June 2006 Houston Business Connections Newspaper by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Houston

Community News & Business Reports

Published By Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. Proudly Serving The Houston Community Since 1998

• Email: news@houstonbusinessconnections.com • JUNE 2006

GONE!

CONNECTIONS

AstroWorld land sold to Angel/McIver, deal scheduled to be closed sometime in June for a reported $77 million Houston Business Connections Reports

ASTROWORLD GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Johnson Space Center (JSC) offers college students around the country the chance to work in paid, full-time positions directly related to their field of study. Pictured above are happy JSC Family Members enjoying a little rest and relaxation at Six Flags AstroWorld during their 2005 Spring Social.

Angel/McIver Interests, a Conroe, Texas based land development firm has agreed to purchase the 104-acre tract of land that used to hold AstroWorld. It is unsure at this time how the land will be redeveloped, but the process has taken a step forward. At this time the company

has not released an official purchase price, but reports are that the tract is being sold for somewhere around $77 million. The sale is expected to be finalized some time during June. While it is unclear how the firm will use the prime plot of land, many feel the property will be best served by building highrise condos or housing to support the medical center.

Made Summer Plans Yet? First Methodist HoustonWestchase is diverse, traditional, contemporary, and hosting a summer youth camp for kids Houston Business Connections Reports ids not doing anything for the summer? Here is something you may want to consider. Registration is now open for summer camp sessions of two weeks each that run from May 30 to Aug. 11 at the First Methodist HoustonWestchase Quillian Recreation Center. A special camp for teens 13-14 will also be offered. First Methodist Houston-Westchase is one part of a two-campus congregation of about 10,000 diverse members. The church offers traditional services Sundays at 9 a.m. and a contemporary worship at 11:12

a.m. weekly. This diverse church also has an extensive program of missions and Bible studies. Its Wesley Academy private school serves children from three years old through eighth grade. Its Quillian Recreation Center offers summer enrichment programs for more than 300 children and after-school programs throughout the year. For more information on the summer camp, please visit the church website at www.fmhouston.com, then click on “Sports and Recreation,” or call Quillian Memorial Center at 713-781-9195. For information on First Methodist Houston, visit www.fmhouston.org or call 832-668-1800.

IN GOOD COMPANY: Tj Baker-Holm (left) is pictured with Barbara Ann Radnofsky, candidate for U.S. Senate who has appeared on “The Constitution” with Baker-Holm more than once. Radnofsky is scheduled to faceoff against incumbent Kay Bailey Hutchison and a Libertarian party candidate in November.

A Candid Conversation with Tj Baker-Holm host of “The Constitution” Political Talk Show Houston Business Connections Reports

ecently Houston Business Connections caught up with Tj Baker-Holm for a candid conversation. Tj sat down to discuss her passion, politics, and her success with Houston Business Connections publisher Aubrey R. Taylor. The following are excerpts from their conversation... Please see CONSTITUTION, P.15

Marriott Receives Top Honors for Diversity Franchising Initiatives SUMMER CAMP: Kenneth Levingston (left), executive pastor of First Methodist Houston-Westchase, presents a 20-inch bike to Coriyanna (front), Ledarius (rear) and LaWanda Payton during the church’s recent Eggstravaganza as Tom Gaden, director of Quillian Memorial Center, watches. Registration is now open for summer camp sessions of two weeks each that run from May 30 to August 11 at the center. A special camp for teens 13-14 will also be offered. For more information on the summer camp, please visit the church website at www.fmhouston.com , then click on “Sports and Recreation,” or call Quillian Memorial Center at 713-781-9195.

(Washington, DC) — Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) received the 2006 Ronald E. Harrison Award, by the International Franchise Association (IFA), for its significant contributions to minorities Johnson in franchising. “We are honored to be recognized with the IFA’s highest award,” said Stephen P. Joyce, executive vice president of Please see DIVERSITY, P.20

DO YOU KNOW A WOMAN ON THE MOVE? Nominations are now being accepted for the 2006 Women on the Move® Awards. The annual awards ceremony, sponsored by Texas Executive Women (TEW)

continues to be dedicated to honoring Houston women who have made a difference in their community while excelling in their work environment. The dollars

raised from this event help fund programs that reach out to underserved teenage girls. TEW and its members are dedicated to supporting programs

that recognize, develop and fund the advancement of women and girls in the community. Through its diverse membership, the organization works to inspire

young women to achieve their goals and give back to the comPlease see WOMAN, P.19

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NEWS Publisher’s Message/Environment/Endorsement News

HHP Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. Mailing: 957 Nasa Parkway #251 Houston, TX 77058.

Aubrey R. Taylor, president and CEO of Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C., publisher of Houston Business Connections.

s always, I would like to thank our loyal advertisers, readers, and supporters for their continued support. It is through their support that we are able to print Houston Business Connections. One new supporter I would like to thank personally is Gerald W. “Jerry” Lafleur a candidate seeking to fill the void being left behind by State Rep. Al Edwards, who was recently defeated in the HD-146 Democratic runoff. Edwards’ loss came as a surprise to many – including Lafleur. Nevertheless, it did not surprise our online readers and participants as 52 percent of them correctly predicted the outcome of the HD 146 Democratic runoff held on April 11th. Now the HD-146 race is going to get very interesting. While we will be switching our attention to the Gubernatorial race, I assure you we will be keeping a watchful eye on the HD-146 contest between Lafleur and Borris L. Miles. Moreover, if you look on the next page you will see that Gerald W. “Jerry” Lafleur is making a direct appeal to you for your monetary support and your all important vote on election day. I can’t tell you who to support or vote for in November. But, I can ask you to support our supporters because they help us to produce this very important news and information source. Until the next issue, I ask you to enjoy this one, and to share it with a friend. I furthermore make a humble and sincere request for you to support the candidates and the businesses you find on the pages of Houston Business Connections. And remember to support those who support you!

Aubrey R. Taylor Publisher Email: aubrey@houstonbusinessconnections.com

Dear EarthTalk: How is it that African Americans are said to suffer the most in the U.S. from pollution and other environmental ills? – Jon Stein, Novato, CA hile conducting research upon completion of his sociology Ph.D. in Houston in 1979, Dr. Robert Bullard noticed that all the city's garbage dumps were located in and around neighborhoods inhabited primarily by African-Americans, even though blacks only accounted for a quarter of the city's population. Bullard hypothesized that such discriminatory siting was no coincidence, especially since Houston had no zoning laws to regulate land use. At the time, his findings helped a middle class African American community in the city prevent the building of a new dump facility in their neighborhood. Fearful that the Houston situation was no

H OUSTON B USINESS C ONNECTIONS IS PUBLISHED ON A MONTHLY BASIS BY H OUSTON H IGHLIGHTS P UBLISHING , L.L.C. ALL RIGHT RESERVED . N O ARTICLES MAY BE COPIED , REWRITTEN , PUBLISHED , OR OTHERWISE DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE PUBLISHER . F OR SPECIAL REQUESTS EMAIL : AUBREY @ HOUSTONBUSINESSCONNECTIONS . COM S END P RESS R ELEASES TO : NEWS @ HOUSTONBUSINESSCONNECTIONS . COM .

Please see EARTHTALK, P.17

EYE ON HOUSTON POLITICS

AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE IN AMERICA

ENTREPRENEURS CREDO I do not choose to be a Common man It is my right to be UNCOMMON… If I can I seek Opportunity - not Security I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the “Calculated Risk” to Dream and to Build, to fail and to SUCCEED. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of Life to the “Guaranteed existence”, the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia. I will not trade FREEDOM for Beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid, to think and act for myself, to enjoy the benefit of “MY CREATIONS” and to face the world boldly and say: “This with God’s help, I have done. All this is what it means to be a ENTREPRENEUR”

anomaly, Bullard cast his net wider to find more examples of what he called "environmental racism." Indeed, he found not only dumps, but also polluting factories and other industrial blemishes throughout the American Southeast – from West Virginia to Alabama to Texas to Louisiana to Florida – located where poor and sometimes middle class African Americans lived. While discriminatory decision-making was no doubt a factor, Bullard also theorized that such communities' lack of political experience also contributed to their predicament. Such realizations gave birth to

By Ron Jackson, Political Consultant Special to Houston Business Connections

he right to vote is one of the most cherished rights of citizens in the United States. But today, voting is a right that many adults over the age of 18 take for granted. Many men and women protested, fought, bled and died for this basic right. Until the mid 1800’s, only white men in American had the right to vote....I recently picked up a Tip Sheet. The Tip Sheet is an information source about Blacks and Black Owned Businesses. I assumed the Publisher was disgusted when he wrote, “You embarrassed your children. You embarrassed yourself. You embarrassed the District, Assembly 146. You embarrassed the winning candidate. You embarrassed the losing candidate. You insulted the thousands of Blacks who fought and died for you to have the Right to Vote. 5,766 of you voted Tuesday, April 11, 2006 out of approximately 85, 182 Registered Voters in Assembly District 146. You are right, your vote doesn’t count because you didn’t put it in the ballot box!” I concur with these statements. Was it poll taxes that stopped you from voting? Was it the literacy test that stopped you from voting? Was it the dogs and the water hoses that stopped you from voting? Or, is it your lack of respect of your ancestor’s brutal struggle for the right to vote, that you disregard your Right to Vote! SEE COMMENTARY ON PAGE 12

Send Opinions: news@houstonbusinessconnections.com

We once worried that democracy could not survive if an undereducated populace knew too little. Now we worry if it can survive us knowing too much. — Robert Bianco

2 • JUNE 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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ANNOUNCEMENTS LOCAL HAPPENINGS Gov. Perry Appoints Wise and Wilson To University of Houston System Board of Regents Gov. Rick Perry has announced the appointment of Jim Wise of Houston and Welcome W. Wilson Sr. of Houston to the University of

Perry

Wilson

Wise

Houston System Board of Regents for terms to expire Aug. 31, 2011. Wise is a managing member of Haddington Energy Partners III, a private equity fund that provides capital to midstream natural gas companies. He serves on the dean’s executive advisory board for the Bauer College of Business Administration at the University

of Houston and was named outstanding alumnus in 2001. Wise is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Petroleum Institute, the Houston Chapter of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. He also serves on the advisory board for the Salvation Army USA, as a director of the Salvation Army of Houston, and founder and advisory director of the Free Enterprise Foundation. Wise received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Houston. Wilson is chairman of the board and CEO of GSL Industrial Holdings. He is also a real estate developer and owner of industrial facilities in Texas. Wilson serves as chairman of the board of River Oaks Financial Group, Inc., and is a mortgage banker. He is a past recipient of the University of Houston’s Distinguished Alumnus award and the university’s College of Business Distinguished Alumnus award. Wilson previously served as vice president of the university’s alumni organization and as founding chairman of the Please see REGENTS, P.19

Nonprofit Developer Announces $173 Million Project for Southwest Houston Bank of Texas Leads financing; Texas Children’s Joins Development

234-acre masterplanned development in Southwest Houston marked two milestones today: construction started on Phase One of the 450,000-square-foot Kingdom Builders’ Community Center (KBCC); and Texas Children's Kirbyjon Pediatric Associates (TCPA), a subsidiary of Texas Children’s Hospital, announced their newest pediatrics practice will be built in the development. Mayor Bill White celebrated with business and community leaders as dirt began flying on a parcel of land that has lain undeveloped throughWhite out Houston’s recorded history. “Houston has become a great city of opportunity because its business leaders were also philanthropists,” said Mayor White.

“Today, we celebrate the rebirth of a community because visionary leaders care about their neighbors and understand that investing in Houston families is investing in our future.” “This is an exciting day for the people of Houston,” said Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell, board member of KBC LLC, the Houston-based project developer team. “An extraordinary coalition is partnering together in a history-making event to bring economic revitalization to an under served area of our city. Early estimates show more than 3,000 contract jobs and 1,000 full-time jobs are being created in this community.” Today’s event marks the official start of Phase One of the KBCC – the Family Life Center (FLC) – a 183,000-square-foot multi-use facility created in response to the assessed needs of the surrounding neighborhood. The FLC will be open to the community on a daily basis and will feature amenities from gymnasiums and a book store to educational and child care facilities. The TCPA community pediatrics practice is the latest component in a growing network of local and national organizations joining the development. “We are committed to creating access for families and their children,” says TCPA President Ayse McCracken. “We build long-lasting relationPlease see DEVELOPER, P.9

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Candidates Who Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

I Want Your Support! “You can support my effort to become your next State Rep. for District 146 by donating to my campaign!”

– Gerald W. “Jerry” Lafleur Candidate for State Rep. District 146

Name:___________________ ________________________ Address:_________________ ________________________ ________________________ Contact#: ________________ Amount Enclosed: $ _______ Make Check Payable To: LaFleur for Texas 146 7920 Cullen Blvd. Houston, Texas 77051 Jerrell I. Davis Treasurer

Cut along the dotted line and mail today!

Political advertisement paid for by LaFleur for Texas 146, Jerrell I. Davis, Treasurer

The highest measure of democracy is neither the ‘extent of freedom’ nor the ‘extent of equality’, but rather the highest measure of participation. — A. d. Benoist

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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• JUNE 2006 • 3

BUSINESS EVENT HIGHLIGHT

CUTTING THE RIBBON: Attendees at the Office Depot Ribbon-Cutting ceremony preparing to cut the ribbon at the Cypress store opening.

Office Depot recently celebrated the opening of it’s first store in Cypress Center • Margo Quiroz, Coordinator of Client Services, and Lisa Bassett, Administrative Support, Cypress Assistance Ministries

Event Included Presentations to Child Advocates, DePelchin Children's Center and Cypress Assistance Ministries; Remarks by Local Business and Government Officials

ffice Depot (NYSE:ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, recently celebrated the opening of its first store in Cypress. The store is located at 25821 US Hwy. 290 in Cypress Town Center. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Office Depot made $500 contributions to three local non-profit organizations: Child Advocates, DePelchin Children's Center and Cypress Assistance Ministries. In addition, Courtney Dennie, district aide to Rep. Michael McCaul (R-10), and Darcy Mingoia, president of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, will offered welcoming remarks. The public was invited to attend the event, which also featured demonstrations by a number of Office Depot product manufacturers and suppliers. Special guests who participated in the ribbon-cutting included:

Federal Official: • Courtney Dennie, District Aide to Rep. Michael McCaul (R-10)

Local Government Official: • Judge Mike Rozell, Director of Economic Development in the office of County Judge Robert Eckels

Chamber of Commerce Representative: • Darcy Mingoia, President, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce MINGLING IN THE CROWD: Attendees at the Office Depot Ribbon-Cutting ceremony. The new store is located at 25821 US Hwy. 290 in Cypress Town Center.

Non-Profit Organization Representatives: • Nolan Lehmann, Board Member, Child Advocates • Deborah Hirsch, Vice President of Development, DePelchin Children’s

“Office Depot is strongly committed to enhancing the quality of life in the communities in which we conduct business,” said David Mattson, manager of the new Office Depot store. “We are excited to open our first store in Cypress and very pleased that we can assist these critically important non-profit organizations in their efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in this area.” About the Office Depot Store in Cypress According to Store Manager David Mattson, the new Cypress store features Office Depot’s industry-leading M2 retail format. The store layout offers customers the most enjoyable shopping experience in the industry – in a format that is intuitive, logical and designed specifically for the way people make purchase decisions. Products are grouped in highly visible, strategically located “pods,” with core supplies at the outer perimeter of the store – signed for optimal visibility and easy purchase – and furniture and technology at the center – to better support consultative sales. The new store employs approximate-

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS: Victor Varma, Chamber Ambassador, Allstate Insurance Agency, Marilyn Sander, Chamber Ambassador, Pro Action Careers, Ron Downing, Chamber Ambassador, Capital One Bank.

Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary. — Reinhold Niebuhr

4 • JUNE 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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Please see OPENING, P.19

NEWS DIVERSITY HIGHLIGHT

Larry Waters Named Miller Senior Director of Multicultural Relations Miller Boosts Role of Multicultural Relations

Waters

Miller Brewing Company has promoted Larry Waters to the role of senior director of multicultural relations, confirming its recognition

of the ever-increasing importance of multicultural audiences to its business. In his new position, Waters reports directly to Michael Jones, general counsel and senior vice president, corporate social responsibility, ensuring that Miller’s multicultural strategies and priorities are directly represented to Miller’s executive committee.

“Larry has played an integral role in establishing productive partnerships and programs with key multicultural organizations and businesses in Milwaukee and throughout the country,” said Miller president and CEO Norman Adami. Please see WATERS, P.18

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

The following is a comprehensive list of Houston area Chambers of Commerce ------------------------Acres Home Citizen Chamber Of Commerce (713) 692-7003 6130 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 Arab U.S. Chamber Of Commerce (281) 447-2563 525 N Sam Houston Pkwy E Houston, TX 77060 Arab-us Chamber National (713) 963-4620 1330 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056 Asian Chamber Of Commerce (713) 782-7222 7457 Harwin Dr Houston, TX 77036 Australian American Chamber Of Commerce (713) 467-2146 11935 Cobblestone Dr Houston, TX 77024 C I S American Chamber Of Commerce (713) 464-4800 8707 Katy Fwy Houston, TX 77024 Caribbean Chamber Of Commerce (713) 977-8308 7171 Harwin Dr Houston, TX 77036 Chamber Of Commerce North (281) 872-8700 16825 Northchase Dr Houston, TX 77060 Chamber Of Commerce North Channel Area (713) 450-3600 P 9759 Ste Ste 100 Houston, TX 77213 Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation (281) 486-5535 2525 Bay Area Blvd Apollo, TX 77058 Clear Lake Shores Chamber Of Commerce (281) 488-7676 1201 Nasa Rd 1 Apollo, TX 77058 Cy-fair Houston Chamber Of Commerce (281) 955-1100 11050 Fm 1960 Rd W Houston, TX 77065 Cy-fair Houston Chamber Of Commerce (281) 765-8888 11050 Fm 1960 Rd W Houston, TX 77065 French American Chamber Of Commerce 5373 West Alabama, #209 Houston, TX 77056 (713) 960-0575 German American Chamber Of Commerce (713) 877-1114 5599 San Felipe St Houston, TX 77056 Please see LISTING, P.7

Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat, but it’s something you do. You participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles. — Abbie Hoffman

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• JUNE 2006 • 5

EDITORIAL COMMUNITY OPINION

A New Day Time to Breathe New life into Houston’s Black Community, Says Long-time Community Activist By Cleo Glen Johnson Special to Houston Business Connections n a recent editorial opinion sent to Houston Business Connections, long-time community activist Cleo Glen Johnson shared her thoughts on the plight facing Houston’s black community. We must add that her opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C., Houston Business Connections.

Here are her comments: As I look at the list of names that were either submitted, or just pulled together, I am annoyed that we have no new names on the list; just the same ones that have continued to be recycled for the last 25 years. Have we not groomed any new leadership? What does this say about us as a people, either we don’t do our homework to find out that are others doing good things in Houston - or is it apathy? When we have no new names - we limit ourselves to the same old behavior; no new ideas, no new visions, no new thoughts, and no new ways of doing things. This means for our people, no new opportunities, and if you look at our community we have lost everything because we continue to do the same old thing. Where are those in our community who are from Africa, who have contributed a

Cleo Glen Johnson great deal to the numbers of growing businesses and employment in our community? It is a fact that anything you recycle the same way will give you the same results. Moreover, our community has been devastated and stagnated for these reasons. Can we not find all the others who are doing good things and have contributed to our little growth - if there is any? Since there is power in words - then we should understand that we have given life to the death in our community. When we talk and act as if this is all that there is for our people - we are in a terrible

predicament. We are seriously limiting who we are, and could be, when we decide that only a select few have done the job. Is it that we only respond to the names we remember, or is it that we just don’t know? We must know that our territory is much bigger than what the media makes it out to be. In addition, because we allow the media and others to define who is leading, who is worthy, and who is palatable, then we have limited our possibilities and hindered God’s purpose for which He crafted us to be. However, when we speak, we limit ourselves, and the way we act

toward one another is limited as well. We don’t have the luxury to be divided by politics, community labels, jobs, or degrees. And this must be erased. However, apathy in our community has a hold on us so strong, that we refuse to change and allow the will of God to even have a place in the mix. We continue to act out without understanding. Therefore, the community is misunderstood and mishandled. We are in these conditions because we take no responsibility as a whole, and those who have been given these positions are either hiding, taking sides, or doing nothing to change our conditions. We must stop just maintaining our community, we must cultivate new possibilities – and we must display sensibility, for there to be opportunities and growth. Our silence allows others to define us, so when we are just spectators, and not participants, we give life to death in our community. People, there are other participants in our community who are doing many great things, we must find them and support them. Those of the past have their worth and have had their time, but this is a new day; it is time to get new ideas, make things better, and breathe some new life into our community, let’s work together to find some new names. Thank you!

EDITORIAL POLITICAL OPINION PERRY AND DELAY PLACE CORRUPT POWER OVER PEOPLE

District 22 Denied a Voice in Congress With the recent announcement by U.S. Representative Tom DeLay that he would resign effective June 9th, Governor Rick Perry has the opportunity to call a special election and allow the constituents of the 22nd Congressional District the chance to choose their representative to serve for the remainder of DeLay's term. However, Perry refuses to call an election, denying the district representation in Congress for nearly five months. “Unfortunately, Rick Perry has joined with Tom DeLay to put partisan politics ahead of Texas voters,” said Texas

Democratic Party Communications Director Amber Moon. “Just as he did in the 2003 redistricting scheme, Governor Perry has once again chosen to accommodate Tom DeLay’s desire to deny Texas voters the right to choose their representatives to Congress.” “By refusing to hold a special election to replace DeLay, Perry is denying over a half million Houston area voters a voice on important issues in Congress,” said Moon. “At a time when Texas is having tofight for federal reimbursements in the wake of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, it is

inexcusable to leave parts of Houston and Galveston without a representative when they were on the frontlines of the hurricane response.” By not replacing DeLay until the November elections, Perry is forcing the 22nd District to go at least 150 days without a Representative in Congress, from June 9, 2006 to November 7, 2006. This is the longest vacancy in a Congressional District in 100 years. In 1905, after being shot and killed, the Congressman for the 8th District of Texas, John M. Pinckney, was succeeded by former State

Representative from Fort Bend County John M. Moore after a vacancy of 224 days. (Source: Handbook of Texas Online http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/onli ne/articles/PP/fpi24.html) Since then, an election was held to fill a congressional vacancy in less than 150 days with most governors ensuring a new member was elected quickly. “Perry and DeLay clearly hold Texas voters in disdain. They are setting a shameful record and leaving the entire state of Texas short a critical vote in Congress,” added Moon.

Justice will only exist where those not effected by injustice are filled with the same amount of indignation as those offended.— Plato

6 • JUNE 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

BANKING INDUSTRY

Capital One Offers 7-Day Banking and Extended Hours in Texas Convenience is the Foundation of Capital One’s ‘No Hassle Banking’ Capital One bank is now offering the convenience of seven-day banking to all of its branches in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, metro-

politan Houston and Austin. Now Capital One customers in Texas have access to the same full-service banking on Sundays as on any other day of the week making it even easier and more convenient for customers to satisfy their banking needs. “Our seven-day-a-week service demonstrates Capital One’s commitment to the highest level of customer service,” said Robert M. Kottler, Texas De

Novo Area Manager for the Banking segment of Capital One. “We understand that, for some of our customers, regular banking hours don’t always fit into their busy schedules. It's our goal to make ‘No Hassle Banking’ the new standard for service and convenience.” Capital One's 31 branches in metropolitan Houston, 18 branches in the DFW metroplex and one branch in Austin now

offer seven-day banking. Branch hours have also been extended on weekdays at the DFW, Houston and Austin branches. The new lobby hours, which took effect Monday, April 24, are as follows: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday Noon to 4 p.m. The added convenience also Please see BANKING P.17

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

“It’s So Easy To Buy A Dodge” at GULFGATE DODGE!

Listing continued from P.5 Houston Hispanic Chambers Of Commerce (713) 644-7215 2900 Woodridge Dr Houston, TX 77087 Houston Northwest Chamber Of Commerce (281) 440-3476 14511 Falling Creek Dr Bammel, TX 77014 Houston Northwest Chamber Of Commerce (281) 440-4160 14511 Falling Creek Dr Houston, TX 77014 Houston West Chamber Of Commerce (713) 785-4922 10777 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77042

20O6 DODGE CHARGER Houston West Chamber Of Commerce Spring Branch Division (713) 467-9330 8400 Long Point Rd Houston, TX 77055

COME SEE DIANOH!

Indo American Chamber Of Commerce Of Greater Houston (713) 850-1144 1990 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056 Interamerican Chamber Of Commerce (713) 975-6171 510 Bering Dr Houston, TX 77057 Italy-america Chamber Of Commerce Of Texas Inc. (713) 626-9303 4605 Post Oak Place Dr Houston, TX 77027

Dianoh Johnson-Wills

Japan Business Association Of Houston (281) 493-1512 14133 Memorial Dr Houston, TX 77079

Fleet Manager

281.477.6767

League City Chamber of Commerce (281) 554-5595 P.O. Box 977 League City, Texas 77574

Of Course, It’s Got a HEMI ! The Dodge Charger – one of the biggest names from the muscle car era – powered its way out of its storied past and onto the stage at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The much-anticipated 2006 Dodge Charger is making its way back onto the streets of Houston. Will you be behind the wheel of one?

281.477.6767

Visit GULFGATE DODGE to test drive one today.!

Listen To KWWJ 1360AM From 8-9am

National U.S. Arab Chamber Of Commerce (713) 963-4620 1330 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056 North Chamber Of Commerce (281) 872-8700 16825 Northchase Dr Houston, TX 77060 North Channel Area Chamber Of Commerce (713) 450-3600 13301 E Fwy Houston, TX 77015

Call Dianoh Johnson-Wills the Fleet Manager at 281.477.6767

20O5 DODGE MAGNUM

7 2 5 0

G u l f

20O5 DODGE DURANGO

F r e e w a y

Seabrook Chamber Of Commerce (281) 488-7676 1201 Nasa Rd 1 Apollo, TX 77058

20O5 DODGE RAM 1500

H o u s t o n ,

North Houston Greenspoint Chamber Of Commerce (281) 872-8700 16825 Northchase Dr Houston, TX 77060

Te x a s

7 7 0 1 7

Intellectual freedom is the only guarantee of a scientific - democratic approach to politics, economic development, and culture. — Andrei Dmitrievich Sakharov

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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• JUNE 2006 • 7

LEGAL

NATIONAL HAPPENINGS

Holtzman Equels to Represent victims in Discrimination Class Action against Dell Financial Services Suit Claims Dell Refused to Provide Credit to Individuals Based on EthnicBackgrounds Thomas K. Equels, Managing Shareholder of the Holtzman Equels law firm, and attorney Benjamin R. Alvarez filed a class action on behalf of Miami res-

LEGAL

ident Juan C. Arteaga against Dell Financial Services, LP. in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (Case #06-21123). The complaint alleges the organization, a joint venture between Dell Inc., the world's leading online computer systems company, and CIT., violated the Equal Credit Opportunity Act by refusing to provide credit to individuals based on their ethnic backgrounds. “The exact number of people affected

by these discriminatory practices are application was being denied because ‘our unknown,” said Equels, “but we believe verification department seems to think that there are thousands of victims who simply Juan Carlos [Arteaga] can’t speak English don't know that they were denied credit and a non-English speaker can’t personalbased solely on their race or ethly guarantee an account for fear nicity.” they may not understand the terms Arteaga, a Hispanic busiand conditions of the lease.’” nessman and university profes“Mr. Arteaga made several sor, said he placed an order and attempts to obtain further explasubmitted a credit application to nation from Dell Financial for its lease new computer equipment decision to deny him and Global for his new company (Global credit but his requests went unanInstitute of Higher Extension swered,” said Equels. “Even Studies, L.L.C.) in November though Mr. Arteaga had exemplaHoltzman 2005. ry credit, Dell would not extend The class action stated, “after Mr. him credit because of his accent and ethArteaga was approved, pursuant to Dell nic background. Dell’s refusal to provide Financial’s instructions, Mr. Arteaga wire him credit is a clear and direct violation transferred $4,063.54 to Dell Financial’s of the Act.” Bank of America account as a down payEquels said the class action seeks ment for the leased computer equipment. punitive damages that the court will Subsequently, Lynn Dickenson of Dell determine based on the number of Financial confirmed that she had received plaintiffs, the extent of their individual the application, that the down payment was claims and the degree of Dell’s violaapplied and that the order was being tions of the Act. processed and would be ready soon.” Holtzman Equels, a Florida law According to the complaint, “On firm with offices in Miami, Orlando February 11, 2005, the day after Dell had and Tallahassee, Fla., represents clients confirmed Global’s credit application and in civil litigation, government relahad applied Mr. Arteaga’s down payment, tions, appellate and personal injury Ms. Dickenson emailed Mrs. Castano at matters. Please visit our website: Global and informed her that the credit www.heqlaw.com

STATE HAPPENINGS

Houston Auctioneers Agrees to $6,000 Penalty Admits Misrepresenting Items Sold at “Estate Auctions” (Houston) – Some of the auctions Morris Taibel conducted were advertised as “estate sales.” They were held in large expensive homes and offered for sale expensive antiques that were purportedly owned by the occupants of those homes. What Taibel didn’t tell buyers, however, is that some of the property offered for sale was not from the estate and had never belonged to the homeowner. Some

items were obtained from wholesalers and brought in for sale on consignment. After an investigation of four of these auctions by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Taibel, a Houston auctioneer, has agreed a $6,000 penalty for misrepresenting advertised items to buyers. In addition, Taibel, who owns Liquidators Group, 4142 W. Northhampton Place in Houston, agreed to

a two-year probated suspension of his license. During the probated period, Taibel must report all auctions he conducts to TDLR and also submit all auction advertisements to TDLR for review. Taibel conducted auctions at expensive homes in El Paso, Kyle, Pasadena and Highland Village in 2004 and 2005. Advertisements promoting the auctions showed pictures of large expensive homes

and contained lists of antiques that would be sold at the auctions. The ads also implied that all items offered for sale came from the estates of the individuals who owned and occupied the homes. Along with any actual estate items, however, Taibel also brought in and sold wholesale items that never belonged to the owners of the properties. Purchasers were not told the items did not belong to the estate.

State Bar of Texas Announces Gib Walton President-elect; Bill Miller to Lead TYLA (Austin) – State Bar of Texas Bar, the Bar has recognized him officials today announced that with the State Bar Presidents’ Gib Walton of Vinson & Elkins Award, Judge Sam Williams LLP in Houston has been named Leadership Award, and Michael J. president-elect in a statewide Crowley Award. Walton’s comelection of Texas attorneys. Bill munity service includes serving Miller of Texarkana has been elected on the board of directors of the president-elect of the Texas Young Texas Equal Access to Justice Lawyers Association (TYLA). Foundation, Methodist Hospital, Walton Walton, a partner with Brookwood Community and the Vinson & Elkins LLP since South Texas College of Law. He 1982, served as president of the earned a B.A. from the University Houston Bar Association, and of Virginia, and a J.D. from the chair of the Houston Bar University of Texas School of Foundation and Houston Law. Walton is board certified in Volunteer Lawyers Program. He Civil Trial Law, and is an electhas served on the State Bar ed member of the American Board of Directors, the Board of Trial Advocates, the Executive Committee, and Garland Walker American Inn Miller chaired the Finance Committee. of Court, and the International Walton led the Bar through a successful Society of Barristers. Sunset Review as chair of the Sunset He will serve a one-year term as presReview Committee during the 2003 leg- ident-elect before assuming the presidency islative session. A member of the Pro in June 2007. Walton and his wife, Martha, Bono College and College of the State have two children, Cole, 23, and Emily, 19.

Bill Miller, a partner in the Texarkana firm of Greer, McCasland & Miller LLP, has been elected president-elect of the Texas Young Lawyers Association. Miller currently serves as chair of the TYLA Board of Directors. He has been an advisor to and worked on 14 TYLA commit-

Beaumont Attorney Robert Black Elected State Bar of Texas Chair of the Board (Austin) – Robert A. Black, a shareholder with Mehaffy Weber, P.C. in Beaumont, was elected chair of the board of the State Bar of Texas during the organization’s quarterly board of directors meeting in Brownsville, April

tees, received the TYLA President’s Award of Merit in 2002, and was named Outstanding Director in 2003. He is a founding member of theTexarkana Young Please see TYLA P.16

21. Black will assume the position during the State Bar’s Annual Meeting June 1516 in Austin. Black has served as president of the Jefferson County Bar Association, and has chaired State Bar committees including Facilities & Equipment, and Policy Manual. He has been active in Beaumont community and civic organizations including the Humane Society, Land Manor, Sabine Neches Bridge Please see BEAUMONT P.17

Democracy is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequal alike. — Plato

8 • JUNE 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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NEWS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Nonprofit Developer Announces $173 Million Project for Southwest Houston Developer continued from P.3 ships between families and their pediatricians, providing proactive well-child checkups, and we do not base treatment on economics. Our comprehensive, accessible, family-centered practices ensure that there are no disparities in health care.” TCPA is the nation’s largest group of general pediatricians, with more than 1,000 employees – of which 150 are general pediatricians – and

one million patient visits a year. The new community practice, estimated at 6,000-sq-ft, is scheduled to open at the end of this year. Pastor Caldwell says new jobs, new households, economic output and business taxes will have a substantial ripple effect on the economic well-being of the surrounding community. “This unique development will literally transform the social landscape of Southwest Houston,” said Caldwell. A HISD elementary school has been open since fall of 2005, a YMCA is starting con-

struction mid-May, Walgreen’s and CVS pharmacies are open for business, and additional companies are in negotiations with the developer. Randy Walker, Houston Chairman for the Bank of Texas, leads a consortium of banks providing construction financing for the project. “Community investment and collaboration is a priority for our bank,” said Walker. “The KBCC is a premier example of the kind of local project that excites us. The rewards aren't just financial – the rewards

are seeing a healthy, revitalized community.” “We believe in the benefit of creating places that help to create community,” said Caldwell. “The KBCC will be a safe and nurturing environment that will offer help, health and hope for the citizens of our neighborhoods.” The KBCC follows the success of The Power Center, also conceived and constructed by Caldwell’s group. The Power Center, which serves more than 15,000 families each month, has revitalized a once vacant strip

center at S. Main and S. Post Oak. Phase One of the KBCC is scheduled to open in Summer 2007. An accompanying fact sheet contains more information about the master development. The KBCC and the surrounding 234-acre masterplanned community are being developed by KBC LLC. For press information about the 234acre project and the development of the KBCC, and to schedule interviews with Pastor Caldwell, contact Robin Paoli at 713.523.7900.

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If liberty and equality are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost. — Aristotle

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• JUNE 2006 • 9

CALENDAR UPCOMING EVENTS

SUMMER EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON Downtown Houston will have something for everyone during the summer of 2006. Here are some of the highlights scheduled for June, July and August Grand Opening of the Sabine-to-Bagby Promenade (June 10): This key element in the revitalization of Buffalo Bayou will be officially presented to the public with a celebration including live music, food and drinks, fireworks and a floating movie screen. Come see the hike and bike trails, the lighting system that glows in shades from blue to white and more. Chevy’s Freedom Over Texas (July 4): Houston’s Independence Day celebration, complete with fireworks presented by Shell, will offer everything from live concerts on four outdoor stages to displays of military artifacts and vehicles to a vehicle test drive area complete with an obstacle course. Children will enjoy the All American Kid's Zone, while adults can partake of the Freedom Market and the Bud Zone.

ARTS: Don Quixote (June 8, 10-11, 16-18): The Houston Ballet tells the story in dance of Kitri and Basilio, two young lovers brought together by the matchmaking Don. Lavish costumes, colorful scenery and fancy footwork will transport onlookers from Wortham Theater to sunny Spain. ExxonMobil SummerChills 2006: (June 30-July 16, July 21August 6) The Alley Theatre will be the site of two dark productions – first, the mystery thriller “Wait Until Dark,” by Frederick Knott, and then, the amusing farce “Black Comedy,” by Peter Shaffer. The Lion King (July 6August 13): Broadway Across America is bringing the smashhit musical based on the popular Disney movie to the Hobby Center. Children of all ages should enjoy this visually stunning story of Simba the lion growing into adulthood and his rightful role. Houston Symphony (July 8, 14, 21): The Houston Symphony Orchestra will help music lovers beat the heat with three distinctive summer concerts. On July 7, country music legend Wynonna

Judd will make her debut with the Symphony, performing songs such as “At Last” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” On July 14, the Symphony will get techno with “Video Games Live,” mix-

ing performances of video game music with synchronized lights and footage from classics such as Donkey Kong and newer hits such as Final Fantasy. Then, on July 21, baseball lovers can cele-

brate the great American pastime with music and footage in “The Baseball Concert: From Cooperstown to Jones Hall.” Theater District Open House (August 26-27): This

annual event lets participants learn more about the many and varied performing arts options Please see EVENTS P.20

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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.— Margaret Mead

10 • JUNE 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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FINANCIAL

WORLD SPOTLIGHT

Hussein 77th Richest person in the world according to Forbes magazine Forbes magazine names Hussein richest black in the world at $6.9 billion The Ethiopian born Saudi tycoon Sheik Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi is the 77th richest person in the world and the top billionaire in Africa with a net worth of 6.9 billion USD, according to Forbes magazine. In a recent special issue, the business magazine reported that the year 2005 was great for the tycoon with his net worth increasing by 4.4 billion USD, jumping to 77th rank from 243th the previous year. It said Al Amoudi is also the richest person in Africa and the fourth in the Middle East as well as the richest black man on the planet. Last year the City of Atlanta, Georgia, officially welcomed Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Al-

BUSINESS

Amoudi of Ethiopia to the City where he was honored with a Proclamation and a Phoenix Award, which is the highest award given to a citizen of visiting dignitary by the City of Atlanta. He was in Atlanta as part of the 22nd Annual Ethiopian Sports Federation’s Tournament that took place in July last year.He gave $200,000 to the Ethiopian sport Federation in North America on July 9. One of his greatest joys in life is being able to stretch out the hand of friendship and help those in need, say people close to him. A lot has been said about his generosity when it comes to the downtrodden and those in need. But his foresight and desire to help the younger generation to

VERY RICH: Sheik Mohammed Hussein is richest black. plan and build for tomorrow often takes a back seat. People would be surprised at the number of students attending colleges and universities here in America on scholarships sponsored by him. In 1996, AlAmoudi paid all transportation expenses for the Ethiopian Olympic team when they traveled to America for the Atlanta Games.

Sheikh Al-Amoudi has been praised for playing a pivotal role in improving the lives of thousands of marginalized people in a section of the Ethiopian society, through productive investments, and carefully targeted social development programs. Sheikh Mohammed AlAmoudi was born in Ethiopia and raised in Saudi Arabia.

He has helped a number of former Ethiopian athletes both at home and abroad, in many ways including covering all the medical expenses for Ali Redi, the national soccer team goalkeeper who was treated for leukemia at a Cape Town hospital in South Africa. He was born and spent his youth in Northern Ethiopia, before migrating to Saudi Arabia. He migrated to Saudi Arabia. He started at the bottom and worked his way up the business ladder, according to reports. The largest private investor in Ethiopia, he put money into diverse assets as hotel, gold mines and a food processing plant. His Svenshka Petroleum is engaged in oil and gas exploration from the Nordic shelf to the Ivory Coast, it was learnt. There are reportedly 793 billionaires in the world, most of them Americans, and 78 women. The Ethiopian Herald (Addis Ababa) Staff and wire reports.

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Ral’s Fine Catering and Café Bistro Receives Two Distinguished Awards Husband and wife team receive POHA Caterer of the Year Award and H-Texas Magazine Distinction hef Ral Nwosu and his wife Rhonda Nwosu, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, were recently awarded 2006 Caterer of The Year at the GPC conference by The Port of Houston Authority (POHA). Chef Nwosu was also voted Best Chef by H-Texas magazine; the result of online voting by Houstonians with the top professionals representing 2-4% of all professionals working within the named industry. “Ral’s has been a model small business. They perform quality work, are very competitively priced and their food is always very tasty”, says Gilda Ramirez, Small Business Development Director with POHA. “We love doing business with them and enjoy the rich meals Chef Ral prepares.” Ral’s Fine Catering was also ranked in the 2005 Houston Business Journal Top 25 Caterers list. Born in Nigeria, Chef Nwosu developed a love for cooking by watching his extended family prepare large meals with great passion and care. At the age of 17, he received a scholarship to attend a prestigious

culinary arts academy in Godollo, Hungary. Upon graduation, he worked in London and eventually moved to Houston where he worked at the River Oaks Country Club and a well known Houston based restaurant chain. In 2005, Chef Nwosu, along with his wife Rhonda, opened Ral’s Café Bistro in the Galleria area. With two concepts under the same roof, Ral’s is both a casual café with a take-out menu and a bistro with exquisite meal selections and an elegant white tablecloth sit-down setting. For more information on Ral’s Fine Catering and Ral's Café Bistro, which is located at 1330-D Wirt Road, Houston, Texas 77055, please visit their website at Ralsfinecatering.com or call 713-688-7257.

Chef Ral Nwosu and his wife Rhonda Nwosu.

The well being of democracies regardless of their type and status is dependent on one small technical detail: The right to vote. Everything else is secondary.— Jose Ortega y Gasset

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• JUNE 2006 • 11

POLITICS

LOCAL/NATIONAL HAPPENINGS

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT: Congressman Bennie Thompson, Judge Fad Wilson and guest, and Congressman Al Green at a fundraiser for the highest ranking democrat on the Homeland Security Committee (Left). Congresssman Green being arrested (Middle). Green along with other Members of the Congressional Black Caucus in front of the Sudanese Embassy (Right).

Congressman Green, standing up for justice Congressman Al Green hosted a fundraiser recently for the highest ranking democrat on the Homeland Security Committee. Congressman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi was the guest at the law office of Attorney Benjamin Hall. Democrats are formulating plans to take back the United States House of Representatives in the mid-term elections in November 2006. Congressman Green said “If we can win 15 seats we will gain control of the House again from the

POLITICS

Republicans. In addition, several African-Americans will become chairman’s of powerful committees. Congressman Thompson will become chairman of Homeland Security where the budget is only second to the Defense Dept. budget.” Congressman Thompson 2nd Congressional District is about 280 miles long in the lower Mississippi Delta. This district is mostly agricultural and lower income which makes it difficult to raise funds for elections. Congressman Thompson stated “I’m elated at the amount of sup-

port I have received from the Houston area and I look forward to working with you all on your issues and concerns.” In attendance were elected officials and businessmen and women of the community. Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee welcomed the Congressman to Houston and applauded his work in Washington D.C. State Representative Al Edward spoke about his relationship with Congressman Thompson and the importance of seniority and the power of chair-

manship. Others in attendance were City Council Member Sue Lovell, State Representative Dora Olivo, Ft. Bend Constable Reuben Davis, State Representative Sylvester Turner, Chris Wilmont from the Greater Houston Partnership and many members of Houston’s business community. Congresssman Green was also arrested along with other Members of the Congressional Black Caucus recently in front of the Sudanese Embassy while protesting the government’s ambivalence towards the genocide in Darfur and

highlight its importance in the African American community. This campaign underscored the need for action and the determination of the Congressional Black Caucus to see that policies match the gravity of the crimes committed in Sudan. Cong. Al Green and other Congressional Black Caucus Members were taken to jail and released following processing and payment of a $50 fine at the 3rd District Metropolitan Police department, located at 1620 V Street, NW, in Washington, DC.

GUEST COMMENTARY

AFRICAN AMERICANSAND THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE IN AMERICA By Ron Jackson, Political Consultant Special to Houston Business Connections The right to vote is one of the most cherished rights of citizens in the United States. But today, voting is a right that many adults over the age of 18 take for granted. Many men and women protested, fought, bled and died for this basic right. Until the mid 1800’s, only white men in American had the right to vote. The founding fathers of the Constitution stated in the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Unfortunately, this did not apply to African Americans who were slaves and considered as property. Slavery began to take on political life in 1787. At the Constitutional Convention delegates were confronted with the issue of how to count the slave. Northerners regarded slaves as property that received no representation. Southerners demanded that slaves be counted with whites so that the south would increase its overall political status and electoral votes. July 17, 1787 the Three-Fifth Compromise was enacted. The “Three-Fifth Compromise” allowed a state to count threefifths of each slave in determin-

ing political representation in the House of Representatives. Although slaves were counted the law did nothing to stop the importation of slaves in the south. It wasn’t until 21 years later in 1808, when the law passed that stopped the importation of new slaves. Nevertheless, the south continued to accumulate political power by breeding slaves illegally. The Three-Fifths Compromise would not be challenged again until the Dred Scott case in 1856. In 1834 Dred Scott, a slave traveling with his owner was taken from Missouri a slave state, to Illinois a free state. In 1846 Scott sued his owner’s widow for freedom for himself and his family. The case went before the Supreme Court where it ruled against Scott. The Supreme Court stated African American people are regarded “as so far inferior that they have no right which the white man was bound to respect.” Abraham Lincoln became President of the United States in 1861. Lincoln did not agree with the expansion of slavery. As a result, several southern states seceded from the Union and formed the Confederacy. This issue was so

explosive that it divided the country and started the Civil War. African Americans fought and died in this war. The Union won. However, the cost was 500,000 plus combined casualties.

In 1863 Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation declaring that

and the enslaved were now free. Thus began the era of Reconstruction. During the period of Reconstruction many laws were passed that were favorable to African Americans. In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution is ratified stating

A MOMENT IN OUR NATIONS HISTORY: Edmund Bridge on Bloody Sunday was a prime example of the struggle African Americans faced during a troubled time in our Nations history.

all persons held as slaves in areas of rebellion against the United States would, henceforth be free! However in Texas, slavery continued until Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Tx. on June 19, 1865 with the news that the war had ended

that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist in the United States. 1868 saw the ratification of the 14th Amendment, making African Americans full citizens of the United States. The right to vote regardless of race or color was guaranteed by the 15thAmendment in 1870. Also in 1870, Mrs. Louisa Swain of

Wyoming became the first woman to vote in the nation. On March 31, 1870 only one month after the 15th Amendment, Thomas Mundy Peterson became the first African American to vote and hold office in the city of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. African American representation in Texas flourished in the 1870’s with 36 state representatives serving during the 12th Legislative Session. Between 1869 and 1877, 14 African Americans served in the U.S. House of Representatives and 2 served in the U.S. Senate. Unfortunately, Reconstruction lasted only a few years. The government withdrew its troops from the south. The south went to "State Rights", passing laws that restricted the rights and activities of African Americans. These laws became known as Jim Crow Laws. One tactic used to make it difficult for African Americans to vote was poll taxes. Poll taxes were created to stop African Americans who had little or no money from voting. Literacy test stopped those who could not read

Washing one's hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral. — Paulo Freire

12 • JUNE 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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Please see JACKSON P.13

Jackson continued from P.12 from voting. Fraudulent elections, violence and threats of violence kept African Americans from the polls. With these methods of operations it was nearly impossible for African Americans to be elected. From the end of Reconstruction until the 1900’s, nearly 100 years, very few African Americans were elected. By 1910 the same year the NAACP was formed, African Americans were prohibited from voting by constitutional provisions in North Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, Georgia and Oklahoma. A period of lynching, beatings and protest began in 1955; 14 year old Emmitt Till is beaten, shot and lynched in Mississippi. In Alabama, Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat, creating the Montgomery Bus Boycott. In 1957, nine African American students attempted to integrate Little Rock Central High School. Arkansas Governor predicts “Blood will run in the streets.” Over 250,000 March on Washington to hear Dr. King’s, “I Have a Dream” speech. Medgar Evers' NAACP field secretary in Jackson, Mississippi is murdered June 12, 1963. A Birmingham Church is bombed on Sept. 15th killing four African American girls attending Sunday school. Two white students and an African American Civil Rights worker are murdered while registering voters in Mississippi. Finally with effort and sacrifice, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is passed prohibiting discriminating in public accommodations. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act is passed prohibiting discrimination in voting practices and procedures because of race and color. It also prohibited literacy test and poll taxes which brings us to, today. I recently picked up a Tip Sheet. The Tip Sheet is an information source about Blacks and Black Owned Businesses. I assumed the Publisher was disgusted when he wrote, “You embarrassed your children. You embarrassed yourself. You embarrassed the District, Assembly 146. You embarrassed the winning candidate. You embarrassed the losing candidate. You insulted the thousands of Blacks who fought and died for you to have the Right to Vote. 5,766 of you voted Tuesday, April 11, 2006 out of approximately 85, 182 Registered Voters in Assembly District 146. You are right, your vote doesn’t count because you didn’t put it in the ballot box!” I concur with these statements. Was it poll taxes that stopped you from voting? Was it the literacy test that stopped you from voting? Was it the dogs and the water hoses that stopped you from voting? Or, is it your lack of respect of your ancestor’s brutal struggle for the right to vote, that you disregard your Right to Vote!

LEGAL

NATIONAL HAPPENINGS

African American Employees Charge McCormick & Schmick’s Restaurants with Job Discrimination in Federal Court Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against National Seafood Chain that Reserves Best Paying Positions for Whites (San Francisco)– McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants, Inc., a group of 61 upscale restaurants across the nation, has been charged with violating federal and state laws against

race discrimination in employment in a class action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco. Claiming that the restaurant chain fails to hire qualified African Americans and instead favors white job applicants and employees in an effort to present a “white image” to the public, African American job applicants and current employees of McCormick & Schmick’s filed Wynne et al. v. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc., represented by Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein,

LLP, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the Bay Area, and several other law firms. “McCormick & Schmick’s is making employment decisions based on skin color,” stated attorney Diana C. Tate, head of the African-American Agenda at the Lawyers’ Committee. “Whites are hired for positions in the front of the restaurants as servers, hostesses/hosts, and bartenders. African Americans are either not hired or relegated to low paid, menial jobs where they do not interact with the public. This

discrimination and segregation has no place in twenty-first century America.” “McCormick & Schmick’s touts ‘We are in the business of People - our employees and our guests.’ But the company fails to live up to the promise of treating all employees equally and fairly,” said Bill Lann Lee, a partner at Lieff Cabraser, and former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Justice. Please see SUIT P.20

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Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them. — Frederick Douglass

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• JUNE 2006 • 13

LEGAL FAMILY LAW

DIVORCE – A MUCH BETTER WAY • each party agrees to a full and candid exchange of information between the parties and their attorneys, as necessary, to make a proper evaluation of the case. Intervention by the court is suspended while the parties are using Collaborative Law Procedures.

By: Ella Edwards Brown and Eric C. Hixon Brown & Hixon, Attorneys-at-Law Phone: 713.661.2541 sk someone who has experienced a divorce and they may tell you that it was a very painful, emotional, and difficult experience. For some, the ability to “bounce back” after a divorce never happens. Hurt feelings, extreme bitterness, and an inability to communicate with their partner are some of the reasons couples can’t resolve their marital disputes. This inability often comes at a high price, both emotionally and economically. However, for some couples considering divorce, there is a desire to set aside differences and to work together, to resolve the marriage in a less adversarial manner. You may ask “How can we make a painful experience less painful for all parties involved, especially the children?” One good answer is found in Collaborative Law Procedures.

• the parties jointly agree to all experts used in the proceeding. Common experts may include Financial Planners, CPAs, Real Estate Appraisers, etc. • if the Collaborative Law Procedure does not result in a settlement of the dispute, all attorneys involved in the Collaborative Law Procedure must withdraw. In this instance, the parties may continue the divorce proceeding using the traditional route, with new attorneys. There are time restraints that generally apply, that will be discussed with you by your attorney. • the agreement may include other provisions agreed to by the parties that are consistent with a good faith effort to collaboratively settle the divorce proceeding.

What is Collaborative Law? Collaborative Law is a procedure used in divorce dissolution proceedings that allows the parties and their attorneys to use their best efforts, to end the marriage on an agreed basis. If the parties can agree on all issues, then the parties go to court for final approval of the divorce agreement. Not all cases are appropriate for Collaborative Law, especially those cases where the parties are extremely bitter and are unable to set aside their differences. Many couples see Collaborative Law as a resourceful avenue that allows the parties to handle their divorce in the best way possible for their particular circumstances. In many instances, contested divorces become very time consuming, and as a result, are a lot more expensive than those where the parties are able to reach an agreement.

For some couples, creating their own unique agreement can go a long way toward helping the parties readjust their lives and their life styles. For example, the couple may decide to rotate living in one home rather than disrupt the children’s living and educational environment. Child support may involve setting up a trust agreement for the children rather than paying monthly child support payments.

If you are considering divorce, explore Collaborative Law as an option with your attorney. It may save you money, and as importantly, if not more importantly, it can also preserve the dignity and respect of all parties involved, allowing them move forward, in a productive way, making a painful experience less painful.

What Happens If You Decide to Use Collaborative Law Procedures When You File For Divorce?

The information in this article is not intended as legal advice but to provide a general understanding of the law. Readers with a legal problem, including those whose problems are addressed here, should consult an attorney for advice on their particular circumstances.

If the parties decide to use Collaborative Law Procedures, • the parties must agree in writing to use Collaborative Law Procedures.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

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Corporate Headquarters: 2600 SOUTH LOOP WEST • SUITE 630 • HOUSTON, TEXAS 77054 If an individual agrees with everybody, he lacks conviction; if he likes everybody and is everybody's friend, he is indifferent to one and all. — Nikolai Dobrolyubov

14 • JUNE 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

INTERVIEW FOCUS ON POLITICS

A Candid Conversation with Tj Baker-Holm host of “The Constitution” Political Talk Show Constitution continued from P.1 HBC ~ Tj, how does it feel to be an African American female with a successful ongoing political show? Tj ~ First of all, I am somewhat surprised at the shows success because I’m following so many African American Women pioneers who have done so much in many different fields and there have been hundreds of Minority Women who have opened doors in every level of TV & Broadcasting from journalism to owning their own networks. It is humbling to have a successful ongoing (key word being ongoing) political show with some consistency and not every three months or if some big political news breaks out a female journalist is sent to cover it. My political show, “The Constitution”, airs every other Thursday night at its new time 8:30PM, it is based out of HMS/Houston Media Source and every segment is about politics...whether it's little news or big news.

tions. As well as, play tennis and are very active in the Houston community. Both Edwards and Miles also know how to get what they’re seeking! And speaking of getting something, I hope Mr. Borris Miles comes back on my show to share his plans for District 146. Even though, he will be facing Gerald W. “Jerry” LaFleur in November, I intend to endorse Mr. Miles again! Last but not least, “Future 2006 - Senator, Barbara Ann Radnofsky”, whom I also endorsed, has been on my political show twice. Radnofsky is seeking to unseat Senator Kay

Bailey Hutchinson in November. I’ve also done some outside field reporting work like interviewing Tavis Smiley during the State of the Union (Black Union Address) and the past New Orleans Mayor, Marc H. Morial. I will never forget our coverage of the Katrina Victim’s at the Houston Astrodome, and at the George R. Brown Convention all in the same day. HBC ~ Tj, there’s talk around town that you are actually Republican. Is this true? Tj ~ Yes, I am a very proud African American female

Republican. However, this is a political show, I cannot be too judgmental nor do I bring my personal opinions or political views into play. HBC ~ That’s not really my question...you are a noted Republican and yet you’ve endorsed Councilman Green, Mr. Borris Miles and Barbara Ann Radnofsky, as well as Jarvis Johnson, why is that? Tj ~ My answer is a simple one. I love music. I love all kinds of music. My favorite type of music is Country and Opera, as well as Tejano music. In my small col-

HBC ~ What church do you attend? Tj ~ I’m glad that your assumption is correct. I am led under Dr. T.R. Williams at New Faith Church, right here in Houston, and my family has been a part of this church for almost twenty years. Please see BAKER-HOLM P.16

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

Committed to your needs The role of a real estate agent is to guide you through the buying or selling process, taking the time to make sure you understand every step of the transaction. I am absolutely committed to fulfilling your needs with the highest level of professionalism, expertise and service. My commitment to your satisfaction is the foundation from which a solid business relationship is built.

HCB ~ What aspect of your show do you love the most? Tj ~ Coming up with the segment titles, I love that part because a title says a lot! Cumbersome at times, yet intriguing, I love having a vast array of people on the panel that engage the viewers while peaking their interest to stay tuned to see what the show is about. Viewers are sometimes impatient, so my Supervising Producer, Jennifer Jones w/ Virtual Visual Concepts makes sure that the segment title keeps flashing during the show. For example: Councilman Ronald C. Green (a very busy man and an even busier man with the new addition to his family, his first son) honored me by being on my show. The segment, which he appeared, was entitled “The Renaissance Man” and I still get e-mails about re-airing that show. Also, there was a show entitled “Taking Down the Giant” that featured Alfred “Al” Bennett, who ran in the recent Democratic primary for District 146 against Representative Al Edwards and Borris L. Miles. Miles has also appeared on a show entitled, “The Split Ticket” and was the candidate who defeated Bennett in the primary and then Edwards in the recent runoff election. I loved this show and called it “The Split Ticket” for many reasons. Both Miles and Edwards are members of Alpha Phi Alpha. They both received their undergraduate degrees right here in Houston, own successful businesses, and have strong religious convic-

lection, I have all kinds of music. I pride myself on being versatile. I love variety. That is what politics is all about, it takes every kinds of people to keep shaping America for the better.

I realize that people do business with people they trust. I am interested in what is best for you, the client, and am committed to establishing a long-term relationship based on trust. I pride myself on being knowledgeable and staying current with changes in the industry that will affect the success of your transaction. You have worked hard to be able to purchase the home of your dreams. I feel the responsibility to make those dreams a reality and pursue the right solution enthusiastically. THE TREADSTONE REALTY GROUP

www.fm1960REALESTATE.COM

12830 Willow Centre Dr., STE A Houston, TX 77066 Direct: (832) 229-4380 Alternate: (281) 580-0898 Email: reathiaa@earthlink.net

OLIVET MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH The Olivet Missionary Baptist Church family of believers would like to invite you to come out and worship with us. We believe you will have a Spirit-filled encounter with the Almighty God. If you do not have a church home we would like nothing more than for you to consider Olivet Missionary Baptist Church. SUNDAY: Morning Worship—11:00A.M. TUESDAY: Bible Study—7:30 P.M.

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Reverend Robert L. Thomas, Jr., Pastor

3115 Lyons Avenue • Houston, TX 77020 Email comments or suggestions to Pastor Thomas at: Pastort2@yahoo.com When great changes occur in history, when great principles are involved, as a rule the majority are wrong. The minority are right. — Eugene V. Debs

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

• JUNE 2006 • 15

Baker-Holm

BUSINESS SHOWCASE &

Something To Think About

continued from P.15

HBC ~ Is not your pastor a Democrat and vocally admits it? Tj ~ Yes, he does. HBC ~ Doesn't that lend itself to some personal confusion? Tj ~ No, it doesn’t! Some of Dr. Williams' most powerful messages are “don’t follow men and especially don’t follow him!” You should follow God, and so that is what I am doing. However, when he does says something negative about Republicans in a humorous way - it still makes me cringe. HBC ~ What is your ultimate Goal? Tj ~ To become a Poet Laureate for the State of Texas. Then again, I’ll even take to becoming a Literature of Chancellor for the state of Texas.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE is a monthly inspirational platform sponsored by the businesses showcased. All advertisements are accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Although Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. makes every effort to check the authenticity of our advertisements, we accept no responsibility or liability for the contents therein. The advertiser assures that advertisements will not contain any matter that is libelous or violates any person's right of privacy or constitutes copyright infringement or is otherwise contrary to law. The advertiser assumes all responsibility in connection with the advertisement placed in this publication. Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. shall be held harmless from any claim, loss, damage (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that may be incurred or suffered for any reason including but not limited to a breach of any kind associated with advertisers included in this section. To include your business in this section call 832.212.8735 or email your request to: advertise@houstonbusinessconnections.com

orry is a form of fear, and all forms of fear produce fatigue. A man who has learned not to feel fear will find the fatigue of daily life enormously diminished. — Bertrand Russell

HBC ~ Does your show have sponsors? Tj ~ Yes, and we are always looking for more sponsors. Currently, Attorney Lawrence Maun, Mary Kay Products, Palais Royal, Downtown Club, The Houston Society Club, and Gary Johnson of the Black Men In America are a few of my loyal supporters. HBC ~ So Tj, is being a TV Journalist, a full-time job for you at this point? Tj ~ No Mr. Taylor, in the day time, I work for HPL - The Houston Public Library at the Reference Desk in one of their branches. I welcome your readers to come and check us out - we have some exciting new things going on - especially with the renovation of the Downtown Library! HBC ~ Finally, Tj, what is your secret for success? Tj ~ Now being a single parent to a second Grader — Keith Douglas Baker II., who attends HISD’s Roberts Elementary School, life gets frazzled every now and then. However, my secret lies within the wisdom my grandfather instilled in me. He would always say, “Even a full moon does not try to shine every night, pick when and what you want to do, and hope it’s the right time, so that your charisma can be appreciated, just like a full moon.”

TYLA continued from P.8 Lawyers Association, and has served as its president and vice president. Miller received a B.A. from Vanderbuilt University and a J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law. He and his wife, Jessica, have three sons, Davis, Austin, and Mason. The State Bar of Texas is an administrative agency of the Supreme Court of Texas. The Bar provides educational programs for the legal profession and the public, administers the minimum continuing legal education program for attorneys, and manages the attorney discipline system.

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Faith Flowers, ETC. • Exec. Gift Baskets • Weddings • Funerals • Landscaping • Interior Plants • Hospitals

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Whatever field of human activity one may take, only those trends that are in harmony with the needs of society show rapid progress. — Nikolai Chernyshevsky

16 • JUNE 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

Beaumont continued from P.8 League, Texas Bar Foundation and the City of Beaumont Planning and Zoning Commission. Black earned a B.A. from the University of Texas at El Paso and a J.D. with highest honors from Texas Tech University School of Law. The State Bar of Texas is an administrative agency of the Supreme Court of Texas that provides educational programs for the legal profession and the public, administers the minimum continuing legal education program for attorneys, and manages the attorney discipline system.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE &

Something To Think About

NDRE

o one keeps up his enthusiasm automatically. Enthusiasm must be nourished with new actions, new aspirations, new efforts, new vision. It is one’s own fault if his enthusiasm is gone; he has failed to feed it. —Papyrus

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continued from P.7

713.659.1608 applies to the drive-up lanes at these same branches. The new driveup lane hours are as follows: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday Noon to 4 p.m.

Purchase • Refinance • Construction

EarthTalk continued from P.2 an entire new political movement, and today thousands of activists in the U.S. and elsewhere monitor policy making, lobby for new laws and fight City Hall in the struggle for "environmental justice." In his seminal 1990 book, Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality, Dr. Bullard emphasizes that the kinds of problems he uncovered in black communities in the Southeast are not limited to a particular region or ethnicity. "People of color in all regions of the country bear a disproportionate share of the nation's environmental problems," he said. The book, now in its third edition, highlights some of the cases Bullard considered over two decades, and makes a compelling case for taking into account issues of fairness when it comes to the siting and remediation of hazardous facilities of anytype. Bullard's pioneering work also helped shatter the myth that minority communities didn't care about the environment. With financial help from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Bullard convened the first National People of Color Environmental Summit held in October 1991, and a year later published the first version of the People of Color Environmental Groups Directory with listings for more than 300 different groups in the U.S. alone. An expanded version of the directory released in 2000 is available free online from the website of Bullard's Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University. These days Bullard is marshalling all the resources he can to monitor the "mother of all clean-ups" in post-Katrina New Orleans, and has been highly critical of the slow pace of federal and state efforts. Acknowledging that funds are limited, Bullard wonders, "which neighborhoods will get cleaned up and which ones will be left contaminated." No doubt, though, residents are glad to have Dr. Bullard and the thousands of environmental justice activists he inspired on their side this time around.

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FOR STATE REP. DISTRICT 126 It is with great pride that I step forward as a Candidate in the Nov.,7, 2006 General Election for: Texas House of Representatives District 126

Linda D. Pope, M.D., P.A. Ophthalmologist

As your State Representative, I will utilize my experience in business and community leadership as a strong advocate for our Public Schools, Health Care, Public Safety, and the Environment.

“For the Gift of Sight” PATIENTS ARE PRECIOUS 6500 Fannin Suite 1108 • Houston, Texas 77030 (713)797-1500 Office • (713)797-1150 Fax Thanksgiving is a sure index of spiritual health. —Maurice Dametz

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It is time for a change in our current legislative leadership. I provide an alternative to voters by offering them a candidate who will make improving Education, Health Care, and the Environment his top priorities.

Please vote for a positive change in the Texas Legislature, the face of the American dream. “I want to be your next State Representative for District 126 and I would appreciate your vote.” — Chad Khan, Candidate for State Rep. District 126

Bryant Hunter

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The finest test of character is seen in the amount and the power of gratitude we have. — Thoughts of wisdom from Milo H. Gates

The Pharmacy “ Yo u r F a m i l y ’s H e a l t h I s O u r C o n c e r n ”

713.266.5425 Victor A. Ehiemua, R.ph.

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Democracy cannot be forced upon a society, neither is it a gift that can be held forever. It has to be struggled hard for and defended everyday anew.—Heinz Galinski

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

• JUNE 2006 • 17

Waters continued from P.5 “His appointment demonstrates Miller’s continuing commitment to advancing diversity and signals that we clearly recognize the importance of multicultural consumers to our communities and the future of our business.” Waters has held numerous key positions within Miller since joining the company in 1979. Prior to his previous position as director of multicultural relations, he served in a number of sales and marketing roles, including sales communications group director, regional sales learning and development manager, regional retail sales manager, chain account manager, sports marketing manager and field market planning manager. A native of Michigan, Waters earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Michigan. Waters is a member of numerous civic and business-related organizations and boards, including the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Corporate Advisory Council, Milwaukee Urban League, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Hansberry-Sands Theatre Company and the National United Merchants Beverage Association Corporate Advisory Panel. He also served as the Welcome Committee Chair for the 2005 Annual NAACP Convention. “Miller has a longstanding commitment to diversity and realizes the importance it plays within the workplace, marketplace and our communities,” said Virgis Colbert, Miller’s recently retired executive vice president of worldwide operations, who continues to contribute to Miller as a board member and senior advisor. “Larry’s promotion and other recent key appointments demonstrate that we continue to make progress in increasing diversity within our senior management ranks.” A number of other high-level positions within Miller have recently been filled by African Americans, including key positions in customer marketing, brand management and information services. The company is currently recruiting candidates for its open director of diversity affairs position. As one of America’s oldest brewers, Miller Brewing Company continues the commitment of founder Frederick J. Miller to brew ‘confoundedly good beers’ with ‘uncompromising quality.’ Through more than 150 years of innovation and brewing excellence, Miller has built a broad portfolio of award-winning beers that capture approximately 18% of the U.S. beer market. Miller’s flagship brand, Miller Lite, is the great tasting, less filling beer that defined the American light beer category in 1975. The company also brews smooth, golden rich Miller Genuine Draft using a unique coldfiltering process Miller introduced in 1985. Miller’s oldest brew is Miller High Life, the champagne of beers. Miller imports Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell and Foster’s, and brews regional craft beers Leinenkugel’s and Henry Weinhard's. Near-premium beers include Milwaukee’s Best Light, Olde English 800, Mickey’s Malt Liquor, Icehouse and Sharp's, a nonalcohol brew. Miller is a wholly owned subsidiary of SABMiller plc, the world’s second largest brewer. For more information, visit www.MillerBrewing.com.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE &

Something To Think About

Houston Business Connections Showcase To Place Your Advertisement In This Section Of Houston Business Connections Call 832.212.8735 If you’re not selling your product...don’t blame the product! L AW O F F I C E S O F L A N E T R A S . L A RY

hen we accept tough jobs as a challenge to our ability and wade into them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen. When we do our work with a dynamic, conquering spirit, we get things done. —Arland Gilbert

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Sunscape Equine Rescue, Inc. (501c3 nonprofit)

713-560-4201 www.TexasRescue.org

Energy, even like the Biblical grain of a mustard seed, will move mountains—John Muir

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Lloyd George Enterprises Lloyd George English, GRI, ABR, SRES USPAP Certified Appraisal Instructor, CREI, MRA, CREA, CVC Real Estate In & Out • Sales ~ Appraisals ~ Loans ~ Education

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Call Linda Dunson Today! NOT CERTIFIED BY TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

In actual fact those who do not care for politics and sit on the fence do indeed side for a political party: The ruling party. — Max Frisch

18 • JUNE 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

Opening continued from P.4 ly 25 full- and part-time associates. It houses more than 7,500 technology, furniture and supply products as well as Design, Print and Ship services in 18,000 square feet of customer space. Store operating hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The store’s telephone number is 281-304-1579.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE &

Something To Think About

ERV’s Klip Joint

PEOPLE’S CHOICE BARBER SHOP Walk In’s Welcome

Tues.—Sat.

ll that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.—Buddha

BEAL COUNSELING ASSOCIATES A Community Mental Health Agency

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Barber/Owner

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The world belongs to the enthusiast who keeps cool. —William McFee

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Women continued from P.1

MORTGAGES • New Loans • Refinance • Commercial • Residential AUTO LOANS • New • Preowned FUNDRAISERS • Churches • Groups • Organizations

Dr. Janice M. Beal Clinical Director

munity. Funds raised from this event support the organizations mentoring and scholarship programs. Two-hundred ten women have been honored as Women on the Move® since the event’s inception. Past recipients include: Graciela Martinez, Nancy Levicki, Sally Nelson, Suzannah Wong, Nancy Chang, Pauline Higgins, Mary Ann Collier, Ileana Blanco, Hon. Beverly Kaufman, Sonceria Messiah Jiles, Beth Wolff, Theresa Chang, Susan A. Lieberman, Judge Nancy Atlas, Cindy Crane Garbs, Dorothy Ables, Cathy Binstock, Ann Goldstein and Pamela K. Triolo. The public is encouraged to nominate local business and professional leaders. Applications are available at any Encore Bank or Randalls location or online at www.tewhouston.org and are due by May 31, 2006. Since TEW began its mentoring programs in 1993, it has touched the lives of more than 1,500 middle and high school girls throughout the greater Houstonarea. The goal behind the TEW mentoring program is to create possibilities for young women, provide role models, spark the desire for a better life, and show them how to make it happen for themselves. For more information, visit the TEW website at www.tewhouston.org.

Regents

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I rate enthusiasm even above professional skill.—Sir Edward Appleton

I prefer the errors of enthusiasm to the indifference of wisdom. —Anatole France

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continued from P.3 University of Houston Alumni Heritage Society, of which he is currently a board member. He serves on the board of the Texas chapter of the American Judicature Society and formerly served as chairman of the board of Homestead Bank and Colonial Savings Association in Houston. Wilson was as a federal official during the administrations of Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson and was a naval officer during the Korean War. He is also one of the previous owners of the Houston Astros baseball team. Wilson is a past board member of the Houston Convention and Tourist Bureau, the Houston March of Dimes, and the Houston Farm and Ranch Club. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and an associate degree from Texas Southmost College, where he was named distinguished alumnus in 2005. These appointments are subject to senate confirmation during the 2007 Regular Session.

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If...the machine of government...is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law.— Henry David Thoreau

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

• JUNE 2006 • 19

Marriott Receives Top Honors for Diversity Franchising Initiatives Diversity continued from P.1 Owner and Franchise Services and North American fullservice development, Marriott International. “We are excited about the success of Marriott’s Diversity Ownership Initiative and look forward to developing relationships with more women and minority franchisees and owners.” Marriott launched the Diversity Ownership Initiative in 2005. Currently, there are over 300 Marriott hotels that are now owned, operated or under development by minorities and women; with a goal of reaching 500 in the next five years. Most recently, Marriott announced RLJ Development, owned by Black Entertainment Television (BET) founder Robert L. Johnson, expects to purchase 90 Marriott International hotels from White Lodging Services Corporation by year end 2006. RLJ Development will become one of Marriott’s largest franchisees upon completion of the transaction. Marriott’s Diversity Ownership Initiative identifies and educates potential owners with significant business experience about the hospitality industry. Through workshops, Marriott brings together experts from the lending community, along with Marriott’s development and operations teams for ongoing support in preparation for opening. Sixteen years ago, Marriott instituted a diversity program with a key component focusing on human resources training, development and recruitment. The award-winning program has had many successes — nearly tripling the number of women in executive positions and doubling the number of full-service women general man-

Suit continued from P.13 “McCormick & Schmick’s uses racial stereotypes to deny job opportunities and promotions to thousands of qualified African American applicants and employees.” A central allegation in the lawsuit is that McCormick & Schmick’s has a nationwide corporate policy and practice of preferring white employees over African American employees for “front-ofthe-house” positions. These are the prominent, better-paying jobs, including server, hostess/host, and bartender. Plaintiff Dante Byrd was not hired as a bartender at McCormick & Schmick’s Berkeley restaurant despite having a diploma from bartending school and seven years experience as a bartender. The lawsuit also

charges that McCormick & Schmick managers throw away applications from African American job seekers without seriously considering them. In addition, the complaint alleges that managers have been instructed by corporate headquarters to “clean up the restaurant,” meaning to hire fewer African Americans, to keep the African American employees away from front-of-thehouse positions, and to subject African American employees to harsher discipline. While promotions are preferentially given to white workers without requiring a formal application process, African American employees are denied promotions to management positions at McCormick & Schmick’s restaurants throughout the United States, the suit alleges.

agers in the past six years. These achievements are reported to a subcommittee of Marriott’s Board of Directors, known as the “Committee for Excellence,” which is focused on achieving the highest levels of diversity in the lodging industry. The committee is chaired by board member George Munoz, principal of Munoz Investment Banking Group, LLC. Membership includes board members Debra L. Lee, chairman and CEO of BET Networks; Harry J. Pearce, chairman of Nortel Networks Corporation; and William J. Shaw, president and chief operating officer of

Marriott International; as well as other senior executives who represent various disciplines throughout the company. The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising with members of more than 75 industries and in more than 100 countries. The award is named after Ronald E. Harrison, a retired PepsiCo Inc. senior vice president and IFA’s past chairman, for his positive role in implementing programs to ensure diversity and inclusion. He is currently chairman of the IFA Diversity Institute board of directors.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

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Events continued from P.10 that can be found in the Theater District, as well as providing a glimpse into what the upcoming season holds for major venues. Tú Música en La Plaza (Tuesdays and Wednesdays): This popular concert series, now more than a decade old, will take place on Jones Plaza on evenings throughout the summer,

with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Texas Hispanic Peace Officers’ Association and the ¡Adelante! U.S. Education Leadership Fund. Tuesday events are dubbed the “Ultimate Tuesday Night Party,” and feature top Tejano and regional hiphop performers. Wednesday events are titled “Pure Latin Mix Wednesdays,” and feature international Latin Bands, Latin DJ’s, reggaeton, salsa and bachata.

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LAND ACQUISITIONS AND COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROJECTS Renaissance Strip Center • HEB Grocery Store •Taco Bell • McDonald’s • Papa John’s Pizza • Houston Independent School District (Old & New Locations) • Houston Community College System • Texas Southern University • Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. — Thomas Jefferson

20 • APRIL 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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