July 2009-2010
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
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Lowe’s Home Improvement’s diverse workforce bolsters its performance
In partnership with
Published by PRIDE Communications
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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
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A conversation about supplier diversity With Sonya Dukes, Corporate Supplier Diversity Director, Wells Fargo
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by Richard Daniels
ichard Daniels sat down recently with Sonya Dukes of Wells Fargo, who’s been with Wachovia, a Wells Fargo company, for over 11 years. A business veteran, she’s amassed a wealth of valuable experience in market analysis, supplier engagement and contract compliance. She’s also active in the minority-, women- and disadvantaged-owned enterprise communities, where she sees too few diverse businesses involved in the supply chain procurement system. Together, all these factors help fuel her passion for supplier diversity.
Q: In your current role, what are the biggest internal challenges you’ve faced?
A: Challenges are opportunities to me. The biggest opportunity I am currently
facing is being in the moment while simultaneously, during this time of integration, delivering quality service, leadership and support as I learn a new culture and continue to build new relationships.
Q: W hat attitudes have you noticed among diverse suppliers that, once A:
changed, could help them more easily procure contracts with companies like Wells Fargo?
Past experiences, for many in diverse communities, have placed a level of uncertainty in their forethought. As a result, these suppliers often will not pursue our business, missing potential opportunities in the process. Two of Corporate Supplier Diversity’s guiding principles are Education and Awareness and Partnership Development. Adhering to these principles helps alleviate supplier uncertainty, which unlocks the door to endless possibilities for all (Suppliers and Wells Fargo) to succeed together.
Q: What, in your eyes, is the importance of Corporate Supplier Diversity? A: People from all walks of life comprise our communities. When we support
their livelihoods and the things they’re passionate about, we’re ultimately empowering them to support us back. For instance, a parent who runs a successful business will want to send their kids to college someday, opening the door for us to offer student loans, credit cards and the like. It comes full circle.
Q: W hat is the business side of diversity? What is the diverse side of business? A: Supporting diversity should be a core principal — in essence, a significant
influence on business success. Diversity in business should be perceived as a viable, essential part of the organization. The key is to change the business attitude about diversity from “why?” to “why not?”
Q: Why should diverse suppliers want to work with Wells Fargo? A: We have a diverse range of needs to meet — from construction to technology to legal to stationery and many others. Additionally, we actively seek to work with diverse suppliers and are proactive in identifying procurement opportunities — opening the door to a wide range of potential partnerships.
Q: W hat advice do you have for diverse suppliers who aspire to work with Wells Fargo?
A: Know your core competencies and sell them. You should come in the door Sonya Dukes
very clear about who you are, what you have to offer and how it aligns with our organization. Don’t embellish your capabilities for the sake of earning our business. Stick to what you already do well; know your business and ours.
For more information, please visit www.wellsfargo.com/supplierdiversity.
Corporate Supplier Diversity
Let’s talk.
Strong relationships start with simple conversations — conversations that begin and end with a commitment to social responsibility that serves and builds vitality in our communities. We know that your success is our success, which is why we’ve built educational programs that help diverse suppliers gain technical assistance, build capacity and develop business. We spent more than $942 million with diverse-owned and women-owned suppliers in 2008 and over $4.8 billion in the last six years. Today, we continue to provide inclusive opportunities to enhance the economic vibrancy of communities we serve. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but even more excited about what we can still do together. For more information, contact the Wells Fargo Corporate Supplier Diversity team at suppdive@wellsfargo.com or visit us at wellsfargo.com/supplierdiversity.
© 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
I want what’s best for my son. I watch what he eats, who he hangs out with and how he’s doing in school. And if he becomes ill, I know where he’s going: Levine Children’s Hospital. Where dozens of world class specialists in over 30 specialty areas provide the most advanced pediatric care in our region. It’s my child. I have a voice.
July 2009-2010
Departments 8 It’s in our DNA by Dee Dixon
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
57 Community & business directory
Business spotlights 18 Taste of authenticity 28 Key component 34 Good and spicy 40 An immigrant’s ally 48 Multicultural guru
Features 14 Ethnic expression 20 Growth chart 22 Tapestry of talent 30 In the driver’s seat 38 Change from within 42 Time to tally 46 Positive connections 50 Seal of approval 52 Powerful proponents 54 What’s in a name?
Sección Española 75 Forma parte de nuestro DNA por Dee Dixon 77 ¿Qué hay en un nombre? 78 Partidarios Poderosos
www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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It’s in our DNA by Dee Dixon
A new friend in Ghana, Africa.
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ello and welcome to the inaugural edition of the Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide. Pride Communications is thrilled to partner with Wells Fargo Supplier Diversity in order to bring this extraordinary venture to life. We call this publication a “venture” because our intent is for it to be far more than just some pages to read. We want it to be an experience that will motivate us to learn, grow and prosper with regard to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond — just as the Queen City has done. We have designed CMRG as a hybrid in order to engage corporations, small businesses/entrepreneurs and the community at large with exciting features on our changing demographics along with valuable business and organizational listings. In addition, we have built a complementary Web site (www.charlotteresourceguide.com) that will keep businesses and the community connected all year long by offering advice for entrepreneurs on topics including cultural competency in the workplace and how to do business with minority vendors. Charlotte has truly become a melting pot of people from many races and nationalities. As I recently toured the Levine Museum of the New South’s “Changing Places” exhibit, I was enthused by the world map highlighting all of the countries from which our diverse population has migrated. Wow! Things have really changed. I remember when the racial conversation was only in “black and white.” Now, as the exhibit points out, the Charlotte landscape is in “Technicolor” and what a beautiful landscape it has become. Multicultural focus just makes sense Someone recently asked me why Pride has made this move into the multicultural arena. My reply was that it is quite natural for us to do so because “it’s in our DNA.” African-Americans born in the United States have a very mixed ancestry and the time is ripe now for exploration and conversation. Speaking of DNA, I had mine tested a couple of years ago on my maternal side and discovered a change in what I perceived my cultural identify to be. Long story short, the results came back Native American! I find this quite fascinating and it definitely has me re-examining my cultural mind-set, if you will. Foremost, I have just never seen a Native American with hair like mine! Continued on page 10
Dee in Kenya.
Dee in Boading, China. 8
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
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Continued from page 8
Speaking of stepping outside the box, another reason it’s natural for Pride to produce this product is because we know we don’t live in a vacuum. My passion for diversity ignited with my first international voyage to Honduras on a mission trip many years ago. Then, it exploded 13 years ago when I joined Charlotte Sister Cities and agreed to host a guest from Kumasi, Ghana in my home. I have not been the same since. I have traveled to many places since then including Kumasi, China, Israel, South Africa, France, Kenya and Egypt. Learning PRIDE about people of other cultures and ethnicities is the absolute best education one can get. (I just wish I had been more attentive while taking world history and geography in high school.) Here’s another reason. As co-founder of the Women’s Intercultural Exchange, I have been The Women of WIE Unite involved for the past four years with women of all races in Charlotte, bringing them together to build social capital and trust. It’s been quite a rewarding Women of WIE featured experience and has, in some regard, served as a in Pride Magazine. steppingstone to the formulation of CMRG. W
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Viable link for people, organizations Our vision for the Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide is for it to be a vehicle for supporting diversity through communication and connection — bringing organizations and people together in a way that is useful. (Please notice also, our section in Spanish, which we intend to grow with each issue.) We solicit your feedback, ideas, concerns and criticisms. Talk to us. E-mail us. We want to hear what you have to say. Remember, though, we’ve just given birth to this baby so we know we have some growing to do. Finally, we want to thank Sonya Dukes, senior vice president of supplier diversity at Wells Fargo, and CaSondra Devine, vice president of supplier diversity, for their commitment to the concept, development and launch of CMRG. Their support is an example of Wells Fargo’s continued commitment to doing business with diverse minority vendors. In addition, we are grateful to the Latin American Chamber, Jose Perez, Natan Feldman and all of our constituents who have given us their support. Enjoy, and remember: Diversity does matter.
Dee with Los Ninos in Honduras.
Dee teaching vacation Bible school in Israel. 10
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
Relax in a world of your own design. At Lowe’s, we want your home to be your haven. That’s why we offer a large selection of stylish flooring options to fit any budget, from tile to wood to laminate — all at prices that
can’t be beat. Guaranteed. For more information, visit Lowes.com. Shown: Rialto Tile: 6x6 white-bull nose, #160122, field tile, #88836, deco, #205840, 6x6 terra-field, #160022, 6x6 noce-deco, #65508, 4x4 white-bull nose, #108438, field tiles, #115512, 4x4 beige-field tiles, #115516, deco, #20080, Grout-Laticrete® #44 Bright White, Tub-Jacuzzi®, #72776, Basic Blindz® 1½ wood 29”x64”, #112578, Price Pfister® Tub Faucet Traditional Chrome Roman, #171647. If you happen to find a lower price on an identical stock item at any local retail competitor, and
provide confirmation of that price, we’ll match it and beat their price by an additional 10%. For the store nearest you, call 1-800-933-4416. ©2009 by Lowe’s. All rights reserved. Lowe’s and the gable design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC.
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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
July 2009-2010
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide CEO Dee Dixon
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Web Address www.charlotteresourceguide.com
Subscribe to Pride $13.25. Please subscribe online at www.pridemagazine.net or mail to P.O. Box 30113, Charlotte, NC 28230
Letters to the Editor Please e-mail to editor@pridecommunications.net, fax to (704) 375-9550 or mail to Pride Magazine 312 W. Trade St., Suite 702, Charlotte, NC 28202
www.pridemagazine.net Vol. 16 No. 3 July 2009-July 2010 All rights reserved for PRIDE Communications Inc.
On the Cover Lowe’s Home Improvement Executives. Headshots: Top, left to right: Cedric Coco, Kimberly Wells. Bottom: Tammara Combs, Mohan Komanduri. Group photo: Lowe’s legal team, first row: Kimberly Wells, vice president and assistant general counsel; Hannah Kim, counsel; and Janet Saura, vice president and associate general counsel. Second row: Gaither Keener, senior vice president, secretary and chief compliance officer; George Cunningham, senior counsel; Will Baeza, senior counsel; and Bryant Brewer, counsel.
Publisher’s note: The CMRG is a product of Pride Communications, producer of Pride Magazine, the Sunset Jazz Festival and the annual Pride Awards. For more information visit www.pridemagazine.net. A special thanks to writer and editorial assistant Angela Lindsay Hilst and Lee McCracken. www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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Dr. Priti Bhagia. 14
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
F eature
Ethnic expression Native attire finds a spot in the workplace by Angela Lindsay Hilst photos by Greg Briley
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very morning, Dr. Priti Bhagia wakes up, gets dressed and heads to work like millions of other Americans. However, instead of donning the traditional and often drab palette of corporate America clothing, Bhagia chooses to infuse a little ethnic color and culture into her workday wardrobe. While the dress code in corporate America has become more relaxed over the years with the incorporation of such standards as “business casual” and “Casual Friday,” widespread inclusion of ethnic attire in the corporate workplace has yet to make its debut. But that is no deterrent to Bhagia. A native of India, Bhagia regularly wears a variety of “kurtis,” which are traditional Indian loose-fitting tops, and other ensembles of trousers, long skirts and shirts in bold Indian colors with matching jewelry to her job as an internist in the senior services division of Mecklenburg Medical Group. “I love Indian colors because they are very different from corporate colors,” she says. “Everything is not just gray and black. I think people do appreciate the culture and where you come from. It just makes them relate to you, and they like it that I don’t have an inhibition of wearing (it), and I can carry it well. When you are wearing your culture, you represent your country. I take pride in representing where I come from.” The American workforce demographic is ever evolving as record numbers of immigrants enter the country. According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 1.1 million people became legal permanent residents of the United States in 2008; many came from Mexico, China and India. Bhagia says she understands “corporate do’s and don’ts” and admits that she is “careful” about what she wears. However, she states that her patients and co-workers enjoy her garments and feels that companies can benefit from being more flexible, saying, “As long as we do our work properly, employers should be more open.” How open a company becomes might hinge on whether workers initiate a dialogue with their employer first and be willing to compromise,
Nini Bautista.
Nini Bautista’s cultural identity is reflected in her “mestizas”— Spanish-influenced Filipiniana embroidered dresses that are traditionally made of silk and pineapple fibers that contain “butterfly sleeves.” “You can express your concerns over retaining your identity, but at the same time you have to comply with what would be required of you,” she says. www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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“I love Indian colors because they are very different from corporate colors. “Everything is not just gray and black. I think people do appreciate the culture and where you come from …” — Dr. Priti Bhagia
220 North Tryon Street, Charlotte 704/337-2000, mintmuseum.org RUTHIE STUBBS. Charm Quilt, circa 1880 hand-pieced and quilted cotton, chintz Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler. The Mint Museum is funded, in part, with operating support by the Arts & Science Council.
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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
according to Nini RB Bautista de Garcia, a native of the Philippines and chairman of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce. “You can express your concerns over retaining your identity, but at the same time you have to comply with what would be required of you,” she says. Bautista’s cultural identity is reflected in her “mestizas”— Spanish-influenced Filipiniana embroidered dresses that are traditionally made of silk and pineapple fibers that contain “butterfly sleeves.” Regarding whether women should wear cultural dress to work, her advice is practical, “I think you should use your judgment.” One suggestion from Bhagia for helping to ease corporate America’s reservations would be for companies to designate one day of the week or month for people to wear their native clothes to work. Says Bautista, “Charlotte is becoming so international that it is not really so shocking to see women in their native attire. Somehow, it has become acceptable.” Adds Bhagia, “There is nothing wrong in sharing your culture. The world is becoming a global economy. It’s a global culture also,” she says. “You don’t have to be shy about your culture. People are receptive to change . . . America has always welcomed different cultures.” CMRG
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Roger Kongkham of Thai Taste. 18
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
B usiness S potlight F eatures
A taste of authenticity Longtime Thai restaurant pleases a multitude of palates by Angela Lindsay Hilst photos by Greg Briley
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hieng Kongkham, a native of Laos, moved to the Queen City 25 years ago looking for the American dream. She found it when she and her husband, Sak Kongruent Kit, opened Thai Taste Restaurant in 1988. The family-owned restaurant became the first Thai establishment to open in Charlotte and now boasts three generations of family who work in the business. Often voted “Best Thai Restaurant” in Charlotte, Thai Taste’s noodle dishes, stir-fry meals and soups are quick, simple and flavorful — and all derive from original recipes. The
authentic and reasonably priced menu options coupled with the restaurant’s colorful decor and cozy atmosphere attract repeat customers and newcomers alike. Kongkham’s son, Roger, a manager at the University location, often recognizes people who have been regular customers for at least a decade — a testament to Thai Taste’s popularity and longevity. Originally a Dilworth staple, Thai Taste opened the University location and a Matthews location a few years ago. Now, even more Charlotte-area residents can enjoy a genuine taste of Thai food anytime. CMRG
www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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F eature
Growth chart Data shows profound impact of immigration on Charlotte by Angela Lindsay Hilst
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t is clear that the face of our community is changing every day. Charlotte is home to a host of nationalities that are dramatically shaping its landscape in many ways. As the 2010 Census approaches, here are some immigration facts to consider: n The 2000 United States Census Bureau recorded 59,849 foreign-born residents in Charlotte. That was an 11 percent share of the overall population, which was higher than the 5.3 percent share for the state of North Carolina. n More than three-fifths (63.8 percent) of the 20
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
Immigration directly accounted for 30.6 percent of the city’s population increase from 1990 to 2000, when the last Census was taken.
n
city’s foreign-born population entered since 1990. This was higher than the share for the state (62.4 percent). That same year, the Census recorded a whopping increase of 297.8 percent in the immigrant population since 1990, compared
with just a 26.6 percent increase in the native-born population (including children born to immigrants) over the same period. Thus, immigration directly accounted for 30.6 percent of the city’s population increase from 1990 to 2000, when the last Census was taken. n According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform, in 2000, the share of other-than-English speakers at home (age 5 and older) was 14.6 percent in Charlotte. More than half (53.2 percent) said they spoke English less than very well. So just how much have these immigration numbers affected our community? “In terms of business development, Latin Americans and many people from other countries start their businesses here and contribute to the tax base of this community in many ways,” says Astrid Chirinos, founder and principal of Diverso Global Solutions, a multicultural marketing and workforce development company. “The impact has been tremendous at all levels. For the past 15 years, our community would not have been able to build at the pace that it did if it wasn’t for the immigrants that were able to fill the gaps of human capital that we had.” CMRG
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F eature
Tapestry of talent Lowe’s diverse workforce bolsters its performance in a competitive market by Maureen Rich photos courtesy of Lowe’s
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ust 20 miles north of bustling uptown Charlotte, a Fortune 50 retailer is carefully, quietly and determinedly expanding its business throughout North America. With more than 1,650 stores from Ontario to Orlando and from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Ore., home improvement retailer Lowe’s continues to gain market share and earn respect from Wall Street to Main Street — a tough feat in today’s economy. Lowe’s evolution from hometown hardware store in North Carolina to 14th-largest retailer in the world and seventh largest in the United States wasn’t accidental. How has the retailer managed to create and sustain a business model that recently topped analyst expectations in a slumping economy? By creating a talented and diverse
Lowe’s of yesterday and today.
Janet Saura, left and Bryant Brewer from Lowe’s legal team. 22
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
Photo by Markus K. Perry
Cedric Coco, Lowe’s vice president of learning and organizational effectiveness.
team assembled from all corners of the globe and by bringing perspective, innovation, creativity, ambition and — above all — a dedication to customer service. Cedric Coco, Lowe’s vice president of learning and organizational effectiveness, joined Lowe’s from Microsoft. He uses phrases such as “unbelievable growth potential” and “cultural transformation” to describe Lowe’s, which now has 12 stores open in Canada and two planned to open in Mexico this year. Coco champions Lowe’s long-term desire to be the best at growing leadership capabilities, and he recognizes that at the rate Lowe’s has grown, attention must be paid to ensuring Lowe’s as a workplace is appealing to everyone. “You have to find an organization in which your value system aligns with their culture,” he says. He emphasizes Lowe’s dedication to creating an environment that’s fair, diverse and inclusive. “(Lowe’s senior leadership) gets it. Most people understand they need to do something, but being aware doesn’t mean they take action. Lowe’s gets it.” Diverse team ‘enriches the workplace’ Kimberly Wells, vice president and assistant general counsel, points out that the values that made Lowe’s successful transition easily to
a business model that can succeed today. “If the focus is on the customer, then the focus is on the individual. Just as no two customers are the same … each individual employee is different, and that enriches the workplace.” Born in Trenton, N.J., her life experiences helped drive her academic career at Harvard University and her goal to stay challenged in her career. “(At Lowe’s), things are going to be challenging, but if you have a manager who makes you feel valued and inspired, you can push through that (challenge) because you can see their greater vision.” Lowe’s tapestry of talent represents diversity of thought, lifestyle and life stage. Mohan Komanduri, director of engagement in Lowe’s new market development team, grew up in Minneapolis and spent most of his career as a consultant traveling throughout the United States and Asia. Recruited by Lowe’s, he saw the chance to be part of something unique without sacrificing time with his wife and two children. “Lowe’s provided an opportunity to continue in international development and have balance at home,” Komanduri says. “Lowe’s is passionate about its people, and everyone here does what they do very well.” www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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Photo by Markus K. Perry
Lowe’s unwavering dedication to customer service includes a commitment to assembling diverse teams in every sense of the concept. “I call it diversity of thought,” says Janet Saura, Lowe’s vice president, associate general counsel. “We have many voices around the table that are heard. That’s inspiring, it gives me a lot of drive — and it establishes Lowe’s as a good corporate steward.” Saura joined Lowe’s in 2006, attracted by the opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking legal team that nurtures creativity and professionalism, and encourages innovation. “This is a company that matches my values,” she says. Tammara Combs leads the Lowes.com team as vice president at age 34. She grew up in inner-city St. Louis, conscious of the meager expectations placed on an African-American female. As she describes her strategy, it’s clear how she has earned a leadership position at Lowe’s. “I looked for fields that were not penetrated by women or underrepresented minorities,” says Combs, who earned a doctorate. “When I see adversity, or a ceiling, my goal becomes to knock it down.” She
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Photo by Markus K. Perry
Opportunities for voices to be heard
Mohan Komanduri, director of engagement in Lowe’s new market development team.
Kimberly Wells, vice president and assistant general counsel. Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
recognizes Lowe’s desire to honor the humility of its small, hometown store roots, and she’s determined to surpass expectations and win in the online space — and her tenacity bellows that it’s not if, it’s when. Lowe’s continues to build its state-ofthe-art team of talent, diversity of thought, diversity of experience and diversity of
Photo by Markus K. Perry
Tammara Combs leads the Lowes.com team as vice president
success, as it poises to open in Mexico and consider even more international opportunities. Today, the global perspectives represented at Lowe’s support those goals. “I want every voice represented,” says Combs, leaning forward with determination. “To individuals considering Lowe’s, know that the opportunities are here.” CMRG www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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How Will My Business Survive In THIS Economy? There are hundreds of networking groups in Charlotte. Most if not all, employ the same tactics and strategies to help their members. But about 2 years ago, Mark Williams, Jeffrey L. Green and Luther Carter, Jr said there’s got to be a way to leverage the collective power of a networking group to help the members, the community and businesses. They sought out Judge Shirley Fulton and together the four set out to turn a vision into a business opportunity. Their vision was to harness the power of a networking group to create a business resource offering a full range of services to Charlotte area businesses. We could market the groups’ expertise as a “one stop shop” venue. Our members would be known for delivering excellent service at a good price. From this idea, Collaborative Ventures LLC was created.
with the winner getting an internship at The Koinoiah Magazine. “Our philosophy is by helping each other we all win. CV members are dedicated to working as a collective to find innovative solutions to your most pressing business challenges” says the Jeffrey Green, President CV. CV members are small to mid-sized businesses. For them, marketing and sales is often a challenge. Mark Williams, Business Development, commented, “Our model allows our members to have an army of people on the street working for them. We stress being observant. Each sales call is an opportunity to look for clues on what our clients need to solve their problem. CV members have the attitude if I can’t directly help you I know someone who can”.
By extending a helping hand, Today, Collaborative Ventures Annual Christian Business Initiative, hosted CV members build deeper by Judge Shirely Fulton at the relationships with their clients. LLC is comprised of 35 business Wadsworth Estate, March 27, 2009 Our clients now become an leaders representing a variety of products and services. CV members share leads but extended partner of the group without leaving their also help their clients grow their businesses’ net office. income by brokering the services of the group. “We know if we can make our clients and customers lives But is it working? Qiana Fountain, Zuri Creative easier we’ll get more business” says Luther Carter, Services, says her membership has definitely been an asset. “There are potential clients at every meeting. Allstate Insurance. I’ve been able to leverage more opportunities and as CV has a charitable arm that provides support to a a result my business has grown about 30%.” variety of community outreach organizations as well as a focus on presenting emerging investment Written By: Denise Cooper opportunities to the members. Collaborative President, Coach HR Ventures efforts have introduced members to franchise deals with leading companies, help local youth organizations and sponsored a writing contest
By Collaborating, We can make a difference www.collaborative-ventures.com 26
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
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Diane Ellis, left, Michelle Johnson, Darlene Branham, Vanessa Smith, Gregory Sharpe and Brooke Morgan. Bottom left: Diane Ellis, left, and Vanessa Smith. Bottom right: Diane Ellis.
Need photo
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Key component Major employer’s diversity initiative encompasses many facets by Angela Lindsay Hilst
“O
ur people are the real secret ingredient to our success”. This belief describes the impetus behind Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.’s decision to make sure that they have the right people on their team, said Diane Ellis, director of talent acquisition at Coke Consolidated. Since early 2002, Coke Consolidated has been focused on increasing diversity within in organization. Coke Consolidated laid the ground work for its diversity efforts by preparing its organization for transformational change with their ground breaking course – Journey New Land. Ellis says the initiative has been well received and was a necessary component to change the way Coke Consolidated thinks about not only staff and personnel but also about how it does business. The other key piece of Coke Consolidated’s efforts has been to create inclusive hiring programs. “Our focus in Talent Acquisition is
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valuing differences in people that share the same values”. The company partners with minority organizations such as the National Black MBA Association, the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and local minority groups to support those organizations and keep them aware of various career opportunities. Ellis asserts that Coke Consolidated is deliberate in making sure that we focus on bringing in top talent from a variety of sources. Going forward, the company hopes to add affinity groups, mentoring programs and college recruiting programs that continue to increase their pool of qualified and diverse applicants. Though Ellis says Coke Consolidated has made great strides, there is always room for improvement. The diversity represented in our people – race, gender, thought, age – should be reflective of our consumer base…..like our portfolio of products. CMRG
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In the driver’s seat NASCAR accelerates efforts to include more people of color in the industry by Angela Lindsay Hilst
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The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program provides college and university students of diverse ethnic backgrounds relevant, hands-on experience and introduces them to professional opportunities within the industry of motorsports.
Photo by Ronda Greer/NASCAR
ver the past few years, NASCAR has revved up its diversity efforts. Perhaps its best-known program, Drive for Diversity, has been the catalyst for helping change the face of the sport by giving qualified minority and female drivers and crew members the opportunity to showcase their talents for NASCAR owners. However, NASCAR has also made great strides behind the scenes by implementing diversity initiatives to include more employees and team owners of color.
NFL All Pro wide receiver Randy Moss debuted as a NASCAR team owner in 2008 by purchasing a 50 percent stake in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team. 30
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of what the business offers and how to gain employment. To date, nearly 200 students have participated in the program, and 347 people applied this year for the 15 to 20 spots to be filled.
Photo courtesy of NASCAR
Wanted: Inclusive roster of team owners NASCAR’s diversity efforts are not limited to employees. Team owners of color are also in demand. “Having a sport that reflects the makeup of America is very important to NASCAR,” says Andrew Giangola, director of business and multicultural communications for NASCAR. “We see diversity as an important priority at all levels of the sport — including team ownership.” According to Giangola, NASCAR has worked hard to lower the costs and barriers of entry to encourage new team ownership, and the efforts are paying off. Currently, Brad Daugherty, a former NBA All-Star and current ESPN NASCAR Brad Daugherty, left, a former NBA All-Star, is co-owner of JTG Daugherty Racing. television analyst, is co-owner of JTG Daugherty Racing, and NFL All Pro wide receiver Randy Moss debuted as a NASCAR team owner in the Brandon Thompson knows first hand the 2008 season by purchasing a 50 percent stake value of NASCAR’s diversity programs. He is, in the NASCAR Camping World after all, a 2003 and 2004 alum of Truck Series team formerly NASCAR’s Diversity Internship known as Morgan-Dollar Program, a 10-week paid Motorsports, now renamed Randy initiative. Currently employed Moss Motorsports. “NASCAR is a with NASCAR as the senior national sport open to everyone. account executive of diversity NASCAR is committed to making affairs, he is one of the many our sport — on and off the race success stories that the program track — look more like America,” has spawned since its inception Giangola asserts. “NASCAR — as 10 years ago. the sanctioning body — serves as “I think it’s just a good way for the bridge between its partners, students of diverse backgrounds teams and tracks, and fosters to be able to have an inroads into greater diversity by working the employment industry within Brandon Thompson with the industry to provide NASCAR because a lot of people opportunities for individuals from of diverse ethnic backgrounds are all backgrounds to participate in not exposed to the sport, (which) the sport.” would be a barrier of entry of Other industry initiatives employment,” says Thompson. include NASCAR’s Diversity The NASCAR Diversity Mentorship Program, which Internship Program provides exposes ethnically diverse college and university students students to the many career of diverse ethnic backgrounds opportunities within the sport. relevant, hands-on experience. In addition, NASCAR’s Diversity “NASCAR itself will take Affairs hosts local business and five interns for the summer in community leaders at races in the areas of licensing, event key markets to expose them to management, diversity affairs, Andrew Giangola the sport and to identify business our research and development opportunities. Says Giangola, center, and consumer marketing,” “There’s still opportunity ahead, and you can be Thompson says. sure the NASCAR team — with support from The program works with teams such the entire industry — will continue to develop as Rousch Fenway Racing and Hendrick and improve ideas and initiatives for broadening Motorsports, and several public relations and CMRG NASCAR’s reach.” marketing agencies to provide a “holistic view” www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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Apar Appar Singh Pannu is the owner of Copper restaurant. 34
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Good and spicy Indian eatery adds eclectic flair to traditional dishes by Angela Lindsay Hilst photos by Greg Briley
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ocated in the historic Mayer House on East Boulevard, Copper restaurant has been the premier destination for modern Indian fare in Charlotte since 2005. Owner Apar Appar Singh Pannu, a native of Punjab in Northern India, says he opened the critically acclaimed restaurant here because of Charlotte’s strong restaurant market and the size of its population. While Copper still serves
traditional Indian dishes, Pannu’s innovative approach to Indian cuisine involves blending old Indian spices and ingredients into a full meal with a variety of sauces and sides. Copper consistently ranks high for its food and its wine selections. Such accolades mixed with its steady influx of patrons ranging from locals to tourists make reservations at this eclectic eatery a must. CMRG
Unique perspectives. Common goals. Supplier diversity isn’t just about the services you bring to our company. It’s about exploring new ideas, working together to develop innovative solutions and creating value for our business – and for yours. Visit us at www.duke-energy.com. www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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Western North Carolina Empowerment Collaborative
Closing the Gap enesis 4:9 reads (KJV) And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
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“Am I My Brothers Keeper?” even when asked in modern society, is in many ways asked as a rhetorical question that continues to have deafening silence from the mouth of many generations. It continues to be as rhetorical now as when Cain first expressed it. It is time we answer the question. “Yes, We are our brothers keeper!” To be concerned with the charity for our brothers as it relates to their “Keepers” is a great duty which is required of us but generally neglected by us. Those who are not concerned with the affairs of their brethren and don’t seek occasion or opportunity to help prevent injury to their bodies, goods, good name or there soul in actuality is speaking the language of Cain. It is difficult to dispute the health crisis among men
of color in Mecklenburg County. It has been duly noted that black men have a lower life expectancy at birth than white males and the lowest life expectancy of any racial group in either gender. Black men have higher overall rates of death than
Bishop Walter C. Gwin, Sr. discussing health solutions at Hope Covenant House.
White males and a higher prevalence of preventable diseases. In our efforts to address health awareness in our communities, the Western North Carolina Empowerment Collaborative (WNCEC) launched its initiative around African American Men’s Health. We have hosted Focus Groups, Pastor’s Round tables, and partnered with Cheryl Emanuel and the Mecklenburg County Health
Department. Studies from the focus groups showed men of color are less likely to have health insurance and access to health care services. When African American men receive access to care, many times they are at more risk to receive substandard care as compared to Caucasian men for a variety of reasons. WNCEC will continue its efforts to be “Our Brothers Keeper” by continuing dialogues in Focus Groups and Pastors Round tables. Look for us to engage your community in the near future! Written by: Wade H. Ferguson III and Bishop Walter C. Gwin Sr., Western North Carolina Empowerment Collaborative
Pastor Cornelius Atkinson, left, Pastor Bernard Ingram, Bishop Wade Ferguson III, and Bishop Walter C. Gwin, Sr. - members of The Western North Carolina Empowerment Collaborative
Call 704-336-3494 for questions F undi ng prov i ded by the N C Offi c e of Minority Health & Health Disparities – "Cl os i ng the Gap" Sponsore d by th e Commu n i ty H e a l th L e a de rs h i p A c a de my, a n on g oi n g i n i ti a ti v e of th e Me c k l e n bu rg Coun ty H e a l th De pt. , J oh n s on C. S mi th Un i v e rs i ty a n d 1 5 pa rtn e ri n g F a i th -B a s e d Org a n i z a ti on s . 36
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
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Change from within Chamber advisory council puts internal emphasis on diversity by Angela Lindsay Hilst
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ecognizing that diversity is essential to an evolving and successful business community, the Charlotte Chamber has formed the Diversity Advisory Council to act as an internal adviser to its leadership about diversity and inclusion. “The thought was that before we go out and try to evangelize the business community,
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Officially launched in 2007, the DAC’s goals include establishing standards relative to diversity and inclusion in chamber activities; increasing diversity in membership; and improving trust in the chamber among diverse groups.
Affinity groups bolster overall organization
The chamber has created a new membership category called Diversity Partner. Through this agreement, any member of the CharlotteMecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce, the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce, the German American Chamber of Commerce, the French American Chamber of Commerce of North Carolina, the Latin American Chamber of Commerce or the Charlotte Business Guild, which is the gay and lesbian business organization, gets a discounted membership in each of the respective chambers and the Charlotte Chamber. “There is tremendous value and strength in affinity groups . . . It’s not about us trying to compete, but how do we all leverage each other,” says Walton. “That’s a way for us to outreach to broader and different diverse constituencies . . . That’s a big piece of our diversity strategy is reaching out to and through those organizations.” This year, the chamber conducted its intra-city visit in Charlotte and, according to Walton, the DAC explained to the chamber’s leaders the significance of seeing parts of the city they do not normally see and including people who usually wouldn’t be included. “The fact that our key leadership of our executive committee bought into it — that the first vice chair is an active voice at the table with this conversation — to me, those are huge accomplishments,” says Walton. “We thought that was important from a consistency standpoint that we have our key volunteer leadership involved and engaged with what’s going on with respect to diversity and inclusion.” Walton admits the chamber is not where it needs to be, but he is hopeful about its direction, especially with progressive ventures such as the DAC. “It has a really good foundation,” he says. “And if you have a good foundation, you can build.” CMRG www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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we better start in our own house,” says Keva Walton, senior vice president, member value-strategic partnerships and diversity for the chamber. Officially launched in 2007, the DAC’s goals include establishing standards relative to diversity and inclusion in chamber activities; increasing diversity in membership; and improving trust in the chamber among diverse groups. “We think it’s important that the chamber delivers upon its mission to Charlotte that we represent all members of our community, and we thought that the Charlotte Chamber Advisory Cabinet was a good first step in doing that,” says DAC co-chair Vincent Berkeley, Keva Walton chief diversity officer with Compass Group North America. “It’s a wonderful internal initiative to the chamber to make sure everybody’s got a voice at the table so that the decisions that the chamber makes on behalf of Charlotte are being influenced by all in Charlotte regardless of . . . (business) size, gender, ethnicity, geographical reference, sexual preference, Mary Tribble etc.” Berkeley co-chairs the DAC along with Mary Tribble, founder and president of Tribble Creative Group. The DAC’s mission is “to strengthen the impact of the Charlotte Chamber in growing the economy, serving as the voice for all business and delivering value for all of its members and for Charlotte. The Diversity Advisory Cabinet is about the chamber being relevant in an ever-changing Vincent Berkeley community,” explains Tribble. “The diversity of the city should be reflected in the membership and mission of the chamber. The new bridges being forged between the chamber and the international and ethnic community will help accomplish this goal.”
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Boat People SOS-Charlotte aids Vietnamese immigrants and refugees. 40
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An immigrant’s ally National organization with local ties helps Vietnamese make pivotal transition by Angela Lindsay Hilst photos by Greg Briley
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ince 1980, at least 100,000 Vietnamese Americans have received assistance from Boat People SOS while still in Vietnam, on the high seas, in refugee camps or in the United States. BPSOS is a national communitybased organization assisting Vietnamese refugees and immigrants on a local level in attaining self-sufficiency. One of 13 branches nationwide, BPSOSCharlotte educates Vietnamese Americans on workplace safety issues. Its Health Awareness and Prevention Program, through financial support from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure-Charlotte Affiliate, conducts outreach and breast health education to ensure that Vietnamese women in Mecklenburg County have access to screenings
services. Its volunteers assist with translation and interpretation, filling out forms, basic computer classes, applications for immigration naturalization, English-language training instruction and employability services. BPSOS assisted with forming the Vietnamese Senior Association of Charlotte and has worked to build the Vietnamese Association of Charlotte by recruiting people to work on community projects and give Vietnamese Americans a voice in their hometown and beyond. CMRG
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Photo by Tye Feimster
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Lisa Crawford is a partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau. 42
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Time to tally In 2010, Census Bureau starts documenting the U.S.’s population by Angela Lindsay Hilst
as name; gender; date of birth; race; ethnicity; household relationship; and whether a housing unit is owned, rented or vacant. “All of these items are basic demographic variables that are used in the business community for determining site location, expected level of customer activity and product mix by age, sex and race,” says Lisa Crawford, partnership specialist, U.S. Census Bureau.
Businesses can receive statistical and demographical information for a particular address, which is matched to Census geography data and can be used for marketing and research. In addition, Census numbers could impact funding for a business. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau, Public Information Office
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ou might have heard or read about it. Perhaps you have seen an advertisement about it. It’s the 2010 Census, and the United States Census Bureau is gearing up for it. Every 10 years, the USCB performs the monumental task of gathering an accounting of everyone residing in the United States. These figures are used in allocating more than $300 billion in state and federal funding to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health, education, transportation, job training centers, emergency response resources, hospitals and more. Residents who fill out the forms help ensure their communities will get their fair share of what will amount to more than $3 trillion in funding over the next 10 years. Individuals and businesses benefit from participating in the Census in major ways. In 2010, the Census will collect data such
Individuals and businesses benefit from participating in the Census. www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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Data of interest to businesses Additionally, the American Community Survey, which is sent to a sample of the population, provides other demographics including income, education, labor force status, poverty and disability. This data will be available in fall 2010 and beyond and will JF-PM.pdf
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be updated annually. According to Crawford, the business community will look at these two databases and make decisions regarding whether a market is good for their products. While businesses do not respond to the 2010 Census or the ACS, Crawford feels business owners benefit from supporting and promoting it. Doing so provides info they can use in their business strategies. For example, businesses can receive statistical and demographical information for a particular address, which is matched to Census geography data and can be used for marketing and research. In addition, Census numbers could impact funding for a business. “The business plans they submit for SBA (Small Business Administration) loans and other financial assistance very often uses Census data to qualify and quantify their needs,” says Crawford. “The amount of those needs can often be measured from selected Census information.” While Charlotte businesses do not respond to the population census or ACS, they do respond to the Five Year Economic Census and several Census Economic Surveys, which can ultimately be essential to area business growth and development. Crawford explains: “The collection of complete and accurate data for the area is essential to a business formulating a plan that is achievable if properly developed…” CMRG
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Sherri Jones is a marketing and life coach. 46
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Positive connections It pays to be savvy when evaluating, engaging in networking opportunities by Angela Lindsay Hilst
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etworking is one of the most effective ways to expand your social and professional horizons. However, the process can be overwhelming. For women, in particular, networking can be daunting and time consuming. That is why preparation is key when choosing a networking group, says Sherri Jones, a marketing and life coach through her company, www.marketingtakeover.com, and the North Carolina editor of www.networkingeventfinders.com. “They need to know what it is that they are looking for personally and professionally,” Jones advises. “Professionally, a woman may be looking for a job, clients for her business, employees or for other companies to partner up with that have resources that she can use within her business. Personal needs often come up as well in networking groups in the form of things such as child care needs or the need to sell a home.” At www.networkingeventfinders.com, you can find a calendar of events in North Carolina, particularly in the Charlotte area. Another resource is www.meetup.com, which contains subgroups ranging from Christian-based groups to groups for specific areas of town. Charlotte also offers many networking events. Jones says the Charlotte Chamber is a popular source of info about these events. However, Jones cautions women to set a monthly budget for attending networking events, which can range from $5 to $50. A little research can go a long way for a woman deciding whether an event is worth her while. “Women should look at the content that is going to be delivered at that event. Who is the speaker going to be? What is the speaker going to speak on? Is it something they feel they can use for business or for their personal life?” Jones says. She also advises women to try to find out who will attend and whether they would want to do business with them. Answering such questions can help reduce time, expense and disappointment. However, when choosing a networking group, it is just as important for women to think about what they offer.
When choosing a networking group, it is just as important for women to think about what they offer. “Don’t just always look at people for what they can do for you, but look at it is as what can you do for them,” she advises. “The most important tool in networking for women is to give value.” Jones emphasizes that women should always have a “30-second speech” about themselves and/or their business ready to go. It is significant in creating relationships that are reciprocal and can make being a part of a networking group more fruitful and enjoyable. “(Networking) is a giving opportunity. It’s not just a taking opportunity,” she says. “It’s a sharing opportunity.” CMRG www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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Astrid Chirinos’ firm helps Fortune 500 and other organizations. 48
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Multicultural guru Public relations expert’s firm helps companies develop a varied workforce by Angela Lindsay Hilst photos by Greg Briley
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native of Caracas, Venezuela and a Charlotte resident for 13 years, Astrid Chirinos understands the importance of preparing for a multicultural community. While working in corporate public relations, Chirinos noticed that many companies needed help with multicultural marketing. That is why her company, Diverso Global Solutions, has provided multicultural marketing and multicultural workforce development strategies to Fortune 500 companies and other large organizations in the Charlotte region since 2001. DGS’s integrated approach helps clients to not only attract but retain a multicultural market and workforce through understanding what drives a particular demographic. DGS also provides leadership development to non-native
English speakers within the workplace to help them advance. Chirinos’ focus on “cultural shift” and staying power rather than “band-aid” solutions through DGS as well as her partnerships in Afina Solutions, a multicultural talent development consulting company, and Calor Energy, which transforms companies through sustainable practices, green jobs and green energy alternatives, all of which make her an invaluable resource for the 21st-century multicultural business community. CMRG
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Seal of approval Business certifications raise minority enterprises’ credibility, visibility by Angela Lindsay Hilst
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usinesses know that diversifying their supplier base is imperative to their success. Many of them are seeking qualified diverse companies with which to do business. Certification is an effective way for corporations to find these companies and for certain companies to increase their business. Certification is a review process that ensures small businesses are owned, controlled and operated by the particular applicants according to www.MWBE.com. Various certifications exist. For example, a Minority Business Enterprise is a for-profit enterprise, regardless of size, which is owned, operated and controlled by minority group members (Asian, black, Hispanic and Native American). The Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council allows companies that become certified as MBEs through them to have access to 3,600 major corporations, such as Bank of America, Duke Energy and Lowe’s Home Improvement. Another major certification is women-owned
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The benefits of certification for small business owners can be tremendous. Certified companies enjoy increased visibility, business opportunities and growth potential.
business enterprises. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the nationwide advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America’s corporations. It administers the largest third-party certification of businesses owned and operated by women in the United States. Other certifications include small disadvantaged businesses or disadvantaged business enterprises for individuals who, according to the Small Business Act, have been disadvantaged socially or economically. Locally,
Robyn Hamilton
Process benefits corporations, too Certification agencies implement the certification processes for government and private entities and ensure that only firms meeting the eligibility criteria of the individual programs are certified. These checks and balances benefit corporations seeking minority vendors. “If they’re out there touting that they are creating economic value in the minority community and then they find out that this organization that they’ve held up as a beacon of their work is no longer or is not really, truly minority owned, operated or controlled, well obviously they’re embarrassed,” explains Robyn Hamilton, president and CEO of the CMSDC. “So what certification does is … the due diligence background for corporations.” Certifications also help corporations create
a pool of minority businesses and candidates from which they can select. Certification acts as an “introduction” for corporations to diverse companies and can help them expand their customer base, gain access to emerging urban and global markets and, in some cases, ensure compliance with governmental requirements. Likewise, the benefits of certification for small business owners can be tremendous. Certified companies enjoy increased visibility, business opportunities and growth potential. “You don’t have to be certified to do business,” asserts Hamilton. “You want to be certified if it adds value to a potential customer. Certification adds value to a potential customer.” Whatever certifications companies choose, they should be strategic in their decision. “… A business needs to determine who do they want to do business with; whose opportunities do they want to have access to; who do they want to appear to be valuable to,” advises Hamilton. “When people have minority incentives and goals . . . you become a valuable asset, but you’re even that much more valuable when you’re certified.” CMRG
F eatures
this certification is available though the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The disabled veteran business enterprises and historically underutilized business zone enterprises round out the certifications. A company can determine if it is in a HUB zone by contacting the U.S. Small Business Administration.
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F eature
Powerful proponents Numerous organizations, one mission: Foster inclusion throughout the community by Angela Lindsay Hilst
I
n Charlotte, numerous organizations are working to ensure that diversity thrives in the community. The nonprofit Diversity Council of the Carolinas works to eliminate barriers to inclusion and justice. Through programs and events, DCC provides a forum for members to discuss what they have learned as their organizations implement programs that enhance diversity and inclusion; develop leadership by identifying and supporting people who will be advocates and champions for diversity; and shows managers how a diverse and inclusive workforce boosts competitiveness and performance. Officially launched in 2007, the Charlotte Chamber’s first Diversity Advisory Cabinet ensures that the chamber is diverse, inclusive and relevant. DAC’s goals include increasing diversity in membership
Donna Anderson
Robyn Hamilton
and improving trust in the chamber among diverse groups. “We think it’s important that the chamber delivers upon its mission to Charlotte that we represent all members of our community, and we thought that the Charlotte Advisory Cabinet was a good first step in doing that,” says DAC co-chair Vincent Berkeley, chief diversity officer with Compass Group North America. “I think what’s important here is to understand that our definition of diversity at the Charlotte Chamber goes beyond ethnicity, gender and race and looks at things like size of business. We want to make sure that small business is represented. It looks at geographical location, so we want to make sure that all areas of Charlotte are included. ...” The Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council is a private, nonprofit organization. Headquartered in Charlotte and
Organizations working together to strengthen the community
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Diversity Council of the Carolinas www.c-dcc.org
Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Councils http://msdc.adaptone.com/carolinasmsdc
Charlotte Chamber Diversity Advisory Council www.charlottechamber.com
Diversity Council of the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association www.carolinahome.com
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
www.charlotteresourceguide.com
F eatures
divided into five regions, the CMSDC encourage participation and promotes and facilitates business leadership by diverse members, relationships among its members and address an inclusive and certified Minority-Owned understanding of diversity. CRRA’s Business Enterprises. Its mission is Diversity Council has four subto expand business opportunities councils: African-American, for minority-owned companies. Asian-American, Generational “Once you get that certification, and Latin-American, and hosts we’re working for you to make networking events throughout sure your name, your products, the year. “The Charlotte Regional your services, your capabilities are Realtor Association’s membership going to be in front of a potential is diverse in age, experience, Vincent Berkeley customer,” explains Robyn culture and firm size,” says Donna Hamilton, president and CEO of Anderson, the 2009 Charlotte Regional Realtor Association/ CMSDC. “It’s our responsibility to make sure you’re getting access Carolina Multiple Listing Services to the gatekeepers. At the end of Inc. president. “Our businesses and membership must continue to the day, that’s really what minority reflect the growing community we entrepreneurs are looking for is serve. At CRRA, we realize that access.” Carolinas MSDC has more diversity is not only about cultural than 175 corporate members and differences. With more than 600 425 certified minority businesses. The Carolinas MSDC organizes active members, our Diversity networking events and educational Council is a success story that has Dee Ellison-Simmon, president sessions for MBEs and corporate truly engaged our younger and of the Diversity Council of members to identify opportunities diverse members. And as CRRA the Carolinas to work with one another. moves forward, we will continue to celebrate our differences and The Diversity Council of the the opportunities to mentor and learn from one Charlotte Regional Realtor Association was formed another.” CMRG in 2006 to strengthen association involvement,
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F eature
What’s in a name? Key to understanding ethnic labels is determining where people were born by Natan Feldman
L
atinos … Hispanics … LatinoHispanics … Latin Americans … Latino-Americans … Chicanos … How can we keep it straight? I was born and raised in Peru. In the United States, when asked where I am from, my answer is simple: I am from Peru or I am Peruvian. While here, I have encountered an identification problem. I need to explain my ethnic background. I am 6-foot-5-inch Peruvian born of a Romanian father and a Peruvian mother of Russian and Polish ancestry; therefore, my first dilemma is that I do not look Hispanic. Let’s take a shot at definitions. If you Google search some definitions of the labels listed at the beginning of this article, you will discover thousands of views. That being said, here are my definitions. n L atinos. Identifies individuals born in Latin America. This is a specific geographic area composed of Mexico, Central America and South America. It does not include the Caribbean and does not include Spain. The term Latino was popularized by the media and artists such as Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez. n H ispanics. Identifies individuals born in Spanishspeaking countries. This is also the name the United States government uses to define this ethnic group. It does not include Brazilians (They speak Portuguese) or the British, Natan Feldman Dutch and French Guianas. n L atino-Hispanics. This has become the most politically correct term to use since it includes individuals born in Latin America (including Brazil and the Guianas) and the Caribbean and Spain. n L atin Americans. Identifies individuals 54
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
Hispanic vs.
Latino
born in Latin America. This was the term most often used in North America before the advent and popularity of “Latino.” n L atino-American. Identifies children of Latinos born in the U.S. (second generation). n C hicanos. Identifies children of Mexican nationals born in the U.S. Confused? Trust me: Most of my Latino-Hispanic friends are confused as well. So what is the correct term to use? Find out which country they come from and use that information when referring to those individuals. I am Peruvian by birth and an American citizen by choice. Can you offend any of us by using the wrong group denomination? Absolutely not. We keep this whole thing in perspective. What label did I use when identifying myself in the 2000 Census? Caucasian, Hispanic and Other (Just for the fun of it). CMRG
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54 55
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Community & Business Directory
Inclusion in the following listings does not constitute an endorsement from Pride Communications or Pride Magazine. www.charlotteresourceguide.com
57
MWBE Consulting, Training and Support
Organizations Certifying MWBEs
Minority Business Development Agency Minority Business Enterprise Center 888-324-1551 www.mbda.gov
Statewide Uniform Certification Program Nancy Rosado, Neighborhood and Business Services 704-336-2116 nrosado@ci.charlotte.nc.us
North Carolina Coordinators’ Network P.O. Box 1856 Raleigh, NC 27602 www.mwbenetwork.org
Carolina Minority Supplier Development Council 704-549-1000 info@carolinasmsdc.org * N.C. Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses Sheryl Cromedy, certification specialist sheryl.cromedy@doa.nc.gov or huboffice.doa@doa.nc.gov 919-807-2330 (main), 919-807-2339 (direct) www.doa.state.nc.us/hub
N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development 919-956-8889 info@ncimed.com www.ncimed.com North Carolina Procurement Technical Assistance Center Small Business and Technology Development Center Archibald D. Black Procurement Counselor 704-548-1090, ext. 3346 ablack@sbtdc.org www.sbtdc.org Supplier Diversity Works! 1200 Wych Lane Charlotte, NC 28273 888-550-8881 info@supplierdiversityworks.com www.supplierdiversityworks.com
North Carolina Procurement Technical Assistance Center Small Business and Technology Development Center Archibald D. Black Procurement Counselor 704-548-1090, ext. 3346 ablack@sbtdc.org www.sbtdc.org
Charlotte/Mecklenburg City-County Resources
United Minority Contractors of North Carolina 5 W. Hargett St., Ste. 309 Raleigh, NC 27601 919-834-1211 www.umcnc.org Women’s Business Center N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development 919-956-8889 info@ncimed.com www.ncimed.com
City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County www.charmeck.org Mayor/City Council 704-336-2241 City Manager 704-336-2241 County Manager 704-336-2472 Board of County Commissioners 704-336-2472
Three-digit phone services 211 Social service agencies 311 Charlotte-Mecklenburg County services 411 Directory assistance 511 Traffic information/accidents/construction 711 Connections for speech- or hearing-impaired people 911 Emergencies Police Department (non-emergency) 704-353-1000 Fire Department (non-emergency) 704-336-2441 County Sheriff’s Office 704-336-2543 Courthouse 704-686-0400
Other City/County Offices Board of Elections 704-336-2133 Building Permits 704-336-3803 Garbage/Trash Collection/ Recycling 704-336-2673 Park and Recreation 704-336-3854 Tax Office 704-336-7600
Towns Within Mecklenburg County Cornelius-Town Hall 704-892-6031 www.cornelius.org
Davidson-Town Hall 704-892-7591 www.ci.davidson.nc.us Huntersville-Town Hall 704-875-6541 www.huntersville.org
* Note: The North Carolina Office for Historically Underutilized Business will institute a Statewide Uniform Certification Program effective July 1, 2009. This program will replace all minority/woman owned business enterprise certifications offered through local municipalities. The SWUC Program will allow MWBE firms to certify their business at the State level, allowing them to compete for state and local contracts. The SWUC must be accepted by all North Carolina municipalities, removing the burden of MWBE firms to certify with each municipality they wish to operate in. The city’s Small Business Opportunity Program has partnered with NC HUB to assist all city-certified MWBE firms with the transition to the SWUC. ❖ Certified MWBE Business ♦ Certified Wells Fargo Supplier Diversity Vendor 58
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
Matthews-Town Hall 704-84704411 www.matthewsnc.com
Road Runner/Time Warner Cable 866-709-0380 www.twcnc.com
Legislative Office Building 300 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
Mint Hill-Town Hall 705-545-9726 www.minthill.com
Windstream Communications 800-843-9214 www.windstream.com
W. Edward “Eddie” Goodall Jr. (R) District 35 LB 1414 919-733-7659 eddie.goodall@ncleg.net
Pineville-Town Hall 704-889-2291 www.pinevillenc.net
Transportation
Amtrak 800-USA-RAIL (872-7245) www.amtrak.com Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) 704-336-RIDE (3366) www.charmeck.org/departments/ CATS Charlotte/Douglas International Airport 704-359-4910 (multilingual) www.charmeck.org/departments/ airport
Utilities
AT&T 888-757-6500 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department 704-399-2221 Duke Energy 800-777-9898 Piedmont Natural Gas 704-525-3882 or 800-752-7504 Sewer (24-hour service) 704-357-6064 Time Warner Cable 704-377-9600 Water/Sewer Bills 704-336-2211 Water (24-hour service) 704-336-2564
Broadband Internet Providers AT&T 704-837-8491 www.att.com
Earthlink 866-406-4590 www.earthlink.net
Government Governor’s Office
Gov. Bev Purdue Office of the Governor 20301 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-0301 919-733-4240 www.governor.state.nc.us
U.S. Senators
Richard Burr (R) Russell Senate Office Building Room 217 Washington, DC 20510 202-225-3154 336-631-6125 (North Carolina office) Kay Hagan (D) Dirksen Senate Office Building Room B40A Washington, DC 20510 202-224-6342 310 New Bern Ave. Raleigh, NC 27601 919-856-4630
U.S. Representatives
Larry Kissell (D) 8th District 512 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-3715 325 McGill Ave. #500 Concord, NC 28025 704-786-1612 Sue Myrick (R) 9th District 230 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-1976 6525 Morrison Blvd. #402 Charlotte, NC 28211 704-362-1060 Mel L. Watt (D) 12th District 2304 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-1510 1230 W. Morehead St. #306 Charlotte, NC 28208 704-344-9950
N.C. Senate
Legislative Building 16 W. Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096
Daniel “Dan” G. Clodfelter (D) District 37 LOB 408 919-715-8331 daniel.clodfelter@ncleg.net Charlie Smith Dannelly (D) District 38 LB 2010 919-733-5955 charlie.dannelly@ncleg.net Bob Rucho, DDS, (R) District 39 LOB 515 919-733-5655 bob.rucho@ncleg.net Malcolm Graham (D) District 40 LOB 620 919-733-5650 malcolm.graham@ncleg.net
N.C. House of Representatives
Legislative Building 16 W. Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096 Legislative Office Building 300 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Thom Tillis (R) District 98 LB 1002 919-733-5828 thom.tillis@ncleg.net Nick Mackey (D) District 99 LOB 403 919-733-5606 nick.mackey@nc.leg.net Tricia Ann Cotham (D) District 100 LOB 418C 919-715-0706 tricia.cotham@ncleg.net Beverly Earle (D) District 101 LOB 634 919-715-2530 beverly.earle@ncleg.net Becky Carney (D) District 102 LB 1221 919-733-5827 becky.carney@ncleg.net www.charlotteresourceguide.com
58 59
Jim Gulley (R) District 103 LB 313 919-733-5800 jim.gulley@ncleg.net
Keller Graduate School of Management 704-362-2345 www.devry.edu
Ruth Samuelson (R) District 104 LOB 418B 919-715-3009 ruth.samuelson@ncleg.net
Kings College 704-372-0266 www.kingscollegecharlotte.edu
Ric Killian (R) District 105 LB 1010 919-733-5886 ric.killian@ncleg.net Martha Alexander (D) District 106 LB 2208 919-733-5807 martha.alexander@ncleg.net Kelly Alexander Jr. (D) District 107
Education Charlotte-Mecklenburg comprises the seventh-largest public school district in the country. In addition to public schools, state-funded charter schools (www.ncpublicschools. org/charterschools) and a host of private schools (www.independentschools.com/north_carolina) also serve the county. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 701 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28202 980-343-3000 www.cms.k12.nc.us Under the direction of Superintendent Peter C. Gorman, CMS serves more than 134,000 students in 172 schools. Some 160 countries are represented by students, and 140 native languages are spoken.
Colleges and Universities Art Institute of Charlotte 704-357-8020 www.artinstitutes.edu Central Piedmont Community College 704-330-2722 www.cpcc.edu Johnson & Wales University 980-598-1000 www.jwu.edu Johnson C. Smith University 704-378-1000 www.jcsu.edu 60
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
New Horizons Computer Learning 704-522-9747 www.newhorizons.com Pfeiffer University-Charlotte 704-521-9116 www.pfeiffer.edu Queen’s University of Charlotte 704-337-2200 www.queens.edu University of North Carolina at Charlotte 704-687-2000 www.uncc.edu
Nonprofits Chambers of Commerce Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce www.caacc.com
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce 704-378-1300 www.charlottechamber.com Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce 704-378-1364 www.cmbcc.org Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte 704-343-2525 www.lacccharlotte.com
Visitor’s Bureau
Visit Charlotte 704-334-2282 www.charlottesgotalot.com
Business & Civic Organizations
100 Black Men of Charlotte www.100blackmenofcharlotte.org 704-375-7300 Altrusa International of Charlotte 704-846-6886 www.altrusa.com
American Business Women’s Association Charlotte Charter Chapter 704-953-6169 www.abacharlottechapter.org Association for Sickle Cell Disease for Charlotte/Metrolina 704-332-4184 Black Women’s Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg 704-336-7118 Business and Professional Women’s Club Metrolina Chapter 704-714-2219 www.mbpw.org Carolinas Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs Inc. 704-333-1690 Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists www.caabj.com Democratic Women’s Club of Mecklenburg County 704-525-5843 www.mecklenburgdemocrat.org Charlotte Association of Urban Bankers www.cncaub.org Charlotte International Cabinet 704-336-2174 www.charlotteinternational.org Chinese-American Association 704-322-3327 woodydiwu@yahoo.com Crossroads Charlotte 704-973-4567 www.crossroadscharlotte.org Diversity Council of the Carolinas 704-338-1888 www.c-dcc.org The Diversity Forum 704-405-0607 www.thediversityforum.org eWomen Network www.ewomennetwork.com Charlotte, 704-650-5439 Lake Norman, 704-947-8476 Filipino-American Community 704-366-4401 ninibautista@aol.com
Hispanic Contractors Association of the Carolinas 877-227-1680 www.hcacarolinas.org Hmong Community 704-545-8264 clvang@earthlink.net
National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club-Charlotte 704-392-9547 Republican Women’s Club, Charlotte-Mecklenburg 704-553-9392
Indonesian American Association of the Carolinas 704-458-8532 robbyson_suy@yahoo.com
National Hispanic Entrepreneur’s Organization Inc. 704-807-6848 www.NHEO.org
India Association 704-545-3727 surjadar@yahoo.com
SCORE 704-344-6576 www.charlottescore.org
Internal Revenue Service-Charlotte 704-548-4100 www.irs.gov
Urban Financial Services Coalition 800-996-8335
Korean Association 704-591-4872 www.charlottekoreans.com Lao American Association 704-497-0490 Kkeonakhone@yahoo.com Latin American Coalition 704-531-3848 www.latinamericancoalition.org
Urban League-Central Carolinas 704-373-2256 www.urbanleaguecc.org The Urban Restoration 704-391-0022 www.urbanrestoration.org Vietnamese Association 803-526-2133 Tuananhtran10@yahoo.com
Latin American Women’s Association 704-552-1003
Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange 704-365-4452 www.wi-ce.org
League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg 704-334-3136 www.goleaguego.org
Women’s Political Caucus-Charlotte 704-252-0967 www.charlottewpc.org
Metrolina Minority Contractors Association 704-332-5746 Millions More Movement-Charlotte 704-333-1690 www.mmmcharlottenc.org MWBE (Minority and Women Business Enterprise) www.mwbe.com North Carolina Indian Economic Development Initiative Inc. 910-486-6555 www.ncindian.com N.C. SBA (Small Business Administration) 704-344-0563 www.sba.gov/localresources/ district/nc
Community Services Children and Family Services Center 704-943-9400 www.childrenfamily.org
Community Link 704-943-9490 www.communitylink-nc.org Crisis Assistance Ministry 704-371-3000 www.crisisassistance.org Kicking for a Dream 980-939-1645 Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services 704-336-3150 www.charmeck.org
United Way of Central Carolinas Inc. 211 (information and referral services) 704-372-7170 www.uwcentralcarolinas.org Urban Ministry Center 704-347-0278 www.urbanministrycenter.org YMCA of Greater Charlotte 704-716-6200 www.ymcacharlotte.org
Corporate Supplier Diversity Listings Balfour Beatty Construction Calvin Stevens, director of community relations and diversity 704-319-4000 emergingcontractors@ balfourbeattyus.com www.balfourbeattyus.com Bank of America Martha Rangel-Schirripa 817-490-1706 martha.l.rangel@bankofamerica.com Belk Inc. Jim Harvey, executive vice president 704-426-1843 james_harvey@belk.com www.belk.com Carolinas Healthcare System Donnie Moore 704-512-7772 Compass Group/FoodBuy Skyne Betha, supplier diversity manager 704-328-1129 sbetha@foodbuy.com www.cgnad.com Duke Energy Andrew Grier, manager, supplier diversity 704-382-7690 abgrier@duke-energy.com www.duke-energy.com/suppliers/ default.asp Harris Teeter Ted Harrington, manager of diversity 704 844-3565 tharrington@harristeeter.com www.harristeeter.com Lance Inc. Annalisa Miranda 704-557-8031 amiranda@lance.com www.lancesnacks.com www.charlotteresourceguide.com
60 61
Lowe’s Home Improvement www.lowes.com/supplierdiversity
Robinson Tax Services 704-658-8248
Novant Health Care/ Presbyterian Hospital Kevin Price, manager 704-384-7456 kjprice@novanthealth.org
Stacey E. Tucker, CPA, PC 704-847-0021 www.staceytuckercpa.com
Nucor Corp. Betsy Lieberman 704-366-7000 Piedmont Natural Gas Mike Morrow, manager of supply chain 704-731-4104 mike.morrow@piedmontng.com Time Warner Cable-Carolina Region Michelle Hankston, regional buyer analyst 704-731-1911 michelle.hankston@twcable.com www.timewarnercable.com Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club Theresa Barrera, vice president supplier diversity and management 479-277-0650 genia.hight@wal-mart.com Wells Fargo Bank Sonya Dukes, senior vice president of corporate supplier diversity 704-383-7323 sonya.dukes@wachovia.com www.wellsfargo.com/supplierdiversity
Businesses Accountants/Bookkeepers Absolute Business Connections Inc. 704-537-0010 www.absolutebusiness connections.com Chan Pauline, CPA 704-540-0027 Chun, Ki-Hyun, Ph.D. LLD, CPA 704-332-5656 Elizabeth Leonard, CPA 704-655-2648 Lee, Jung Sook, CPA 704-364-3667 Patrick A. Beach, CPA, PC 704-688-3075 www.beachfinancialsvcs.com Regina H. Rudolph, CPA 704-944-5547 www.reginarudolph.com 62
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
Zee, Sylvester L., CPA 704-467-1965
Acupuncture
Lauren Leung, L. Ac 704-605-2602
Advertising/Promotional Products
Architects
ALR Architecture 704-348-2699 Gantt Huberman Architects 704-334-6436 www.gantthuberman.com Happy Box Architecture PLLC 704-334-8724 www.happyboxarchitecture.com Metro Landmarks Architecture PC 704-333-2011 www.metrolandmarks.com
Ad Concepts Inc. 704-366-1616 www.goadconcepts.com
Millennium 3 Design Group PLLC 704-333-1965 www.m3dg.com
Alliance Document Solutions Inc. 704-679-9931 www.adocument.net
Mistri Hardaway Architects Inc. 704-371-4622 www.mistrihardaway.com
♦ Bantra Corp.
704-372-3400
704-374-0916 www.neighboringconcepts.com
Bonnie B. Thyer Specialties Co. 704-331-0645 www.bonniebpromomall.com
Studio 1 Architects PC 704-370-0408 www.studio1arc.com
Carolina Corporate Wear Inc. 704-540-4613 www.carolinacorporatewear.com Charlotte Hotel TV 704-806-5692 www.charlottehoteltv.com FES Inc. 704-398-0436 www.fleminges.com The Logo Loft Inc. 704-596-9622 www.thelogoloftinc.com Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerly.com Digital Divas 201-304-2933 digitaldivasinc@aol.com Zuri Creative Services 704-496-2695 www.zuri-creative.com
Alcohol/Drug Testing
All-In-One Drug Testing Services 704-969-5471 www.allinonedrugtestingservices.com
♦ Neighboring Concepts PLLC
Attorneys
Chang, Kristen Aekyung 336-855-5700 Chun, Lisa 919-619-1280 Denise L. Presley, Esq. 704-676-4622 Eric Montgomery 704-909-2765 Gary Henderson 704-599-4577 www.ghendersonlawoffice.com James Ferguson 704-375-8461 www.fergusonstein.com Li, Benjamin M. 704-527-0878 Kim, Douglas H. 704-504-0962 Paul Suhr 919-876-4707 T. Michael Todd, PLLC tmtedellaw@aol.com 704-343-9700 Tamela T. Wallace, PA 704-371-4212
Tin Nguyen 704-461-1527
Automotive
Ben’s Automotive Center 704-333-1200 Victory Lane Automotive Mobile Services 704-493-3340
Blinds/Window Treatments
New Astute Consulting 704-831-8858 www.newastute.com POSTNET 704-541-0490 www.postnet.com/NC135 ♦ Project Managers Inc.
704-332-6611 www.projectmgrs.com
Casa Blinds 704-605-6629 http://casablinds.net
Red F Marketing LLC 704-227-0700 www.redf.com
Croteau Window Coverings 704-367-9905 www.croteauwindows.com
Supplier Diversity Works! 704-583-0278 www.supplierdiversityworks.com
Boxes/Packaging Supplies Ferguson Box 704-597-0310 www.fergusonbox.com
Business Consultants
Business Link Technologies 704-248-8068 www.businesslinktech.com The Coman Co. 704-366-9060 www.comancompany.com DBS Consulting LLC 704-947-9437 www.dbsconsultingllc.com ❖ GoldenCrest Executive
Consulting LLC 704-408-9606 Harris Krueger Consulting Inc. 7047-896-5678 www.harriskruegerconsulting.com ITEK Associates 704-246-2957 www.itekassociates.com Kreative Group Inc. 704-966-6016 www.thekreativegroup.com Lil Associates II Inc. 704-372-3331 www.lilassociates.com Liz Mills Ltd. Inc. 704-364-0811 www.lizmillsltd.com Lockman-Brooks Marketing Services LLC 704-944-3188 www.lockmanbrooks.com
♦ Visioncor
704-554-7007 www.visioncor.com
Caterers/Bakers
Cake and Craft Creations 704-577-4400 www.info@cakeandcraft.com Caribbean Hut 704-593-0030 www.caribbean-hut.com Charleston House Catering www.herbin.com/ charlestonhouse.html Creative Catering 704-373-2900 www.creativecateringinc.net Dave & Fran Catering 704-299-7696 Dominique’s Tasteful Creations 704-224-6275 Down to the Bone 704-548-1616 www.downtothebonesoulfood.com ♦ FDY Inc.
704-523-6605 www.FDYinc.com Heaven Sent Catering 704-535-0567 www.heavensentcatering.net Just 4 U Personal Chefs 704-619-6870 www.just4upersonalchefs.com Nona’s Sweets 704-717-6144 www.nonassweets.com
Queen City Sweets 704-499-4047 Sadie’s Soulful Southern Experience 704-532-5570 Oh Taste and See 704-469-8459
Cleaners
Birkdale Cleaners 16600 Birkdale Commons Parkway Huntersville 704-987-2232
Clothier
DW Design 704-332-1896 www.dwdesign.biz
Clothing/Apparel
DW Clothing Design 704-332-1896 www.dwdesigns.biz The First Lady Apparel 704-302-6429 704-394-4121 www.thefirstladyapparel.com The Knott Shoppe 704-819-0839 Sew Up by Sung 704-900-6579
Coffeehouses
Kokomo’s Coffeehouse 704-375-3460 www.kokomoscoffeehouse.com Diversity Den Coffeehouse 704-792-2233 www.diversityden.com
Compliance/Safety
Compliance Centre Inc. 800-257-8149 www.compliancecentre.net RSS Safety LLC 704-844-2519 www.RSSsafety.com
Computers/Printers
Applied Data Technologies 704-847-300 www.applieddatatech.com ♦ Carolina Cartridge
& Supplies Inc. 704-347-2447 www.ccs-ink.com
Carolina Computer Partners 704-549-0125 www.ccpteam.com www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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CG Technology 704-936-1600 www.cgtechnology.com CPI Training Solutions Inc. 704-358-3383 www.solutionsrus.com Esource Systems and Integration Inc. 704-895-3520 www.esandi.com Global Networkers 704-343-0094 www.globalnetworkers.com Kinetic IT Systems Inc. 704-340-7660 www.kineticits.com Network Cabling Systems Inc. 704-523-8606 www.networkcablingsystems.com Newton IT Services 704-561-7099 www.newtonits.com
Construction
8 Star Construction Inc. 980-297-7266 Akhter Builders Inc. 704-847-5976 ♦ Alvacor Inc.
704-544-8211 www.alvacor.com
Lopez Construction Services 704-605-9871
Conmat Construction Inc. 704-713-3685
Mansel Contractors LLC 704-547-9006
Conmat Development Inc. 704-597-7844
♦ Marand Builders Inc.
D.E. Walker Construction Co. 704-597-8911 DOT Construction Inc. 704-634-3790 Econ International Corp. 704-688-3709 www.econconstruction.net
❖ Hemar Concrete Inc.
704-932-5581 ♦ Heartland Contracting
704-882-3004
Highland Construction Group 980-322-7584 www.highlandcontractors.com Horus Construction Services 877-898-6879 www.horus-cs.com
Latta Light Construction 704-728-2597 Lee Morgan Inc. 704-348-1460 www.leemorganinc.com
C.C. Smith Construction Inc. 704-890-1909
Legacy Construction Inc. 704-968-1918 www.legacy-construction.us
Camps Construction Co. 704-321-1492 www.campsconstruction.com
Lil Associates II Inc. 704-372-3331 www.lilassociates.com
Carolina Cajun Concrete Inc. 704-545-8626
♦ Linda Construction Co., Inc.
Chartia Construction Co., Inc. 704-509-5542 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
Co., Inc. 704-522-8700 www.rjleeperco.com
Structural Creations Inc. 704-728-6543 www.structuralcreations.com
Kirkman Construction Inc. 704-987-2050 www.kirkmaninc.com
C&J Supply Inc. 704-399-4722
♦ R.J. Leeper Construction
Fernandez Construction Corp. 704-394-7173
Aztek General Contractor Inc. 704-770-5389
Bolton’s Contracting Co., Inc. 704-399-5010
Raydal Construction LLC 704-900-1952 www.raydalconstruction.com
Schotte 1 Construction Inc. 704-401-8945
King of Kings Construction LLC 704-281-7297 www.kingofkingsnc.com
Bana Corp. 704-408-5777
704-544-8211 www.marandbuilders.com
Emerald Green Construction Inc. 704-875-0557
♦ American Eastern Builders Inc.
704-342-1968 www.americaneastern.net
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Chief Cornerstone Builders Inc. www.chiefcornerstonebuilders.com
704-333-7120 www.lindaconstruction.com
Stuart Page Co., Inc. 704-545-0695 www.stuartpagecompany.com ♦ Tyler 2 Construction
704-527-3031 www.tyler2construction.com
♦ Walter B. Davis Co.
704-358-3793 www.wbdavis.com
Copier Supplies & Services ♦ Carolina Cartridge &
Supplies, Inc 704-347-2447 www.ccs-ink.com
♦ Carolina Copier Services
704-375-9099 www.carolinacopyservices.com
Counselors
Angel Gabriel Co. 704-281-8416 www.angelgabriel.org Michael E. Hall, Ph.D. 704-858-2984 Trinity Counseling Services LLC 704-921-9600
Day Cares
Dixon Academy 704-391-9875 www.dixonacademy.com Kids Town Child Enhancement 704-527-0423 www.kidstownchildcare.com
Mrs. Chris Play & Learn 704-398-1616 Nana’s Place Learning Center 704-568-3899 Step by Step 704-568-1214 Toddletown Kidz 704-777-8671 www.toddletownkidz.com
Decorating/Visual Art/ Plantscapes
Charlotte Plantscapes Inc. 704-529-1399 www.charlotteplantscapes.com Corporate Visual Artworks 704-904-4795 www.corporatevisualartworks.com
Dentists
Dr. Derek C. Barnes, DMD 704-849-6700 www.drderekbarnes.com Dr. Kim Blanding Pediatric Dentist 704-983-8523 www.drblanding.com Felecia Burridge, DDS 5232 Albemarle Road, Ste. A Charlotte, NC 704-536-0811 Carmel Commons Dental & Imaging Charlotte, NC 28204 704-540-2443 www.carmelcommonsdental.com Dr. Xin Chen English-Chinese 8170 C S. Tryon St. Charlotte NC 28273 704-405-5690 Friendly Neighborhood Dental Center 800-766-7472 Steven Ghim, DDS 704-541-8600 Regina Henderson 704 503-0202 www.charlottecosmeticdentist.com Kakouras Destista Familiar 704-504-8070 Luoug-Huy Le, DDS English-Vietnamese 2614-A E. Seventh St.
Dr. U. Phillip Igbinadolor & Associates PA 704-494-8484 Orthodontic Care of Carolina PA 704-509-4999 www.drcooperortho.com Smile Family Dentistry 704-549-1199 www.smile4ucharlotte.com
Electricians
A&W Electric Inc. 704-333-4986 www.aandwelectric.com Carolinas Electrical Supply & Service LLC 704-562-0923 DEW Electric LLC 704-335-0891
Dr. Michael Stout 704-332-7737 www.michaelstoutdentistry.com
E. Moore & Son Electric Inc. 704-358-8828 www.emooreelectric.com
Dr. Minh Oai Vo 704-364-6666
Elm Engineering Inc. 704-335-0396 www.elmengr.com
Webber Dentistry 704-332-5848 or www.webberdentistry.com Dr. S.W. Webber Jr. DDS, PA & Associates 704-392-9357 Young & Polite Children’s Dentistry PLLC 704-587-7336 www.youngandpolite.com
Education
International Electrical Solutions Inc. 704-777-5626
Engineers
Capstone Civil Group PA 704-567-0769 www.capstonecivilgroup.eng.pro Engineering Design Collaborative 704-971-1660
Academic Plus 704-315-3984 www.academicplusinc.com
H&H Engineering PLLC 704-897-8328 www.hhengineering.net
Brisbane Academy 704-598-5208 www.brisbaneacademy.org
Events/Party Planning
Kennedy Academic Learning Center 704-547-1151, 704-992-2337 and 704-987-2339 www.kennedyacademic.com Christian Montessori School at Lake Norman 704-875-1801 www.christianmontessorischool.org Charlotte Chinese School 704-243-2515 Charlotte Chinese Art School 980-939-9408 Cltchineseartschool@yahoo.com Chinese Language Tutor 980-939-9408 Japanese Language School 704-333-2775 Timothy School 704-591-4872
Creative Catering 704-373-2900 http://creativecateringinc.net Events & Celebrations Inc. 980-939-1645 www.eventscelebrations.com It’s My Affair 704-394-4928 www.itsmyaffair.com Main Event 704-332-5819 www.themaineventnc.com
Millennia Solutions 704-395-4706 Occasions Catering and Event Planning 704-333-1060 www.occasionscater.com Tribble Creative Group 704-376-1943 www.tribblecreativegroup.com
www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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Exterior Building Maintenance/Windows
Bright & Shine Services Inc. 704-650-6773 www.brightandshineservices.com Joffie Contracting Services Inc. 704-392-4442 www.joffie.com
Financial Services Carter Insurance 704-542-7500
Cosmos Financials 704-890-6000 www.cosmosfinancials.com Emma Allen Enterprises 704-892-0214 www.emmasallen.com First Legacy Community Bank 704-375-5781 www.firstlegacyfcu.org Mechanics & Farmers 704-247-3400 www.mfbonline.com Rose & Associates Southeast Inc. 704-896-0094 www.roseassociates.com SW Financial & Mortgage 704-372-1364 www.swgroupnc.com U.S. Financial Alliance Consultants LLC 704-887-9710 www.usfacllc.com Wealth Builders Inc. 704-890-2522 www.wealthbuildersnc.com
Fitness/Wellness
Fit4Life 704-491-2216 www.tiffanysfit4life.com N’ shape with ’N 704-334-4848 www.nshapewithn.com Pure Wellness Medical Spa 980-297-7873 www.purewellnessspas.com Shabaka Body of Your Dreams Studio 704-449-1476 www.bodyofyourdreamsstudio.com
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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
Travel Fitness Concierge 866-963-4828
Formal Wear
The Formal Touch 704-593-1961 www.theformaltouchonline.com
Garage Doors/ Overhead Doors
All American Overhead Door LLC 704-597-1002 www.allamericanohd.com
Gifts
A Fruit Basket & The Southern Blossom 704-375-7706 www.southernblossom.com Lamb Baskets and Invitations 704-497-3470
Graphic Designers Kineta Corp. 704-752-7994 www.kinetacorp.com
Moonlight Creative Group Inc. 704-358-3777 www.moonlightcreativegroup.com Red Pepper Graphics Inc. 704-373-1020 www.redperppergraphics.com SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.sparkpublications.com Sumcad Graphic Design 704-549-9620 The Maxim Agency LLC 704-339-0099 www.themaximagency.com
Grocery Stores
A & A International Food 704-531-1151 Ann Doa Sakura Oriental Market 704-525-9840 Asian Grocery 704-540-4201
Central Oriental Market 704-532-9888 Cilnecerea 704-569-0132 Compare Foods 704-716-1280, 704-596-3495 and 704-716-1170 www.comparesupermarkets.com Eang-Hong Grocery & Fresh Seafood 704-566-1272 Han’s Oriental Food 704-597-8817 International Super Market 704-509-1799 Jin’s Market 704-341-1112 LaBella Estrella 704-569-1899 La Bonita Mexican Grocery Store 704-527-8564 Los DOS Hermanos II 704-921-6424 Lotte Grocery 704-527-8949 Lucky Oriental Grocery 704-568-8666 New Asian Market 704-393-5831 New Century 704-921-1716 Ole Mexican Foods 704-587-1763 Overseas Oriental Food 704-522-9111 Payal Indian Grocery 704-521-9680 Rajbhog Sweets and Snacks 704-909-7783 www.rajbhog.com
Asia Oriental Grocery 704-375-1215
The South African Food Shop 704-849-2660 www.southafricanfoodshop.com
Bharat Bazaar 704-494-4845 www.bharatbazaarcharlotte.com
Sunuvkriti the Indian Store 704-567-5916 WooRi Market 704-375-1215
Zen International Market 704-464-6985
Hairstylists/Salons
A Total Experience Salon & Spa 704-377-0383
♦ Superior Mechanical
Systems Inc. 704-335-1942 www.superiormsinc.com
Advantage Rehabilitation Services 704-302-1210
Divine Designs by Divas 704-531-4545 704-496-0698
Crimson Home Care LLC 704-342-4681 www.crimsonhomecare.com
Hair Infiniti Wellness Salon 704-596-2166 www.hairinfiniti.net
HomeCare for the Carolinas LLC 704-335-8488 www.homecareforthecarolinas.com
Milano Hair Salon 704-542-5565 www.milanohair.com No Grease Inc. 704-531-1700 www.nogrease.com Rhodie’s Barber and Styling 704-426-0788 Salon Untouchable 704-921-0161 (Barbers) 704-921-0182 (Stylists) Studio East Styling Salon 704-569-4553 www.studioeaststylingsalon.com Styles and Creations by Jaye LLC 704-957-1525 www.jayedabarber.com The Relaxer Experts 704-535-6978
Heating and Air Conditioning
AT’s Heating & A/C 704-568-3147 Champion Heating & Cooling Inc. 704-391-2077 Controlled Climate Technology Inc. 704-535-9192 www.controlledclimatetechnology.com ♦ McKenney’s Mechanical/
Superior Mechanical Systems 704-335-1942 www.superiormsinc.com
Cook Information Packaging & Design Inc. 704-376-6324 www.cookinfopkg.com
Home Care/Nursing
Bana African Hair Braiding 704-921-2727
Lockstar Natural Hair Salon 704-334-6624 www.lockstarsalon.com
Information Packaging and Design/Marketing
Interior Design/Upfitting BeauxHome 704-752-1733 www.beauxhome.com
Blue Cocoon Design 704-649-0130 www.bluecocoondesign.com Business Interiors 704-342-0000 www.businessinteriors.info
Home Health Enterprise Inc. 704-529-2682 www.homehealthenterprisesinc.com
Human Resources/ Executive Search
AccruePartners Inc. 704-632-9955 www.accruepartners.com Allegiance Staffing 704-556-1770 www.allegiancestaffing.com Baker Human Resources Consulting Inc. 704-395-2813 www.bhrc-partner.com Bergman Brothers Staffing & Consulting 704-537-1230 www.bergmanbrothers.com
♦ Tyler 2 Construction Inc.
704-527-3031 www.tyler2construction.com
IT
The Anstad Group 704-208-8304 www.anstad.com ♦ Fortress Systems
International 704-405-5000 www.fsiinc.com
Executive Technical Solutions 704-712-3870 www.executivetechnical solutions.com Webneed 704-492-0354 www.webneed.com
Burnett Resources Inc. 888-237-4108 www.burnettresources.com
♦ Yorel
Career Match Solutions 866-225-2747 www.careermatchsolutions.com
Janitorial/Cleaning
CEO Inc. 704-372-470 www.ceohr.com
AC Cleaning 704-605-7899
Symphony Management Consulting 704-556-2288 www.symphony-consulting.com
704-502-9292 www.aerocarespecialist.com
Image Consultants
Harris & Barnes Image Consulting 704-540-0989 www.harris-barnes.com
704-594-9870 www.yorel.com
A&D Janitorial 704-320-2582
♦ Aerocare Inc.
AML Cleaning 704-605-6629 www.amlcleaning.com Big Don’s Cleaning Services 704-491-3859 Burgess Cleaning Service Inc. 704-890-4613 www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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Clean-Rite Janitorial 704-907-2073 DDM House Cleaning 704-488-1520 Doing It Big Cleaning 704-971-3336 Faith Cleaning Services Inc. 704-605-0245 Family Health & Home of the Carolinas 704-595-1869 Frick & Frack Cleaning Services 704-619-5471 G&J Office Solutions 704-921-4771 H&M Cleaning and Maintenance Service Inc. 704-563-0135 J&M Office Cleaning 704-449-3771
Landscaping/Fences
Accurate Cut Lawncare 704-574-1147 Affordable Fence & Tree 704-392-7078 American Fence & Supply Co. 704-523-4936 www.americanfenceandsupply.com Braun Land Management Inc. 704-332-3462 Breburks Landscaping 704-493-5822 Carolina Cut-N-Edge LLC 704-315-8547 www.carolinacutnedge.com Carolina Green Landscape Co. 704-394-3152
J&R Janitorial Service 704-506-9269
Carolina Wetland Services Inc. 704-527-1177 www.cws-inc.net
Jani-King/Richard Jr. Enterprise 704-780-5558 www.janiking.com
Fussell’s Turf Management LLC 704-708-8166
The Johnson Group 704-522-3544 www.aejohnsongroup.com Judy’s Cleaning Services 704-344-8441 Justrite Professional Cleaning Service 704-258-8180 www.justriteprofessional.com
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Success Xpress Cleaning Service 704-840-4792
Gamuso Services Inc. 704-207-6978 Green Touch Tree & Turf Inc. 704-549-4484 Green World Landscaping 704-699-7956 Greenprint Horticulture 704-567-8858
La Biep Services 704-641-8892
Groundworks Studio PLLC 704-375-2785 www.groundworksstudio.us
Miriam Davis Cleaning 704-201-6111
Heritage Meadows LLC 704-780-0036
Morris One LLC 704-712-7899
Lee’s Landscaping 704-493-0981
Peak Cleaning Services Inc. 704-421-1469
Leisure Time Lawn Care LLC 704-392-5299
R and D Cleaning Services 704-605-4346
Martin Landscaping Co., Inc. 704-379-0076
R&R All American Cleaning Contractors 704-503-3882
New Beginning Landscape LLC 704- 400-4930
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
Perry’s Lawn & Landscaping Services 704-299-5483
Marketing, Advertising, PR
Cohesion Marketing & PR 704-296-2174 www.cohesionmarketing.net Digital Divas 201-304-2933 www.digitaldivasevents.com IT Factor Media 919-247-5973 www.theitfactormedia.com HTD Network 704-249-3723 www.htdnetwork.com The Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerly.com
❖ PRIDE PR 704-375-9553 ♦ Rojo Hispanic Marketing
704-227-0700 www.rojomarketing.com Talk of the Town 704-488-3998
❖ Millennia Solutions 704-395-4706
Zumbazo.com 704-650-7411 www.zumbazo.com
Masons
A&J Masonry Inc. 704-536-2603 www.ajmasonry.com JB Smith Concrete Specialist LLP 704-942-4606
JJJ Concrete Inc. 704-791-4624 Leigh Concrete Services 704-628-6809 S&D Masonry & Construction LLC 704-496-4590
Massage
Celestial Soul Premier Massage 704-962-6400 www.celestialsoul.com Massage & Go 704-900-5173 www.massagegonoda.com
Oasis Day Spa 704-333-8777 www.oasis-dayspa.net Phalanges Spa LLC 704-895-4443 Pure Body Salon and Spa 704-393-1019 www.purebodysalon.com Why Knot Massage 704-529-2400 www.whyknot-massage.com
Media, Magazines, Newspapers The Asian Herald 704-334-3450 China Star 704-364-8887 The Charlotte Post Publishing Co., Inc. 704-376-0496 www.thecharlottepost.com La Noticia 704-568-6966 www.lanoticia.com Lake Norman Woman 704-895-6168 www.lakenormanwoman.com The Korean Christian Times 770-986-8220 The Latin Focus 704-909-7945 www.thelatinfocus.com Qcitymetro.com 704-442-1565 www.qcitymetro.com
❖ Working Charlotte
704-992-1211 www.workingcharlotte.com
Medical Supply
❖ Parish Dental &
Medical Supply 704-649-2385
Health Care/Medical
Advantage Vision Center 704-375-3935 www.advantagevisioncenter.net Americare Health 704-941-2080
Do Thuan My, DO Optometrist 704-777-9047
Multimedia
Centers for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research/Dr. Rashid Buttar Advanced Concepts In Medicine 9630 Julian Clark Ave., Huntersville 704-895-9355 Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness 704-264-1402 www.medicineandwellness.com Crown Clinic PA 704-527-5522 www.crownclinicpa.com J.P. Chiropractic & Posture 704-841-1701
Mi Gento Saludable 704-536-6740 www.migentosaludable.com
World Journal 770-451-4509
Jenny Thao Ngo, CNM Obstetrics Gynecology 704-536-7233
Carolinas Eye Center 704-510-3100 www.carolinaseyecenter.com
❖ Pride Communications/
Viva Carolina! 704-909-7945 www.vivcarolina.com
Sharon Tam, DC 704-377-0800
Mental Health
Sheena Kapadia Internal Medicine 704-342-8115
Today’s Charlotte Woman 704-521-6872 www.todayscharlottewoman.com
Nguyen Ta, MD Pediatrics 704-554-8880
Arboretum Obstetrics & Gynecology 704-341-1103 and 704-841-7225 www.arboretumobgyn.com
Mi Gente 704-531-6070 www.migenteweb.com Pride Magazine 704-375-9553 www.pridemagazine.net
Nang T. Ta, MD Central Care Clinic 704-567-8218
Prime Care Medical Center 704-335-0806 www.primemedical.org Jeongpil Park, DC Chiropractor 704-841-1701 Starks Pediatrics 704-717-2826 www.starkspediatrics.com
Life Enhancements Services 704-342-9595 www.lifeenhancementservices.org All-Star Communications 704-579-9715 www.allstarscomm.com Norsan Multimedia 704-405-3172 http://norsanmultimedia.com Eastonsweb Multimedia 704-607-0941 www.eastonsweb.com Viva Carolina 704-909-7945 www.vivacarolina.com
Networking
Black Serious Singles 888-500-1507 www.blackserioussingles.com
Office Supplies & Services ♦ Advanced Imaging Systems
704-525-5392 www.advancedimaging.net
❖ American Product Distributors Inc. 704-522-9411 www.americanproduct.com ♦ Carolina Marking Devices
704-525-7600 www.caromark.com
♦ Debriants Office Service Inc.
704-527-7600
♦ Fixed Office Assets
704-599-1887
www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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NYNCO LLC 704-577-2365 www.nyncoproduct.com
Painting/Wallpapering
Affordable Painting 704-615-9404 http://affordable-painting1.com An Eimaj Painting Co. 980-253-4013 www.aneimajpaintingco.com
Premier Resources 704-543-9200 www.premierresourcesnc.com Project Intern www.projectintern.com
♦ ❖ Bobby’s Painting Co., Inc.
Sappenfield Staffing Inc. 704-332-4710 www.sappenfieldstaffin.com
Building Bethel Construction Co. 704-607-5540
Team Technology Inc. 704-849-0266 www.teamt.com
704-394-5124
Carolina Paint & More LLC 704-583-1430 Cautmica LLC 704-699-8968 C-III Paint Inc. 704-506-8164 Corporate Painting Inc. 704-521-6083 Laney Brothers Specialty Contracting Inc. 704-875-1261 Millennium CCF and DJF LLC 704-200-4463 Scott’s Painting and Decorating 704-649-1473 S.D. Paint Made Easy 704-606-7050 The A.Z. Group Contractors Inc. 704-532-1400 United Painting Services Inc. 704-962-0563 www.unitedpaintingservices.com
Personnel/Staffing/ Head Hunters Elite Resources Inc. 704-504-2299 www.eliteresources.net
Express Personnel Services 704-971-3270 www.expresspersonnel.com Integra Staffing LLC 704-527-9191 www.integrastaffing.com Link Staffing Services 704-525-4555 www.linkstaffing.com 70
Netview Inc. 704-837-7500 www.netviewstaffing.com
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
♦ Technology Project
Management Inc. 704-333-8878 www.technologypm.com
Unlimited Inc. 704-532-2599 www.personnelunlimitedinc.com W2 Financial Staffing 704-665-8555 www.w2financial.com Working Charlotte 704-992-1211 www.workingcharlotte.com
Pharmacists
Carolina Compounding and Nutrition Pharmacy 704-540-4330 www.ccnprx.com
Reed’s Plumbing Co., Inc. 704-399-7785
Printer Accessories/ Supplies Dat-A-Syst Inc. 704-523-3548 www.datasyst.net
Printers
Allegra Print & Imaging 704-708-5818 www.allegracharlotte.com Belk Printing Technologies 704-588-4433 www.belkprinting.com Copy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte Inc. 704-529-6606 www.copycatsouth.com Overflow Printing Inc. 704-333-3553 www.overflowprinting.com
Publishing/Editorial Services Final Edit 704-549-8886 www.finaledit.net
SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.sparkpublications.com
Real Estate
Lake Realty of Charlotte 866-439-1025 www.mymooresvillehomes.com
Family Care Specialty Pharmacy 704-688-5330
♦ The Benfield Group
Medicine & More 704-537-0191
Binaco Real Estate 704-333-2462 www.binacoinvestments.com
Physical Therapy Sports and Spine Physical Therapy 704-394-6677
Plumbers
Agua Source LLC 704-831-8311 www.aguasourcellc.com
Burris Plumbing Inc. 704-510-2123 Heyworth Plumbing Co., Inc. 704-523-2696 www.heyworthplumbing.com New Millennium Plumbing LLC 704-309-9565
(Real Estate Appraisers) 704-333-0774
Blackberry Realty Associates 740-537-9091 www.blackberryrealty.com Headline Realty 704-547-1700 www.headlinerealty.com Hendrix Mitchener Properties LLC 704-552-9292 www.hmproperties.com Rayford Smith Realty LLC 704-494-4704 www.rayfordsmith.com
Savvy + Co. Real Estate 704-330-8326 www.savvyandcompany.com Trade Street Realty 704-375-3082 www.tradestreetrealty.com Von Pettis Realty 704-536-9801
Refugee Services
Boat People SOS Inc. (Vietnamese) 704-596-2157 www.bpsos.org
Restaurants
Coffee Cup 704-909-7096 www.coffeecupsoul.com Mert’s Heart & Soul 704-342-4222 www.mertsuptown.com Sadie’s Soul Food 704-532-5570
Latino Restaurants
5 De Mayo 10009 Weddington Road Ext. Concord, NC 28027 704-979-8709
Asian
88 China Bistro 1620 E. Fourth St. 704-335-0288
Tin Tin 10215 Park Road 704-341-2293
Indian
Ben Thành Vietnamese Restaurant 4900 Central Ave. 704-566-1088
Bombay Cuisine 230 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. 704-503-5558 www.bombaycuisinenc.com
Chen’s Bistro 230 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. 704-510-9889 www.chensbistro.com
Copper 311 East Blvd. 704-333-0063 www.copperrestaurant.com
Cuisine Malaya 1411 Elizabeth Ave. 704-372-0766 www.cuisine-malaya.com
Jaipur Indian Restaurant 5909 South Blvd. 704-643-1421 www.jaipur-indian.com
Dim Sum Chinese Restaurant 2920 Central Ave. 704-569-1128
Maharani Indian Cuisine 901 S. Kings Drive 704-370-2455 www.maharaniindiancuisine.com
DragonFly 5110 Park Road 704-527-3868 Fujo Uptown Bistro 301 S. College St. 704-954-9016 Tropical Escape 803-366-3888
Carnitas Guanajuato 1702 Walkup Ave. Monroe, NC 704-238-9726
Golden Taipei 8511 Davis Lake Parkway 704-494-8688 www.goldentaipeinc.com
LaTorre’s Latin Inspired Cuisine 704-377-4448 www.latorresrestaurant.com
HoHo China Bistro 1742 Lombardy Circle 704-376-0807
Machu Picchu 4715 E. Independence Blvd. 704-449-0130
House of Leng 704-510-5081 www.houseofleng.com
Red Pic Café 1480 Concord Parkway N. Ste. 305 Concord NC 28205 704-793-6305
Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1300-F South Blvd. 704-370-0100 www.nikkosushibar.net
Monterrey 1001 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28213 704-593-0167
Soho Bistro 214 N. Tryon St. 704-333-5189 www.sohobistro2go.com
1007 W. Roosevelt Ave. Monroe, NC 704-289-1320
Shun Lee Palace Inc. 4340 Colwick Road 704-366-2025
9629 E. Independence Blvd. Matthews, NC 28105 704-841-8068
Taiyo Pacific and Sushi Bar 8205 University City Blvd. 704-509-9090
Namaste India 4508 E. Independence Blvd. 704-568-7979 www.namasteindia.cc Saffron Indian Restaurant 2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd. 980-297-7722
Mexican
Azteca Mexican Restaurant 116 E. Woodlawn Road 704-525-5110 www.aztecamex.com Cantina 1511 1511 East Blvd. 704-331-9222 www.cantina1511restaurant.com Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant 5317 E. Independence Blvd. 704-535-4383 Estadio Azteca 2600 Central Ave. 704-348-1414 Fiesta Maya 3507 David Cox Road 704-509-9402 www.fiestmayagrill.com La Casa de Las Enchiladas 2917 Central Ave. 704-536-1851
Southern/Soul Food Chicken Box 3726 N. Tryon St. 704-332-2636
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Down to the Bone 7945 N. Tryon St. 704-548-1616 www.downtothebonesoulfood.com
Small Business Resources
Grandma’s Country Kitchen 6615 N. Tryon St. 704-598-1221
Spa
La’wan’s Soul Food Restaurant 704-665-7225 Mert’s Heart & Soul 214 N. College St. 704-342-4222 www.mertsuptown.com
Thai
Monsoon 704-533-6778 Thai House, N.C. 51 704-542-6300 Thai House, Univ. 704-717-8006 Thai Orchid 704-364-1134 Thai Taste on East Blvd. 704-332-0001
Other
Nu Level Solutions 704-756-4888 www.nulevelsolutions.com
My Day Spa (nails and tanning) 5818 Prosperity Church Road Charlotte 704-875-7744
Speech Therapy
Speechworks Therapy Services Inc. 704-973-0149 speechworkstx@aol.com
Stamps/Marking Devices
Carolina Marking Devices Inc. 704-525-7600 www.caromark.com
Telecommunications
Omega Communications 704-665-9545 www.omega-comm.com Webneed Inc. 704-492-0354 www.webneed.com
Translators/Language Services
Los Paisas (Colombian) 5033 South Blvd. 704-527-5553
Avantgarde Translations Inc. 704-362-3757 www.avantgardetranslations.com
Meskerem (Ethiopian) 601 S. Kings Drive 704-335-1197 www.meskeremethiopianrestaurant.com
Barcelona Translations Inc. 704-837-1049 www.barcelonatranslations.com
Retail
Head First Millinery 704-562-9985 Hola Baby 704-737-1622 www.holababyshop.com D.J. Cologne and Parfume 704-509-6852
Shipping/Packaging
♦ Ferguson Supply & Box Co.
800-821-1023 www.fergusonbox.com
Shredding/Recycling
Mar’s Recycling & Shredding Inc. 704-549-8409 www.marsrecyclingandshredding.com
Into Spanish Ltd. 704-408-3132 www.intospanishltd.net
Transportation/Delivery
Allied Resources USA Ltd. 704-947-7502 www.alliedresourcesusa.com Bulldog Hauling of the Carolinas Inc. 704-766-2767 www.bulldoghaul.com Chambers Express Trucking Inc. 704-292-2916 D.W. Rowland Hauling 704-263-2806 Glaze Independent Trucking 704-345-5984 H&H Hauling Inc. 704-315-4191
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Howdel Trucking Inc. 704-780-1834 Load Em Down Trucking 704-492-0633 ♦ Mile Marker Logistics Inc.
704-393-3636 www.milemarkerlogistics.com
Pana Trucking 704-944-3691 R. Broome Jr. Trucking 980-721-2393 R.C. Hauling Inc. 704-786-1067 RLD Trucking 704-264-9821 Solano’s Trucking 704-557-5558 Streeter Trucking 704-400-4112 Thore Enterprises Inc. 704-875-9407 Whitley & Son Trucking Inc. 704-573-3848 www.whitleyandsons.com
Urban Planning/ Commercial Development Ryan Harris, LLC 704-644-7726 www.ryan-harris.com
The Littlejohn Group LLC 704-377-2262 www.thelittlejohngroup.com
Web Design
Cohesion Marketing & PR 704-296-2174 www.cohesionmarketing.net Eastonsweb Multimedia 704-607-0941 HTD Network 704-249-3723 www.htdnetwork.com Zuri Creative Services 704-496-2695
Wildlife Management
Goose Busters! The Border Collie Patrol Inc. 704-365-2497 www.gogeese.com CMRG
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Dentistry
Sugar Creek Medical Center 721 W. Sugar Creek Rd Charlotte, NC 28213 704-941-2080 At The Park 6023 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216 704-399-2677 On The Plaza 1805 Milton Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215 704-535-0400
Urgent Care Internal Medicine
Walk-ins Welcome
Pediatrics
No Appointment Needed
Family Practice
Open Monday-Friday 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-3pm (Hablamos Espanol)
Immunizations Minor Trauma Industrial Medicine
We acce pt all for ms of payment including Medicaid, Medicare and the Militar y TriCare/Champus Prog rams
Family Medical Center 905 N. Pearl Street Pageland, SC 29728 843-672-3100
Full Lab Services X-Ray Echocardiogram Physical Therapy
Anson Medical Center 608 Salisbury Street Wadesboro, NC 28170 704-695-9200
Hypertension
Marshville Health Center 7204 E. Marshville Blvd. Marshville, NC 28103 704-624-9200
Allergy Testing
On The Plaza
Diabetes Bone Density
Sleep Study Fidelis U. Edosomwan, MD Medical Director and CEO
Sugar Creek Medical Center
At The Park www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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De
• Lively Business Networking Luncheons and Tapas After Hours • Educational Opportunities and Entrepreneurial Development • Informational, Training Seminars and Workshops • Hosting of International Business and Governmental Guests • Annual Golf Tournament Latin Style
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Latin American Chamber of Commerce 1112 Charlottetowne Ave., Ste 205 - Charlotte, NC 28204 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide
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Sección Española
Forma parte de nuestro DNA H por Dee Dixon
ola y bienvenidos a la edición inaugural de la revista Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide (Guía de Recursos Multiculturales de Charlotte). Pride Communications se ha unido a Wells Fargo Supplier Diversity para darle vida a este extraordinario cometido. Consideramos que esta publicación es un verdadero “cometido”, ya que nuestra intención es que este compuesto de mucho mas que unas cuantas paginas para leer. Queremos que esta sea una experiencia que le motive a aprender, crecer y prosperar en el área de la diversidad e inclusión en su lugar de trabajo y mas aya; como ha hecho la Ciudad Reina, como se conoce a Charlotte. Se ha diseñado CMRG de forma híbrida; una simbiosis de rasgos y características que comprometen a las corporaciones, a la pequeña empresa, empresarios y la comunidad y hemos incluido artículos sobre las emocionantes características demográficas de nuestra comunidad junto con listados valiosos de empresas y organizaciones. Además, hemos construido una página Web complementaria (www.charlotteresourceguide.com). Esta mantendrá conectados a los negocios y la comunidad todo el año, ofreciendo consejos para empresarios en temas como la competencia cultural en el lugar de trabajo y cómo hacer negocios con empresas minoritarias. Sinceramente, Charlotte ha llegado a ser un crisol de personas de muchas razas y nacionalidades. Cuando recientemente visite a la exhibición del Museo Levine del Nuevo Sur sobre “Cambios de lugares”, me entusiasme al ver el mapa del mundo que destacaba todos los países de donde nuestra población diversa ha emigrado. ¡Vaya! Todo ha cambiado, Me acuerdo cuando las conversaciones raciales se centraban en el tema de “blanco y negro”. Ahora, la exposición indica que el panorama de Charlotte luce en “Technicolor”, y que bello ha llegado a ser nuestro paisaje.
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Sinceramente, un enfoque multicultural tiene mucho sentido Recientemente, alguien me pregunto sobre la razón por la cual Pride se ha trasladado al la arena multicultural. Le indique que esto es parte de nuestra naturaleza ya que esta en nuestro DNA. Los afro-americanos nacidos en Estados Unidos tienen una ascendencia muy diversa y ha llegado el tiempo para la exploración y conversación. Hablando del DNA, hace un par de años comprobé el DNA del lado de la familia de mi madre y descubrí un cambio en mi identidad cultural. ¡En resumidas cuentas este examen indico que mi ascendencia es Nativo Americano! Esto me fascina y definitivamente tengo que re-examinar mi forma de pensar. En primer lugar, ¡nunca he visto a un Nativo Americano con el cabello parecido al mío! Mirándolo desde otra perspectiva, otra razón por la cual es algo natural que Pride origine este producto es porque no vivimos en una burbuja. Mi pasión por la diversidad fue encendida por mi primer viaje al extranjero al visitar Honduras hace muchos años. Luego, hace 13 años exploto cuando me uní a Charlotte Sister Cities, (Ciudades hermanadas con Charlotte), y acorde ser la anfitriona de un huésped de Kumasi, Ghana. No he sido la misma persona desde entonces. Desde entonces, he tenido ocasión de visitar a muchos lugares incluidos, Kumasi, China, Israel, South Africa, France, Kenya y Egypt. La mejor educación que se puede obtener es el aprender sobre otras culturas y orígenes étnicos. (Solo siento no haber prestado más atención cuando curse mis estudios en la escuela superior y se tocaron temas como la historia mundial y geografía.) ¡Y aquí va otra razón! Como co-fundadora de Women’s Intercultural Exchange (Intercambio Cultural Femenino), durante los últimos cuatro años he estado trabajando con mujeres de todas las razas para intentar unirlas para que desarrollen capital social y confianza. Ha sido una experiencia gratificante y de alguna forma a sido un escalón para desarrollar CMRG. Un lazo viable para personas y organizaciones. Nuestra visión para la Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide (Guia de Recursos Multiculturales de Charlotte) es que esta llegue a ser un vehículo para apoyar la diversidad por medio de la comunicación y conexión — uniendo a organizaciones y personas de forma útil y eficaz. (Por favor noten que tenemos una sección en español que ampliaremos con cada número.) Les pedimos que nos den sus observaciones, ideas, preocupaciones y criticas. Háblenos. Envíenos sus emails. Queremos escuchar lo que usted tiene que decir. Recuerde, acabamos de dar a luz a este bebe, por eso tiene mucho crecer. Finalmente, queremos darle las gracias a Sonya Dukes, vice presidente superior del departamento de diversidad de Wells Fargo y a CaSondra Devine, vice presidenta de proveedores de diversidad, por su compromiso al concepto y desarrollo de CMRG Su apoyo es un ejemplo del compromiso de Wells Fargo de hacer negocios con los proveedores de grupos minoritarios. También queremos darle las gracias a la Cámara de Comercio Latina, a José Pérez, a Natan Feldman y todos nuestros constituyentes por darnos su apoyo. Disfrútenlo y recuerden: La diversidad si importa.
Nota del editor: CMRG es un producto de Pride Communications, productor de Pride Magazine, Sunset Jazz Festival y los premios anuales Pride. Para mas información, por favor visite www.pridemagazine.net. 76
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R eportaje E special
¿Qué hay en un nombre? La clave para comprender las etiquetas étnicas es determinar a donde nacieron las personas. por Natan Feldman
L
atinos… Hispanos… Latino-Hispanos… Latinoamericanos… Latino-Americans… Chicanos… ¿Cómo sabemos cual es el título correcto? Yo nací en el Perú y hasta el momento que vine a los Estados Unidos, cuando me preguntaban de donde era, mi repuesta era sencilla… soy del Perú o peruano. Una vez aquí me encontré con un problema de identificación. Para que puedan comprender mi dilema, debo explican mis raíces étnicas. Mido 1.98 m, nacido en el Perú de padre Rumano y madre peruana con raíces rusas y polacas. De modo que no aparento ser hispano. Permítanme tratar de definir las diferencias. Muchos de mis colegas en el campo de multiculturalismo no esta de acuerdo con mis definiciones, pero si toman el tiempo de buscar las definiciones en Google encontrarán que recibirán cientos de definiciones. Por eso aquí van mis definiciones. n Latinos. Término usado para identificar individuos nacidos en Latino America. Esta es un territorio específico compuesto de México, America Central y America del Sur. No incluye el caribe o España. Este término ha sido popularizado por Ricky Natan Feldman Martín y Jennifer López entre otros artistas. n Hispanos. Término usado para identificar individuos nacidos en países de hable hispana. Este también es el nombre que el gobierno norteamericano usa para definir este grupo étnico. Si este nombre es usado usted debe comprender que este no incluye a los brasileros (Ellos hablen Portugués) o las gianas Inglesas, Holandesas o Francesas. n L atino – hispanos. Este se ha convertido en el título político más correcto ya que incluye a los individuos nacidos en Latinoamérica (Incluyendo a brasil y las gianas) así como el caribe y España.
Hispanos vs.
Latinos L atino americanos. Término usado para identificar individuos nacidos es Latino América. Este fue el término mas usado en los Estados Unidos antes del arribo y la popularidad del término Latino. n L atino - American. Término usado para identificar a hijos de Latinos nacidos en los Estados Unidos (segunda generación) n C hicanos. Término usado para identificar a los hijos de mejicanos nacidos en los Estados Unidos ¿Confundidos? Créanme, la mayoría de mis amigos Latino-hispanos están confundidos también. ¿Cuál es la terminología correcta? Averigüen de qué país vienen esos individuos y use esa información cuando se refieran a esos individuos. Yo soy peruano de nacimiento y ciudadano Norteamericano por preferencia. ¿Pueden ustedes ofender a alguien usando la denominación de grupo incorrecta? Absolutamente NO. ¿Qué determinación use cuando me identifiqué en el censo del 2000? Blanco, hispano y “otro” (lo marqué para divertirme) CMRG n
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Partidarios Poderosos Muchas organizaciones y una misión: Fomentar la inclusión en la comunidad por Angela Lindsay Hilst
M
uchas organizaciones en Charlotte, están trabajando para asegurar que la diversidad prospere dentro de la comunidad. El Concilio de la Diversidad de las Carolinas (Diversity Council of the Carolinas), una organización sin ánimos de lucro, se afana por eliminar las barreras a la inclusión y la justicia. DCC (siglas en ingles), por medio de programas y eventos, suministra un foro donde sus miembros pueden compartir lo aprendido en sus organizaciones a la vez que estas implementan programas que impulsan la diversidad e inclusión y desarrollan las cualidades de liderazgo al identificar y patrocinar a
Organizaciones trabajando juntas para reforzar la communidad
Diversity Council of the Carolinas www.c-dcc.org
Charlotte Chamber Diversity Advisory Council www.charlottechamber.com
Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council http://msdc.adaptone.com/carolinasmsdc
Diversity Council of the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association www.carolinahome.com
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personas que servirán de promotores tenga acceso a los guardianes de las y campeones de la diversidad, y empresas que quieren contactar. demuestran a los supervisores como Al fin y al cabo, eso es lo que busca una fuerza laboral diversa e inclusiva todo empresario minoritario.” aumenta el espíritu competitivo y el El MSDC (siglas en ingles) de rendimiento. las Carolinas esta compuesto de El primer Gabinete Consultor 175 miembros corporativos y 425 de Diversidad (Diversity Advisory empresas minoritarias certificadas. Cabinet) de la Cámara de Charlotte El MSDC (siglas en ingles) de las se lanzo en el 2007 y asegura que Carolinas organiza acontecimientos la cámara sea diversa, inclusiva y y sesiones educativas entre acertada. Las metas del DAC (siglas empresas minoritarias y miembros Vincent Berkeley en ingles) incluyen aumentar la corporativos con el fin de identificar diversidad entre sus miembros y oportunidades de trabajo. fomentar la confianza en la cámara, El Concilio de Diversidad entre los diversos grupos que la de Corredores Regionales de componen. “Pensamos que es de vital Bienes Raíces de Charlotte es una importancia que la cámara cumpla asociación que fue fundada en con su cometido con Charlotte: que 2006 para fomentar la participación representamos todos los miembros entre sus asociados y favorecer de nuestra comunidad y que con la colaboración y el liderazgo de el Gabinete Consultor de Charlotte sus miembros diversos, y fomenta dimos el primer paso hacia lograr una comprensión inclusiva de este fin”, Así lo expreso Vincent la diversidad. El Concilio de Berkeley, Co-Presidente de DAC Diversidad de CRRA (siglas en Dee Ellison-Simmon (siglas en ingles) y oficial principal ingles) tiene cuatro sub. concilios: de diversidad con Compass Group, Afro-americano, Asiático-americano, North America “Noten que nuestra Generacional y Latinoamericano y definición de diversidad en la Cámara son anfitriones de acontecimientos de Comercio de Charlotte va mas allá para relacionarse entre si, a lo largo de la etnicidad, genero y raza y se del año. Los miembros del Concilio enfoca en cosas como el tamaño de de Corredores Regionales de Bienes la empresa. Queremos asegurarnos Raíces de Charlotte son diversos que la pequeña empresa este en edad, experiencia, cultura y representada. Prestamos atención en los tamaños de las empresas”, a la localidad geográfica ya que declaro Donna Anderson, Presidenta queremos que todas las áreas de para el 2009 de la Asociación de Charlotte estén incluidas”. ...” Corredores de Bienes y Raíces Robyn Hamilton El Concilio de Proveedores Regional/Servicios de Listados Minoritario de las Carolinas Múltiples Inc.( Charlotte Regional (Carolinas Minority Supplier Realtor Association/Carolina Development Councils) es una Multiple Listing Services Inc.). organización sin ánimos de lucro. “Nuestras empresas y miembros El CMSDC (siglas en ingles), con tienen que reflejar continuamente la sede en Charlotte, esta dividido en comunidad en constante aumento cinco regiones y promueve y facilita que servimos. En CRRA, nos damos las relaciones comerciales entre sus cuenta que diversidad no solo se miembros y las Empresas Minoritarias refiere a diferencias culturales. Certificadas. Su cometido es ampliar Con más de 600 miembros activos, las oportunidades comerciales nuestro Concilio de Diversidad es de las empresas con propietarios un éxito ejemplar que ha implicado Donna Anderson minoritarios. “Una vez se obtiene a nuestros a miembros más jóvenes la certificación, trabajamos para y diversos. Y al dar el CRRA pasos que su nombre, sus productos, sus hacia adelante, continuaremos servicios y su potencial estén a la vista de posibles celebrando nuestras diferencias y aprovecharemos clientes,” según explica Robyn Hamilton, Presidente todas las oportunidades para servir de mentores y y Director General de CMSDC. “Nos aseguramos que aprender entre sí”. CMRG 78 79
Celebrating supplier diversity success!
W Sonya Dukes, SVP Wells Fargo & Co. Corporate Supplier Diversity Director
Robyn Hamilton Carolinas MSDC President and CEO
Jerome Edmondson Edmondson Associates President and CEO
ells Fargo is committed to providing and supporting programs that help diverse entrepreneurs gain technical assistance, build capacity and develop business. Recently, Wells Fargo Corporate Supplier Diversity, through its “Leaders of Change” program, partnered with Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC) to offer an eight week capacity building training utilizing Edmondson Associates – Entrepreneur Development Network (EA-EDN), a minority owned firm out of Atlanta, GA. During the training, held locally at the Yorel facility owned by Yorel Integrated Solutions, Inc.; a minority owned business, suppliers learned how to retool and reposition their company’s competitive advantage in the marketplace. Upon completion of the training, entrepreneurs had a comprehensive graded business plan focused on industry specific growth strategies, a manageable understanding of business finance, capital structure and operations value, a stronger sense of their strategic growth direction, strategic pathways for organic growth, mergers and acquisitions. Based on a predefined set of criteria, a total of 30 scholarships were given for this training. A ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the training and provided networking opportunities. Various class participants shared how the training had a positive impact on their business for future success. Jonathan Pullin: The Environmental Group of the Carolinas, Inc. “The direct impact
of information, access to resources and the utilitarian nature of the EDN learning process has opened my mind to the REAL possibility of success in business….” Memuna Williams: Avantgarde Translations “I believe that any small business owner who takes this course and applies themselves will have all the tools they need to succeed at their current level and a solid foundation from which to successfully grow their business….” Norisa Kho: E.C. Ortiz & Co., LLP “I learned a lot from the practical tips given by the trainers who were also minority business owners like us. Overall, the training made me confident to pursue opportunities. About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance. About Carolinas MSDC Carolinas MSDC is a membership organization of major corporations, financial institutions, government agencies and universities that operate within North or South Carolina. It has over 175 corporate members and approximately 425 certified minority businesses. About Edmondson Associates Edmondson Associates is an assemblage of entrepreneurs and professionals with proven experience in entrepreneurial training, corporate and governmental contracting, MWBE qualification consulting, business planning and development.
Congratulations to the 2009 Class Wells Fargo Corporate Supplier Diversity
Leaders of Change Program
Wells Fargo is committed to ensuring the success and vitality of diverse suppliers. We’re proud to present the recent graduates of the Leaders of Change Program, designed to support the overall growth and development of diverse suppliers in our communities. (Front row, l-r): Amah Domlan, Cecilia Ramirez, Memuna Williams, Charisma Smith, Akenna Blackmon, Harrella Whitehead, Michael Nettles, Todd Baldwin (back row, l-r): Howard Hoyle, Raul Gonzalez, Clifford McClain, Julio Barriga, Andres Barriga, Jonathan Pullin, Joe Wilson Shahbaz S. Arora * Build Services Construction Government contractor 704.540.6372 shahbaz@buildservices.net
Eunice Dyle, BIC * Dyle Real Estate Real Estate Firm 864.234.8029 euniced@dylerealestate.com
Howard Hoyle Jr. Hoyle’s General Contractors, Inc. Construction 704.371.4559 howard@hoylegc.com
Jonathan J. Pullin The Environmental Group of the Carolinas, Inc. Environmental services 704.719.0571 JPullin@carolina.rr.com
Todd T. Baldwin Guilford County Schools MWBE coordinator 336.335.3297 baldwit@gcsnc.com
Adrian L. Gainey * AS Consulting Job readiness training, Leadership Dev. 704.536.5006 asconsulting@bellsouth.net
Norisa A. Kho * E.C. Ortiz & Co., LLP Certified Public Accountant 704.941.9786 mnakho@ecortiz.com Website: www.rightbusinesspro. acnrep.com
Cecilia Ramirez Nova Digital Systems, Inc. Surveying (704)551 551-1055 cramirez@novaeng novaeng-gis.com
Julio E. Barriga Agua Source Plumbing 704.606.2638 aguasource@hotmail.com website: aguasourcellc.com
Raul Gonzalez Aztek General Contractors Inc. Construction and Real Estate Agent 704.770.5389 Aztekgc@gmail.com
Ray A. Lattimore * Marketplace Staffing Staffing services 864.286.3900 ray@marketplacestaffing.com
Charisma Smith * Maxxim Supply Inc. Wall board, Lt. Gauge Steel, Insulation 704.536.8888 charisma@maxximinc.com
Greg Bell * Surefin Coils, LLC HVAC Coils - manufacturing 803.547.7567 Greg.Bell@Surefincoils.com Website: www.surefincoils.com
Tiffani Greene, Attorney * Equitable Mediations Mediation services 704.906.7463 tgreene10@carolina.rr.com
Clifford McClain Construction Concepts & Design, Inc. Construction 704.595.1713 mcclain77@earthlink.net
Kym Walker * Mary Kay Image consulting 704.779.1212 kymwalker@marykay.com
Akenna V. Blackmon The Blackmon Group Real Estate & Lending Consultant 704.344.2224 avblackmon@theblackmongroup.com
William Haygood III * Global Networkers Desktop and Server Management 704.343.0094 whaygood@globalnetworkers.com Website: www.globalnetworkers.com
Jonathan McCullough * Tri-Star Enterprises LLC Res. And Comm. Construction 864.313.3681 jomccullough@charter.net
Harrella Whitehead * Whitehead-Boyd, LLC Construction 704.900.7373 harrella@whiteheadboyd.com
Amah Domlan Domlan Corporation Commercial cleaning 336.549.4250 domscs@aol.com Website: www.domscs.com
Charlotte Henson * Staffing Experts & Consulting Marketing and Creative Staffing 704.965.3752 charlotte@staffingexpertsconsult.com Website: jonesandjonesconstruction.com
Michael Nettles Creative Enhancements Security systems 704.728.5921 michaelnettles2000@yahoo.com
Memuna Williams Avantgarde Translations Translation Services 704.362.3757 memuna@avantgardetranslations.com
* Not pictured.
© 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
Joe Wilson ASJ Wilson Construction LLC Construction 336.621.0064 joe@asjwilsonconstruction.com
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COME SEE WHY
COMPARE FOODS HAS THE FRESHEST SELECTION OF MEATS AND PRODUCE IN TOWN. Visit us at one of our many locations in Charlotte, Monroe & Rock Hill 4300 N. Tryon Rd Charlotte, NC 28213 704-596-3495
5610 E Independence Blvd Charlotte, NC 28212 704-716-1280
818 Arrowood Rd Charlotte, NC 28217 704-716-1170
1600 Skyway Drive Monroe, NC. 28110 704-283-2200
3112 Milton Road Charlotte, NC 28215
1807 Cherry Road Rock Hill, SC 28732
www.charlotteresourceguide.com
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