“FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU,” DECLARES THE LORD, “PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE.”
BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Houston-Area
HARRIS - FORT BEND - GALVESTON
PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS I WEBSITE: WWW.HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM
“HAPPY HOLIDAYS”
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE SAT., DEC. 10TH: “WE SUPPORT ALVIN BYRD FOR DISTRICT B!”
REP. SYLVESTER TURNER
REP. SENFRONIA THOMPSON
REP. RONALD REYNOLDS
COUNCILMAN JARVIS JOHNSON
HON. CAROL MIMS-GALLOWAY
REV. CHARLES TAYLOR
HON. CARROLL. ROBINSON
CONSTABLE RUBEN DAVIS
RHONDA JONES HISD
GET READY FOR THE 2012 DEMOCRATIC & REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES
UPCOMING EVENT FOR SENIORS
Holidays are Here S
SENATOR JOHN WHITMIRE
aturday, December 3, 2011 — “Oh, come let us adore Him!” Bring your friends and join us as we celebrate Jesus’ birth at our festive Christmas gathering. Wear red or green and enjoy a holiday meal, Christmas carols, and a special program. Lunch tickets are available through November 27th in the Bookstore. We will have our traditional senior gift exchange. Please bring a wrapped present ($5.00 value) to exchange. Stay connected with Lakewood Church. Young At Heart in 2012. Located at: 3700 Southwest Freeway Houston, Texas 77027. Phone: 713.491.1129
HAVE YOU DECIDED YET?
SOMEONE ON THIS PAGE WILL BE YOUR NEXT PRESIDENT...WILL YOU HAVE A SAY IN WHO THAT PERSON IS?
CAIN
GINGRICH
ROMNEY
BACHMANN
PERRY
SANTORUM
PAUL
HUNTSMAN
JOHNSON
Mark Your Calendar for March 6, 2012 “Our future depends on our active participation in the process of electing those who govern over us. As we prepare to head into 2012; please mark your calendar and plan to participate in the 2012 Democratic and Republican Primaries. Early voting begins on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 and ends on Friday, March 2, 2012.” -- Aubrey R. Taylor THIS COULD BE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION OF OUR LIFETIME PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA is the 44th and current President of the US and doesn’t plan on being a one-term President. Visit (www.barackobama.com) for more info. To learn more about Cain, Gingrich, Romney, Bachmann, Perry, Santorum, Paul, Huntsman, and Johnson visit their websites.:HERMAN CAIN (www.hermancain.com), NEWT GINGRICH - (www.newt.org), JON HUNTSMAN, JR. - (www.jon2012.com), GARY JOHNSON - (www.garyjohnson2012.com), RICK SANTORUM -(www.ricksantorum.com), RICK PERRY - (www.rickperry.org), RON PAUL - (www.ronpaul2012.com), MICHELE BACHMANN (www.michelebachmann.com), MITT ROMNEY - (www.mittromney.com), and GARY JOHNSON(www.garyjohnson2012.com). The 2012 Presidential Election Day is Tuesday, November 2nd!
LEGAL MATTERS SHOULDN’T BE FACED ALONE
FACING A LEGAL MATTER?
P.9
Call Joi-Lin Hunt, ESQ. at The Hunt Law Group, P.C. @ 713.869.7066
A
re you looking for a well-qualified and knowlJoi-Lin Hunt is duly admitted and licensed as an Attorney and edgeable lawyer to help with a legal challenge Counselor at Law to practice law in Texas and Louisiana. She gradyou’re facing? Then look no further than The Hunt uated cum laude from Southern University Law Center in Baton Law Group, P.C. for your legal Rouge, Louisiana, and received her Master’s in answers and solutions. The Tax Law from Southern Methodist University CORPORATE SPONSOR Hunt Law Group, P.C. specialin Dallas Texas. izes in Asset Protection, Tax Defense, Estate Planning, “Talking to your family, friends or business acquainBusiness Law, Wills & Probate, and Family Law. tances are all excellent places to start your search for an This firm is a preferred firm and Corporate Sponattorney should you need one. Why is this, you may ask? sor of Houston Business Connection Newspaper. Quite simply, the word of a close friend, relative or someone “Joi-Lin Hunt is a determined, vibrant, we already may know just means a lot more than a respected and trusted attorney in Houston,” stranger's,” that’s why I want you to consider contacting The says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of HousHunt Law Group, P.C. today! ton Business Connections SEE INFORMATION ON P.9 Newspaper.
www.TheHuntLawGroup.com 5959 RICHMOND SUITE #310
I HOUSTON, TEXAS, 77057 I WWW.THEHUNTLAWGROUP.COM - “Where Winning Matters”
ON YOUR LEFT IS ATTORNEY JOI-LIN HUNT A CORPORATE SPONSOR OF THIS SERIES I ON YOUR RIGHT IS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WHOSE UP FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2012
REP. SYLVESTER TURNER
REP. SENFRONIA THOMPSON
REP. RONALD REYNOLDS
COUNCILMAN JARVIS JOHNSON
HON. CAROL MIMS-GALLOWAY
SENATOR JOHN WHITMIRE
REV. CHARLES TAYLOR
CONSTABLE RUBEN DAVIS
HON. CARROLL. ROBINSON
RHONDA JONES HISD
“We Also Support Alvin Byrd for District B!”
OTHER KEY SUPPORTERS & ENDORSEMENTS Harris County AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America (CWA) Pleasantville Voters League NE Harris County Ministerial Alliance Honorable Michael Yarbrough Ruby Mosely Albert Coleman, North Forest School Board Lois Edwards, North Forest School Board Thaddeus Seals, North Forest School Board Horace Williams, North Forest School Board
Honorable Maxine Seals Leroy Chevalier Elvin Franklin Michael Frazier Alan Parker Ivory Parker Ivory Mayhorn Kenneth Perkins Rev. F.N. Williams Kathy Blueford-Daniels
DISTRICT B HOUSTON CITY COUNCILMAN JARVIS JOHNSON IS ENDORSING ALVIN BYRD! 2 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011
POLITICAL HIGHLIGHTS I
CITY OF HOUSTON
TO HAVE YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS PUBLISHED IN HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER SEND TO: NEWS@HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM
The runoffs for District A, B, At-Large #2, & At-Large #5 are on December 10th, 2011 Houston Business Connections Newspaper would like to congratulate the leaders of our city who won their re-election bids. ALVIN BYRD AND FEW OF HIS SUPPORTERS AT THE KICK OFF FUNDRAISER FOR HIS HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT B CAMPAIGN
Alvin Byrd seeks to inform District B Voters of the job that still lies ahead in the Saturday, December 10, 2011 Runoff
B
ABOUT ALVIN BYRD Born and raised in Houston's Fifth Ward, Texas' hotbed for Public Servants such as Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Congressman Mickey Leland and many others. The son of a Shoemaker; Alvin David Byrd Sr., Alvin attended Crawford Elementary, E.O. Smith Jr. High and graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1971. Alvin attended Texas Southern University, then served in the United States Navy where he became a shipbuilder by trade working on the USS Comfort and the USS Mercy, two super tankers converted into floating hospital ships. He was a loyal member of Iron Workers and Pipe fitters unions while working for the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company located in San Diego, Ca. Alvin worked on many Navy ships and Submarines. He will always be a friend of Labor. Alvin made a career change to social services stemming back to childhood days at HOPE Development where he learned life skills as a teenager and became one of the founding members of the Houston High Schools Alliance for Black Student Unions where he served as president. He became interested in giving back to society . Alvin has worked for the Star of Hope Women and Families Shelter, Bread of Life, Inc., Career and Recovery Resources, Inc., S.H.A.P.E. Community Center and Extended AfterCare. He later became interested in becoming a public servant and became involved in his community by being elected the first president of the Greater Fifth Ward Superneighborhood Council, a member of the Northeast Branch of the American Red Cross serving Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens, Pleasantville and Acres Homes, the Fifth Ward Weed and Seed Initiative Steering Committee, selected to serve on then Mayor Lee Brown's Commission for People with Disabilities as Vice Chair and also a active member of Atherton Elementary's Site Decision Making Committee. He is currently the Constituent Services Director for City of Houston Councilman Jarvis Johnson representing District B, which includes Fifth Ward. His favorite verse in the Bible is "Faith without Works is dead" His message is "Don't wait for others to do you what you can do for yourself… Be EMPOWERED!!" Alvin gives his Father, Alvin David Sr. all respect, admiration and honor as the person most responsible for who he is today, yet God gets all the glory!!
Meet Your Council Members
Nine Council Members are elected from districts and five are elected atlarge, by all voters of the City. The fourteen Council Members are elected every two years, in odd-numbered years. Council Members are limited to serving three terms of two years each, with each term beginning on January 2 of the even-numbered year.
Alvin Needs You! yrd is the right choice for District B on Saturday, December 10th. :Let’ turn back out to make it happen for this great man. The 2011 Houston City Council District B contest is headed for a December 10th, showdown between Alvin Byrd, the District B. Constituent Services Director for City of Houston Councilman Jarvis Johnson and that other guy who finished second on November 8, 2011 in the Mayoral Election. But even after finishing first in a race against (7) seven other candidates Byrd doesn't see himself as the frontrunner going into the runoff election. Always, humble, focused and ready to serve others; Byrd says, he's simply ready to continue the work he's started. "Serving the people of District B has been the most gratifying position I've ever had in my life. Each area of the District is rich in its individual history and I believe, if united, we can be even greater. My goal is to create the best use of opportunities for District B to continue building our legacy. But to do so, I need the citizens to come back out for me starting on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 for start of early voting. With the help of the voters, we can continue the great work that I am proud to have been a part of for the advancement of this District. I want to honor what we have been building together with the same drive, passion, and personal connection that have been instrumental in the past years. My relationships with city government officials and department officers are already in place to “Move District B Forward”. And once we take care of business on Saturday, December 10th; I'm going to hit the ground running and continue our good work," says Byrd.
City Council
Brenda Stardig
District A
Phone: 832.393.3010 Mayor Annise D. Parker was re-elected to a second term. She serves as the Executive Officer of the City. As the City’s chief administrator and official representative, the Mayor is responsible for the general management of the City and for seeing PARKER that all laws and ordinances are enforced. Administrative duties include the appointments, with Council approval, of department heads and persons serving on advisory boards. As Executive Officer, the Mayor administers oaths and signs all motions, resolutions and ordinances passed by City Council. The Mayor also serves a legislative function, presiding over City Council with voting privileges. The Mayor is responsible for advising Council of the City’s financial condition and presents to Council an annual budget for approval. Contact The Mayor Mayor Annise D. Parker City of Houston P.O. Box 1562 Houston, TX 77251 Phone: 3-1-1, or 713.837.0311 Email: mayor@houstontx.gov or scheduling@houstontx.gov Note: Won re-election on Nov. 8th ----------------------------------------------Houston City Controller Ronald C. Green is the second highest elected official in Houston city government and its chief financial officer. The Office of the Houston City Controller superintends the fiscal affairs of the City. GREEN This includes conducting audits, managing investments and debt, preparing financial statements and providing leadership on policy issues pertaining to the City’s financial health. The Controller thus serves as an independently elected “financial watchdog” over City government’s fiscal affairs. Contact The Controller Controller Ronald C. Green City Controller 901 Bagby, 6th Floor Houston, TX 77002 T. 832.393.3460 • F. 832.393.3411 controllers@houstontx.gov
Note: Forced into a December 10th runoff ----------------------------------------------Jarvis Johnson
District B
Phone: 832.393.3009 Note: Alvin Byrd and Jerry Davis are in the runoff for this seat ----------------------------------------------Anne Clutterbuck
District C
Phone: 832.393.3004 Note: Ellen Cohen won the election for the District C seat ----------------------------------------------Wanda Adams
District D
Phone: 832.393.3001 Note: Won re-election on November 8th ----------------------------------------------Mike Sullivan
District E
Phone: 832.393.3008 Note: Ran unopposed on November 8th -----------------------------------------------
Larry Green
District K
Special Note:Won seat. Will take office in January 2012 ---------------------------------------------Stephen C. Costello
At Large 1
Phone: 832.393.3014 Note: Won re-election on November 8th ---------------------------------------------Sue Lovell
At Large 2
Phone: 832.393.3013 Note: Kristi Thibaut and Andrew Burks in runoff for this seat ---------------------------------------------Melissa Noriega At Large 3 Phone: 832.393.3005 Note: Won re-election on November 8th ----------------------------------------------C.O. Bradford
At Large 4
Phone: 832.393.3012 Note: Won re-election on November 8th ----------------------------------------------Jolanda “Jo” Jones
At Large 5
Phone: 832.393.3006 Note: Forced into a December 10th runoff -----------------------------------------------
City Council Overview
The City Council is the City’s legislative body, with the power to enact and enforce all ordinances and resolutions. District F Nine Council Members are elected Phone: 832.393.3002 from districts and five are elected atNote: Won re-election large, by all voters of the City. The fourteen members of Council, on November 8th along with the Mayor, act only by ordi----------------------------------------------- nance, resolution or motion. They adopt and may alter the annual budget Oliver Pennington and confirm the Mayor’s appointments. District G Council is responsible for the appropriPhone: 832.393.3007 ation and issuance of bonds, the awarding of contracts and the approval of Note: Won re-election City expenditures over $50,000. Counon November 8th cil may lease or dispose of the City’s ----------------------------------------------- real estate and may levy assessments against property. Council determines Ed Gonzalez its own rules of procedure, and its District H meetings are open to the public. Phone: 832.393.3003 Fourteen Council Members are Note: Won re-election elected every two years, in odd-numbered years. Council Members are limon November 8th ited to serving three terms of two years ----------------------------------------------- each, with each term beginning on January 2 of the even-numbered year. James G. Rodriguez Five Council Members are elected AtDistrict I Large, or city-wide, while the other Phone: 832.393.3011 nine are elected to geographic districts of roughly the same proportion of popNote: Won re-election ulation. According to the City Charter, on November 8th once the population of the City of Houston exceeds 2.1 million, expected ---------------------------------------------for the 2010 census, two more geographic council districts will be added. Mike Laster Al Hoang
District J
Special Note:Won seat. Will take office in January 2012
----------------------------------------You can write to your Council Member at: 900 Bagby / City Hall Annex / First Floor / Houston, TX 77002.
A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 3
PUBLISHER’S PAGE I
FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR
IF YOU HAVE A STORY IDEA OR INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED INSIDE HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER PLEASE CALL US TODAY AT: (832)212-8735.CONTACT US TODAY!
“HAPPY HOLIDAYS”
Houston City Hall Holiday Tree Lighting-- Friday, December 2, 2011
COME SEE THE LIGHTING OF OUR 70 FEET TALL CHRISTMAS TREE:
Every holiday season, Houston unveils the Lone Star State’s tallest Christmas tree in front of City Hall. This year, the Mayor’s Holiday Celebration tree is a 70foot white fir, sourced from a snowcapped mountainside north of Medford, OR. It’s believed that trees grow better in this particular area due to superior soil quality, better exposure to sunlight, and more moisture. At this year’s celebration, Santa and Mayor Annise Parker will turn on the lights together.
MAYOR ANNISE PARKER
DON’T MISS OUR NEXT ISSUE I THE NEXT EDITION OF HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER WILL BE RELEASED ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6TH, 2011 -- Call 832.212.8735 for inclusion. DISTRICT B RUNOFF
DISTRICT A RUNOFF
AT-LARGE #5 RUNOFF
AT-LARGE #2 RUNOFF
Early Voting for the 2011 HOUSTON City Council Runoffs Starts
Wednesday, November 30th
BRENDA STARDIG
HELENA BROWN
ALVIN BYRD
JERRY DAVIS
KRISTI THIBAUT
ANDREW C. BURKS, JR.
JOLANDA “JO” JONES
DR. JACK CHRISTIE
MESSAGE FROM AUBREY I Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE...But we MUST BELIEVE! Be Blessed & Empowered!
A
s you prepare to bring another year to a close; my prayer is that you eagerly anticipate what God’s about to do in your life. Sure, this is a difficult time of the year for many of us. But, God is good; and He’s no respecter of persons. If other people can be blessed; I choose to believe that we can also. But, we’ve got to get into the real game. I’ve spent most of 2011 broadening my vision and preparing for 2012. This has been a real year of transition for me and Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. But, I’m not here to talk about me; I’m here to inspire, uplift, inform and motivate you to never give up on your dream. And always know, that you can do anything that anyone else can my friend. When you get a moment, I’d like for you to just take a look at the revenue some of these small business are doing with the Department of Defense. Onward to 2012!
Aubrey R. Taylor CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications Publisher of Houston Business Connections
A FEW OF THE COMPANIES THAT BENEFITED FROM DOING BUSINESS WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE LAST MONTH DOING BUSINESS WITH THE AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas (F33657-02-D-0009), is being awarded a not-to-exceed $7,400,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinitequantity contract.This action is for the development of system upgrades to existing requirements, incorporate new requirements, add capability and enhance performance in the F-22 Weapon System.One firm was solicited and one firm submitted a proposal. The HQ Aeronautical Systems Center ASC/WWUK, Fighter Bomber Directorate, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-02-D-0009).
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957 Nasa Parkway #251 Houston, Texas 77058 Office: 832.212.8735
CALL US AT 832.212.8735 TO DISCUSS HOW WE CAN PROMOTE YOUR NEXT ENDEAVOR TOGETHER! 4 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011
THINGS TO DO I
FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR
IF YOU HAVE A STORY IDEA OR INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED INSIDE HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER PLEASE CALL US TODAY AT: (832)212-8735.CONTACT US TODAY!
UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, December 10th 2011
Early Voting for the 2011 HOUSTON City Council Runoffs Begins on:
Wednesday, November 30th
“We Can Trust Our Community To Alvin Byrd” “I’m asking every eligible voter in District B to join me in voting to elect Alvin Byrd our next District B Houston City Councilmember on Saturday, December 10, 2011...District B can count on Alvin Byrd! -- COUNCILMAN, JARVIS JOHNSON Pol. Ad Paid for by the Alvin Byrd for City Council Campaign, Hubert Hines, Treasurer.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR I MORE THINGS TO DO IN THE HOUSTON AREA parachuting Santa, one mile of over one million lights, choral performances, pictures with Santa and an outdoor skating rink. --------------------------------------------------
This event is going on in Houston through Monday, December 19, 2011 — Junie B. Jingle Bells, Batman Smells. Main Street Theater. -------------------------------------------------------------This event is going on in Houston through Saturday, November 12, 2011 to Saturday, December 13, 2011 — Home for the Holidays, Old Town Spring, Just north of Houston, Old Town Spring typifies the holiday spirit with brightly decorated streets and shops nestled in a collection of wonderful old houses. Spend the day shopping, listening carolers and enjoying horse and carriage rides. For more information call: 281-353-9310. -------------------------------------------------------------This event is going on in Houston through December, Friday, December 23, 2011 -- Rudolph - Express Children’s Theatre. This delightful holiday musical gets the whole family in the holiday spirit. For more information call: 713-682-5044. --------------------------------------------------------------
This event is going on in Houston through Tuesday, December 27, 2011 — A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas, Alley Theatre. Houston’s seasonal favorite that the Houston Press describes as having “Spectacular London sets …the inimitable Dickens’ tale – spiced with the usual fog and an unusual twist on the ghosts past, present and future.” For more information call: 713-228-9341. -------------------------------------------------------------Thursday, November 24, 2011 — Houston Holiday Lighting Uptown Holiday LightingLighting Displays, Ceremonies and Festivals in the Houston Area. Where: On Post Oak Blvd. between San Felipe and Westheimer - When: Festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Lighting takes place 7 p.m.- What to Expect: half-million holiday lights, concessions, clowns, Christmas characters and music.
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This event is going on in Galveston through Sunday, January 1, 2012 — Festival of Lights: Where: Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas. When: From now, through January 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. What to Expect:
C A L L AT T O R N E Y J O I - L I N H U N T, E S Q . AT: 7 1 3 . 8 6 9 . 7 0 6 6 T O S C H E D U L E Y O U R C O N S U LTAT I O N T O D AY ! ASSET PROTECTION FAMILY LAW BUSINESS LAW WILLS & PROBATE TAX DEFENSE ESTATE PLANNING 5959 RICHMOND SUITE #310
THE
HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C.
I HOUSTON, TEXAS, 77057 I WWW.THEHUNTLAWGROUP.COM - “Where Winning Matters”
A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 5
6 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011
THINGS TO DO I
FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR
UPCOMING EVENTS
iF YOU HAVE A STORY IDEA OR INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED INSIDE HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER PLEASE CALL US TODAY AT: (832)212-8735.CONTACT uS today!
“At some point you and I must begin supporting people who support, value, respect and share our ideals and beliefs. Carroll G. Robinson is such a person.” -- Aubrey R. Taylor
MARK YOUR CALENDAR I VISIT WWW.HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM FOR MORE THINGS TO DO CONTINUED FROM
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Saturday, November 26, 2011 to Sunday, December 18, 2011 — 8th Annual Holiday Market with Santa Claus. Traders Village – Houston Traders Village turns into a holiday wonderland of bargain shopping, family fun and festive foods at their annual Holiday Market. For more information call: 281-890-5500. ------------------------------------------------------Sunday, November 27, 2011 - Sunday, January 1, 2012 — Dickinson Festival of Lights: Where: Paul Hopkins Park in Dickinson, Texas. When: Sunday following Thanksgiving through January 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. What to Expect: cookie decorating, concessions, pictures
with Santa, train rides and thousands of festive lights. ------------------------------------------------------Friday, December 2, 2011 — The Mayor’s Official Downtown Houston Holiday Celebration -- Fireworks, live entertainment, choirs and the lighting of the official city tree outside of Houston City Hall highlight this event. Good, clean, government-themed fun. ------------------------------------------------------Friday, December 2, 2011 and Saturday, December 03, 2011 — Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour: Houston Heights -Recently described by Southern Living as “one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the South’s biggest city,” the Heights will be the scene of the Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour, featuring seven spectacular homes delightfully decorated for the holidays. ------------------------------------------------------Saturday December 3 and Sunday 4, 2011 from 10:00am to 9:00pm — Dickens on the Strand - GHF Presents
the 38th Annual Dickens on The Strand Festival. This is almost like a mini-Texas Renaissance Festival, but this event aims at celebrating the 19th century British Empire. It features hundreds of costumed characters, a parade, vendors and other live entertainment. It takes place in Galveston. -------------------------------------------------Sunday, December 4, 2011 — The Snowman - Houston Symphony — The Houston Symphony will proudly introduce the world’s most lovable snowman, Frosty by way of musical performance. And don’t sneak out early - a special guest will appear during the show. For more information call: 713-224-7575. -------------------------------------------------Sunday, December 4, 2011 — Early Music Southwest: A Classical Christmas Rienzi, the Center for European Decorative Arts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, presents a special holiday concert by Early Music Southwest, inside the beautiful parlor rooms of
the Rienzi collection. For more information call: 713-639-7800.
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A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 7
JAWORSKI
THE
LAW FIRM
J
oe Jaworski, following a family tradition of service, enters his twentieth year of practice. During his two decades of service to the community, Jaworski served as law clerk to U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge John R. Brown, he practiced maritime law on behalf of numerous shipping and energy companies, and he now litigates individuals’ and business entities’ claims in federal and state courts throughout the Country. He is managing partner of The Jaworski Law Firm, headquartered in Galveston, Texas. Jaworski is a leading mediator in the Houston/Galveston region, assisting parties in resolving commercial and personal injury matters, and he is a favorite appointment - both as ad litem and special master - in the Harris and Galveston County Courts. Born in Houston on the day Texas prepared to mark its 126th year of independence, Jaworski earned his bachelor’s from North Carolina’s Davidson College and his law degree from the
University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated in 1991 and won honors for his mock trial work and was elected to the prestigious Order of Barristers. Joe Jaworski combines a celebrated family tradition of public service with a deep faith in the power of individuals to make a positive difference in their communities. Mediator: Resolve your case with a high energy mediator. Public Servant: Independent leadership for a new direction for Galveston. Trial Attorney: Special Master, Guardian Ad Litem, Local Counsel, Lead Attorney. Galveston Mayor: As Galveston’s Mayor I have a job to promote this Island. www.MayorJoeJaworski.com
The Jaworski Law Firm 305 21st Street, Suite 222 Galveston, Texas 77550 Office: 409.763.0700 Fax: 409.763.6352 Cell: 409.771.7139 joejaws@jaworskilawfirm.com
WWW.JAWORSKILAWFIRM.COM 8 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011
SPONSOR FEATURE I
TH E HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C.
THE HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C. SPECIALIZES IN ASSET PROTECTION, TAX DEFENSE AND PLANNING, ESTATE PLANNING, BUSINESS LAW, CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND FAMILY LAW - call713- 869-7066
DON’T FACE YOUR LEGAL MATTER WITHOUT US REPRESENTING YOU Call Joi-Lin Hunt, ESQ. at The Hunt Law Group, P.C. @ 713.869.7066
A
“Talking to your family, friends and business acquaintances are all excellent places re you looking for a well-qualified and knowledgeto start your search for an attorney should you need one. Why is this, you may ask? able lawyer to help with a legal challenge you’re fac- Quite simply, the word of a close friend or relative or someone we already may know ing? Then look no further than The Hunt Law Group, just means a lot more than a stranger's. That’s why as publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper, I’m pleased to recommend The Hunt Law Group, P.C., as a P.C. for your legal answers and solutions. The Hunt firm you can trust for any legal need you may have,” says Taylor. Law Group, P.C. specializes in Asset Protection, Tax Defense, The Hunt Law Group is a high performance organization committed to the sucEstate Planning, Business Law, Wills & Probate, and Family cess of each and every client who enters their doors. Do You Need Asset Protection Assistance? Asset protection planning inLaw. This firm is a preferred firm and volves figuring out and applying a lawful series of techniques that protect your asCorporate Sponsor of Houston Busi- sets from claims of future creditors. ness Connection Newspaper. Do You Need Tax Defense Assistance? The Hunt Law Group, P.C. can provide strategic tax planning services “Joi-Lin Hunt and representation of clients in resolving is a determined, viCORPORATE SPONSOR matters with tax collection agencies in the brant, respected and United States. Do You Need Estate Planning Assistance? Let The Hunt Law Group, P.C. trusted attorney in Houston,” show you a range of estate tax planning techniques, from traditional planning all the says Aubrey R. Taylor, pubway to aggressive plans that can significantly reduce the estate tax burden. lisher of Houston Business Do You Need Help With Business Law? It is important to be skillfully represented in your business in a wide variety of matters including formations and contract negotiations. Connections Newspaper. Do You Need Family Law Help? The Hunt Law Group, P.C. understands Joi-Lin Hunt is duly adthe need for resolution in a case involving a child, spouse, or individual with mitted and licensed as an Attorney whom a dispute has begun. Are Your Assets Protected? Below are some realistic examples of where and Counselor at Law to practice an asset protection plan would have made all the difference: law in Texas and Louisiana. She Employee Car Accident: You own a restaurant that also does delivery. One graduated cum laude from Southern night, there is an order to be delivered on the other side of town which is assigned to one of your delivery guys. An hour later you learn your company vehicle has University Law Center in been in a bad accident where the driver and passenger of the other car were taken to Baton Rouge, the hospital with critical injuries. Louisiana, and reSeveral hours after the accident, you learn that your driver had marijuana in his system. Your insurance will not cover this type of accident. Who will? Your perceived her Massonal assets will become part of the lawsuit unless you have an asset protection plan ter’s in Tax Law in place that put a protective wall between you and your business. from Southern Methodist Uni- Bad Business Loan: versity in Two years ago, you had a great idea to start a tax consulting business. You start your business out of your house and everything is going along great. In fact, you Dallas decide to rent some office space and some office equipment for the new up and Texas. coming business.
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C A L L AT T O R N E Y J O I - L I N H U N T, E S Q . AT: 7 1 3 . 8 6 9 . 7 0 6 6 T O S C H E D U L E Y O U R C O N S U LTAT I O N T O D AY ! ASSET PROTECTION FAMILY LAW BUSINESS LAW WILLS & PROBATE TAX DEFENSE ESTATE PLANNING 5959 RICHMOND SUITE #310
THE
HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C.
I HOUSTON, TEXAS, 77057 I WWW.THEHUNTLAWGROUP.COM - “Where Winning Matters”
A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 9
2012 P R O V E N
C O M M I T M E N T
T O
O U R
C O M M U N I T Y
Working together is the best way to get things done in Missouri City, Texas. The leader of a visionary community, Mayor Owen serves as a Market Area District Manager for Wells Fargo Bank of Texas and spends a great deal of his time with many of the residents on a daily basis. “Congratulations to Ron Reynolds on becoming the first African American to serve as the State Representative for Fort Bend County’s House District 27.” -- Mayor Allen Owen
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ayor Allen Owen is Missouri City’s tenth mayor since the City’s incorporation back in 1956. Mayor Owen’s profile shows his family’s long term residence of over 32 years in this community...a place he calls home. This is where Mayor Owen continues to dedicate much of his time and expertise towards the development of a community he and his wife of 42 years, Jane, reared their three chil- MAYOR ALLEN OWEN dren. Before his mayoral office, whose tenure began in 1994, Mayor Owen served as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner for five years and later as a Council Member for eight years having also served as Mayor Pro Tem.
Over 32 Years of Service for Missouri City Texas From the beginning of Mayor Owen’s association with Missouri City, he has been highly visible in a growing community he shares with residents whose population numbers an estimated 65,000. Since then, Mayor Owen has continued working towards building a strong economy evidenced by attracting quality residential and commercial development to the area. The leader of a visionary community, Mayor Owen serves as a Market Area District Manager for Wells Fargo Bank of Texas and spends a great deal of his time with many of the residents on a daily basis. His community involvement includes tireless volunteer hours with the YMCA, United Way, March of Dimes and many other organizations. He serves on the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Fort Bend Womens Center, Fort Bend Literacy Council, Fort Bend Fair Association and holds a ViceChairman post on the Fort Bend Community Justice Council. Mayor Owen is also a Life-Time Vice-President and Director of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Past-President of the Texas 4H Foundation, and President of the Asian American Family Counseling Center. Mayor Owen graduated from Southern Methodist University’s Graduate School of Finance and Banking and from Stephen F. Austin State University.
POL. ADV. PAID FOR BY THE ALLEN OWEN CAMPAIGN FOR MAYOR, 2022 MASTER LANE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459
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SPIRITUAL I
PRAYER BY MINISTER TONYAI PALMER
IF YOU NEED PRAYER CONTACT MINISTER TONYAI PALMER AT: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/IBELIEVEGOD
ONWARD INTO 2012... In the name of Jesus, it is so!
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Gracious and Most Holy Father, I plead the purifying blood of Jesus over Your blessed servants who are my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Father, bless their beloved spouses and bless them, also, in their season of singleness. Bless the inheritance of their beloved children, their families and entire bloodlines, the thorns that You placed in their sides, their ministries, their business endeavors and everything else connected to them. Your sovereign will reigns supreme in their lives. Father, You chose them to accomplish greater works for the sake of the kingdom and greater works they shall do. The word, (Your word) declares that they are Your friend, they are kings and queens, royal priests, men and women above reproach, prophetic voices to the nation and are excellent stewards over all that You have endowed them with. In the name of Jesus, Lord God, stir up the spiritual gifts within them and enlarge their territories of promise. I thank You that my brothers and sisters operate in the fruit of Your Holy Spirit, that they are vessels of honor and walk uprightly, that they refuse the counsel of the ungodly and are widely respected, for Your name sake, wherever they go. Father, allow Your goodness and Your loving kindness to remain with them forever. Fortify the spiritual hedges of protection that surround my brothers and sisters minds, bodies, souls and spirits, by the blood of Jesus. Keep them humble and grateful for the inevitable valley experiences for in due season You always unleash the miracles in their mouth that will move mountains. They are true, soul winning ambassadors for Christ and Your word is their weapon. In the name of Jesus, intensify their resolve in You this day. Reaffirm within them that Your grace is always sufficient, that You can be trusted, and that King Jesus is interceding on their behalf daily. Lord God, You are greater than any situation. Give them the strength to cast every care at Your feet. Liberate their minds and unburden their spirits from the distractions of the world that they may flow freely in reverent praise to You. Cover them now under the shadow of Your almighty wings and instill in them Your compass of divine direction. As they submit themselves before You, like Your servant Job, confessing their sins, expressing their frustrations and weaknesses, have mercy on their sweet souls and bless them double for any trouble. You have established them this day to soar with eagles and to ride on Your chariots of fire with God given power, dominion, and authority. In the name of Jesus, no weapon formed against my brother or my sister will be able to prosper and every tongue that rises up in judgment against them, they will condemn. Holy Spirit, convert every critic, negate the efforts of every naysayer and silence every soothsayer, in the name of Jesus. Incinerate every false report, all bouts of confusion, doubt, spiritual congestion, demonic plots, assassination attempts, and all snares of iniquity, right now in the name of Jesus. Father, infuse them with an untouchable anointing of Your Spirit of wisdom, revelation, knowledge, understanding and discernment. I declare that EVERYTHING that comes near them MUST come through the blood of Jesus. In the name of Jesus, reaffirm that success is not grounded in what can be seen or heard, but it is rooted in what You’ve preordained. I thank You for ordering my brothers and sisters steps and enabling them to stand on the word of God for such a time as this. Increase the measure of faith within them God. They are not merely water walkers by faith; they are the flavourful salt and radiant light of the earth by works. It is because You made them righteous by the blood of Jesus, that neither they nor their household will ever beg for bread. By the hand of Your angels, bring fresh manna, honey and quail to their door. Remind them that You will never leave them nor forsake them. I thank You, Lord Jesus, for engrafting Your Character upon theirs. You are the Overseer of their souls and they belong to You.
In the name of Jesus, remove everything in and around the lives of my brothers and sisters that did not come with Your seal of approval. You are their ROCK, their Fortress and their very present help whenever they are in a season of transitional need. Quicken their spirits so that they will never tire of doing well. Renew their strength by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Father, encase them in Your Holy presence. Saturate my brothers and sisters from the crown of their heads to the soles of their feet with fullness of joy. I thank You that the Earth is Yours and the fullness therein. Release the blessings of overflow into their lives, like the Noahic deluge of Genesis 9, as a symbol to the world that they are Your elect. The standard of the Lord, Your standard, continually goes before Your servants and they will suffer no harm. Establish their feet like hinds feet and fashion them in such a way that they will never slip. By Your Spirit God, their victory is already won! Heavenly Father, Your amazing grace, abundant favor, surpassing peace and everlasting love rests upon them both now and forevermore. I touch and agree, declare and decree by the matchless name above every name, in the name at which every knee shall bow, in the mighty name of Jesus, it is so.
Amen.
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT I
www.innerenthusiasm.com
SAVING THE BUSINESS: AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION: Fitness trainer Jamian Lattin-Sims at Oktoberfest Obliteration II (2010) participates in Weighted Run of 2x525m (80lb Sandbag and 30lb Weight Vest first lap; 30lb Weight Vest second lap). Lattin-Sims completed all three workouts that day in the competition and shares with his clients how they can achieve the same level of fitness. Lattin-Sims does group training with a personal training feel.
By Tuala Williams
A
ccording to a study by the Kauffman foundation, small business startups are on the rise again. In fact, there were 565,000 startups in 2010. This is good news to many who consider small businesses to be the backbone of America. The SBA reports small businesses employ just over half of all private sector employees, pay 44 percent of total U.S. private payroll and have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years. Unfortunately, according to the Small Business Administration, 30 percent of all startups fail within the first year, and 50 percent fail within the first five years. Some are finding the solution to longevity in the counsel of others. Heather René Wilson, founder and CEO of IE Consulting, says she can help entrepreneurs avoid becoming another statistic and take their business to the next level. She advises small businesses who say they can’t afford a consultant to think again. “If your business is not seeing the growth you would like, you definitely need to consider a consultant,” she said. “Consulting is not an expense; it’s an investment and is completely tax deductible. Many owners think hiring a consultant is going to cost an upfront investment of thousands of dollars. But in reality, we have plans to fit your budget. Additionally, hiring a good consultant can actually increase your income and save you money by helping you develop effective marketing and customer service strategies and identifying waste. Most importantly, a good consultant can help you save your business. But it’s im-
portant to contact me before it’s too late. Whatever state you find your business in, I can help you get where you are trying to go… faster.” “I give small businesses the tools the Fortune 500 businesses use,” Wilson said. “The thing I try to instill in my clients is, ‘Don’t operate your business like you’re small. When you operate like you are a big company, you have everything systemized. You have policies in place, you have work processes developed. I can help them set up those basic foundation pieces so they can be successful.” Among her clients is fitness trainer Jamian Lattin-Sims. Like most business owners, Lattin-Sims was certain he had a good head for business and was confident in his ability to make his company grow on his own. He has since learned the value of a good consultant. He said Wilson helped him improve his time management skills by encouraging him to follow a schedule, and also caused an increase in profits. Wilson encourages entrepreneurs to be clear as to what their objective is in starting a business. With this in mind, she posed a couple of well-aimed questions at Lattin-Sims that stimulated much of his growth. “Do you want to be a personal trainer or do you want to own a personal training facility?” Wilson asked him. “There’s a difference between the two.” It was something he had not considered before. “That really put things in perspective,” he said. “That’s why I actually started doing fitness training more.” This simple question caused him to move his fitness training business to the forefront of his regular activities, hoping the increased activity would help him make a decision as to which
direction he wanted to go with his business. As a result, his client base began to grow, affecting his bottom line. Wilson also says business owners need to understand the basic principles of supply and demand. Often, entrepreneurs try to force feed customers what they want them to have, without considering what the customer really wants. She helps owners to consider how they can best meet the wants and needs of their customer. As a seasoned personal trainer, LattinSims prided himself in his customer service skills. However, once again he found himself challenged. “You might like something and think it is your best product, but if the customer doesn’t care, it doesn’t matter,” Wilson told him. “I thought I was really good at customer service. I was nice, I would cater to the customer’s needs,” he said. But he realized his method of teaching nutrition intimidated some of his clients. “So, I put together a free nutrition seminar, gathered some friends of mine who had lost weight and gotten stronger by changing their eating habits alone. I formed a panel and I invited all my clients and they loved it.” In fact, they were so excited that they began to recruit clients for Lattin-Sims, earning him even more
money—with less work. According to the book, Dangerous Company: Management Consultants and the Businesses they Save and Ruin, by James Oshea and Charles Madigan, the wrong consultant can have disastrous results for a company, and therefore, should have a proven track record. Wilson is trained in root cause analysis (RCA), Six Sigma, and Lean Manufacturing methodologies, highly touted methods for increasing efficiency in companies. She has over 12 years of experience in process improvement and problem solving in a variety of industries and environments. Her roles prior to founding IE Consulting include Process Improvement Engineer for Milliken & Company, Process Engineer at Kimberly-Clark Corporation, and Quality Assurance & ISO Certification at General Electric (GE). She has developed solutions for complex issues plaguing the automotive, consumer products, and oil & gas sectors, however, the principles she applies work for all industries and businesses of any size. Her solutions increase output, reduce waste, and, most importantly, prevent future occurrences of the same problems. ----------------------------------------------------For more information about how a consultant can help your business and to find out about seven tools designed to help businesses grow, visit
www.innerenthusiasm.com. PHOTO: Heather Wilson is CEO and Founder of IE Consulting in Houston. She specializes in helping businesses of all sizes build a firm foundation and increase their earning potential.
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WWW.SERGEANTLEONHUBBARD.COM
FIND OUT MORE BY VISITING: WWW.SERGEANTLEONHUBBARD.COM 14 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011
POLITICAL HIGHLIGHT I
2012 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
TO HAVE YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS PUBLISHED IN HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER SEND TO: NEWS@HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM
WALKER MUST GO IN 2012 Sergeant Leon Hubbard seeks to unseat Harris County Precinct 7 Constable May Walker in the 2012 Democratic Primary to be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT
“Together with my grassroots effort, aimed at working directly with citizens in this precinct, we’re going to win on Election Day!” The Texas Constitution of 1876 (Article 5, Section 18) provides for the election of a constable in each precinct of a county, and counties may have between four and eight precincts each depending on their population. Currently, the term of office for Texas constables is four years. “Constable May Walker has served 7 years as the Precinct 7 constable. She’s had her chance to provide better services to the citizens of this precinct and she’s squandered it!”
EARLY VOTING BEGINS: Tuesday, February 21, 2012
EARLY VOTING ENDS: Friday, March 2, 2012
ELECTION DAY: Tuesday March 6, 2012
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or over thirty years Sergeant Leon Hubbard has worked in Law Enforcement in one capacity or another. He’s a team player whose been asked to enter the race to become the next Constable for Harris County’s Precinct 7 by citizens and community leaders alike.
“According to what I’ve been told, morale is at an all-time low in the Precinct 7 Constable’s office. The time has come for us to change that — Constable May Walker must go,” says Sgt. Hubbard. “We must bring honesty, integrity and experience back to Precinct 7,” states this husband, father, and law enforcement officer who dedicated many years (from 1983 to 2010) to serving in the Precinct 7 Constable’s office as a deputy and supervisor. “I believe the people living in Precinct 7 deserve better representation, protection and services than what they’re currently getting from Constable May Walker,” he says. “Changes need to be made in the way the Precinct 7 Constable’s office is being operated. We must find creative ways to get more deputies hired and on the streets. And during this campaign I’m going to be discussing some of the creative ways I’m going to do just that.” According to Sgt. Hubbard, he’s worked in, and supervised the warrant, civil, and traffic safety divisions (in Precinct 7) and holds a Master Police Officer’s Certification. “We need more officers on the streets – that’s the bottom line,” he says. “We also need greater visibility in our neighborhoods. In many cases constables are more ACCESSIBLE to the citizens than their police chiefs and sheriffs. But this has not been the case in the Precinct 7 Constable’s office under Constable May Walker. But under my watch I want to make the office accessible to the community we’re sworn to serve and protect.” “By increasing the visibility of patrols we’re going to reduce criminal activity.” Sgt. Hubbard says he’s also going to create “HOTSPOT-UNITS” to aggressively fight crime in areas where there are a lot of citizen complaints about crime. “We’re going to work along with the people living in this precinct,” he says. “Under my watch, they’re going to see us out here working for them – and that’s a promise!” He’s also going to create a “SPECIAL EVENTS DIVISION” to provide free security for special community related events. “I want the people living in this precinct to feel safe and protected when they attend special events in the area they love and call home.”
SERGEANT HUBBARD MEANS BUSINESS He’s committed to establishing a more active and AGGRESSIVE warrant division also.
TIME IS UP FOR CONSTABLE MAY WALKER “This constable is not running Precinct 7 the way it needs to be run. And by the grace of God (and the help of the voters in Precinct 7) I’m going to do a much better job when I’m elected in the Democratic Primary to be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2012,” Sgt. Hubbard says. Early voting for the Democratic Primary begins on Tuesday, February 21st and ends on Friday, March 2nd, 2012. Sgt. Hubbard is planning to take his message to citizens all across the precinct. “Early voting is going to be crucial in this race. I don’t want my supporters to just wait until Election Day to vote. I want them to take advantage of early voting!”
SOME OF THE DUTIES OF YOUR CONSTABLE
Sergeant Leon Hubbard along with his wife Minnie and granddaughter Jada
TEAM HUBBARD AT WORK WITH OUR GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN
WWW.SERGEANTLEONHUBBARD.COM He’s going to work directly with business owners to make sure they aren’t taken advantage of by people who write hot checks and try to get away with it. “We’re going to AGGRESSIVELY go after “hot check writers” and make sure business owners recover compensation for the services they provide to people who has written them hot checks,” Sgt. Hubbard proclaims. “Under my leadership we’re also going to re-establish and create a more dependable “CIVIL DIVISION” so the citizens of Precinct
7 who happen to get civil citations (will get served) and have their day in court — instead of simply getting a default judgment levied against them because of bad service provided by the Precinct 7 Constable’s office.” “The Precinct 7 Constable’s office can be run much better and more efficient than its being run right now; and, I’m the man for the job. I know what needs to be done. And I’m committed to making sure Precinct 7 doesn’t lose any more grants because of accountability issues,” he says.
In Texas, constables and their deputies are fully empowered police officers with countywide jurisdiction and thus, may legally exercise their authority in any precinct within their county and adjacent counties; however, some constables’ offices limit themselves to providing law enforcement services only to their respective precinct, except in the case of serving civil and criminal process. Constables and their deputies may serve civil process in any precinct in their county and any contiguous county and can serve warrants anywhere in the state. “It’s time for us to get it right in the Precinct 7 constable’s office! And that’s why I’m coming out of retirement to serve the citizens of this Precinct again.” The duties of a Texas constable generally include providing bailiffs for the justice of the peace court(s) within his precinct and serving process issued therefrom and from any other court. Moreover, some constables’ offices limit themselves to only these activities but others provide patrol, investigative, and security services as well.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT SERGEANT LEON HUBBARD If you would like to support The Leon Hubbard for Harris County Constable (Precinct 7) campaign please visit his website at: www.sergeantleonhubbard.com and make a donation today! You may also put in your request to have a yard sign placed in your yard to show your support. This article is a paid advertorial published by The Leon Hubbard for Precinct 7 Constable Campaign.
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THINGS TO DO “At some point you and I must begin supporting people who support, value, respect and share our ideals and beliefs. Carroll G. Robinson is such a person.” -- Aubrey R. Taylor
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Friday, December 9th and Saturday, December 10th, 2011 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm — 49th Annual Candlelight Tour - The Heritage Society: Houston’s past, historic structures decked for the season, games in the Museum Gallery, children’s crafts in Santa’s Workshop, refreshments at Candlelight Café, and carolers strolling the park’s pathways, there’s something for the whole family. .-------------------------------------------------------------Friday, December 9, 2011 to Saturday, December 17, 2011 — Campfire Christmas George Ranch Historical Park : Experience a true campfire Christmas with the George Ranch cowboys! Mingle with Civil War soldiers and enjoy the taste of years gone by as Chef Nick Castelberg cooks up a delicious historic meal around the Oak Grove campfire. For more information call: For more information call: 281-343-0218. --------------------------------------------------------------Friday, December 9, 2011 from 5:00PM7:00 PM — White Christmas Workshop for Ages 7-12: Get your feet moving while focusing on tap dancing! Students will learn a number using music from the show. Learn more and register today! --------------------------------------------------------------Saturday, December 10 and Saturday, December 17, 2011 — Breakfast with Santa at Downtown Aquarium: Have ‘Breakfast with Santa’ at the Downtown Aquarium (9:00am) featuring a full breakfast buffet meal of scrumptious eats, watch as Santa spreads his holiday cheer. After breakfast enjoy a full day pass to the Aquarium adventure exhibit and rides featuring exciting exhibits such as the white tigers and the shark voyage. Buy today for Dec. 10 or Dec. 17. --------------------------------------------------------------Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11, 2011 - Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2011 — The Christmas Revels, University of Houston: Revels Houston presents The Christmas Revels, a medieval celebration of the winter solstice. The show, not seen in Houston in a decade, features a charming story line, spirited chants from
the Medieval era and an enthusiastic cast of about 60 singers, actors and dancers. For more information call: 713-668-3303. --------------------------------------------------------------Saturday, December 10, 2011 — Dearing Dazzle: Where: 18734 E Cool Breeze Lane Montgomery, TX. When: Second Saturday in December from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. What to Expect: 150,000 lights synched to 18 holiday songs, radio broadcasting of music and voiceovers and dancing Christmas trees. --------------------------------------------------------------Saturday, December 10. 2011 - Monday, January 2, 2012 — Prestonwood Nite of Lites: Where: Prestonwood subdivision, FM 249 near Cypresswood. When: second Saturday in December through January 2 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.. What to Expect: nearly 750 homes decorated with thousands of lights, varying themes for each block, treats from residents and awards for Best Block, Best Mailbox, etc. --------------------------------------------------------------Saturday, December 10, 2011 — Lights in the Heights Festival: Where: Woodland Heights subdivision, along Byrne and Euclid. When: second Saturday in December from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. What to Expect: live music, warm beverages, carriage rides, carolers and charming bungalows decked in lights. --------------------------------------------------------------Saturday, December 10, 2011 — Downtown Houston/Market Square: Where: Market Square (300 Congress), Discovery Green Park. When: second Saturday in December at 6 p.m. What to Expect: holiday decor, giant snowflakes, 25-foot holiday trees and an ice rink. --------------------------------------------------------------Saturday, December 10, 2011 — Rudyard’s: Concert: If you really want to up your lower Westheimer street cred, head out tonight to check Indie-psych rockers Spain Colored Orange, who have developed an enjoyably quirky live show. Accidentally make reference to their show the following day to your friends and make sure to use the words “sonic” and “ethereal.” You’ll automatically be the hippest accountant in your department. Rudyard’s can be reached at: 713-521-0521. --------------------------------------------------------------Sunday, December 11, 2011 and Sunday, December 18, 2011 — Let It Snow VIP Package with Santa Celebrate the holiday season with a VIP ticket to the show along with a pre-show event featuring photos with Santa and a sumptuous dessert buffet. Buy today for Dec. 11 or Dec. 18.
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CREMEDELACREMEHAIR.NET A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 17
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT I
TROY B. SMITH
TROY B. SMITH PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IS “A TRUSTED NAME WHEN CARING COUNTS” -- 9013 SCOTT STREET IN HOUSTON, TEXAS 77051 - 713.734-TROY
Entrepreneur
serves families with
COMPASSION
By Rochelle Rucker
A
fter high school, Troy B. Smith had no career choices to choose from and it’s easy to see why. “I come from a large family, and by the time I graduated all the good careers were gone,” says Smith as he laughingly explains his siblings’ varied careers.
“Let’s see, I’m No. 12 of 13 children and when I graduated my brothers and sisters were working in various careers such as the Harris County Hospital District, public school system, Veterans Administration, aviation, U. S. Postal Service, engineering and military fields. One brother is a fire chief. So that left me wondering, what am I going to do? That was more than 22 years ago and Smith eventually fell into a rewarding and successful career path. Today, he’s the owner of Troy B. Smith Professional Services, a full-service funeral business with 20 employees located at 9013 Scott St. in Houston’s Sunnyside community. Careful consideration with a wellthought-out plan went into naming his company. “A Trusted Name When Caring Counts,” is the company’s slogan, and the last four digits of the telephone number spell out T-R-O-Y. His career has taken him to some of the most amazing areas of the funeral home industry, from servicing notable celebrity and political figures at small and large funeral home companies to being a partner in one. Because of his compassionate, caring, thoughtful and sympathetic attitude, families are especially grateful to him for his caring nature. In 1989, Smith found his niche in the funeral services industry when he attended and graduated from Commonwealth College of Funeral Service with an associate of science degree. He attained his Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) certification from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service
Practice where he serves as an ambassador for the academy. To expand his knowledge to better serve families, he applied and was accepted as a member of the British Institute of Embalmers (MBIE). It was at his first job in the industry where he noticed his inner gift of caring for families in their time of need. “I remember going to this funeral home for an ad for my church and noticed they were looking for a limo driver,” he says. “Right away I knew this was the career for me. It was my ‘ministry.’ I had the uncanny ability to help people get through the death of a loved one in a caring way.” His experience lends itself to building lasting relationships with families as he continues to service them from one generation to the next. He attributes much of his caring and compassionate nature to the fact that he was
raised in a very large family. A product of the Sunnyside area, Smith attended T. M. Fairchild Elementary School, Crispus Attucks Middle School and Evan E. Worthing Senior High School, graduating in 1983. He also attended Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University. Smith served as president of the Houston Funeral Directors and Morticians Association for two separate terms. Under his leadership and guidance, membership increased immensely and the organization continued to give back to the community by providing toys and food for the less fortunate and scholarships to those entering the funeral service industry. In 2007, the Independent Funeral Directors and Morticians Association of Texas, Inc. named Smith as “Professional of the Year.” He is a member of, and serves on numerous local
civic, community, state and national boards. Serving on the Houston Funeral Directors and Morticians Association board allowed Smith to “build bridges in the industry,” with colleagues and constituents. “I was fortunate enough to travel to different regions of the country and expand my knowledge,” he says. “I’m constantly traveling attending conventions developing a clearinghouse of experts, creating lasting relationships.” With consumers having more to choose from these days, Smith says, his funeral company is thinking outside the box and has established a five-year strategic plan. In recent years, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, consumers have increasingly relied on the Internet as a leading resource for information. In response, businesses have increased their presence on the Web and funeral service is no exception. In order to enhance service to families and community, many funeral homes now have their own Web site. Having a presence in cyberspace allows funeral homes to easily display their products and services, which, in turn, provides the consumer with the freedom to conduct research at-will. “My vision is one-stop shopping for consumers covering major service industries,” says Smith, whose typical day at the office starts at 8 a.m. checking emails and setting up appointments with families. “As an entrepreneur, you’re only going to be successful if you put 100 percent into what you do.” As with any business venture, struggles and problems do arise, causing many to cave in and quit. Smith attributes his strong faith in God and stood on Romans 8:28 when the going got rough. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” “I know that every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord and I thank Him everyday that I get to serve others in an industry that cares about families.” -------------------------------------------------------Rochelle Rucker is a writer based in Houston and is President/CEO of CalComm PR, LLC.
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CARING I COMPASSIONATE I PROFESSIONAL A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 19
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT I
WWW.COLBERTBALLTAX.COM
THE CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IS LOCATED AT 2616 SOUTH LOOP WEST SUITE #400, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77074 I 713.592.5555 I TOLL FREE: 1.888.288.8675.
Colbert/Ball Tex Service has well over 350 locations nationwide:
Get Your 2012 Taxes Prepared by One Of The Best In The Business Colbert/Ball Tax Service Is One of The fastest Growing Tax Services in the United States
C
olbert/Ball Tax Service (CBTS) was founded by Al Colbert and JaJa Ball in January, 1995 while they were seniors in college. With an unsecured job market, these two individuals decided not to try to predict the future; instead create it! Colbert/Ball opened the doors to its first location on January 2nd, 1995 in Houston, Texas. During the first year in business, Colbert / Ball Tax Service processed over 270 returns. This benchmark allowed these two young men the opportunity to relocate their main office to the Reliant Park area. The second year, under the direction of Al Colbert and JaJa Ball, they were able to increase processing to over 570 returns. After doubling the amount of returns from the previous year, Al Colbert and JaJa Ball made a decision to open two additional locations. Their customer base increased to 1800. This was considered to be a break out year. In the year 2000, Colbert/Ball was operating from four offices
and processed over 4000 returns. After one year of success earned by noticeably painstaking hard work, Al Colbert and JaJa Ball implemented an Affiliate program, hence creating opportunities for a vast majority of other entrepreneurs. In December 2002, CBTS was recognized by the distinguished Black Enterprise Magazine as being one of the best franchise
opportunities to invest in. Ebony Magazine soon followed in their February 2003 edition, featuring entrepreneurs 30 and under. Colbert/Ball Tax Service projected 25,000 returns for the 2002 tax season and by realizing that goal they have since taken a huge step toward becoming the largest tax preparation company in the United States. The focus for
2003 was searching for a vehicle or a program which would afford an opportunity for Colbert / Ball Tax Service to expand its Franchising Opportunities. Currently, Colbert/Ball, with its corporate headquarters located in Houston, Texas, has added 320 Affiliates in 23 states. Their success garnered CBTS the Pinnacle Award from the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce.
CBTS is the fourth largest tax preparation company to franchise in America which marks Colbert / Ball Tax Service as being among the elite of specialized financial services. The emblem symbolizing their success is perched atop the building located at 2616 South Loop West, in Houston, Texas. Thousands of drivers are exposed to their advertise-
ment on a daily basis. Al Colbert and JaJa Ball believe the success each of have been blessed with stems from their belief in God. Each are equally are aware and have agreed that God must be first in their business decisions and practices, in addition, that God also helps those who help themselves. The long term goal for Colbert/Ball is to be intrepid, to compete with and surpass the top three tax preparation companies in the United States. By the year 2015, Colbert/Ball Tax Service is expected to be an industry leader with locations in every state in the Union. “We want every American to have the opportunity to own their business” as profoundly stated by both gentlemen. Colbert/Ball Tax Service understands that whenever a customer visits their location for service, the client will be immediately assisted by a trained professional. We are professionals who understand the importance of “Customer Service” as it relates to our clients income tax being processed in a fast and efficient manner. It is our desire at the corporate office for each of our clients to feel special and to be taken well care of whether the client calls or visits our office. We truly believe it should be a
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WWW.COLBERTBALLTAX.COM 20 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT I
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WWW.COLBERTBALLTAX.COM
THE CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IS LOCATED AT 2616 SOUTH LOOP WEST SUITE #400, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77074 I 713.592.5555 I TOLL FREE: 1.888.288.8675.
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Colbert/Ball opened the doors to its first location on January 2nd, 1995 in Houston, Texas. During the first year in business, Colbert / Ball Tax Service processed over 270 returns. This benchmark allowed these two young men the opportunity to relocate their main office to the Reliant Park area.
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wonderful experience for our clients because they have chosen and trusted Colbert/Ball Tax Service to have their taxes processed. At Colbert / Ball Tax Service, our clients should not expect anything less. There are three mottoes in which Colbert/Ball Tax Service stands firm on and expect each employee to uphold:
We offer our customers Superior Service We offer our customers a Superior Product We encourage constant innovation At Colbert/Ball Tax Service we believe that our customers come first. We set ourselves apart from our competition by looking at our customers as people instead of just
numbers. We expect our tax preparers to build relationships with each customer. We go the extra mile in providing our clients with advice and information that is required so that we are able to increase our clients return amount both now and in the future. We also offer our clients incentives whenever they refer family members and friends to us. We offer our clients $10 cash for each referral that has his or her taxes processed with us. Prior to any of our customers leaving our facility, we provide each of them a complete analysis and a copy of their tax return, along with a gift to show our appreciation for their decision to do business with us. Colbert/Ball believes that we should always have a superior product to offer our customers; a product that will provide our customers the best return on their dollar that the market has to offer. We have one of the top software packages in the industry, and the best banking re-
lationship that is custom designed especially for our customers needs. Colbert/Ball Tax Service will have the latest technology available to increase production and efficiency. We encourage constant innovation with each of our staff members and our customers. It is our belief that having this process in place helps to strengthen our customer base and customer service efforts. Interaction with our staff and clients allows us to gain information first hand and stay ahead as an industry leader.
Colbert/Ball Tax Service is the Tax Service of the Future In addition to preparing individual tax returns, Colbert/Ball Tax Service provides tax preparation services for Federal and State tax returns for individuals and small businesses. One of the main fo-
cuses at CBTS is on electronic filing of tax returns and the ability to secure quick refunds through Refund Anticipation Loans (RALS), generally within 24 hours. CBTS understands the needs of our tax clients. We have made a commitment to providing trained professionals for fast and efficient service to each of our customers. We set ourselves apart from our competition because we care and call proficient attention to detail. Our customers are never just another number.
Complete Federal & State Tax Return Preparation Colbert/Ball Tax Service locations are fully prepared to provide you with the attention to detail and the experience you deserve. We can prepare various types of
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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT I
THE CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IS LOCATED AT 2616 SOUTH LOOP WEST SUITE #400, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77074 I 713.592.5555 I TOLL FREE: 1.888.288.8675.
At Colbert/Ball Tax Service You Get The Highest Tax Refund Possible Guaranteed or Your Money Back!
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Federal and State tax returns. We will assist you in completing our comprehensive questionnaire. All legal deductions are applied and, you will receive the maximum refund possible. We can prepare multiple State returns in conjunction with taxpayers relocating or for those individuals working outside of their State of residence during the year.
Electric Filing e-File Through State-of-the-art technology and the best software available we can electronically (e-file) your return. E-filing greatly increases the accuracy of your tax return. Our computer program will check your return and let us know if there are errors in the return. Not only is e-filing more accurate it’s faster! If you choose one of our refund loan products (described below) you could have money in minutes! No more waiting six to eight weeks for a check in the mail. We can even have it deposited directly into your bank account. And if you prefer a paper return we can do that too!
Refund Anticipation Loan RAL We can file your return and have your loan available within two days. You not only will save a little money, will not have to wait six weeks for a check that could possibly get lost in the mail! The benefit of making this choice ….you still pay nothing up front since all fees are deducted from your refund.
Electronic Refund Check ERC You can save money by choosing our Refund Anticipation Check. You still receive all the benefits of electronic filing, but you wait 10 – 14 days for your money. All fees are deducted from the refund amount when you receive in your loan check.
Direct Deposit If none of the refund loan options are convenient for you we are able to still process your return the “old-fashioned way”! And you will get the e-file accuracy, pay lower fees and have your refund mailed to you or direct deposited into your bank account from the IRS. At COLBERT/BALL, we are committed to providing each of our clients with the option they are most comfortable using. Our
desire is to make your income tax filing as painless and as stress free as possible!
Owe Money? Make a Payment! Not getting a refund? The IRS accepts credit card payments which will allow you to pay your taxes that are due over a period of time without being charged any interest, late fees or penalties. Any one of our locations is able to assist you in finding the right solution to meet your financial needs.
Referral Program We are confident knowing that you will be pleased with our efforts. We encourage you to refer your friends and family about the affordable fees and great services at COLBERT/BALL. Many of our locations offer tremendous referral programs ranging from gift certificates, phone cards, to cash, just for sending new clients to us. Consult with your tax preparer for more details.
Low Startup Cost With Unlimited Territories Available In Your Area The mission of Colbert/Ball Tax Service is to continue providing
opportunities for people to own their businesses. This is an exciting time to become an innovative entrepreneur. Annually, the tax preparation industry excels in growth and potential, providing a stable and solid source of revenue that is unaffected by economic change. In 2008, over 144 million individual tax returns were filed, of which more than 86 million were filed electronically, an increase of 16% over the previous year. This supports the I.R.S. mandate to make 90% of all tax returns filed electronically by the year 2010. Colbert/Ball Tax Service is a company on the rise. We have secured our reputation as a key competitor in the tax industry. Choosing to become a member of the Colbert/Ball family will afford you the opportunity to achieve your dreams. Colbert/Ball Tax Service will provide you powerful electronic tax preparation software, marketing concepts, training programs and seasoned individuals with more than four decades of experience in the tax industry.
The Tax Industry -The tax preparation industry has been dominated for nearly 40 years by one major player, H&R Block.
-In 2004, over 61 million people filed their returns electronically and that number has grown by over 71% as of 2008. -Tax preparation and electronic filing is a multi-billion dollar industry. -The IRS mandate that over 90% of the nation will file electronically by 2010 guarantees the continuing growth of this industry. -Paid preparation of tax returns is growing even faster than electronic filing alone (from 65% in 2006 to over 80% last year)
OPPORTUNITY
Why Franchise With Colbert/Ball Tax Service 1. Our owners and key management personnel collectively have over 60 years of combined experience in the tax industry. 2. Colbert/Ball has developed a turnkey operating system for your success. 3.Businesses that franchise have a greater success rate than businesses in the same industry that don’t franchise. 4. Colbert/Ball Tax Service provides training and consultation. No prior tax experience is needed. 5. Our experienced marketing personnel will assist you in the location selection process to ensure ideal territory coverage for the target demographic. 6. Colbert/Ball Tax Service provides technical and tax support year-round - You are never alone. 7. Low startup cost with unlimited territories available in your area. The franchise fee is only $15,000 with a $33,235.00 to $50,735.00 overall investment. 8. Colbert/Ball Tax Service is ranked in the Top 50 fastest-growing franchises in the country* *(Source: Entrepreneur.com) 9. Colbert/Ball uses big-ticket giveaways as a key marketing tool. This year, we gave away a Chevy Camaro as the grand prize! 10. Colbert/Ball is promoted by celebrities in radio and television advertisements
22 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011
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LEGAL ASSISTANCE I
TH E HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C.
713.869.7066 THE HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C. SPECIALIZES IN ASSET PROTECTION, TAX DEFENSE AND PLANNING, ESTATE PLANNING, BUSINESS LAW, CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND FAMILY LAW - call713- 869-7066
IS THE NUMBER TO CALL FOR ALL YOUR LEGAL NEEDS!
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Unfortunately, you become ill and can’t keep your business going. The rent and office equipment lease haven’t been paid in three months. You get served with papers, to recoup the money and to go after your personal assets. If you had formed a Corporation or an LLC when you started your business, then you would only be liable for the money invested into the business. The creditor couldn’t go after you personally, (unless of course you signed a personal guarantee).
Bitter Divorce: Ten years ago, you married the woman of your dreams. You shared five happy years of marriage before starting a family with two children. Also, during this time you were successful in building your sports equipment business into a successful retail chain. In year eight, your marriage starts to fall apart. Within a year and a half, after some bitter disputes, you’re able to work out custody and visitation rights with the kids. However, your ex-wife has also decided to sue you for two millions dollars and alimony. You are not made of money and the business carries a large over-head, what are you going to do? How are you going to prove that you don’t have this kind of money? If a majority of your assets really belong to a Corporation, then those assets cannot be touched to fulfill a personal obligation. Don’t let yourself become another asset protection case study, Contact The Hunt Law Group, P.C. today about how to get started with your asset protection plan. Call the firm at: (713)869-7066.
Tax Defense & Planning The Hunt Law Group is experienced in tax planning and defense. Their background stems from providing strategic tax planning services, and representation of clients in resolving matters with tax collection agencies in the United States. She also earned her Master’s Degree in Taxation from Southern Methodist University. We are well qualified to help our clients with their tax matters. Tax Defense: In the case of taxpayer delinquencies, tax assessments and tax collection matters, problems can often be resolved through face-toface negotiations with ITS agents. Remember, tax agents are trained to identify and question both legitimate and questionable tax “loopholes” utilized by your professional advisors during the preparation of your tax filings. Therefore, it is always wise to utilize tax professionals to represent you and your interests when dealing with taxing authorities. The Hunt Law Group, P.C. has the experience necessary to handle tax disputes
against the Internal Revenue Service.
IRS Tax Defense
“Don’t face the IRS alone” If you’re one of the millions of frustrated taxpayers who owes the IRS or state back taxes, we can help. Everyday businesses and Individuals across the nation turn to The Hunt Law Group, P.C. to resolve their individual and payroll tax debt. Our tax team consists of Tax Attorneys, and highly skilled Tax Professionals, who have several years experience in finding a permanent solution to your tax problem, utilizing the broadest range of tax relief strategies.
Are you looking to: Settle or contest an existing tax liability Stop a wage garnishment or bank levy Reduce penalties and interest File back tax returns for multiple years Negotiate or Re-negotiate a monthly payment plan Minimize liability from unpaid payroll tax Release or withdraw a tax lien Obtain relief from a spouse’s tax debt Get representation for a tax audit
SERVICES WE OFFER: OFFER IN COMPROMISE INSTALLMENT AGREEMENT (Payment Plan) WAGE GARNISHMENT RELEASE BANK LEVY RELEASE FEDERAL TAX LIEN REMOVAL AUDIT REPRESENTATION PAYROLL TAX REPRESENTATION INNOCENT SPOUSE RELIEF UNFILED TAX RETURNS CURRENTLY NOT COLLECTIBLE PENALTY ABATEMENT (Penalty reduction)
Don’t fight the IRS alone. The Hunt Law Group, P.C. will stop the IRS from contacting you and
handle all communication and correspondences with the IRS throughout the duration of your case. Remove the stress of your tax situation and put it where it belongs: in the hands of qualified tax professionals. Our Tax Attorneys know the ins and outs of tax relief. Asset Protection – Unfortunately, many business owners think about asset protection after a catastrophic event costs them their business or their personal assets. Insurance alone cannot shield a business owner from a catastrophic event. Every business owner should have an asset protection strategy to provide protection of their assets from the operations of their business, including the actions of their employees. Retirement Planning The business provides opportunity beyond present income for owners. Owners should also use their business as a vehicle for retirement savings. Tax Deferral Planning – Second best only to eliminating tax entirely are tax deferral opportunities. Taking a current deduction to avoid tax until a later date can be beneficial since most taxpayers are in a lower tax bracket later in life.
Estate Planning When you die, will your property and personal effects pass to the persons you choose or will the government make the decision for you? Will you receive proper care as you age? Who will take care of you and your property if you are incapacitated? Who will get custody of your children? Do you want to make these decisions or do you want the State of Texas to make these decisions for you? Most people don’t like to think about death, much less plan for it. No matter the size of a person's estate, every adult should protect themselves and the interests of their loved ones by developing some type of estate plan to ensure that there is continuity in the handling of you money and property. For some people, this will be a will and durable power of attorney for health care and property. For others, a combination of a wills, trusts, business formation, and other estate planning devices will be in their best interest. Do You Have An Estate Plan? You should have an estate plan if: (1) You are a parent of minor children; (2) You own property, or (3) You care about your health care treatment or financial affairs. The Hunt Law Group, P.C. can explain all options available to you in meeting your estate planning goals and fulfilling the needs of your loved ones. If you have questions about estate planning, need to have estate planning docu-
ments drafted, or would like an experienced attorney to review your current estate plan contact The Hunt Law Group, P.C. Some of our estate planning services include: Revocable Living Trusts, Bypass Trust, Life Insurance Trusts (ILITS), Charitable Trusts, Simple & Complex Wills, Financial Power of Attorneys, Health Care Power of Attorneys, Probate Services, Living Wills, Guardianships and Conservatorships (both for Minors and Adults), Codicils/Amendments and Restatements to Current Estate Plans and Advance Tax Planning. ------------------------------------------------------The Hunt Law Group, P.C. will customize an estate plan to meet your specific needs so that you—not the government—make that choice. Call the Hunt Law Group, Inc. for a free consultation at: (713)869-7066.
A Few Question You Should Ask Yourself? QUESTION: If you are a parent of a minor child and both you and your spouse died simultaneously in a car accident, do you know who would be raising your child? QUESTION: If someone opened fire at your job today and killed you, would there be a bitter dispute between family members regarding your assets? Despite the importance of a Will, at least 50% of American’s do not have one. A Will is a legal document that designates how you want your money and property (your estate) to be distributed after your death. Parents of minor children can also use a Will to name a guardian. This is imperative because if you do not name a guardian, the State of Texas will appoint one and they may not appoint the guardian whom you would have chosen. If a person dies with a Will (“testate”), the probate court determines if the Will is valid, hears any objections to the Will, orders that creditors be paid and supervises the process to assure that property remaining is distributed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Will. The typical cost to probate an estate is in the range of 3% to 7% of the total estate value. On the other hand, if you die without a will (“intestate”) the State of Texas steps in and decides how your assets will be distributed, which may not conform to your wishes or what is best for the people closest to you. Even if some items do not hold great monetary value, they could hold an enormous amount of sentimental value. Failing to indicate who receives these treasures in your Will can cause friction between family members that lasts for decades.
C A L L AT T O R N E Y J O I - L I N H U N T, E S Q . AT: 7 1 3 . 8 6 9 . 7 0 6 6 T O S C H E D U L E Y O U R C O N S U LTAT I O N T O D AY ! ASSET PROTECTION FAMILY LAW BUSINESS LAW WILLS & PROBATE TAX DEFENSE ESTATE PLANNING 5959 RICHMOND SUITE #310
THE
HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C.
I HOUSTON, TEXAS, 77057 I WWW.THEHUNTLAWGROUP.COM - “Where Winning Matters”
24 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011
LEGAL ASSISTANCE I
TH E HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C.
THE HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C. SPECIALIZES IN ASSET PROTECTION, TAX DEFENSE AND PLANNING, ESTATE PLANNING, BUSINESS LAW, CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND FAMILY LAW - call713- 869-7066
Durable Power of Attorney: If you had an unexpected heart attack today and was hospitalized, does someone have the legal authority to access your accounts to pay your bills so your bank doesn’t foreclose on your mortgage or the utility company doesn’t cut off your phone, electric, heat, and power? Don’t assume that your spouse has the legal authority to sign your name because they may not. A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to name someone you trust to handle your finances if you cannot due to sickness or incapacity. Without a durable power of attorney, your family will be forced to commence expensive proceedings to have the court appoint a guardian so as to access your funds to pay for your care and other expenses.
Medical Power of Attorney: 1. If on the way home from work today you were in a severe car accident which rendered you unconscious, does someone have the legal au-
Joi-Lin Hunt Head Legal Counsel The Hunt Law Group, P.C. 5959 Richmond Suite #310 Houston, Tx 77057
thority to make health care decisions on your behalf? 2. Are you opposed to certain types of surgeries? Do you want to be resuscitated? Does someone have the right to receive your medical information? A Medical Power of Attorney allows you to name someone (an Agent) to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so due to temporary unconsciousness. This power of attorney involves only health care decisions and does not affect your property and assets. A Medical Power of Attorney only goes into effect when you are no longer able to make your own health care decisions. Without a Medical Power of Attorney, your family will have to request a court appointed guardian to make these decisions and guardianship is a costly procedure in Texas, even if it is limited to guardian of the person and to medical treatment decisions. 4. Would you want to receive medical procedures to prolong your life? A Living Will allows you to state whether you want certain treatments withheld or withdrawn if they are only prolonging the dying process or if there is no hope of recovery if you will soon die from a terminal illness. Living Wills only go into effect if you are no longer able to make your own health care decisions. For example, if you suffer an incapacitating stroke and are permanently unconscious and unable to communicate with your doctor. Without a Living Will, the emotional burden of making this decision is placed on you family which can cause grief and sometimes end up in a costly legal battle as in the Terri Schiavo case.
Revocable Living Trust: The purpose of a Revocable Living trust is to hold your assets, usually under your control, during your
lifetime and to distribute those assets at your death. Unlike a Will, a Living Trust does not go through probate so assets can be distributed immediately according to your instructions by the trustee, thus avoiding the cost and time delays of probate proceedings. If you own property in another state, a Revocable Living Trust eliminates the need to probate that property in that state. Also if you have minor children a Revocable Living Trust enables you to name their guardian who will also manage any trust property for young beneficiaries. Unlike a will which is a public document, the property of the trust, terms of the trust, and identity of trust beneficiaries are private. Also, Trusts are less susceptible to a successful challenge by disappointed heirs where as anyone related by blood can contest a will which freezes the disposition of assets in litigation. There are many reasons, both emotional and financial, for having a sound estate plan. It doesn’t matter how old you are, your family and loved ones will suffer when you leave them. While that cannot be helped, if you prepare, you can spare them a great deal of additional grief and expenses. Business Law The Hunt Law Group, P.C. can skillfully represent your business in a wide variety of matters. We provide client-centered, cost-effective services that will assist you in all your business endeavors. Some of the services we provide include, but are not limited to: Formations, Contact Negotiations, Drafting and Reviewing Partnership and LLC Agreements, Business Solutions, Non-Profit Organizations, Protection (Copyright, Trademark) and Criminal Defense. When you are charged with a crime, you could be facing damage to your reputation, your loved ones, and even loss of your freedom. Don’t risk facing a criminal prosecution alone. The Hunt Law Group, P.C. is devoted to protecting your rights and making sure you are being treated fairly. When you are suspected of committing a crime, the government will work hard to convict you, and it will not always respect your rights. We are here to protect your rights and work for you. We work tirelessly to put together the strongest case on behalf of our clients. From our thorough attention to details, to intensive interviews with witnesses, to meetings with prosecutors, we are able to negotiate from a position of strength because we do our homework and utilize every option available to help our clients. Regardless of the crime you are charged with, we will vigorously defend you. We represent clients on a full range of criminal matters including: Traffic Violations, Misdemeanors & Felonies, DUI /DWI, Drug crimes, Assault, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Weapon Charges, White-Collar Offenses, Fraud, Embezzlement, Theft, Burglary, Robbery, Parole, Probation Violations, Sealing or Expungment of Records, Bail and Bond re-
ductions, Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings, Jail Visits and Murder. If you’ve been charged with a crime and need help, contact The Hunt Law Group, P.C. for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case! We can be reached at: (713)869-7066. You should NOT answer any questions from the police or the prosecutor without your lawyer present.
Family Law The Hunt Law Group, P.C. works to resolve your problems. We understand the need for resolution in a case involving a child, spouse, or individual with whom a dispute has begun. Our team concentrates on family issues, including, but not limited to: Divorce, Annulments, Property settlements, Premarital agreements, Child custody, Child Support, Grandparents rights, Adoption, Paternity , and Name changes.
Family Law- FAQ's QUESTION: How long does it take to get a divorce? If the spouses have reached an agreement on all of the relevant issues a divorce may be obtained on the 61st day after the divorce petition was filed. If an agreement is not possible and the case must be tried, the length of time is primarily dependent on the Court's docket. In Harris County, most divorce cases are set for trial within six to twelve months after the divorce petition is filed. QUESTION: If my spouse and I have agreed to all the relevant terms, what is the general procedure for obtaining and finalizing the divorce? It is common for spouses to believe that they have an agreement, but they actually have not addressed all the necessary terms, such as child custody or support, or property division. Assuming all required terms are agreed to in advance of filing, the divorce can be a relatively simple legal procedure. The attorney for the Petitioner (the filing spouse) files the divorce petition and either has the petition served on the other spouse or the other spouse executes a Waiver of Service. The Petitioner's attorney then drafts an Agreed Final Decree of Divorce and any other necessary documents which are reviewed and signed by the other spouse. The other spouse is free to hire or consult with an attorney of his or her own. After the necessary papers are signed by the parties and attorneys, the Petitioner and his attorney then go to court for a hearing to have the Court enter the Decree and other documents. QUESTION: Do I have to show fault to get a divorce? Texas is a no-fault divorce state which means that it is unnecessary to show that either party was at fault in order to obtain a divorce. It is only necessary to show that there is marital discord and there is no reasonable expectation of reconciliation. However, many fault issues (adultery, cruelty, etc.) are frequently relevant factors in divorce cases because they can have an impact on how the community property is divided, or how custody is decided.
C A L L AT T O R N E Y J O I - L I N H U N T, E S Q . AT: 7 1 3 . 8 6 9 . 7 0 6 6 T O S C H E D U L E Y O U R C O N S U LTAT I O N T O D AY ! ASSET PROTECTION FAMILY LAW BUSINESS LAW WILLS & PROBATE TAX DEFENSE ESTATE PLANNING 5959 RICHMOND SUITE #310
THE
HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C.
I HOUSTON, TEXAS, 77057 I WWW.THEHUNTLAWGROUP.COM - “Where Winning Matters”
A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 25
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Sunday, December 11, 2011 — Celebremos el Niño - A Mexican Baroque Christmas: Christ Church Cathedral - The internationally honored Minneapolis-based vocal group brings a rare collection of early Mexican music, featuring over two centuries of festive Christmas dances, ballads and villancicos from the great cathedrals of Puebla and Mexico City. For more information call 713-432-1744. -------------------------------------------------------Sunday, December 11 2011 — Vino 100: Champagne Tasting: I’ve never been to a Champagne Tasting –I hear they’re fun, though- so I’m not accustomed to usual prices, but $40 seems a bit much. I mean, with that same $40 I could get 20 Lonestar tallboys and 20 single pattie cheeseburgers. I’m classy like that. Vino 100 can be reached at 281-759-4100. -------------------------------------------------------Monday, December 12, 2011 — Orange Show: Christmas in East End: The Christmas in the East End festival is pretty much exactly the same as a Christmas Festival in, say, River Oaks. Except instead of Santa Claus, Pancho Claus reigns king. And instead of a sleigh, he rides to the show in a lowrider. And instead of Christmas cookies there are Mexican delicacies. But other than that, yeah, it’s exactly the same. Orange Show can be reached at 713-926-6368. -------------------------------------------------------Tuesday, December 13, 2011 — German Christmas Market: Old Downtown Tomball: And since you just reached below the border for a bit of spicy-Christmas yesterday, why not follow it up with a bit more sauerkrauty version by paying a visit to Tomball’s German Christmas Market? It’ll probably be really funny if you keep pronouncing Santa Claus “Santa Clowess.” Surely nobody’s thought of that before. City of Tomball 200 Market St. -------------------------------------------------------Wednedsay, December 14, 2011 — St. Thomas High School: Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tour: Surely you’ve fantasized about kayaking down the majestic flowing grace that is Buffalo Bayou before, and thanks to those wily water enthusiasts at St. Thomas high school you now can. $50 per person gets you everything you’ll need for the trip, except of course the friend with low esteem that you’ll peer pressure into going with you. St. Thomas can be reached at 713-864-6348. -------------------------------------------------------Thursday, December 15, 2011 — Alley Theatre: A Christmas Carol (play) I: I’ve really got my fingers crossed that somebody comes up with a stage adaptation to the big screen epic A Christmas Story. In the meantime, A Christmas Carol will have to do, I suppose…Alley Theatre can be reached at 713-228-8421. -------------------------------------------------------Saturday, December 17, 2011 — Houston Museum of Natural Science: Body Worlds 2 & The Brain: Our Three Pound Gem exhibit: If you’ve never seen Body World’s before, it really is a must. Essentially, Dr. GvH has “plasticized” more than 200 human specimens, removing their skins and exposing the “machine which winds the springs” for the world’s gawking eyes. Do not underestimate the creepiness of this exhibit. Price is $17-25 dollars. Body World’s can be reached at 713.639.IMAX
-------------------------------------------------------Sunday, December 18, 2011 — Toyota Center: Concert: You’d be hard pressed to find a rapper more relevant right now than Lil’ Wayne. (Kanye West may have something to say about that assertion, though.) You’d also be hard pressed to find a rapper more idiosyncratic that Lil’ Wayne. (Kanye West may have something to say about that assertion, too.) He’ll be in concert tonight with Keyshia Cole and the annoyingly autotuned chorus king T-Pain. Check him out. Toyota Center: 1.866.4.HOUTIX -------------------------------------------------------Monday, December 19, 2011 — Houston Museum of Natural ScienceThe Birth of Christianity: A Jewish Story: The press release bills this as a display of ancient scrolls, objects, and artifacts that allows “the story of two of the world’s most influential religions [to] unfold,” but the real entertainment will probably come from counting how many tools make really edgy and clever Mel Gibson jokes. The over/under is set at 14 1/2, by the way. Houston Museum of Natural Science can be reached at 713.639.IMAX. -------------------------------------------------Tuesday, December 20, 2011 — Toyota Center: College Basketball Doubleheader: What’s better than seeing the Texas Longhorns lose at anything? Why, seeing the Aggies lose on the same day, of course. See both of them for the price of one at this midday doubleheader. And make sure you mention how the Football Longhorns didn’t make it to the National Championship game. I’m sure their fans will appreciate it. Toyota Center can be
reached at 1.866.4.HOUTIX. -------------------------------------------------------Wednesday, December 21, 2011 — Reliant Park: Disney on Ice – Disneyland Adventure: Disney on Ice is in town and they allow me to do just that. It also lets me see and rogynous cartoon characters fiddle around on ice skates, which is another hobby of mine. Reliant Park can be reached at 832-667-1400. -------------------------------------------------------Thursday, December 22, 2011 — Houston Museum of Natural Science: Photography Exhibit: I won’t lie, I’ve never been terribly interested in looking at pictures of rocks/geographic landscapes/etc, but photographer Michael Collier has some really noteworthy shots of just those things. Give it a whirl, you may come away surprised. Even if you’re not, at least you’ll sound intelligent tomorrow when you tell people that’s how you spent Sunday night. Houston Museum of Natural Science can be reached at 713.639.IMAX. -------------------------------------------------------Friday, December 23, 2011 — Wortham Center: The Nutcracker (ballet): What’s a Christmas season without at least one trip to see the Nutcracker? Unfulfilled is what it is. It’s like going all of Halloween without eating an excessive amount of tiny Snickers candy bars or going to Dallas and not making at least two Tony Romo/playoff failures jokes. It’s your duty, sirs and ma’ams. Houston Ballet can be reached at 713.522.5538. -------------------------------------------------------Saturday, December 24, 2011 — Discovery Green: Outdoor Ice Skating: Ice skating inside is fine for May, but come winter time, it’s an activity that should be done out-
side. Plus, Discovery Green’s ice rink is (kind of) on a real lake. In your face,fabricated Galleria Mall Ice Skating Rink. Discovery Green can be reached at 713-400-7336. -------------------------------------------------------Sunday, December 25, 2011 — Your House: Family Stuff: Really? You need something to do today? How about this, and I’m just throwing this out there now: take a break from the computer and spend some time with someone that loves you. Watch the parade or the Celtics-Lakers game on TV. If you’ve absolutely just got to get out of the house, Tom Cruise’s Nazi movie comes out today (because nothing says Christmas like anti-Semitism, apparently).. -------------------------------------------------------Tuesday, December 27, 2011 — Verizon Theater: Pink Floyd Laser Show will be at the Verizon Wireless Theater. For more information call 713-230-1600. -------------------------------------------------------Wednesday, December 28, 2011 — Convention Center: Gun and Knife Show will be at the George R. Brown Convention Center. For more information about the High Calibur Gun Show call 281-331-5969. -------------------------------------------------------Monday, December 29, 2011 — Hobby Center: Always…Patsy Cline will be at the Hobby Center Stages Theater. For more information call 713-315-2525. -------------------------------------------------------Friday, December 30, 2011 — Reliant Stadium: Texas Bowl (football: Rice vs. Western Michigan) will be going down in Houston. For more information on the Texas Bowl call 832-667-2002. -------------------------------------------------------To get your event listed, email it today: news@houston-businessconnections.com
THE 2012 PRIMARIES ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER
MARCH 6TH, 2012 “I Recently Held A Fundraiser At My Home For Carl Pittman, 2012 Candidate for Harris County Sheriff” Here’s A little about Carl
Carl has an in depth knowledge and passion for the profession of law enforcement. As an experienced peace officer and arl Pittman was born, August 5, business man, Carl will bring leadership 1963 in Fulshear, Texas, with the and management experience to the Harris help of a mid-wife in the very County Sheriff’s Office. Carl has an undersame house in which he was to grow up. standing that accountability is a two-sided This little two room coin. An agency shack was the home where must be accountable Carl experienced some to its community and very humbling circumemployees just as the stances, and it also helped employee is held Carl forge a determination equallyaccountable. to excel in life. With the Transparency is just death of his father in 1970 a word if there is no Carl and his two sisters substance to it. TreatCarl, wife Kristi and Carmen were raised by their mother. ing all people fairly It was a challenging time for is a trait that Carl cannot overemphasize. the family, with no running water in the litThe most valuable asset of any organization tle tin roofed house until 1978, and no air is its people. Carl understands that the Harconditioning - just a wood burning stove ris County Sheriff must do everything in and a couple of window fans. Carl became his power to help create a respectful profesall too acquainted with many of the hard resional working relationship with the Harris alities of life. The annual crops County Commissioner’s Court and other (be it cotton or pecans) were the work of elected and appointed officials. Law enthe day for Carl and his family. Having to forcement is a partnership and operates opput school clothes on lay-away was just the timally within the framework of a team. way it was. Seeing his mother, with only a Carl believes that the individual that third grade education, toil so hard to supholds the sheriff’s position must obey the port the family motivated Carl to succeed law just as the department’s employees are and to hope that one day he could rise to a expected to obey the law. Public trust is position where he could take care of her in earned when it is evident that those a manner worthy of the devotion empowered to enforce the law obey the law she had given him, despite their economic themselves. Carl looks forward to hearing trials. That however, was not God’s plan your law enforcement concerns. and Carl lost his mother in August of 1985.
C
CARMEN CUNEO
This “Things To Do” page is made possible by Carmen Cuneo is a community leader and business woman. She is currently serving the Third Ward area of Houston as the Republican Precinct Chair for Precinct #210 and a past president and current secretary for the Rotary Club of Herman Park. ---------------------------------------Contact Carmen Cuneo at: Email: cuneo@sbcglobal.net
26 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011
EMPOWERMENT I
FROM BISHOP K.J. BROWN
IFYOU HAVE A STORY IDEA OR INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED INSIDE HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER PLEASE CALL US TODAY AT: (832)212-8735.CONTACT US tODAY!
PRESS FORWARD INTO 2012 THE PROCESS OF WINNING By Bishop K. J. Brown www.facebook.com/bishopkjbrown
W
e applaud the successes of those we consider to be winners in every conceivable area of life. But, it’s imperative that we realize that anything worthwhile in life came by process and patience. Please understand that the process of winning is filled with challenges and adversity. As I reflect upon my study of scripture there are principles to winning that stand out and mark a path for becoming a true winner.
Purpose: The one thing that drives me to stay on the right path; its knowing my purpose. Purpose is the source that keeps me directed. The discovery of “why” I’m here gave me the “what” I should be doing. Without purpose we have a tendency to wonder or go in circles; busy but getting nowhere.
make sure that you don’t do others as you pursue your goals. I’m really afraid of persons who will do anything to reach their goals. Some people allow their pursuit to carry them to dishonest means; and feel those means are justified. Just remember you will reap exactly what you sow.
Problems: In this life you will have problems. How you handle those problems is one of the biggest challenges of winning. 1 Refuse to accept failure. You are not a failure Preparation: When purpose and when you fail. You are only a failure path are discovered, education and when you give up. 2. Keep going! I experience will have read a story to follow. However, that Colonel FOCUS ON EMPOWERMENT there are still going Sanders went to 1,000 places to be some valleys to sell his chicken recipe before he and mountains along the journey of life. I’ve come to the point that rather found that interested buyer. 3. Shake it off and step up. I always than complain while going through remember the story of the mule that the valleys, I now ask God what lesfell in the hole and the farmer would son are You teaching me in the valthrow dirt on him to bury him, but he ley moments; but, I’m always would shake it off and put the dirt mindful to remember to take a mounder his feet. As time went on the ment to celebrate on the mountains. more dirt he shook off and put under Pursuit: Don’t just plan to do it .You his feet the more elevated he bemust do it! However, please be care- came until the point that he was out ful how you go about doing it; and of the hole. What would have been
Path: If you’re on the right road you have a much greater chance of getting where you should be than if you’re going in the wrong direction.
his burial eventually became his blessing! Pinnacle: Process brings you to pinnacle. Be the best that you can be. But remember to be yourself. No two people travel the same path to success. Be Blessed! Be smart — and remember...“The Lord wants you to Win!”
Bishop K.J. Brown Ministries “Building Winning Lives” www.ztchurch.net BishopKJBrown@gmail.com
Every day is another opportunity to win!!! --------------------------------Be Blessed & Followed By Favor!
Bishop K.J. Brown Happy Holidays from Bishop K.J.Brown & Minister Priscilla Guillory – Brown Zion Tabernacle Church Bishop K. J. Brown Ministry (C-SIM) Christian Sexual Integrity Movement
BishopKJBrown@gmail.com Phone: 832.893.9424
A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 27
PUBLISHER’S PAGE I
FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR
iF YOU HAVE A STORY IDEA OR INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED INSIDE HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER PLEASE CALL US TODAY AT: (832)212-8735.CONTACT US today!
“DOING BUSINESS” A FEW OF THE COMPANIES THAT BENEFITED FROM DOING BUSINESS WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE LAST MONTH
CONTINUED FROM
P.4
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif. (F33657-01-C-4600 P00446), is being awarded a $45,835,942 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification.This contract is for software maintenance tasks necessary for the contractor to maintain support software for air vehicles, ground support segments.Flight test covers the tasks necessary for the Global Hawk System Integrator (prime contractor) to participate in planning, provisioning, conducting, analyzing, and documentation for an integrated Global Hawk Combined Development/Operational Flight Test System.These tasks provide the software maintenance and flight test to keep the development program operating.One firm was solicited and one firm submitted a proposal.The ASC/WIGK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-C-4600 P00446). -------------------------------------------------------Northrop Grumman Space & Mission Systems, San Diego, Calif. (F33657-01-C4600 P00453), is being awarded a $29,515,929 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This is for the infrastructure portion of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Block Load effort that provides for the necessary tasks that allow the contractor to manage the day-to-day EMD contract operations of the Global Hawk Weapon System; including air vehicle, ground segment, and support segment. These tasks provide the infrastructure necessary to keep the development program operational. They are not directly tied to any one specific developmental capability.One firm was solicited and one firm submitted a proposal. The ASC/WIGK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-C-4600 P00453).
Northrop Grumman Space & Mission Systems Corp, San Diego, Calif. (FA872609-C-0010 P0038), has been awarded a $29,515,929 modified firm-fixed-price contract.The modification is for a Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Plan (CAMP) Level 8C inspection of Air Force aircraft E11A, serial number 11-9001, followed by a five-month extension of the operation and support of the aircraft.It also provides an option to repaint the aircraft to Air Force specifications and for correction of faults found during the CAMP inspection.One firm was solicited and one firm submitted a proposal.One firm was solicited and one firm submitted a proposal. The Air Force Materiel Command, Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8726-09-C-0010 P0038). -------------------------------------------------------Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga. (FA8625-07-C-6471), is being awarded a $13,380,740 firm-fixed-fee contract modification to provide C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program, full rate production, Lot 5 items required to meet the field needs for the use of 11, Lot 5, C-5M aircraft. One firm was solicited and one firm submitted a proposal. The ASC/WLSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-07-C-6471). -------------------------------------------------------Sonoran Technology and Professional Services, L.L.C., Goodyear, Ariz. (FA489008-C-0006), is being awarded a $6,655,097 firm-fixed, with cost reimbursable contract.This contract is for furnishing all personal, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and all other items and services, except as indentified in the PWS, required to perform B-1 and B-52 aircrew training (CAT) and course development (CWD) to include instrument refresher course instruction and distributed mission operations training to multiple geographical separated CONUS locations. One firm was solicited and one firm submitted a proposal.One firm was solicited and one firm submitted a proposal. The Air Combat Command Acquisition Management and Integration Center/PK, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-08-C-0006). DOING BUSINESS WITH THE DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Crowley Petroleum Distribution, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract with a maximum $172,607,710 for fuel.Other locations of performance are Department of Defense and federal civilian agencies located in
Alaska.Using services are Army, Air Force and federal civilian agencies.There were 13 responses to the solicitations.Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital Funds.The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2015.The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-12-D-4002). -------------------------------------------------------All American Hose, L.L.C.*, Union City, Pa., was awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract with a maximum $19,613,843 for non-metallic hose assemblies.Other location of performance is Erie, Pa.Using service is Navy.There were five responses to the Web solicitation.Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 Defense Working Capital Funds.The date of performance completion is Nov. 17, 2013.The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM8EJ-11-D-0503). DOING BUSINESS WITH THE NAVY Raytheon Technical Services Co., L.L.C., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $55,937,601 modification to a delivery order placed previously against Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-10-G-0006) to exercise an option for the procurement of 237 LAU116B/A and 213 LAU-115D/A launchers in support of F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft.Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in August 2015.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. -------------------------------------------------------The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $11,173,051 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price delivery order contract (N00383-06-D-001J) for the automated maintenance environment, data-atrest, and similar automated maintenance environment in support of the F/A-18 A-D, F/A-18 E/F, and EA-18 G aircraft.Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in December 2012.Contract funds in the amount of $263,864 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. -------------------------------------------------------Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded a $6,653,664 firm-fixed-priced modification under previ-
ously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5031) for the procurement of 18 field service representatives in support of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Program.Work will be performed in Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed Nov. 30, 2012.The fiscal 2012 Operations and Maintenance Marine Corps funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. ---------------------------------------------------CORRECTION:Contracts awarded on Nov. 7, 2011, to Booze Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va., and Systems Planning and Analysis, Alexandria, Va., as part of a multiple awarded contract should have listed the contract numbers as N00189-12-D-Z005 for Booze Allen Hamilton, and N00189-12-DZ006 for Systems Planning and Analysis. -------------------------------------------------------Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc., Monroeville, Pa., is being awarded a $261,564,863 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for naval nuclear propulsion components. Funds in the amount of $140,761,199 are obligated at time of award. Work will be performed in Monroeville, Pa. (97.7 percent), and Schenectady, N.Y. (2.3 percent). Contract funds in the amount of $1,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. No completion date or additional information is provided on naval nuclear propulsion program contracts. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-12-C-2106). -------------------------------------------------------Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $13,735,723 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0020) to exercise an option for maintenance services in support of the V-22 AE1107C turboshaft engines.Work will be performed in Oakland, Calif. (70 percent), and Indianapolis, Ind. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $13,672,071 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. DOING BUSINESS WITH THE AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $60,000,000 firm-fixed-price and cost-plusaward-fee contract modification for the Space Vehicle (SV) 5/6 long lead in preparation for the SV 5/6 production contract. The Space and Missile Systems Center, Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-002, Modification No. P00525).
CALL US AT 832.212.8735 TO DISCUSS HOW WE CAN PROMOTE YOUR NEXT ENDEAVOR TOGETHER! 28 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011
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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT I
“CREATIVE MINDS SERIES”
Divine Closet by Jackie Boutique is located at 5505 West Orem, Houston , Texas 77085 www.divineclosetbyjackie.com I 713.729.9800
Inspiring Entrepreneurship Through Faith & Confidence
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Yes, it CAN be done. What a better time than ever to plan your work and work your plan! Otherwise, you are waiting and relying on others to deliver you out of the financial crisis that “appears” to have crippled our communities. Not me, not us, not Kingdom-minded people of God and certainly not members of our church community who reverence and keep God first are without direction.
Windsor Village United Methodist Church is a church that equips and encourages each of its members to live according to the precepts and principles found in scripture. Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell has a vision for his members as Kingdom residents. So, it is not an accident that he calls us and we call ourselves the Kingdom Builders, satanbusters, people of God. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: That if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (I John 5:14). Only through our
tique, now.” His reply was, “Is there any“faith confidence” do we have the power to thing you don’t do?” My response was “No!” live the way we believe. Therefore, I choose You see, Pastor Cosby knows me as an educato live a prosperous life and believe that I tor and consultant, who joined his staff and have it. “Beloved, I wish above all things transformed his declining Pre K-Grade 3 thou may prosper and be in good health even School into a State Accredited –Premier as thou soul prospers.” (3 John 2) School of Houston in 13 months. I truly beMy desire and purpose in life are to inlieve there is nothing we cannot do, within spire, teach and motivate others, especially the will of God, through Christ who strengthwomen and girls to a divine life, beginning ens us. That ‘IS’ what I believe! That ‘IS’ with a divinely respected IMAGE. Divine how I live, and that ‘IS’ how Divine Closet Closet by Jackie Boutique goes far beyond Boutique continues to thrive. buying and selling clothes. I believe that my We appreciate all of the wonderful supstore‘s concept represents divinely inspired porters and clients. It has been a dynamic women who are happy, poised, teachable and first year for Divine Closet. well-balanced spiritually, We walk by faith and not emotionally and physiCORPORATE SPONSOR by sight. And, we call cally. The store is always those things that are not as though they in a state of continual development of its are...transformed, God-confident images of fullest potential. For we never reach our women and girls; Much financial prosperity; “fullest” potential; we just cease to live. I Much success, pressed down, shaken together thank God for the opportunity to represent and running over. our church through this entrepreneurial venture Pastor Caldwell has entrusted in me. My husband, S. E. Cobbin, who has also been “Nothing is hampering your an inspiration, and I are forever grateful. ability to enter into a new At Windsor Village UMC, we have defield or fulfill your dreams, clared each Sunday that, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippibut you!” -- Dr. Jackie Cobbin ans 4:13). Fifty-two Sundays a year for over twenty years, surely by now, I do believe and However, there are several major steps that must live this scripture. I continue to receive conbe taken. This article is to be continued… firmation regarding my “life and work” as what happened a couple of months ago during Divine Closet by Jackie Boutique is located at the First Mission Conference at the Power 5505 West Orem, Houston , Texas 77085 Center . My staff and I participated as a venwww.divineclosetbyjackie.com dor with beautiful accessories from Divine Closet Boutique. Pastor Rev. Dr. Marcus Cosby from Wheeler Baptist Church was the Dr. Jackie Cobbin, owner of Divine Closet by Jackie luncheon speaker. As he proceeded to depart Boutique is an image and education consultant, from the conference, I greeted him and inquired about his wife. Then, I asked him if he CEO, Cobbin & Associate Education Consulting Services, adjunct faculty member of the University wanted to buy some accessories for her. He Houston Systems and a Technical Assistance responded to me by saying, “Oh, you are sellProvider for the Texas Education Agency. ing clothes now.” I replied, “I own a bou-
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A FOCUS ON BUSINESS, POLITICS & COMMUNITY - DECEMBER 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 29
POLITICAL HIGHLIGHT I
2011 CITY COUNCIL RUNOFFS
TO HAVE YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS PUBLISHED IN HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER SEND TO: NEWS@HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM
“We Need JOLANDA!” Jolanda graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston, where she earned an unprecedented three NCAA heptathlon championships and the title of Greatest Female Athlete of the Century. risprudence from the University of Houston Law Center. In 1996, she qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials and holds numerous Hall of Fame titles.
SHE’S BEEN RECOGNIZED HER OUTSTANDING TRACK RECORD OF SERVICE TO THE HOUSTON AREA
About Jolanda “Jo” Jones
Houston City Councilmember Jolanda “Jo” Jones believes in a Houston where a kid like her can grow up to be a city council member, a proud mom, a homeowner and a successful lawyer and businesswoman. Council Member Jones knows that our city government can make a real difference in the life of every Houston child because it did for her. SHE’S A FIGHTER FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR GREAT CITY WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD From a childhood of poverty to the Academic All American Hall of Fame, a successful career as an attorney fighting to reform our criminal justice system, and election to Houston’s City Council, Jones has a proven track record of leadership, commitment, and teamwork. Council Member Jones continues to fight for solutions to make our neighborhoods safer, keep our economy growing, make our city work more efficiently and ensure that every child in Houston has the best opportunity to learn. Council Member Jones credits an excellent public school education and a rich after-school life in sports and community with her successes. She attended Alief Elsik High School in Houston, where she graduated magna cum laude and was an All-American in track and field and basketball. From there, she went on to the University of Houston, where she was nominated for the Rhodes Scholarship, earned an unprecedented three NCAA heptathlon championships and the title of Greatest Female Athlete of the Century. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in political science, and later went on to earn her Doctor of Ju-
Throughout her life, Council Member Jones has stayed active in the community. For her outstanding service, she earned Congressional recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives, a key to the city of Galveston, Texas and three Jolanda Jones Day proclamations from the cities of Houston and Galveston. From her long list of achievements, it is nearly impossible to tell that Jones’ early life was colored by tragedy and personal setbacks. Jones grew up poor, was sometimes evicted and lived in apartments that often had no electricity or running water. After her father’s suicide she helped her mother to raise her four younger siblings while still a child herself. Yet, Jones fought her way out of poverty because she saw a better future and a chance to serve her community. “I learned some important lessons along the way,” says Council Member Jones. “I learned we don’t win in life by pushing people down. We win by lifting them up. We don’t win by tearing communities apart. We win by bringing them together. Most of all, I learned that winning ultimately means nothing unless we give back by serving others.”
JO’S PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF RESULTS Voice for Houston’s Disadvantaged and Disenfranchised Negotiated a drainage fee that provided for increased fairness to the poor, seniors and the disabled Negotiated $30 million fund related to the water rate increase, for the poor, elderly and disabled Secured and arranged installation of air conditioners in homes of the elderly Negotiated for equal access to public transportation in disadvantaged neighborhoods Raised funds to save the properties of disabled elderly residents in Bellerive Arranged for the repair and replacement of unsafe sidewalks at Kelly Villages (a Houston Housing Authority property) Fought to expose gender inequality, discrimination and retaliation at the Houston Fire Department which resulted in the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) finding that Ms. Jane Draycott was indeed subjected to a hostile work environment because of her gender Facilitated meetings with the LBGTQ com-
munity and Covenant House of Texas to implement pilot program and first of its kind nondiscrimination policy which now used as model for Covenant House nationally
Fought for female fire fighters discriminated against based on gender Aided police officers in discrimination complaints
Negotiated to implement revised Executive Order 1-8 which includes transgender individuals in non-discrimination ordinance
Helped police officers keep their jobs Advocated for an independent regional crime lab and identified how to fund it
Negotiated for fair wages for all municipal employees
Responded immediately to Fire Station 55’s broken sewer line which poured raw sewage into the station on Christmas Day Voted in support of helicopters for HPD
Pushed for fair participation for DBA, SBA, MWBE (disadvantaged-, small, minority- and women-owned businesses) in city contracting Fought to increase the goal to 25 percent of $1 billion over 3 years, from 11 percent, on the healthcare benefits contract Fought for the 25 percent increase to count only for health care services (doctors, administrators, lab techs, etc.) to prevent the traditional practice of having blacks and Latinos prepare food at an event and have it count toward the goal Addressed Drainage and Sewage Concerns, Complaints and Issues Negotiated for a more fair drainage fee appeals process Helped repeal and unconstitutional flood ordinance that took property rights from citizens Worked with T.I.R.Z.17 to put detention in the Spring Branch and Memorial areas Negotiated for more fairness in the definition of permeability related to drainage fee Negotiated fund to aid owners of multifamily property relating to water rate increase Demonstrated Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Response Pushed for debris removal in Fort Bend County and District B following Hurricane Ike Established point-of-distribution in Fort Bend following Hurricane Ike Organized and participated in many disaster preparedness town halls and trainings Provided Fire Station 25 with portable stovetops to cook on because the station’s were not working after Hurricane Ike Committed to Public Safety and Meeting the Needs of Houston Firefighters & Police Officers Worked to get new equipment for fire stations including air conditioning and heating systems, stoves and other needed improvements including: Clean water system a fire station Dorm improvement Sewage repair Acted immediately to restore electricity at Fire Station 25 after rolling black-outs caused the station to be without power for eight hours
Voted with colleagues to approve HPD budget’s, which represents approximately 42 percent of the general fund budget Voted with colleagues to approve HFD budget, which represents approximately 28 percent of general fund budget Voted with colleagues to approve HPD and HFD collective bargaining agreements Voted to approve all-terrain vehicle in District E (Kingwood) Helped bring to light bad science in the HPD Crime Lab to try to prevent innocent people being locked up while criminals remained on the streets
WORKING FOR JOB CREATION AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL HOUSTONIANS Supported and advocated for small businesses and minority businesses Negotiated to un-bundle contracts for more business and job opportunities for MWDBE’s. Promoted international trade and development as Chair of International Business Initiatives Committee Formalized bilateral agreement between Accra, Ghana and the City of Houston Promoted Houston-based businesses for Ghana’s infrastructure needs including the construction and improvement of streets, bridges, airport and port Formalized Memorandum of Understanding between Houston business and Accra, Ghana Negotiated for 25% MWBE on $1 billion healthcare contract for City of Houston Indisputable Track Record of Constituent Service and Strong Community Relations Stopped 9 foreclosures in Houston’s historic 4th Ward Prevented cell towers in Districts A, C and D Fought for modification to Chapter 42 Variance Ordinance to increase the extent and usability of notice to citizens within affected neighborhoods Worked to establish Quieter Zones Testified before Texas Railroad Commission and Public Utility Commission to ask for reasonable electricity and gas rates -------------------------------------------------------Vote to re-elect Jolanda “Jo” Jones on Saturday, December 10th, 2011.
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ELECTION DAY: Saturday, December 10th!
Dear Friend, As a council member, I have worked to expand economic opportunities and equality for all Houstonians. I negotiated changes to the water rate and drainage fee that provided for increased fairness to the poor, seniors and the disabled. I advocated for property rights and flooding mitigation across the city. I pushed for city leaders to recognize the will of the voters and turn off red-light cameras — and I spoke up against police brutality. I worked to shed light on the serious problems at the HPD Crime Lab and refused to back down while innocent people were being convicted and criminals were going free. I take very seriously my role as an advocate for the people of Houston. As your council member, I will always take a stand on the issues that matter to you. I will continue to speak up for citizens that have no voice in decision-making at City Hall. I look forward to continuing to work with the mayor and my fellow council members to address the issues you elected us to resolve. I want to continue making progress for Houstonians — and I need your help to do it. Please join my campaign today by making a contribution or following us on Facebook, where our community of supporters is interacting every day. Sign up for email updates or call (713) 978-7701 or email Jolanda@JolandaJones.com to join our campaign today. I look forward to continuing to serve you. Sincerely,
We’re Supporting Jolanda "Jo" Jones - Go Jo! Jolanda “Jo” Jones: “I am proud to have earned the support of a broad coalition of Houston organizations, grassroots leaders and involved citizens.”
Houston Chronicle: "After carefully examining the facts, the Chronicle endorses Jones for reelection and urges voters to return her to City Hall for a final term."
Other Endorsements: • Jewish Herald Voice • 80-20 PAC • Across the Track PAC • African American Police Officers League (AAPOL) • Asian American Democrats of Texas • Democracy for America • Fort Bend Young Democrats • Greater Houston Homebuilders Assoc. • Harris County AFL-CIO Council • Harris County Afro American Sheriff's Deputy League • Harris County Council of Organizations • Harris County Green Party • Harris County Tejano Democrats • Harris County Young Democrats
• Houston Apartment Association • Houston Association of Realtors • Houston Black American Democrats • Houston Black Fire Fighters Assoc. • Houston Contractors Association • Houston GLBT Political Caucus • Houston Stonewall Democrats • Houston Stonewall Young Democrats • Missouri City Council Member Danny Nguyen • Oak Forest Area Democrats • Planned Parenthood Action Fund • Pleasantville Voter's League • Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #54 • Spring Branch Democrats • Texas Association of Realtors • Texas Organizing Project • Congress Member Al Green • Congress Member Sheila Jackson Lee • Former Congress Member Chris Bell • Former Governor Mark White • Former Mayor Lee Brown • State Senator Mario Gallegos • State Senator John Whitmire • State Senator Royce West • State Senator Rodney Ellis • State Representative Garnet Coleman • State Representative Harold Dutton • State Representative Borris Miles • State Rep. Senfronia Thompson • Former State Rep. Al Edwards • Former Harris County Commissioner and City Controller Sylvia Garcia • Former Council Member Ada Edwards • Jay Aiyre • Joe B. Allen
• Gloria Alvarez • Andrews & Kurth Texas PAC • Bracewell & Giuliani PAC • Tim Brown • Patricia Cabrera • Jim Dannenbaum • Mark Escamilla • Diana Espitia • Terence Fontaine • Roland and Karen Garcia • Giovanni Garibay • Maria Gonzales • Sylvia Gonzales • Lolita Guerrero • Don Hooper • Olivia Jordan • Michael Kubosh • Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, L.L.P. • Locke Lord Bissell & Lidell LLP • Arthur Lopez • Johnny Mata • Terri Morales • Yolanda Black Navarro • Kim Ogg • Dr. Asaf Qadeer • Georgia Provost • Frumencio and Janie Reyes • James Rodriguez, JD • Mariana Salinas • Farouk Shami • Haroon Shaikh • Bobby Singh • John and Lenora Pohlman • Vinson & Elkins LLP Texas PAC • Regent Welcome Wilson • Fred Zeidman
WWW.JOLANDAJONES.COM
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