the previous write-off of up to only $500,000. This includes computers, vehicles and machinery. If you have the capital or can borrow to improve your business, this is a great time to update your technology with new servers, workstations, desktops or laptops. To consider your options, Dell Small Business advisors are available to answer your questions and offer you advice, no matter the size of your company. Engage the team in a live chat on Dell's Small Business website to find the right solution for your needs.

Self-employment deductions For the independent contractor, expenses such as education fees directly related to your business or personal health insurance costs may be deductible. This may be a good time to take a course to improve your skills or knowledge. See the self-employment section of IRS.gov.

Qualified business income deduction (QBI) The QBI (Section 199A) allows eligible sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, plus some trusts

and estates to deduct up to 20 percent of their qualified business income, plus 20 percent of qualified real estate investment trust (REIT) dividends and qualified publicly traded partnership (PTP) income. Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code provides many eligible taxpayers with a deduction from a qualified trade or business operated directly or through a pass-through entity (such as an LLC). QBI is the net amount of qualified items of taxable income, gain, deduction and loss from any qualified trade or business. Items such as capital gains and losses, certain dividends and interest income are excluded. Income earned through a C corporation or by providing services as an employee is also not eligible. See the IRS website for a complete explanation of QBI. Consult a tax professional to see if it would benefit you to register your business as an LLC or an S-Corp. Whether the financial benefit would outweigh the cost will vary, depending on your situation.

Employee-related expenses You may be able to deduct expenses such as retirement plan contributions for your employees, even if you have very few. If you've considered hiring employees or increasing your staff, this may be a good time to do it. You will also be able to deduct wages paid for an employee while they are on family and medical leave. See the self-employment page at IRS.gov.

Beware of changes Entertainment expenses are no longer deductible, though most business meals are allowed (see Publication 463 of the IRS). Business meals are 50 percent deductible. So plan dinner with your clients or business partners, but skip the entertainment. No matter what type of small business you own, consult a tax professional to avoid costly mistakes and increase your tax savings. Plan ahead for next year's taxes by using the latest technology to keep accurate records of your income and expenses all year.

Equipment purchases

Source: BPT

Equipment for your business costing up to a million dollars can now be deducted,

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January 2020 | 17 FINANCES

• Savings on insurance: According to Certified Credit Counselor Netiva Heard, founder of MNH Financial Services, LLC, having a good credit score can help you save money on insurance rates, though the impact of your credit on this may depend on the state you live in. “Insurance companies have found that those with higher credit scores file fewer claims,” says Heard. As a result, some adjust their rates so people with good credit tend to pay lower premiums. • Additional savings: Having good credit may even give you the ability to purchase a service without putting down a costly deposit beforehand. To learn more about the perks of having good credit, visit the Hands on Banking® website.

THE BENEFITS OF HAVING STRONG CREDIT

How to manage your credit By d-mars.com News Provider

our credit score is one of the most important measures of financial responsibility. It’s a big part of what lenders and vendors look at when considering you for a loan or line of credit. It also can impact your ability to rent an apartment, sign a phone contract, or even get a job. Once you have established good credit, work to keep it that way so you can continue to enjoy the opportunities that come with good credit.

The financial benefits of good credit Strong credit can help you get: • Easier approvals: Mortgage lenders, landlords, and auto finance companies will check your credit to see how reliable you are when it comes to paying bills on time and managing debt. Some employers will run a credit check if the job requires you to access money or sensitive data. • Lower interest rates: A high credit score not only makes it easier to be approved for services but it may also mean you may qualify for a lower interest rate on future credit accounts. You also likely won’t need a co-signer to get approved.

You can manage your credit to help you with future purchases — such as a home or vehicle — in a number of ways: • Use credit cards smartly: Sometimes simply having a credit card can lead to spending more than you intended, leaving you unable to afford the balance. Failing to pay your credit card balance on time every month can rack up interest and hurt your credit score, so don’t spend more than you’ll be able to pay back. If you’re considering using a credit card to build your credit, take a look at the Hands on Banking website for tips on using one responsibly. • Pay down other debt: Your credit card balance is not the only thing that can affect your credit score. Student loans and other

forms of debt can lower your credit score if not managed correctly. Keep track of payments, and try to pay a little more than the minimum balance each month. Keeping your debt low can help you maintain and even improve your credit over time. • Ask for help when you need it: If making payments on time for your credit card or a loan payment becomes too difficult, don’t be afraid to speak with the lender to negotiate a payment plan that works for you. It’s better to get ahead of any potential problems before you fall behind on payments.

Regularly review your credit Beyond credit growth, review your credit reports annually to make sure nothing fraudulent or negative has been reported. Every 12 months, you can access your report for free from each of the three largest credit bureaus in the United States at annualcreditreport.com. “Be sure to check the inquiry and personal data sections where signs of identity theft can be spotted right away,” says Heard. Ultimately, strong credit can help you reach your goals by qualifying you for loans, contracts, discounts, and access to even more credit options. Discipline and the ability to pay your credit-related debts off every month comes first, however. © 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A All rights reserved. Source: NNPA

REAL ESTATE

Proposed Changes to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) By Christopher G. Cox Contributing Writer

roposed changes to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) could lead to greatly enhanced investment in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities around the country, according to Grovetta N. Gardineer, senior deputy comptroller for Bank Supervision Policy with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The OCC is soliciting comments on a proposal to modernize the CRA by clarifying what counts, updating where activity counts, measuring performance more objectively, and making reporting more timely and transparent. “The CRA has a very noble goal of making sure banks meet their responsibility for lending, investing in and servicing communities where they do business, with a focus on low- and moderate-income individuals and areas,” Gardineer said. “The statute remains a noble goal, but the implementation is outdated and, in many ways, ineffective.” The CRA was enacted in 1977 as a direct response to redlining, an unethical practice whereby banks and other lending institutions made it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for residents of poor,

inner-city communities to borrow money, get a mortgage, take out insurance or access other financial services. Redlining did not take into consideration an individual’s qualifications or creditworthiness. Gardineer explains that a primary reason the CRA needs updating is because the banking industry has changed fundamentally in the more than 40 years since it was implemented. “Among other things,” Gardineer adds, “we did not have the internet in 1977, and interstate branching was not available. “Banks were limited to where they had

branches or where their home office was located, so they had a completely geographical approach,” she continued. “With all of the tremendous technological advancements in recent years, banks now offer products and services across the country regardless of geography.”

The OCC hopes stakeholders will carefully review the proposed changes and submit comments so that a final rule can be issued in the first half of 2020. Noting that the new CRA rules would fight displacement and harmful gentrification – a high priority in many minority communities – Gardineer points out that the OCC is making a concerted effort to work closely with such organizations as the NAACP and the National Urban League. To that end, OCC has invested the time to meet with thousands of concerned individuals “discussing the issues that need to be addressed.” Meetings are currently scheduled with Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, and Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. Another recent outreach effort to solicit public input included an Atlanta bus tour with Ambassador Andrew Young. There are still too many underserved communities in the U.S. that are “CRA desserts,” Gardiner notes. “No matter what their geographical footprint, we want banks to be able to offer a broad array of services to

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communities and individuals throughout the nation. “Given the wide spectrum of individuals who we know will benefit from this rule making process,” Gardiner said, “it is particularly important to the Comptroller to make sure that we spread a wide net, that we make ourselves available and that we share our vision. “We have really worked hard over the past two years,” she concluded, “closing a loophole that allowed wealthy people to get CRA credit for investing in LMI areas. That is not what CRA was ever intended to do. And that is being directly responsive to some of the feedback we have been receiving.” Source: NNPA

18 | January 2020 TECHNOLOGY

Common tech hurdles when starting a small business By d-mars.com News Provider

ntrepreneurs love a challenge. But when starting a small business, there’s one challenge that can prove especially difficult: technology. Savvy business owners know they need the right technology to compete in today’s market. But the price can be prohibitive, and many business owners just aren’t familiar with all the different infrastructure, systems and software they need to be successful. Thankfully, having deep pockets isn’t the only solution to your tech problems. Here are some of the most common technology challenges small businesses face and how you can overcome them.

Poor data organization Data is now the lifeblood of any business. But small business owners often fail to take advantage of all the valuable data at their fingertips. They may have issues with how they collect and store data, or they may lack the tools to analyze and make sense of data. In either case, it’s a problem. But by upgrading your data storage systems, you can use data to craft better sales strategies, improve customer relations and maximize profitability. If data storage and databases feel like a foreign language, consider partnering with a technology expert. Dell Small Business advisors can help you audit your system and identify opportunities for improvements, so you always get the most out of your technology assets.

Integration problems When building a technology environment, you want to integrate your systems so that everything works together in harmony. Unfortunately, this is often a major challenge for small businesses. The reason is that cash-strapped companies often purchase system upgrades piecemeal when the funds become available. This disjointed buying process can prevent systems from working together properly, creating redundant data entry and visibility gaps that hinder your operations. For example, if your sales software doesn’t integrate with your inventory systems, you could be missing an opportunity to improve sales strategies, cash flow and inventory management. Simply aligning

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these two systems could enhance multiple areas of your business. To avoid these problems, try to maintain continuity with your vendors when upgrading systems. This will help ensure that everything continues to work together as your technology matures.

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Security risks Many small business owners think, “Data breaches only happen to major corporations, not small businesses, right?” Wrong. In fact, 58% of data breaches occur at small businesses, according to a report from Verizon. To protect your business, you need to have robust cybersecurity systems in place. You can improve your cybersecurity by implementing firewalls, monitoring and other security systems. Just be sure those systems are always updated to the latest version so you’re protected against the newest cybersecurity threats.

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Not enough training If you’re implementing new software, you need to give your employees adequate training time. Business owners often think that because their teams are small and employees will be using the software frequently, they’ll naturally become experts. But smaller operations often need more training, not less, because there are fewer support resources when issues arise. This can cause frustration for employees and it ultimately means you’re not getting maximum value from your new technology. To avoid these problems, consider investing in a professional training session when implementing new software.

Lack of system maintenance While most cloud-based systems are regularly updated by the software developer, you can’t assume your technology is on autopilot. Like any other piece of equipment, your technology needs regular maintenance to perform its best and avoid major issues. Consider partnering with a managed services firm to continually monitor and maintain your systems for maximum performance. Technology should be an asset, not a barrier. By avoiding these common problems and leveraging your technology resources effectively, you can increase efficiency and drive results for your small business. Source: BPT Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

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January 2020 | 21

TH E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

BORRIS L. MILES INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCY

Auto • Home • Life • Health • Disability • Annuity • Commercial

Supporting Our Community A good person to know for all your insurance needs.

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5302 Almeda • Houston, TX 77004 Oﬃce: 713-355-8331 Fax: 713-355-8318 Pager: 713-406-1088 Email: bmiles@bmilesinsurance.com

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22 | January 2020

ISSUES THAT DESERVE ATTENTION Public Safety Flooding & Infrastructure Business Opportunities & Prosperity Education & Job Training Health & Wellness Senior & Youth Programs

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2020

NOMINATIONS Experience Our World

TOP 50 BLACK PROFESSIONALS & ENTREPRENEURS

OF TEXAS

DIRECTORY & AWARDS CEREMONY February 27, 2020

IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: All nominations should include name, emails and/or phone number and the reason for the nomination. Submit to contact@d-mars.com UP & COMING: Under 5 years experience TOP P&E: 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20 years experience SUPER P&E: 20+ years experience TRAILBLAZER: P&E who is a pioneer/first in their field/industry COMMUNITY HERO: P&E who makes extraordinary contributions to the community LIVING LEGEND: P&E selected by their peers for showing significant achievement in their field If you are a business or a corporation and would like to advertise in our directory or become a sponsor of the event, please contact us by phone at 281.748.8111 or email contact@d-mars.com. Serious inquiries only please. For general questions about the directory of the event, please call 713.373.5577.