WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
SP IS EC SU IA E L
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
South Florida
Surviving
STATE 6 AGENCY SOCIAL MEDIA
7
First African-American FDLE Special Agent In Charge makes life-saving decisions for South Florida during crisis
Social-distancing doesn’t stop young black professionals’ group from networking, thanks to Instagram
CAREER 14
Five ways to prepare for a virtual job interview
HEALTH 16
Black-owned telemedical company gains momentum amid global pandemic
Introducing South Florida’s Most Influential & Powerful Black Professionals of 2020
2BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
POWERFUL
LEADERS Congratulations to all of you who have been nominated and VHOHFWHG E\b/HJDF\b0DJD]LQH DV RQH RI 6RXWK )ORULGDĚľV “50 Most Powerful Black Leaders in Business & Industryâ€? for 2020, including P\ &KLHI RI 6WDII 'U +HLGL 5LFKDUGV Please be aware that I am working diligently to ensure that everyone HVSHFLDOO\ RXU VPDOO EXVLQHVVHV DUH WDNHQ FDUH RI GXULQJ WKLV FULVLV +HUH DUH D IHZ FRQWDFWV WR DVVLVW RXU VPDOO EXVLQHVVHV ZLWK VRPH available resources:
%& 2IͤFH RI (FRQRPLF DQG 6PDOO %XVLQHVV 'HYHORSPHQW 6DQG\ 0LFKDHO 0F'RQDOG 'LUHFWRU VPPFGRQDOG#EURZDUG RUJ
)/ 6PDOO %XVLQHVV 'HYHORSPHQW &HQWHU 6DQGUD 0DUÂŻQ VEGF#IDX HGX
CareerSource
0DVRQ -DFNVRQ &(2 PFM#FDUHHUVRXUFHEURZDUG FRP
Broward College
$QWKHD 3HQQDQW 'LUHFWRU RI 6XSSOLHU 5HODWLRQV DQG 'LYHUVLW\ DSHQQDQW#EURZDUG HGX
SBA
$OWKHD +DUULV (FRQRPLF 'HY 6SHFLDOLVW 6RXWK)ORULGDB'2#VED JRY
)ORULGD 6WDWH 0LQRULW\ 6XSSOLHU 'HYHORSPHQW &RXQFLO %HDWULFH /RXLVVDQW &(2 EHDWULFH#VIPVGF RUJ
Additionally, I would like to thank all our frontline leaders and workers for your steadfast dedication during COVID-19. Your efforts have been tireless. We will get through this together! Stay Safe! Honorable Dale V.C. Holness dholness@broward.org
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
3BB
EDITOR’S NOTE 4 PALM BEACH
COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
By Mack Bernard
THE BAUGHTOM LINE
By Germaine Smith-Baugh
6 EXECUTIVE SUITE FDLE Special Agent Views ‘Powerful’ Position as Opportunity to Make Positive Impact on South Florida By Michelle Solomon
7 PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP By Monique Howard
MEDIATION/ARBITRATION
By Stanley Zamor
8
PALM BEACH REPORT
By Ann Marie Sorrell
POLITICS
By Christopher Norwood
10 BROWARD BLACK CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
By Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin
PALM BEACH URBAN LEAGUE By Soulan Johnson
12-13 INTRODUCING SOUTH
FLORIDA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL AND POWERFUL BLACK PROFESSIONALS OF 2020
This issue of Legacy magazine honors South Florida’s Most Influential and Powerful Black Professionals of 2020. However, there are countless others who are just as deserving of gracing these pages for their dedication, professionalism, and selfless bravery. I’m talking about the essential workers serving on the frontlines of COVID-19 — healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store clerks, postal employees, delivery drivers, and so many more who are putting their lives at risk for us every day. To the essential workers, this issue
of Legacy is dedicated to you. As of this writing, the Coronavirus has infected more than 3,900 people in Broward County and more than 2,100 in Palm Beach County. It has claimed the lives of at least 115 people in Broward and at least 120 in Palm Beach. Our prayers are with the families who’ve experienced this heartbreaking loss. This unprecedented chapter of 2020 has forced the economy into a medicallyinduced coma. Will businesses, small and large, be able to pull through? Will laid-off workers make a full recovery sooner than later? Many of our honorees featured in the centerfold (pages 12-13) are also doing their part to make a difference as we face this pandemic head-on. Take Troy Walker, FDLE’s first AfricanAmerican Special Agent In Charge. Walker admitted to me he can’t discuss specifics about his operations, which stretch from Monroe to Palm Beach counties. Too sensitive. Just know he’s in a position to send resources your way in the wake of natural disasters or pandemics such as COVID-19. Coronavirus has affected every
move we make. It has changed the way we view the world. As a result, we need each other more than ever now. That’s why Legacy continues to do its part to keep you connected and informed during this difficult time. Since the start of the COVID-19 shutdown and the urging of social distancing by experts, we’ve start producing a weekly digital newsletter dedicated to providing you with helpful information and resources. To subscribe to our weekly newsletter as well as Legacy’s digital issues, send us your email address at info@miamediagrp. com. I hope you and those around you continue to stay safe and healthy while maintaining a positive outlook as we face COVID-19 together. Every challenge in life presents an opportunity for us to thrive. I’m confident we’ll emerge from this pandemic both stronger and more unified than ever.
Russell Motley Legacy Editor-in-Chief rm@miamediagrp.com n
14 CAREER LEADERSHIP &
DEVELOPMENT
By Mary Davids
SOCIAL MEDIA
By Dr. Tracy Timberlake
16 ENTREPRENEUR Telemedicine Company Provides Safer Alternative to Doctor’s Visit During Pandemic By Michelle Solomon
TECHNOLOGY
18
MEDIA GROUP LLC Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine and view additional articles at http://bitly.com/legacymagazines Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine • Twitter and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine
By Kevin Michael
BUSINESS REPORT
By Beatrice Louissaint
MILLENNIAL
Russell Motley Editor-in-Chief
By David Cannady
Yanela G. McLeod
20
l Tucker Remembered as A Key Advocate of Multicultural Tourism in Broward
Shannel Escoffery
By Legacy Staff
BROWARD HEALTH
22
LEGACY BRIEFS
By Andrew Ta
#BeInformed #BeInfluential #BlackHistoryMonth
Copy Editor
Dexter A. Bridgeman CEO & Founder
Vice President
Sabrina Moss-Solomon
Member of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA)
Designer
CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS
“The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every one regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all hurt as long as anyone is held back.”
4BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
PALM BEACH COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
We Must Stand Together Although Socially Distant
BY MACK BERNARD Ladies and gentlemen, we are in unprecedented times. And in times of uncertainty, we must look out for our families, loved ones and most importantly, our vulnerable residents. The Coronavirus pandemic has caused heartbreaking loss of life and incredible disruption in our daily lives. Yet the good of humanity excels. First
responders, health care professionals and critical businesses are our heroes ensuring that we have medical attention and everyday basic goods. Government bodies from the local to the national level have implemented emergency orders to stop the spread of the deadly COVID-19. The national, state, and local orders that have been issued are for the health and safety of everyone in our population. Palm Beach County’s orders are based on science and data of the Coronavirus — tracking the spread, testing, and results. Each day, health department and emergency management professionals review data of COVID-19 with local, regional and state authorities. The deaths reported from COVID-19 are heartbreaking – our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones as their death is repeated every day in COVID-19 updates locally, statewide, and
nationally. As of this writing, specific dates of reopening as appropriate are under consideration. As mentioned by Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, the state will be reopening as appropriate and not all at the same time. To that fact – Palm Beach County leaders are evaluating when a framework of a phased restart of what and when non-essential businesses, public and private beaches, parks, boat ramps and public and private golf courses will reopen. What can the residents do to get Palm Beach County to a phased reopening? There are four points. • Please get tested. • Continue to stay at home and only. Leave to engage in activities or perform tasks critical to your health and safety. • Practice social distancing or physical distancing, keeping a 6-foot space between yourself and other people
outside of your home. • Wear facial cloth as defined by the CDC when you are working in, patronizing, or otherwise physically present in grocery stores, restaurants for pick up, pharmacies, construction sites, public transit vehicles, vehicles for hire, and locations where social distancing measures are not possible. We must not let our guard down or become complacent with awareness. The fabric of our lives will be forever changed. I want to encourage you to visit Palm Beach County’s website, www.pbcgov.org, for the latest updates regarding government actions, community interests, and business opportunities. Together, we will reopen and return to a new rhythm to our daily routines. Mack Bernard serves as a commissioner on the Palm Beach County Commission. n
THE BAUGHTOM LINE
The Power of Collaboration Will Help Us Get Through This Together
BY GERMAIN SMITH-BAUGH
We are in a moment of radical transformation. In just over a month’s time, we have watched as every community across the nation has been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Businesses have shuttered, schools have gone virtual, and racial and class inequities that we have long warned would create disparately negative outcomes in vulnerable communities
have been exposed. As I reflect on what we will need to rise above this, I am reminded of Whitney M. Young, an executive director of the National Urban League from 1961 to 1971 who used his power to bring aid to the Black community. Young believed in working collaboratively to effect change and engaged with business leaders, elected officials, educators, social workers, and community organizers to bring much needed resources to resolve pervasive social and economic problems. His leadership of the National Urban League during the tumultuous ‘60s offers great insight into how we can achieve these goals. We have had moments of crisis and uncertainty in the past. Our resiliency has always been rooted in our ability to come together to achieve our common goals. To ease the chaos that the Coronavirus has created, we need to harness our collective voice and our collective power. The Urban League of Broward
County is leveraging our community voice and power to help our families impacted by COVID-19. In light of the current crisis, the Urban League is administering a COVID-19 Community Impact Survey, which, thus far, has highlighted the need for food and rental assistance as the primary needs of families. We suspect that these needs will morph over the months ahead. To respond to these needs, the Urban League relaunched our Families First Fund, with support from philanthropic and corporate partners, to provide financial assistance to impacted low-income families, with a focus on emergency needs. We, along with other community partners, have heightened our current service delivery models to respond rapidly to the growing needs. Our staff is providing job training, entrepreneurship workshops, case management, and education to adults and children while safely observing social distancing practices. We have worked closely with the Governor’s Office, Florida Department
of Health in Broward County, and the National Guard to secure two testing sites in Broward County, including a walk-up, no-referral-necessary site at the Urban League’s Community Empowerment Center, one of the first of its kind in the state of Florida. In times of crises, we are uniquely situated to help meet the needs of our communities. The solution requires collaboration not only from the business and government sectors but also within our homes. Our lives, our livelihoods, our families, and our communities depend on it. We must harness the power of collaboration to get through this together. Power is the ability to effect change. Radical change will require radical collaboration. The Baughtomline Is This: Our call in this moment is not just to survive, but to thrive. When we cultivate relationships in times of calm, we can activate them powerfully in times of crisis. n
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC The coronavirus pandemic has upended our lives and life as we know it has forever changed. Small businesses are suffering and are facing hard times. Many are wondering what will become of their small businesses as they struggle to pay their bills or employees since people across the U.S. have been advised to stay home and owners have been forced to close their doors.
DR. BARBARA SHARIEF
Broward County Commissioner District 8 Commissioner On A Mission
The Federal government made $350 billion available to help small businesses through this crisis via the Florida Bridge Loan, the Small Business Assistance (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). However, that money ran out before many of our local businesses were even able to apply. This left many angry and fearful. As a small business owner myself, I understood the frustration. I applied for all the loans and was in the same place as many of the business owners. While I waited for my applications to be finalized, I realized that with my experience and knowledge about the process I was able to help other business owners to prepare for the next wave of funding. To educate and assist small and minority owned businesses, I participated in several small business webinars and radio interviews. Recently, Congress reached a deal on another relief package that will send additional aid to small businesses. So, if you have already applied, check with your bank to see if they have everything they need to submit your application to SBA. For additional information: www.broward.org/ econdev/pages/covid19resources.aspx Remember to think proactively and to keep the faith. While it is normal to focus on what is happening right now since everything is still changing daily, small business owners need to focus and spend time creating a plan on how they will reopen once this pandemic is over. As we know, people do not plan to fail, they fail to plan. Together we will re-open, re-build and revitalize our businesses and our economy. Always know that you are not alone in this crisis.
5BB
6BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
EXECUTIVE SUITE
FDLE Special Agent Views ‘Powerful’ Position as Opportunity to Make Positive Impact on South Florida Troy Walker Plays Key Support Role During COVID-19 Pandemic into any complaint related to public corruption. In short, this is a way to help build confidence in the community and belief in the process. Most importantly, I would like for people to know with a steadfast conviction that we are out there, listening to their concerns and issues and doing something about it. I have always been a huge advocate for the underdog, the voiceless, and victims.” Walker has seen a lot in his more than three-decade career in law enforcement and in his more than 20 years with FDLE. The
BY MICHELLE SOLOMON
Although Troy Walker, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Special Agent in Charge of FDLE’s Miami Regional Operations Center, sits in one of the most powerful positions in South Florida law enforcement, his involvement in law enforcement happened quite by accident. “After getting my master’s degree, I figured I would go out into the workforce,” said Walker, who received a bachelor of arts in criminal justice with a minor in psychology and a master’s degree in public administration from Florida A&M University. FDLE’s special agents are sworn officers with statewide authority to investigate and enforce Florida’s criminal laws. Walker fast-tracked his education at FAMU, finishing both his undergraduate degree and master’s in only five years. “I always had an interest in government and public policy,” said Walker, one of Legacy magazine’s 2020 Most Influential and Powerful Black Professionals. “Those were my ultimate goals. I moved to Atlanta and worked there for a while in the private sector, but after three years and in the middle of a recession, I got a pink slip, laid off.” Walker returned to West Palm Beach, where he grew up. He was invited on a “ride along” with a patrolman who worked for the Lake Worth Police Department, just south of West Palm Beach. “I was hooked immediately,” he said. “I enjoyed going from police call to police call. Every single call we responded to was different and going to the aid of a person in need, well, it struck something in me.” Soon after that ride along, he joined the Lake Worth Police Department as a road patrolman. His career ascended as quickly as his college career. “In a year and a half, I was moved to the special investigations unit as a detective and worked alongside the Drug Enforcement Agency and other law enforcement organizations.” He also participated in DEA Task Force operations and was a member of the SWAT Team. He became an investigator for the Bureau of Insurance Fraud in the Miami Field Division. Walker said he realized, as he moved up the ranks, that on
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent In Charge-Miami Region Troy Walker speaks at a Miami Children’s Initiative event in Liberty City.
each rung of the ladder, he was driven to a cause bigger than himself. “It wasn’t really about where I could go next, but where I could make the greatest impact. Ultimately, I ended up with FDLE,” said Walker, who now lives in Miramar. He said he liked that FDLE’s four pillars were service, integrity, respect, and quality. “I began in Tampa with FDLE (in 1997) and I started moving up the ranks and made it to the assistant special agent in charge.” He said when he was offered the job of special agent in charge of FDLE’s Miami Region, it was the right fit because it was a place where he could help make the greatest impact. FDLE’s Miami Regional Operations Center’s primary criminal investigations involve cases related to economic crime, cyber-high-tech crime, violent crime and major drug crime. It is also charged with investigations concerning domestic security, intelligence and public integrity, which includes officer-involved shootings. “Public integrity, that is personally the focus area that I have to say I enjoy working on,” he explained. “Basically, when a person is put in a position of public trust, there is an expectation from the citizens for them to do their job and conduct themselves in an above-board and ethical manner. When a public official violates the trust of its citizens, FDLE is quick to initiate an investigative inquiry
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent In Charge-Miami Region Troy Walker participating in the “Real Men Read” campaign with Broward Schools.
Miami Region’s reach is wide, covering Palm Beach County through Broward and Miami-Dade counties, and to Monroe County. Walker says he remembers how so much changed after the terror attacks on the United States on 9/11. “Everything changed after 9/11 and the way law enforcement does business has never been the same. Now, the Coronavirus pandemic is going to be another one of those changes,” Walker said. “FDLE is in a coordinating role and working closely with the state emergency operations center in Tallahassee. We assess and determine if certain resources for various missions or requests are necessary. Walker also has staff that can be deployed if needed to any affected area, whether it be humanitarian efforts or in an enforcement capacity.” Walker says, as in any crisis, the COVID-19 crisis is an opportunity to learn and improve process, response and policy.
“I think as we gain greater understanding and have a handle on this pandemic, as a country we will be more vigilant, aware and better prepared as citizens and organizations,” Walker added. Walker is the proud father of two children, Kyle, 23, who is working in Charlotte, NC for Amazon, and his daughter, Kelsey, who is preparing for college and plans to become a cardiologist. “My mother-in-law passed away from heart-related illnesses, and that has always been a force behind my daughter’s initiatives,” he shared. Walker’s wife, Regina, is a Broward County School District educator. His parents, Norman and Deloris, live in West Palm Beach. Both are retired principals from the Palm Beach County School District. “My parents and my grandparents, who I looked up to, were my foundation.” Becoming the first African-American special agent in charge of FDLE in 2014 gives Walker great pride, but he says he also wants to always remain humble. “As being a trailblazer, I hope that I have opened a pathway for others to follow,” Walker said. “What’s important to me is to be a man of integrity and to be able to make an impact, affect change and have a diverse staff. Diversity provides us with an opportunity to have multiple viewpoints, different life experiences and cultural backgrounds that only strengthens us.” Walker said he is proud to be a role model to his younger brother, Travis, who is a major at the Riviera Beach Police Department. “He is also an alumnus of Florida A&M, University, who received an undergraduate and master’s degree within five years and he, too, has a very promising career ahead of him.” Within his busy work schedule, Walker makes time for one of his favorite activities, Mixed Martial Arts/Muay Thai. He trains and often spars three to four nights a week at American Top Team. When he was 15, he participated in his first amateur fight. “My opponent was a grown man, 25 or 26 years old,” he recalled. “It was a blast, and ultimately the decision was a ‘draw,’ but it certainly felt like a loss. You know, they say people learn from failures and loss as opposed to wins and successes.” n
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
7BB
PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
Black Professionals Network Maintains Mission through Social Media
BY MONIQUE HOWARD
It’s a Friday afternoon at 1 at the height of social-distancing in South Florida. With an infectious laugh and warm smile, Kenasha Paul, CEO and founder of the Black Professionals Network, welcomes a revolving door of panelists for an important discussion. No more hugs or handshakes here for an organization known for socializing and networking. This special event — discussing how 20 to 30-something-yearold black professionals are transitioning from working at the office to their living rooms — is a virtual meeting on Instagram. A sign of the times, Paul says. “More than ever, black businesses have to work together,” Paul said. “Everyone needs to work together. Providing technical assistance for those who don’t have a website or social media presence — these are things we’ve been telling business owners to do 10 years ago.” Social distancing, isolation and quarantines have also forced professionals to turn to video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams to
In this Instagram screenshot, Black Professionals Network CEO and founder Kenasha Paul and BPN’s EVP of Grants and Compliance Dr. Whitney Watkins welcome IG followers to one of the organization’s social media discussions.
stay connected. Paul says utilizing online resources provides professionals with innovative ways to complete work-related tasks and still be immersed in a collective community despite physical isolation. “You can be an innovative company by adopting new technology, teaching employees how to adopt these new technologies, and ramping up business by looking at the lay of the land,” Paul said. “Use the available tools, have an intern learn it.” Paul works remotely for the Minority Business Development Agency and provides teleconferences, coaching, and mentoring for business clients. She says the technical resources have always been available, but the pandemic has left professionals and entrepreneurs with no choice but to conduct business online. During the pandemic, BPN has offered an array of informative webinars and social media events to help professionals manage everything from their finances to their mental health. One segment featured Dr. Kimberly Reynolds who advised BPN’s Instagram followers about how to schedule their
day inside a three-hour block, prioritizing tasks to fit within each block in hopes of better managing their work day. Another segment introduced financial adviser Marcus Moon who compared the stock market’s current state to purchasing discounted items at a store. “View the stock market as if it were Nordstrom giving an 80 percent off sale,” Moon said. “If you have $500 and there is a share that is $10, then you could buy 50 of them.” For Paul, perhaps the most beneficial advice BPN has shared to its nearly 6,000 social media followers is how to find peace and mental wellness at a time when the world seems upside down. “This might be the pause and reset that we all needed to prioritize how to take care of ourselves,” she said. “Meditate, work out, do things that are going to bring you calm. We can’t control the outcome, but we can control our responses.” For more information about the Black Professionals Network and its upcoming webinars, visit mybpn.org. n
MEDIATION/ARBITRATION
Online Negotiation, Mediation Create Value Through COVID-19 plaintiff and the defendant are on the voice/ video line with their attorneys in separate locations, correct?... Let’s begin. Thank you for allowing me to be your mediator. Today’s mediation is scheduled to be facilitated online. To ensure confidentiality and a productive process, please be in a dedicated quiet location. Recording any portion of this mediation is prohibited. Can I get everyone’s agreement to these initial ground rules?”
BY STANLEY ZAMOR
“I must apologize for the stability of the online platform. Social distancing has exponentially increased online traffic. I cannot see everyone… Instructions and preliminary ground rules were previously provided with my engagement letter. Simply press the camera icon, or stay on the voice line if you are choosing to remain off camera. I have control of all the participants’ phone/video lines… Both the
Part 1 – Setting, Creating A Tone for Online Negotiating: As the world transforms, adapts and deals with practicing “social distancing,” business in many industries still goes on. Conflict does not end; neither does mediation/conflict solutions. The above is an introduction of how I recently commenced a mediation session rescheduled to be an online mediation conference. There is no substitute for a face-to-face negotiation, even though most mediations are conducted completely in separate rooms, during “caucus sessions.” Caucusing is where the mediator shuttles between rooms exchanging
numbers and assisting in creating a settlement agreement. This particular case was difficult as the attorneys were from large firms eager to go to trial and the parties were emotionally entrenched in a three-year, seven-figure business partnership gone bad. This column is the first of a threepart series describing how to negotiate and create an online environment where “mutual gains” to an agreement is the objective. 1. Test the online platform prior to use. If possible, use encrypted platforms and other privacy protocols. 2. Know your technology limitations (bandwidth, high traffic times to limit platform crashes). 3. If video will not be used, make sure everyone who is participating announces themselves before they speak. 4. Create a written agenda of how the meeting will be facilitated including speaking order, advocates’ roles, parties’ roles and the negotiator/mediator’s role, and the general goals/expectation(s) of the
conference. Circulate the agenda. 5. Have a plan “B” and even “C” if there are platform glitches or technology issues. 6. Make sure you have all systems, platforms, software paid for and updated prior to your meeting. Part 2 – Creating Mutual Gains and Value Part 3 – Techniques and Skill that Work When Negotiating Online Stanley Zamor is a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit/family/county mediator and primary trainer and qualified arbitrator. Zamor serves on several federal and state mediation/arbitration rosters and mediates with the ATD (Agree2Disagree) Mediation & Arbitration, PA throughout Florida. As an ADR consultant, he regularly lectures about a variety of topics from ethics, crosscultural issues, diversity, bullying, and family/business relationships.
szamor@effectivemediationconsultants. com; www.effectivemediationconsultants. com; www.LinkedIn.com/in/ stanleyzamoradr (954) 261-8600 n
8BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
PALM BEACH REPORT
5 Tips for Small Businesses to Survive COVID-19 and innovative will survive. Here are five tips to help small businesses weather this storm:
BY ANN MARIE SORRELL
No one could have predicted 2020 to be like this. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has turned our world upside down. It has not only impacted the health and wellbeing of our citizens, but it has drastically impacted our economy. Small businesses will feel the impact the most and some will not survive. However, I am hopeful that businesses that are resourceful, frugal,
POLITICS
BY CHRISTOPHER NORWOOD
Recently, Florida’s Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees was removed from Governor Ron DeSantis’ COVID-19 Cabinet meeting after stating that social distancing measures would need to continue until the creation of a vaccine. He was then promptly escorted out of the press conference before it ended.
1. Keep a calm, level head and positive outlook: It is important for business owners to have a level of calmness so they can clearly focus on keeping their business operations functioning and ensuring employees, vendors and customers remain confident in the resilience of their company. In addition, this will give everyone the assurance that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 2. Create a remote working environment for you and your team: Forward calls from your office to a designated business cell phone or use a Cloud-based phone system. Allow team members to bring computers home if they do not have personal laptops. Use inexpensive software platforms including conference calls, video conferencing, Google Drive, and/ or Microsoft Teams to keep members
productive. Consider changing workflow to sharing documents in the Cloud so collaboration is still possible with many remote employees. Ensure you have good security protocols in place for sensitive documents or work streams.
3. Get ahead of your competition: Be innovative and find ways to pivot your business with new and/or expanded services and products. Use digital marketing and social media platforms to not only promote your business, but as a way to engage in dialogue, build relationships, host forums, and become a subject matter expert. Stay connected with current, past and potential customers – they need to know you are still in operation. 4. Apply for the available funding: Plan for lines of credit and capital. Current resources include the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan (apply at floridadisasterloan.org); and SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
Now Is Not the Time for Gaslight Politics Apparently, Tallahassee and Washington eschews medicine and science for the politics of gaslighting: a tactic to gain more power and make a victim question their reality — common tools of abusers, dictators, narcissists, and cult leaders. Dr. Rivkees is an internationally renowned expert on developmental biology and a former faculty member of Harvard, Yale, and University of Florida’s School of Medicine. Although he doesn’t have a background in public health, he was appointed by DeSantis. The Senate confirmed him last month. History teaches us that disease changes the politics of societies. For example, the Taino natives of Hispaniola Island (Haiti and Dominican Republic) numbered hundreds of thousands and welcomed Christopher Columbus with tokens of friendship. Forty years later, the Taino numbered less than 500. They fell victim to terrible plagues of smallpox, influenza, and
other viruses. Their politics changed to survival and adapting to their new society. Similarly, disease more than war, decimated U.S. Native Americans. The politics of African Americans must change and adapt. Styles of leadership will change and leadership itself will either follow or be replaced. “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change,” Charles Darwin said. In these days and times, I’m reminded of the profound wisdom of Grandma Geneva, who said, “When White folk catch a cold, Black folk get pneumonia.” It’s sad, but it’s still true. COVID-19 exposes the frailness of health within African-American communities. We are suffering at disproportionate rates, and dying at more disparate and alarming rates. Now more than ever, we must curtail our fixation with national news
The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private nonprofit organizations is 2.75 percent. Apply online at https://disasterloan.sba. gov/ela. Do not apply for these loans if your business cannot withstand the debt as it must be repaid and you do not want to risk further injury to your business. In the event of employee layoffs, have your employees visit Employflorida. com for financial assistance. For more information for business resources in Palm Beach County and around the state of Florida, visit www.BDB.org. 5. Take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. This is a tough time for everyone around the world. The best thing we can do is to practice self-care. We now have to slow down, spend time with our family, experience our homes and neighborhoods, and moreover connect inwardly and spiritually. Take time to meditate, eat healthy, exercise, and simply relax. We all needed this time of respite. n
and with the government’s effort to make us believe that we should be back to “normal” in order to promote their political agenda. We must focus on protecting ourselves physically, emotionally and financially if we want to survive these times. In direct contrast to the mess in Washington and Tallahassee, I’m grateful and proud of the actions of our local government and school boards. While Washington and Tallahassee are all over the place, Miami Dade County Public Schools has shown stable leadership from day one by feeding the poor, provided mobile devices for the needy, child care for health professionals, pay for part-time workers of the largest employer in Miami Dade and virtual public education, giving normalcy during these abnormal times. Christopher Norwood, J.D. is the principal at The Norwood Consulting Group. n
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
9BB
10BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
BROWARD BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Small, Black Businesses Face Inequity from COVID-19 Relief Programs
Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin, Esq., president, Broward County Black Chamber
BY SHAHEEWA JARRETT GELIN, ESQ.
Black-owned businesses suffer from historic, persistent, and well-documented underinvestment when the economy is doing well. With COVID-19 killing black people at disproportionately higher levels and the state and federal government failing to provide aid to our businesses, we are headed for a
disturbing result if we do not demand that our government act in an equitable and fair manner. We are getting reports from members and the local, black business community that they have not received any of the Paycheck Protection Program or the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan money. The same is happening around the country in the black business community. According to the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, they are hearing reports of $1,000 here and there that have been received by small businesses. The amounts are far less than originally advertised in the CARES Act. The PPP was promised to be a quick infusion of much needed capital for small businesses starved for cash as they were forced to close due to the dangers the virus posed. What we were left with was a long list of PPP applications stuck in the pipeline while the funds “ran out.” The same issue plagues us in Florida. The Small Business Bridge
Loan program exhausted $50 million in less than a month and provided the emergency funding to less than 3 percent of the applying companies. Approximately, 1,000 businesses received funding while 37,000 went without. Despite the short fall, the state is set to move forward with $543 million in tax refunds to some of Florida’s largest corporations. Given the 44-page list of the companies that received the emergency bridge loan funds, it is clear that black businesses are not being helped during the single most dangerous economic threat since the Great Depression. Black businesses have been left to fend for themselves. Some have been innovative and pivoted to delivery, implementing safety precautions to make customers feel safe, or tapped into social media marketing, but with no bridge loan, PPP or EIDL funds to allow them to pay employees or rent because of the dramatic decrease in sales, they cannot survive. What jobs will people
come back to if they are not provided the support other businesses have received? Black businesses deserve to survive too. Many black businesses did not make it through the 2008 economic crisis. The Brookings Institute found that 60 percent of white businesses that existed in 2002 were still around in 2011, compared to 49 percent of black owned firms. Last year I formed a coalition with the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce, the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce, and the Minority Builders Coalition. We have coordinated our advocacy and are starting a fund to help our struggling businesses in Broward. We cannot sit by and allow our companies to die. Visit our Go Fund Me page at gf.me/u/xv9m4b to lend a helping hand. We must act. These business owners are our neighbors and fellow Broward County residents. Collectively, we can pull them through the difficult period until they receive more permanent aid. n
PALM BEACH URBAN LEAGUE
We Must Help Ease Financial Impact of COVID-19 on Black Community We are aware of the enormous financial burden COVID-19 is having on individuals and families throughout our country. In Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami Dade Counties, our community’s most vulnerable, low-income residents have been hit particularly hard. Many are in dire need of food, basic household supplies, and so much more. And life is only going to get harder for them in the coming days and weeks.
BY SOULAN JOHNSON
The world has been shocked by the devastating effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We have been instructed to shelter in place, leaving home only for essential necessities. We must work remotely from home beside our children who are attending school online. Practicing social distancing measures has become the norm and could mean the difference between life and death.
More than 6.6 million people filed for unemployment benefits in the U.S., including 227,000 in Florida. Experts predict our nation and state could see a 20-30 percent unemployment rate by the summer — the highest level since the Great Depression. At any given time, more than 189,000 people don’t know where they will get their next meal in Palm Beach County. Now, that number is expected to be considerably higher in other counties. Thousands of Palm Beach County residences are still waiting for their federal stimulus checks. Because of the
unknown timeline as to when Florida cities will get back to work, the much needed federal stimulus funds will not cover rent, mortgage, food, water, medicine and other essentials for more than one month. Residents need money right now for basic necessities. The Urban League of Palm Beach County is actively taking steps to provide assistance to help low-income individuals and families make it through this horrific pandemic. The ULPBC is conducting a Coronavirus (COVID 19) Pandemic Emergency On-Line Campaign to collect donations to take care of Palm Beach County residents. The ULPGC will purchase gift cards with the online contributions and get them directly to people who need help the most – right now. Please donate $1 or more to help residents purchase food, water, and cleaning supplies for their families so they can get through these tough times. Visit our website at www.ulpbc.org to make your donation.
Muhammad Ali once said service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. As a global community, we must continue being sensitive to the needs of the underserved communities during this unprecedented pandemic. Our lives will be forever changed by this global crisis. It is reassuring to know that there are many local, state, federal municipalities, for profit and non-profit organizations, companies, individuals and so many more committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Communities must pool their resources, collective passion and commitment toward helping low-income individuals and families, not only survive this crisis but be better prepared for the new challenges we will no doubt face in our world.
Soulan Johnson is vice president of Development and Communications for the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc. n
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
11BB
12BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
Introducing South Florida’s Most Influential a
CORDELIA ANDERSON
COLONEL NICHOLE ANDERSON
ANTHONY “TONY” ARANHA
THOMAS EUGENE
RONNIE L. FELDER
DR. JOANN HENRY FINNEY
REAL ESTATE BROKER/INVESTOR I Heart Real Estate, LLC
DIRECTOR OF GROUP SALES Florida Panthers Hockey Club
DR. CARLA P. KENDALL
UNDERSHERIFF Broward Sheriff’s Office
MAYOR Riviera Beach
GERALDA LARKINS
PRESIDENT Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
REGIONAL MANAGER The African American Research Library and Cultural Center
ROMAINE LAYNE
JEANETTE A. MARSHALL
MRS. JOEL D. MCCRAY
CFO FOR THE AMBULATORY SERVICES DIVISION Broward Health
ANTHEA M. PENNANT, MSCJ
WHITNEY BALDWIN POWELL, ESQ.
DR. RAMONA R. RELIFORD
DR. ROSA R. SIMMONS BASILEUS Alpha Alpha Beta Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
THAIS R. SULLIVAN
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT/REGIONAL CRA & COMMUNITY LENDING OFFICER Valley Bank
MAKIBA J. FOSTER
THE BROWARD COUNTY CLERK OF COURTS Broward County Clerk of Courts
VISIONARY STRATEGIST AND SENIOR PASTOR, Geralda Larkins Consulting and Impart Kingdom Ministries
BASILEUS Xi Pi Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
HONORABLE BRENDA D. FORMAN
ROSALYN SIA BAKER-BARNES
ATTORNEY AND SHAREHOLDER Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, PA
PRESIDENT Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Glades Alumnae Chapter
BASILEUS Mu Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
DISTRICT DIRECTOR Supplier Relations & Diversity Broward College
KARA BAILEY
BASILEUS Kappa Kappa Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
BASILEUS Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
JEWEL TAMAREZ
GENERAL MANAGER Houston’s, Pompano Beach, FL
PROJECT MANAGER Healthier Neighbors
JOVAN REMBERT
PRINCIPAL West Park Preparatory School
TROY WALKER
SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE Florida Department Of Law Enforcement Miami Region
BASILEUS Chi Psi Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
NETONUA REYES, MSN, RN
CHIEF OPERATIONS AND NURSING OFFICER Broward Health Imperial Point
KELVIN WATSON
Director of Libraries Broward County Libraries
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
13BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
and Powerful Black Professionals of 2020
MARLON D. BOLTON
WALTER T. BOND
ALAN E. BOTTORFF
MONIQUE “COACH MO” CORKER
CORENZO ENGLISH
VICE MAYOR City of Tamarac
BUSINESS COACH Walter Bond Worldwide
CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Teledactyl
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MARKET MANAGER Comerica Bank
HEAD OF REGIONAL COMPLIANCE, AMERICAS DB Schenker
SHAUN GAYLE
KRYSTAL HALL-SHIVERS
KIMBERLY HARMON
TAMMY JACKSON-MOORE
KEITH A. JAMES
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER City of Miramar
DR. KARL MICHEL
PRESIDENT Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. North Broward County Alumnae
DORRITT M. MILLER
CEO/FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEON Genesis Foot & Ankle Institute, Inc.
ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners
DR. HEIDI RICHARDS
RICHARD ROBERTS
CHIEF OF STAFF Office of Broward County Mayor, Dale V.C. Holness
MARIE C. WAUGH
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER Chro Aptim
FOUNDER/CEO Read2Achieve Inc.
SHENETRIA S. MOORE
PRESIDENT & CEO SHE Holdings LLC/Sha’s Community Initiatives Inc.
RHONDA D. ROGERS
CO-FOUNDER Guardians of the Glades
MAYOR City of West Palm Beach
COURTNEY MCKENZIE NEWELL
KESHIA PATRICK
PRESIDENT & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER Crowned Marketing & Communications
DANISHA ROLLE
CEO/EXECUTIVE CHEF Culinary Flair Catering
PRESIDENT Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. South Palm Beach Alumnae Chapter
PRODUCER/PUBLISHER/CEO Sports & Entertainment Today, LLC
CHUCK WEST
VERNIQUE WILLIAMS, MBA
WINSTON WILLIAMS
PORTFOLIO MANAGER/FINANCIAL ADVISER Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
BASILEUS Zeta Tau Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
OWNER/CHEF Catering CC INC.
OWNER Mane Life Studios
EZRA SAFFOLD II
PRESIDENT All-Site Construction, Inc.
SHARON D. WOOD
PRESIDENT Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. West Palm Beach Alumnae Chapter
14BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
CAREER LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
5 Ways to Prepare for a Virtual Interview backgrounds. You don’t want a hiring manager to pay more attention to your background than your response to questions. Stay close to the mic so your responses can be heard.
BY MARY V. DAVIDS, MS-HRM
Now more than ever, companies are conducting virtual meetings to continue reaching organizational goals, including hiring top talent. Here are five ways you can nail your next virtual interview.
1. Eliminate distractions. Make sure you find a quiet place, free of distracting noises or inappropriate
2. Look directly into the camera and smile. If you’re not used to being on a camera, you will find yourself naturally looking at your own face on the screen vs. looking directly into the camera as though you’re talking to the person on the other end. Imagine the camera lenses are the eyes of the interviewer. This will help you stay focused. Always make extra effort to smile during the interview. Many hiring decisions are based on likability, whether hiring managers want to admit it or not. You can have everything wonderfully presented on your resume, but without making that personal connection, you’ve lost an opportunity. Before you push the start button, put on your smile. 3. Body Language & Confidence.
Just as though you are in person, you want to make sure you sit straight up, shoulders back, and appear that you are confident in your responses. Confidence is relayed through body language, especially during a video interview. Have a copy of your resume in-hand before you sign on. You can use it as a reference if you feel stuck on a question or you want to remind the hiring manager of your capabilities. 4. Arrive early. Check your connectivity to make sure you don’t have any network interruptions. Video call someone else to see how the connection is before your interview. Give yourself enough time to set your background, position yourself, and make sure your lighting is good so they can see your expression and body language. Your ability to be techsavvy is being evaluated during this process, so arriving at the meeting at least five to seven minutes before the session will help you work through
any technical issues. 5. Practice makes perfect! If you are nervous about being on video, try recording yourself over and over again to see how many times you say “um,” “because,” “well”….etc. Send it to a trusted friend and ask for feedback. You can’t predict the future, but you can prepare yourself for some hiccups on your special day. Don’t panic if there is an unexpected issue. Instead have a plan. Ask for a phone number to call in case there are any connection issues before or during the interview. This way, you’ll have an additional way to contact the hiring manager should the connection fail. Mary V. Davids is an executive career and leadership development coach and owner of D&M Consulting Services, LLC. For more career tips and advice visit www.slaytheworkplace.com or follow @MVDavids on Instagram and Twitter. n
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social Media Is Helping Connect the World During a Global Pandemic
Dr. Tracy Timberlake, award-winning business coach
BY DR. TRACY TIMBERLAKE
As leaders are forced to process and pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has been more important than ever. Those who have resisted going digital are now having to adapt in more ways than one. We all need to accept that this is the new normal. Since the dawn of social media,
the Coronavirus is not the first outbreak the world has seen. There was H1N1 Swine Flu (2009), the Ebola outbreak (2014), and Zika (2015). Because organizations didn’t have the swiftness to communicate to the masses, people often looked to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for information. These platforms have become a very regular part of everyday life and critical to getting news out fast, especially in a time of crisis. With COVID-19, health organizations have been much better at using those channels to communicate. Individual users also use social media to share their stories and experiences. Tiktok had Wuhan Quarantiners updating the world daily on what’s happening, study-abroad students are documenting their experiences, and people who have contracted the virus are sharing symptoms and everyday updates. In a time where the world is fighting this battle together, there seems to be a sense of camaraderie because we can all live each other’s experiences
in real time. Social media reports have also inspired action among global citizens. People are starting funding campaigns for organizations and individuals in need. Medical professionals from different countries are using social media to connect, collaborate, and curate ideas about how to stop this thing. Businesses are seeing the importance of using social media to interact with their customers during times of social distancing, and giving strong reason to strengthen their digital footprint and online communities. Those who are quarantined don’t have to feel completely isolated. And many people are using the power of social media to spread positivity in the world during a time when fear seems so prevalent. So many people are online these days that technology companies have actually questioned if the Internet can sustain this kind of usage. We have all been forced to go digital. Although there is a bad side,
the good outweighs it. Of course there are accounts that circulate misinformation and doomsday reports: threats of national mandatory lock downs and a declaration of Marshall Law, conspiracy theories and false narratives. To help the mass public distinguish between fact or fiction, social platforms are making every effort to employ fake news fighting algorithms. When you see something blatantly false, report it. Secondly, make sure that any official information you get comes from an official source, not a friend of a friend who is thrice removed from “higher ups.” Lastly, if you hear something that sounds sketchy, take a moment and look it up. We are all going to come out on the other side of this. It will be interesting to see how these digital changes affect us in the long run. Dr. Tracy Timberlake is a multi-award winning digital business coach. n
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
BRIAN C. JOHNSON VICE MAYOR - CITY OF WEST PARK
In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever before that people in our community help each other; and the leaders in our community focus on creating essential supports to assist the people in our communities to get through this crisis together. Over the past 2 months, Vice Mayor Brian C. Johnson has been focusing on specific needs in our community and partnering with allies throughout the County to help address them. Vice Mayor Johnson converted his campaign team into a community outreach movement that has been making phone calls to seniors -- to check in on them and see if that they have any concerns that we might be able to assist them with. As of this writing, we have reached out to more than1,000 of a list of 4,500 seniors in our community. To address the needs of the seniors who requested assistance, Vice Mayor Johnson is partnering with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward, the United Way of Broward County, 211 Broward and his own organization Minority Builders Coalition, Inc. to provide the food, health services, and home repairs that have been requested. Vice Mayor Johnson, along with his colleague CBCI Executive Director Mikelange Olbel, has also been addressing the needs of children and families who come to one of his organizations, Community Based Connections, Inc. with issues related to child abuse, neglect, academic underperformance and other difficult circumstances. Now, with the added stress of this crisis, daily living has become an even greater challenge and we want to help. To help the 300 children and families who expressed needs for emergency support, Vice
Mayor Johnson launched the CBCI Child/Family Resiliency Fund to solicit public support for our efforts to provide emergency supplies needed to help them through this crisis. In partnership with the Community Foundation of Broward County, the Jim Moran Foundation, Children Services Council of Broward, United Way of Broward, ChildNet of Broward, the Ft. Lauderdale Chapter of the Links, Inc. and through the generous contributions of everyday citizens, Vice Mayor Johnson and Community Based Connections have raised more than $65,000 to give the first 260 priority families identified with financial support of up to $250 towards food, rent/ utilities, childcare, transportation and/or other prioritized needs they presented. Finally, Vice Mayor Johnson has been working intently to help the small, minority and women owned businesses (S/ MWBEs) who are being devastated by this healthcare related economic crisis. With Representatives from Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce, Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce, and his organization the Minority Builders Coalition, Inc., Vice Mayor Johnson and his colleagues have united to develop resources S/MWBEs need to get them through this difficult time. Vice Mayor Johnson often says that, “no matter what the problem, the solution must start with our unity�. He believes that our community will survive this current crisis and we will bounce back after it. He further believes that we must survive and bounce back together. He continues to be actively working to do his part to make sure we are working together for our collective well being.
15BB
16BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
ENTREPRENEUR
Telemedicine Company Provides Safer Alternative to Doctor’s Visit During Pandemic
Teledactyl CEO/Chairman Alan E. Bottorff
BY MICHELLE SOLOMON
Entrepreneur Alan E. Bottorff always knew there was intrinsic value in offering telemedicine technology long before people couldn’t leave their homes because of the Coronavirus pandemic that has crippled the world. Why should patients need to leave
their homes for a minor health problem, Bottorff wondered. Or what if patients have physical barriers such as living in an underserved or rural setting to see a doctor? Although Bottorff knew there would be a learning curve to get people accustomed to a non-traditional way of approaching health care, he was confident the time would come to introduce Teledactyl eVisit, a service that’s essentially a virtual doctor’s office that takes a patient’s interaction with their physician to the next level, according to Bottorff. This secure platform is HIPPAcompliant and includes features such as screen sharing, file sharing, calendar synching, and video recording. Bottorff says this platform also connects the various electronic media records or EMR systems. “This is the turning point for telemedicine we have been talking about,” said Bottorff, chairman and chief executive officer of Teledactyl, based in
Palm Beach County but with services that extend nationwide. “The adaptation to telemedicine is going to move along faster now because people are going to be more comfortable seeing someone online because of what we’ve gone through with the Coronavirus.” Telemedicine, the ability to have a doctor’s visit without leaving home, has many far-reaching positives and not just for the patient using the service, Bottorff said. “This frees up emergency rooms for emergency situations,” he explained. “You’re not exposing your immune system by going to an emergency room and you’re not exposing health-care workers on our front lines in times such as these. Plus, there are rural and underserved areas that don’t have access to care that could utilize telemedicine.” Bottorff, who retired from the United States Navy after 21 years, was working at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. His wife, Dr. Tiffany McCalla-Bottorff,
was an emergency room physician. With his business acumen and his wife’s medical knowledge, they opened urgent care centers in Maryland. They sold the centers seven years ago when their son, Karsten, was born. They also have a two-year-old named Kaleb. In December of 2011, they moved to South Florida where McCalla-Bottorff was born and raised in Plantation, Fla. “Florida was the better choice,” said Bottorff, who is from a small town north of Green Bay, Wis. McCalla-Bottorff is an emergency physician at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach. Teledactyl offers other healthcare technologies as well. “Since we’re local, we’d like to make this area a technology hub,” he said. “Adding business technology companies like ours that are innovative and savvy attracts more of these types of businesses. We can start building South Florida as the tech hub of the United States.” n
TECHNOLOGY
Technology Trends Will Remain After Age of COVID-19 role (both good and bad) in serving as a bridge to the new normal. There are several technology trends that have taken hold in response to COVID-19.
Kevin V. Michael, CEO & co-founder, Invizio
BY KEVIN V. MICHAEL
When this is all over, there will be no returning to “business as usual.” The COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of global economies is having an immeasurable impact on the way business is being conducted and will have a transformative effect on business strategies and practices into the foreseeable future. Technology has been playing an important
Video Conferencing Is Here to Stay Out of necessity, the adoption of video conferencing as a business tool has skyrocketed. Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Cisco Webex, Google Hangouts (now known as Google Meet), and Microsoft Teams have all seen major increases in daily usage. Although people are still awkwardly joining web meetings, they are growing used to it. Video conferencing as a standard tool for business communication is here to stay. When quarantine restrictions are relaxed, there will be a normalcy to video conferencing that did not exist previously. Employees, customers, and partners will view videoconferencing as a viable alternative to in-person meetings. Companies and institutions should be prepared to provide training on video conferencing, outfit their teams with webcams, and upgrade their
meeting rooms to accommodate remote participants.
Cybersecurity Attacks Have Sharply Increased Cybersecurity criminals have fully embraced the old phrase that says, “You should never let a good crisis go to waste.” There has been a sharp rise in the number of cyber attacks that are targeting businesses and their employees who are working from home for the first time. Hackers have seized upon the emotional anxiety caused by the pandemic to launch phishing attacks that offer information about COVID-19 as bait to obtain login passwords and compromise the security of business systems. Emphasizing cyber security training and adopting secure methods for remote access are key approaches that every business should take to keep safe from this spike in cyber attacks. Adoption of Cloud File Sharing & Virtual Desktops When the crisis arrived at our doorstep, many companies realized that they were
not equipped to have their teams work from home for a prolonged period of time: not all employees had laptops, or some could not access the applications and data they used on a normal day at the office. This has prompted increased adoption of collaboration tools for file sharing like Google G-Suite and Microsoft Office 365, but also accelerated the adoption of cloud/virtual desktops, which allow employees to have the full experience of using a desktop from their web browser, while affording businesses the comfort of controlling and securing access to their sensitive data. It is not clear when exactly things will return to normal, but these technology trends will be here long after COVID-19 is gone. Kevin V. Michael is the CEO and cofounder of Invizio, a leading South Florida Managed IT Services Provider that provides outsourced IT management to organizations and companies, helping them operate more efficiently and reduce costs. n
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
17BB
18BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
BUSINESS REPORT
Business Inclusion Leads to Job Creation, Generational Wealth
BY BEATRICE LOUISSAINT Minorities and women make up 68 percent of the United States’ population, but the businesses they own win just 5 percent of Fortune 500 business spending. Federal, state and local government agencies also primarily do business with majority-owned companies. Most do not meet their own annual goals for doing business with minority and womenowned businesses.
If minority-owned businesses were able to double the business they do with Fortune 500 companies and governmental institutions, millions of jobs would be created, and wealth would grow in communities of color. In South Florida, programs that effectively develop minority businesses should be an important component of strategies to tackle the crisis of low wages that is plaguing the region. Minority entrepreneurs often hire more minorities and are more likely to take chances on those whom many consider hard to place or unemployable. Our regional economy is fueled by small and minority-owned businesses. Both the private and public sectors need to identify strategies to accelerate the growth of minority businesses that are past the first stage of development. These companies require resources and support to grow into mid-size and large companies with significant workforces and high-paying jobs. The dividends are potentially high: nationally, businesses of 10 or more employees account for
more than 70 percent of job creation and revenue growth among minority-owned companies, according to a June 2019 report from “Endeavor Insight.” Yet, only 19 percent of Black-owned businesses and 20 percent of Hispanic-owned businesses reach this scale, according to the report. In addition to creating jobs, entrepreneurs who scale companies are more likely to create generational wealth. “Endeavor Insight’s research shows that owning a company that has grown to at least 10 employees “would provide enough economic value to move the median Black or Hispanic household to a financial position greater than that of the median U.S. family.” Investments in helping minorityowned businesses scale up are likely to have other dividends as well. Entrepreneurs with businesses of this size have garnered knowledge, expertise and connections they often share with other members of their communities. More minority-owned businesses of this size would also help counter the “brain drain”
of Black talent from South Florida. Unfortunately, “Endeavor Insight” identified what it calls a “scaling gap” – minority entrepreneurs are more likely to aspire to grow their companies, yet are less likely to do so than other founders. Our community can bridge this gap through programs specifically targeted to help minority-owned businesses scale up. In a community that is “majority minority,” the impact will be tremendous. Beatrice Louissaint is president and CEO of the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council, one of 23 regional councils affiliated with the National Minority Supplier Development Council. The FSMSDC acts as a liaison between corporate America and government agencies and Minority Business Enterprises in the state of Florida, and operates U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency Business Centers serving southern and central Florida. Learn more about the FSMSDC’s programs and services at fsmsdc.org, or call (305) 762-6151. n
MILLENNIAL
Coronavirus Pandemic Provides Opportunity for Reform
BY DAVID CANNADY
Every year people around the world make resolutions about how the new year will be better than the last. However, it’s hard for people to see how things will get better in 2020 due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Unfortunately, everyday folks have lost their jobs, may lose their homes, and global financial markets have dropped significantly.
Because of this global pandemic, on March 27, the United States government approved an unprecedented $2 trillion stimulus package, which most notably earmarked $377 billion for small businesses and issued an estimated $560 billion in relief to individuals. What’s so unprecedented about this package is that between $1,200-$2,400 will be sent directly to individual’s bank accounts. However, the real question is whether this stimulus will perpetuate an individual’s dependency on the government or spur generational change in politics and business. I believe it’s the latter. No matter on which side of the political spectrum you identify, the $2 trillion stimulus package has never been done before. In 2008, amidst the great recession when Democrats controlled both houses of Congress and the presidency, the Obama Administration only gave direct financial relief to financial institutions, not individuals. However, similar to 2008, we are
still struggling with the same issues, most notably, healthcare, education, and an inequitable criminal justice system. Bernie Sanders’ presidential platform of government fully subsidizing healthcare and college education doesn’t seem as outlandish when thousands are being infected and millions may die due to underfunded hospitals, growing numbers of uninsured, increasing college debt and decreased economic opportunity. However, there is no other institution that more significantly brings these issues to bear than our criminal justice system. Statistics show that the majority of inmates lack insurance, higher education, and economic opportunity. Our South Florida jails house more inmates than any other region in Florida. However, we fail to properly balance public health and public safety. As Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady pointed out in The Florida Bar News, the public health and safety of those who come
into our courthouse is a top concern. I’ll add that this includes officers, judges, employees, and inmates. The cry from Democrats and Republicans alike for jail and sentencing reform must be addressed. This global pandemic has shined a light on our justice system’s lack of transparency, porous conditions, and outdated policies. As of April 2020, two South Florida officers and one inmate have died from Coronavirus, four inmates have contracted Coronavirus, and more than 35 staff members of the Broward Sheriff Office have contracted the virus. This is not only a time for change, but also an opportunity for growth. I know we are up for the challenge. David Cannady is a prosecutor, business owner, and candidate for Broward County State Attorney. Learn more at: www.Davidcannady.com; email: info@ davidcannady.com; text or call: 954-707-5030 n
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
LUCIDO GLOBAL KELLER WILLIAMS PARTNERS REALTY
19BB
let’s talk REAL ESTATE.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
20BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
Al Tucker Remembered as Key Advocate of Multicultural Tourism in Broward
BY LEGACY STAFF
South Florida has lost a champion for diversity. Al Tucker was the vice president of Multicultural Business Development at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. Tucker was responsible for outreach to minority communities across America with the intent of having them host everything from family reunions to annual conferences in the Fort Lauderdale area. In recent years, he was able to attract organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the National Urban League, the National Association of Black Accountants, and 100 Hundred Black Men of America to name a few. He was also responsible for the GFLCVB becoming one of the original sponsors of Jazz in the Gardens, one of the nation’s largest music festivals. Tucker had a positive impact on the community. Many people will miss his presence such as Connie Kinnard,
Department there. He was also a cheerleader for me when I moved to Miami in 2015 to start working at the Greater Miami CVB. We were immediately connected by our joint partnership as destination sponsors of the Jazz in the Gardens Festival. We were both committed to working together in some way even Al Tucker (second from left) appears with members the Greater Miami Visitors & Convention Bureau including (left to right) Al beyond county lines. Al’s West, CFO; Connie Kinnard, vice president of Multicultural Tourism reach is deep and his impact & Development; and Bill Talbert, CEO. is great. He has touched vice president of Multicultural Tourism the lives of many all over & Development at the Greater Miami the country to include the lifelong Convention & Visitors Bureau. friends and counterparts of the National Kinnard said: “This is a big loss Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, for the tourism industry and the South in which Al and many of us (African Florida community. Al was a trailblazer Americans) in the tourism industry are and pushed for people of color in the or have been members. Rest assured, his convention and tourism world. He has legacy in tourism and diversity efforts, his been a friend and mentor to me for commitment to the community, and his over 20 years and helped me personally work to support community empowerment when I was at the Nashville CVB in won’t be forgotten.” the development of our Multicultural Broward County Mayor Dale
Holness said Tucker brought hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact to Broward County and the South Florida region. Holness shared: “Al supported many organizations that brought their conferences and conventions to Broward County. Some of those organizations include the National Newspaper Publishers Association, Airport Minority Advisory Council, International Cricket, and almost all of the fraternities and sororities. Al served with integrity, professionalism and honesty. He developed friendships with almost everyone he encountered. As mayor of Broward County, I am honored to have served with Al. We developed a strong professional relationship and a great friendship. He will be missed by his family, his friends, his coworkers, and certainly Broward County’s government.” MIA Media Group will miss Al Tucker. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family. n
BROWARD HEALTH
Preventing, Testing, Treating COVID-19 Empowers Our Community
BY ANDREW TA, M.D.
Whether you turn on the television, listen to the radio, pick up a newspaper or go online, COVID-19 is the headline. Two crucial questions have overshadowed all others: Who is at risk and what can we do? Public health officials have been consistent in their answer: Older adults and those with underlying health conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease and Diabetes are at greater risk. Nonetheless, younger, seemingly healthy people can contract the virus, and thus far, for reasons
unknown, children ages 0-9 thankfully seem to suffer only mild symptoms or be totally asymptomatic. The majority of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will only suffer mild to moderate cold or flu-like symptoms, will be able to recover in their homes, and can self-treat with overthe-counter medications to reduce fever and manage other symptoms. For those with existing health issues, particularly individuals who are older, a more severe illness could develop, requiring hospitalization. Broward Health and partnering health systems are prepared to care for these patients. To avoid getting sick, the following precautions are worth repeating: • If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, stay home. • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds numerous times a day. You may also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Refrain from touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cough into your bended elbow or into a tissue. • Avoid close contact with anyone who seems to exhibit cold or flu symptoms. • Practice social distancing. • Avoid unnecessary travel. • Have at least a 30-day supply of prescription medications available. There is no time like the present to revisit your New Year’s resolutions about eating healthier, exercising more and controlling stress. Taking these steps, while also regularly taking prescribed medications, getting eight hours of sleep, and eliminating smoking, can boost your immune system, helping you prevent or reduce the effects of the virus. If you are suffering from cold or flu symptoms and want guidance as to whether you should be tested for COVID-19, contact your primary care physician or the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at 866779-6121. You will have your questions answered and also prevent unnecessary exposure at local hospitals. However, if
you are having difficulty breathing or need immediate medical attention, call 911 or proceed directly to the Emergency Department. If your primary care physician has written a prescription to have you tested for COVID-19, you can call the Broward Health line at (954) 320-5730 to schedule an appointment at Broward Health’s mobile testing site. Within minutes of arriving, you can be tested from your car. Test results will be relayed to you in a few days by your prescribing physician or a Broward Health caregiver. Prevention is the best defense against COVID-19 and is the responsibility of each member of our community. Simple steps will yield significant results. Together, we will come through this healthcare challenge with renewed appreciation for protecting our health. Andrew Ta, M.D. is Broward Health Chief Medical Officer. n
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
THANK YOU! First Responders, Healthcare Workers, & Essential Workers WE APPRECIATE YOU!
MEDIA GROUP LLC
21BB
22BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
LEGACY BRIEFS MIAMI WORKERS CENTER NAMES INTERIM LEADER
Miami Workers Center has announced Santra Denis as interim executive director. As interim ED, she is eager to prepare Miami Workers Center to kick-off a powerful Denis next decade of community building and advocacy campaigns for black and brown women, girls and femmes. Denis has served Catalyst Miami since 2010. She has worked in several positions including chief programs officer and vice president of Community Prosperity. Denis graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in health science, and from Florida International University with a master of public health in policy and management. DR. SANTARVIS BROWN WINS TOP HONOR IN EDUCATION
Dr. Santarvis Brown has been selected for the Top 100 Leaders in Education Award. The award will be presented to him at the Global Forum Brown for Education and Learning conference in June in Las Vegas. Brown is board chairman of the HBCU Campaign Fund. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. JOHN YEARWOOD NAMED EDITOR OF POLITICO NEWSLETTER
John Yearwood has been named editor of Global Translations, a POLITICO weekly newsletter that recently launched. “It’s your guide Yearwood to the big issues facing the planet, from economic growth to inequality,
from technology to trade to climate change,” Yearwood said. In addition, he is the deputy editor of trade and agriculture coverage at POLITICO. Yearwood is the former world editor of the Miami Herald. He was honorary co-chair of the National of Association of Black Journalists convention in Miami in August 2019. PRESIDENT HAILE SELECTED FOR INAUGURAL INSTITUTE’S NEW PRESIDENTS FELLOWSHIP Gregory Adam Haile, president of
Broward College, has been selected by the Aspen Institute to join the 2020-21 inaugural class of the Aspen New Presidents Fellowship, a new initiative designed to support Haile community college presidents in the early years of their tenure to accelerate transformational change on behalf of students. Haile is one of 25 Aspen Fellows selected from more than 100 applicants for this opportunity, which is fully funded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and run by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. The leaders, all of whom are in their first five years as a college president, will engage in a seven-month fellowship beginning in June 2020. The fellows, who have been college presidents for five years or less, were selected for their commitment to student success and equity, willingness to take risks to improve outcomes, understanding of the importance of community partnerships, and ability to lead change. AKERMAN’S LITIGATION BENCH EXPANDS IN WEST PALM BEACH WITH GRASFORD SMITH
Grasford Smith has joined Akerman LLP as the firm’s national Litigation Practice Group in West Palm Beach. He joins from Jones Foster P.A., bringing a wide array of experience in complex commercial litigation. Smith has particular expertise resolving matters in the financial services, real
estate, hospitality, retail, and maritime industries. Smith actively holds leadership roles with the Florida Bar, Palm Beach County Bar Association, Florida Supreme Smith Court, and Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. He also currently serves as president of the National Bar Association’s Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter, vice chair of the National Bar Association’s Minority Partners Division, and president-elect of Palm Beach County’s Black Chamber of Commerce. FINLEY-HAZLE LEAVES SOUTH FLORIDA TO RUN PHOENIX HOSPITAL Gabrielle Finley-Hazle has been
named president and CEO of Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Ariz., and Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center Finley-Hazle in Glendale, Ariz. Prior to joining St. Joseph’s, Finley-Hazle served as CEO of St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital; and as CEO for Florida Medical Center. DR. CLAUDE JONES HEADS CARE ALLIANCE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Claude L. Jones leaves South Florida to become president and CEO of Care Alliance Health Center in Cleveland, Ohio. He had served as interim president and CEO since August 2019. Jones will also retain the title of chief medical officer. He Jones intends to continue as a practicing physician and will see patients one day a week. Jones previously served as the medical executive director overseeing public health programs for two counties
at the Florida Department of Health; served as senior vice president and chief medical officer at Jessie Trice Community Health Centers, and was assistant medical director at Broward Addiction Recovery Center. Jones received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University. He also earned a master’s of Public Health and master of science in law and policy degree from Nova Southeastern University. EISNERAMPER LLP NAMES BRIGETTE LUMPKINS DIRECTOR EisnerAmper LLP, a global
business advisory firm, has announced the addition of Brigette Lumpkins as a director responsible for creating strategic growth and maximizing business opportunities Lumpkins throughout Florida. Lumpkins has more than 20 years of experience in sales, client development, and account management at Fortune 100, start-up, and smallto medium-sized companies in the investment management, capital markets, media, and health care industries. Prior to joining the firm, Lumpkins was the director of business development at a systematic long/short equity hedge fund where she directed all capital raising, branding, investor relations, and marketing activities.
DID YOU RECENTLY GET A PROMOTION? ARE YOU A NEW HIRE AT A SOUTH FLORIDA COMPANY? DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE? Let us know by sharing your good news in Legacy Briefs. Send a press release and your professional headshot to rm@miamediagrp.com.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
There are no limits to what you can accomplish. ÍÝã ÖÏäÓ âÖÓ ÞÝåÓà âÝ àÓÒÓùÜÓ åÖÏâ á ÞÝáá×ÐÚÓ ºàÝÛ ÐÓ×ÜÕ âÖÓ ùàáâ âÝ ÕàÏÒãÏâÓ ÑÝÚÚÓÕÓ âÝ ÐÓÑÝÛ×ÜÕ âÖÓ ÜÓæâ Ð×Õ áâÏà ×Ü çÝãà ùÓÚÒ ' çÝã åÝàÙ àÓÚÓÜâÚÓááÚç âÝ ÙÜÝÑÙ ÒÝåÜ ÐÏàà×Óàá ÏÜÒ Ðã×ÚÒ Ï áâàÝÜÕÓà ÚÓÕÏÑç ËÓ ÑÏÚÚ âÖÏâ ÐÓ×ÜÕ ÓÛÞÝåÓàÔãÚ µá çÝã ÑÝÜâ×ÜãÓ âÝ ÑàÓÏâÓ ÛÝàÓ ùÜÏÜÑ×ÏÚ áâÏÐ×Ú×âç ÔÝà çÝã ÏÜÒ çÝãà ÔÏÛ×Úç ËÓÚÚá ºÏàÕÝ å×ÚÚ ÐÓ à×ÕÖâ Ðç çÝãà á×ÒÓ ÖÓÚÞ×ÜÕ âÝ ÛÏÙÓ ×â ÖÏÞÞÓÜ ÍÝã äÓ ÑÝÛÓ âÖ×á ÔÏà ËÓ ÑÏÜ ÖÓÚÞ çÝã ÕÝ ÔãàâÖÓà ÀÓÏàÜ ÖÝå Ïâ
wellsfargo.com/empowerful \ jhiq ËÓÚÚá ºÏàÕÝ ¶ÏÜÙ Â µ µÚÚ à×ÕÖâá àÓáÓàäÓÒ ½¼µ#jmhmo µi
23BB
24BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020