September 2005 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 • SEPTEMBER 2005

Media Giant John H. Johnson Succumbs INDEX Ebony/Jet/Fashionfair Cosmetics Founder leaves Historic Legacy ohn H. Johnson, founder, publisher and chairman of Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., died last month in Chicago at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He was 87. Johnson was the founder of a major international media and cosmetics empire that includes EBONY and JET magazines, Fashion Fair Cosmetics and EBONY Fashion Fair. It is the No. 1 AfricanAmerican publishing company in the world founded in 1942. Mr. Johnson, who borrowed $500 on his mother’s furniture and created a publishing and cosmetics empire, is

House Want’s To Go To The Big House

John H. Johnson 1918-2005

credited as one of the major trailblazers and he is recognized as the founder of the African-American consumer mar-

provides House a strong connection to Houston’s inner-city neighborhoods— this could aid her in her bid. One of the knocks on Mayor Bill White, is many within the AfricanAmerican community feel he doesn’t involve the community enough before crucial decisions are made that effect the community. As a matter of fact, well known Houston minister Robert Muhammad, the southwest regional minister for the Nation of Islam is quoted in Houston’s only daily as saying, “His weakness is lack of community input and not utilizing longterm senior staff members in the administration.” House just beat the filling deadline to enter the race for mayor and is ready to fund her campaign on her own if need be. She may be fighting an uphill battle, but she is determined and will not be deterred by anyone she told Houston Business Connections during this interview. Her competition in the race for mayor are Bill White the current mayor, Anthony Dutrow a meat packer, Jack Terence publisher of the Houstonian, and Luis Ullrich, a selfemployed contractor. The following is House’s response to a series of questions posed to her by Please see HOUSE, P.13

Victims of Hurricane Katrina Need Help.......6 Beat High Gas Prices With Moore.................8 Kase Lawal reappointed to Commission .....8 Stress & It’s Impact On You .......................10 Gov. Perry Makes Six Appointments.. .......10 Deciding The Best Leasing Option ............11 Black Heavy Hitters Endorse Peter Brown.12 The New Face Of Minority Business .........15 Who Does Diversity Help?.........................15 Staying Plugged In While You’re Out ........16 Hurricane Katrina Goodwill Report.............B1 Diversity Is The Key

Please see JOHNSON, P.14

CAMPAIGN ON FAST TRACK

Gladys M. House A LongTime Community Activist Launches Campaign To Become Mayor of Houston Gladys M. House, president and CEO of Carpet Depot, a local carpet and tile company is on a mission to become Houston’s first AfricanAmerican female mayor. Having volunteered for over 25 years with the Freedman’s Town A s s o c i a t i o n in House Houston’s 4th Ward

From the Publisher's Desk …………..……...2 Lee P. Brown to be honored, Sept. 16 .........4 Dr. Rod Paige to Be Honored, Sept. 23 ......4

Upcoming Events Calendar September 2005 *Every Friday of each month AM Networking - ABWA Greenspoint Chapter • American Business Women’s Association Greenspoint Chapter AM Networking Meeting: From 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. IHOP Restaurant, 197 Greens Road at I-45 North RSVP by the Wednesday before

Please see CALENDAR, P.4

ALL SMILES: Peter Brown, candidate for Houston City Council At-Large Position 1, (Right) is joined at the “Grand Opening” of his campaign headquarters located 3907 Main Street by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, (Left) and his guest speaker for the occasion Henry Cisneros former Secretary of Housing and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, (Center).

Full Steam Ahead Architect Peter Brown has Grand “Grand Opening” Recently over 200 supporters of Peter Brown gathered at his campaign headquarters for it’s grand opening. Community leaders,elected officials, family and friends got a treat from special guest, former Secretary of Housing and Mayor of San Antonio, Henry Cisneros. Peter and Henry entered the office located at 3907

Main via the light rail. Enthusiastic supporters applauded them as they walked from the rail line to the campaign headquarters. Peter Brown an architect and urban planner is the front runner for

PRODUCTSHOWCASE

. Jarvis

To Place Your Product Here: 832.212.8735

JOHNSON LEADING BY EXAMPLE Houston City Council District B Paid for by Jarvis Johnson Campaign, Velika Hines, Treasurer

Please see CAMPAIGN, P.12

Marsh knows the value of a dollar Houston-Based fastest Growing ISP, Web-Hoster wired for success

Marsh

Robert Marsh knows the value of a dollar. $10 dollars to be exact. A promotion to get his new business going in October, 1998, has helped Everyones Internet to soar into cyberspace earning many millions. The concept of “Just $10 Bucks” a month, with Please see MARSH, P.18

As a Father, Husband, Home Owner, Civic Leader, Businessman, and College Graduate, Jarvis Johnson pledges to listen and work with all Residents to make Our Neighborhoods Safer from crime and more Secure from flooding.

TSU’s School of Business, Ford Motor Company help high school students explore Houston HOUSTON – Students from the Middle College for Technology Careers and North Houston High School for Business are visiting some of Houston’s greatest attractions

in an effort to apply lessons learned in the classroom to real-world settings. The students are participants in the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (PAS) Program coordi-

nated by the Jesse H. Jones School of Business (JHJ) at Texas Southern University. JHJ received a grant from the Ford Motor Company to administer the program.

Specific field trips are designed to bring added meaning to students’ academic purPlease see STUDENTS, P.10

AUTOMOTIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS/Publisher’s Page

The Range Rover For 2006 The Range Rover for 2006 is the most refined, most luxurious and most powerful Range Rover ever. Two new petrol engines – including a powerful supercharged 4.2-litre – are complemented by fresh exterior design details, a quieter interior and a profusion of new technology. “The Range Rover has always been the world's most complete luxury SUV,” says Land Rover's managing director Matthew Taylor. “With this new, even more refined flagship for the company, we believe that the best luxury SUV in the world is now even better.”

HHP

The latest Range Rover joins the recently announced, dynamic Range Rover Sport, which has extended the Land Rover line-up to five models for the first time. “The two Range Rover models complement each other perfectly,” says Matthew Taylor. “The Range Rover for 2006 is our luxury SUV. The Range Rover Sport is our performance SUV, a driver-focussed sports tourer. Two different models will enable us to compete even more successfully in the market and take the Range Rover name to even greater success.”

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

Because You Deserve The BEST! Purchase your next car from Kesa Guest

Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

The Publisher’s Desk

Mercedes-Benz of Sugarland 15625 South West Freeway Sugarland, Texas 77478

Direct: 281.207.1519 Cell: 713.703.5185 Aubrey R. Taylor, president and CEO of Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C., publisher of Houston Business Connections.

ake no mistake about it, Mr. John H. Johnson was much more than a Black publisher. He was much more than a Black business owner. Moreover, yes, he was much more than a loving father, husband, and grandfather. He was hope and inspiration to people all over the world. He epitomized what it means to be an American. He served as a perfect example of what it means to achieve the American dream. Mr. Johnson stood along beside presidents, kings, and the like. By any man’s standard, his life represented all the qualities of a good role model. Heaven knows we are in desperate need of good positive role models. He was a testament of what can be done through faith, perseverance and a never say, “I quit attitude”. He was right when he said, “I believe that the only failure is failing to try” in his autobiography entitled, Succeeding Against the Odds. We can honor Mr. Johnson’s legacy by never giving up on our dreams. As a society, all may not be fair…but we must keep trying! In business, the playing field may not be level….but we must keep trying! We may not succeed in our first venture…but we must keep trying! We may fail once, twice, or even three times…but we must get back up again and keep trying! Never let anyone deter you from the pursuit your goals or your dreams.

Kesa Guest

Executive Sales Associate

Star Achiever

Enjoy this edition! Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. Mailing: 957 Nasa Parkway #251 Houston, TX 77058. Connections Line: (832)212-8735 Fax Line: (530)348-6423 Email News & Press Release info to: news@houstonbusinessconnections.com Houston Business Connections is published on a monthly basis by Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. all right reserved. No articles may be copied, rewritten, published, or otherwise distributed without the prior written approval of the publisher. For special requests email: aubrey@houstonbusinessconnections.com

Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land • 15625 South West Freeway • Sugarland, Texas 77478

2 • SEPTEMBER • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735

NEWS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS BUSINESS Wells Fargo Spearheads the Next Generation of Online Financial Services with Best-in-Class Email Alerts for Money Management Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC), which first pioneered Internet banking ten years ago, has rolled out its latest best-in-class online offering for managing personal and business finances – account alerts. These free, convenient alerts are delivered to customers’ email addresses, pushing personalized information that can help them stay on top of recent account activity, thereby helping to detect and prevent fraud. Wells Fargo’s email alerts include alerts that inform customers when their account has been suspended due to three incorrect log in attempts. These alerts build on Wells Fargo’s industry-leading e-bill alerts that let a customer know when a bill arrives, when a payment was sent, and if no payment is scheduled yet.

GOVERNMENT U.S. Labor Department Recovers $660,000 in Back Pay for Janitorial Workers in Texas Kustom Kleen of Texas has paid $660,000 in back wages after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Houston Wage and Hour Division found that 766 janitorial workers had not been properly paid. The investigation, covering Jan. 1, 2003 to Dec. 31, 2004, determined that Kustom Kleen of Texas, doing business as Kustom Kleen USA, violated the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The company failed to pay overtime to employees who worked more than 50 hours a week. In addition, the company did not keep the required payroll records. Kustom Kleen, headquartered in Pearland, Texas, cooperated with the investigation and has agreed to future compliance. Kustom Kleen’s clients, who contract with the company for janitorial services in Texas, include Target, HEB Grocery Stores, 24-Hour Fitness Centers, and the City of Pearland. All back wages due have been paid in full by the company.

GLOBAL TSU Alumnus Leslie Mays Joins Pfizer In New Diversity Leadership Position Pfizer Inc. recently announced that Leslie Mays has joined the company as vice president of global diversity and inclusion. In this new position, Mays is responsible for developing and leading the design and implementation of global diversity strategies and plans for Pfizer. Mays has a broad range of human Mays resources and change management experience, most recently with Royal Dutch Shell Group where she served for the last nine years. As vice president/head of global diversity and inclusiveness at Shell, Mays established the first auditable global diversity and inclusiveness policy in a global corporation. Prior to joining Shell, Mays held leadership positions at General Mills and Reebok. “This executive level role demonstrates an important and tangible step in achieving Pfizer’s goal of attracting, developing and engaging a diverse workforce,” said Sylvia Montero, senior vice president of Corporate Human Resources at Pfizer Inc. “As a leading corporate diversity and inclusion specialist, we are pleased to bring Leslie aboard to not only develop best practice strategies, but also to build on Pfizer's current diversity platform.” A native of Houston, Mays earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Texas Southern University, and is active in a number of professional associations.

DIVERSITY Texas Becomes Nation’s Newest “MajorityMinority” State, Census Bureau Announces Texas has now joined Hawaii, New Mexico and California as a majority-minority state, along with the District of Columbia, the U.S. Census Bureau reported has reported. Five states Maryland, Mississippi, Georgia, New York and Arizona are next in line with minority populations of about 40 percent. (The minority population includes all people except non-Hispanic single-race whites.) According recent population estimates, Texas had a minority population of 11.3 million, comprising 50.2 percent of its total population of 22.5 million. In comparison,77 percent of Hawaii's population was minority. In New Mexico and California, the proportions were 57 percent and 56 percent, respectively, while the District of Columbia was 70 percent minority.

Congressman Al Green Delivers Millions to Address Houston's Sorely-Needed Flood Infrastructure and Transportation Problems Houston, TX – Recently, Congressman Al Green (TX-9), joined by Mayor Bill White and Councilwoman Ada Edwards, held a press conference to announce $12.8 million dollars that Green secured in federal funds to address Houston's pervasive flood and transportation problems. “I’d like to thank Mayor White and Councilwoman Edwards for their assistance with these projects. Working together, we have not only brought our tax dollars back to our community but also set in motion a plan that will enhance the quality of life for those who live in the 9th Congressional District as well as those who traverse the 9th Congressional District,” Green said. Green worked closely with Mayor White and Councilwoman Edwards to identify Houston’s funding needs. Listed below are Green's

P O L I T I C A L

Green

White

Edwards

projects, a brief description and their funding levels: 1. Flood Relief - $9.2 million dollars: This funding will rehabilitate and rebuild 358 acres of outdated storm water and concrete pavement to alleviate flooding problems that have consistently plagued Houston's White Heather community for more than 12 years. Green, along with Mayor White and Councilwoman Edwards, has made this project a priority after receiving complaints from residents of severe flooding probPlease see GREEN, P.18

A N N O U N C E M E N T

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statue Bell’s Launching Pad Bell Kick’s Off Gubernatorial Bid on UT Campus AUSTIN - The Chris Bell for Governor campaign has officially kicked off. Recently the University Democrats secured a historically significant location for Chris Bell Bell to launch his gubernatorial campaign on the University of Texas campus where the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stands. “There is no better place to start my campaign than to stand literally in the shadow of Dr. King,” said Bell, a Houston Democrat. “Rick Perry is an inspiring leader,” said Bell. “In fact, he has inspired me to run for governor.” Bell cited Dr. King as an inspiration to talk about how faith can

B I O G R A P H Y

impact public policy - something Bell has talked about a great deal during the campaign. “Dr. King's faith was personal but never private, and I am certainly not going to cede the moral agenda to Rick Perry,” said Bell. “Everywhere I go in Texas, people tell me that they are sick and tired of being told that they aren’t good Christians or don’t have any morals just because they don’t believe in Rick Perry’s cynical partisan agenda. Well, if Rick Perry thinks that he can claim the moral high ground, then he's messing with the wrong kind of Democrat.” In 1987, students at the University of Texas created the Martin Luther King Jr. Sculpture Foundation. William Cunningham, Please see BELL, P.18

O F

S U C C E S S

Drayton McClane Jr. Drayton McClane Jr. is chairman of McLane Group, chairman of The Houston Astros Baseball Club and chairman of Astrodome, USA. McLane was born and raised in Cameron, Texas, where his father, Drayton McLane Sr., owned a wholesale grocery distriMcClane Jr. bution center. At age nine, the young McLane went to work for his father’s business (a family-owned entity that had been established by his grandfather, Robert McLane, in 1894). McLane spent most Saturdays and

summers during his teen years sweeping floors and learning various aspects of the wholesale grocery business. After earning his business degree at Baylor University and a master’s degree in marketing at Michigan State University, McLane returned to work for his father. His first job was on second shift, and three years later he moved into management as vice president of purchasing. He then served 14 years as general manager of operations, before becoming president and CEO of McLane Company Please see BIOGRAPHY, P.20

For Consideration Email Biography to: news@houstonbusinessconnections.com

PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735

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.5

• Houston Business Connections Monthly • SEPTEMBER • 3

MEETINGS • CHURCH FUNCTIONS • CONVENTIONS • EVENTS TO HAVE YOUR INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS SECTION EMAIL INFORMATION TO: news@houstonbusinessconnections.com.

Your Opinion Counts! Houston City Council meetings are conducted each week on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. and Wednesdays beginning at 9:00 a.m. Any citizen may speak before Council on a Tuesday beginning at 2:00 p.m. To reserve time to address City Council (up to three minutes), contact the City Secretary's Office (713.247.1840) prior to the commencement of the meeting. All Council meetings are open to the public and held at City Hall located at 900 Bagby, 2nd Floor in Downtown, Houston.

Former Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown to be honored Sept. 16, by HBPMC The Houston Business Professional Men’s Club Foundation is celebrating it’s 1st Annual Awards Banquet. The event will honor former Houston mayor Lee P. Brown and will be held at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel located at 2001 Post Oak Boulevard in Houston, Texas inside the Grand Ballroom on Friday, September 16, 2005. Shirley DeLibero former head of the Metropolitan Transit Authority will be the keynote speaker and former Houston mayor Bob Lanier will be the guest speaker. Dinner will be served at 7:45 p.m. For info contact Rev. Spivey@(713)635-6968 or Mr. Crane@(713)826-9940

the meeting to Carmen Wisenbaker at: carmen@penworth.com or (281) 852-2092. Everyone is welcome. www.abwagreenspoint.org --------------------------------------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Thursday, September 1-2, 2005 National Oil Companies Summit 2005, The Netherlands Contact: Global Pacific. Tel: +44 (0) 207 487 3173. Email: info@glopac.com --------------------------------------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Saturday, September 3, 2005 Save the Date! - Chocolate Bayou Festival 2005 Saturday, September 3rd & Sunday, September 4th • Sunnyside Park, 3502 Bellfort (2 miles east of 288) • This event features two full days of live entertainment! For more info call 713-247-2001 or visit www.chocolatebayoufestival.org --------------------------------------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Brown

DeLibero

Lanier

Dr. Rod Paige To Be Honored September 23, by Texas Southern University Alumni Association, Inc. The members of the Texas Southern University Alumni Association, Inc., Maroon and Grey Chapter are pleased to introduce “A Paige in History: Honoring a Legacy of Athletics and Academic Achievements.” Dr. Rod Paige will be honored for his accomplishments as an Athletic Director, Football Coach, Dean of Education, Houston Independent School District Superintendent, and United States Secretary of Paige Education. This marvelous semi-formal event will be held on September, 2005 @ 7:00p.m., at the Edwin Horneberger Conference Center located at 2151 West Holcombe Boulevard in Houston, Texas. Special Guests: Robert Moreland, Associate Provost for Academic Enhancement for Texas Southern University. Dr. Ronald Johnson, Assistant Superintendent for Career and Technology for the Houston Independent School

Calendarcontinued from P.1

District, and Ralph Cooper, Host of “SportsRap” heard weekly on KCOH Radio. The Mission: The Maroon and Grey Chapter’s mission is to provide assistance and in-kind support to the university’s athletic programs and its athletes. Contribute: This is a new event for the Texas Southern University Alumni Association, Inc., so to make the event a success your support is needed. By making a donation to this event, you will not only be contributing directly to the dollar amount the organization is able to give to Texas Southern University, but you will become an active participant in the event. You can participate at various levels, with attractive benefits at each. All donations are fully tax deductible and your support is greatly appreciated. Contact: If you have any questions about the Maroon and Grey Chapter or for donations, please feel free to contact Charles O’Saw at (832) 5415030 (during normal business hours) or by email at cnoosaw@aol.com. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– EVENT SPONSORED BY: BAYWAY LINCOLN MERCURY

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! YES! Send me Houston Business Connections on a Monthly Basis! When you subscribe to Houston Business Connections Monthly you will receive (12) issues. (Allow 2 weeks for processing).

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“Speaking Español. Club”—PLACE: Don Carlos Cantina Restaurant. 6501 Southwest Fwy. WHEN: August 3 & Every First Wednesday of the Month. TIME: AT 6 – 7:30 PM • TOPIC: Tu VS. Usted. Culture & Traditions. SPEAKER: Margarita Hernandez • PROGRAM COST: $45.00 (includes class, handout & dinner) • RSVP: @ 713-871-0934, 281-536-3927. • Join Us to Discuss, Practice and Have Fun Speaking Español. --------------------------------------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Thursday, September 8, 2005 Diversity Career Group –Sales & Management Job Fair, San Francisco, California • For more information about this event visit: www.diversitycareergroup.com --------------------------------------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Thursday, September 8, 2005 Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce From 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM : The second Thursday of every month kicks-off the Chamber social calendar with a Membership Orientation. New and renewing members are encouraged to come out and hear what the Chamber has to offer in the way of services and resources. Speakers and sponsors attend the morning gatherings, sharing vital information about how the Chamber has helped them succeed professionally in the business world. Location Address: HHCC Offices • 2900 Woodridge, 2nd Floor • Houston, Texas 77087 • For More Information Phone: 713-644-7070 or www.houstonhispanicchamber.com --------------------------------------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Sunday, September 11, 2005 The Houston Texans take on Buffalo@Noon. Game to be televised on CBS. --------------------------------------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Sunday, September 11, 2005 Red, White and Blue Family Day – 2 - 4 p.m. on John Connally Plaza, Join The Heritage Society for an afternoon of free family fun and entertainment. Children will delight in old-fashioned games and toys, play with clay, and make American flag pins! Come celebrate America with us! Family Days are made possible by the support of the John P. McGovern Foundation. For more information (713) 655-1912 or log on to www.heritagesociety.org --------------------------------------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Thursday, September 15, 2005 Houston Minority Business Council’s (HMBC) EXPO 2005— “Accelerate Your Business!”CONFERENCE CANCELLED! ------------––––––––––––––––––--------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Saturday, September 17, 2005 Houston Area Urban League • First Time Homebuyers Class • The First Time Homebuyers Class is designed to assist low to moderate-income families with the home buying process. Completion of this class entitles qualified families with down payment and closing cost assistance. Classes are in English and Spanish covering. Classes are from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ 1301 Texas Avenue (Downtown Houston) To Register Call: (713) 3938738 or (713) 393 8730. For more information: www.haul.org --------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Saturday, September, 17, 2005

Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. c/o: Houston Business Connections 957 Nasa Parkway #251 Houston, Texas 77058

Fiestas Patrias: One of the largest and most colorful community sponsored parades in the Southwest celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain. Colorfully clad dancers from area ballet folklorico troupes spin down the streets performing to festive Mexican music. The celebration culminates with the crowning of Miss Fiestas Patrias. For more information (713) 926-2636.

Please, send this info with your payment!

Sunday, September 18, 2005

First Name:________________________ Last Name:________________________ Phone#:__________________________ Alternate#:________________________ Mailing Address:____________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

The Houston Texans take on Pittsburgh@Noon. Game to be televised on CBS. --------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Please see CALENDAR, P.7

Your Support Will Enable Us To Better Inform You!

“Sometimes The Only Thing Between You And Your Dream Is A Connection!” 4 • SEPTEMBER • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735

GUEST EDITORIAL FROM REVEREND JESSE JACKSON Katrina: A Tragedy Made Worse

General Assistance Offered By Venezuela CHICAGO— The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., the founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition released the following statement regarding the tragedy caused by Hurricane Katrina: All of us share the pain of those hit so hard by Hurricane Katrina. All of us will do what we can to help ease the burden of the families who have lost their loved ones, their homes, and even their towns and cities. Even our amigos y amigas

would provide millions in aid, as a gesture of compassion from the people of Venezuela, to ease the pain and suffering of the victims of Katrina. We thank President Chavez and the Venezuelan people for their generosity. Several questions remain unanswered. First, we note that the storms seem to be increasing in frequency and voracity. Are

Jackson

Chavez

in Venezuela have generously offered their assistance. President Hugo Chavez himself

told me in Caracas earlier this week, as we watched the flooding on television, that Venezuela

continued from P.3 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

Please see KATRINA, P.18

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

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Listing

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Houston West Chamber Of Commerce (713) 785-4922 10777 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77042 Houston West Chamber Of Commerce Spring Branch Division (713) 467-9330 8400 Long Point Rd Houston, TX 77055 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 Japan Business Association Of Houston (281) 493-1512 14133 Memorial Dr Houston, TX 77079

Dianoh Johnson-Wills

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?

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Te x a s

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 North Houston Greenspoint Chamber Of Commerce (281) 872-8700 16825 Northchase Dr Houston, TX 77060 Seabrook Chamber Of Commerce (281) 488-7676 1201 Nasa Rd 1 Apollo, TX 77058

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H o u s t o n ,

National U.S. Arab Chamber Of Commerce (713) 963-4620 1330 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056

7 7 0 1 7

Please see LISTING, P.17

• Houston Business Connections Monthly • SEPTEMBER • 5

CHARITY A HELPING HAND Houston City Council Member Ronald C. Green and Local Community Partners Call For Disaster Relief For Victims of Hurricane Katrina

The

Psychology of Sales Selling is about relationships. By Jaaz Jones Houston Business Connections A good product or service can always be sold. However, selling products and services is the result of intention. The primary objective of top sales professionals should be to cultivate quality relationships. Good customer relationships create repeat business. Repeat business is built on a foundation of need satisfaction gratification. The cost of recruiting new business is five times the cost of maintaining existing customers. Treating people right is not a new concept in business, just sometimes a forgotten one. Focus on developing solid relationships with a foundation of sincerity and integrity – this creates loyalty. People don’t buy from companies; they buy from people...and for a reason. Individuals make purchases based on emotional fulfillment, physical desire, and/or mental stimulation. The psychology of sales is based on what people value; time and money and what people are motivated by, fear of loss or opportunity for gain. To increase your sales performance, enrich your relationship skills with three simple steps of effective selling techniques. The ABC’s of Selling explore the cycle of relationship building in sales. Step 1 is the Approach. The “approach” sets the stage for the sales presentation. Also, it is in the approach phase where proper preparation and planning takes place. Prospect development is the essential component in the “approach”. Five tips to enhance rapport with your customers are:

Houston, TX — Hurricane Katrina has caused catastrophic damage to Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Across the Gulf Coast, Katrina engulfed thousands of homes and decimated the landscape in what has become the most destructive storm in recent U.S. history. Victims are stranded and are in need of immediate medical care, food and water, and thousands of people will need temporary housing. Houston City Council Member Ronald C. Green is partnering with individuals and community organizations to provide assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Council Member Ronald C. Green, along with NFL Superstar Bobby Taylor, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, BFI Waste, 100 Black Men of America Houston Chapter, Houston Black Fire Fighters Association and the National Association for Black Public Administrators Houston Chapter recently held a community drop off for

citizens to drop off water, nonperishable items, such as diapers, can goods and powdered milk at the Golden Corral located at 3033 South Loop West 610 and South Main. Councilman Green Green stated, “Houston has many ties to Louisiana and we are united in our efforts to assist displaced citizens. Houston is a city filled with people who care and are willing to share whatever we have and actively assist people whose lives have been changed forever. I encourage everyone to make a conscious effort to get involved. As neighbors in the Gulf Coast area, we also live with the possibility of catastrophic storms and share in the sense of incalculable loss.” NFL Superstar Bobby Taylor, owner of Mzone Fashions, stated “Those of us who have been blessed in our lives have a

responsibility to those who are less fortunate. I am eager to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina and encourage all who can, to do the same.” Attorney Larry V. Green, president of the Houston Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., said, “The citizens of New Orleans are engulfed in utter and total devastation. The members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., are devoted to assisting victims of Hurricane Katrina.” “The local chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council is currently engaging in several collaborative efforts to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. This is the time for members of the BlackGreek Letter Organizations to answer the call to help uplift those in need during this difficult time,” said Tony Williams, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Houston and the Community Relations Please see RELIEF, P.7

1. Listen intently to your customer. 2. Discover a “comfort zone” with your customer — a common ground. 3. Show genuine interest in their needs. 4. Reflect a positive image, (i.e., dress professionally, know your product, speak confidently) 5. Operate in integrity, don’t make false promises or mislead your customer to get the sale. Step 2 is the Buy In. Once you have approached a prospect, the goal is to achieve “buy in”. This is done when the needs and desires of a prospect are met and that prospect is then motivated to “buy in” to the products and services you’ve presented. The relationship component of the “buy in” is uncovering and satisfying your customers needs and Please see SALES, P.18

6 • SEPTEMBER • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735

Relief continued from P.6 Representative of BFI Waste. Frazier Wilson, Vice President of Programs for 100 Black Men of America - Houston Chapter stated, “The 100 Black Men of America Houston Chapter will be assisting victims with food, housing, clothing and school supplies and our prayers go out to the families and friends of those who were affected by this terrible tragedy.” Otis Jordan of the Houston Black Fire Fighters Association stated, “New Orleans is our neighbor and the Houston Black Firefighters Association is dedicated to helping those in need, especially when disaster strikes.” Bonita Cade, president of the

Calendar

National Association for Black Public Administrators -Houston Chapter stated, “New Orleans is in the midst of total disaster and devastation; therefore, we encourage and challenge all members of the economic community to get involved in the effort to assist the citizens from Louisiana,Mississippi and Alabama.” Councilman Ronald Green stated, “Houston is proud to have good neighbors such as A-Rocket Moving and Storage, the Golden Corral at South Loop 610 and South Main, NFL Superstar, Bobby Taylor, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the National PanHellenic Council, BFI Waste, 100 Black Men of America - Houston Chapter, Houston Black Fire Fighters Association, and the National Association for Black Public Administrators -Houston Chapter .”

Wells Fargo to Contribute $1 Million to Support Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) has stated it and its team members will contribute up to $1 million to help victims of Hurricane Katrina in the affected Gulf States. The company will contribute $500,000 to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund to support immediate disaster relief and recovery. In addition, Wells Fargo will match contributions from its 151,000 team members dollarfor-dollar, up to $250,000, for a potential total of $1 million. “Hurricane Katrina has become a nationwide disaster, affecting a part of the country where Wells Fargo has more than 1,000 mortgage and consumer finance team

members, 100,000 customers and many more family and friends,” said Wells Fargo’s Chairman and CEO Dick Kovacevich. “As our country continues to assess the damage from this horrifying disaster, we want to support relief efforts. On behalf of our 151,000 team members at Wells Fargo across North America, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”Wells Fargo Small Business customers ñ Call the National Business Banking Center (NBBC) at 1-800-225-5935 (1-800CALL-WELLS). Emergency Line increases, Credit Protection activation and loan payment deferrals are available. Hours of operation:24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

continued from P.4 Completion of this class entitles qualified families with down payment and closing cost assistance. Classes are in English and Spanish covering. Classes are from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ 1301 Texas Avenue (Downtown Houston) To Register Call: (713) 393-8738 or (713) 393 8730. For more information: www.haul.org --------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Saturday, September, 17, 2005 Fiestas Patrias: One of the largest and most colorful community -sponsored parades in the Southwest celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain. Colorfully clad dancers from area ballet folklorico troupes spin down the streets performing to festive Mexican music. The celebration culminates with the crowning of Miss Fiestas Patrias. For more information (713) 926-2636.

Sunday, September 18, 2005 The Houston Texans take on Pittsburgh@Noon. Game to be televised on CBS. --------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Thursday, Sept., 22, 2005 Diversity Business Development: Straight Talk Orientation Sessions....September 22, 2005 from 1:30 - 3:00pm at Johnson Controls Auditorium, 5757 N. Green Bay Ave. Glendale, WI. Please email diversitybusiness@jci.com to register. Reference the September 22 Milwaukee Straight Talk. ------------–------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Thursday, Sept., 22, 2005 Diversity Business Development: Straight Talk Orientation Sessions....September 22, 2005 from 1:30 - 3:00pm at Johnson Controls Automotive Division Headquarters- Detroit. Please email diversitybusiness@jci.com to register. Reference the September 22 Detroit Straight Talk. -------------–-----www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Sunday, Sept.,25, 2005 The Houston Texans have a bye week. No game to be played. ------------–------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Sunday, Sept., 25-29, 2005 18th World Petroleum Congress, Cape Town, South Africa More than 4,000 Congress participants, 400 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors are expected to attend. The Congress will be hosted by PetroSA with cohosts NNPC, Libya’s NOC, Angola’s Sonangol and Algeria’s Sonatrach. Tel: +44 20 7596 5080, email: info@18wpc.com, or see Website: www.18wpc.com ------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Thursday, Sept., 29, 2005 Women For Hire Career Expo Washington D.C. -Connect with employers that really are hiring at the Women For Hire career expo! Dynamic Event. Exceptional Jobs. Priceless Career Advice & Inspiration. To register for our events, or discuss partnership opportunities, please contact us at: http://www.womenforhire.com/about/contact.asp or phone 212.580.6100 -------------------www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

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• Houston Business Connections Monthly • SEPTEMBER • 7

SERVICES

HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS REPORTS

four core principles; honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, and integrity,” says Antwan Moore, the founder and CEO of the company. “We treat our drivers as part of the family and our clients are part of the family also,” he says. Moore a graduate of Houston’s Westbury High School is very knowledgeable of the Houston market because he’s spent all of his life in Houston. “I know Houston like the back of my hand,” says this confident business owner. “My drivers are just as knowledgeable as I am of the Houston area…this saves our customers money because we take the shortest routes to get their packages to their desired destinations,” he says. Moore Transportation Service Founded by Moore in March of 2000, Moore Transportation Services opened its doors when Can Help Houstonians to Beat the Medical Billing Services asked Moore to be their High Gas Prices In Houston personal courier. Since then, Moore has grown his company from a one-man operation into a corporation with over twenty-five drivers. According to ouston area gas prices are now hovering Moore, he attributes the company’s growth to the around the $3 per gallon mark for regular faith he has in God and the support of his family, unleaded in most places. These days workers, and friends who have been there for him everyone is feeling the pinch every step of the way. of the high gasoline prices— The company specialespecially Houston area busiizes in hotshots, mail runs, and ness owners. If you’re driving general delivery services. around town in a mid-size car, “With gasoline prices so truck, or SUV—you know high…business people should exactly what we’re talking let Moore Transportation about. With no end in sight, Services do their running for experts feel prices are certain them,” says Aubrey R. to rise even higher over the Taylor, president and CEO of coming weeks. Some say gas Houston Highlights prices could reach as much as Publishing, L.L.C., the pub$5 dollars per gallon. Since lisher of Houston Business prices are certain to rise, DRIVEN TO SUCCEED: Antwan Moore has Connections. “I’ve found Houstonians are certain to grown Moore Transportation Services from a Antwan Moore and his combegin looking for options to one-man operation into a corporation with pany to be very dependable more than twenty-five drivers. With gas prices save money. One good option at record levels, delivery service providers like and they treat you like you are could be to begin using a Moore can help your business save dollars. their number one concern,” he delivery service. You may be says. “They’re not so big surprised at how inexpensive it is to let someone where you are just another number…however they else do the running around town for you. If you are big enough to service your every need.” have employees running errands or simple mail The corporate headquarters for Moore runs during the course of doing business, you could Transportation Services is located at 2600 South be liable for an accident—should one occur. This Loop West Suite #630 in Houston, Texas. For more alone is reason enough to consider using a delivery information or to begin experiencing the fast, service to cut costs. friendly, and on time every time service of “Moore Transportation Services is a Houston, Moore Transportation Service you should call Texas based courier service which operates under (713) 668-0500.

High Gas Prices Got You Down?

LOCAL NEWS ITEMS Houston City Council Reappoints Lawal to Another Term on Port Authority Commission Kase Lawal, chairman and CEO of CAMAC Holdings, which is one of the largest black-owned corporations in the United States according to Black Enterprise magazine is in the news again. This time he has been reappointed by the Houston City Council to serve another two-year term on the Port of Houston Authority Commission, where he currently serves as vice chairman. Lawal is most known for his interests in oil and gas exploration and energy trading. He was first appointed to the commission in 1999 and has been involved with establishing the Port of Houston Authority International Corp., and the small business development program. He also made news recently when he teamed Lawal up with former Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown to cosign an agreement to acquire a 21 percent interest in Unity National Bank for an undisclosed amount according to the bank. Unity National Bank has three locations in the Greater Houston area and is currently the only blackowned bank in Texas.

TDLR Takes Over Regulation Of Barbers, Cosmetologists Cost of Computer-Based Cosmetology Exam is Reduced by 27 Percent Regulation of the cosmetology and barbering professions transferred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) recently. Along with the transfer in authority comes a reduction in testing fees for cosmetologists. Senate Bill 411, which was passed by the 79th Texas Legislature and signed by Governor Rick Perry on June 18, transferred regulation of the cosmetology and barbering professions to TDLR, took effective on September 1, 2005. LaserGrade, the company that offers computer-based versions of the written exam that cosmetology applicants must pass, has agreed to reduce the fee it charges for the exam from $72 to $52, a reduction of more than 27 percent, effective immediately. Applicants must pass two tests to become licensed cosmetologists in Texas. The written test may be taken at the TDLR’s testing facility in Austin or at any of the 33 LaserGrade facilities located in towns and cities across the state. The second test, the practical exam, currently is offered only at TDLR's Austin test facility.

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

8 • SEPTEMBER • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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BUSINESS CORNER PROVIDED BY OFFICE TEAM

MAKING THE CUT Hiring Managers Interview Average of Six Candidates Per Job Opening 0MENLO PARK, CA – While hiring managers frequently are inundated with resumes for open positions, a new survey shows only a handful of applicants actually make it to the interview stage. Executives polled said that, on average, they interview six candidates for each job opening. The survey was developed by OfficeTeam and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from 150 executives – including those from human resources, finance, marketing, information technology and operations departments -with the nation’s 1,000 largest companies. Executives were asked, “On average, how many candidates do you interview for a position ..before you make a hiring decision?” The mean response was six. “Once you secure an interview, you’ve crossed a major hurdle and are one of only several candidates – from a field of many – under serious consideration,” said Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam. “The key then becomes presenting your skills and talent effectively and building rapport with the hiring manager to distinguish yourself from other candidates.”

skills and experience that make you a standout. –––––––––––––––––––––––––– OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and offers online job search s services at www.officeteam.com.

Pictured is Earl M. Cummings, CEO of Houston based BTS Team and former president of the Houston Business & Professional Men’s Club. BTS Team is one of Houston’s top minority owned businesses.

WHY SETTLE FOR LESS THAN THE BEST? Mike Calvert Toyota opened for business in Houston over 20 years ago. The reputation of this dealership is built upon Fairness, Honesty, and being there after the sale. Our hard work earned the President’s Award for Customer Satisfaction. Call Andre’ Walker at 866-684-3446 or come by our Dealership located at 2333 South Loop West for a pleasant buying experience. There’s always a great selection to choose from. Easy financing! Call or come by TODAY!

MIKE CALVERT TOYOTA 2333 SOUTH LOOP WEST HOUSTON, TEXAS 77054

Domeyer offered these tips for a successful interview: * Put yourself in the hiring manager’s chair. He or she is looking for a strong work ethic, motivation and a positive attitude. Be sure to emphasize these qualities during the discussion. * Know how to handle tough interview questions. No matter how prepared you are, you may get a curveball or two. Take your time and keep your responses to these questions concise. * Be yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. It benefits both you and the hiring manager to present an accurate picture of your skills and work style so you can ensure the right match. * Focus on your value to the company. What makes you a good fit for the job? By discussing experiences and accomplishments that relate directly to the open position, you demonstrate your ability to become an immediate contributor. * Find your unique selling proposition. What distinguishes you from the five or so others who are vying for the job? Know your strengths and emphasize those aspects of your PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735

Andre’ Walker New & Preowned Sales (713)558-8252 Direct (832)283-1660 Cell Email: usedcars@mikecalverttoyota.com

• Houston Business Connections Monthly • SEPTEMBER • 9

HEALTH TALK

RECENT APPOINTMENTS

WITH DR. JANICE M. BEAL

Gov. Perry Appoints Three Individuals To Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents

Stress & It’s Impact On You By: Dr. Janice M. Beal Houston Business Connections Columnist “I have a deadline tomorrow at three,” “The traffic was horrible,” “I don’t like my new boss,” “My spouse will not let up,” or “Oh My Children........” These statements are often said by people who are experiencing some form of stress. This six letter word is probably one of the most frequently used in the English language. Everyone at some point in their lives experience a certain amount of stress that may overcome their natural coping abilities. The important Dr. Beal factor is how you handle stress. Stress is defined as an environmental stimulus that affects an organism in physically psychologically injurious ways, usually producing anxiety, tension, and physiological arousal. Because we are individuals each person views a situation in a different way. What may be stressful for one may not be stressful for another person. What becomes most important is for you to be able to identify the sources of your stress and how these situations are affecting you. The process for learning to control stress is life-long and will not only contribute to better health, but a greater ability to succeed in one’s own plans.

Tips for reducing or controlling stress As you read the following suggestions, remember that success will not come from a half hearted effort, nor will it come overnight. It will take determination, persistence and time. Some suggestions may help immediately, but if your stress is chronic, it may require more attention and/or lifestyle changes. Determine YOUR tolerance level for stress and try to live within these limits. Learn to accept or change stressful and tense situations whenever possible. Be realistic. If you feel overwhelmed by some activities (yours and/or your family’s), learn to say NO! Eliminate an activity that is not absolutely necessary. You may be taking on more responsibility than you can or should handle. If you meet resistance, give reasons why you’re making the changes. Be willing to listen to other’s suggestions and be ready to compromise. Shed the “superman/superwoman” urge. No one is perfect, so don’t expect perfection from yourself or others. Ask yourself, “What really needs to be done? How much can I do? Is the

Tennis great Serena Williams launches new makeup brand Look out world of cosmetics—there’s a new kid on the block. Serena Williams has just signed a deal with New Yorkbased Estee Lauder Cosmetics’ lower-priced Flirt brand. The new line is scheduled to debut in February of 2006 in Kohl’s Corp. department stores Williams across the country. Williams 23, and her sister Venus also signed an agreement to be featured in McDonald’s Corp. advertisements to promote healthy eating and physical fitness earlier this year.

deadline realistic? What adjustments can I make?” Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Meditate. Just ten to twenty minutes of quiet reflection may bring relief from chronic stress as well as increase your tolerance to it. Use the time to listen to music, relax and try to think of pleasant things or nothing. Visualize. Use your imagination and picture how you can manage a stressful situation more successfully. Whether it’s a business presentation or moving to a new place, many people feel visual rehearsals boost self-confidence and enable them to take a more positive approach to a difficult task. Take one thing at a time. For people under tension or stress, an ordinary workload can sometimes seem unbearable. The best way to cope with this feeling of being overwhelmed is to take one task at a time. Pick one urgent task and work on it. Once you accomplish that task, choose the next one. The positive feeling of “checking off” tasks is very satisfying. It will motivate you to keep going. Exercise. Regular exercise is a popular way to relieve stress. Twenty to thirty minutes of physical activity benefits both the body and the mind. Healthy life style. Good nutrition makes a difference. Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol (alcohol actually disturbs regular sleep patterns), get adequate rest, exercise, and balance work and play. Share your feelings. A conversation with a friend lets you know that you are not the only one having a bad day, caring for a sick child or working in a busy office. Stay in touch with friends and family. Let them provide love, support and guidance. Don’t try to cope alone. Where to Get Help Help may be as close as a friend or spouse. But if you think that you or someone you know may be under more stress than just dealing with a passing difficulty, it may be helpful to talk with your doctor, spiritual advisor, or employee assistance professional. They may suggest you visit with a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or other qualified counselor. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Dr. Janice M. Beal is the Clinical Director for Beal Counseling Associates a community mental health agency. The agency specializes in Anger Management, Behavioral Problems, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Depression. Dr. Janice M. Beal can be contacted at (713)522-1721. Beal Counseling Associates is located at 2520 Rosewood St. @ Live Oak in Houston, Texas.

AUSTIN —Governor Rick Perry recently appointed three individuals to the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents for terms to expire Jan. 31, 2011. James Thompson of Sugar Land is president and founder of Team Associates, Inc. He has served as mayor pro tem, city council member and airport council liaison for the City of Sugar Perry Land. Thompson has also served on the board of the Sugar Land 4B Corporation and the Houston Galveston Area Council. He received a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and is a life member of the Stephen F. Austin Alumni Association. Melvin White of Pflugerville is founder of Digital Workforce Academy, Inc. He is a board member of the Stephen F. Austin Alumni Association and treasurer of the Texas Association of Historically Underutilized Businesses. White also is an associate member of Stephen F. Austin’s Lettermen’s Association and program director of Digital Workforce Academy. He received a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. Richard Boyer of The Colony is the information privacy officer for Children’s Medical Center Dallas. He is a former president and current member of The Colony Community Development Corporation. Boyer is a member of the Stephen F. Austin Alumni Association and The Colony Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as a member of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, the International Association of Privacy Professionals and the American Health Information Management Association. He received a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Other Appointments Three individuals appointed by Governor Perry to the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation for terms to expire Jan. 31, 2011. The corporation is responsible for guaranteeing loans made under the federal guaranteed student loan program. Dora Ann Verde of San Antonio is a certified public accountant and partner with Garza/Gonzalez & Associates. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), the Texas Society of CPAs and the San Antonio Chapter of CPAs. Verde serves on the board of Texas Public Radio, the Free Trade Alliance and ACCION Texas. She is a past president and current member of Mission City Business and Professional Women’s Club, and past treasurer and current member of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Sade Johnson of Houston is president of the student program board at the University of Houston. She is a L-SAMP Scholar and member of the University of Houston-Baylor Premedical Academy. Johnson serves as a volunteer at Texas Orthopedic Hospital and Star of Hope and is a Minute Maid mentor. Johnson is a biology/pre-medicine and sociology major at the University of Houston. Phil Diebel of Denton is chief financial and business officer for the University of North Texas System and the University of North Texas. He serves on the board of the Salvation Army of Denton, KERA Public Broadcasting and the Denton Regional Medical Center. Diebel is a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers, and past president of the Texas Association of State Senior College and University Officers. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. These appointments are subject to senate approval.

suits and demonstrate the value of the knowledge they have gained in the classcontinued from P.1 room. Last month the students toured Space Center Houston in addition to the That’s So Weird science exhibit. Recently they visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS). Students will also visit the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, located in Third Ward, for a guided tour focused on the brave men and women of color who courageously served in every great American war and military campaign. About the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies Program: Ford PAS is an advanced studies program that creates a dynamic link between classroom learning and the challenges students will face in college and in the workplace. Ford PAS, developed in partnership with the Education Development Center, is an academically rigorous, stan-

Students

10 • SEPTEMBER • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

dards-based program that introduces rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade students to the concepts and skills necessary for future success. About the Jesse H. Jones School of Business: Half a century after it was first established, the Jesse H. Jones School of Business (JHJ) continues to make history as the first Historically Black College and University to receive accreditation in 1967, and the fastest growing School within Texas Southern University. Since 1955 JHJ has produced leaders and learners who have helped shape communities, cities, states and nations around the world. Undergraduate programs include a bachelor of business administration (BBA) in accounting, marketing, finance, and management. Graduate programs include a master's of business administration (MBA) with general business, MBA with Health Care Administration concentration, joint MBA/JD, and a M.S. in Management Information Systems.

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AUTOMOTIVE BUYING TIPS BY FRED HOYER

Deciding Which Leasing Option Is Best For You By Fred Hoyer Fleet and Leasing Manager Bayway Lincoln Mercury Everyone at one time or another will purchase a new car or truck. One of the most popular forms of purchasing a new automobile is leasing. Leasing is the most common in luxury car lines, such as Lincoln, Cadillac, BMW, and Mercedes etc. Some advantages of leasing are lower monthly payments, more automobile for the money, ability to change automobiles every 2 to 3 years, and the vehicle remains under warranty during the lease term. Some things shouldn’t be done when leasing a vehicle. First, never lease an

automobile for more than 3 years. Secondly, make sure the miles allowed are 15,000 miles per year. Finally, do not lease an automobile if you cannot stay close to the mileage limitations as stated in the contract. There are two types of leases —Open -end and Close-end. Import dealers mostly use an Open-end lease and in my opinion, it is not a consumer friendly lease. The Open-end lease gives the consumer no options at the end of the lease. Take this example: you lease a new car or truck at $500 a month for 36 months, with a lease end value of $19,000. Lease end value is what the car would be sold to you for at the end of the lease period. Using an

Open-end lease you have no options at the end of the lease —you must purchase the car or truck at the $19,000 sales price. You can refinance or pay cash, but you are forced to buy the car as stated in your contract. Avoid the Open-end lease at all cost. Now lets talk about a Close-end lease. The domestic car lines mostly use a Closeend lease. I recommend this lease if you’re going to lease a new car or truck. Using this lease, you have options available at the end of the lease. First, at the end of the lease it is your choice whether you purchase the car or truck. Secondly, you can return the car to the dealership and purchase or lease a new car or truck. Thirdly, you can walk away from the lease at the

end of the lease period—if you desire to do so. However, you are responsible for mileage charges if you exceed the mileage allowed or if any damage is inflicted to the vehicle as stipulated in your contract. The Close-end lease in my opinion, is the more consumer friendly leasing option. I would recommend this option to anyone planning to lease a new car or truck. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– If you have any other questions regarding financing or leasing a new or used car or truck, contact Fred Hoyer at Bayway Lincoln Mercury at (281) 929-6500 or by email at Fred@BaywayLincolnMercury.com

Thinking ofa Lincoln or Mercury? Thinking about buying from the

#1 Dealer (8 years in a row)

& The Lincoln ‘President’s Premier Club Award’

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Fleet Manager

Fred@BaywayLincolnMercury.com

LINCOLN TOWNCAR

LINCOLN MARK LT

LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

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• Houston Business Connections Monthly • SEPTEMBER • 11

POLITICS CAMPAIGN ON FAST TRACK

Campaign

CONFERENCE CONVENES

continued from P.1 Houston City Council At Large Position 1. The third generation Houstonian is a renowned professional who has received the FAIA designation, the industry's highest honor. By the crowd you could tell that Peter is no stranger in Houston. The diverse crowd supported Brown’s statement that he is a candidate for all the citizens of Houston and has a vision for the city's future. In addressing the large crowd of supporters Cisneros said “It is an honor to have some one who has accomplished so much in his profession to be willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the city. Peter’s hand has been on many major developments in Houston. From The Main Street Project to Light Rail, Peter has been there. His design team won the international design competition for the restoration of Herman Park. I’ve sat and talked with this man and I know he will be a great leader for this city and I know he will Help Build A Better Houston,” said Cisneros. Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee expressed words of support for Brown at the event as well. Peter has been endorsed by numerous organizations and elected officials. He has been endorsed by the likes of Congressman Al Green, Rev. Bill Lawson, State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Former NAACP President Howard Jefferson, Constable May Walker, The Afro-American Sheriff Deputy League and many others. For more information you can call Peter’s campaign office at 713-528-0049 or visit his website at www.peterbrownforcouncil.org

APPLAUSE: Supporters applaud the arrival of candidate Brown and his guest Henry Cisneros.

MAKING HIS POINT: Candidate Peter Brown delivers a rousing speech at “Grand Opening.”

The Texas Conference of Black Mayors and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators recently celebrated their 5th Annual Golf Tournament and dinner in Houston. The Honorable Congressman Al Green (TX9), was the keynote speaker at the event held in the Ball Room of the Westin Oaks Galleria. Candidate for Houston City Council, Peter Brown, (Far Right), is joined by the National Conference of Black Mayors, president , Mayor Roosevelt Dorn of Inglewood California (Second from Right), Mayor Grace of St. Gabriel, Louisiana (Third from Right), Houston City Councilman, Ronald Green (Center), Texas Conference of Black Mayors president, Mayor John White of Aimes, Texas (Second from Left), along with other conference attendees.

ENDORSEMENT NEWS Heavy Hitters from Black Community Endorse Peter Brown For Houston City Council At-Large, Position 1 FACES: Judy Foston of Foston International, (Center) talks with other “Grand Opening” attendees.

Congressman Al Green (TX-9), Reverend William A. Lawson of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, and former NAACP official Howard Jefferson have endorsed Architect Peter Brown for Houston City Council At-Large, Position 1.

Brown Honored By Endorsement:

AT THE READY: Peter Brown (Third From Right) and members of his campaign team.

“I am deeply honored to receive the support of Congressman Green, Reverend Lawson, and Mr. Jefferson....these men have long been and continue to be pillars of the community. We share a vision of the future

Green

Lawson

Jefferson

of Houston—a city of hope and opportunity for all. I feel blessed to have their friendship and support.”

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PEOPLE & ANNOUNCEMENTS Log on to www.houstonbusinessconnections.com after October 15, to hear from the candidates Candidates are gearing up for the battle ahead. The filling deadline to take part in the upcoming Nov. 8th election has come and gone with few changes in the lineup. The only way things will change now is if a candidate drops out of the race, or is deamed ineligible. Candidates in the race for Please see CANDIDATES, P.18

Jarvis Johnson (Left) Candidate for City Council Dist. B.

Peter Brown (Right) Candidate forCity Council At-Large Pos. 1

BUSINESS PROFILE

Jay Ayer (Right) Candidate forCity Council At-Large Pos. 2

Felicia Galloway-Hall (LEFT) Candidate for City Council Dist. B

INTERVIEW

When you’ve got House For Mayor questions…We’ve got the answers! continued from P.1

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

eing the son of a Baptist minister and a director of a day care center, Erik Rhodes was brought up in a strict disciplinary environment. According to Rhodes, his parents played a key role during his early development. “The values instilled in me about how to treat people and how I should live my life are basic guiding principles that guide me today,” he explained. “My dad always had an entrepreneurial spirit and I believe it’s what gave birth to that desire for entrepreneurship within me,” said Rhodes. Soon after graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice from Stephen F. Austin State University (1988) in Nacadoches, TX, Rhodes decided to pursue a path of busi-

Erik Rhodes, president and CEO of the Investigative Firm.

ness ownership. His exposure to investigative work through his tenure with the Arlington Police Department and the FBI piqued his interest in creating his own investigative business. Thus, Investigative Firm, Inc. was born. Today, Rhodes is president, CEO and the Director of Investigations for Investigative Firm, Inc. (a Houstonbased private investigations firm). It provides services in the areas of Claims Investigations, Pre-Employment Background Investigations, Surveillance, Worker’s Compensation Investigations, Corporate Investigations, Asset and Financial Investigations, Investigative Due Diligence, Commercial Collections and Criminal Investigations. With investigators, in Houston, Dallas, Beaumont, San Antonio, Austin, and Corpus Christi, the firm has Texas covered. Rhodes believes a proper investigation can greatly reduce a company’s exposure to litigation and likely result in losses being reduced. According to Rhodes, the Investigative Firm, Inc. afforded clients many millions of dollars in savings and awards from juries. Due to several high profiled investigations, the firm has been featured in the Dallas Business Journal and The San Bernardino, California Sun Newspaper. When you’ve got questions, the Investigative Firm, Inc. has answers. To contact a representative you may do so by calling: (713) 895-5101 or 1-800-681-5262.

AUBREY: What will you do for the city that perhaps the current administration is not currently doing? HOUSE: Houstonians will be given a greater voice by empowerment, giving them a forum to give meaningful input on the planning and development of their neighborhoods and the City of Houston as a whole. If Houston is to become a great city, it must be inclusive of its citizens and not only major developers and the wealthy. AUBREY: What can city employees expect from your administration if you are elected mayor on November 8, 2005? HOUSE: City employees must be respected and appreciated by city administrators. Too often consultants and department heads are selected outside Houston and Texas which says that Houstonians are not qualified to manage the direction of their own city. Our city employees have been doing a great job for many years and getting their input to better cut costs and be more efficient is key—not forcing them into retirement and gambling with their pensions. AUBREY: Do you feel citizens are currently informed as well as they should be? HOUSE: Citizens must be made aware of what is going on at city hall by first being part of the serious decision-making process. Making decisions for citizens and then conducting a townhall meeting is the improper procedure if you respect and understand “We, the People...” AUBREY: What are some of your short and long terms plans for the city of Houston? HOUSE: Short and long term plans for Houston will focus first on empowering neighborhoods to plan and develop or re-develop their future and tie into the long term plans for the city at large. I would divide Houston into four quarters, NW, NE, SW and SE and focus on the priority needs and resolutions for each. I would work monthly on addressing these concerns and provide quarterly reports to each household in Houston. This prevents the eventual hiring of any consultant to do what citizens and city employees already in place are capable doing. AUBREY: How would you handle a crisis such as the one city leadership is currently having to deal with? HOUSE: First, get population/census information from the mayor of New Orleans. Call a meeting with NBUF, SHAPE, BUF, Shrine of Black Madonna, United Way, Red Cross, etc. and other applicable groups for immediate action. Order emergency pickup via ship, plane, etc. Have medical teams ready to treat families upon arrival as they exit transport, have food, water and clothing ready to hand to each family. Assign color-coded housing or sections each family will go to so that they could easily be located. A list would be posted at each color-coded location so that all participants could locate their loved ones immediately rather than trying to do email or some other ridiculous approach. Each color would represent a quarter of the city to avoid concentration of so many in one location that causes disease/viruses to

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MAKING HER RUN: Gladys M. House has served Houston’s 4th Ward community for more that 25 years and is now making a run to become Houston’s first African American female mayor.

spread. Housing would initially be in motels, hotels, and tents while temporary permanent housing would be established. AUBREY: What is your view on what capital improvements are needed currently in the city? HOUSE: Capital improvements of infrastructure, sewer, and streets must be more fairly applied. Presently, disadvantaged neighborhoods in Houston receive blacktop while Caucasian communities receive concrete streets, and this is unfair. Each period during CIP (Capital Improvement Project) Houstonians are asked to submit their needs for their community, but disadvantaged communities never receive fulfillment. The city uses these communities’ demographics to obtain state and federal funding, but upon receipt of the funds, the city re-directs funding elsewhere. AUBREY: You mentioned several times that the current administration is unfair. In your opinion, who is benefiting from this perceived unfairness? HOUSE: City government is biased and favors the major developers and wealthy, while being arrogant and insensitive to the everyday citizen requesting assistance. AUBREY: If elected what are some immediate changes you would initiate? HOUSE: I would make city hall more Houstonian friendly and inclusiveness of citizens would be the immediate change upon my being elected and sworn in as mayor of Houston. Empowering Houstonians to give their input and be a part of the direction the city is headed would make the difference. AUBREY: Why should the citizens of Houston vote to give you the opportunity to become the city’s first African American female mayor? HOUSE: If Houstonians want to be respected and included in helping to make their city grow and prosper for all citizens, then they will vote for me. Houston can’t continue the route of favoritism and unfairness along with the attack on city employees. There are difficult times ahead and we must prepare ourselves for them.

• Houston Business Connections Monthly • SEPTEMBER • 13

BUSINESS JOHN H. JOHNSON 1918-2005

Johnson

John Johnson with his daughter, Linda Johnson Rice..In

continued from P.1 ket. The founder and publisher succumbed after an extended illness on the 60th anniversary of EBONY magazine, which, under his leadership, has been the biggest Black-owned magazine in the world for 60 straight years. In 2002, Johnson named Linda Johnson Rice, the chief operating officer, CEO of the company, but retained the title of chairman and publisher until his death. Rice said her father was active in company affairs. “He was in his office and alert and active until the end. He was the greatest salesman and CEO I have ever known, but he was also a father, friend and mentor with a great sense of humor who never stopped climbing mountains and dreaming dreams.” Throughout his career, Mr. Johnson received several awards including, the highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, t h e Magazine Publisher’s Association Publisher of the Year Award, the Advertising Hall of Fame Award, the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame Award, the National Business Hall of Fame Award, the Greatest Minority Entrepreneur Award, the Horatio Alger Award and the NAACP Spingarn Award. In 2003 Howard University in Washington, D.C. established the John H. Johnson School of Communications in his honor. In 2005 the John H. Johnson Delta Cultural and Entrepreneurial Learning Center in Arkansas City was dedicated. Mr. Johnson received several honorary doctoral degrees from universities including Harvard University, the University o f S o u t h e r n California, Northwestern University, Howard University and Morehouse College. Mrs. Rice states, “This is a tremendously sad time for me personally, my mother and my daughter, Alexa, and for our company and its employees. However, we are determined to continue to move forward with the inspiring legacy he has left us.” Mr. Johnson was born in poverty in Arkansas City, Arkansas in 1918. He credits the love and determination of his mother, the late Gertrude Johnson Williams for starting him on the road to success. Throughout his career he was supported by his wife, Eunice W. Johnson, secretary-treasurer of the company; and his daughter, President & CEO Linda Johnson Rice. In his autobiography, Succeeding Against the Odds, Mr. Johnson said, “I believe that the only failure is failing to try…and if my life has meaning…it is because millions of Americans, Black and White, have proved through me that the Dream is still alive and well and working in America.”

2002, Johnson named Linda Johnson Rice, the chief operating officer, CEO of the company, but retained the title of chairman and publisher until his death. President Ronald Reagan greeting John Johnson at a dinner in the White House to honor Mikhail Gorbachev, General Secretary of the Soviet Union (far left). Photo Courtesy (National Archives)

(Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Kirn/NYT Pictures.)

. Jarvis

JOHNSON

Visit www.jarvisfordistrictb.houstonbusinessconnections.com

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Houston City Council District B Paid for by Jarvis Johnson Campaign, Velika Hines, Treasurer

ENDORSEMENTS: • Harris County Democrats • Harris County Young Democrats (*Very Quality Rating). • Communication Workers of America, AFL-CIO • Transportation Workers Union, AFL-CIO • Mailhandler Union, AFL-CIO • African Methodist Episcopal Ministerial Alliance As a Father, Husband, Home Owner, Civic Leader, Businessman, and College Graduate, Jarvis Johnson pledges to listen and work with all Residents to make Our Neighborhoods Safer from crime and more Secure from flooding. Vote for Jarvis Johnson!

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Vote For Jarvis Johnson On November 8, 2005

14 • SEPTEMBER • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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BUSINESS & COMMENTARIES

Diversity Is The Name Of The Game— Not Everyone Plays What is diversity… what does it mean…. who does it help? By: Cleo Glenn-Johnson Houston Business Connections Columnist

The New Face of Minority Business By: E. Matthew Cooper Houston Business Connections Columnist

ifty years ago, there were very few black businesses. The ones that did exist were cobblers, store owners and other extremely small businesses. Today, much has changed. America’s entrepreneurs are much more diverse racially, gender-wise and age-wise, and an increasing number are starting service businesses rather than manufacturing or retail companies. Economists and small-business experts say the key trends in American entrepreneurship—growing diversity, an aging work force, a preference for starting companies that fit personal lifestyles, and a move into higher-value, global industries—are only likely to accelerate in the coming years. Ten years from now, they contend, the entrepreneur of the future will be drastically different from even today’s business owners. Perhaps the biggest change we’ll see in the entrepreneur of the future is that 201’s business owner is more likely to be a woman or a minority. According to the Center for Women’s Business Research, more than half of African-American women small-business owners say their firms have grown over the past three years, a significant feat in a fledgling economy. Joel Marks, executive director of the American Small Business Alliance, an industry trade group, notes that the number of minorities participating in his organization has grown sharply in recent years. Several factors may explain why more women and minorities are starting companies. For starters, more minorities are going into the workforce. But more complex factors also come into play. As an earlier generation of minorities began to go into entrepreneurship in the 1970s and ‘80s, they provided critical role models like Magic Johnson and Oprah Winfrey who have sparked many more, younger minorities to consider starting their own companies. “There are more minority role models in entrepreneurship [today, so] entrepreneurship is increasingly seen by minorities as an acceptable way to go,” says William Bradford, an expert on minority-owned small businesses. But starting a business isn’t easy, especially for minorities. One big reason why is lack of access to capital for minorities, who still find it hard to obtain traditional sources of funding, such as bank financing, SBA loans and venture capital. “There’s a lack of adequate financing, particularly for AfricanAmerican business. It goes back to an attitude that (minorities) might not be ‘as good a’ and that dealing with them might somehow be the negative part of affirmative action,” said Harriet R. Michel, president of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. While there are those like Chase and Bank of America, which are very aggressive (in lending to minorities, there are too many local banks that want minority firms to be ‘more than’ to get the credit,” adds Michel. Michel sees joint ventures and partnerships as keys to future success. She also believes acquisitions will play a big part in minority business growth. “Minority firms are going to buy existing companies and recognized brands,” she says. “There are minorities with the asset base and capital amassed to do this.” In the long run, Bradford adds, alternative capital networks will provide minority entrepreneurs with more tools to raise capital. And their future success may convince the mainstream financing industry to invest more heavily in minority firms. Like the rest of the small-business world, high tech growth trends will continue to play a pivotal part in business formation and growth among minority businesses. But more important, entities like the internet, which only recognize the color of money, could conceivably level the playing field. No matter how you view them, the numbers on start-up and growth capital available to minority-owned businesses don’t look good. According to the SBA Office of Advocacy, commercial banks are the largest single source of credit for small businesses, yet according to the Commerce Department, a surprising 40 percent of minority-owned firms with gross sales of at least $1 million never received a bank loan. And of the 60 percent who did, many were limited to SBA-guaranteed loans. Investment capital data is no better. According to the SBA, only 5.2 percent of Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program capital was invested in minority enterprises between October 1997 and August 1998: 1.5 percent in African-American firms, 1.45 percent in Asian subcontinent companies, 1.32 percent in Latino businesses, .91 percent in Please see BUSINESS, P.18

was created to make White employers act and behave fairly in the workplace and all other situations (i.e. contracts, buying, selling and charity). IVERSITY….diversity means…diver- Dr. Robert Jensen of the University of Texas and sity helps who…diversity does what? author of the article “White Privileges”, noted Many terms and concepts are widely that it seems as if no matter what law is in place used and have an the majority group will take the impact far beyond what privilege of being as white as can be seen. This statement seems their calling card. The job, the to hold true with the term diversity. contract and the position, for the Several years ago, to diversimost part, is theirs and many fy meant to have a variety of times younger Whites think they stocks in your investment portfoare really that good, never recoglio or to be engaged in more than nizing part of the qualification one main business. Today, the was being white and male. focus of diversity is on the variety Let’s look at some workplaces of people, cultures, and skills and where fair is supposed to be fair, but it impacts where one lives, goes to is merely a matter of interpretation. school and works. In the workThe news media, corporate Johnson place, it affects such decisions as America and workplace camhiring, promoting and charitable paigns all depend on someone to giving. respond, someone to tell the truth and the other to Do you ever wonder what the big deal is do the right thing. about diversity? Is everyone afraid of lawsuits? Our fundamental criticism is that the news Change and doing the right thing? Or are there media have failed to analyze and report adequateother reasons this subject keeps coming up in ly on racial problems in the United States. “The meetings, memos and messages from the CEO, media tends to write and report from the standgenerally questioning what we should do or point of a white man’s world. This may be underwhether we are doing enough? The answer is, standable, but it is not excusable in an institution “what more do they want.” No company, govern- that has the mission to inform and educate the ment or form of operation truly lives up to the world of our society,” states the Kerner conversations, written laws or meetings about Commission Report (1968). diversity. You see, we only re-define the word not Interestingly, one would think that this statethe situation. Therefore, we need a constant ment is no longer true. However, it is perhaps reminder. In the past, the equation of fairness was more true today than ever before. Many media structured by affirmative action and inclusion, outlets and reporters have become so comfortable and before that, it was civil rights. Now it’s diver- and/or impressed with their jobs, that whether or not sity. Same definitions, same situations, same con- they are reporting the truth and what impact it is ditions, same positions and same results, but none having has become secondary. have truly prevailed beyond the moment. In realIn media coverage of the current war, the ity, there has been no social change, no changed lack of diversity within the ranks of editors, behavior and no lasting results. news directors and other news gatekeepers is The population of the United States is rapidly reflected in the people that are being shown changing. Census 2000 brought this fact to the and whose stories are being told. The majority attention of companies and seats of government of television stations would have you believe that everywhere. It reported the astonishing news that only whites are in this war and are the only ones the Latino population would soon become the defending this country; that they are the only ones largest minority group in the country and that peo- who have family and friends, the only ones makple of color already are a majority in California ing intelligent decisions and the only ones capable (quickly becoming such in several other states, of reporting the news here and abroad. For the including Texas and Florida). greed of money and fame, the heads of the news More and more top managers are beginning rooms will not be inclusive of other ethnic groups to think, “WE NEED TO GET A PIECE OF THE in a positive way, especially people of color, for PIE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE”. Their real inter- fear that the world will see we are better than the est in diversity was born from this realization and reports given on us. the realization that people of color were signifiDiversity is not found in charity either. cant consumers. This made it imperative for man- One would think today that corporate America agers to make minorities visible and to place them would understand that all communities are in important places in the corporate world. What uniquely different and cannot be measured by the better way to attract and reach new customers? same indicators as in the past. With all the money Recognizing that the rich get richer and the poor they have so generously given out as good comsupport them with smaller paychecks, over taxa- munity partners, they have had very little impact tion and higher cost on products and merchandise, and have helped to contribute to the growing the only thing that is diversified is who’s selling problem of poverty and desolation. Yet, they seek and who is buying. to get a piece of the people of color’s resources by Let’s look at some shattering statistics: hiring and promoting people from their communiAmong Americans age 70 and up, there are 5.3 ty, nonverbally saying, “see how good we are”. white people for every person of color- a ratio of Yet, these are the very communities they refuse to roughly 5-1. For Americans below 40; however, help directly. Many times, the people from the the ratio is 2-to-1, and among children under 10 community they hire base their faith in the man years, the ratio is 1.5-to-1. that hired them rather than in God, resulting not in Based on the 2000 Census, things will the sensitization of the company to understand change, but will the structure really include diver- how to help, but in the employee generally going sity? Will it employ a policy of inclusion or along with what their “BOSS” wants to do. insure that individuals will be hired based on On the other hand the charity community sufqualifications and not because affirmative action fers from the same sickness of greed and fame as has been reversed? Many people do not under- do the media and corporate America. To make stand for whom affirmative action was created. Therefore, everyone focuses on the black commuPlease see DIVERSITY, P.20 nity verses recognizing that affirmative action

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• Houston Business Connections Monthly • SEPTEMBER • 15

BUSINESS SHOWCASE & From: Max Messmer Chairman & CEO, Robert Half International

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

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continued from P.16 easy to keep in touch with the office and are frequent companions for vacationing executives. They offer instant connectivity but prevent much-needed breaks from work.” McDonald offers several tips for executives who want to be accessible yet still enjoy plenty of rest and relaxation: * Designate point persons. Inform key parties well in advance of your upcoming absence and appoint someone you trust to manage major projects and daily responsibilities on your behalf. * Provide staff with clear instructions. Let your team know upfront what matters would require your immediate attention and those that can wait for your return. Request they offer solutions to urgent issues they communicate to you. * Be specific in out-ofoffice messages. State in your out-of-office e-mail responses and voice-mail recordings whom to contact for requests in your absence and when you will return to the office. * Determine "check in" times. If you must check e-mail and voice mail, do so during specific times, such as early morning or evening. Let your staff know when you will be checking in to avoid interruptions throughout the day. * Understand the importance of a vacation. Recognize that breaks are a necessity, not a luxury. Don’t minimize the value of taking enough time to recharge. –––––––––––––––––––––––––– Robert Half Management Resources has more than 100 offices throughout North America, Europe and Australia, and offers online job search services at www.rhmr.com.

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• Houston Business Connections Monthly • SEPTEMBER • 17

Bell continued from P.3 then the UT president, authorized money to build the base, but asked students to raise the money for the statue. In 1995, the student body

Business continued from P.15 Asian/Pacific Islander enterprises and nothing in Native American firms. So why can't minorities get the

Sales continued from P.6 wants. Four tools used for need discovery are: 1. Investigate – ask relevant questions. 2. Speculate – anticipate customer needs based on the answers they’ve given you. 3. Stimulate – identify products/services you offer that will fill your customers need. 4. Create – present solutions to your customers. Step 3 is the Close. Closing is a process that takes place throughout a sales presentation, not just at the end. Whenever you ask your customers questions regarding their

passed a referendum by an overwhelming margin to charge students a dollar per semester to pay for the sculpture with all remaining proceeds to fund a scholarship in Dr. King’s name. Bell served as an at-large city councilman in Houston for five years before going to Congress where he

became best known for filing the ethics complaint against Tom DeLay that led to a bi-partisan admonishment of the Majority Leader. Bell, who earned an A rating from the NAACP for his voting record in Congress, lost his seat after the Republican-driven gerrymandering.

financing they need? There's no simple answer. “A lot of major banks didn't make small loans until recently, and these banks aren't familiar with the minority business community,” contends Courtland Cox, director of the Minority Business Development Agency, the

Commerce Department entity that promotes minority entrepreneurship. I’'s clear minorities still have considerable ground to make up. But as their numbers increase, the demographics will force the business community to reassess its biases.

needs their answers become confirmation of their reason for purchasing your goods and services. Consequently what you are really doing is confirming not selling. Ultimately as customers we sell ourselves on our own basic and intrinsic needs. As relationship building sales professionals you just provide the goods that satisfy the need. Remember closing the deal is not the end of the relationship it is just the beginning. Some final tips on maintaining good customer relationships are: 1. Send a thank you note for your customers business. 2. Record special dates in your files such as

birthdays, anniversaries, etc. and send acknowledgements. 3. Send new product samples, coupons and gift certificates to encourage repeat business. 4. Utilize e-commerce for consistent up to date communication. (E-mail and website). _____________________________

Katrina continued from P.5 Or are they partly man-made? In other words, is global warming contributing to the frequency and harshness of these disasters? We must free our public scientific research from the grip of right-wing ideology and theology, in order to answer this question scientifically and protect our people. Second, the levee breach demon-

Candidates continued from P.1 Mayor are Bill White, Anthony Dutrow, Gladys House, Jack Terence, and Luis Ullrich. Bill White is the incumbent. In the race for City controller, Annise Parker is unapposed. The race for City Council District A includes Toni Lawrence, the incumbent and Dennis Carter. The race for City Council District B, includes Tommie Allen, Angle Bush, Robin German-Curtis,

Marsh continued from P.1 lots of features which are constantly upgraded and no contract for an internet dial-up service, became the permanent mantra that catapulted ev1.net into the enviable position of the fastest growing ISP (internet service provider) in Texas. The philosophy from the beginning has been to develop a world-class network and sell at below-market prices. “Folks are a lot more price sensitive than they were in the past,” Marsh, Everyones Internet President and CEO says. “The value concept is well-positioned in today’s economy.” Entrepreneurial since his lemonade stand days at age 9,

Footnote: Jaaz Jones is the President of Seeds Of Success, Lifestyle Enrichment Institute. Ms. Jones is a motivational speaker and training facilitator with over 19 years of training, meeting management and presentation experience. To schedule a complete workshop for this course or any other course offered by Seeds Of Success for your company or organization please call 512-632-9384, email us at sosharvest@sbcglobal.net or visit our website at www.seedsofsuccess.net

Green continued from P.3 lems. The City has identified the total project cost at $12.8 million dollars. The funds secured by Green are a major contribution and will help expedite the sorely-needed flood project. 2.Park Rehabilitation - $750,000 dollars: This project will aid the redevelopment of Scottcrest Park in the Sunnyside area to provide a more safe and neighborhoodfriendly park. Funds will provide adequate lighting, pedestrian amenities, sports fields, and playground equipment for children. 3. Construction of pedestrian walkways $1 million dollars: This project includes the construction of 158 blocks of pedestrian walkways in Houston's Main Street Corridor to link residential, retail, commercial and park areas to the City's light-rail system. 4. Construction of

two connectors between State Highway 288 and Beltway 8 - $1.8 million dollars: This project will improve traffic flow, connectivity, air quality, and mobility for personal and commercial- freight travel. State Highway 288 and Beltway 8 take on added significance because they are part of the region's Hurricane Evacuation Plan. “We've focused on improving Houstonians' quality of life and this project - providing better streets and drainage - will make a big difference in the lives of many citizens in these neighborhoods,” said Mayor Bill White. “Thanks to Congressman Green for securing this important funding for us.” Councilwoman Edwards added, “This is a great example of how elected officials who represent the same constituency can join in a partnership to obtain these types of victories that benefit our shared community.”

strates the flaws in our internal infrastructure. Homeland security means more than removing people’s shoes at the airport. It means making sure that our levees, our dams, our bridges, our roads, our ports and rails are all safe. Unfortunately, the tax cuts for the rich and the billions wasted on an unnecessary war in Iraq have devastated our public infrastructure, forcing cuts at every level, including levee protection and maintenance. Third, our National Guard troops must have wondered what they were doing

in Baghdad while New Orleans was flooding. They were unable to help their fellow Americans because they are occupying a nation which did not have WMDs, which did not threaten us. Baghdad was invaded; Baton Rouge was abandoned. The lies that led us into Iraq have trapped us there, leaving us weaker in the face of threats and challenges at home. Finally, we must note that too many of the poor and indigent those without automobiles, those who couldn’t easily evacuate, those who didn’t have the dis-

cretionary cash for a week in a motel on short notice or even for gas money, in these times of $3 per gallon gasoline these poor were left to battle the water and face the storm alone. We had warning; but too many of our poorest citizens were not evacuated. This must not happen again. We offer our prayers for the victims and their families. And we remind those who are in pain that after God sent the flood, he sent Noah a rainbow and a dove, as signs that peace and joy would come again in the morning.

Felicia Galloway-Hall, Anna Gray, Willie Hunter, Charles Ingram, Jarvis Johnson, and Etheal Lewis. Carol Mims Galloway is the incumbent and is term-limited. The race for District C includes, Anne Clutterbuck, Brian Cweren, George Hittner, Ray Jones, Mark Donald Lee, Herman Litt, and Judith Siverson. In District D, council member Ada Edwards is unapposed. Incumbent Addie Wiseman in District E, is unapposed. In District F, Khalid A. Khan, and John Shike will face off against the incumbent M.J. Khan. In District G, incumbent Pam Holm will not

not have a challenger. In District H, incumbent Adrian Garcia will face off against Larry Williams. In District I, incumbent Carol Alvarado will be challenged by John Parras. The At-Large Position 1 race has Peter Brown, Michael Griffin and Roy Morales facing off. The At-Large Position 2 race will have Hipolito Acosta, Jay Aiyer, John Elford, Sue Lovell, and James Neal vying for a chance to sit at the council table. The AtLarge Position 3 race has incumbent Shelley Sekula-Gibbs being challenged by James Partsch-Galvan. In the At-Large

Position 4 race, Ronald Green will not have an opponent. Michael Berry the incumbent will be challenged by Micheal Charles Stoma for the At-Large Position 5 council chair. Other offices and issues to appear on the ballot will include: Houston Independent School Board, Houston Community College Board, and State District 143. Voters will also vote on nine state constitional amendments and several surbaban city council and school board elections and referendums. Early voting starts on October 24, and the election will be held on Nov 8.

while at college in Arkansas Robert Marsh rehabilitated a grand, historic single screen movie theatre. At age 21, in 1991, he co-founded Beeper Boutique with his father introducing beepers in a variety of styles and colors to consumers at value prices. Always looking for growth potential in communications, he was one of the three principals behind the launch of Everyones Internet. Not having much money to start with, “we had to pull it together on our bootstraps,” says Marsh. “We had to make it work with less (and still are cost-conscious). Others have huge money behind them and have blown through hundreds of millions of dollars – and they’re still not profitable.” Marsh doesn’t believe in growing gray before sharing his good fortune with the community.

His other passions: children, including his son, and animals. Robert and his wife Michelle and his brother Roy and wife Kathi are generous supporters of Houston Children’s Charity a non-profit umbrella group that helps many child-involved agencies in the Houston area. The Marshes are also involved with Citizens for Animal Protection and its volunteer adoption shelter for abused and abandoned animals, and Greyhound Pets of America (a local greyhound rescue group). United Cerebral Palsy, and the Jewish Community Center Children’s Carnival, are a few more of the groups the supported by the Marshes. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Contact Everyones Internet by logging on to www.ev1.net or call the corporate office at (713) 333-SURF.

18 • SEPTEMBER • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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• Houston Business Connections Monthly • SEPTEMBER • 19

Diversity continued from P.15 certain that there is only one major charity receiving all the funds, corporations will deny all but that one charity with the contention that it is for accountability purposes and to ensure that the needs in the community are met and served appropriately. As a result, other charities are limited in what they receive from the corporation in terms of access, grants, volunteers, staff assistants, etc. The most unintelligent and insulting question asked by corporations to other possible charities of choice (the charity of color, of my community) is have they checked with the major charity of the corporation’s choice before submitting a request. This highly offensive question is a slap in the face and an attempt to reduce other charities to a subservient level and insult their intelligence, causing frustration, dissension, mistrust and confusion. This is not “DIVERSITY” at its best! Oftentimes, rather than listening to the community, corporations will create a superficial outreach team that consists of individuals who have very little knowledge of what the real needs are in a particular community. Although the communities in need are saying, “let us define our wishes so we can help ourselves”, corporations give the money to a Fortune 500 Charity Monopoly that defines the poor as wait until we get paid; virtually denying the community an opportunity to change its conditions. Longterm, it prevents communities from becoming equal partners in society, Rather, they remain beggars of their destiny. Just like the need to have different types of businesses, schools, and church denominations, there is a need to have different types of charities. Contrary to what is popular, our differences make us unique and are the very things that contribute to the beauty in this world. In the real world of change, different communities have their own charity umbrellas to appropriately support their needs and address their conditions. All of these charities exist with the intent to help their communities change and they need support; not to be controlled by a monopoly whose position is only to control. Compromising the future of their organization for money is not suitable behavior. These groups have come too far and struggled too long to create what they have for the future to give in now. If corporations wanted to live up to the diversity they speak of, they would be more inclusive on all fronts, and do away with that slave mentality of, I’ll feel safer if the organization look like me, walks like me, and does as I say. The list of diverse charities that represent diverse communities and needs includes: The Native American Funds, The Black United Funds, The Women’s Funds, The Hispanic Funds, The Environmental Funds, The Social Change Funds, The Gay/Lesbian Funds, The Asia American Funds, The United

Jewish Appeal, The Polish American Fund, The Irish American Fund and The United Latino Funds, to name a few. Each of these groups is unique, represents a different community and serves it’s constituents without infringing on others. At the same time, they all have a positive impact on everyone. This is called "DIVERSITY" at its best; and if implemented with the right intentions, represents the true meaning of “COMMUNITY”. We don’t need a 9/11 to remind us that we live in a world of differences and that we should salute our abilities to build on strengths and learn to live in harmony. Let’s be reminded that an assortment gives us choices and multiplicity gives us an array of everything. “Variety is the Spice of Life.” Diversity is God’s way of adding flare and color to an otherwise plain world. He made us all just the way we are. Doesn’t that count for something? ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Cleo Glen Johnson can be contacted by calling her at 832.250.1884.

Biography continued from P.3 in 1978 and chairman in 1992. McLane Group, which is based in Temple, Texas, is still a family-owned holding company that owns and operates The Houston Astros Baseball Club, Astrodome USA, MCInternational (a global import/export trading company), M-Group (which sells computer software and logistics planning consulting services to the distribution industry), McLane International, Inc. (provider of wholesale food distribution facilities overseas), and Classic Foods (a Fort Worth-based manufacturing company). During his years with the company, McLane assisted his father in building an effective grocery distribution network that served convenience

stores, supermarkets,and the fast-food industry nationwide. When he became President and CEO, he added 16 distribution facilities across the United States, and McLane Company experienced an average yearly sales growth of 30 percent from 1964 through 1993. In 1990, McLane Company merged with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and McLane accepted the position of vice chairman of Wal-Mart. He resigned his positions as chairman of McLane Company and vice chairman of Wal-Mart in 1994 to devote more time to his responsibilities as chairman of McLane Group. In addition to traveling extensively for his business, McLane also devotes much time to his community, serving on the Executive Board, Heart ‘0 Texas Council, Boy Scouts of America; as director of Scott & White Memorial

Hospital; as director of the Greater Houston Partnership; as advisory director of Texas Commerce Bancshares; as member of the National Board of Governors of the Children’s Miracle Network; and as deacon and past chairman of the Deacon Board of First Baptist Church in Temple. In addition, McLane is a trustee for Baylor University, South Texas College of Law, and Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. His past civic activities include acting as president of the Temple Chamber of Commerce, Baylor University Development Council and United Way (Temple, Texas), and as a member of the Texas State Board of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. His industry involvement includes serving as chairman for National American Wholesale Grocers Association and president of Texas Wholesale Grocers Association.

20 • SEPTEMBER • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735

HURRICANE KATRINA GOODWILL AT WORK:

Title Sponsor Jarvis Johnson For District B Campaign This report is made possible by the generous support of the Jarvis Johnson For District District B Campaign, The Campaign To Re-Elect Judge Georgia Dempster, and the Gladys House For Mayor Campaign. To View On-Line Go To:

Texas’ largest association pledges $150,000 to neighboring states AUSTIN—Texas Association of Realtors donated $150,000 to the disaster relief funds of the Louisiana, Mississippi and the Alabama Realtor organizations. This money will go to help the three state associations provide emergency assistance to thousands who have lost their homes in this catastrophe. Texas’ local associations and many individual Realtors across the state mobilized in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Working with officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Texas Association of Realtors is also helping to identify temporary housing for displaced families by encouraging Realtors to participate in the National Emergency Resource Registry (www.swern.gov/emergency). Properties under consideration include apartments, single-family and multi-family units, mobile home parks, vacant college dorms and commercial properties.

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

TWC Assists Thousands with Job-Search and Benefit Assistance

PART ONE

AUSTIN —Thousands of evacuees now in Texas due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina are receiving help through job-search services and Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) claims filing assistance from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Job Fairs held in Dallas yielded an estimated 2100 people, including both Katrina evacuees and area residents, registered for work. With approximately 220 employers participating from Texas and throughout the country, 307 job offers were extended on site, with another 494 offers pending. This extraordinary 38% report of immediate success is unprecedented for local job fairs.

TWC Receives $75 Million National Emergency Grant from U.S. Department of Labor AUSTIN— The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced today the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will fund a National Emergency Grant (NEG) of up to $75 million to provide assistance to approximately 37,500 individuals who have evacuated to Texas as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Approximately $23.5 million in grant funds will be released immediately.

TDLR Streamlines Licensing Procedures For Katrina Evacuees The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation recencly adopted emergency rules that will allow the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to issue provisional occupational licenses and waive licensing fees for evacuees who came to Texas when they were forced from their homes by Hurricane Katrina. Under the new rules, TDLR will reduce upfront documentation requirements for individuals who came to Texas from states affected by Katrina who apply for barber and cosmetology licenses. The agency also will waive reciprocal licensing fees, independent contractor license fees and booth rental license fees for licensed cosmetologists and barbers evacuated to Texas from Louisiana and will charge those applicants only a license processing fee. The agency will issue provisional licenses that will allow barbers and cosmetologists to pursue their professions in Texas. The nonrenewable provisional licenses will be effective immediately and will be valid for 180 days.

TDLR licenses electricians and air conditioning/heating contractors Electricians from other states may apply for apprentice electrician licenses which can be issued immediately and are valid for one year. An apprentice license allows an electrician to perform the entire scope of electrical work while working under the supervision of a master electrician. Air conditioning and heating contractors from other states can work as air conditioning technicians in Texas without a license if they work for a licensedcontractor. To apply for a provisional license, applicants will need to provide their name, their date of birth, a permanent home address, a mailing address in Texas where their provisional license will be sent and the type of license they hold in theirhome state. TDLR will issue a provisional license enabling the applicant to immediately go to work. TDLR will then verify the applicant’s license status intheir home state.

Kroger Donates $175,000 to the City of Houston for Katrina Relief Kroger’s support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts expected to exceed $5 million company-wide roger Southwest, which includes 215 stores in Texas and Louisiana, recently announced that Kroger will donate $175,000 to the City of Houston to help assist in the Katrina relief efforts. Kroger hopes to make a difference in the lives of thousands of hurricane survivors that have been re-located to Texas. Kroger will make a cash donation of $50,000 to the Houston Katrina Relief Fund to support the relief efforts in Houston. In addition, Kroger will

donate $125,000 in Kroger gift cards that will be distributed to the evacuees that have been forced from their homes and are currently living in the Houston area. “A number of communities where Kroger operates are struggling to provide food, shelter and other basic necessities to those displaced by Hurricane Katrina,” said Bill Breetz, President of Kroger Southwest. “We hope the gift cards will provide evacuees with the first steps in re-gaining independence.” Due to the generosity of Kroger associates, Kroger has also announced that it will match employee donation up to a total of $500,000. In addition to the monetary donations, Kroger with the help of its vendors has donated multiple truckloads of product to the Houston Food Bank to help

feed evacuees in the greater Houston area. Kroger Pharmacies are filling prescriptions for evacuees that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. Kroger Food Stores and KRIV-FOX 26 have partnered to provide Houstonians with an opportunity to offer aid to those in need through the in-store donation program. The funds raised through the program will be donated to the American Red Cross and will benefit the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. To date, in the Houston area, Kroger employees and its customers have raised nearly $200,000 through the in-store program. Additionally, customers can purchase pre-packaged product that are donated to the relief effort through the End Hunger Network and its affiliate agencies.

If you know of an act of generosity or kindness and would like to have it published in PART TWO, please email the information to: news@houstonbusinessconnections.com

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• SEPTEMBER SPECIAL REPORT • B1

CARING FOR THE SURVIVORS

Part One

Johnson Already Committed To Serving Caring for Houstonians Is A Way of Life for Jarvis Johnson Candidate for City Council District B

urricane Katrina and her devastating aftermath will forever be etched in the minds of all Americans. While our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this terrible tragedy, our state of preparedness and the response of our government both locally and nationally will linger on for quite some time. If this terrible tragedy has taught us anything—it has taught us to value good leadership. It has also taught us that the right leadership in times of trouble and despair is vital to ones survival. That’s part of the reason I want to be one of the leaders of the great city of Houston from City Hall. I want all Houstonians to know a little about the dedication, I have for what I currently am doing to serve the people of the district I want to serve from City Hall. Over the next couple of pages, you will find an interview conducted before I actually began my campaign. You will also find information on my endorsements, supporters, and why I want to represent the people of District B from City Hall.

MAN OF THE HOUR: District B City Council Candidate Jarvis Johnson (Center) surrounded by family, friends, and supporters at a recent fundraiser held in his honor. (HHP File Photo)

Reprinted from July 2005 Edition of Houston Business Connections Monthly Phoenix Outreach Youth Center (POYC) has been a beacon of light for thousands of children over the last twenty-two years. With programs starting in Houston and expanding to Austin and San Marcos, POYC is making a difference in the lives of children and their families across the state. Marlon Jackson on behalf of Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. sat down with the Jarvis Johnson, the Executive Director of POYC to talk one on one about the program’s success and his future plans. JACKSON: How did the Phoenix Outreach Youth Center get started? JOHNSON: POYC was started in 1983 by the late Reverend Robert L Handy, a native of the Fifth Ward area. Rev. Handy was a man who didn’t always walk a righteous path. He worked as a dope dealer and pusher, a user, and a pimp. Eventually his negative lifestyle landed him in prison, where he found God. He made a pact with God, in which he told God if he ever got out; he would go back into the streets to right some of the wrongs he’d done. After seven years in solitary confinement, he was actually released from prison, upon which time he immediately returned to the neighborhood that he had almost destroyed. He walked up and down the streets and found all the woman he had prostituted, found their children, and said, “Look, lets do something right.” He wanted to give these kids a safe haven. Reverend Handy gave those kids everything he had with that little $161.00 Social Security check he got every month and that’s how he made ends meet. He used his pimping skills to go to people and convince them to donate to the center. I got involved with POYC as a child. My mother had been involved with POYC and had tried to help establish a 501(c)(3) for Rev Handy so he could begin to receive grants. She helped him get his 501(c)(3). After graduating from high school and while a student at Texas Southern University, Rev. Handy asked me to come back to the center and help out, but I felt a little too old to be part of a youth program. He really wanted me to come out here and mentor. That wasn’t in my blood at that time. Years passed and he got in touch with me again. I came to volunteer and the rest, as they say, is history. JACKSON: What type of children are serviced by the POYC? Are they primarily at risk kids? JOHNSON: We provide services for all children. I don’t believe in labeling our children. It really damages their self-esteem and who they are. If you look at the way society is gearing and rearing our children these days, every child is at risk. We believe every child should be

ALL SMILES: Jarvis Johnson for Houston City Council District B supporters Kelly King (Left) John Glen, Crystal Davidson, and former Houston City Councilman MichaelYarbrough. (HHP File Photo)

SUPPORTING JARVIS: Nicole Williams, Velika Hines, and Sonya Johnson were just a few of the supporters who attended a recent fundraiser hosted by Hubert Hines for Jarvis Johnson. (HHP File Photo) given an opportunity to succeed and our doors are open to all who want a strong educational foundation. JACKSON: How crucial is parental involvement to the success of your program? JOHNSON: Success starts at home. Parental involvement is paramount to the success of our children and our program. POYC is a spiritually based program first, and secondly an academically based program; each of these components needing reinforcement at home. When parents enroll their children in POYC’s programs they do so with the understanding that they will be extremely active in their children’s spiritual and academic growth. Parents are part of the process–without them it is impossible for us to instill a healthy spiritual and aca-

B2 • SEPTEMBER SPECIAL REPORT •

demic foundation in a child. JACKSON: What are some of the youth programs you offer at the (PYOC)? JOHNSON: We provide an array of academic and enrichment courses that are centered around making our children more well rounded. Each day our children receive a core curriculum of math, reading, science, history and writing. Additionally, the children receive karate, praise, jazz, ballet, computer, sign language, foreign language and health and nutrition classes. For our parents, we offer lessons in health and nutrition, job train-

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Please see JARVIS JOHNSON, P.B4

CARING FOR THE SURVIVORS After affects of Hurricane Katrina May Effect, Houston Electric Bills Several months ago Reliant Energy committed to doing what it could to hold down the fuel factor of the electric bills of Houstonians—at least until October 31. However, there was a condition attached to the stated goodwill gesture. Natural gas prices couldn’t rise more than 10 percent. In the aftermath of Katrina, prices have gone up by more than 30 percent, but the energy giant still hasn't increased rates. According to published reports, Reliant recently told state regulators recently the company would hold off on requesting the increase until after October 1, if the regulators would commit to approve the increase in a swift manner.

Katrina Damage Toll Estimates Beginning to be tallied According to published reports Hurricane Katrina may have caused at least $125 billion in economic damage to the coastal region of the United States. The insurance industry will be highly impacted, and is expected to suffer some $60 billion in claims before it’s all over, according to Risk Management Solutions.

Death Toll Forecasted By New Orleans’ Mayor May Not Be Reached Shortly after Katrina ravaged New Orleans, Mayor C. Ray Naglin feared as many as 10,000 had perished in his city. Now, according to New Orleans’ homeland security chief, Terry Ebbert, those initial death toll estimates projected by Naglin may not be reached.

Part One

The City of Houston, Harris County joins Forces

Task Force Formed To Locate Permanent Housing for Surviving Families Living In Shelters HOUSTON, Texas - The City of Houston and Harris County, in cooperation with the Houston Apartment Association, has established a joint housing task force to place survivors of Hurricane Katrina from temporary living shelters into permanent housing. It is a partnership among the Harris County Housing Authority, the Housing Authority of the City of Houston, the Houston Apartment Association, the Housing Authority of New Orleans, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The purpose of the program is to match surviving families to their necessary housing needs from transitional to permanent housing. A web-based data system will be used to register families and match the surviving families to their necessary housing needs. The Housing Authority of New Orleans reports 6,400 Public

Housing families and 9,600 Section 8 families were in their program before the disaster. Multiple choices for living arrangements are being made available for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Sensitive attention is being given to the families’ unique and special needs such as maintaining the family unit, health issues, the elderly and any other special need. The registration process to identify all available housing is accessible online and in person. The mailing address for the Katrina Housing Task Force is: P. O. Box 61189, Houston, Texas 77208-1189, ATTN: Katrina Housing Task Force. The web address to register available housing is www.katrina.houstontx.gov. For more information please email cohkatrinahousing@cityofhouston.net The phone is (713) 437-6800 and the Fax is (713) 437-6946.

TWC Creates Worker and Employer Disaster Response Hot Lines AUSTIN — The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has created two toll-free hot lines, one to assist displaced Louisiana workers filing Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) claims and another to serve as a central number for employers who wish to hire people displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana workers who have lost their jobs due to Hurricane Katrina may apply for DUA by calling 1-800818-7811. This toll-free number is exclusively for use by displaced Louisiana workers. The best time to call for faster service is from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Claims takers will take calls from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time on weekdays. TWC helped 10,500 workers file claims through Labor Day, with almost 5,000 of those over the long weekend. The agency expects the number to increase sharply. Due to an overwhelming response from employers offering jobs to storm victims, TWC has established a central toll-free number, 1-800-695-6879, to take calls from employers wishing to hire displaced Louisiana workers. The hotline is exclusively for employers wishing to hire displaced workers and will be staffed from 8:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Once a job order is taken, TWC staff will contact local workforce development professionals in the area where the job is located to begin the process of matching the employer with a qualified applicant.

Identification Documentation for Workers Displaced by Hurricane AUSTIN —The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) recently informed employers that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will not sanction employers for hiring workers displaced by Hurricane Katrina who are unable to provide Employment and Eligibility Verification (I-9) documentation normally required under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Many workers who were affected by Hurricane Katrina lack these documents after being evacuated from their homes, losing their personal items and property to damage, and being placed in temporary housing. The Department of Homeland Security will refrain from initiating employer sanction enforcement actions for the next 45 days for civil violations. After 45 days, the federal agency will review the policy. Employers still will need to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) form as much as possible but should note that the documentation normally required is not available due to events involving Hurricane Katrina. For more information about the Employment and Eligibility Verification (I-9) form, visit the TWC Web site at www.texasworkforce.org

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• SEPTEMBER SPECIAL REPORT • B3

CARING FOR THE SURVIVORS

Part One

Jarvis Johnson Endorsements As of September 2005 Jarvis Johnson is being endorsed by the following: Harris County Democrats, Harris County Young Democrats (*Rating of Very Quality), AFL-CIO, Transportation Workers Union, AFL-CIO, Mailhandler Union, AFL-CIO, Communication Workers of America, African Methodist Episcopal Ministerial Alliance, and the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO.

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HOME GROWN Jarvis Johnson is a native Jarvis maintains a constant Houstonian, whose family roots presence in the community. This is center in Texas. As a devoted illustrated in his youth involvehusband and father, Jarvis has ment, as the Executive Director of advocated for the support and the Phoenix Outreach Youth development of the family unit. Center and Program Jarvis’s devotion stems from Coordinatorship for the D.A.R.E. his upbringing within the Houston + P.L.U.S. programs. Through community. Educated through the these programs, he has combined Houston Public School system, education preparation with comJarvis later went on to graduate munity empowerment, to further from Texas Southern University, improve the academic performwhere he began his pursuit of ance and education supportive community development through behaviors of students. the Phoenix Outreach Youth Dedication: Long after a Through volunteering, Jarvis Center. Here, Jarvis began his recent candidates forum held has worked as a Social Skills and service to the community under at the Fifth Ward Multi-Purpose Recreation Coordinator, a certified the tutelage, of Rev. Robert L. Center was over, Jarvis AIDS counselor, a youth counHandy, the founder of the Phoenix Johnson was still talking with selor and a MHMRA Residential attendees and answering their Specialist. Jarvis is currently volOutreach Center. To date, Jarvis continuously questions. (HHP File Photo) unteering his leadership to Inner works toward the qualitative betCity Action Network, Shepherd terment of the greater Fifth ward community, spon- Park Terrance Civic Club; The Chinquapin School, soring holiday programs such as: Christmas comes Make Ready Inc., and the Volunteers in Public to Fifth Ward, The Annual Senior Citizen Schools (V.I.P.). By assisting in these multiple Thanksgiving Dinner, and various school supplies endeavors, Jarvis seeks to empower our young people and uniform drives. to become the future shining stars of our nation.

Jarvis Johnson continued from P.B2 ing, job placement and money management. And of course, we do bible study for the entire family and these are just a few of our programs and activities we offer. JACKSON: Is it true that the Houston Rockets played a role in helping establish the POYC? JOHNSON: No. POYC was established in 1983. The Houston Rockets got involved in 1995, but we will credit the Rockets with equipping POYC with the state of the art facility we’re in today. The Houston Rockets heard about POYC through the media. After that, I received a call from the Rockets’ office and they said they were looking to do some work in the community. I explained to them what our mission was and our programs. Then they came out and visited POYC. They were amazed at what we were doing, the programs we were offering, and the parental involvement we were getting. We asked for help with books, computers and vans—they built us a building. The Houston Rocket’s home for POYC was built in 1999. It’s a beautiful facility with office spaces, classrooms and a computer lab for children. The center is located at 2606 Gregg in Fifth Ward. From this home alone we’re able to change how the community looks at itself. This is not just a building, it’s a home. The Rockets opened up a lot of doors. From this, we’ve been able to develop our other child development centers across the state. JACKSON: You’ve had tremendous support from athletes, right? JOHNSON: Many athletes have come through the doors of POYC. Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley did a Christmas party for all our children and gave them gifts and took pictures. Maurice Taylor has given children tickets to the games. Derrick Bell, a former player with the Houston Astros, provided tickets and gave much needed words of encouragement. Hakeem Olajuwon did our ribbon cutting ceremony. Carlos Rogers has spoken to our children. Donald

Driver of the Greenbay Packers is fantastic. He built a ten-station computer lab at one of our sites and he has committed to providing a lab for all our centers. That is over seventy computers that he’s going to provide to POYC. Evander Holyfield has also come and spoken words of encouragement—that's just a few of the athletes dedicated to helping us achieve our mission. JACKSON: Is this a labor of love, or is this work for you? JOHNSON: This is a labor of love. I love watching my children and community grow. In the first eight years of being here I was a volunteer executive director. I did not receive a paycheck, but I did receive blessings from God. JACKSON: Give us one of your success stories? JOHNSON: We have quite a few. Brittany Barierre came to us in the fourth grade. She stayed in the program through high school and into college. She is a success because she's doing what the system said she couldn’t. She's going to college. She's an honor roll student and she's giving back to her community. Anthony Wright came to us in the eight grade. He's going to graduate from the University of Texas. Anthony is the only one of his childhood friends that didn't get arrested or father a child as a teen. JACKSON: So what is your greatest accomplishment since taking over from Reverend Handy? JOHNSON: Anytime we get a child to graduate from high school and go on to college that’s huge. The basis of this program is to build a foundation for youth to be successful. Additionally, having a child development center and a facility donated and built by the Houston Rockets is paramount. JACKSON: Are you looking for anymore volunteers? If so, in what areas. JOHNSON: Volunteers helped to build this program into what it is today. We look for volunteers that our children can look up to as role models.

B4 • SEPTEMBER SPECIAL REPORT •

NEWS ITEMS

Williams Recently Toured Reliant City Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams, was recenly named by Governor Rick Perry to lead the state’s long-term relief efforts to help Katrina evacuees rebuild their lives. Williams visited Houston and toured the Reliant City complex and conducted a briefing session with Incident Command. Williams Williams also addressed the media in the Media Briefing Room in Reliant Center during his visit.

Evander Holyfield visited Reliant Park shelters Evander Holyfield, former heavyweight champion of the world, recently visited Reliant Park shelters. He is working with several local ministers in distributing goods to the evacuees. Holyfield will be reuniting several families with their loved ones. Holyfield is Holyfield traveling with attorney, Willie Garrett, in Garrett’s personal jet. Garrett has announced that he will fly families back to Atlanta, Georgia, if the families choose to relocate in the Atlanta area.

DPS issuing identification cards, driver licenses to Hurricane Survivors The Texas Department of Public Safety has established guidelines for the issuance of driver licenses, identification cards and temporary identification cards to people who have evacuated their home states in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Residents of those states who had a driver license or identification card and plan to return to their home states but need a photo identification card, may obtain a free temporary identification card that will be valid only until January 1, 2006. Evacuees can receive a temporary card at ONLY the following DPS Driver License locations: Houston: 12220 S. Gessner Blvd., 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday Dallas/Fort Worth: Reunion Arena, Dallas County Convention Center, Will Rogers Coliseum Exhibit Hall (Fort Worth), and Hurst Driver License Office (624 NE Loop 820), 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday San Antonio: 6502 S. New Braunfels, 8 to 5 p.m. Mondays and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Austin: 108 Denson Dr., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (DPS plans to make the temporary IDs available in other locations as equipment availability allows.) Displaced individuals from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who wish to establish residency in Texas may convert their previously issued licenses or identification card to Texas, with the following exceptions: • If the out of state DL is expired, the applicant must take and pass all required testing as provided by law prior to issuance of a Texas DL. • If the out of state DL or ID is expired less than 60 days and the applicant wants a Texas ID or driver license, they will receive a license or identification card. • If the out of state DL or ID is expired more than 60 days, DPS will only issue the Texas Temporary ID. During the issuance process, DPS will verify the applicant’s identity by electronically accessing driver license records from the home state, including their photograph. Applicants will receive their temporary ID cards during their visit to the Driver License office. Temporary ID cards will not be mailed to the recipient. DPS officials are coordinating with shelter

Please see JARVIS JOHNSON, P.B5

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Please see NEWS ITEMS, P.B6

CARING FOR THE SURVIVORS Jarvis Johnson continued from P.B4 JACKSON: What are your goals for the next six months? What are your goals for the next six years? How do you plan to achieve those goals? Our main goal for the next six months is to open another child development center here in the city. From there, we plan to open the Robert L. Handy private school that will offer kindergarten to fourth grade classes. JACKSON: What advice would you give people who are looking to create a center to help their community? JOHNSON: I would tell them to be committed and do it for the love—not the money. Set your goals and go after them. There will be hills and valleys, but if you are committed, you will make it through. Money is so funny with nonprofits—it comes and goes. If the money goes away–what happens to the program? For those who are not committed, the program goes away also and that's not fair to those children. JACKSON: We’ve heard reports that politics may be in your future. Is this true and if so, do you understand what you’re getting yourself into? JOHNSON: Politics has been in my blood since the days of my mother being congressional aid to the late Congressman Mickey Leland. Mickey was a very effective leader who always listened to the people. I want to be that kind of leader. Our community needs leadership that is proven. We do not need leadership that will make false promises. I know I can be the kind of leader my community needs right now. JACKSON: I’ll play the Devil’s advocate here. If you could pick one thing that your eventual opponents may focus on, what do you think that would be? JOHNSON: I anticipate that my opponents may focus on whatever they think my greatest weakness appears to be in their eyes. However, I will be ready! Like many people, as a child, I did some childish things that may have been construed as wrong, but I have done many more things right and that will be where I will direct the focus of my campaign. My feeling is that I am the most qualified candidate for the District B race and we should keep the focus of the constituents on qualifications. There have already been politically motivated attacks on me and my organization and they have been to the detriment of the parents and children we serve. God has continued to open doors for me and the organization and I believe it will continue. In short, I know what I’m getting myself into. I’ve been an advocate for my children and my community for many years now. I

am currently going on my eleventh year at the POYC. Seeing the works that my mother did as a congressional aid to the late Congressman Mickey Leland, I saw the great works Mickey was doing in the community and he as well as the great leaders that came out of his camp, such as El Franco Lee, Harold Dutton, Ron Wilson and Rodney Ellis, all were faced with opposition as people tried to tear them down. I already know people are going to try to tear me down and I believe the first place they will start is with what I do. My work here with the children will become a focal point. How do we get the money we get? How did we develop our programs? They’re going to try to come at me, and they have already tried to come at me. You know we had a story done by a local news station questioning our services and what we offer and to how many children. We’re confident in the work that we do. We’re solid in the work that we do, and we have many people who will vouch for the work that we do. JACKSON: We started off discussing Rev. Handy and the impact he had on your life. Who else has impacted your life? JOHNSON: My mother has impacted my life more than any other person. She’s made me into the man I am today. My mother has great convictions, commitment, and loyalty to her mission and her people. What I’m attempting to do right now, would not be possible without my loving, supporting, and committed wife by my side. My children have played a major role as well, because they’ve made me look at life in a different perspective. There is a verse in the bible that says, “when I was a child, I spoke as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” My children inspire me to do better and be a better man and father. Is there anything else you want to talk about before we end this interview? JOHNSON: In closing I would like to reiterate a few of the things we've done. I am a businessman. I am providing jobs to people. These people count on us for their livelihood. In addition to that, we provide summer-time employment to many teens each summer. Since 1999, we’ve provided jobs to high school students from across the city. We provide these jobs for children so they can have an opportunity to be in an environment like this and hopefully learn something. The opportunity we give them also benefits them monetarily. So, I really want people to know that we are here providing opportunities, creating jobs, and building economic development in the community we serve. In this district (District B), we’re already doing something to make this community a better place.

Part One Why You Should Support Jarvis Johnson For Houston City Council District B. • Jarvis Johnson plays an intricate part in the Rehabilitation of homes within District B. This has never been more evident than in his renovation of over 25 homes for Senior citizens with the district. • Mr. Johnson has provided over $100,000 in financial aid for parents to help promote healthy families. • He employs over 40 full-time employees. • Provided over 19 Scholarships for District B students to attend college. • Provides childcare for over 400 children. • Provided 2000 computers in the City of Houston through his alliance with Bridging the Digital Divide. • Provide summer jobs for over 120 high school students during summer for the last five years. • Hosts Job Training conferences for the District B community. • Hosts Back To School Drives within the community • Gave many children within District B tickets to sporting events such as Houston Rockets, Astros and Texans games.

Jarvis Johnson Has Received Many Accolades For His Unparallel Service To the Community Such As: • The Distinction Award from the National Association of Black Social Workers. • The Unsung Hero Award from Americorp.

ENDORSEMENT NEWS

• Visionary Award from the Black United Fund of Texas.

Texas’ largest association pledges its support

• Student of the Year Award from Texas Southern University.

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Association of ognize that I have worked hard to make the dream of Realtors has announced its decision to endorse Rick homeownership more affordable for Texas families. I will continue to fight for real property tax relief Perry in his re-election bid as Texas governor. that includes lower rates, more taxpayertransMaking the statement recently at the organiparency and new taxpayer protections that will zation’s annual convention in Corpus Christi, stop government from growing too fast.” TAR Chairman Lance Lacy applauded the govThe first Texas A & M graduate to occuernor’s commitment to strengthening the rights py the Governor’s Mansion, Rick Perry was of private-property owners across the state. sworn in as Texas’ 47th governor on Dec. 12, “Gov. Perry has continued to side with 2000. He was elected to a four-year term in homeowners, and that is why we are siding November 2005. A fifth generation Texan, with him today,” said Lacy. “The Texas Perry Gov. Perry understands the importance of the Association of Realtors Executive Board right to own and use real property, and the voted unanimously to endorse Gov. Perry in his re-election bid to continue to be the governor of Texas Association of Realtors believes he is dedicated to helping Texans realize the American dream of the great state of Texas.” Under the governor’s leadership, Texas lawmak- homeownership. “Since Gov. Perry took office, he has been a ers guaranteed private-property owners state-level protection from eminent domain for private profit, staunch advocate for Texas consumers,” said Benny passed consumer-friendly insurance reform legisla- McMahan, CEO of the Texas Association of Realtors. With more than 75,000 members statewide, the tion and created another avenue for homeowners to contest their property appraisals without having to file Texas Association of Realtors expects to be a considerable grassroots force for Gov. Perry in what is a costly lawsuit. “I am honored to have the endorsement of the already a high-profile race. 75,000 members of the Texas Association of To learn more about TAR’s position, visit Realtors,” Perry said. “These men and women rec- www.TexasRealEstate.com. PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735

• Young Administrator of the Year Award from the National Association of Black Public Administrators. • Distinguished Service Award from the National Council of Negro Woman Houston Chapter. • Citizen of the year Award from Omega Psi Phi Omega Theta Chapter. • Do Something Brick Award from the Sorority of Alpha Kappa Alpha. • Salute to Men of the Millennium from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Rho Omicron Omega Chapter.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE! Pd.By The Jarvis Johnson For Houston City Council District B. Campaign.

• SEPTEMBER SPECIAL REPORT • B5

CARING FOR THE SURVIVORS News Items

ONE COUNTRY:

continued from P. B4 operators and local officials to provide additional hours of operation for the people in shelters and elsewhere who need temporary identification cards. Applicants may go to any driver license office in the state to obtain a Texas driver license or identification card. Again, DPS will verify the applicant's identity by electronically accessing driver license records from the applicant's home state.DPS will verify the applicant’s identity by electronically accessing driver license records from the home state, including their photograph. DPS also will verify the applicant's Social Security number through the online Social Security verification system. Applicants will be charged $24 for a six-year driver license, and the license will be mailed to the address provided by the applicant. Please note that, without proper documentation, DPS is not issuing driver licenses or identification cards (temporary or regular) to people who did not previously have driver licenses or identification cards.

As Residents Move on, Consolidation Efforts Start To Move Forward Residents of the Reliant Center Complex are continuing to move on to more permanent shelters and housing, leading authorities to consolidate on-site resources to better serve remaining evacuees. The Unified Area Command has started the process of moving all remaining Reliant Astrodome and Reliant Center residents under one roof, to the Reliant Arena. Those residents currently housed in the George R. Brown center will not relocate. According to Rick Flanagan of the Houston Fire Department, evacuees continue moving “fast and vigorously” toward housing, and the recovery effort will provide a bridge to social services and housing for those who remain. The consolidation will also allow for better-managed food service, jobs and housing placement, and medical care. In coordination with the relocation phase, the Texas Department of Public Safety continues to request that individuals from Louisiana who apply for a Texas driver’s license please call the Texas DPS prior to visiting a driver’s license station. This is because computer services in Louisiana continue to malfunction. In order for the Texas DPS to process a license request, they must first contact the Louisiana authorities. Additionally, evacuees who have registered with the Post Office Reliant City need to provide a forwarding address to the post office in order to receive further mailings. To register for assistance, evacuees should continue to call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362, or register at www.fema.gov. Those seeking the Red Cross debit cards should call 1-800-975-7585.

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Go To Page 2. B6 • SEPTEMBER SPECIAL REPORT •

Part One

A Concert to Benefit the Survivors of Hurricane Katrina Featuring: George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson Willie Nelson, Martina McBride and Just Added - ZZ TOP!

in our beloved Gulf Coast.” Already at the forefront of the Houston relief effort, Shea Guinn, President and GM of Reliant Park, said, “We are eager to be a part of such an Saturday, Oct. 1, 2005 incredible event that has the potential to provide On Sale Right Now At All Ticketmaster Locations. additional mass relief to our Gulf Coast neighbors.” To be broadcast live on Country Music Television! The Reliant Stadium facility and all related services, including staff and theproceeds from parking as The Gulf Coast has experienced one of the worst well as food and beverage sold at the event, have natural disasters in U.S. history. Now Houston will been donated. be the site for one of the biggest fundraisers to beneThe Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, fit its survivors. known for its commitment to helping others, has graOn one day, superstars George Strait, Kenny ciously joined the effort by offering the use of its proChesney, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson and Martina duction facilities, underwriting crew costs and McBride will perform in Houston to raise money for unleashing the full strength of its fulltime staff and the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts - and they 17,000 member volunteer force. are bringing their friends with them! Additionally, ticket stubs from ONE From his first Number One song, 1982’s COUNTRY may be redeemed for a day “Fool Hearted Memory”, through his 51st, ticket to the 2006 Houston Livestock Show, “IHate Everything” the words “George Strait” including admission to the livestock and and “country hit” have been synonymous. horse shows, carnival, shopping and food In fact, he has scored more Number One exhibits, and children’s and educational songs than any other single artist in history exhibits (admission does not include events Jackson and has sold over 63 million records, amassing at Reliant Stadium). 28 platinum or multi-platinum discs, more Ticketmaster also has pledged its full than any other country artist. support through donating all service and Reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of convenience charges to the cause. the Year, Kenny Chesney will thrill the crowd The show is being produced almost with one of his legendary live performances entirely with donated equipment and servicand treat fans to his last concert of 2005. es from the sound and lights, to the stage, Having played to over 1 million fans each of the crews, the artists, security and ushers, all Strait the last three years, the man whose quadruple the elements necessary to put on a first-class platinum When the Sun Goes Down, has been show. This concert will truly benefit the the soundtrack of the past two summers is survivors of Hurricane Katrina. thrilled to do his part. Benefactors to date: Aggreko, Anschutz And lending a hand in the midst of his Entertainment Group, Aramark,Carolina What I Do Tour - superstar Alan Jackson. Holdings, Inc, Bill Young Productions, With over 44 million albums sold and 31 Carey Limousine, Kenny Chesney, CSC, Number One hits to his credit, the three-time Cube Inc, Gina Rotolo Public Relations, CMA Entertainer of the Year continues to top Hotel Icon, Houston Livestock Show and Chesney the charts, as his latest collection, What I Do, Rodeo, Alan Jackson, LD Systems, Martina joins his triple-Platinum Greatest Hits Volume McBride, The Messina Group, Mojo II and 2002’s four-million-selling Drive to Barriers, Morris Leasing, Willie Nelson, become his third disc to simultaneously debut Reliant Park, Screenworks, ShoMotion, at #1 atop the Billboard pop and country charts. Show Pros Entertainment Services, SMG Other performers scheduled to appear is Reliant Park, StageCo, George Strait, and the current CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Ticketmaster. Martina McBride (CMA Female Vocalist of Net proceeds from this historic event will the Year) and Texas legend Willie Nelson. go to benefit the courageous survivors of Nelson McBride has scored 20 top 10 country hits Hurricane Katrina. The focus of this effort and has five platinum and two triple platinum is two-fold. Its first commitment is to prorecords to her name. Nelson, one of the vide immediate assistance to the relocated most prolific songwriters and performers of survivors. The second is to spur the process our generation, is certainly one of the most of rebuilding the Gulf Coast region and generous humans alive. Not only is he the allow the displaced an opportunity to return author and performer of countless hit home and build their lives once again. One songs, he is also one of the founders of his Country is researching potential beneficiMcBride own initiative, Farm Aid. aries in an effort to find a charitable Louis Messina, New Orleans native organization(s) that can maximize the and president of The Messina Group/ AEG, is one mission of the project and put the funds raised to of the driving forces behind this event. “I work on the front lines. watched my birthplace float away,” said Messina, ONE COUNTRY tickets are on sale at all tick“I knew I needed to help, and this is the way I etmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or may be could reach the most people.” charged by phone at 713/629-3700 in Houston: Fellow chairmen, Dr. Carolyn Farb, author and 214/373-8000 or 972/647-5700 in Dallas; 512/494well-known philanthropist and chairman of the board 1800 in Austin; 409/833-7747 in Beaumont; of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo TM, Paul 979/268-0414 in Bryan - College Station; 361/881Somerville, answered the call to action and pledged 8499 in Corpus Christi; 210/224-9600 in San their talents and resources to ensure the promise of Antonio. Tickets for this event are $125/ $100/ $85/ this once-in-a-lifetime event. Said Farb, “Katrina $65/ $39.50. There will also be a limited number of waved her wand of devastation. I wanted to be part exclusive $1000 VIP packages. of the team that gives hope and helps to rebuild lives

www.onecountryconcert.org PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735

CARING FOR THE SURVIVORS Where to Go For Assistance...... Need Insurance Assistance? The Texas Department of Insurance can assist you with questions or concerns about insurance. The agency can answer questions about all types of insurance, including: Health, Homeowners, Life, Automobile, Commercial property, and Workers’ compensation. We can do the following: 1. Contact your insurance company. 2. Contact your home state’s insurance department. 3. Explain the insurance claims process. 4. Assist you with problems or complaints about an insurance company, adjuster, or agent. For general insurance assistance, call our Consumer Help Line 1-800-252-3439. For assistance with workers’ compensation issues, call 1-800-372-7713. For additional Hurricane Katrina assistance, visit www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/katrina.htm Are You Unemployed? If you are currently unemployed because of Hurricane Katrina, you may apply for disaster unemployment assistance by calling the Texas Workforce Commission at 1-800-939-6631 from 8a.m. -7p.m. Having trouble getting around Houston? The Metropolitan Transit Authority is offering free seven-day passes for survivors. Distribution of the passes is taking place at the Information Center at Reliant Park and the information booth at the George R. Brown Convention Center. In addition, The Red Cross will be making sure survivors at the smaller shelters around the city of Houston will have access to the passes. Need food and clothing assistance? The doors at the Open Door Mission, located at 5803 Harrisburg is distributing food, clothes and comfort items such as blankets and toys for kids on a daily basis from 9a.m. 5p.m. For more information call 713-921-7520. Need help from FEMA? Call the toll 1-800-621-3362 or/call: 1-940898-5190, 1-940-898-4317 (YOU MAY HAVE TO HOLD). You can apply online: http://www.fema.gov/ then click; Online individual assistance center.

Part One

Unity National Bank Launches Hurricane Katrina Fundraising Drive at Blodgett, Texas Parkway Offices Houston - The board of directors of Unity National Bank recently launched a fundraising drive to provide financial assistance for survivors of Hurricane Katrina and their families who are staying in temporary Lawal shelters as well as for the Houston families that are hosting them. Funds will help minimize the devastating effect this tragedy has caused so many of our neighbors from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Unity National Bank will contribute $5,000 towards this effort. Kase L. Lawal, Board member of the Unity National Bank and Chairman and CEO of CAMAC International Inc., will donate an additional $10,000 towards the drive. All other public donations will be accepted at the Unity Bank branches at

2602 Blodgett in Houston and at 1661 Texas Parkway (FM 2234) in Missouri City. “We are evaluating avenues for providing alternate access to financial services as well as free checking accounts and servBrown ices to Katrina survivors at the Houston Astrodome, the Reliant Center and throughout the Houston area,” said Tommy Brooks President of Unity National Bank. The Houston Chapter of the NAACP is a community partner with Unity National Bank in this effort. Kase L. Lawal along with former Houston Mayor Dr. Lee P. Brown recently acquired an interest in Unity National Bank and joined the bank’s board of directors. Unity National Bank is a nationally charted financial institution and the only African American owned bank in the state of Texas.

“ T h e r e I s A B e t t e r Wa y ”

Gladys

HOUSE FOR MAYOR City of Houston I Promise To:

Be HONEST With The Citizens Of Houston.

Be FAIR With all Houstonians.

Bring EMPOWERMENT To Alll Citizens.

Bring More ACCESSIBILITY To The People. Vote For Me Gladys House on

November 8, 2005 Political Ad Paid For By The Gladys House For Mayor Campaign. To get involved call 713.742.6995. PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735

• SEPTEMBER SPECIAL REPORT• B7

CARING FOR THE SURVIVORS

Part One

Stars Shine Over Houston

Winfrey

Foxx

Couric

(HARRIS COUNTY, TX)—Talk show host Oprah Winfrey, actor and comedian Jamie Foxx, and news correspondent Katie Couric were among the stars who came to Houston recently to meet with survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Winfrey broadcast live from the floor of the Reliant Astrodome, Foxx walked through the Red Cross shelter, and Couric pre-recorded some survivor interviews that were broadcast during the NBC “Today Show” the following morning. New Orleans native and singer/ Harry Connick, Jr. performed for residents in great fashion. Connick and jazz great Branford Marsalis, also a New Orleans native, both serve on the Habitat for Humanity’s “Operation Home Delivery” program to assist Hurricane Katrina survivors.

Bush

Clinton

Scott

McClane

MacInvale

Former Presidents Bush(41) and Clinton joins forces again (HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS) Former Presidents George Bush (41) and Bill Clinton have announced creation of the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Governors of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama will decide how to best use the funds collected in order to meet their state’s individual needs. Lee Scott, CEO of Walmart, announced that the Walmart

Corporation and the Walton family foundation would donate a total of $23 million dollars to the BushClinton Katrina Fund. Houston Astros owner Drayton McClane and Gallery Furniture’s Jim “Mattress Mac” MacInvale will announce details of a local fundraising event in the near future. The Former Presidents and Texas Governor Rick Perry toured the Reliant Center shelter and the

Unified Command Post to visit with residents and officials heading up massive response effort. On Day Four of the "Hurricane Katrina - Houston Relief Effort," the Unified Command announced a new “zoning plan” for what is now being called “Reliant City.” With 24,900 total residents, the Reliant Park Complex is now the largest evacuation shelter in U.S. history consisting of four locations.

Judge Georgia Dempster. Efficient, Respectful, Compassionate and Fair.

Judge, 308th District Court

hese are indeed difficult times for families effected by the devastating Hurricane we’ve come to know as Katrina. While the times are difficult, I do see hope for a brighter tomorrow on the horizon. My court is a Family Law Court, and I see very tragic and discouraging situations every day. So, I have seen and feel the pain of families being virtually torn apart. The reason I do not get depressed is the children. They are my all-consuming concern. How can we give them a chance? The way the people of our great state and others around the country have come to the aid of the victims of Hurricane Katrina touches my heart deeply. Moreover, it is this spirit of love, and caring for our fellow Americans that will give our children the chance to recover from this terrible tragedy. Restoring their lives to a since of normalcy as quickly as possible is of the utmost importance. As their little lives return to a normal state, they will begin to work, learn, and strive to succeed beyond their wildest dreams. They just need to know that restoration is possible. I believe this can and will happen. I extend this message of hope to those affected, and to those helping the affected during the very difficult time in our nation’s history.

Judge Georgia Dempster Judge 308th State District

Efficient, Respectful, Compassionate, and Fair Pol. Adv. Pd. for by the Georgia Dempster Campaign In compliance with the voluntary limits fo the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. P.O. Box 236, 5315 FM 1960 West, Houston, TX 77069.

B8 • SEPTEMBER SPECIAL REPORT •

PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735