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CHATTANOOGA EDITION
Friday 26 August 2012 | Issue 320
“Tennessee Insider” changes formats When “Tennessee Insider” returns to its familiar Friday night slot on WTCI next year, regular viewers of the roundtable show will notice a change in format. 04
Published by Sound Financial Company Inc
RLJ letter of support Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies has urged all U.S. companies to voluntarily adopt a version of the NFL Rooney Rule, which afforded minority candidates to be considered for head-coaching or general manager positions. 02
– Barack Obama
President Obama:
We Can’t Wait By John Doe
The White House recently announced new rules proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor that would provide minimum wage and overtime protections for nearly two million workers who provide in-home care services for the elderly and infirmed. Many of these workers provide critical in-home health care services such as tube feeding, wound care, or assistance with physical therapy, and deserve the protections provided under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of executive actions the Obama Administration is taking to strengthen the economy and move the country forward because we can’t wait for Congress to act. “The nearly 2 million in-home care workers across the country should not have to wait a moment longer for a fair wage. They work hard and play by the rules and they should see that work and responsibility rewarded. Today’s action will ensure that these men and women get paid fairly for a service that a growing number of older Americans couldn’t live without,” said President Obama. “The care provided by in-home workers is crucial to the quality of life for many families,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The vast majority of these workers are women, many of whom serve as the primary breadwinner for their families. This proposed regulation would ensure that their work is properly classified so they receive appropriate compensation and that employers who have been treating these workers fairly are no longer at a competitive disadvantage. “ Currently, workers classified as ‘companions’ are exempt from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.
Hundreds of young American minority college students in their final year of college are in immediate danger of not graduating. 08
Trial Set May 22 for slaying of Rev. Strong
The nearly 2 million in-home care workers across the country should not have to wait a moment longer for a fair wage.
We Can’t Wait: President Obama Will Announce Administrative Action to Provide Minimum Wage and Overtime Protections for Nearly 2 Million In-Home Care Workers.
UNCF Help Minority College Students Graduate This Year
When established in 1974, such exemptions were meant to apply to casual babysitters and companions for the elderly and infirm, not workers whose vocation was inhome care service, and who were responsible for their families’ support. With an aging American population, there has been increased demand for long-term in-home care, and as a result the in-home care industry has grown substantially. Today’s 1.79 million home care workers are professional caregivers, not mere companions. In view of this changed landscape, the proposed regulation reconsiders whether the current exemption is now too broad. Of the 1.79 million home care workers, 1.59 million are employed by staffing agencies of which over 92% are women, nearly 30% are African American, 12% are Hispanic and close to 40% rely on public benefits such as Medicaid and food stamps. Today’s proposed rule would expand minimum wage and overtime protections by ensuring that all home care workers employed by third parties, like staffing agencies, will receive protections. It would also ensure that those employed by families and performing skilled in-home care work, such as medically related tasks for which training is typically a prerequisite, are covered. However, those employed by families and truly engaged in tasks related to fellowship and protection- such as visiting with friends and neighbors or engaging in hobbies- would still be considered ‘companions’ and will not be subject to wage protections. This issue gained national attention when, in 2007, the Supreme Court ruled that Evelyn Coke, a home care worker who worked as much as 70 hours a week, was not entitled to overtime pay under existing regulations. Thus, any change to these rules requires action by Congress or the Department of Labor. There have been bills introduced in numerous Congresses to address this issue (including legislation that then-Senator Obama co-sponsored in the 110th Congress) but these bills have not moved forward. The Department of Labor is therefore now proposing regulations to change these rules and ensure that home care workers like Evelyn Coke will have basic wage protections.
States’ regulations currently vary in whether they extend minimum wage and overtime provisions to home health care workers. Twenty nine states currently do not include home health care workers in their minimum wage and overtime provisions: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Nearly half of the nation’s home care workers work in these states. Today’s proposed regulation would provide home care workers in these states with new protections. Sixteen states extend both minimum wage and overtime coverage to most home health care workers: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin. Five states and the District of Columbia extend minimum wage, but not overtime coverage to home care workers: Arizona, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Dakota and the District of Columbia. Even in those states that have some existing minimum wage or overtime protection for home care workers, this proposed rule would extend the additional protections of federal education and enforcement by the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division. The Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division is responsible for enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act that was passed in 1938 to provide minimum wage and overtime protections for workers, to prevent unfair competition among businesses based on subminimum wages, and to spread employment by requiring employers whose employees work excessive hours to pay employees at one-andone-half times the regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a week. Upon publication of the proposed rule, interested parties will be invited to submit comments at www.regulations.gov. More information, including the proposed rule and fact sheet is available on the Department’s Companionship Webpage at www.dol.gov/ whd/flsa/companionNPRM.htm.
A May 22 trial date has been set in the case in which Antonio Henry, 25, and Brendan Barnes, 16, are charged in the slaying of Rev. David Strong at his Glenwood home Oct. 10 of 2010. Criminal Court Judge Don Poole tentatively overruled defense motions to try the defendants separately. Defense attorney Karla Gothard said she opposes any of the redactions, saying it “totally miscontrues” what is being said. Attorney Gothard also said she has filed a motion to suppress the statement made by Barnes. A hearing on that motion will be Jan. 30. Steve Brown of the public defender’s office will be co-counsel for Barnes since Ms. Gothard has been ill at times recently. Ms. Gothard also said she will submit a list soon of experts she needs to help in the case. A detective had testified earlier that the two defendants gave different versions on why they went to the home of Rev. Strong. Officer Clayton Holmes said he stopped a silver HHR at 2:30 a.m. on
Oct. 10. He said the tag was expired and it matched the description of a vehicle that had been BOLOed (be on the lookout) earlier. He said Henry was driving, but he did not give his correct name despite numerous requests. He claimed he was Antonio Freeman, but no such person came up in the system. Officer Holmes said it was discovered that the car belonged to Rev. Strong. He said officers were sent to the Strong home, where the pastor’s body was found. Detective Michael Wenger said he was notified at 3:25 that morning that the body had been found. He said one officer had gone to the residence at 404 Glenwood Dr. and had not found anything. Several other officers returned and discovered the body. He said it had begun to decompose, but it was still evident that he had been beaten in the head. According to the autopsy, he suffered 29 stab wounds and multiple blunt trauma injuries. Detective Wenger said a broken off walking stick was found by the body. Rev. Strong was the pastor of the historic St. Paul AME Church.
labour
TN jobless rate hits lowest point in nearly three years
An estimated 9.1% of working-age Tennesseans were jobless last month, down from October’s 9.6%, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development said
Holiday hiring helped Tennessee’s unemployment rate fall to its lowest level in almost two years in November, according to state figures released today. An estimated 9.1 percent of working-age Tennesseans were jobless last month, down from October’s 9.6 percent, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development said. The November rate was the state’s lowest since January 2009, when it stood at 9 percent. Tennessee employers added nearly 10,000 jobs in November, primarily retail and temporary positions, said Karla Davis, the state’s labor commissioner.
Still, Tennessee’s jobs picture remains dimmer than the nation. The national unemployment rate was 8.6 percent in November, a 0.4 percentage point drop from October and the lowest rate in 2 1/2 years. However, much of the decrease was driven by long-term unemployed people no longer being counted because they have given up on their job searches.
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Friday 26 August 2012 | URBAN
Business
If you are starting, or have already started, your own business then you will know that getting customers is crucial to your success.
letter of support for the RLJ Rule
RLJ Rule Urges Companies to Increase Employment and Business Opportunities for Minorities Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies today announced the Congressional Black Caucus has issued a letter of support for the RLJ Rule. By John Doe
In the letter, the Congressional Black Caucus stated “We commend you for your long-standing commitment to champion ways that the private sector on a voluntary basis can propose business solutions to help solve social problems. The Congressional Black Caucus continues to address the need for job creation and minority access to capital in underserved communities. We have called upon the private sector to assist us with remedying the crisis through the RLJ Rule, you have answered the call.” Johnson has urged all U.S. companies to voluntarily adopt a version of the National Football League’s (NFL) Rooney Rule, which afforded minority candidates seeking head-coaching or general manager positions within the League to be considered before a final hiring decision. The RLJ Rule (1) encourages companies to voluntarily implement a plan to interview a minimum of two qualified minority candidates for every job opening at the vice president level and above; and, (2) companies would interview at least two qualified minority-owned firms for vendor supplier/services contracts before awarding a new company contract to a vendor. As the founder of Black Entertainment Television, Johnson has advocated and led the dialogue for many years to empower African Americans by increasing employment opportunities and access to
Having a marketing Strategy is essential and not as scary as you might think
Starting a Business?
What’s Your Marketing Strategy?
capital. Johnson argues that corporate America can address these two issues by adopting the RLJ Rule which he calls a “business solution to a social problem.” “The RLJ Rule is principally designed to encourage companies to voluntarily establish a ‘best practices’ policy to identify and interview the tremendous talent pool of minority individuals and businesses that are often overlooked because of traditional hiring or procurement practices,” said Johnson. Johnson further added, “The purpose of this voluntary RLJ Rule is not to suggest quotas or that companies hire any minority individual or firm that is not qualified. The RLJ Rule, if implemented properly will further enhance a company’s already established commitment to diversity and inclusion.” The RLJ Rule has also been endorsed by the National Urban League led by Marc Morial and the U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. led by Ron Busby.
If you are starting, or have already started, your own business then you will know that getting customers is crucial to your success. By Jermaine D. Harper
Marketing is the process that will get people interested in your products and/or services and having a marketing Strategy is essential and not as scary as you might think. Simply put- how are folks gone know you are in business if you don’t have a plan to let them know? Here are a few questions to consider:
The RLJ Rule is principally designed to encourage companies to voluntarily establish a ‘best practices’ policy to identify and interview the tremendous talent pool of minority individuals and businesses that are often overlooked because of traditional hiring or procurement practices – Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies
CHATTANOOGA EDITION
Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies today announced the Congressional Black Caucus has issued a letter of support for the RLJ Rule.
to target certain types of people in order to make your marketing as successful as possible. Consider the types of people, what characteristics they have and where they can be found. What message do you want people to see? This is important as requires that you know what you are selling and who you are selling to. You need to think about what sort of message represents your business products in a way that is going to appeal to the people who you want to sell to.
What is your business, what are you selling and why should people buy from you? Being clear about what you are selling is the first major component. You need to clearly identify the products (and those may be services) and why people would want to buy them. If your products are not unique then you need to define why people should buy from you rather than from someone else.
How are you going to get the message out there? There a many options to get your message seen. Online advertising, magazine advertising, radio ads, posters, flyers, networking, direct mail and more. What are the best ways for you to get the message out there in such a way that the people you want to sell to will see it? Once you have these elements in place you have the foundation of your marketing strategy. Once you have the strategy in place you should build a plan of action, start your advertising and, very importantly, monitor the results.
Who are you selling to? It is very unlikely that you will be selling something that appeals to everyone and, even if you are, the likelihood is that you will want
Jermaine D. Harper, MBA. Jermaine is an adjunct professor of Management at Chattanooga State Technical Community College and CEO of Everything Urban.
finance tips
Advantages Of Using a Credit Card To Clients A credit card is a plastic card (gadget) that is issued by financial companies as a means of payment. It allows the holder purchase goods and services. By John Doe
The issuer of the credit card creates an account and grants a line of credit to the customer. The user can borrow money as a cash advice from the issuer. It allows customers a continuing balance on dept. They are debts subject to interests which is charge at an agreed rate. In most case these gadgets are issued by banks or credit unions.
This does not make their sizes different since the size is not determined by the bank. The size and shape are determined and specified by one organization to be ID 1. The working of credit card is made easy, comprehensive and meticulous in order maintain their credibility to the clients. One can be in a position to carryout transaction
with this gadget. This sets in motion purchase of products from merchants who recognize and acknowledges the gadgets. To make the client aware of the merchant acceptance and recognition they always make clear through advertisements. The advert resoundingly states the specific credit cards which they approve. A purchase is only done when the holder conform to pay the merchant. The holder shows conformity by putting a signer on the receipt with transaction and card details. The information contained in the receipt indicates the amount to be
paid. The verification of agreement is also done by putting personal identification number (PIN). Lately the merchant are accepting transaction made on the telephone and over the internet. This therefore means that the holder does not to be physically present at the business premises. This method is called card not present transaction (CNP). For security purposes the merchant use electronic verification system to confirm the validity of the card. It also checks if the holder has sufficient credit on his account to make that purchase. This usually takes place in a matter of second at
purchase point. The card has a magnetic strip which makes it possible to access data from the gadget. The account of merchant is linked to the holders account. If the purchase if made through CNP, the customers are made to answer so personal questions like; their security code that is normally written at the back of the this card, expiry date and their building address. The holder receives a statement on monthly basis. The statement shows any transaction made using the gadget. It also shows the outstanding fee and total amount owed.
T he holder is therefore able make correction if any. The holder must pay a minimum described amount owed on due date. If the holder does not pay the debt, then the issuer may lose a lot of money. In conclusion this an improvement to traditional way of conducting business. Due to the increasing insecurity the holder is give a unique PIN that he or she is not supposed to share with anyone. In Caribbean islands transaction may be made using this method since there many banks. It is also to use the same credit card in another islands or even country.
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CHATTANOOGA EDITION
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Local News
Friday 26 August 2012 | URBAN
CHATTANOOGA EDITION
This panel will have balance. There will be two respected journalists, and a diverse set of voices from the political viewpoints of both major parties. – Paul Grove, President and CEO of the public broadcast channel
“Tennessee Insider” journalists team
J. Brexler
local newspaper update
WTCI’s “Tennessee Insider” changes formats, adds permanent panelists ADVERTISING
When “Tennessee Insider” returns to its familiar Friday night slot on WTCI next year, regular viewers of the roundtable show will notice a change in format. By John Doe
Paul Grove, president and CEO of the public broadcast channel, confirmed that the program would be re-branding itself in January by adding a full-time panel of “insiders” who discuss political and business issues on the regional, state and national levels.
Previously, the show had drawn from a different panel of commentators every week. “This panel will have balance,” Grove said. “There will be two respected journalists, and a diverse set of voices from the political viewpoints of both major parties. We’ll also be doing some background pieces about the community and how issues are impacting lives.” The journalists will be Dave Flessner of the Chattanooga Times Free Press and Nordia Epps of WDEF. Grove said he hoped they would bring a balanced perspective to the discussion. “Journalists are the most moderate people you can bring the the table,” he said. “They don’t have an agenda, and they’re not connected
to one party or the other. But the two people we selected to represent the conservative and liberal viewpoints aren’t too far-right or far-left either.” Robin Smith, former chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, will be the show’s conservative voice, and Albert Waterhouse of Waterhouse Public Relations will represent the liberal viewpoint. Greg Glover of WRCB will continue to serve as moderator. Grove said that when necessary, the show would welcome guests who were seen as “newsmakers.” “We’re not going to be bound to a format that isn’t flexible,” he said. “We’ll change the format anytime there is a need for that kind of discussion.”
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| Friday 26 August 2012
CHATTANOOGA EDITION
When searching for a great travel destination in the Caribbean, check out such hot destinations as: St. Lucia, British Virgin Island, Jamaica Maya Riviera, packages vacations in Mexico, Cayman Islands, Maracas Bay, and Trinidad.
Travel
Last Minute Vacations for your Next Holiday
The Magic of the Caribbean With the cold winter dragging on, it can seem like spring will never arrive. If you have the winter blues and are thinking about taking a last minute vacation for your next holiday, consider the beautiful Caribbean. The Caribbean is not just well-known for beautiful weather and gorgeous beaches, but also its vibrant culture, welcoming citizens, and many activities and attractions. Whether you travel by plane, or take a cruise, you will definitely have a wonderful and memorable time in the Caribbean. When traveling to the Caribbean for a fun and relaxing vacation for your next holiday, there are many ways to get a last minute deal on the costs of the travel and other vacation related features such as accommodations. For many of the Caribbean islands, vacations packages in Dominican Republic for example, the high season is mid-December through mid-April, however you
can get great deals during the ‘off’ season and the ‘shoulder’ season. One of the best ways to get a good deal on a last minute vacation is to search the internet. There are a number of Internet travel sellers that offer great deals to hot destinations such as the Caribbean. You can find deals on airfare accommodations, specific activities and attractions, and even restaurants. Internet resources can also be very helpful for travelers on a tight budget. Many discount travel sites give users the ability to narrow their search by rates. You can find Caribbean vacations that offer the minimal number of extras which will lower your travel costs. As well, you can get great deals on Caribbean vacation packages that includes: accommodations, airfare, and even some activities and attractions. If your enjoy Eco-tourism, you will find vacation packages that includes hotel accommodations and treks into the tropical rainforests. There are also quite a few casinos in the Caribbean in such hot spots as Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.
The Caribbean is a wonderful choice for a last minute vacation to escape the cold and blistery winter. The research you do for your last minute vacation will help you get a great deal on your next holiday. It is also important to sign up for online travel alerts where the internet travel discount site will send an email alert when a special deal is listed. The Caribbean’s luxury and tranquility, along with its many beautiful beaches, snorkeling, boating, shopping, entertainment activities, and gorgeous biodiversity, makes the it a superb choice for a last minute vacation. When searching for a great travel destination in the Caribbean, check out such hot destinations as: St. Lucia, British Virgin Island, Jamaica Maya Riviera, packages vacations in Mexico, Cayman Islands, Maracas Bay, and Trinidad. As you can see, there is no shortage of exciting things to see and do in the Caribbean, so why not find a last minute vacations for your next holiday and book a vacation to a beautiful destination in the Caribbean.
Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic
Riu Palace, Aruba
New Providence Island, Bahamas
By John Doe
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The Caribbean is a wonderful choice for a last minute vacation to escape the cold and blistery winter.
Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
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Friday 26 August 2012 | URBAN
Metro Digest ADVERTISING
We handle all your ground transportation needs.
CHATTANOOGA EDITION
The Chattanooga-made Volkswagen Passat is a finalist for the 2012 North American Car of the Year.
education
Investigators Discover “Fraud” at FAMU A criminal investigation into the alleged hazing death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion, has prompted authorities to launch a probe of potential fraud and misconduct at the school. Champion attended Southwest DeKalb High as did another Florida
A&M student, Bria Hunter, who is suing FAMU after she says she was beaten so badly during a band hazing ritual that her thigh bone was broken. The school is now coming under fire for “potential violations of criminal law relating to fraud and/or misconduct by employ-
ees of and/or persons associated with Florida A&M University (FAMU),” according to a letter from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement sent Tuesday to both the chancellor of the State University System of Florida and the chairman of FAMU’s board of trustees.
internet
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Gangs use Facebook to recruit, intimidate
The FBI warns in its 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment report that gang violence expanded over the past two years and that the increase in communication technology — smartphones and social media — is partly to blame. In New Jersey, the Bloods
gang used MySpace to plot a murder. Gang members in Los Angeles used Twitter to threaten a man they believed had turned into a snitch. In Chattanooga, a March feud between gangs literally began on Facebook before it hit the streets.
automotive
Passat is a Finalist for North American Car of the Year The Chattanooga-made Volkswagen Passat is a finalist for the 2012 North American Car of the Year. It will compete against the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra for the annual award by
a group of 50 automotive journalists that is coveted by automotive manufacturers. The finalists were revealed today at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit, according to
the Detroit Free Press. The judges selected the finalists from 17 new cars and seven new trucks. The winners of the contest will be announced Jan. 9 at the 2012 North American
International Auto Show in Detroit. The Passat, a key to VW’s efforts to sell 1 million vehicles a year in the U.S. by 2018, went on sale in September.
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CHATTANOOGA EDITION
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Friday 26 August 2012 | URBAN
Education
Historically black colleges and universities graduate over 50 percent of the country’s African American professionals. ADVERTISING
UNCF Intensifies Efforts to Raise $5 Million
UNCF Help Minority College Students Graduate This Year ADVERTISING
The CESA program makes great sense because it keeps the door of success open. If we lose a student close to graduation, America loses because more often than not that student will not return to finish his or her studies – Dr. Beverly Hogan, President of Tougaloo College, Mississippi
Hundreds of young American minority college students in their final year of college are in immediate danger of not graduating. By John Doe
“They have hit the economic wall and have nowhere else to turn,” said Pearl Algere-Lonian, Director of Financial Aid at Xavier University of Louisiana, one of the 38 historically black colleges and universities that are members of UNCF (United Negro College Fund). To address this specific
issue, UNCF initiated its CESA (Campaign for Emergency Student Aid) program in 2009, and hopes to raise at least $5 million in scholarship aid to help this year’s students get to the finish line. The average CESA grant is $1,600 per student, the difference between a dropout and a graduate. “Imagine what $1,600 means to a family whose average income is $29,000 a year,” said Dr. Walter Kimbrough, President of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, AR. “Keeping these young people on track to graduate is critical. They are often the first persons in their families to even go to college. Imagine the pride the whole family has when the student is
CHATTANOOGA EDITION
accepting his diploma,” said Dr. Kimbrough. Historically black colleges and universities graduate over 50 percent of the country’s African American professionals. “The CESA program makes great sense because it keeps the door of success open. If we lose a student close to graduation, America loses because more often than not that student will not return to finish his or her studies,” said Dr. Beverly Hogan, president of Tougaloo College in Mississippi, who pointed out that 66 percent of Tougaloo College graduates go on to graduate. In today’s very challenging economy, students from low-income families are finding
that sources of funds for their education are drying up. Federal programs have been cut, there is increasing difficulty getting private loans, and family income has been reduced because of job loss or a reduction in hours. The students have nowhere else to turn. “A college diploma really can change the life of a student. That’s what the CESA program is designed to do: to let corporations, foundations, churches and individuals know that their gift is a gift of graduation! That’s a powerful message,” said John Donohue, Executive Vice President at UNCF. To learn more about CESA or to make a donation, please visit http://give.uncf.org/cesa.
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