EM - 2nd Edition by Empower Magazine

EMPOWER MAGAZINE

Volume 1 No. 2

August 2011

Diversity Recruiting Center Sweepstakes “Second Generation of Success”

Passing the torch to the “Next Generation” of Black McDonald’s Operators

Thunder Soul

Conrad O. Johnson’s Legendary High School Stage Band Hailed in Independent Film

Innovative Charter School Opens in Southwest Houston

DISTRIBUTION

Drop by and pick up a copy of

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Empower Magazine

at one of the following business sites:

MAGAZINE Â

Krogers

13833 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY 10250 HIGHWAY 6 24401 BRAZOS TOWN XING 3665 HIGHWAY 6 4825 SWEETWATER BOULEVARD 6200 HIGHWAY 6 11565 HIGHWAY 6 8011 W GRAND PARKWAY SOUTH

CVS Pharmacy

15010 MEMORIAL DRIVE 11012 RICHMOND 12585 RICHMOND 10110 HIGHWAY 6 SOUTH 10902 BISSONNET 12260 BELLAIRE 13555 BEECHNUT 1339 SOUTH DAIRY ASHFORD 11540 WESTHEIMER 14606 RICHMOND 2455 ELDRIDGE PARKWAY

Poparazziâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gourmet Popcorn 8236 Kirby Dr., Ste. 150 (near Reliant)

___________________________________________________________________________________

Publisher

Bethelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Publisher

August, Jr., BPBCC Chair Walter August,Walter Jr. Leon Jenkins Leon Jenkins, BPBCC President/CEO

BPBCC Chair

BPBCC President/CEO

Editor-ÂIn-ÂChief

Leon Jenkins

Managing Editor

Diane Tezeno

Contributing Columnists Harry Alford Lonnie Mathews

Broussardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Links Plus Ribs 8420 S. Sam Houston Parkway, Ste. 260

Carletta Waddler

Kuttinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Edge Barbershop/Salon

Leon Jenkins

Galleria Mall III, 5175 Westheimer Ste. 3130

A Plus Alignment Tire and Auto

Contributing Writers

Diane Tezeno

1028 FM 1092 (Murphy Road), Missouri City

Tracie Jenkins

Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Auto

4503 Highway 6 Sugar Land

Director of Advertising

Leon Jenkins

Web Development/Design

Dennis Johnson

Online Content Editor

Diane Tezeno

Editorial/Subscription Inquiries

info@empowermagazine.biz

Walgreens Pharmacy

1307 FM 1092 (Murphy Road), Missouri City 3403 Texas Parkway, Missouri City

(Also available at more than 100 high traffic business sites throughout Harris and Fort Bend County)

___________________________________________________________________________________ EMPOWERMAGAZINE.BIZ For business information and tips on entrepreneurship, visit our online digital magazine at www.empowermagazine.biz. TO ADVERTISE Contact us at 713-Â933-Â7411 for advertising rates, to request a digital Media Kit, information on ad submission deadlines or complete the online form at EmpowerMagazine.biz to upload your ad through our online portal. TO SUBSCRIBE bi-monthly issues mailed directly to A subscription is $20 annually for six quarterly your home or business. Call 713-Â933-Â7411 to subscribe.

@2011 Empower Magazine All Rights Reserved. No part of our printed or online magazine may be scanned or reproduced. Empower Magazine has a print circulation of 10,000. Our publishing offices are located at 14442 Fonmeadow, Houston, Texas 77035. Cover Photo Credit: McGill Video & Photography

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Message from the Publisher

EMPOWERMENT

A BIG THANK YOU to the countless number of readers who quickly took to Empower Magazine (EM) and offered the many welcomed accolades and overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The entire magazine staff takes great pride in presenting our readership with a quality product that they can look forward to consuming and sharing with others. We invite you, along with every EM reader, to become a regular subscriber by registering online for our E-magazine or going online to subscribe to a bi-monthly hard copy of EM.

Leon C. Jenkins Editor-In-Chief

In addition to having a large readership in the Greater Houston area, copies of EM are also distributed in Washington, DC, Virginia and as far away as Kenya, Africa.

EM is a business, family and community interest magazine focused on providing a gateway to a world of knowledge and opportunities. This unique magazine offers a wealth of articles and information designed to inspire and uplift the entrepreneurial spirit and business insights and information that make EM a “must read” for today’s business entrepreneur and small business owner. A Special Note of Interest: Having recently met Mr. Emmanuel LoWilla, Ambassador of Southern Sudan, and Mr. Benjamin Bol, Chairman of the Southern Sudan Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, I want to extend special CONGRATULATIONS to the new Nation of Southern Sudan which formally celebrated their Independence on July 9, 2011. Our prayers and best wishes are with you. May your country and people stay united and prosper.

C4ACTION

EMPOWER

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BETHEL’S PLACE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

A Stabilizer for the Fondren Southwest Area TAX-EXEMPT SUPPORT INFORMATION

MESSAGE FROM BETHEL’S PLACE CHAIRMAN: Walter August Jr.

We have a heart for families and I understand the importance of education and exposure as the basis for success. My family gives to assure that every person that crosses our path knows someone truly cares about his or her well being. We serve in a community that never sleeps, so we implemented a vision to develop the community by providing education, opportunities, job training, job placement, meal services, and caring for the elderly within our community. We are competing against the ills that pollute our neighborhoods night clubs, drug activity, gangs, hustlers, and prostitutes, by providing an alternative safe haven to offset those types of behaviors within the Fondren Southwest area. In response to these needs, The Church at Bethel’s Family created Bethel’s Place in August 2006 as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization to address our community’s many challenges. In 2009 the Board and Management Team at Bethel’s Place launched a $7.2M Campaign to purchase land at 12660 Sandpiper Road and build a 55,000 sq. ft. Empowerment Center that will provide the programs and services needed for revitalizing Southwest Houston and surrounding areas. In November 2010 the new Community Empowerment Center construction started with 85% of the campaign funds in place. As of July 2011, the building is 85% completed. The official grand-opening ribbon cutting ceremony will take place near the end of September or first of October of this year. In order to keep everything on schedule through completion, we need you and many others that will be tremendously blessed through Bethel’s Place Community Empowerment Center to financially partner with us and thereby ensure the remaining 15% of construction cost is covered. The next few pages will serve to give you a snapshot of the key programs and services available to you, your family and the community at large; and, will also share with you how you can financially be a part of this truly amazing community service project.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT FONDREN

Remembering the needs of the community, Bethel’s Place has instituted the following programs and serves as a major stabilizing force in one of Houston’s most challenged communities: • Amazing Smiles: Dr. Margaret Allen D.D.S. - 281-240-8080 Provide quality dental services to the people in this community and to educate and promote healthy dental habits • Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce: Mr. Leon Jenkins – 713-933-4730 Helping to eliminate the economic disparity that African Americans experience in all areas of commerce by empowering them through education, training, networking, entrepreneurship development and coaching, and implementation of the Community Business Success Model • Bethel’s Heavenly Hands Food and Clothing Bank: Mr. Clark Booker – 713-501-9750 Attends to the basic needs of the disenfranchised and homeless in the community by way of providing food, clothing, transportation support and occasional monetary assistance for housing and utilities. Currently serves over 8,000 individuals per month, both in and outside our immediate community zip codes. • Bethel’s Place: Mr. Rob Smith – 713-269-3698 Adult GED Education Enrichment Program-Empowering adults through Free GED educational training and testing in collaboration with Houston Community College. 160 students have been through the program, and 110 individuals are presently enrolled. Technology Center Program: Computer skills development program with homework support and job-search assistance incorporating structured and unstructured learning opportunities. Currently assisting over 100 individuals. Job Placement Program: Started in August 2007 to partner with area businesses and corporations for the purpose of promoting and conducting monthly job fairs. After School Program/Summer Camp Enrichment: Character education, tutorial, conflict resolution, goal-setting and leadership development programs for youth ages 6 – 17. Current enrollment is 35 students.

Education and Scholarship: Extension of after-school and summer program for middle and high-school students designed to provide exposure to higher education options and opportunities. Awarded $85,000 in scholarships over the past three years to 36 Greater Houston area High School graduates. Teen Health Program: Individual and small-group intervention program equipping students to fight peer pressure, maintain high self-esteem and focus on positive and healthy choices for their futures through roleplaying, journaling, and small-group discussion. Currently serving 150 youth.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT FONDREN (cont.)

X-tended Family Care Outreach Program to Senior Adults: Sandra Sherrod - 713-729-0125 ext. 316 Support network for adults 55 and older providing food, clothing, medical services, tax assistance, burial assistance, Computer classes, Line Dancing, Aerobics, Nutrition Classes and Scrapbooking. Currently servicing 125 Seniors. Programs to enhance the lives of individuals raising children who are not their own by offering adult counseling, group support and family activities designed to strengthen family bonds. Currently counseling 15 Families. • Bethel’s Young Men Development Initiative: Mr. Walter August III – 713-499-9957 Character education, recreational activities, mentoring and leadership development programs, and community enrichment projects for boys ages 4 – 18. Current enrollment is 135 boys. • Crossover Athletics: Ms. Tanesha Barefield – 832-439-3442 Build a Wellness Program for the community which includes Yoga, Zuma, Weight Training, Nutrition Classes; Sport Events – Basketball, Volleyball Camps/Clinics etc).

REBUILDING FONDREN SOUTHWEST

BETHEL’S PLACE EMPOWERMENT CENTER • 55,000 sq. ft. • 10 Classrooms • Library • Computer Area • Multi-purpose Area • Double Gymnasium • Dental Clinic • Fully Equipped Commercial Kitchen • Parking for 150 spaces on site and 450 across the street NAMING OPPORTUNITIES Campus $ 1,000,000 Building $ 500,000 Food Pantry $ 75,000 Commercial Kitchen $ 250,000 Foyer Entrance & Furnishings $ 250,000 Counseling Center Office & Furnishings $ 25,000 Law Enforcement Office & Furnishings $ 25,000 10 Classrooms & Furnishings $ 30,000 each Sports and Recreation Area $ 350,000 Soccer Field & Equipment $ 50,000 Baseball Field & Equipment $ 75,000 Security Gate & Fencing $ 65,000 Sprinkler System & Landscaping $ 90,000

Be Remembered as a Supporter of Bethel’s Place General Donations in any amount are welcomed.

For more information on how to support the Bethel’s Place Capital Campaign, please contact Walter August Jr. Bethel’s Place Chairman * 14442 Fonmeadow Drive * Houston Texas 77035 * waugust@bethelsfamily.org * 713-962-6602 or visit us at www.bethelsplace.org

CONTENTS August 2011 EMPOWER MAGAZINE

10 Remembering the Chaldean Model National Black Chamber of Commerce President reflects on impact of

successful business model By Harry Alford, Founder and President, NBCC

Young Entrepreneurs

30 Travel Hot Summer Vacation Getaways

19 On the Rise Waco native shares faith with release of debut CD. By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer

47 Business Coach

Mastering Leadership Stress By Leon Jenkins

51 Green Matters

Leed and the Contractor By Carletta Waddler, Sustainable Training Services, LLC

Feature Stories

22 Second Generation Success Black McDonald‘s Operators Pass on Legacy By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer 35 Fighting Statistics with Arrows

53 Book Spotlights

57 Legal Ease

42 Thunder Soul

Understanding Mistaken Paternity By Attorney LaTosha McGill Clayton

59 Real Estate Today

We still believe in real estate By Angela Pullum, Broker

Innovative charter school to open doors in SW Houston in fall By Tracie Jenkins, Contributing Writer

Legendary High School Stage Band Reunites in One-of-A-Kind Documentary Film By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer

Financial Section

39 Who’s Minding Your Money

Lifestyles of the Broke and Desperate By Lonnie Mathews, Alliance Financial Ministries, Inc.

International Spotlight

49 Amazing Smiles

Sugar Land dentist puts smiles on faces a continent away By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer

Restaurant Spotlight

54 Broussard‘s | Links Plus Ribs

Family passes on legacy for three generations By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer

EMPOWER

Harry Alford, Founder & President National Black Chamber of Commerce

Remembering the Chaldean Model

Washington, D.C.

h, it seems like yesterday. I was ending my military duty (drafted #4) and returning back to Corporate America. My employer, Procter & Gamble, kept its promise of accepting all military draftees back into its workforce. They assigned me to Detroit, MI as a sales representative in the Packaged Soap and Detergent Division (Tide, Ivory, Cheer, etc.). It was cool to go to Detroit as it was a big Black city with a strong Black mayor, the Honorable Coleman Young. Little did I know that Motown was about to go through a blistering white flight that would leave the remaining people in the middle of an economic collapse. It was 1974 and Black Power and the Sexual Revolution were about to crash head on into each other. In my role, the grocery stores were the lifeblood of our growth and development. Win the marketing support of the major grocery entities; couple that with TV and radio advertising plus couponing sales were bound to increase provided you managed shelf and display space within the grocery stores. Detroit was having a major ground level drug war which also encouraged much robbery of the grocery stores. Three of the four major chains an-

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nounced that they had enough – Kroger, Great Scott and A&P announced they were leaving the inner city and they began their departure. Only Farmer Jack would stay. This brought major changes to the Detroit demographic and to my industry. All the Black church and social organizations extremely protested but what could they do? Here was Black Detroit without grocery stores and no Blacks were about to fill that void. There were only two Black owned grocery stores in the city and the future was bleak. The only option was to travel to the suburbs to do your grocery shopping. So everyone thought. What makes a culture or people great are four main ingredients: 1. Faith – devout and strong faith. 2. Education. 3. Entrepreneurship and 4. Communication (principles of Booker T. Washington). The Black populace of Detroit did not have this at all. About the same time there was a big migration happening. Arabs from the Middle East were moving into the Detroit area like I-94 going west. One segment of this migration was the Chaldeans. Chaldeans are of Arab blood but are Christiansas opposed to Muslim. In fact, the religion was started in 31 AD by Jesus

Christ himself. Most of these new Chaldeans were from Iraq and Syria. All things related to their culture were based at the Chaldean Church. When they noticed that all of the major grocery stores pulled out of inner city Detroit and Blacks wouldn‘t do anything about it, they exclaimed “Let‘s get into the grocery business; people will still have to eat! So it began. Empty grocery store buildings started becoming Chaldean grocery stores. Unlike the white owners before them, the nuevo Chaldean owners dealt with any adversity head on. Two of the main reasons the major chains left were robbery and the murdering of their managers. You went into a Chaldean store and would quickly notice that the managers and stock clerks were carrying pistols on their hips. What was even more startling was an erected “crow‘s nest” over the meat section or checkouts. In the nest would be one individual and one clearly seen rifle (usually a 30 odd 6 deer rifle). You can come to rob, but you will leave dead was the clear message. Each store was a clan operation. The men were stock clerks, butchers and managers. The ladies were the ca-

EMPOWER

shiers. Any outside help would exclusively come from the neighboring Black community and that was a good thing. Before long they were formidable. I had to understand them for they were critical to my sales numbers. I inquired of some of the owners and they referred me to their church, The Chaldean Church of Michigan. The minister at the church referred me to their Business Director who published the Chaldean Business Directory. This was most fascinating. He annually printed the Chaldean Business Directory which listed every Chaldeanowned business within the United States. The Chaldean members would religiously (not a pun) use this directory to do their daily business.

distribution and product marketing business from Detroit came in very handy. My team was constantly hitting “home runs” from the western suburbs. In 10 months I was promoted again and transferred to Buffalo, NY. Upstate New York was totally different from Chicago or Detroit. I was there a year and hated every minute of it except for a few great jazz clubs in Buffalo and the proximity of Toronto. When my boss asked me if I would be willing to go back to Detroit, I jumped up and started dancing. Now my career was back in stride again. The Chaldean store owners were equally happy.

We were blazing the trail thanks to Farmer Jack and the entrepreneurial Chaldeans. Most corporations would entertain clients with dinners, plays or baseball games. We would take our clients to a Thomas Hearn boxing match or a Pistons basketball game. They were as much “street” as us and we were almost like family. They enjoyed giving us more store shelf space and bigger displays along with more newspaper advertising. We were on first name basis; knew the names of their wives and children and would always let them know that we gratefully appreciated their businesses. After all, they made us look special to our upper management.

They never had a representative of By this time I had left Procter & Gam- a major corporation, like Johnson Each Chaldean store was like a clan. ble and started working on a fast & Johnson, treat them with respect All the stores together became one great tribe. When challenges would developmental track with Johnson and true friendship. appear they would come together & Johnson Disposable Diapers Division. I bought a full page ad in the The only major chain to stay in in- and deal with them directly. A fine Chaldean Business Directory and ner city Detroit was Farmer Jack and example is when Allied Food Disour sales started to soar. Their store it was a great decision. The Chal- tributors filed for bankruptcy. Its owners were so grateful that I had deans and Farmer Jack were grow- rival, Grosse Pointe Quality, made the vision and insight to befriend ing big time as they filled the void a daring move. It upped the costs them. After all, they were providing left by stores like Chatham, Kroger of its services to all Chaldean stores a service to the Black community of and Great Scott who gave up on the without fearing the Chaldeans had Detroit which, for whatever reason, Black communities of inner Detroit. any options. The tribe thought it couldn‘t do it for itself. Their promo- As their business rolled, so did ours. through. They went to the fragile Altion of my products soon got me a The national average market share lied and cut this deal: All Chaldean promotion and I was off to Chicago. for Johnson & Johnson Disposable stores will immediately do all busiDiapers was 8.5%. In Detroit, we had ness with Allied if they would meet I got my first promotion and was a share of 42%. We were the leaders, this attractive cost. This would swell transferred to the Windy City and the predominantly white man- their business and get them out of known as Chicago. Chi-town was aged division of this Fortune 100 bankruptcy (pleasing their stockvery, very good to me. I was single company was perplexed. I had five holders). Allied agreed and soon and in good shape with my military sales reps and four were Black and they were out of bankruptcy. physique still intact. B e s i d e s the white sales rep wore an impres- On the other hand, Grosse Pointe Quality‘s business fell through the that the skills I learned in the grocery sive Afro.

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“floor” and it was them now in bankruptcy with little hope for the future. The tribe told Allied we were glad to help you and let‘s be friends forever. Then the tribe did something that was absolutely bodacious. They went to the bankruptcy court and bought out Grosse Pointe Quality Foods. Now they owned their own distribution center which meant they could now buy goods at factory price and deal directly with the manufacturers. Their future became most bright.

The Chaldean community did not rest on the above success. They took their profits and started expanding their business ownership of inner Detroit. Gas stations, dry cleaners, real estate offices, etc. They created an entrepreneurial kingdom right

Keep in mind this success story was possible because the Black community of Detroit could not figure out how to sell groceries to themselves (lack of entrepreneurship). The white man‘s “ice” was colder and the Chaldean “ice” was the coldest.

there in the hood. All the while, they started moving their families to the northern suburbs such as Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, etc. Their children were applying and being accepted to the University of Michigan, University of Detroit, Michigan

“We were blazing the trail thanks to Farmer Jack and the entrepreneurial Chaldeans.”

State University and other prestigious schools. Soon their lawyers, doctors, dentists, accountants, etc. would be members of the tribe. Oh yes, their political PACs are the most respected by local elected officials. The Chaldeans now have great political clout. They followed the four principals of Booker T. Washington and became a great American story.

Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®.

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE FOR AS LOW AS $100.00 PER ISSUE BECOME A BETHEL’S PLACE CHAMBER MEMBER AND ENJOY EVEN MORE DISCOUNTS. AND REMEMBER: “YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS BECAUSE MONEY NEVER SLEEPS”

Call 713-933-7411

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BETHEL’S PLACE BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC. NATIONAL BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC. (NBCC)

“CHAMBER OF THE YEAR” At the recently concluded 19th Annual NBCC International Convention in Miami, Florida, Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce (BPBCC) was formally recognized as the “2011 NBCC Chamber of the Year.” BPBCC is presently the only Church-based Chamber of Commerce in the Nation, and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Formed in October, 2010, they have experienced phenomenal growth. This unique Chamber has quickly moved to the forefront as a strong advocate for business and job creation focused on developing and revitalizing depressed communities at the local, national and international level. They do so by facilitating collaborative and joint business ventures / partnerships complimented by education, training and implementation of the “Community Business Success Model.” BPBCC has a genuine desire and successoriented approach towards spotlighting, nurturing and embracing young business owners and entrepreneurs.

“YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS BECAUSE MONEY NEVER SLEEPS”

Post Traumatic Stress is affecting our nation in PANDEMIC PROPORTIONS! The PTSD Foundation of America holds three key objectives to combat Post Traumatic Stress: Bring healing to our military community (Active duty, Reserves and National Guard veterans, and their families) through pastoral counseling, and peer mentoring, both on an individual basis, and in group settings. Raise awareness of the increasing needs of the military community through public events, media outlets, social media, service organizations and churches. Networking government agencies, service organizations, churches and private sector businesses into a united "Corps of Compassion," to bring their combined resources together to meet the needs of the military community on a personal and individual/family level.

If not me, then who? If not now, then when? Our brave men and women in uniform understand duty, honor and sacrifice. Many have returned home with both the visible scars, and the unseen wounds of war.

It's time to give back to those who have given themselves so selflessly PO Box 690748 * Houston, TX 77269 Toll Free: 1-877-717-PTSD(7873) Veteran Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) PTSD Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 non-profit group designed to help assist in the recovery of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for returning veterans, their families, friends and community.

ing Â an Â Insurance Â Agent Â was Â all Â about Â travelling. Â Now, Â my Â focus Â is Â on Â helping Â people Â make Â inf ing Â their Â insurance Â needs: Â Life, Â Home, Â Auto, Â Health Â and Â Commercial. Â I Â believe Â in Â sitting Â down going Â over Â all Â their Â insurance Â needs. Â Before Â I Â became Â an Â Insurance Â agent, Â I Â had Â no Â idea Â what " ! ! ! ! % ! ! ) $( " ! ! # & in Â their Â policy, Â so Â that Â when Â something Â happens, Â they Â are Â fully Â aware Â of Â what Â needs Â to Â be Â do cated Â at Â 9900 Â Westpark Â Dr., Â Ste. Â 208, Â Houston, Â Texas, Â 77063. Â For Â more Â information, Â call Â 713 agency@yahoo.com. Â

EMPOWER

New Member Spotlight

" * " ! -Ââ&#x20AC;?generation Â family-Ââ&#x20AC;? $ ! " ) is Â located Â at Â 8420 Â S. Â Sam Â Houston Â Parkway Â W. Â Houston, Â Texas, Â Ste. Â 260, Â and Â owned Â by Â E Each month this section spotlights new members who have joined the Bethelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place Black Chamber of ComSpecializing Â in Â homemade Â links, Â the Â restaurant Â also Â serves Â a Â variety Â of Â other Â barbecue Â meat merce. These businesses are committed to strengthening the connections and relationships between African and Â slice Â beef, Â chicken, Â boudin Â and Â pork Â neck Â bones, Â as Â well Â as Â a Â number Â of Â side Â dishes, Â suc salad, Â rice Â dressing Â and Â cole Â slaw. Â Â For Â more Â information, Â call Â 713-Ââ&#x20AC;?721-Ââ&#x20AC;? American businesses as well as owners of businesses from every cultural background who have anare interest in 5465. Â

New Member Spotlight

committed to strengthening andAmerican relationships between African American businessesisascommitted well as owners of businesses from tapping the intoconnections the African consumer market. Each business to providing top notch cusHair Â Dreams Â by Â Christal, Â Inc. Â is Â a Â non-Ââ&#x20AC;? p rofit, Â 501(c) Â (3) Â tax-Ââ&#x20AC;? every cultural background who have an interest in tapping into the African American consumer market. Each business is committed to exempt Â charitable Â organization. Â W tomer service, quality products, high business ethics and an overall standard of excellence. minded Â Board Â of Â Directors Â and Â stylists Â who Â are Â eager Â to Â help Â the Â surrounding Â community. providing top notch customer service, quality products and services, high business ethics and an overall standard of excellence.

children Â who Â suffer Â from Â hair Â loss Â due Â to Â illness, Â traumatic Â experiences, Â or Â un-Ââ&#x20AC;?natural Â hair Every Â year, Â our Â Board Â of Â Directors Â selects Â individuals Â to Â receive Â the Â gift Â of Â a Â natural, Â non-Ââ&#x20AC;?s ! " ( $ ( ! " " &( # + "!! " ! !), & ! system." Â Â We Â believe, Â that Â by Â enhancing Â the Â outward Â appearance Â with Â a Â non-Ââ&#x20AC;? surgical Â "hair Janet Joshua Insurance Agency believes in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Put- find candies and drinks, such as Old Henry Candy Bars, Tahitian ing Â an Â Insurance Â Agent Â was Â all Â about Â travelling. Â Now, Â my Â focus Â is Â on Â helping Â people Â make Â informed Â decisions, Â regard-Ââ&#x20AC;? can Â begin Â to Â build Â up Â their Â self-Ââ&#x20AC;?confidence Â and Â self-Ââ&#x20AC;?esteem Â by Â transitioning Â them Â from Â a Â

and Delaware

areDr., Ste. 150, ting Customers First. â&#x20AC;? My life prior to becoming an Treat Punch. Located at s 8236 Kirby ing Â their Â insurance Â needs: Â Life, Â Home, Â Auto, Â Health Â and Â Commercial. Â I Â believe Â in Â sitting Â down Â with Â my Â customers, Â and Â happy Â and Â productive Â life. Â Â To Â make Â these Â "hair Â dreams" Â come Â true, Â we Â are Â in Â need Â of Â fund committed to strengthening the connections relationships between American businesses as wellalso as owners of businesses Insurance Agent was alland about travelling. Now, African my near Reliant, the business offers4special eventfrom coordination for or Â to Â make Â a Â donation, Â call Â 281-Ââ&#x20AC;? 99-Ââ&#x20AC;?9737, Â visit Â 514 Â Texas Â Parkway, Â Ste. Â A Â or Â click Â on Â http://h going Â over Â all Â their Â insurance Â needs. Â Before Â I Â became Â an Â Insurance Â agent, Â I Â had Â no Â idea Â what Â type Â of Â coverage Â I Â had, Â

New Member Spotlight

every cultural background who have an interest in tapping into decisions, the African American consumer market. Each business is committed to events. The "is ! ! ! ! % ! ! ) $( " ! ! # & $ $ !* # focus on helping people make informed weddings, birthdays, family reunions and corporate providing top notch customer service, quality products and services, high business ethics and an overall standard of excellence.

'' * " ! ( -Ââ&#x20AC;? o wned Â by Â Irwin Â Daniels Â and Â Alan Â Roland, Â i in Â their Â policy, Â so Â that Â when Â something Â happens, Â they Â are Â fully Â aware Â of Â what Â needs Â to Â be Â done. Â Her Â offices Â are Â lo-Ââ&#x20AC;? regarding their insurance needs: Life, Home, Auto, product is a perfect product for school and other fundraisers. For

than Â 170 Â flavors Â of Â gourmet Â popcorn. Â The Â popcorn Â shop Â al cated Â at Â 9900 Â Westpark Â Dr., Â Ste. Â 208, Â Houston, Â Texas, Â 77063. Â For Â more Â information, Â call Â 713-Ââ&#x20AC;? Health and Commercial. I believe in sitting down more information or tooffering Â book7more Â a80-Ââ&#x20AC;?9779 Â or Â email Â Janet-Ââ&#x20AC;? catering event, call Jackie Daniels, shaved Â sno-Ââ&#x20AC;?cones Â and Â a Â variety Â of Â hard-Ââ&#x20AC;? to-Ââ&#x20AC;?find Â candies Â and Â drinks, Â such Â as Â O agency@yahoo.com. Â ! " ( $ ( ! " &( # + "!! " ! !), & ! with my customers, and going over all their " insurance needs. Be- event coordinator, at 713-667-4767 or visit www.poparazzispoptian Â Treat Â and Â Delaware Â Punch. Â Â Located Â at Â 8236 Â Kirby Â Dr., Â Ste. Â 150, Â near Â Re ing Â an Â Insurance Â Agent Â was Â all Â about Â travelling. Â Now, Â my Â focus Â is Â on Â helping Â people Â make Â informed Â decisions, Â regard-Ââ&#x20AC;? Â Insurance agent, I had no idea what type of cov- corn.com. fore I became an fers Â special Â event Â coordination Â for Â weddings, Â birthdays, Â family Â reunions Â and Â c ing Â their Â insurance Â needs: Â Life, Â Home, Â Auto, Â Health Â and Â Commercial. Â I Â believe Â in Â sitting Â down Â with Â my Â customers, Â and Â uct Â is Â a Â perfect Â $ product Â ! for Â school Â and Â other Â fundraisers. Â Â For Â more Â informa erage I had, because no one took the time to explain the risks to " Spotlight * " ! -Ââ&#x20AC;?generation Â family-Ââ&#x20AC;? $ ! " ) &* ! " ! New Member going Â over Â all Â their Â insurance Â needs. Â Before Â I Â became Â an Â Insurance Â agent, Â I Â had Â no Â idea Â what Â type Â of Â coverage Â I Â had, Â event, Â call Â Jackie Â Daniels, Â event Â coordinator, Â at Â 713-Ââ&#x20AC;? 4767 Â or Â visit Â www.po me. Now, I make sure that everyone is aware of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s covered in Invite In Style, owned by Tyeisha Castex, has667-Ââ&#x20AC;? been is Â located Â at Â 8420 Â S. Â Sam Â Houston Â Houston, Â Texas, Â 260, Â and Â owned Â by Â $ $ !* Eugene Â and Â Kristi Â Barnes. Â Â

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! ) $( " ! ! # & # their policy, so that when something happens, theyAfrican are fully aware in business committed to strengthening the connections and relationships between American businesses as well as owners of businessessince from the summer of 2010, offering a wide Invite Â In Â Style, Â owned Â by Â Tyeisha Â Castex, Â has Â been Â in Â business Â since Â the Â summer Â of Â 2010, Â o Specializing Â in Â homemade Â links, Â the Â restaurant Â also Â serves Â a Â variety Â of Â other Â barbecue Â meats, Â including Â ribs, Â chopped Â in Â their Â policy, Â so Â that Â when Â something Â happens, Â they Â are Â fully Â aware Â of Â what Â needs Â to Â be Â done. Â Her Â offices Â are Â lo-Ââ&#x20AC;? every cultural background who have an interest in tapping into the African American consumer market. Each business is committed to of what needs to be done. Her offices are located at 9900 Westpark variety of stylish, classic and original invitations at stylish, Â classic Â and Â original Â invitations Â at Â reasonable Â prices. Â The Â company Â prides Â itself Â on Â pr New Member Spotlight cated Â at Â 9900 Â Westpark Â Dr., Â Ste. Â 208, Â Houston, Â Texas, Â 77063. Â For Â more Â information, Â call Â 713-Ââ&#x20AC;? 780-Ââ&#x20AC;?9779 Â or Â email Â Janet-Ââ&#x20AC;? and Â slice Â beef, Â chicken, Â boudin Â and Â pork Â neck Â bones, Â as Â well Â as Â a Â number Â of Â side Â dishes, Â such Â as Â baked Â beans, Â potato Â providing top notch customer service, quality products and services, high business ethics and an overall standard of excellence. quality Â customer Â service Â and Â furnishing Â invitations Â for Â weddings Â and Â birthday Â parties Â and Â a Dr., Ste. 208, Houston, Texas, 77063. For more information, call reasonable prices. The company prides itself on proagency@yahoo.com. Â salad, Â rice Â dressing Â and Â cole Â slaw. Â Â For Â more Â information, Â call Â 713-Ââ&#x20AC;?721-Ââ&#x20AC;? 5465. Â

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" ! ing Â their Â insurance Â needs: Â Life, Â Home, Â Auto, Â Health Â and Â Commercial. Â I Â believe Â in Â sitting Â down Â with Â my Â customers, Â and Â Broussardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Links is ageneration Â family-Ââ&#x20AC;? third-generation events in between. There is no event too big small to invite your Hair Â Dreams Â by Â Christal, Â Inc. Â is Â a Â non-Ââ&#x20AC;? p rofit, Â 501(c) Â (3) Â tax-Ââ&#x20AC;? e xempt Â charitable Â organization. Â We Â are Â comprised Â of Â a Â civic-Ââ&#x20AC;? providing top notch customer service, quality products and services, high business ethics and an overall standard * of " / " ! & ( ! ! 1321 !$ ! excellence. going Â over Â all Â their Â insurance Â needs. Â Before Â I Â became Â an Â Insurance Â agent, Â I Â had Â no Â idea Â what Â type Â of Â coverage Â I Â had, Â PENDING. " is Â located Â at Â 8420 Â Sam Â Houston Â Parkway Â W. Â familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Houston, Â Texas, Â 260, Â and Â owned Â In by Â Style Eugene Â and Â Kristi Â of Barnes. Â Â family-owned andS. Â operated business. The guestSte. Â to, so allow Invite to be a part your next event. For minded Â Board Â of Â Directors Â and Â stylists Â who Â are Â eager Â to Â help Â the Â surrounding Â community. Â We Â focus Â on Â women Â and Â " ! ! ! ! % ! ! ) $( " ! ! # & $ $ !* # ated Â Edwin Â and Â Dorothy Â Pierson. Â The Â family-Ââ&#x20AC;? o wned Â and Â -Ââ&#x20AC;? o perated Â restaurant Â Â specialize Specializing Â in Â homemade Â links, Â the Â restaurant Â also Â serves Â a Â variety Â of Â other Â barbecue Â meats, Â including Â ribs, Â chopped Â newest restaurant is located at 8420 S. Sam Houston more information,ncall 832-233-4523 or via email at inviteinstyle@ in Â their Â policy, Â so Â that Â when Â something Â happens, Â they Â are Â fully Â aware Â of Â what Â needs Â to Â be Â done. 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Â Â For Â more Â inform Every Â year, Â our Â Board Â of Â Directors Â selects Â individuals Â to Â receive Â the Â gift Â of Â a Â natural, Â non-Ââ&#x20AC;? surgical, Â "hair Â replacement Â agency@yahoo.com. Â ing Â an Â Insurance Â Agent Â was Â all Â about Â travelling. Â Now, Â my Â focus Â is Â on Â helping Â people Â make Â informed Â decisions, Â regard-Ââ&#x20AC;? salad, Â rice Â dressing Â and Â cole Â slaw. Â Â For Â more Â information, Â call Â 713-Ââ&#x20AC;?721-Ââ&#x20AC;? 5 465. Â by Eugene and Kristi Barnes. Specializing in homesystem." Â Â We Â believe, Â that Â by Â enhancing Â the Â outward Â appearance Â with Â a Â non-Ââ&#x20AC;?surgical Â "hair Â replacement Â system," Â we Â Â ing Â their Â insurance Â needs: Â Life, Â Home, Â Auto, Â Health Â and Â Commercial. Â I Â believe Â in Â sitting Â down Â with Â my Â customers, Â and Â made links, the restaurant also serves aand Â variety of Mthem Â D Porter, PLLC is an accounting, tax and figoing Â over Â all Â their Â insurance Â needs. Â Before Â I Â became Â an Â Insurance Â agent, Â I Â had Â no Â idea Â what Â type Â of Â coverage Â I Â had, Â can Â begin Â their Â self-Ââ&#x20AC;?confidence Â self-Ââ&#x20AC;?esteem Â by Â transitioning Â a Â devastating Â loss Â back Â to Â a Â " * to Â "build Â up Â ! -Ââ&#x20AC;? generation Â family-Ââ&#x20AC;? $ ! " ) &* $ ! from Â ! " ! other barbecue meats, including ribs, chopped and slice beef, nancial planning firm. It # is managed and owned ! ! ! ! % ! ! ) $( " ! ! # & $ $ !* is Â " located Â at Â 8420 Â S. Â Sam Â Houston Â Parkway Â W. Â Houston, Â Texas, Â Ste. Â 260, Â eand Â owned Â by Â Eugene Â and Â Kristi Â Barnes. Â Â happy Â and Â productive Â life. Â Â To Â make Â these Â "hair Â dreams" Â come Â true, Â we Â are Â in Â need Â of Â funding. Â For Â more Â information Â Hair Â Dreams Â by Â Christal, Â Inc. Â is Â a Â non-Ââ&#x20AC;? parofit, Â 501(c) Â (3) Â tax-Ââ&#x20AC;? xempt Â charitable Â organization. Â We Â are Â comprised Â of Â a Â civic-Ââ&#x20AC;? chicken, boudin and pork neck bones, as well as number of side by Michael D. Porter who is a CPA and a Certified in Â their Â policy, Â so Â that Â when Â something Â happens, Â they Â are Â fully Â aware Â of Â what Â needs Â to Â be Â done. Â Her Â offices Â are Â lo-Ââ&#x20AC;? Specializing Â in Â homemade Â links, Â the Â restaurant Â also Â serves Â a Â variety Â of Â other Â barbecue Â meats, Â including Â ribs, Â chopped Â or Â to Â make Â a Â donation, Â call Â 281-Ââ&#x20AC;?499-Ââ&#x20AC;?9737, Â visit Â 514 Â Texas Â Parkway, Â Ste. Â A Â or Â click Â on Â http://hairdreamsbychristal.org. Â minded Â Board Â of Â Directors Â and Â stylists Â who Â are Â eager Â to Â help Â the Â surrounding Â community. Â We Â focus Â on Â women Â and Â dishes, such and Â slice Â beef, Â chicken, Â boudin Â and Â pork Â neck Â bones, Â as Â well Â as Â a Â number Â of Â side Â dishes, Â such Â as Â baked Â beans, Â potato Â as baked beans, potato salad, rice dressing and cole Financial Plannerâ&#x201E;˘. The company combines sencated Â at Â 9900 Â Westpark Â Dr., Â Ste. Â 208, Â Houston, Â Texas, Â 77063. Â For Â more Â information, Â call Â 713-Ââ&#x20AC;? 780-Ââ&#x20AC;?9779 Â or Â email Â Janet-Ââ&#x20AC;? children Â who Â suffer Â from Â hair Â loss Â due Â to Â illness, Â traumatic Â experiences, Â or Â un-Ââ&#x20AC;? natural Â hair Â loss Â beyond Â their Â control. Â agency@yahoo.com. Â salad, Â rice Â dressing Â and Â cole Â slaw. Â Â For Â more Â information, Â call Â 713-Ââ&#x20AC;?721-Ââ&#x20AC;? 5465. Â slaw. For more information, call 713-721-5465. sible financial planning concepts with sound tax

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'' * " ! ( -Ââ&#x20AC;?owned Â by Â Irwin Â Daniels Â and Â Alan Â Roland, Â is Â a Â specialty Â popcorn Â shop Â or Â to Â make Â a Â donation, Â call Â 281-Ââ&#x20AC;? 99-Ââ&#x20AC;? 9737, Â visit Â 514 Â Texas Â Parkway, Â Ste. Â A Â or Â click Â on Â http://hairdreamsbychristal.org. Â natural hair lossoffering Â beyond4more Â their control. Every year, our popcorn. Â The Â popcorn Â nameshop Â sounds real name is irrelevant; the than Â 170 Â flavors Â of Â gourmet Â also Â like. sells Â My New-Ââ&#x20AC;? Orleans-Ââ&#x20AC;?style Â Invite Â In Â Style, Â owned Â by Â Tyeisha Â Castex, Â has Â been Â in Â business Â since Â the Â summer Â of Â 2010, Â offering Â a Â wide Â variety Â of Â Board of Directors selects individuals to receive the gift of a natuonly one I pray that you remember shaved Â sno-Ââ&#x20AC;?cones Â and Â a Â variety Â of Â hard-Ââ&#x20AC;? to-Ââ&#x20AC;?efxempt Â charitable Â organization. Â We Â are Â comprised Â of Â a Â civic-Ââ&#x20AC;? ind Â candies Â and Â drinks, Â such Â as Â Old Â Henry Â Candy Â Bars, Â Tahi-Ââ&#x20AC;?after listening Hair Â Dreams Â by Â Christal, Â Inc. Â is Â a Â non-Ââ&#x20AC;? profit, Â 501(c) Â (3) Â tax-Ââ&#x20AC;?

'' * " ! ( -Ââ&#x20AC;?owned Â by Â Irwin Â Daniels Â and Â Alan Â Roland, Â is Â a Â specialty Â popcorn Â shop Â stylish, Â classic Â and Â original Â invitations Â at Â reasonable Â prices. Â The Â company Â prides Â itself Â on Â providing Â clients Â with Â high Â ral, non-surgical, â&#x20AC;&#x153;hair replacement system.â&#x20AC;? We believe, that by to my ministry through music is Jesus the Christ. tian Â Treat Â and Â Delaware Â Punch. Â Â Located Â at Â 8236 Â Kirby Â Dr., Â Ste. Â 150, Â near Â Reliant, Â Â the Â business Â also Â of-Ââ&#x20AC;? minded Â Board Â of Â Directors Â and Â stylists Â who Â are Â eager Â to Â help Â the Â surrounding Â community. Â We Â focus Â on Â women Â and Â offering Â more Â than Â 170 Â flavors Â of Â gourmet Â popcorn. Â The Â popcorn Â shop Â also Â sells Â New-Ââ&#x20AC;?Orleans-Ââ&#x20AC;?style Â quality Â customer Â service Â and Â furnishing Â invitations Â for Â weddings Â and Â birthday Â parties Â and Â all Â events Â in Â between. Â Â enhancing the outward appearance with a non-surgical â&#x20AC;&#x153;hair reMy debut album, â&#x20AC;&#x153;To Godâ&#x20AC;? will be available Sepfers Â special Â event Â coordination Â for Â weddings, Â birthdays, Â family Â reunions Â and Â corporate Â events. Â The Â prod-Ââ&#x20AC;? shaved Â sno-Ââ&#x20AC;?cones Â and Â a Â variety Â of Â hard-Ââ&#x20AC;? to-Ââ&#x20AC;?find Â candies Â and Â drinks, Â such Â as Â Old Â Henry Â Candy Â Bars, Â Tahi-Ââ&#x20AC;? children Â who Â suffer Â from Â hair Â loss Â due Â to Â illness, Â traumatic Â experiences, Â or Â un-Ââ&#x20AC;? natural Â hair Â loss Â beyond Â their Â control. Â There Â is Â no Â event Â too Â big Â or Â small Â to Â invite Â your Â guest Â to, Â so Â allow Â Invite Â In Â Style Â to Â be Â a Â part Â of Â your Â next Â event. Â Â For Â placement system,â&#x20AC;? we tian Â Treat Â and Â Delaware Â Punch. Â Â Located Â at Â 8236 Â Kirby Â Dr., Â Ste. Â 150, Â near Â Reliant, Â Â the Â business Â also Â of-Ââ&#x20AC;? can begin to build up their self-confidence tember 30, 2011, yet my focus still remains on uct Â is Â a Â perfect Â product Â for Â school Â and Â other Â fundraisers. Â Â For Â more Â information Â or Â to Â book Â a Â catering Â Every Â year, Â our Â Board Â of Â Directors Â selects Â individuals Â to Â receive Â the Â gift Â of Â a Â natural, Â non-Ââ&#x20AC;? surgical, Â "hair Â replacement Â more Â information, Â call Â 832-Ââ&#x20AC;? 233-Ââ&#x20AC;? 4523 Â or Â via Â email Â at Â inviteinstyle@hotmail.com. Â and self-esteem by transitioning them from a devastating loss back the One that brought me here. For more information, please visit fers Â special Â event Â coordination Â for Â weddings, Â birthdays, Â family Â reunions Â and Â corporate Â events. Â The Â prod-Ââ&#x20AC;? event, Â call Â Jackie Â Daniels, Â event Â coordinator, Â at Â 713-Ââ&#x20AC;?667-Ââ&#x20AC;?4767 Â or Â visit Â www.poparazzispopcorn.com. Â uct Â is Â life. a Â perfect Â product Â these for Â school Â and Â dreamsâ&#x20AC;? other Â fundraisers. Â more Â artist information Â a Â catering Â to a happy andsystem." 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Â Â To Â make Â these Â "hair Â dreams" Â come Â true, Â we Â are Â in Â need Â of Â funding. Â For Â more Â information Â a donation, call 281-499-9737, visit 514 Texas Parkway, Ste. A or your church or event. Invite Â In Â Style, Â owned Â by Â Tyeisha Â Castex, Â has Â been Â in Â business Â since Â the Â summer Â of Â 2010, Â offering Â a Â wide Â variety Â of Â stylish, Â classic Â and Â original Â invitations Â at Â reasonable Â prices. Â The Â company Â prides Â itself Â on Â providing Â clients Â with Â high Â ated Â Edwin Â and Â Dorothy Â Pierson. Â The Â family-Ââ&#x20AC;? owned Â and Â -Ââ&#x20AC;?operated Â restaurant Â Â specializes Â in Â home Â cooking, Â includ-Ââ&#x20AC;? or Â to Â make Â a Â donation, Â call Â 281-Ââ&#x20AC;? 499-Ââ&#x20AC;?9737, Â visit Â 514 Â Texas Â Parkway, Â Ste. Â A Â or Â click Â on Â http://hairdreamsbychristal.org. Â click on http://hairdreamsbychristal.org. stylish, Â classic Â and Â original Â invitations Â at Â reasonable Â prices. Â The Â company Â prides Â itself Â on Â providing Â clients Â with Â high Â quality Â customer Â service Â and Â furnishing Â invitations Â for Â weddings Â and Â birthday Â parties Â and Â all Â events Â in Â between. Â Â ing Â Cajun Â style Â gumbo Â homemade Â boudin, Â jambalaya, Â etouffee Â and Â more. Â Â The Â eatery Â offers Â a Â family-Ââ&#x20AC;? friendly Â at-Ââ&#x20AC;? quality Â customer Â service Â and Â furnishing Â invitations Â for Â weddings Â and Â birthday Â parties Â and Â all Â events Â in Â between. Â Â MIKAVA INC. Training Center for CaThere Â is Â no Â event Â too Â big Â or Â small Â to Â invite Â your Â guest Â to, Â so Â allow Â Invite Â In Â Style Â to Â be Â a Â part Â of Â your Â next Â event. Â Â For Â There Â is Â no Â event Â too Â big Â or Â small Â to Â invite Â your Â guest Â to, Â so Â allow Â Invite Â In Â Style Â to Â be Â a Â part Â of Â your Â next Â event. 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gifted vocalist with ananincredgifted vocalist with in-â&#x20AC;? ible # # - $ #' % . range, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aservant,â&#x20AC;? born Femi Ariya, has had an affinity for muborn Femi Ariya, has had an sic since he was very young, but focused affinity for music since he primarily on playing musical instruwas very young, but focused primarily on ments. playing musical instruments.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had never sung in front of a microphone in my life and was credibly shy,shy, butbut God placed thethe right people incredibly God placed right peopleininmy mylife lifeininthat thatsea-â&#x20AC;? season to grow me into the ministry I found myself quickly fall-in son to grow me into the ministry I found myself quickly falling ing in love with.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started with the saxophone at 10, went - $% #% ( % % $ ) ! finally % ( % to trombone at 15, and expanded baritoneat and at 17. Then it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t to to trombone 15,tuba and finally expanded until the age of 20 that I realized, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey, I to baritone and tuba at 17. Then it was-â&#x20AC;? can really sing!â&#x20AC;? % % # + 0% & % % - * # * $ . The discovery came in his sophomore year at Xavier University in Louisiana, The discovery came in his sophomore where he was pursuing a bachelor of sciyear at Xavier in Louisiana, ence degree University in biology and a bachelor of where he was pursuing a bachelor of sci-â&#x20AC;? arts degree in Spanish. ence degree in biology and a bachelor of arts degree Spanish. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll neverinforget one day while in New Orleans in my sophomore year, I was at my church, Greater Antioch Full Gospel - 0 ' # # % * ( ( BaptistinChurch, in the middle of praise Orleans my sophomore year, I was at and worship, and the praise team was my church, Greater Antioch Full Gospel singing, Fred Hammondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Are the Baptist Church, in the middleâ&#x20AC;&#x153;You of praise Living Wordâ&#x20AC;? and I caught myself singing Photo Credit: Jackie Roberts with Jackieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Photos He has ministered at his church and also He had written music for a secular rap and worship, and the praise team was a tad too loud,â&#x20AC;? says Ariya. & &% # 0$ ' # # % sung at Beatnix CafĂŠ, Common Grounds $ # 0$ Park and McLennan onto another express myself aspath. a secular rapper. I had CafĂŠ, â&#x20AC;&#x153;TheIndian love Springs and support I have received Living Word. & % *$ $ After service, Ariya was pulled aside and him from the community nothing College, anddoes hopes to reachbut % % & . $ *$ # * encouraged to join the choir, and later the an artistically unprecedented album writ- Community ten that followed the style of Slick Rick, bolster my position that this ministry was - %0$ & * &$ # % #% $ a broader audience with the release of his praise team. after recording first track, given to me by God to share with a dying perspective, I wasthe initially more I could CD. After service, Ariya was pulled aside and ticbut feel the Spirit telling me,asâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Now Femi, you and perverse world. Love, prayers, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had never sung frontand of later a micro- driven to express myself a secular rap-â&#x20AC;? encouraged to join theinchoir, know this ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t right. â&#x20AC;? yes... ' $&!! sigh... even money have been only my life and was incredibly shy, per. I had an artistically unprecedented - #% ' # ' thephone praiseinteam. a few of the responses Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve received,â&#x20AC;? says but God placed the right people in my life album written that followed the style of from the community does nothing but Femi heeded Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice and three years Aservant. in that season to grow me into the minis- Slick Rick, but after recording the first bolster my position that this ministry - ' # $& # % # try I found myself quickly falling in love later, Aservant was born. was given to me Godlike to share a phone my life and was incredibly shy, he track, I could feel the Spirit telling me, In five years, heby would to seewith his minwith,in â&#x20AC;? says Ariya. During that time, ( * & he( % $ 0% # % 0 that time, has poured his talent dying istryand be perverse â&#x20AC;&#x153;whereverworld. God Love, calledprayers, it to be,â&#x20AC;? but God placed the right people in myvocal / Since also had the opportunity to receive * $, $ , ' * ' and time into ministering through song shares Aservant. lifecoaching in that season to grow me Kim into Burrell. the from gospel artist to reach souls for Christ.

0$ ' % # * #$ * ( % # $! $ $ 0' # ' . ministry I found myself quickly falling in When not focused on his music, he enjoy says Aservant. Ariya remembers feeling the Spirit de- later, Aservant was born. ' ( % . $ *$ # * &# % % % on him in the middletoofreceive praise and â&#x20AC;&#x153;The impact I wish to have is akin to the sreading, writing, martia larts and â&#x20AC;&#x153;anyhescend also had the opportunity impact brightest lights his would have Inthing athletic. worship. five years, heâ&#x20AC;?would like to see his Since thatthe time, he hasof poured talent vocal coaching from gospel artist Kim ontime a cave in ministering perfect darkness; thesong impact $%#* -( # ' # % % and into through Burrell. the smallest of railings has on altering the â&#x20AC;&#x153;I also want to make my personality so â&#x20AC;&#x153;I let go and immersed myself in the to reach souls for Christ. . $ # $ $ #' % fullness of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love. I knew, God had path of the 100-ton train barreling down magnetic, I am unable to carry credit Ariya remembers feeling the Spirit de-â&#x20AC;? the track; the impact Jesus told each of us When cards,not â&#x20AC;? says the 26-year-old artist. placed this gift in my life that He may be - ! % ( $ % focused on his music, he en-â&#x20AC;? ' $ % % scend on him in the middle of praise and to have on the world, â&#x20AC;? says Aservant. joys reading, writing, martial arts and glorified,â&#x20AC;? says the Mesquite, Texas -born impact the brightest of lights would have - *% % % . worship. For more information on Aservantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s munative. onHe a cave in perfect darkness; the impact has ministered at his church and also sic, visit http://www.reverbnation.com/ ( % % * ! #$ %* $ smallest of railings on altering sung at Beatnix CafĂŠ, has Common Grounds - $ aservant. - % #$ *$ % & He had written music for a secular rap the magnetic, I am unable to carry credit CafĂŠ, McLennan pathIndian of theSprings 100-â&#x20AC;?tonPark trainand barreling $$ but 0$ heard ' ( album, Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice redirecting the # $ . $ *$ % -â&#x20AC;?year-â&#x20AC;?old artist. Community and Jesus hopestold to reach the track;College, the impact him onto another placed this gift in mypath. life that He may be down a broader audience with the release of his # . $ *$ % $"& % ) $ -â&#x20AC;?born &$ % ' % ( # . $ *$ CD. visit http://www.reverbnation.com/ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kinda funny, because from the artistic Aservant. native. aservant. perspective, I was initially more driven to

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feature story

In This Photo: Tarus Morgan and Stephanie Oliver

SecondGeneration Generation Success Second Success

Black McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Operators aim to pass on legacy of success

next generation of family members as a tephanie Oliver was nine years old Of the 17 African-ÂAmerican owned McDon-Â means of building and passing on family when her parents opened the doors ald's franchises in the Houston region, five are females, and of that five, Oliver is one of wealth. to their first McDonald's franchise tephanie Oliver was nine years In July, Oliver, along with more than spired me to reach for the stars and do in 1979. Born and raised in Chicago, three independent female owner operators at President of the Houston Black McDonalds the helm of aBlack business McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where the volume inoperaher first job was wiping down tables old when her parents opened thein the a hundred things higher. would always say Operators Association for the pastHe six years, annual revenues averages $2.5 million. restaurant's dining area. she credits her father, Carroll Oliver, for his doors to their first McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tors from across the country, recently he wanted me to do things â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bigger and impact on her life and his constant encour-Â "My favorite item on the menu was the cara-Â Oliver, along with more than a hundred franchise in 1979. Bornrecalls andOliver. raised in convened in Houston agement.betterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; than him. And those are some Black McDonald's operators for from McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s across the mel sundae," country, recently met in Houston for McDon-Â "My father was always oneto thatfill,â&#x20AC;? inspired me Oliver. Three decades she is carrying Chicago, her first job waslater, wiping downon theâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Next Generationâ&#x20AC;? Conference, a series huge shoes says ald's "Next Generation" conference, a series to reach for the stars and do things higher. family legacy as the owner of three McDon-Â of seminars aimed at inspiring family mem-Â tables in the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dining area. of seminars aimed at inspiring family He would always say he wanted me to do ald's restaurants and is the second African bers of existing operators to carry on the leg-Â things 'bigger and better' him. And American female to own a McDonald's fran-Â members of existing operators to carry â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am verythan proud of him. He always acy of franchise ownership. those are some huge shoes to fill," says chise in the Houston area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My favorite item on the menu was the on the legacy of franchise According to Oliver, the ultimateownership. goal of the Oliver. pushed me to get out there and do it conference is to turn the business over to the caramel sundae,â&#x20AC;? recalls Oliver. on my own and he would always be

Three decades later, she is carrying on

the family legacy as the owner of three

McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurants and is the sec-

ond African-American independent female operator to own a McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

According to Oliver, the ultimate goal of the conference is to turn the business

over to the next generation of family members as a means of building and passing on family wealth.

franchise in the Houston area.

President of the Black McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Op-

Of the 17 African-American owned

for the past six years, she credits her

McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s franchises in the Houston region, five are female-owned, and Oliver is one of about three independent female owner-operators.

22 | www.empowermagazine.biz

erators Association of Greater Houston father, Carroll Oliver, for his impact on her life and constant encouragement.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My father was always one that in-

on the sidelines to guide me along the way,â&#x20AC;? says Oliver.

Working in the family business represented more than just a first job for

Oliver, and her older brother, Cedric, who is now director of operations for

her restaurants, but also served as an

alternative to the activities many of their friends were involved in growing up in Chicago.

While most of her friends were going

EMPOWER to parties or the movies or just hanging out, says Oliver, she and her brother were working at their father’s restaurant, something she appreciates now.

“I thank my father for that, not only did he instill good work ethics in me, but in Chicago there were some rougher sides and with him having a business it helped to keep me and my brother busy and we never got in trouble,” says Oliver. Oliver calls her father her hero. Owner of three McDonald’s restaurants, Carroll Oliver provided for the family and set the example for Oliver to follow in mapping out her own independent career path. “My father did not give me anything, but an opportunity. He was one that believed that if you wanted to get paid, you had to work,” she says. Although Oliver held great admiration for her father and his entrepreneurial spirit, following in his footsteps was not a part of her initial plans. She had her mind set on going to college and obtaining a business degree so that she could make her mark in the corporate world. On graduating from college, she returned home and took a summer job working for her father as she awaited other doors of opportunity to open. While there, she began to notice areas of the restaurant that could be enhanced. “I realized that computer-wise the restaurant wasn’t where it needed to be. Had I not gone to college I would not have been able to identify the different areas where improvements were needed,” says Oliver. Three months later her father offered her a position as store manager. In 1997, her commitment solidified after hearing a presentation by a female black McDonald’s owner-operator whose husband had been killed. The woman stressed the importance of passing down the family legacy of franchise ownership.

“My father was always one that inspired me to reach for the stars and do things higher. He would always say he wanted me to do things “bigger and better” than him. And those are some huge shoes to fill,”... “She said that if our parents or spouses own a McDonalds, you really need to be licensed as an owner to protect your business and your assets. If not of course you would just sell your restaurant back to McDonalds, but if the family has worked so hard to purchase and run this business, don’t just let it go away,” says Oliver of the presentation. The woman’s passionate plea convinced her of the importance of securing licensing and passing down the family legacy of franchise ownership. “That is what opened my eyes to being more of a family business and working together so that we can have more and carry on a family legacy,” says Oliver. Oliver carved out her own unique path in an arena where most second generation operators follow the trend of remaining connected to their parent’s franchises. “Children of owners have the option of staying in business with their parents or branching off to establish their own restaurants. A lot of operators stay with their parents because you are going to need a store that you actually are going to be training in. And they also are looking at some proven strategies,” says Oliver. Unafraid of a challenge, Oliver has set her own course. “My father and I are actually two totally different entities. I didn’t stay with my parents’ business, I have my own three McDonalds and my parents have their own three McDonalds,” Oliver says. She credits faith, being true to herself, setting realistic goals, never forgetting where she came from and reaching back to help others as the keys to her

current success. At the age of 42, not only has she assumed the helm of three independently-owned successful restaurant franchises, she is training and passing on the values instilled in her to her management team and employees. Many of the employees at Oliver’s restaurants have grown up in the business working as fry cooks to store managers and have risen above troubled backgrounds to achieve a level of success that gives Oliver great pride. “God has given me the grace and the spirit to change their lives and show them that they can do and be anything they want to be, that is what I am most proud of,” says Oliver. Fifteen years ago she spoke at a career day at a Houston area high school and 15 years later, one of the students now supervises one of her restaurants. Half of the employees who have risen to the ranks of manager in her restaurants stem from single parent homes where there was no father; some were victims of past abuse of various forms and still others came from households where their parents may have suffered from AIDS or been incarcerated. “I have many stories of people that have worked for me who said there were things they thought they couldn’t do and I showed them that ‘yes you can,’” says Oliver. A single-mother of three, she is now focused on instilling a strong work ethic and values in her children. “My daughter is going to Baylor this year to study pre-med. My son is thinking about possible franchise ownership and my daughter also, at times. I let them be who they are and don’t force anything on them. I want them to do like I did and experience college as well as life. I think that they can bring a different perspective back to the business, maybe something I haven’t thought about, like I did with my father,” says Oliver.

www.empowermagazine.biz | 23

EMPOWER

Carroll Oliver • I-10 / Lockwood • 45/Crosstimbers • Walmart inside Northline Mall Stephanie Oliver • 610/Post Oak Blvd A two story • McDonald’s in the Galleria • 610/Fannin across from Reliant Tarus Morgan • Bellaire / Kirkwood

On The Fast Track To Success Tarus Morgan is on the fast track as a second generation McDonald’s operator. He was approved for his first franchise at the age of 27, a process that normally takes most operators 5 or more years to complete, and now, at 29, owns and operates a McDonald’s franchise in southwest Houston. “A lot of people said that I was too young. I became an owner operator at 27. A lot of people told me I wouldn’t get approved this fast. It only took me a year and a half. It depends on the person, it depends on you,” says Morgan. Morgan takes great pride in carrying on the legacy started by his father, Wendell Morgan, a first generation Black McDonald’s operator, who worked in McDonald’s corporate offices for 15 years before assuming ownership of his initial franchise. “I had a fantastic base. One of the things my dad put in my head is that people are amazed at how fast a rocket flies, but a rocket cannot take off without a good foundation. And I have had a beautiful foundation, with my parents teaching me discipline and good values and the importance of not leaving a job unless I can sign my name to it, and keeping God first,” says Morgan. A native of Tennessee, Morgan had always envisioned some day joining his father’s business.

the opportunity to work in every position which has helped me to be a better operator,” says Morgan. An athlete in both high school and college, Morgan would work during the summers and during the off-season from sports. “I might work a month or two and then go back and focus on whatever sport I was in and over time moved up from the grill to cashier to swing manager and other positions in the restaurant,” shares Morgan. He maintained his focus, despite being teased by friends for working at McDonalds. “A lot of my friends would make fun of me for working at a McDonalds, but my salary was about $15,000 more than their’s in the general market, not just working for my father,” shares Morgan. Morgan believes many people mistakenly view working at McDonald’s as “just flipping burgers,” rather than an opportunity to learn how to help run a multi-million dollar business. In 2005, Morgan earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern University and eventually returned home to work in the family’s restaurant after working a brief stint in sales for a national telecommunications company, an experience he says opened his eyes to the corporate world. “I know life isn’t fair, but you start to see that if you know people you move up faster than others. It wasn’t always about talent or who was doing the most, it was about other things, so I realized then I needed to be my own boss,” says Morgan. Morgan’s father had always wanted him to come back and join him in the business and had envisioned teaching him the trade. “My dad had always encouraged me to work for myself and with him being in corporate so long he understood the corporate side of it and always pressed the value of being your own man, being your own boss,” says Morgan.

As a teenager, his first job was flipping burgers on the grill in his father’s restaurant.

“I had planned on playing in the NFL for several years, but my parents were really big on education and always encouraged having a backup plan. So I have always had a Plan A, B and C,” says Morgan.

“My dad was a real stickler for me learning the hard way and would always tell me that it would pay off in the end. I had

As a second generation McDonald’s operator, Morgan appreciates the career pathway that has been set before him.

24 | www.empowermagazine.biz

“McDonald’s is a very lucrative career, it is a good business to grow in, there is unlimited opportunity, which is something you can’t say about a lot of fortune 500 companies that you can start from a grill person and become an owner,” says Morgan. He also values the opportunity of being a second generation McDonald’s operator and having his parents’ business success as a blueprint to follow. “My dad did a great job in making it look easy, and a lot of times in my young arrogance, I thought it would just be a piece of cake because he made it look so easy. But it is an extremely hard job because you have to manage a lot of different personalities. You have to manage your personal life, and you are seeing all of this money, but you have to learn how to allocate it,” says Morgan. For Second Generation operators parents can give their children 20 percent of the business which serves like earnest money to purchase a store, according to Morgan. The Tennessee native met his wife, Veronica, in college, and discovered that her parents also were McDonald’s operators. With the money gifted to him through his parents’ franchise, Morgan bought stores from his father-in-law, Dave Moss, owner of eight McDonald’s franchises. With Morgan’s wife in the McDonald’s spousal program, his goal in the next five years is to expand to ownership of six restaurants. “ I want to enjoy quality of life. I don’t have kids yet, and eventually I plan on having children, so I want to be flexible and be able to take care of them, but I also want to have something to pass on to them as well,” says Morgan. He applauds the mission of the “Next Generation Conference” that encourages existing owners to pass down the franchise within the family. Held for the first time in Houston, this year’s conference brought McDonald’s operators together from across the country to the Westin Hotel near Memorial City Mall. Launched approximately 10 years ago, and held every four years, previous conferences have been held in Indianapolis and Florida, according to Morgan. “It is a beautiful thing and you have to feel honored to be able to be in a group like this

EMPOWER

Photo Credit: McGill Video & Photography

and for parents who love their children and our children, because we have seen the Morgan credits his success his faith in have a cake that is already made, and they " I want to enjoy quality of life and I don't who think enough to pass the torch onto struggle from our parents, theytobuilt someonetheir person your Jesus and a supportive their kids, an opportunity that is thing from the ground upfamily. and gave their have taken piecesinout and family hopefully we have kidsthis yet,isand eventually I plan onnot hav-Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;When really normal, I was 27 year olds when I blood, sweat and tears to see it succeed,â&#x20AC;? is rich, that is one thing, but when can add more pieces to that cake to pass on, ing children, so I want to be flexible and be "When you hear people tell you what you was approved for my first franchise, and says Morgan. in your is rich,we so our kids won't havefamily to start where able to take care of them, but I also want to everybody can't do and that God isn't real, and you see how many 27 year olds can say they own a that is wealth, and when you have something to pass on says to them as well," started," says Morgan. 2.5have million dollar business,â&#x20AC;? Morgan. Despite the seven day week, so much unbelief in athis new 24-hour-ageneration, generations of rich people, that is says Morgan. day commitment that restaurant happen The McDonald's franchise model has opened you can't tell me that things can'townertrue wealth. I think that is someMorgan does not take the opportunities ship brings, at the end of the day, Morgan when I have experienced them and I know a doorthat of opportunity for his family, a door He applauds the mission of the Next Genera-Â thing we miss in the black that have been afforded him lightly. would not do it any other way. where my blessings come from. he hopes many others will Morgan. walk through. tion conference that encourages existing community.â&#x20AC;? ~ Tarus to pass down thecommunity franchise to it other â&#x20AC;&#x153;I owners think that in the black is â&#x20AC;&#x153;McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has afforded me a beautiful "It has happened in my life, it has happened important for us to build wealth. So with life, so I have no regrets.â&#x20AC;? family members. for non-Â Second Generation people, it works, the foundation that our parents have laid, of rich people that is true wealth, and I nity it is important for us to build says Morgan. every 4 years, thisfrom year'sscratch, conference weHeld donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to start we have a cakeMcDonalds that is already made,together and they wealth. So with the brought operators fromthink that is something thatfoundation we miss in the He and his wife have yet to have children, have taken their pieces out and hopefully black community,â&#x20AC;? says Morgan. across the country for the first time in Hous-Â that our parents have laid, hope-Â but would like to see the legacy given to we can add more pieces to that cake to pass ton to the Westin Hotel near Memorial City fully,credits we don't have to start from on, so our kids wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to start where Morgan them by their parents passed on to their chil-Â his success to his faith in Launched in approximately 10 years weMall. started,â&#x20AC;? says Morgan. Jesus and a supportive family. dren. ago, previous conferences have been held in The McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s franchise model tohas "I don't want to force my child in a particular "I would franchises anybody, Indianapolis and Florida, according Mor-Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you encourage hear people tell you for what you opened a door of opportunity for his famidirection, but as a father, I would want them canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do and that God isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t real, and you because it is something that you can pass gan. lyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a door he hopes many others will walk see so much unbelief in this new generato get into the business, because it is a great onto your kids. How many times can you through. "It is a beautiful thing and you have to feel tion, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell me that things canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pass on millions of dollars to your kids," says business. And with both me and my wife honored to be able to be in a group like this happen when I have experienced them. I being Second Gens and seeing how it works, Morgan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would encourage franchises for any- know where my blessings come from. and for parents who love their children and body, because it is something that you can it would be easier to help our children more, desires for more African Americans who think enough passmany the torch onto pass onto your kids. to How times can â&#x20AC;&#x153;ItMorgan because we have seen the struggle from our has happened in my life, it has hapto take of Generation opportunities that will their kids, is an opportunity is not pened you pass onthis millions of dollars that to your for advantage non-Second people, parents, they built something from the kids,â&#x20AC;? says Morgan. leave a lasting legacy of wealth for their really normal, I was 27 year olds when I wasit works,â&#x20AC;? says Morgan. ground up and gave their blood, sweat and families. approved for my first franchise, and how tears to see it succeed," says Morgan. Morgan desires for more African Ameri- He and his wife have yet to have children, many 27 year olds can say they own a $2.5 cans to take advantage of opportunities but"Iwould think in our community a lot of times we like to see the legacy given to Despite the seven day a week, 24-Âhour-Âa-Âday million business. that will leave a lasting legacy of wealth them byrich their parents to their have people, but passed we don'tonhave wealthy commitment that owning multiple restau-Â for their families. families. When one person in your family is Morgan does not take the opportunities thatchildren. rants requires, at the end of the day, Morgan rich, that is one thing, but when everybody afforded him lightly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have thinkbeen in our community a lot of times â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t would not do it any other way. want to force my child in a particuin your family is rich that is wealth and we"I have rich people, but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have lar direction, but as a father, I would want think that in the black community it is "McDonald's has afforded me a beautiful life, wealthy families. When one person in them when youinto have generations of rich people to get the business, because it is important us to that buildiswealth. So with your family for is rich, one thing, butthea great so I have no regrets." And with both meis and that isbusiness. true wealth and I think that some-Â foundation thatin our parents have laid,that hope-Â when everybody your family is rich mything wife that being â&#x20AC;&#x153;Second Gensâ&#x20AC;? and seeing we miss in the black community," is fully, wealth when havefrom generations weand don't haveyou to start scratch, wehow it works, it would be easier to help says Morgan.

In This Photo: Black McDonald's Operators Association members

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African American Businesses on the Rise A U.S. Census Snapshot :

Â Â Â Â Â From Â 2002 Â to Â 2007, Â the Â number Â of Â black-Âowned Â businesses Â increased Â by Â 60.5 Â percent Â to Â 1.9 Â million, Â more Â than Â triple Â the Â national Â rate Â of Â 18.0 Â percent, Â according Â to Â the Â U.S. Â Census Â Bureau's Â Survey Â of Â Business Â Owners. Â Over Â the Â same Â period, Â receipts Â generated Â by Â black-Â owned Â businesses Â increased Â 55.1 Â percent Â to Â $137.5 Â billion. Â

EMPOWER

African American Businesses on the Rise Numbers By The

Â Â Â Â Â -Âowned Â businesses Â continued Â to Â be Â one Â of Â the Â fastest Â growing Â segments Â of Â our Â economy, Â showing Â rapid Â growth Â in Â both Â the Â number Â of Â businesses Â and Â total Â sales Â during Â this Â Â

Â Â Â Â These Â new Â data Â come Â from Â the Â Survey Â of Â Business Â Owners: Â Black-ÂOwned Â Businesses: Â 2007. Â The Â survey Â provides Â detailed Â information Â every Â five Â years Â for Â black-Âowned Â businesses, Â including Â the Â number Â of Â firms, Â sales Â and Â receipts, Â number Â of Â paid Â employees Â and Â annual Â pay-Â roll. Â

A U.S. Census Snapshot : By The Numbers

From 2002 to 2007, the number of black-owned businesses increased by 60.5 percent to 1.9 million,

Â Â Â Â In Â 2007, Â nearly Â four Â in Â 10 Â black-Âowned Â businesses Â operated Â in Â the Â health Â care Â and Â social Â more than triple the national rate of 18.0 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Survey of assistance;Íž Â and Â repair, Â maintenance, Â personal Â and Â laundry Â services Â sectors. Â The Â retail Â trade Â Business Owners. Over the same period, receipts generated by black-owned businesses increased and Â health Â care Â and Â social Â assistance Â sectors Â accounted Â for Â 27.4 Â percent Â of Â black-Âowned Â 55.1 percent to $137.5 billion. business Â revenue. Â

Â Â Â Â Among Â states, Â New Â York Â had Â 204,032 Â black-Âowned Â businesses Â and Â accounted Â for Â 10.6 Â per-Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black-owned businesses continued to be one of the fastest growing segments of our economy, cent Â of Â the Â nation's Â black-Âowned Â businesses, Â followed Â by Â Georgia, Â with Â 183,874 Â black-Âowned Â showing rapid growth in both the number of businesses and total sales during this time period,â&#x20AC;? businesses Â (9.6 Â percent) Â and Â Florida, Â with Â 181,437 Â (9.4 Â percent). Â said Census Bureau Deputy Director Thomas Mesenbourg.

Â Â Â Â Among Â counties, Â Cook, Â Ill., Â had Â the Â most Â black-Âowned Â businesses, Â with Â 83,733, Â accounting Â These new data come from the Survey of Business Owners: Black-Owned Businesses: 2007. The for Â 4.4 Â percent Â of Â all Â the Â nation's Â black-Âowned Â businesses. Â Los Â Angeles Â followed Â with Â 59,680 Â (3.1 Â percent) Â and Â Kings, Â N.Y., Â with Â 52,705 Â businesses Â (2.7 Â percent). Â survey provides detailed information every five years for black-owned businesses, in-

cluding the number of firms, sales and receipts, number of paid employees and annual Â Â Â Â Among Â cities, Â New Â York Â had Â the Â most Â black-Âowned Â businesses, Â with Â payroll. 154,929 Â (8.1 Â percent Â of Â all Â the Â nation's Â black-Âowned Â businesses), Â fol-Â lowed Â by Â Chicago, Â with Â 58,631 Â (3.1 Â percent), Â Houston, Â with Â 33,062 Â (1.7 Â In 2007, nearly four in 10 black-owned businesses operated in the health care and percent) Â and Â Detroit, Â with Â 32,490 Â (1.7 Â percent). Â social assistance; Other Â highlights: Â

and repair, maintenance, personal and laundry services sectors. The retail trade and health care and social assistance sectors accounted for 27.4 percent of Of Â the Â 1.9 Â million Â black-Âowned Â businesses Â in Â 2007, Â 106,824 Â had Â paid Â black-owned business revenue.

employees, Â an Â increase Â of Â 13.0 Â percent Â from Â 2002. Â These Â businesses Â employed Â 921,032 Â people, Â an Â increase Â of Â 22.2 Â percent;Íž Â their Â payrolls Â totaled Â $23.9 Â billion, Â Among states, New York had 204,032 black-owned businesses and accounted for 10.6 an Â increase Â of Â 36.3 Â percent. Â Receipts Â from Â black-Âowned Â employer Â businesses Â totaled Â $98.9 Â billion, Â an Â increase Â of Â 50.2 Â percent Â from Â 2002. Â percent of the nation's black-owned businesses, followed by Georgia, with 183,874

businesses (9.6 percent) and Florida, with 181,437 (9.4 percent). black-owned In Â 2007, Â 1.8 Â million Â black-Âowned Â businesses Â had Â no Â paid Â employees, Â an Â increase Â of Â 64.5 Â percent Â from Â 2002. Â These Â nonemployer Â businesses' Â receipts Â totaled Â $38.6 Â billion, Â an Â increase Â of Â 69.0 Â percent. Â Among counties, Cook, Ill., had the most black-owned businesses, with 83,733, counting The Â number Â of Â black-Âowned Â businesses Â with Â receipts Â of Â $1 Â million Â or Â for 4.4 percent of all the nation's black-owned businesses. Los more Â increased Â by Â 35.4 Â percent Â to Â 14,507 Â between Â 2002 Â and Â 2007. Â

lowed with 59,680

acAngeles fol-

Â Â Â Â The Â Survey Â of Â Business Â Owners Â defines Â black-Âowned Â businesses Â as Â firms Â in Â (3.1 percent) and Kings, N.Y., with 52,705 businesses (2.7 percent). which Â blacks Â or Â African-ÂAmericans Â own Â 51 Â percent Â or Â more Â of Â the Â equity, Â interest Â or Â stock Â of Â the Â business. Â Additional Â reports Â from Â the Â survey Â highlighting Â other Â Among cities, New York had the most black-owned businesses, with 154,929 (8.1 perminority-Â Â and Â veteran-Âowned Â businesses Â will Â be Â issued Â over Â the Â next Â year. Â Sub-Â cent of all the nation's black-owned businesses), followed by Chicago, with 58,631 (3.1 sequently, Â separate Â publications Â will Â be Â issued Â highlighting Â additional Â characteris-Â tics Â of Â all Â businesses Â and Â their Â owners. Â percent), Houston, with 33,062 (1.7 percent) and Detroit, with 32,490 (1.7 percent).

Other highlights: Press Â release Â from Â the Â U.S. Â Census Â Bureau. Â

â&#x20AC;˘ Of the 1.9 million black-owned businesses in 2007, 106,824 had paid employees, an increase of 13.0 percent from 2002. These businesses employed 921,032 people, an increase of 22.2 percent; their payrolls totaled $23.9 billion, an increase of 36.3 percent. Receipts from black-owned employer businesses totaled $98.9 billion, an increase of 50.2 percent from 2002. â&#x20AC;˘

In 2007, 1.8 million black-owned businesses had no paid employees, an increase of 64.5 percent from 2002. These nonemployer businesses' receipts totaled $38.6 billion, an increase of 69.0 percent.

â&#x20AC;˘

The number of black-owned businesses with receipts of $1 million or more increased by 35.4 percent to 14,507 between 2002 and 2007.

The Survey of Business Owners defines black-owned businesses as firms in which blacks or African-Americans own 51 percent or more of the equity, interest or stock of the business. Additional reports from the survey highlighting other minority and veteran-owned businesses will be issued over the next year. Sub-sequently, separate publications will be issued highlighting additional characteristics of all businesses and their owners. Press release from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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HOT SUMMER VACATION GETAWAYS

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lthough the summer months are ticking away, there is still time to break away from the work routine to schedule a quick and affordable vacation getaway. If you are in the ranks of small business owners who work an average of 60 to 80 hours per week, the threat of burnout is real. According to U.S. Census data, in 2007, 1.8 million African American small business owners were sole proprietors, with no employees, making it more of a challenge to close down the store front for personal downtime. Achieving a healthy work/lifestyle balance is vital to a successful business. And taking the time to get away is essential.

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Kemah Boardwalk (A waterfront vacation destination within a 45-minute drive time of Houston) Whether gazing across the sparkling waters of the bay at passing seagulls and sailboats or taking a luxury dinner cruise with family and friends, there is nothing like a relaxing day on the Boardwalk. A 40-acre entertainment complex, developed by Tilman J. Fertitta, sole owner, chairman and CEO of Landry’s, Inc., the Kemah Boardwalk offers an affordable and scenic summer getaway. Named one of the top 10 American Boardwalks by ForbesTraveler.com, guests can come for a day of fun or for an overnight stay to enjoy a selection of live bands, a variety of dining options, outdoor rides, carnival games and specialty shopping. An all-day riding pass ($19.99 for guests over 48,” $16.99 for guests under 48”) will provide visitors with a ticket for a day of outdoor fun, excluding the Boardwalk Beast, Stingray Reef, Midway Games or Arcade. Whether riding the old fashioned double-decker carousel, boarding the C.P. Huntington train for a scenic tour or biting into a delicious cotton candy, visitors to the boardwalk, both young and old, will find a host of activities to enjoy in a relaxing carnival-type atmosphere. Younger children can take flight on the Red Baron or board the Balloon Wheel,

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for a mini-carousel ride, while the more daring may enjoy the exhilaration of the Boardwalk Bullet for a ride of twists and turns, including a 92-foot stomach-dropping plunge on a wooden roller coaster traveling up to speeds of 50 mph. The Boardwalk offers its own unique flair as vendors beckon visitors to stop by for a caricature portrait or to test their skills at one of the Boardwalk’s many carnival games for a chance to win exciting prizes. Dancing water fountains in the Plaza in front of the Boardwalk Inn give kids a chance to put on their swim gear to enjoy outdoor water fun, supervised by parents. Thrill seekers won’t want to miss out on the Boardwalk Beast, a 25-minute boat ride across the bay that reaches speeds of up to 40 mph and engages riders in a one-of-a-kind experience of rushing wind, music and entertainment, not to mention the feel of the refreshing spray from the bay. For a musical diversion, guests to the Boardwalk can visit Rock the Dock featuring outdoor musical performances set against a relaxing backdrop of the bay waters. When you are ready for a bite to eat, dining options abound, including Landry’s Seafood House, Saltgrass Steak House, Bayside Grille, Lighthouse Buffet, The Flying Dutchman, the original Joe’s

Crab Shack, Red Sushi, Cadillac Bar and the Aquarium Restaurant. Those looking to extend their stay can check into the Boardwalk Inn, a first class nautical themed hotel, for a restive getaway. All in all, the seaside entertainment complex has something for everyone looking for a place to relax, unwind and enjoy an affordable summer getaway.

Kemah Boardwalk 215 Kipp Ave Kemah, TX 77565 Directions—From Houston take I45 South to the FM 518 exit. Turn left on FM 518 to FM 2094. Continue east on FM 2094 to Highway 146 and turn left. Turn right at the first light, which is Sixth Street. Turn left at the first stop sign, which is Bradford Avenue. Go to the end of the street. Rides & Amusement Hours Sunday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 10pm Friday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. 11pm For more information, visit www.kemahboardwalk.com.

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San Antonio River Walk (Approximate Three-Hour Drive Time From Houston) Ready to hit the road for a relaxing getaway? The San Antonio River Walk— described by many as one of America’s most well known river walks—provides a scenic getaway spot for individuals, groups and families. The meandering flow of the river extends an unspoken invitation to visitors to unwind and relax and take in the beauty of the lush tropical outdoor setting. Located in Central San Antonio, a story below street level, the River Walk winds through five miles of downtown San Antonio and provides an oasis of specialty shops, restaurants and cultural sites.

Tourists also have the option of taking breads, hand-crafted cheese and a variin a concert or musical performance at ety of gourmet food items. Park at Pearl, one of two outdoor amphitheatres, along the River Walk. At the farmers market tourists also can view a live cooking demonstration by Future aspects of the project, The Mis- well-known area chefs at various times sion Reach (noted as the largest ecosys- from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The brewery tem restoration in an urban area) will also includes a famed Culinary Institute connect the original River Walk to four of America school on its premises. of the city’s Spanish colonial missions to the south in 2013, with sections opened Need a break from basking in the outas completed. doors, The Rivercenter Mall, located conveniently on the River Walk, proPlaces to eat abound on the River Walk. vides visitors with an opportunity to Visitors can take advantage of a host of explore and shop in a traditional indoor dining options along the scenic water- setting. way, whether in the mood for a dining experience in an outdoor patio setting Whatever you choose to do, the San or inside one of the many posh restau- Antonio River Walk provides a wealth rants. An eclectic network of eateries, of opportunities to relax, kick back and each restaurant offers its own one-of- enjoy a moment of relaxing downtime a-kind ambiance and menu selections with family and/or friends. including Cajun and seafood, country cooking, Tex-Mex, Italian cuisine, and more.

In the midst of the first phase of a $384.5 million project expansion, the scenic natural waterway will lengthen to 15 miles, according to San Antonio Convention and Bureau officials. Whether traveling on foot, by bicycle or on one of the River Walk’s many boat A portion of the expansion, completed tours scheduled throughout the day, in May 2009, called the Museum Reach, visitors will find many opportunities to stretches for two miles and connects unwind and bask in the lush natural surdowntown with museums, cultural dis- roundings. tricts and the historic Pearl Brewery to the north. Along the way, visitors can Guests can venture to the new north enjoy the art of local, national and inter- end of the River Walk for a tour of national artists with visual art displays the historic Pearl Brewery, opened in stationed at many overpasses or take a 1883, to visit the Saturday Pearl Farmtour of the Southwest School of Art or ers Market. The market features organic San Antonio Museum of Art. fruits, vegetables and meats from the local area, as well as, fresh-baked artisan

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In America right now, a kid drops out of high school every 26 seconds. These drop-outs are eight times more likely to go to prison, 50 percent less likely to vote, more likely to need social welfare assistance, not eligible for 90 percent of jobs, are being paid 40 cents to the dollar earned by a college graduate, and continuing the cycle of poverty. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Waiting for Superman Campaign

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Fighting Statistics with Arrows Innovative charter school to open doors in Southwest Houston in fall

aiting for Superman, the documentary film about education in the USA, paints a dismal picture of a public education system that inhibits rather than inspires the intellectual growth of children. But outside of the system’s constraints shines a ray of opportunity--charter schools.

el’s Learning Center, in southwest Houston. The school will be housed on The Church at Bethel’s Family campus at 14442 Fonmeadow.

rare gleam of hope for American public schools.”

growth. Authorized by the State Board of Education, Arrow Academy complies with all performance expectations, but their mission is simple: meet student needs.

puts the very best people, processes, and instruction in place to serve the children,” he says.

Darlene Breaux, director of Arrow The charter school targets low income Academy at Bethel’s Learning Censtudents who may have floundered in ter, explains Arrow Academy’s apthe traditional school system. proach: “One of the main things that was important to Arrow Academy is As the charter versus traditional pub- that we hire teachers that were very The Wall Street Journal reports, “Ac- lic school debate wages on, the truth high nurturing,” says Breaux. “We cording to the Center for Education remains, that open enrollment charter needed teachers who cared about Reform, more than 5,000 charters schools like Arrow Academy are free kids.” are now operating in 39 states and of the obstacles and arcane regulathe District of Columbia. Consider- tions that cripple many traditional Research shows that students with ing that the first charter didn’t open public schools. high performing teachers progressed until 1992, and that these innovative three times as fast as those with low schools have faced outright hostility Bureaucratic strongholds often pro- performing teachers. Children need from teachers unions and the edu- hibit progression toward teaching the best people in place to aid their cation bureaucracy, their growth is a models that may better aid child educational growth.

Arrow Academy, a new system of charter schools, founded by Dr. Jim Christensen, will soon add to those numbers.

Superintendent Dr. Jim Christensen holds firm to that mission.

These kinds of teachers do the very things that Arrow Academy promotes. They increase academic performance, develop leadership skills and encourage good character traits in their students.

Christensen has chosen three select “Character education is a daily prosites to launch his charter school con- “I was motivated by the opportunity to cess,” says Christensen. “We do not cept in Texas, including, one at Beth- create an innovative environment that want to just teach character, we want

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to reveal character in the kids in our school.” New York Daily News pinpoints this “philosophy of benevolent paternalism” as the secret of charter school success. Schools like Arrow Academy are distinguished “institutions that aim not only to build students’ academic skills, but to shape their character.” This dynamic makes all the difference. From kindergarten to 12th grade, schooling dominates a child’s daily life, and for most public institutions, character education is not in the lesson plan. Because of standardized test demands, some institutions end up “teaching the test” rather than the student. But Arrow Academy rejects this focus. “We are not covering content in Arrow Academy,” Christensen asserts. “We are teaching kids.” Breaux adds, “Our goal is mastery, not teaching to the minimum standard.” The Wall Street Journal states that “students who attend [charter] schools, which are concentrated in urban areas, tend to be low income minorities. Yet they regularly outperform their peer groups in traditional public schools often located blocks away.” Though Arrow Academy receives operational funding per student (typically less than other public schools), the school “does not receive capital funds for the school building. This

generates a significant cost savings to the taxpayers.” Even so, fundraising for the beginning school semesters is an ongoing need since public funding arrives only after the school year begins.

with 10 states going so far as to ban charter schools from competing with the traditional public school model. Somewhere, the focus on the children is lost.

In 2020, there will be 123 million highThis continuing struggle, however, skilled, high-paying jobs in America, has not distracted Arrow Academy but only a projected 50 million citiat Bethel’s Learning Center from its zens will have the technical skills to mission. fill the positions. Bill Gates says that this is directly related to education “Bethel’s staff work from the heart and Breaux agrees, but asserts that and then back up their love for the Arrow Academy has goals related to community with action,” says Chris- solving this problem. tensen. “Our goal of education is to prepare “The great leadership in Bethel and and create individuals who are ca100% commitment will help define pable of being productive citizens and allow our organization to put forth as well as prepare them for the work the best in education for the commu- force,” says Breaux. nity.” Even at Bethel’s Learning Center, a Though some public schools meet K-5th grade facility, Breaux contends government standards, evidence of that the a vision for the future stays widespread underachievement con- prominent. tinues. The U.S. ranked 25th in math literacy out of 30 developed countries Arrow Academy’s overall response in 2006, according to the National to this nationwide dilemma nods at Center for Education Statistics. what sets them apart from other charter schools. In addition to graduating Math and Reading skills have flat- with a diploma, each student will relined since the 1970s, despite the ceive a semester of college, work billions of dollars poured into the certifications, and aftergraduation traditional educational system each mentorship. year and the fact that every president from Lyndon B. Johnson to Barrack According to Christensen, Arrow Obama claims education as a priority. Academy does this “to ensure that each student will be living and enjoy“Yet the lessons of these outstand- ing a satisfying life and be a contributing [charter] schools have been ing member of their community.” largely ignored,” states New York Daily News. This refusal to recognize charter school success is nationwide

www.empowermagazine.biz | 37

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Who’s Minding Your Money |

MONEY, PERSONAL FINANCE & CREDIT

et‘s face it, no one ever says out loud “I want to be forty years old, neck deep in debt with no hope for a financial future.”

Maybe things aren‘t quite that bad, but have you ever wondered what makes some individuals wealthy and others not so much. We all know people who for some reason just can‘t seem to get things together financially. I mean they seem to live from one financial crisis to the next. They do not have a dime to their name and are always in a bind. This month I want to talk about the things that people do that keep them living the lifestyle of the broke and desperate. It was once said that your success in life is based on the following things, the people you meet, the books you read, and the habits you form. If you want to be wealthy then you have to develop the same habits of those who have built wealth. Otherwise, the alternative is to live the lifestyle of the broke and desperate. While there are probably thousands of reasons why people are not living the financial lives they dreamed of having, the following are some reasons why people find themselves broke and desperate:

Budget, what is that? After speaking to thousands of individuals on various topics in personal finance, I have concluded that people just don‘t

Lonnie Mathews, Founder, Alliance Financial Ministries, Inc.

budget. The biggest complaint that I hear from individuals is that they just don‘t know where their money is going. These same people don‘t live on any sort of budget. Budgeting does not have to be complicated, it is just a matter of deciding what you are going to spend your money on before you actually get it in your possession.

www.empowermagazine.biz | 39

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finances

Lifestyles of the Broke and Desperate The simple act of just writing down what you intend to spend your money on before payday can be a major step toward getting where you want to be financially and to stop letting your money disappear down an endless black hole each month.

Credit—just can‘t get enough Another reason people find they are living the lifestyle of the broke and desperate is they cannot delay gratification. In other words, credit has become an integral part of their lives. The concept of saving to get anything is a foreign one. These individuals just put the things they want on a credit card until it has reached its limit and they will say something like “We’ll figure out how to pay for it later!”

At least I look good This is the mantra of the middle class. People that live the lifestyle of the broke and desperate are constantly concerned about looking good at any cost. It may start with buying a house in a neighborhood that they can‘t afford. Then in order to keep up appearances they buy nicer cars, etc. One bad decision often begets another. Individuals living this life would rather have others think they are doing better than they really are. The result

40 | www.empowermagazine.biz

is they end up spending a lot of money on things they don‘t need in order to appear wealthy.

It‘s not my fault Most broke people are what you call perpetual victims. I am not saying that sometimes bad things don‘t happen to good people, because they do. However, if you ever listen to someone who is broke, things never seem to be their fault. Personal accountability is never an option; usually the blame for poor financial decisions is shifted to someone or something else. Broke and desperate people usually blame their family, the government or some other entity. Their favorite saying is something along the lines of “The little guy just can‘t get a break.”

I realize after reading this article I may sound a little judgmental, but before you judge let me say this. I have strong convictions about these things because I was the person that this article was describing. I wrote this so that you would look at your own attitude toward money and look at the person in the mirror. Two words that have escaped the English language are “Personal Responsibility.” What happened to the days where “I will make my own way and not rely on anyone else.”? The question is, have you ever engaged in any of these behaviors? Do you have a friend or family member that comes to mind as you are reading this?

I could die tomorrow Broke and desperate people often don‘t give much thought to the future and what it holds for them. Broke and desperate people are busy living in the moment. They rarely have any money to set aside for the future because in most cases they have spent it all today. The future just seems too far away to worry much about. “What if I die tomorrow I would have saved for nothing.” If I had a dime for every time, I heard this one....you know the rest.

This article was written by Lonnie R. Mathews for the Who’s Minding Your Money blog. Lonnie is an author and speaker in the area of personal finance. To learn more about Lonnie or to contact him visit www.lonniemathews.com.

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In This Photo: Kashmere High School Stage Band

Thunder Soul

Legendary High School Stage Band Reunites in One-Âof-ÂA-ÂKind Documentary Film

hen an acclaimed high school stage band reunites after 30 years to pay tribute to the legendary band director who lent his musical genius and unmatched showmanship to inspire country, you take notice.

If you are an independent filmmaker out of Los Angeles, you take your camera and let it roll to create a one-Âof-Âa-Âkind documentary that captures a slice of life rarely seen on film.

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"Grown men and women were run-Â ning down to the front of the stage to dance. People were going crazy," says Landsman.

That is what Mark Landsman, a filmmaker out of LA did when he heard a radio segment featuring for-Â mer Kashmere High School Band Director Conrad O. Johnson on Na-Â tional Public Radio in 2006.

"I called and Prof picked up the phone and I told him I was Mark Landsman, a filmmaker from LA, % ! is wrong with you man, I have been ! ! " & " Landsman.

"I was shocked when the announcer said that the band was comprised of 15-Â and 16-Âyear-Âold high school stu-Â dents from Houston, Texas, circa the early 1970s, and literally got goose bumps that young people could make that tight and professional of a sound," says Landsman.

A number of people from the enter-Â tainment industry were at the festi-Â val that night garnering attention for the documentary, including ex-Â on a plane to meet Johnson and ecutives with Roadside Attractions, start a process that would culminate who later signed as distributors of in the creation of "Thunder Soul," a "Thunder Soul." documentary film project chroni-Â Within days of the festival, Jamie cling the history of the stage band Foxx also signed on as executive and its legendary director. producer of the documentary after # " $ " his assistant brought the project to filmmaker. his attention.

As Landsman took in the audience's excitement, a woman walked up to % " ! When Landsman first heard what he described as "this incredible Within two weeks Landsman was & sound" coming through his radio # ! ! "I was shocked when the speakers, he thought it was a funk % " & band like the Bar-ÂKays or JB's or a announcer said that the "I literally welled up with tears," similar funk band from the early band was comprised of says Landsman. 70s. 15-Â and 16-Âyear-Âold high

school students from

After listening to the interview of the group's band director, Conrad O. Johnson, (affectionately called "Prof" by students) Landsman im-Â mediately searched for every Con-Â The film earned several audience # " rad Johnson he could find on the and Best Documentary awards at home for him really profoundly. He several independent film festivals. Internet. is from Temple, Texas and grew up learning music in the church, and The first call he made put him in At the Los Angeles Film Festival, his music experience really paral-Â touch with Conrad Johnson's son, where the film played to a packed leled the experience of a lot of these who encouraged him to contact his audience, the screen was raised at $ " the end of the film, revealing 30 father. members of the legendary stage The documentary film is set to pre-Â & " band, who flawlessly brought to life miere on September 23 in select cit-Â make contact, it took the filmmaker the music that won them acclaim in ies nationwide. For information, a week before he worked up the the 70s. visit www.thundersoulmovie.com. courage to make the call.

Empower Empower Magazine Magazinewas was recently recentlygranted grantedan anexclusive exclusiveinterview interviewwith withtwo two members that reunited members of ofthe thelegendary legendarystage stageband bandtotodiscuss discussthe theevents events that reunited band members years forfor a one-Âof-Âa-Âkind tribute to their membersafter after3030 years a one-of-a-kind tribute to high their high school the making of of thethe documentary school band banddirector directorand andculminated culminatedinin the making documentary film, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Thunder Soul.â&#x20AC;?

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Craig Baldwin, member ofa the band,ofserved as conductor the film Craiga Baldwin, member the band, served asin conductor for the stageinband reunion. band reunion. member,Fellow Rollo Rollins, who the film for theFellow stage band band member, Reginald (Rollo Rollins),ofserves on theJohnson board ofYouth directors now serves on the board of directors the Conrad the Conradthe Johnson Music andofFine Arts Foundation. Foundation,ofcoordinated business aspects the project. Members Various members of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thunder Soul, the Kashmere High of the Kashmere High School Stage Band over a â&#x20AC;?10-Âyear period took School Stage Band, took part in the making of the soon-topart in the making of the soon-Âto-Âbe-Âreleased documentary film pro-Â be-released documentary film project. ject.

Q. Share Q. your first recollections of hearing the the stage Share your first recollections of hearing stage band perform. band perform. Craig Baldwin Craig Baldwin

My Isister I werea Temptation's singing a Temptation's song when My sister and wereand singing song when my my mother came into the room and told us to be mother came into the room and told us to be quiet becausequiet the because the Kashmere Stage Band was coming on TV. Kashmere Stage Band was coming on TV. When we walked When we walked away I heard this beautiful sound and away I heard this beautiful sound and came back in the room came back in the room and saw this little guy with an and saw this little guy with an insane amount of people around insane amount of people around him. I remember saying

at that moment â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to be in that band.â&#x20AC;? What impact did Conrad Johnson have on your life? What impact did Conrad Johnson have on your life? Rollo Rollins Rollo Rollins

In This Photo: Conrad O. Johnson directing band member

Me and a friend of mine drank a beer before school and went back on the campus and Prof was coming out of the band room and walked

Me and a friend of mine drank a beer before school and went back on the campus and Prof was coming out of the band room and walked past us and then stopped in his tracks and turned around and told us "Hey man I can't have that in my band," and we asked him what he was past us andtalking then stopped his tracks and turned around and told usyou "Hey man I can't thatabout in my band," and of welooked askedathim what he about. Heindidn't say anything, but gave us that look like know what I amhave talking and then kind us and smiled was talkingand about. He didn't say anything, but gave us that look like you know what I am talking about and then kind of looked at us and just walked away. From that point on I never drank again when it came to that stage band. From that point on it was all about the music. smiled and just walked away. From that point on I never drank again when it came to that stage band. From that point on it was all about the music. What do your believe led him to set aside his own professional music aspirations?

What do your Craig believe Baldwin led him to set aside his own professional music aspirations?

I believe the transition occurred for Prof when he decided that he was going to stay home and be with Bertie, his wife, and be a family man. Craig Baldwin I believe the transition for Prof when he decided that he was going to stay home and be with Bertie, his wife, and be a family man. Describe his occurred musical connections. Rollo Rollins

Rollo Rollins

He knew aHe lotknew of music as such ThadasJones, Joe Sample, Mel Lewis, Count Basie, Grover Washington andHubert HubertLaws Laws a lot greats, of musicsuch greats, Thad Jones, Joe Sample, Mel Lewis, Count Basie, Grover WashingtonJr., Jr., Ronnie Ronnie and and and ArnettArnett Cobb,Cobb, who was Prof's best friend, and played along side some of them. They heard about us and when they would come to town who was Prof 's best friend, and played along side some them. They heard about us and when they would come to town they toband the band room to listen to us play. they wouldwould comecome to the room to listen to us play.

Describe Describe the magic innovation of Conrad Johnson. theand magic and innovation of Conrad Johnson. Craig Baldwin

Craig Baldwin

He was one theone most innovative musicians you would wantwant to meet when it came to to conducting listening,hehewas was a Heofwas of the most innovative musicians you would to meet when it came conductingand anddirecting directing and and listening, a great great listener. He tailor made the songs for us, while other people were playing chart music. He was a seamstress and he made it work and listener. He tailor made the songs for us, while other people were playing chart music. He was a seamstress and he made it work and wrote songs specifically rearrangedaasong song and and stylized Kashmere Stage Band. wrote songs specifically forfor usus oror rearranged stylizedititfor forthe the Kashmere Stage Band. After rehearsals, the drummer would start playing a beat, the bass player would start playing a beat, and then Prof would hear that and he After rehearsals, the drummer would start playing a beat, the bass player would start playing a beat, and then Prof would hear that and he would go and write a chart thenand bring it bring back and then that funky groove that that theythey were playing and allallofofa asudden would go and writeand a chart then it back andincorporated then incorporated that funky groove were playing and suddenthat that Kashmere Kashmere sound started getting purer and purer by the moment." sound started getting purer and purer by the moment. Q. What made the band so special?

Q. What made the band so special?

Rollo Rollins

Kashmere Kashmere was the first to start in whatinwas formerly all white bandband contests andand when they hit hit thethe stage they wasall theblack first band all black bandparticipating to start participating what was formerly all white contests when they stage they walked outwalked with big Afros dressed in black three-Âpiece suits, with ties, and got everybody's attention just by their looks. That came from out with big Afros dressed in black three-piece suits, with ties, and got everybody's attention just by their looks. That came from Prof. Prof. Then Then whenwhen theythey hit that firstfirst note, it was a sound heardbefore. before.Then Then they started throwing choreog-Â hit that note, it was a soundthat thatnonoother otherband bandhad had ever ever heard they started throwing that that choreography raphy around and moving their horns around and trumpets up and down, and no one else was doing anything like that back then. Fromthe around and moving their horns and trumpets up and down, and no one else was doing anything like that back then. From 1969 to 1977, band 42 won of 4642 contests and recorded eight albums. 1969 to 1977, thewon band of 46 contests and recorded eight albums.

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Craig Baldwin Prof taught us to be students of the game. He studied the greats like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, The Dorsey Brothers and people that you wouldn't think he would listen to like James Brown and Sly Stone. He was brilliant enough to merge all that energy together and come up with this melting pot and see what it smells like when you open it up. Prof was a showman too, and he would put on a show and jump across the stage, he would do things to entertain the audience. He took the Thunder Soul Marching Band sound and added an element of jazz funk and rhythm that no one else was doing back then. And from that point on, as he was often quoted as saying, 'It just rolled like a snowball.' Q. So the Kashmere Stage Band sound and legacy preceded you? Rollo Rollins: Yes, we came later, but the band started in 1969 and they created a type of music and the whole Kashmere Stage Band idea and went on to do some extraordinary things, performing at a level that no one had ever seen before. People had never seen anything like it they had a sound that was so powerful and were blowing bands off of the stage to the point other bands were intimidated. Craig Baldwin The legacy had grown by the time we got there, but it was up to us to maintain it and live up to what these guys had created. Theprevious graduating class of band members would always come to the next class and get in our faces and tell us "You Better Not Lose." It had become a band tradition. Describe what inspired the initial reunion of stage band members after 30 years. Rollo Rollins: Mingo Walton, a band member, had a cassette recording of one of our last national competitions at the Reno Jazz Festival and pulled it out and converted it to a CD, and that is what brought us all back together. I made a call to Craig to tell him we are putting the stage band back together to perform two tribute concerts for Prof and told him he was going to find and bring the band members back together and I would handle the business side of it. We had just began preparing for the reunion concerts when Prof received a call from LA filmmaker Mark Landsman expressing interest in doing a documentary film. All of this emanated from a 99 cent cassette and here we are about to premiere this documentary film under executive producer Jamie Foxx. What was the most memorable part of reuniting with fellow band members? Craig Baldwin: For me the most memorable aspect was directing a bunch of professional musicians who are now PhDs in different fields and brilliant minds when it comes to music, and here I am I can't read a lick of music and they are trusting me to do what Prof did for us. My guiding source was Conrad Johnson and I was channeling what Prof used to do, it was a collective effort of each of us and the mindset of each member. I just wanted to show Prof that we could still do it. Share your impressions of the documentary film. Rollo Rollins: The documentary will make you cry. Even when I discuss it right now, chills start going through me. I really have to commend Mark Landsman, never once did he ever stop the film and direct us to do things a certain way, he just let the film roll and captured it just the way it was. People do extraordinary things in life all the time, people write books about it, tell stories about it, make movies about it, but people don't get to relive it. That is what we are doing, and that never happens. We did this back in the 70s and now it has come full circle around and we are in the stage band again and we are reliving it again after 30 years. Sum up your feelings about Conrad O. Johnson and the legacy he left behind. Craig Baldwin: He was more than just a band director to us, the education, the mentoring, all those things we don't get today. I don't know how he had time to have a moment for himself, a moment for his family, a moment for us, but he did and he gave us his all and poured his soul into us. Rollo Rollins: We have to make sure that before we expire that the world knows who Conrad O. Johnson was and to ensure his youth foundation lives on. The intent now is to prepare Conrad O. Johnson type shows and go out and show them that it was not just a fluke. The band is hot, it is kicking right now and is entertaining. For general information about the Foundation e-mail foundation@conradjohnsonfoundation.org or visit www.conradjohnsonfoundation.org.

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You’ve got to: Maximize the Positive, and minimize or eliminate the Negative.

Stress is unavoidable if you are a business, organization or group leader. So it is imperative that you educate yourself by learning how to maximize positive stress and minimize or eliminate negative stress. Over time, stress in general directly affects a leader’s mental and physical well being. The biggest asset a leader has in fighting off negative stress is his or her attitude (mindset) because “the body itself cannot physically discern between positive or negative stressors.” It basically comes down to whether or not you, as a leader, see the glass as being half empty or half full; you see an uncertain situation as a potential problem or challenge or as a threat or opportunity. So, what is negative stress – the stress you should work at avoiding? Well it is created by those situations that have the potential of resulting in distress which often manifest itself in the form of: 1. Anxiety 2. Fear 3. Discontent 4. Depression 5. Fatigue 6. Physical ailments 7. Withdrawal If faced with negative stress from work or socially related situations, what are your possible solutions? I suggest that a leader do one or more of the following:

This is a regular column presented by DYP, Inc., a local business support company, providing tips on a range of business topics to equip and empower aspiring and existing business owners. For more tips, visit http://dyp356.com.

the business coach

Mastering Leadership Stress

1. Maintain a positive attitude (first and foremost) 2. Exercise (this really works with the right attitude, but don’t overdue it) 3. Eat healthy (great idea all the way around) 4. Do some deep breathing (that’s it – breath in and out; in and out) 5. Engage in laughter or a light hearted moment (don’t over do it) 6. Try Green Tea (nice and hot with a little mint) 7. Pick up the phone and call a friend (a positive friend if you please) 8. Take a break and listen to some relaxing music (I prefer some smooth jazz) 9. Get enough rest (sleep) in between work days (7 to 8 hours should do it) 10. Meditate and / or pray (Yes – God is able) Now what is positive stress? Positive stress is often referred to as eustress, or healthy stress that results in a feeling of fulfillment or other positive feelings, outcomes or gains. Eustress is also referred to as controlled stress that gives one a competitive edge in performance-related activities. Positive stress manifests itself most often when a leader regularly puts in to practice those solutions highlighted in items 1 through 10 above. Now it’s time to go to work on yourself, intent on leading and living a stress-healthy life. References: 1. J. Kabat-Zinn. Full catastrophe living how to cope with stress, pain and illness using mindfulness meditation. (1996) 2. http://academic.cuesta.edu/wholehealth/index.htm

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“The lack of access to proper medical and dental care causes many Kenyans to lose their teeth to periodontal disease.” ~ Dr. Margaret Allen, Amazing Smiles

In This Photo: Dr. Margaret Allen with Kenyan native

Amazing Smiles Putting a smile on faces a continent away

he words of her eleventh grade helped one person smile, according to high school teacher inspired Allen. Sugar Land dentist Dr. Margaret Allen “A smile is a universal language spoto follow her passion in life. ken all over the world,” she says. “My mentor, the late Dr. Arthur R. Higgs, said to me, ‘If you love what Allen has treated more than 10,000 you do you will never work a day in patients locally, and recently provided her dental services to patients a contiyour life,’” says Allen. nent away on a medical missions trip Allen pursued her dream of making a to Kenya, Africa in June. difference in the lives of others, workAllen, along with 31 missionaries ing her way up from dental assistant to owner of a successful dental practice. traveled to Kenya to provide medical aid to the Kenyan people and educate At the end of each day she gains a them on the importance of good oral sense of fulfillment in knowing she has health.

The lack of access to proper medical and dental care causes many in Kenya to lose their teeth to periodontal disease. “The oral cavity houses a lot of bacteria and toxins. Bacteria and toxins may cause serious health issues to the body, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and even death,” says Allen. Many of the Kenyans walked for miles, over the course of days, to receive treatment from members of the medical mission team.

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“The Kenyans were so excited to see Smiles Smile and be Amazed.” Americans and very thankful for the services provided to them,” says Allen. “Because of the many For many, this was their first time ever seeing a doctor, and many had endured pain for days or months due to lack of adequate medical or dental care, according to Allen.

blessings bestowed upon me, I believe that’s my way of giving back,” says Allen.

“At the end of the day, all of the hours of hard work was the best gift I could offer, “I dream of other missionaries coming and the reward was immeasurable. The and providing dental services and pray appreciation and “amazing smiles” I rewe can end all the dental pain issues and ceived in return were worth more than gum disease,” says Allen. silver and gold,” says Allen of her recent trip. A graduate from the University of Houston with a degree in biology with a dental “Dentistry is my passion and I love my hygienist degree from the UT Health Scijob,” says Allen. ence Center, she describes The Church at Bethel’s Family as a “portal” that allowed Amazing Smiles works hard to fulfill its her to fulfill a promise she made to herself mission of providing quality dental care. years ago to start doing missionary denThe practice provides general dental care tistry. services to patients of all ages, and also specializes in cosmetic dentistry, includAs a part of her missionary outreach, ing crowns, veneers, implants and bridgAllen also donated three dental operates. ing units comprised of a set of chairs for patient, doctor and assistant and a fullyAs a member and board of director of the equipped cabinet unit with electrical Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Comcomponents, valued at $75,000. merce, Allen’s goal also is to network with African-American owned businesses to Allen’s donation is only the beginning. keep consumer dollars circulating in the She also hopes to open a dental office in black community. Kenya called “Bethel’s Place” or “Amazing

Joining the chamber has allowed her to venture into other business opportunities, keep money in the black network, meet other business owners and reach other markets in the dental world, says Allen. The Sugar Land dentist and BPBCC member is making significant headway in achieving her goals. As she looks back on her decision to enter the dental field, the words of her professor ring back in her ears, and she has no regrets. Amazing Smiles, PLLC is located at 14090 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 402 in Sugar Land. Hours of operation are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the fall, Amazing Smiles will open the doors of a new dental practice in Bethel’s Place Empowerment Center. For more information or to make an appointment call 281-240-8080 or visit www.amazingsmiles1.com.

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Green Matters Green Matters

Carletta Waddler Carletta Â Waddler Â

Carletta Waddler, president and founder of Sustainable Training Services, LLC and EcoMaintenance, Carletta Â Waddler, Â and Â foun-Ââ&#x20AC;? LLC, is a columnist forpresident Â Green Matters, a der Â of Â Sustainable Â Training Â Services, Â LLC Â regularly featured column of EMPOWEcoMaintenance, Â LLC, Â is Â a Â colum-Ââ&#x20AC;? ERand Â Magazine devoted to informing for Â Green Â ofMatters, Â a Â regularly Â thenist Â community cutting-edge greenfea-Ââ&#x20AC;? initiatives in the lives of individuals tured Â column Â in Â EMPOWER Â Magazine Â and businesses. She aims to enlightdevoted Â to Â informing Â the Â community Â of Â en,cutting-Ââ&#x20AC;?edge Â encourage and, hopefully inspire green Â initiatives Â in Â the Â readers to take steps to make â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? lives Â of Â individuals Â and Â businesses. Â Â She Â transformations in their lives. aims Â to Â enlighten, Â encourage Â and, Â hopefully Â inspire Â you Â to Â take Â steps Â to Â lives. Â

LEED and the Contractor

Discovering Green

Creating a Green Path For Your Business

Discovering Â Green Â Creating Â a Â Green Â Path Â For Â Your Â Business Â

reening your business can be as simple as replacing light bulbs or as ambitious as building a I decided this month that I would get a little more targeted with my article. This article is for the businesses that zero-Âenergy efficient community. Whatever your goals, there are local, regional and national are interested in building green or being part of the green building process. Unless youâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ve been under a rock and resources available to assist in reaching those goals. During the months ahead we will ad-Â I know you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t someone has mentioned LEED certification and LEED accreditation. The acronym stands for dress a variety of environmental topics. If at any time you would like to offer an opinion or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is an internationally recognized green building certification suggest a topic I can be reached at cwaddler@sustainabletrainingservices.com. system that provides the client with third-party verification that a building, community or school was designed Perhaps weusing should begin with introduction to Sustainable Training Services, LLC. Sustainable Train-Â and built concepts thatanimprove performance in energy and water usage, site selection, community connecing Services was created to provide economic development and job creation programs in the green build-Â tivity and stewardship of resources. ing sciences and to deliver quality training to small and minority business in those disciplines. Moreover, we coordinate resources, training and outreach and partnership development. Our programs provide real LEED was conceived in 1998 to more accurately represent and incorporate emerging green building technologies job growth and practical training that offer ideas and strategies to small and minority businesses that can into a universally recognized rating system. The mantel for developing requirements for a green rating system was be used daily to improve their business operations and enhance their career paths.

taken up by the USGBC. The hallmark of LEED is that it is a transparent process where the technical criteria pro-

The need real. There isare a lack of training, certification licensing of minority and posed byisthe USBGC publically reviewed. Todayand LEED consists of a suite ofsmall ninebusinesses rating systems for the design, hindering them from participating in energy retrofit and weatherization programs. This same lack of construction and operation of buildings, schools, homes and neighborhoods. In fact the LEED rating system is training also serves as a deterrent in green building and government contracting opportunities.

being constantly evaluated and changed by the USGBC.

I trust by now you see Training the importance Energy-ÂEfficiency Programsof becoming LEED accredited. Just a note... Individuals become LEED accredited andBuilding buildings become certified. To become accredited you must take a training class and pass an exam. Green Training Programs The class is normally two days and requires approximately 60-80 hours of independent study. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s not easy but it is Government Contracting Career Development certainly a valuable tool for your business.

Sustainability Workshops

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Book Spotlights

Book Spotlights Book Spotlights

Why Am I Here? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Count Me Out Faith WalkFaith Faith Talk Why Â Am Â I Â Here? Â Â Â Faith Walk Why Â Am Â I Â Here? Â Â Â Walk By Dolores Anderson Mitchell By KaRon Coleman By Estell Porter Â Â Faith Talk By Â Dolores Â Anderson Â Mitchell Â Faith Talk By Â Dolores Â Anderson Â Mitchell Â By Â KaRon Â Coleman Â By Â KaRon Â Coleman Â By Estell Porter By Estell Porter â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why Am I Here?â&#x20AC;? is the first book of In Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Count Me Â Out, author KaRon Author Estell Porter believes that only Â Â Â a series written to increase self esteem Coleman gives Â readers a glimpse his author Â you can take control ofPorter Â yourbelieves Â life! Control In Â author Â KaRon Â Estell Â Porter Â believes Â that Â In Â into Author Â Â KaRon Â Author Â Estell Â that Â ( # $) ( # $) Coleman Â readers Â and create Godly character life gives Â as a child in a Â a glimpse Â single-parent home starts with what you say. Coleman Â into Â gives Â readers Â glimpse Â into Â only Â a Â you Â can Â take Â control Â of Â your Â only Â you Â can Â take Â control Â your Â to Â series Â of Â written Â increase Â self Â esteem Â series Â written Â to Â increase Â self Â esteem Â in our chilhis Â life Â a Â journey child Â in Â toa Â the single-Ââ&#x20AC;?parent Â his Â National life Â as Â a Â Football child Â life! Â in Â a Â Control Â single-Ââ&#x20AC;?parent Â dren. The main character andas Â his starts Â with Â and Â what Â create Â in Â character Â our Â chil-Ââ&#x20AC;?in Â our Â chil-Ââ&#x20AC;? of the book life! Â what Â Control Â you Â starts Â with Â you Â Godly Â and Â character Â create Â Godly Â home Â League. and Â his Â journey Â to Â the Â National Â and Â his Â journey Â is an orange cat questioning â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why he His story home Â provides hope andto Â the Â National Â Faith Walksay. Â Faith Talk shines a light on dren. Â The Â main Â character Â of Â the Â book Â is Â dren. Â The Â main Â character Â of Â the Â book Â is Â say. Â Football Â League. Â His Â story Â provides Â Football Â League. Â His Â story Â provides Â is here? a restless night, inspiration to those who grew up or are the very thing that keeps us where we ( # ( # After Cat wanFaith Â Walk Â Faith Â Talk Â shines Â a Â light Â Faith Â Walk Â Faith Â Talk Â shines Â a Â light Â hope Â and Â inspiration Â to Â those Â who Â grew Â hope Â and Â inspiration Â to Â those Â who Â grew Â ders through the barnyard growing up in similar, or worse, circumare, repeating habits and here? Â circumstanc Â After Â a Â here? Â restless Â night, Â Cat Â wan-Ââ&#x20AC;? Â After Â a Â restless Â night, Â Cat Â wan-Ââ&#x20AC;?searching for on Â the Â very Â thing Â that Â keeps Â us Â on Â the Â very Â thing Â that Â keeps Â us Â up Â or Â stances. are Â growing Â up Â in Â similar, Â or Â up Â or Â are Â growing Â up Â in Â similar, Â or Â meaning to his life. searching Â Coleman was determined to es...our words. The things we say through Â are said the Â ders Â searching Â ders Â barnyard Â through Â the Â barnyard Â worse, Â circumstances. Â Coleman Â was Â worse, Â circumstances. Â was Â repeating Â we Â because are, Â habits Â we Â are, Â repeating Â habits Â for Â meaning Â to Â his Â life. Â Â for Â meaning Â to Â his Â life. Â Â fight against the stereotypes, thoughwhere Â he Coleman Â ofwhere Â what we think. determined Â to Â fight Â against Â determined Â to Â fight Â against Â the Â stereo-Ââ&#x20AC;? the Â stereo-Ââ&#x20AC;? 'our Â words. Â Â Â 'our Â words. Â Â Â are Â invited Â Children Â on Â journey Â Â Children Â are Â this Â invited Â on Â this Â journey Â Â knew it would not be easy. Through his Children are invited on this journey types, Â though Â he Â knew Â it Â would Â not Â be Â types, Â though Â he Â knew Â it Â would Â not Â be Â with Â Cat Â as Â he Â explores Â the Â barnyard Â in Â with Â Cat Â as Â he Â explores Â the Â barnyard Â in Â The Â things Â we Â say Â are Â said Â because Â The Â t hings Â we Â say Â are Â said Â b ecause Â with Cat as he explores the barnyard riveting autobiography, Coleman gives â&#x20AC;&#x153;So a man thinks in his heart, so is he.â&#x20AC;? easy. Â Through Â his Â riveting Â easy. Â autobiogra-Ââ&#x20AC;? Through Â his Â riveting Â autobiogra-Ââ&#x20AC;? search Â for Â his Â purpose. Â The Â book Â is Â de-Ââ&#x20AC;? search Â for Â his Â purpose. Â The Â book Â is Â de-Ââ&#x20AC;? hope and inspiration to those whose Therefore changing what we say, starts in search for his purpose. The book is of Â what Â we Â think. Â Â of Â w hat Â w e Â t hink. Â Â phy, Â Coleman Â gives Â hope Â and Â inspira-Ââ&#x20AC;? gives Â hope Â and Â inspira-Ââ&#x20AC;? phy, Â Coleman Â signed Â to Â provoke Â dialogue Â between Â signed Â to Â provoke Â dialogue Â designed to provokebetween Â dialogue between childhoods were lacking. He believes with thinking different thoughts. Read( % ( % tion Â to Â those Â whose Â childhoods Â were Â tion Â to Â those Â whose Â childhoods Â were Â parent Â and Â child. Â Â Â parent Â a nd Â c hild. Â Â Â parent and child. these â&#x20AC;&#x153;dysfunctionalâ&#x20AC;? children have a ing this book will take you on a fascinatl a ck i n g . Â H e Â b el iev elacking. Â s Â t he s e Â He Â believes Â these Â &) " " &) " " Through Â repetitive Â reading, Â the Â reading, Â book Â the Â book Â Through Â repetitive Â too, and encourages readers look ing journey anddifferent Â provide you with tools to ( # story ) ! # to ( # ) ! # say, Â starts Â with Â thinking Â say, Â starts Â with Â thinking Â different Â " # ! # ! # ( # ( " Through repetitive reading, the book past encourages Â the rough exterior these childrenreaders Â change too, Â and Â readers Â look Â too, Â ofto Â and Â encourages Â to Â look Â your life and your circumstances.

&) &) thoughts. Â Reading Â this Â book Â Reading Â will Â this Â thoughts. Â book Â will Â past Â the Â of Â past Â these Â chil-Ââ&#x20AC;? the Â they rough Â can exterior Â chil-Ââ&#x20AC;?how to eliminate self-sabotage andrough Â acceptexterior Â them for what be. of Â these Â Learn and the Â will instill Godly that Â journey Â although Â is Â the Â written Â that Â book Â although Â book Â for Â is Â values written Â that for Â says â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am take Â w you Â on Â a Â fascinating Â journey Â take Â you Â on Â a Â fascinating Â dren Â and Â accept Â them Â for Â what Â they Â can Â dren Â and Â accept Â them Â for Â hat Â t hey Â can Â â&#x20AC;? we Â One insightful KaRon is an author and motivational how to break through self-limiting pat- young Â young Â children, Â we Â Special. all Â have Â asked Â the Â children, Â all Â have Â asked Â the Â reader states and Â provide Â with Â tools Â to Â and Â provide Â you Â yourself with Â tools Â to Â be. Â KaRon Â is Â an Â author Â and Â motivational Â be. Â KaRon Â is Â an Â author Â and Â motivational Â speaker whose message of hope and hard ternsyou Â of behavior. Give the gift that although the same Â question Â at Â one Â time. Â same Â question Â at Â one Â time. Â book is written for speaker Â whose Â message Â of Â hope Â and Â speaker Â whose Â message Â of Â hope Â and Â change Â your Â life Â and Â your Â circum-Ââ&#x20AC;? change Â your Â life Â and Â your Â circum-Ââ&#x20AC;? young all have asked the work resonates amongst all age groups. of personal mastery. Decide to book Â not only The Â can Â The Â be Â book Â used Â as Â children, a Â constant Â can Â be Â used Â as Â we a Â constant Â hard Â work Â resonates Â amongst Â all Â age Â hard Â work Â resonates Â amongst Â all Â age Â stances. Â Learn Â how Â to Â eliminate Â stances. Â Learn Â how Â to Â eliminate Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Count Me Outâ&#x20AC;? is a must read read this book, but to use the principles ( &) Â same question at one time. ( &) Â groups. Â ( * ) Â a Â groups. Â Â is Â ( * self-Ââ&#x20AC;? it ) Â contains. is Â and Â a Â how Â to Â break Â for Â anyone who doubted their ability tos Soft Â cover Â copy Â -Ââ&#x20AC;? Â $9.99 Â cover Â copy Â -Ââ&#x20AC;? Â $9.99 Â abotage Â self-Ââ&#x20AC;?sabotage Â and Â how Â to Â break Â Soft Â must Â read Â for Â anyone Â who Â must Â doubted Â read Â for Â anyone Â who Â doubted Â purchase Â copy, Â purchase Â a Â visit: Â copy, Â The book can be used visit: Â as a constant rebe the best and achieve success, against through Â self-Ââ&#x20AC;?limiting Â through Â patterns Â self-Ââ&#x20AC;?of Â limiting Â To Â patterns Â of Â To Â a Â their Â ability Â to Â be Â the Â best Â their Â ability Â to Â be Â the Â best Â and Â achieve Â and Â achieve Â www.tatepublishing.com/book; Â Â www.tatepublishing.com/book; Â Â minder that â&#x20AC;&#x153;God made me Special.â&#x20AC;? Soft all odds. A bright future awaits... Give Â yourself Â the Â gift Â of Â behavior. Â Give Â yourself Â the Â gift Â of Â success, Â against Â all Â odds. Â Â success, Â against Â all Â obehavior. Â dds. Â Â Barnes Â and Â Noble Â or Â ask Â for Â it Â at Â your Â Barnes Â and Â Noble Â or Â ask Â for Â it Â at Â your Â cover copy $9.99 To purchase a copy, visit: personal Â not Â Decide Â The Â books Â are Â on Â sale Â now Â at Â personal Â to Â mastery. Â to Â not Â local Â bookstore. Â The Â books Â are Â on Â sale Â now Â at Â mastery. Â Decide Â local Â bookstore. Â The books are on www.room306.org Â sale now at www. Retail: $12.95 www.tatepublishing.com/book, Barnes www.room306.org Â and Â aonly Â read Â this Â book, Â but Â to Â use Â the Â nd Â only Â read Â this Â book, Â but Â to Â use Â the Â Â Â room306.org and www.crossbooks.com. Special $10.95 and Noble or ask for it at your local www.crossbooks.com. Â Â www.crossbooks.com. Â Â principles Â it Â contains. Â Â principles Â it Â contains. Â Â Available online at bookstore. A Â bright Â future Â awaits... Â A Â b right Â f uture Â a waits... Â To request a book signing, workwww.adonaigroupinc.net. To Â request Â a Â book Â signing, Â workshop Â Â or Â To Â request Â a Â book Â signing, Â workshop Â Â or Â Retail: Â $12.95 Â Â Â personal Â appearance Â contact Â Mr. Â Coleman's Â personal Â appearance Â cRetail: Â $12.95 Â Â Â ontact Â Mr. Â Coleman's Â shop or personal appearance contact publicist, Â Pat Â Carroll Â at Â 281-Ââ&#x20AC;?224-Ââ&#x20AC;? 9800 Â or Â publicist, Â Pat Â CCarroll arroll Â at Â Special Â $10.95 Â Â Â 281-Ââ&#x20AC;? Special Â $10.95 Â Â Â Mr. Colemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publicist, Pat at 224-Ââ&#x20AC;?9800 Â or Â pmjcarroll@aol.com Â (www.pmjcarroll.com). Â pmjcarroll@aol.com Â (www.pmjcarroll.com). Â 281-224-9800 or pmjcarroll@aol.com A v a i l a b l e Â o nAl vi an iel a Â b l ea Â t Â o n l i n e Â a t Â (www.pmjcarroll.com). www.adonaigroupinc.net. Â www.adonaigroupinc.net. Â Â

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Photo Credit: Super Star Photos

EMPOWER

In This Photo: Eugene and Kristi Barnes and Leonard Broussard

Broussardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Links Plus Ribs

Family passes on legacy for three generations

hen Leonard Broussard began April, Broussardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, Kristi and generations Barnes attributes the demand for the link to Family passes on Inlegacy for three making homemade links in Beau- son-in-law, Eugene Barnes, continued the its old-time homemade flavor.

mont using a family recipe passed family legacy with the opening of a barbecue â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itto is its a really goodhomemade recipe, it isflavor. an all beef, down from his uncle, heLeonard had no idea that it restaurant in Houston. old-Âtime ! hen Broussard homemade link, I really can't give you the would result in a family barbecue business son-Âin-Âlaw, Eugene Barnes, continued the began making home-Â that would stand the test of time for three â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reason we opened this location is that ingredients to it, but it is has a real special family legacy with the opening of a barbe-Â made links in Beaumont to it,â&#x20AC;? shares Broussard. generations. so many people from the Golden Triangle taste homemade link, I really can't give you the cuelive restaurant Houston. using a family recipe who here in in Houston would travel to ingredients to it, but it is has a real special During late from 70s, Broussard of no the Beaumont to visit family, but would make In the three months since opening its doors passedthe down his uncle,got heout had the restaurant has received a warm business and ventured onto in other things,barbe-Â but sure they stopped in and got a dozen or so locally, idea that it would result a family that so many people from the Golden the months community. in 1993, with several area barbecue busi- links to bring home because there was no welcome In the in three since opening its cue business that would stand the test of nesses closing in the Beaumont area, he saw where else to findlive them, â&#x20AC;? says Barnes. Triangle who here inEugene Houston would doors locally, the restaurant has received time for three generations. A 1,500 sq. ft. restaurant located 8420 S. Sam an opportunity and reopened his doors for travel to Beaumont to visit family, but a warm welcome the260 community. business. Barneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife placed a post on her personal Houston Parkway W. in Ste. in southwest would make sure they stopped in and got During the late 70s, Broussard got out of Facebook page announcing the opening and Houston, the barbecue place offers a familyA 1,500 sq. ft. restaurant located at Fon-Â a dozenan or overwhelming so links to bring home because the business andwas ventured other Broussardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire to onlyonto make home- received response from friendly atmosphere, with a flat screen for dren and the Beltway in southwest Hous-Â things,links, but inhowever, 1993, with several area bar-Â past made customer demand customers excited about the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s customer entertainment and comfortable ton, the barbecue forced to expand his their offerings to he in- arrival in the area. seating for up to 30. place offers a family-Â says Eugene Barnes. becue him businesses closing doors, clude an assortment of meats, including ribs, friendly atmosphere, with a flat screen for saw an opportunity and reopened for ! the barbecue aroma that cuschicken, sliced/chopped beef, boudin and Many expressed relief that they would no From customer entertainment andgreets comfortable business. pork neck bones. longer have page to travel to Beaumont to pur- tomers at the door to the framed photos and Facebook announcing the opening seating for up to 30. chase the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s popular homemade and received an overwhelming response news stories heralding the success of the ! The menu also expanded to include potato sal- links. family-owned business,aroma the interest of cus-cus-Â From the barbecue that greets from past customers excited about the homemade links, , however, customer ad, rice dressing, barbecue beans and cole slaw. tomers is piqued to taste the barbecue the tomers at the door to the framed photos ! demand forced him to expand his offer-Â and news stories heralding the success of ings to include an assortment of meats, Many expressed relief that they would no the family-Âowned business, the interest of ribs, chicken, sliced/chopped 54 | including www.empowermagazine.biz longer have to travel to Beaumont to pur-Â customers is piqued to taste the barbecue beef, boudain and pork neck bones. ! the family has become known for.

EMPOWER -ÂMex, a â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you can compare Tex-Mex, a combinacombination Texas and Mex-Â tion of Texasofand Mexico, well what we have ico, well we have could bea combination could bewhat called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lou-Tex,â&#x20AC;?

-Â of Louisiana and Texas. It is more of a Caof Louisiana and Texas. It is of a traditional jun-style barbecue, instead more of a Cajun-Âstyle barbecue, Texas style barbecue.â&#x20AC;? instead of a traditional Texas ~

Eugene Barnes, ~ Eugene Barnes, co-owner, Broussardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Links Plus Ribs co-Â

) ( $ ! '-ÂMex, a combination Long hours and a full time commitment go Long hours and a full time commitment go tion of Texas and Mexico, well what we have of Texas and Mexico, well what we have # $ # (," "$ "" $ into building on the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s successful brand. could be called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lou-Tex, a combination of $ + $-Â ' , # brand. grew up as personal taste tester of her fa-Â The reason for the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is no secret Louisiana and Texas. It is more of a Cajunstyle Louisiana and Texas. It is more of a Cajun-Â # !," " ) % !( ( ! $# # % # to Broussardâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s daughter, Kristi, who grew up â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every day I come here and putstyle the barbecue, love intoinstead barbecue, instead of a traditional Texas style of a traditional Texas ) # " % !( ( ! $# " ' # " everything we do. Every piece of meat that as personal taste tester of her fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s home- everything we do. Every piece "#( ! $ * " (" of meat that barbecue,â&#x20AC;? he says. growing up because our father would always goes on the pit, I personally put my special made links. goes on the pit, I personally put my special The restaurant also offers custom-Âcatering for touch on it. I make sure that quality is al-Â make us taste the links to make sure they touch on it. I make sure that quality is always Broussardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Links Plus Ribs also offers cusspecial events of all sizes. & (" # " * " (" ! " $# ! # * " ! " ! "# ! " ! " ! # (," "$ "" " "

family has become known for. ! # # ! $"" ! ," $ # ! ! "# &

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We ate links everyday for about six months the same,â&#x20AC;? says Barnes. tom-catering for special events of all sizes. ) " " $" # " $" & # Barnes, and other cooks in the restaurant, She also helped make the links and had al-Â growing up because our father would always careful pains to slow cook the meats on they would like to have off of our menu and ways aspired to one day carry on the family make us taste the links to make sure take they Barnes, and other cooks in the restaurant, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once someone calls us and tells us what they need to accommo-Â the pit to ensure optimum flavor in the legacy. came out right,â&#x20AC;? shares Kristi Barnes. take careful pains to slow cook how the many meatspeople on they would like to have off of our menu and how date, we are going to put something together meats. ) # ! ! & " ! # the pit to ensure optimum flavor in the meats. many people they need to accommodate, we that is a lot more affordable than any other ) " & ! # ## ! $" ( $ #!( # withalso me, so at thismake point we trying to had always She helped theare links and are going to put something together that is a ! $ # & * " (" ! " rush anything barbecue are justbecause if you try lot more affordable than any other barbecue & ! # # # ! * " (" ! $" $ aspired to one day carry on the family legacy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thewith slower, theyou better, only is the helping to attract a Barnes. % $# # "# * " (" # $"# ! "# $ Barnes. to rush anything with barbecueNot you are justcouple place in town, â&#x20AC;? says & & $"# !" # # ! (," rant owner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She dreamcareer for aaswhile and shared it leaving out taste,â&#x20AC;? says the Houston restaurant Barneshad left the his former a power line-Â barbecue business, they are making plans to with me, so at behind this point we on arecarrying trying to His work Not only is the couple helping to attract a new goal isowner. to make sure customers are com-Â man contractor to focus "" ! $ # ! "# $! #," pletely satisfied when they walk out of the on the legacy of the family business. it together,â&#x20AC;? says her husband Eugene Barnes. following of customers to their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s barbelinks in the commercial market. doors of the restaurant. His goal is to make sure customers are comcue business, they are making plans to mass ) # & " ! ##( & # ! ##( The plan is to package and market links Barnes left pay, his former career as aout power line- pletely satisfied when they walk out of the produce the the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homemade links in benefits and but I decided to step on ) & # # ! $# # % !( # #! ! !( "# ! " & # # (," man contractor behind to focus on carrying doors of the restaurant. the commercial market. faith, because this is something that can be a duce them to the special flavor of our barbe-Â homemade barbecue sauce. on the legacy of the family $ * " (" lot more beneficial to my familybusiness. in the long â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to reach out to everyone to intro- The plan is to package and market the links in ) # & & " # ! $ " $ # run than what I was doing before and could According to Barnes, each region of the coun-Â ! ( ! # # ! $" * " (" ! " â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a pretty good job, with pretty try good duce them to the special flavor $"# !" % ! # $ # ! * " (" ! " of our barbe- grocery stores along with the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s homehas its own unique style of barbecue and benefits and pay, but I decided to step out on cue, â&#x20AC;? he says. madeonbarbecue sauce. The couple is not resting their laurels, but Driven to uphold the family legacy, Barnes is every restaurant adds their own touch. faith, because this is something that can be a have plans to open additional restaurants in committed to living up to the expectations of lot more beneficial to my family in the) # ! $"" ! ," & " # ! # long According to Barnes, each regiontheofarea, the including coun- possible â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right now we in sell the barbecue sauce to cuslocations what his father-Âin-Â & & ," $ from most Texans in preparing our barbe-Â run thanestablished. what I was doing before and could try has its own unique style of Sugar barbecue tomers over the counter,â&#x20AC;? says Barnes. Land,and Pearland and Spring. fore him $ * " ! " ! " really be a great thing for us,â&#x20AC;? says Barnes. every restaurant adds their own) touch. $ ( # " $!# ! # Rising at 6:30 a.m. each morning, Barnes has While most barbecue places use hickory or The couple is not resting on their laurels, but eration business once we mass produce the a single-Âminded focus and commitment to mesquite, which are woods that are more Driven uphold that the goes family different to open additional restaurants in links and it becomeshave moreplans of a corporate ensuringto everything out legacy, over the Barnes is â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Broussardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, we do something # $ ! $"" ! ," $" " "" # $ committed to living up to the expectations of from most Texans in preparing our barbecue, â&#x20AC;? the area, including business, not just a family-Âowned restau-Â possible locations in Sugar counter is exactly right. wood that gives their ribs and other meats its what his father-in-law and wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uncle before shares Barnes. Land, Pearland and Spring. ! # * ) % $"# ! " # # ' #" ! unique twist on flavor, according to Barnes. him established. $ ," " # "" ' tain taste, certain level of customer service Barnes even coined his own name to describe While most barbecue places use hickory or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully it becomes a fourth or fifth genthe family legacy to create future opportuni-Â and certain level of quality and are hitting # (," ! $ Rising at 6:30 a.m. each morning, Barnes has mesquite, which are woods that are more eration business once we mass produce the ties for his nieces and nephews and children. # # ! # * " (" ! " a single-minded focus and commitment to plentiful, Broussardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uses a less plentiful links and it becomes more of a corporate ensuring everything that goes out over the wood that gives their ribs and other meats its business, not just a family-owned restaurant,â&#x20AC;? counter is exactly right. unique twist on flavor, according to Barnes. says Barnes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a customer base that expects a certain taste, certain level of customer service and certain level of quality and are hitting the target,â&#x20AC;? says Barnes.

Barnes even coined his own name to describe the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s barbecue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you can compare Tex-Mex, a combina-

The coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to pass on and expand the family legacy to create future opportunities for his children, nephews, and nieces.

www.empowermagazine.biz | 55

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EMPOWER

Legal Ease

Columnist Attorney LaTosha McGill Clayton

ave you been ordered to pay child support? Have you discovered through genetic testing that you ARE NOT the father of the child? Have you developed an emotional bond with the child? Do you desire to continue the bond between you and the child regardless of the results of genetic testing? If you have answered YES to these questions, Senate Bill (SB) 785 also known as the “mistaken paternity bill” may be the solution. SB 785, which was enacted this past 2011 legislative session, is referred to as the law that addresses paternity fraud in which the father signed an order admitting that he was the father without genetic testing. Consequently the father would be responsible for paying child support. Prior to Senate Bill 785, the father was barred in certain instances from contesting paternity and was therefore responsible for paying child support even if he discovered that he was not the father of the child through genetic testing or the mother admitting that he was not the father. Senate Bill 785 amends Section 154.006 and 161.005 of the Texas Family Code and provides that a man is authorized to file a suit for termination of the parent-child relationship between the man and the child if, without obtaining genetic testing, the man signed an acknowledgment of paternity or was adjudicated to be the father of the child in a previous proceeding in which genetic testing did not occur. Senate Bill 785 DOES NOT apply if the man is the child‘s adoptive father; the

Understand Senate Bill 785Mistaken Paternity child was conceived by assisted production and the man consented to assisted production by his wife or the man is the intended father of the child under a gestational agreement.

is NOT ordered to pay retroactive child support for any period preceding the date on which an order terminating another man‘s parent-child relationship is entered.

The petition must be filed not later than the first anniversary of the date which the petitioner or man becomes aware of the facts indicating that he is not the child‘s genetic father. However, any man may bring a petition under the bill without regard to when the man learned that the child was not his biological child. In other words, if you are currently paying child support and you are aware that you are not the biological father, you must act NOW as the bill provides certain deadlines that may prevent you from bringing your petition to terminate.

“My son is 12 and I found out I was not the biological father a couple of months ago. I am the only father that he knows. If the court orders the termination and I no longer have to pay child support, what happens to that father-son bond that we have?” Good question! Fortunately, the legislators anticipated this scenario and thought about the significant impairment to the child. I have good news...The bill provides that a man seeking to terminate a parent-child relationship may also petition the court to continue to allow him rights of possession and access of the child. If possession and access is granted, the court may require any party to participate in counseling with a mental health professional. Yes, you read it correctly! The man who will no longer be obligated to pay child support as a result of mistaken paternity, may still have a right to exercise visitation with the child as well as certain rights and duties specified by the Texas Family Code subject to any limitations specified by the court in its order.

If the court determines that a meritorious case exists for termination, the court orders genetic testing and the genetic testing determines the outcome of the case. If the court orders that the parent-child relationship is terminated, the man may no longer be required to pay child support in the future. That‘s right! A man may be released from paying future child support if he is not the father of the child! However, if the man has child support obligations already accrued such as a child support arrears judgment, the man is still obligated to pay any judgments and accrual of interest on any back child support owed. For example, prior to the termination, a man is ordered to pay child support in the amount of $500 per month. The man fails to make payments and has an arrears judgment of $10,000.00 as a result of nonpayment, the man is still obligated to pay the $10,000.00 and any accrual of interest. However, he is not obligated to continue making monthly child support payments of $500 per month. “What about the biological father? Can I get child support from him?” I‘m glad you asked. If another man is determined to be the father of the child, that man may be ordered to pay child support, but he

Because of the fact that under this new law, a child may discover at any age that his father is in fact not his biological father, it is in the best interest of the child that the court may require the parties to participate in counseling and continue the bond between the child and the father whose paternity was mistaken. For more information regarding Senate Bill 785, please visit http://tinyurl.com/3sm6rjg. The information provided herein is designed for general information only and should not be construed as formal legal advice. This information is not intended to replace nor is it a substitute for legal advice. For more information or a legal consultation, call Attorney LaTosha McGill Clayton at (832) 216-8741.

www.empowermagazine.biz | 57

EMPOWER

Real ESTATE Today We Still Believe in Real Estate tive investment in the future.

Angela Pullum Real Estate Broker

n this present economic environment many have begun to see owning real estate as a negative experience. At Word Realty we believe that the economic environment changes, but real estate stays the same. So, with this in mind we have chosen to approach real estate from a different perspective rather than to give up on the “American Dream” of home ownership. Yes, maneuvering through the real estate process has become stricter, but it is not impossible to attain that dream home that you desire. The question is whether or not you can become a homeowner. This is where we start at Word Realty. I am Angela Pullum, founder and broker of Word Realty. I have been in the real estate business for over 20 years. Because of this, I have helped hundreds of people to achieve the goal of homeownership. It is my goal to get everyone who desires to own a home into the home of his or her dreams. First, let us put things in perspective. Everyone has to pay to live somewhere. The question then becomes is it better to pay rent to someone toward his or her ownership of that property or for you to pay a mortgage and become the owner of the property? You will have to do some things on your part. Some of these things include: maintaining good credit, establishing a savings account specifically for this purpose, and perhaps even creating a budget. Home ownership is an investment, and just as earlier generations had to make sacrifices and save in order to attain their goals, this generation must be willing to do the same. Real estate is, and has always been, a posi-

One really good thing about the present economy is that it is a “buyers market.” What does this mean? Well the market trends change from either being a “buyer‘s market” or a “sellers market.” In a buyer‘s market, the buyer has the upper hand in negotiating prices because not many people are buying. This means that you, the buyer, can get more for your money or purchase your house at a really good rate. In addition, interest rates are extremely low. This all adds up to low monthly payments that could be equal or lower than paying rent.

Buyers Beware

Buyers beware when someone tells you that you do not need a realtor. Buyers normally don‘t pay the commission. The seller pays commissions. You are getting representation for absolutely free. There is no cost to you for a professional realtor to look out for your best interest. They are able to assist you with securing financing and the home buying process, which includes: shopping for a home, making an offer (negotiation skills), encouraging a home inspection, being there with you at closing, and after the transaction still available for any of your real estate needs or questions. All this is at no cost to you!

“Buyers beware when someone tells you that you do not need a realtor. Buyers normally don‘t pay the commission.”

Advice to Sellers

Sellers you need a realtor to help you price your home for a reasonable asking price and to also give you up-todate information on the current market. Sellers, just because we are in a buyer‘s market does not necessar-

ily mean that you cannot achieve your goal. A professional, knowledgeable realtor will assist you in marketing your property, negotiating with buyers and monitoring your property. With a realtor, you will feel more secure because of the prescreening process. By using a realtor, you will eliminate the stress, frustration, and confusion of trying to do it on your own. Yes, you may be able to sell your home yourself, but buyers are not always so trusting.

Investors: It’s Your Season

If you ever thought about investing in rental property, now is the time. Home prices and interest rates are very low. I would encourage consumers who have good credit and would like to be a first time investor to find a realtor with experience in investment property. In this market, we have families that were once homeowners, but due to the high rate of foreclosures they find themselves being a tenant again for the first time. Therefore, there is a high demand for rental property.

Words of Wisdom for Avoiding Foreclosure

Contact your lender immediately. Be aware of foreclosure scams. There are programs, such as the “Making Home Affordable Program,” that are available to the homeowner. If your lender does not want to work with you there is more information at www.hud. gov.

Seniors

“Your latter days can be greater.” Senior citizens sometime find themselves faced with a decision to downsize, transition to other living facilities or consider reverse mortgage. Seniors, I encourage you to consult a professional realtor to assist you with your real estate needs. There are realtors that specialize in Senior Real Estate.

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Auto Repair A+Auto Alignment Tire & Automotive 281-208-3052 Car Star Auto 832-731-8247

Financial Services Alliance Financial Ministries, Inc. Financial Network Investment Group In Touch Financial Service

281-386-7951 281-437-1574 713-981-5125

Air Conditioning Services Corbett’s A/C Heating

832-567-9045

Fitness Lady of Essence, LLC 713-405-9633

Banking Capital One Bank 713-435-7078 Regions Bank 281-276-6914

Funeral Services Missouri City Funeral Services at Glen Park

Business Support Services ABC Organizing 832-373-9091 DYP, Inc. 832-816-1953 Vision Manifestation Admn. Services, LLC. 832-236-7262

Graphic Design/Artistic Services Antonio Designs 832-208-3146 LBC Crafts & Desktop Publishing 713-721-8703 Omnia House Design, LLC 832-331-6008

Carpet Cleaning/Flooring Harris Carpet and Flooring

713-723-0693

Car Sales Honda Cars of Katy

Hair Salon 721 Hair Salon 713-721-4247 Hair Dreams by Christal, Inc. 281-499-9737 Trend Setters Hair Salon 832-651-8556

214-704-6950

Catering Abilenian Barbeque 713-582-4874 DeeLicious Southern Cuisine 713-657-9431 Kino’s Bar-B-Que 281-788-7915 Tina’s Catering Service 713-723-4871

281-403-3350

Handyman/Home Repair McClure’s Small Jobs 281-782-4655 RPM Handyman Services 713-459-5155

Childcare /Education I AM PREP Academy 713-269-3610 Key Dem’s Nu World Child Care 832-731-8066 Princeton Academy 281-403-5180 Worthy of Love Child Care 832-329-8657

Health Care Services ACCU-Care Health Care Corp. 713-807-7664 Comprehensive Home Health 713-780-2006 Denali and Associates Medical/Legal Consultants 832-282-7035 Denali Healthcare Solutions, Inc. 832-282-7035 North American Hospice 713-874-1234 ResCare Home Care 713-864-2083 T&M Healthcare Service, Inc. 281-499-5000

Church Bethel Family Baptist Church

713-729-0125

Healthcare Training Academy of Exceptional Healthcare Training

713-777-4262

Computer Services Delta Promotions 832-883-4708

Inspections First Class Inspections

281-933-8447

Cosmetics Mary Kay Cosmetics 832-423-8608

Insurance Agencies Janet Joshua Insurance Agency Paul Strawder Insurance Agency, Inc. The Planners Insurance Company

713-780-9779 832-661-1831 832-814-3609

Dental Practice Amazing Smiles, PLLC

281-240-8080

DJ Services M&J Productions 832-771-3726

Janitorial/Cleaning Services Bredon Building Services 832-654-0150 Sparkling Abode Janitorial Service 713-373-2695

Educational Services/Tools Education Consultants (Parent Counseling Services) 832-643-1617

Lawn Care CJ Lawn Service 832-498-3966

Marketing/Consulting L”Renee & Associates, LLC

713-334-9500 713-433-0404 832-453-6995 832-216-8741 713-289-0956

Medical Equipment/Supplies MEDCrutch 281-467-5402 Mobile Bar-B-Que Abilenian Barbeque 713-582-4874 Kino’s Bar-B-Que 281-788-7915 Music Production / Artist Aservant 254-339-0116 Keys to Life 832-661-1086 Overflow Music Gift Productions 281-901-5670 Nonprofits Bethel’s (YMDI) Young Men Development Initiative 713-729-5600 Bethel’s Christian Academy, Inc. 713-729-0125 Bethel’s Global Reach, Inc. 713-729-0125 Bethel’s Heavenly Hands, Inc. 713-729-6477 Bethel’s Learning Center 832-373-9091 Bethel’s Place, Inc. 713-728-4445 Green Jobs Alliance 757-251-9523 Keys For Building a Better Life 504-452-6951 Men for Change, Inc. 703-967-5358 Personal Touch Plus 713-541-2110 Sustainable Training Services 252-562-8103

Publishing Miracles Exclusive 832-231-5476 Savvy Productions 713-373-2652 True Story Press 832-495-3107

Real Estate Agents Coldwell Banker 832-715-8905 Jarmon Investments 832-371-5590 Premier Realtors 281-774-8982 REMAX Elite 281-250-4991 Smith & Associates Realty, LLC 713-269-3698 Word Realty 832-877-3140 Resturants Broussard’s Links Plus Ribs

713-882-1162 832-656-3145

Party Planners/Rentals Brinson’s Party Pleasers U’nique Creations, Inc.

832-816-1870 281-232-8111

Perfumes/Oils/Fragrances Heavenly Scents Oils 713-540-8946 Pharmacy Healthco Pharmacy 713-281-6337 Main Stop RX Pharmacy 713-721-4040 Photography Imed Designs 832-250-8070 McGill Video and Photography 281-261-4903 Pics by LV 281-804-9853 Super Star Photos 832-283-5242 Physical Therapy Anointed Resource Rehabilitation, Inc. 713-779-4994 Direct Anchor Rehabilitation Services 713-521-1377 Sterling Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation 281-240-3140 Yo’s Touch 832-368-9800 Promotional Products Academy Awards 713-529-0130

713-721-5465

Retail African Precious Metals 281-824-2373 Bag Lady on Wheels Fine Food & Accessories 832-444-9389 Custom Media Installers 281-437-7171 G Sport Enterprise, LLC (dba $1 & More) 281-933-3395 G&K Services (Branded Industry Apparel/Uniforms) 713-294-9406 J&S Distributors 281-753-2649 Kya Kya (Clothing) 713-870-8159 Organo Gold 281-710-4127 Lockett & Associates 678-480-1815 Poparrazis (Gourmet Popcorn) 713-667-4767 Seek To Meet the Need 281-788-3008 Shine My Shoes 832-292-2071 System “48-Plus” Independent Dealer (Fuel Additive) 281-302-8202 Titus Collection 281-201-7832 Words on Wings—Wing Scents 832-292-2071 Spa Services Serene Treatment Spa Services

Office Equipment/Sales American Business Machines, Inc. Wil-Technical Services

CHAMBER MEMBERS

Legal Services Law Office of Derrick D. King & Associates Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. The Keaton Law Firm, PLLC The McGill Law Firm

832-731-8147

Transport Services Chris Trucking 832-443-1049 Ellegan Trucking, Inc. 832-877-0973 Hayes ‘n Hayes Transportation, Inc. 281-453-5469 Royaltee Transportation Services 713-894-4915 Total Quality Transportation Services 832-215-0272 Video Production/Web Development Dennis J. Inc. 832-818-3155 Katapult Media, Inc. 281-769-2384 McGill Video and Photography 281-261-4903 Vocational Training MIKAVA, Inc. 281-932-9703 Wedding / Event Planning Invite In Style 832-233-4523 PDM Wedding Planning & More 281-608-0231

EXCELLENT AWARD

LARGE BUSINESS / CORPORATION CATEGORY SMALL BUSINESS CATEGORY COMMUNITY LEADER CATEGORY START-‐UP BUSINESS CATEGORY YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY

LARGE BUSINESS / CORPORATION CATEGORY SMALL BUSINESS CATEGORY COMMUNITY LEADER CATEGORY START-‐UP BUSINESS CATEGORY YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY Awards will be presented at the Annual BPBCC Convention / Expo January 26 – 28, 2012

Early Bird Deadline for entries is Monday, October 17, 2011 How to Enter… • •

Regular Deadline is Thursday, November 17, 2011

Call 713-933-7411 to receive an Awards entry Packet; or, Email Diane Tezeno at dtezeno@bpbcc.org and request an Awards entry Packet.

1st Annual BPBCC

BUSINESS

CONVENTION & EXPO Celebrating the launch of the Bethel's Place Black Chamber of Commerce Join us for a 3-day event of community outreach, empowerment, networking, success-oriented tips and information to take your business to the next level! Existing and aspiring business owners of all ages are welcome. Open to the general public: Event tickets will go on sale November 18, 2011.

Be There and Be Empowered! January 26 - 28, 2012

Visit our website for event updates at

www.bpbcc.org

Featuring A host of activities events and entertainment designed to inspire and uplift the entrepreneur in you and revitalize the community. Vendors interested in securing a booth space should contact the Chamber at 713-933-7411 for more details.

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