RYSE Magazine (Feb/ March)

recognizing young successful executives & entrepreneurs

September/october February/March 20122011 $3.95 US US $4.99

www.rYSemagazine.com rYSemagazine.com

DOING BUSINESS WITH B.O.B (BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES)

Front-line proMotionS After nearly two decades, Pat Nix and Willie Fisher are still on top of the game

SPECIAL

ALL-STAR WEEKEND EDITION

5

tipS For better WorK liFe balance

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who wE ARE

YbE

YOUNG BUSINESS E XECUTIVES

the readers of RYSE Magazine are young business Executives (ybE). ybEs are well-educated, ambitious go-getters, who strive to be the best in both their personal and professional lives. they excel at climbing the ladder in the corporate world, or at navigating unchartered paths as innovative and creative entrepreneurs. ybEs are confident, cultured and know where they are going. they are community activists who promote building wealth through social change. they are not afraid to express their opinions, but are always open to new ideas. always keeping up with the current trends, ybEs earn a moderate to high disposable income and can be extravagant when it comes to enjoying the finer things in life. a sufficient amount of ybEs income is spent on maintaining their homes with trendy furnishings, accessories, clothing, activities and events with those closest to them. ybEs like to retain a sense of individuality within their groups, while understanding that true power lies in unity and collectivism. they live by mottos such as Quality rather than quantity and Each one, must reach one. Well-travelled, ybEs are likely to try exotic destinations, while not forgetting their normal native destinations. they work smart, but play hard, making the transition appear seamless and effortless. young business Executives stand at the crossroads of change as a generation of ambitious, conscientious leaders and powerful voices within the communities they live.

JoiN ThE MovEMENT, gET coNNEcTED

Facebook.com/rysemagazine rosemonde cely of atlantic Justice Law group

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Twitter.com/rysemagazine

Contents FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

f E AT u R E S

Patrick Nix & Willie Fisher Share how tenacity, perseverance and adaptability have allowed them to stay on top of their game for nearly two decades.

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CONTRIBUTORS Special Guest Contributors

RYSE would like to welcome our Special Guest Contributors, Mayor Buddy Dyer, City of Orlando Mayor & Gary Sain, President of Visit Orlando.

Coach Davis is the CEO/Founder of 3-D Consulting and has over 20 years of experience in the field of coaching and athletics. His professional career includes playing for the Houston Oilers, serving as a player advisor for the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, and being named the Head Coach of three National High School All-Star Basketball games. He is currently the Director of Boys Basketball and Head Varsity Basketball Coach at Trinity Prep in Winter Park.

Alicia Mitchell is a storyteller. With a background and passion for broadcast journalism and public relations, “Lish” founded Mobile Mogul PR in 2010 where’s she able to live and flourish in the field she loves.

Valerie Figueroa is an avid blogger on the topic of dating. Visit her Blog at: loveinfairytaleland.wordpress.com.

Denise Y. Mose, Ph.D is the owner/creator of Simply D Perfume and Beauty Skin Care Line. She is also the host of Urban America Today (www.myjbnonline.net). She is an authority on education, business, beauty/fashion, career coaching and etiquette. Her new book, The Guilt-Free Guide To Fashion, will be released summer 2011! You may visit her online at www.dymbeauty.com and www. danielformen.net.

Maria Genao-Homs is a multi-platform writer/producer with experience on award winning producing teams for both English and Spanish-language media. Genao-Homs is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists as well as the Society of Professional Journalists.

Tavia Record is an MBA/ MSBM 2012 Candidate in the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She is a former Division I full-athletic scholarship track & field athlete who served the UCF President’s Office as a university student ambassador on the President’s Leadership Council and is a 2 x Order of Pegasus Graduate Student Nominee, which is the highest distinction that a UCF student can receive.

Alyssa Greenstein, RD, LD/N is a Registered Dietitian with Florida Dairy Farmers and the Dairy Council of Florida.

Greenstein works with the Dairy Council of Florida to educate consumers and professionals on the importance and nutritional benefits of dairy products.

Devin Heflin is a feature writer and editor for the Orlando Times Newspaper. He is also the owner of Devin’s Ink Creative Services, a freelancing company that specializes in web articles, copywriting, blogging and marketing. For more information, contact him devin.heflin@gmail.com

Shaquana T. Lynum formally affiliated with accounting firm Cross, Fernandez and Riley, LLP’s Lynum is a Certified Public Accountant and serves as a Managing Member of Thompson, Lynum & Associations, a full service accounting firm based out of Orlando Florida.

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Susan Reddick is the owner of E & R One Stop, a document preparation company based out of Orlando, Fla.

Dr. Harinath Sheela, MD is a practicing physician with The Digestive and Liver Center of Florida. He is a graduate of Yale University’s School of Medicine and has spent a significant amount of time in extensive basic and clinical research. Dr. Sheela’s practices interest include Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Metabolic and other liver disorders.

Tracy Zampaglione, APR is public relations administrator for the Orange County Library Systems in Orlando; FL. Zampaglione has nearly 20 years’ experience in PR as well as led the communications function for A Capital City, a graduate-level university and regional environmental organization.

D E P A R T M E N T S

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9 A Word from the Publisher 13 Ms. Know it All

28 Facts and Fallacies About Digestive Diseases

Style 14 Valentines’ Day Fashion Tips Fashion tips for ladies and mens

30 The Best Foods to Fight the Flu

IN THE NEWS 16 RYSE Magazine Secures Unprecedented Distribution Agreement

LIFESTYLE 32 Tips for Better Work-Life Balance Beat burnout by discovering ways to devote more time to the activities and people that matter most to you.

Arts and Entertainment 18 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas Fun and unique ideas for that special someone.

LOVE & HAPPINESS 34 Finding Mr. Right Quick tips to help you find that special person in your life.

Book Club 20 Ink That Will Make You Think

Travel & Leisure 36 Welcome to Orlando Special Guest Contributor Gary Sain, President of Visit Orlando

Artist spotlight 21 Cece Teneal wine & dine 22 Draft Global Beer Lounge & Grill

LIFESTYLE 38 The Gift of Meditation Lessons learned from Oprah Winfrey

24 Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Staying fit, making/saving money and being mentally healthy

TRAIL BLAZERS 44 The Legends of Basketball Former NBA players transitioning to life off the court.

Mind, body and soul 26 Hebni Nutrition The non-profit’s mission is to improve the health of a high-risk, culturally diverse population.

MONEY TALKS 46 Tax Tactics What to Consider When Choosing a Tax Preparer RYSE Magazine

POLITICAL POWER 48 All Star Weekend Comes To Central Florida Mayor Dyer shares why All Star weekend means opportunity for Central Florida’s small business community BUSINESS SENSE 52 Doing Business with B.O.B Why it’s important to support minority owned business 54 Rediscovering the Public Library Public libraries offer free resources for professionals and small businesses IT TAKES A VILLAGE 56 Former Orlando Magic Player Adonal Foyle Shining his light through the Kerosene Lamp 60 Youth on the RYSE

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Recognizing Young Successful Executives & Entrepreneurs www.RySEMAgAziNE.coM fEBRuARy/MARch 2012 Publisher/Editor in chief J. Jackson Sr. Associate Editors Ashley Cisneros, Devin Heflin, Yolanda Baruch, creative and Art Director StudioJones Graphic Design contributing Photographer Nancy Jo Brown, 106FOTO

Visit the online digital edition of RYSE Magazine. In addition to online only extras, you can add bookmarks and notes to features, send stories to friends and even click on links that interest you while reading. the online edition works on iphones and ipads, so take it with you on the go. coNNEcT

f a c e b o o k .c o m / rys e ma g a z i n e

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twitter.com/ r y semagaz in e

contributing writers Ashley Cisneros, Alicia Mitchell, Dr. Denise Y. Mose, Devin Heflin, Tavia Record, Yolanda Baruch Director of Marketing/Sales Jaconia Toyloy Business Development Executive Timothy Stephens Director of Special Promotions Natalie Hawthorne Editorial intern Joni Fletcher Advisory Board Doug Hollis, Gerard Merritt, Mark Glover, TK Walker, Ron Rodgers, Rosemonde Cely, Solomon Williams, Samuel Lee, Steven Hall

RYSE Magazine ™ is published bi-monthly by The Words of Action Publishing, Inc. 2100 Lee Rd. suite D Winter Park, FL. 32789 info@rysemag.com All rights reserved

A Word from the Publisher

Pursue YOUR Dreams

E b Jackson photography ©

Everyone loves a success story, the story

of someone defying all odds and going against the grain to achieve their dreams, an underdog with the heart of a lion and the passion to move mountains. Someone, who based on their circumstances, has every reason to fail, but simply refuses to do so. Whether they come from broken homes, poverty or lack a formal education, they refuse to be satisfied with the hand they were dealt and choose to create their own opportunities and write their own destiny.

Millions of people tune in to watch shows like American Idol, America’s Got Talent, X Factor, The Voice, and similar shows that put an everyday individual with a God given talent against odds that are larger than life itself. Week after week, we watch and root for the underdog; the one, whose story and plight, touches our hearts the most. The show even adds to our compassion by sharing background stories of the contestants who had to overcome numerous obstacles and hurdles just too even make it to the point of being able to audition. This further adds to the dramatic conclusion of a winner being selected.

Consequently, if the person, who our heartstrings have been touched by, is not selected, we are dishearten and are quick to protest and provide our opinion of disagreement. In our hearts we feel they deserve to succeed, even if they were not the most talented. We will spend days and exert immeasurable energy arguing our point with family members, co-workers, and friends.

Sadly, with all the interests that we have in others successfully achieving their dreams, the harsh reality is that we are more fascinated in their success more so than our own. We spend countless hours being entertained by magazines, books, reality shows, and movies that chronicle others living their dreams, while our own dreams sit quietly on the shelf collecting dust.

My question to you is, “How successful can you be if you believe in yourself as much as you believe in your favorite contestants on American Idol? As much as you believed in the stories of the underdogs of the entertainment industry or business world who have found room in your heart as a result of the struggle they overcame to succeed.

Please don’t get me wrong, I am in no way trying to take anything away from the numerous

individuals throughout history who have defied all odds and achieved success. As you thumb through the pages of RYSE, you will see examples of individuals who show us by example that it can be done. My point is simply this: When are we going to start realizing that we too have the power to dream; we too have the ability to take action towards those dreams, and we too have the talent to successfully achieve those dreams?

So next time you’re watching one of those shows and rooting for the underdog, who unfortunately gets prematurely eliminated; a defeat that will surely amount to the end of the world for them, [at least in your eyes.] Remember this, they are pursuing their dreams. The question remains, “Are you pursuing yours?”

“Action” J. Jackson Sr. “Action” J. Jackson Sr. Publisher/Editor in Chief RYSE Magazine

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RYSE (Rise): [rahyz] – noun; to elevate or increase in rank, status, position, reputation, fortune, influence, or power.

Go to RYSEMagazine.com to subscribe today!

Recognizing Young Successful Executives & Entrepreneurs www.rysemagazine.com

FOR OUR READERS TO SUBSCRIBE RYSE Magazine is printed bi-monthly by Words of Action, Inc. To subscribe, visit RYSEMagazine.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR RYSE Magazine wants to hear from you.

Letters to the editor should be addressed to: RYSE Magazine 2100 Lee Rd. Suite D Winter Park, FL. 32789 Attn: J. Jackson Sr. Your letters to the editor can also be sent online by visiting RYSE Magazine To be considered for publication, letters must include the name, address, and phone number of the sender. Because of limited space, letters should not be unduly long.

Letters may be edited to meet space, clarity and/or style requirements.

TO ADVERTISE If you would like information about how to advertise your business, products or services in RYSE Magazine, please call our office at (407) 494-1069, or email us at advertise@rysemag.com.

You can also contact Tim Stephens at (248) 773-2387, tims@rysemag.com

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Ms.

Know it all

I have this guy that I really like but sometimes I’m not sure if he likes me the same way. We go out sometimes and we are friends with benefits, but I want more. I was hoping with Valentine’s Day coming up that would be my opportunity to let him know that I want more. I have been trying to keep that date open just in case he calls me for a date. What do you think I should do?

Signed, Waiting for my chance to exhale Dear Ms. Waiting to Exhale, This is an easy one for me because before I got married I considered myself to be a professional dater. I believe I had dating down to a science.

First of all, you have got it all wrong.

You need to stop sitting there waiting on the phone to ring and be proactive. You first have to remember that a woman has to find a man that loves here twice as much as she loves him.

You see I believe that women know how to love harder than men, so if you love him just half as much as he loves you, then you might end up with an equal amount. Most women know how to love, but sometimes men have to be taught how to love. That usually starts at home when they are boys and their mothers have to teach them affection.

Once they are men, as a woman you can then refine how you want them to love you and slowly teach them how

YOU need to be treated. Some men are open to it and some men will never get it. Next, what you should do is go out with the person that really wants to spend time with you. A man that really wants to see you will call you a week in advance and ask to take you to dinner next week. Now that man really thinks something of you because the man that just calls and says, “Hey what are you doing” doesn’t really want to be with you, he’s just calling because he doesn’t have anything else to do. Basically you are an afterthought and the person that he really wants to see doesn’t have time for him so he calls his standby person. Remember that if he calls and you don’t even get dinner or a movie out of the deal, then he is just making a “booty call.” You may not like the guy who called a week in advance as much as the “Bad News Guy”, but

you will get a chance to get out, dress up and have a nice dinner. Don’t even think that you are using the other guy because if you spend enough time with a nice guy that treats you right, eventually you will see that light and hopefully say, this is the guy that should really be “My Friend with Benefits.”

I hope this helps you with your dating game, just remember that you got it going on and that a man should be glad that you are spending time with him. My nugget for the day is “spend time with the one who really wants to be with you and stop holding out for someone that just might be out of your reach.” Everything that looks good at really good for you. So go ahead and exhale and remember that you got it going on.

Signed, Ms. Know It All

Have a question for Ms. Know it All? Send them to questions@rysemag.com. Your question maybe selected for our next issue of RYSE Magazine.

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IN S T Y L E

Valentines’ Day Fashion Tips

BY Dr. Denise Y. Mose

LADIES TIPS:

MEN’S TIPS:

1. Yes, everyone is going to wear red, but you don’t have to. Consider a soft pink cocktail dress or a traditional LBD (Little Black Dress) with a killer red necklace accented with stiletto heels. Keep in mind that your outfit needs to look perfect at the beginning of the evening all the way until the night is over.

1. Yes, ladies love roses, but please be more creative than that. My suggestion is a small mesh bag of silver Hershey’s Chocolate kisses. It’s unique and you might get your own kiss!

2. Avoid heavy make-up!

You are going out at night and the restaurant will be dimly lit. Stick to soft hues around the eyes and clear lip gloss only. No red lipstick!

2. Wardrobe. Ok, this is dinner, so you need to look amazing. Trust me, she will! So, you don’t have to wear a tie; just make sure your trousers fit nicely.

The jacket should flatter your arms and chest. A nice ironed shirt underneath is an added bonus.

3. Hair! Whatever you do, make sure it compliments the outfit. A nice up-do is always fun or a cute bob cut to show off that radiant neck of yours.

3. Please visit the barbershop 24 hours before your date. This gives you plenty of time to get any extra hair off of you or on your clothes. Women will notice!

4. Nails: get them done.

The ”tried and true” French Manicure wins every time.

This is not the night to explore with the fire engine red nails. Less is more.

4. Guess what? Get your nails cleaned and washed.

I did not say a manicure, but those folks are in business for a reason. Go see them, quickly.

Special Tip: For the men and women out there, your night would not be complete without the perfect fragrance.

Visit www.denisemose.com to purchase your latest bottle of Simply D Perfume and www.danielformen.net to purchase a bottle of Daniel. The doctor has spoken and now it’s time to take my fashion tips and make this Valentine’s Day the best ever!

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ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

We often find ourselves making difficult decisions: Lipstick or no Lipstick? Tie or no tie? Pumps or stilettos? When it comes to fashion we can all use a little inspiration. Valentine’s Day is the one night of the year where your wardrobe must be perfect! Whether this is a “date night” for you and your special person or it’s a time-honored tradition to the seasoned couples out there, you need to look fabulous! So, to my men and women, pay close attention. The Doctor is in…

IN THE N E W S

RYSE Magazine Secures Unprecedented Distribution Agreement

O

You can now pick up the latest issue of RYSE Magazine on newsstand at Barnes and Nobles and Books A Million throughout the state of Florida BY Yolanda Baruch On October 1, 2011, RYSE Magazine

partnered with the City of Orlando and Dr. Angela Fals, Medical Director of Florida Hospital “Healthy 100 Kids Program,” in an effort to bring awareness to childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes in Central Florida by hosting the city’s first annual ‘Walk It Out’ 5K Walk/ Run & Zumba-thon fundraiser.

Buddy Dyer, Mayor of the City of Orlando, commended the health awareness initiative of RYSE Magazine and issued a proclamation officially proclaiming Saturday, October 1, 2011 as “RYSE Magazine Walk It Out Day.” Since the 1970s the rate of childhood obesity in our country has tripled and today a third of American children are overweight or

obese. This dramatic rise threatens to have far-reaching long-term effects on our children’s health, livelihood, and future.

The walk was held at Harbor Park in Baldwin Park, which brought in more than 400 participants. Talitha Vickers of NBC WESH 2 News, served as the special guest host.

After the race, attendees had the option to partake in numerous activities like raffle prize drawings, entertainment for children, free health screenings, nutritional education, fitness training for adult and youth, physical activities for youth and child, anti-bullying and self defense demonstrations which were sponsored by Advanced Diagnostic Group, Fulmore Chiropractic, Costco Wholesale, New

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Life Hope Foundation, Central Florida Urban League, Crawford Designs Promotion and Printing, and Gospel Now Magazine.

With the success of the first 5K Run/ Walk under its belt, RYSE has achieved unprecedented success in less than six months of operation. Off the heels of their initial launch of RYSE magazine’s premier issue that was unveiled in grand style at the North Club Lounge within the Amway Center. Sponsored in part by the Orlando Magic and was hosted by Star 94.5 Radio Personality Monica May, the unveiling boasted an audience of 600 plus attendees which included leaders in business, the community, and local politicians. Through the release of its second edition, which highlighted 25 young Attorneys and Firms in Central Florida, RYSE managed to secure a distribution agreement that will have the publication on newsstands in Barnes and Nobles and Books a Million throughout the state of Florida. The magazine can also be found on newsstands within the Orlando International Airport.

This exceptional accomplishment has made RYSE, the only African

American publication that is locally owned, to be distributed throughout the state of Florida. “The overwhelming response that we received after the launch just proved that there was a void in the market not being filled,” says J. Jackson, Publisher of the publication. “We received calls not just from people throughout the state requesting copies and thanking us for the platform we are providing, but also from people in other states considering relocating to

Florida. It just proves that this is more than a magazine, but a movement and that RYSE is truly on the rise.”

RYSE Magazine captures a niche market that is rapidly growing. Statistics from the 2010 US Census show that Florida now has the second largest population of African Americans in the nation, a 28.4% increase from 2000 statistics. RYSE Magazine plans to be a resource to this rapidly emerging middle class.

For more information about RYSE magazine, please visit www.rysemagazine.com to view the digital edition of previous issues, order an annual subscription and to receive information on upcoming sponsored events.

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A R TS & E N T E R TA I N M E NT

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift?

Here are some fun and unique ideas for that special someone. BY Joni fletcher 52 Weeks of Romance Don’t just celebrate one day, enjoy 52 weeks of romance! This game comes in a radiant black silk pouch and is filled with great romantic ideas for you and your partner. There are 52 amazing ideas so that you can enjoy a new and exciting adventure once a week for one entire year. $19.95, www.romanticintimategifts.com

Scandle: A Body Massage Candle Give a gift of relaxation this Valentine’s Day. This delightful fragrant soy candle melts into a soothing body lotion suitable for skin care or a soothing massage oil. Scandle works equally as a room-enhancing scent and as an aromatherapy soy lotion for your skin. $35.95, www.abodycandle.com

The 5 Love Languages Everyone has a love language, find yours this Valentine’s Day with The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts. A New York Times bestseller that shows you and your partner how to find the best way to express your love for one another. $14.99, www.5lovelanguages.com

Love is Art Take your intimacy to another level this Valentine’s Day. Love is Art is a kit that comes with everything a couple needs to make a tangible piece of abstract art while being intimate with one another. When all is done, you will have a special painting that can be stretched, framed, or hung on the wall. Love is art founder Jeremy Brown says, “Art takes patience, dedication, practice, creativity, an open mind, and an open heart...so does love. Love is art.” The kit includes one 80” x 90” plastic surface sheet, 54” x 41” specially treated non-allergenic white cotton canvas, a 4 ounce bottle of specially formulated black, non-toxic washable paint, two pairs of disposable paper slippers, and one custom body scrubber. $60.00, www.loveisartkit.com

A Bed of Roses Make a date for Valentine’s Day and bring along this romantic gift, for a fun and memorable evening. Everything you need is included inside this black satin pouch set. A Bed of Roses includes a special invitation card, four tea light candles, rose-scented bubble bath, chocolate warming massage oil, a hand held massager and over 250 scented red silk rose petals. $40.00, www.holiday-gifts-gift-baskets.com 18 RYSE MAGA ZINE | F E BRU A RY/ M A RCH 2 0 1 2

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BOOK CLUB

Ink That Will Make You Think The Illusion of Certainty

Darrayl and Derrick Miles You have a unique Gift: a special ability that allows you to perform with superhuman power. A gift once realized that will lead to your ultimate assignment and purpose.

This book series weaves the personal insights and applications from top entrepreneurs, executives, and faith-based leaders on how to live a within the cone of excitement, anticipation and purpose. You will learn how to reclaim your sense of wonder, replacing worry with hope—fear with faith. Now is the time to move beyond the mundane of mediocrity and master your domain. Let your journey begin. price: $19.99 page Count: 125 pages point of purchase: www.superhuman performance.com

Greg Messel

WIN! The top 35 Tips for Today’s Entrepreneur Denise Y. Mose, Ph.D Everyone loves to WIN. Winning connotes a competitive spirit, a rise to the top, and that supreme feeling of accomplishment.

Mankind has posted gains throughout history and these exemplify the victory of a WIN! So... “What are we winning in this book?” This book uses the benchmarks of Health, Wealth and Success as three targets for Winning. We have therefore included a select group of people who have surmounted the pinnacle of these lofty peaks ...men and women that can look back down the mountain and say, “I did it!” The chapters in this book give you inside traits, habits and actions of successful achievers in an enjoyable read.

If you have a desire to join them, you can read, scrutinize and copy the methods and thinking that these WINNERS have developed to help get you there. Each chapter is characterized by focus, discipline and substance. BE A WINNER!!! price: $19.95 page Count: 315 point of purchase: www.danielformen.net and www.amazon.com

The Illusion of Certainty follows two parallel storylines. Marc is a successful businessman who seems to have everything—a great job, a beautiful wife, a house in an upscale neighborhood of Portland, Oregon and two great kids who are preparing for college. But something is not right. Marc is unsettled by the sudden change in his wife, Aimee, who seems distant and unhappy. What’s going on with her?

The second storyline involves a successful young attorney, Alexandra Mattson. Alex, as she is called by her friends, meets a handsome young cop, Sean, during an unexpected crisis in her neighborhood. Sean and Alex seem made for each other and begin to merge their futures in a world of uncertainty. price: $14.99 for softcover and $2.99 for iBook, Nook or kindle editions page Count: 430 pages point of purchase: www.gregmessel.com

Are you an author who would like your book featured in our Book Club? Visit RYSEMagazine.com to submit the required information.

Due to space limitations, not all submissions will be selected.

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Istockphoto.coM

Superhuman Performance (volume I &II)

Artist

Spotlight The time to support our local talent is not after they have made it to the top of the ladder of success. It is while they are working hard to pull themselves up the rungs when they need our support the most.

Cece Teneal Neo-blues singer CeCe Teneal released her debut album “Train from Osteen” October 18th, 2011. Although this is her first official release, CeCe is by no means a stranger to music. With a passionate, soulful voice inherited from her mother, CeCe began to express her talent at church and in her home from the tender age of six. Each time CeCe was handed a microphone, her voice echoed with an invigorating resonance—remarkable and unprecedented for someone of her years.

In 2003, CeCe moved to Orlando, Florida to pursue her music career, taking over a weekly event she dubbed “Sunday Night Live”, and winning the heart of audiences who could not get enough of her voice. When the owners of B.B. King’s Blues Club caught wind of her talent, they hired her on the spot as the leading vocalist of B.B. King’s AllStar Band.

In 2009 and 2010, CeCe Teneal was awarded the Orlando Hip Hop Award for Best Female Singer and in 2011 Best Artist at the 1st Annual Black Tie & BBQ Gala.

CeCe has also appeared on the national television show The Daily Buzz and more

recently, performed for President Barack Obama at the Victory Fund Reception in Orlando.

CeCe’s sound and energy rate second to none, all of which is evident on “Train from Osteen.” The music on this album transcends cultural and generational barriers. With a healthy blend of both soothing and exciting sounds, CeCe creates music that gives listeners a truly special experience. She has been dubbed the “Voice of Neo-Blues” and opened for various national recording artists including Regina Belle, Miki Howard, Donnell Jones and B.B.King, as well as sharing the stage with Zac Harmon and Grammy Award Winner Buddy Guy. To stay connected with CeCe Teneal please visit www.ceceteneal.com or facebook.com/cecetenealmusic.

Are you a Singer, Songwriter, Poet, or Speaker who would like to be featured in our Artist Spotlight?

Contact RYSE Magazine at Spotlight@rysemag.com

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WIN E & D I N E

Draft Global Beer Lounge & Grill

I

Restaurant Review Draft Global Beer Lounge and

Grill sits directly across the street from the $480 million Amway Center. The bar features 40 draft beers and over 60 different craft bottle beers, but equally as impressive as the selection of beers, was the menu selections available. For my appetizer, I decided to order the Spicy Draft Wings. When my order arrived, I quickly realized I had made a great choice. The meaty wings were seasoned with a special mix of spices, deep fried to a perfect golden brown, and covered with a sweet and tangy Buffalostyle sauce. (These details I later learned from the head chef) For my main course, I ordered the Drunked Chicken. A beer braised ½ chicken served with a Chimichurri sauce over gorgonzola mashed potatoes and chefs seasonal vegetables. I was absolutely amazing.

Other menu items include Crispy Calamari, Wagyu Beef Sliders, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Sliders, and Specialty Spring Rolls. Flat Bread options include the Margar-

ita which is roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fried basil on toasted flat bread, or the Steakhouse which is hand cut Rib-eye, sautéed garlic spinach, caramelized blue cheese on a toasted flat bread, just to name a few. Burger selections include The Draft Burger—fresh ground 1/2# Angus beef, fried pickles, roasted tomato, sharp cheddar cheese on a fresh baked brioche bun and the A.M. BURGER—Fresh ground 1/2# Angus beef, bacon, fried egg and sharp aged cheddar on A fresh baked brioche bun.

The menu items are all reasonably priced. In addition to the restaurant, because of its strategic location in downtown Orlando, Draft serves as a great lounge before and after games and concerts. The venue hosts various nights with different themes in an effort to attract a diverse clientele. Whether for lunch or Dinner, Draft is an excellent choice for anyone looking for that downtown experience without the parking hassles and the high prices.

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Draft Global Beer Lounge and Grill 301 / 333 West Church Street Orlando, Florida 32801 Tel: 407-826-1872

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S P O R T S & R E C R E AT I ON

Healthy, Wealthy and

Wise

N

STAYING FIT, MAKING/SAVING MONEY AND BEING MENTALLY HEALTHY

BY COACH DAVID DAVIS

HEALTHY: When talking about health, two words come to mind: obese and overweight. The two words are often confused with each other. Obese refers to excess fat. Overweight refers to excess weight. Although there are certain things we can do to prevent, or manage, both, individually they can cause different problems.

Because obesity deals with excess fat, it can lead to coronary heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Being overweight can lead to depression, high blood pressure and pain in your joints. Actually, doctors have found that you can be overweight and your heart is in good shape. On the other hand, obesity directly affects the heart because of the excess fat.

There are a few things that we can do to control both; proper diet and exercise.

I was amazed last year when I went in for a check-up only to find that I had a high level of cholesterol. I immediately made a “slight” change to my eating habits. Being a country boy from Western North Carolina, I had never met a piece of bacon I didn’t like, so this was considered extreme for me. No extra salt, combination of fats and sugars and diet soda. (Yes, I said “nasty tasting” diet soda!)

How committed am I? When I feel the need for a cocktail, I have my liquor mixed with diet soda! Not to mention how broccoli became one of my favorite dishes. It was unbelievable how much better I felt after only a few months just by doing this.

When I was younger and extremely active in sports, I never had to worry about the exercising portion of staying healthy. It was a given benefit from staying active. As we get older, we need to make sure that we make arrangements to get proper exercise. Something as small as taking the stairs at work,

For more information on obesity and being overweight, visit http://www.diffen.com/difference/Obesity_vs_Overweight Coach Davis can be contacted at coachdaviddavis@gmail.com 24 RYSE MAGA ZINE | F E BRU A RY/ M A RCH 2 0 1 2

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Now that the holiday season is behind us, you may be making some resolutions for the new year to get healthy—especially when it comes to food intake. Let’s take a look at how we can stay “Healthy, Wealthy and Wise” during 2012.

walking in the neighborhood, or while watching television do sit-ups/pushups when a commercial break comes on. This will help offset the calories that our bodies have stored that can lead to health problems.

So, it is not necessarily how much you eat but WHAT you eat and the regiment of your day to burn off the intake.

interview process. Some jobs may require you to do a lot of walking, or lifting, so being in shape definitely helps.

Also, corporations will not tell you this, but they want you to pass the “eye test.”

They ask themselves, “Does this potential employee “LOOK” healthy? Looking healthy does go a long way when being considered for a job. Is that right? Maybe not, but companies are more apt to hire people who look healthy. I know of companies that will go the extra mile to make sure their employees

are healthy by giving them memberships to gyms, or allowances to join one. It’s a no brainer, being HEALTHY can contribute to us being WEALTHY. WISE: As I mentioned, I have been an athlete all my life. Because of the physical training I was doing, my diet had never been an issue.

But, I had to get WISE and change some things. Diet being one, and also making a conscious effort to exercise, being the other. You also have to consider your

DNA. Heart disease and diabetes were prevalent in my family and I have had family members die because of them. Genetics is one thing you cannot change.

They do make a difference in how you should live your life. I got WISE and made it a point to take my genes into consideration while staying healthy.

With the New Year, come resolutions and wishes. My wish is that the RYSE family does me a favor and: Get WISE: Check family history. Be more aware of what you eat and start an exercise regimen.

Get HEALTHY: Eliminate the combinations of sugars and fats and salt intake. Go whole wheat!

By doing these two thing every day, you can add time to your life and make you, and your family WEALTHY!

istockphoto.com

WEALTHY: Staying, and looking healthy can also increase your chances to gain/keep employment. In today’s society, when corporations hire, they consider the health of the potential employee. Because of insurance issues, they want to make sure that there are no pre-existing health issues before they hire you. Some may have you complete a health physical during the

It is not necessarily how much you eat but WHAT you eat and the regiment of your day to burn off the intake.

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MIN D , B O D Y A N D S O U L

The staff at Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc. is committed to crafting a culture of commitment among their clients, in the areas of nutritional value, health, wellness and the introduction of firmer dietary systems.

By Devin Heflin

Formed in 1995, Hebni Nutrition Consultants Inc., operates as a community centered non-profit organization with the set mission to improve the health of a high-risk, culturally diverse population by providing comprehensive nutritional information about healthy strategies in hopes to prevent dietrelated diseases

H

Heart disease, diabetes and hyper-

tension are the three reasons Roniece Weaver, Fabiola Gaines, and Ellareetha Carson, all registered dieticians, decided to collaborate together to establish the nutrition themed organization. The healthcentered triumvirate banded their knowledge of nutrition to promote healthier living, dining and exercising with a shared goal to reach out to communities of color.

Gaines states, “Back then we didn’t have the materials to get started. We developed culturally sensitive materials and our Caucasian associates helped us in educating members of our communities. But they needed something to work with and we were able to set up the pyramid strategy.” As seen on their company’s website, Hebni’s “Soul Food Pyramid” is designed to show the African-American population where traditional ethnic or “soul” foods fall in the food pyramid. The Soul Food Pyramid has been given nationally exposure

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through its use in Hebni’s conferences and educational programs including usage by pharmaceutical companies.

Those that have worked in health fields or have participated in health seminars are familiar with the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Food Pyramid. The Hebni trio created the Soul Food Pyramid, which is a triangular chart solely targeted at the dietary habits of African-Americans. The general perception that most AfricanAmericans hold an apathetic attitude towards their food consumption also gave the women an added reason to hold community presentations on proper nutrition in areas where health related issues are prevalent. The opportunity to bring this idea to fruition came when they were able to move into a building located on West Central Boulevard near the Citrus Bowl, there they were able to host programs and counseling for little or no charge to the targeted community.

Nancy Jo Brown, 106FOTO

Hebni Nutrition

L-R, The staff of Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc: Glen R. Providence, Ellareetha Carson, Roniece Weaver, Fabiola Gaines and Lindy Snyder.

“We realized that we needed to concentrate on our population so we were so excited to be in this building because this area has the highest incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. There is no excuse not to come through our doors, anybody can walk in and we will see them,” says Gaines.

As an example, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that there are 25.8 million Americans that have been affected by diabetes, comprising 8.3 percent of the total population. Of that number, AfricanAmericans and Hispanics embodied 12.6 percent and 11.8 percent of that diagnosed populace. Weaver observes,

The staff interacts and prepares for an upcoming seminar.

“Our biggest goal is instead of talking all the time we show you; That really sets us apart from everybody else.”

Nancy Jo Brown, 106FOTO

Nancy Jo Brown, 106FOTO

—Roniece Weaver

“At the time when we first formed, we were a for-profit organization and a lot of people couldn’t afford the services of a dietician and that still stands true today. We’re kind of the last person that a patient or a client will see.

They’ll see the doctor, they’ll see the nurse but they won’t go see a dietician, but sometimes if you look at the big picture they ought to realize that we are the first person that they should see.

Their health issues are really tied to their dietary issues and if they would change that, many of them would visit the physician’s office for preventable ailments.”

The lack of knowledge and the significant health issues plaguing the African-American and the Hispanic communities are some of the challenges that Weaver, Gaines and Carson face in their organization. Courtesy of seminars, cooking courses and healthy eating venues, they use the arm of education to advertise fitness alternatives.

The company emanated in the home of Roniece Weaver and has expanded to an office that shares land with St. John Missionary Baptist Church, one of several churches that the three have provided program access.

Weaver explains, “Sometimes the capacity doesn’t fit here in the facility and we may have to take our programs

to the schools where we are. But we are known in the community for several things, the cooking demonstrations and the nutritional education. The nutrition educational tools are pamphlets that we’ve developed as well. We are always in the mode of developing culturally sensitive hands on sessions.

Our biggest benefit is instead of talking all the time, we show you. That is really what sets us apart from others.

“Schools and especially the churches have played a considerable part in the growth of Hebni Nutrition. Pastor Frazier of St. John M.B.C. is on their Board of Directors and they have held demonstrations in about 90% of the churches in the area. “It is amazing how many of our senior citizen groups say they are doing better based on the health guidelines that we teach them. We try to work with all the populations, particularly the seniors and children,” affirms Carson.

The trio has also directed their concerted efforts in developing nutritional programs geared toward minority children with the goal of decreasing childhood obesity, an issue plaguing communities of color across the country.

Hebni is successfully making strides in empowering kids to get in the kitchen through dietary changes and exciting culinary experiences. Their program

titled K.Y.D.S. Take Charge! (Keep Your Diet Straight) is very popular in the Orange County School System and multiple community centers.

Weaver, Gaines, and Carson, have made considerable innovative strides in the growth of their newly completed Nutrition Resource Center that houses four commercial test kitchens. As a result of additions, this has given them the opportunity to expand their reach further into the public, an effort supported and recognized by multiple community partners and the City of Orlando who awarded them a Community Development Block Grant. The women have also been granted charitable funds from the Darden Foundation, the Blue Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and Florida Hospital’s Community Impact Council.

Yet, considering America’s current austere economic condition, obtaining continued outside funding is now a challenge to sustain the operation. “We’re in an era where most of those grant dollars are drying up. So we really need individuals and organizations to come and use our resources to educate their employees, patients, and customers, in order for us to stay above water. We’ve been able to survive for this long and we hope, that with assistance, we can continue to stay strong,” says Gaines.

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MIN D , B O D Y A N D S O U L

Facts and Fallacies About

Digestive Diseases

BY Dr. Harinath Sheela MD

The digestive system Researchers have only recently begun to understand the many, often complex diseases that affect the digestive system. Accordingly, people are gradually replacing folklore, old wives’ tales, and rumors about the causes and treatments of digestive diseases with accurate, up-to-date information. But misunderstandings still exist, and while some folklore is harmless, some can be dangerous if it keeps a person from correctly preventing or treating an illness. Listed below are some common misconceptions about digestive diseases, followed by the facts as profesHeartburn sionals understand them today.

Smoking a cigarette helps relieve heartburn.

Spicy food and stress cause stomach ulcers.

False

The truth is, almost all stomach ulcers are caused either by infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by use of pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, the so-called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Most H. pylori-related ulcers can be cured with antibiotics. NSAID-induced ulcers can be cured with time, stomach-protective medications, antacids, and avoidance of NSAIDs. Spicy food and stress may aggravate ulcer symptoms in some people, but they do not cause ulcers.

Ulcers can also be caused by cancer.

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False

Actually, cigarette smoking contributes to heartburn. Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—a muscle between the esophagus and stomach—relaxes, allowing the acidic contents of the stomach to splash back into the esophagus. Cigarette smoking causes the LES to relax.

Bowel Regularity

Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.

False

The frequency of bowel movements among normal, healthy people varies from three a day to three a week, and some perfectly healthy people fall outside both ends of this range.

istockphoto.com

Ulcers

Constipation

Diverticulosis

False

False

Habitual use of enemas to treat constipation is harmless.

Habitual use of enemas is not harmless. Over time, enemas can impair the natural muscle action of the intestines, leaving them unable to function normally. An ongoing need for enemas is not normal; you should see a doctor if you find yourself relying on them or any other medication to have a bowel movement.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease.

True

Actually, the majority of Americans over age 60 have diverticulosis, but only a small percentage have symptoms or complications. Diverticulosis is a condition in which little sacs or out-pouchings called diverticula develop in the wall of the colon. These sacs tend to appear and increase in number with age. Most people have no symptoms and learn that they have diverticula after an x ray or intestinal examination. Less than 10 percent of people with diverticulosis ever develop complications such as an infection (diverticulitis), bleeding, or perforation of the colon.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is caused by psychological problems.

False

Inflammatory bowel disease is the general name for two diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The cause of the disease is unknown, but researchers speculate that it may be a virus or bacteria interacting with the body’s immune system. No evidence has been found to support the theory that inflammatory bowel disease is caused by tension, anxiety, or any other psychological factor or disorder.

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Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease, although it is also called a functional disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome involves a problem in how the muscles in the intestines work, as well as pain perception in the bowel. It is characterized by gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation, possibly both. Although the syndrome can cause considerable pain and discomfort, it does not damage the digestive tract as organic diseases do. Also, irritable bowel syndrome does not lead to more serious digestive diseases later, such as cancer.

Diverticulosis is a serious but uncommon problem.

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MIN D , B O D Y A N D S O U L

The Best Foods To Fight The Flu

P

BY Alyssa Greenstein, RD, LD/N

Preparing for the flu season is very important for parents during this time. Bottles of disinfectant for the hands, disinfectant spray, and remedies for flu fill the shelves of stores, giving us the impression to be preparing for the arrival of a large storm.

The annual war against the army bacteriological is not waged only on our hands and faces, but according to health experts, it all starts with what you eat. Studies have shown that certain foods and nutrients associated with them have the property of increasing the body’s ability to combat the common cold and other severe diseases. The good news is that all these foods can be found in any healthy diet list, so you can enjoy throughout the year:

Oats

Contains one type of fiber that has antibacterial properties.

Apparently, you can accelerate wound healing and help antibiotics to work more effectively.

Fish

Already recommended for its healthy properties for the heart, is also rich in a mineral that helps white blood cells to eradicate the flu from his body. Many types of fish are rich in fatty acids “Omega-3”, which can help protect your lungs from respiratory infections.

Milk

Rich in zinc, a mineral that helps in the generation of white blood cells, which destroy bacteria and viruses present in the body. Zinc is one of the minerals that is absent in most diets, therefore, you should drink more milk with meals.

Yogurt

The best known of all foods that helps to fight influenza. As an excellent source of probiotic, yogurt contains “good bacteria” that helps to maintain controlled “bad bacteria” found in the digestive system.

Sweet potatoes

Rich in vitamin A, which helps increase your body’s ability to combat germs from the outside inward.

By implementing some of the suggested foods above, you will be taking the necessary precautionary steps to ensure protection of yourself and family against the potential seasonal cold or flu infection. For more information on what to do if you get sick with the flu and how to care for someone at home who is sick with the flu. Please visit www.cdc.gov and contact your primary care physician.

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istockphoto.com

The skin is the first line of defense of the body against germs and requires a large amount of vitamin A to maintain its protection. In addition to the orange vegetables, like sweet potatoes, vitamin A is also found in regular and chocolate milk.

istockphoto.com

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5 L IFE S T Y L E

tips for better Work-life balance BEAT BURNOUT BY DISCOVERING WAYS TO DEVOTE MORE TIME TO THE ACTIVITIES AND PEOPLE THAT MATTER MOST TO YOU.

By JEN uSchER

If you’re feeling overworked and finding it more challenging than ever to juggle the demands of your job and the rest of your life, you’re not alone.

“A lot of people are having a more difficult time finding balance in their lives because there have been cutbacks or layoffs where they work. They’re afraid it may happen to them, so they’re putting in more hours,” says psychologist Robert Brooks, PhD, co-author of The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence, and Personal Strength in Your Life.

“But even if you don’t have much control over the hours you have to work, you can ask yourself: In what other ways am I bringing greater enjoyment into my life?” Brooks says.

“Focus your time and attention on things you can control.”

Here are five ways to bring a little more balance to your daily routine:

1

Build downtime into your schedule.

When you plan your week, make it a point to schedule time with your family and friends and activities that help you recharge.

If a date night with your spouse or a softball game with friends is on your calendar, you’ll have something to look forward to and an extra incentive to manage your time well so you don’t have to cancel.

“It helps to be proactive about scheduling,” says Laura Stack, a productivity expert in Denver and author of SuperCompetent: The Six Keys to Perform at Your Productive Best. “When I go out with my girlfriends, we all whip out our cell phones and put another girls’ night out on the calendar for one month later,” she says.

Stack also plans an activity with her family—like going to a movie or the park—every Sunday afternoon. “We do this because if there’s nothing on the schedule, time tends to get frittered away and the weekend may end without us spending quality time together,” she says.

Michael Neithardt, an actor and television commercial producer in New York City, wakes up three hours before he has to leave for work so he can go for a run and spend some time with his wife and baby.

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“A lot of my friends tend to wake up, shower, and go straight to work. And they often complain about having no time to do anything,” he tells WebMD in an e-mail. “I find that if I can get those three hours in the morning, I have a more productive and peaceful workday. I can sure tell the difference when I don’t.”

2

Drop activities that sap your time or energy.

“Many people waste their time on activities or people that add no value—for example, spending too much time at work with a colleague who is constantly venting and gossiping,” says Marilyn Puder-York, PhD, a psychologist and executive coach in New York and Connecticut. She recommends taking stock of activities that aren’t really enhancing your career or personal life and minimizing the time you spend on them.

You may even be able to leave work earlier if you make a conscious effort to limit the time you spend on the web and social media sites, making personal calls, or checking your bank balance.

“We often get sucked into these habits that are making us much less efficient without realizing it,” Stack says.

3

Rethink your errands.

Consider whether you can outsource any of your time-consuming household chores or errands.

Could you order your groceries online

and have them delivered? Hire a kid down the street to mow your lawn?

Have your dry cleaning picked up and dropped off at your home or office? Order your stamps online so you don’t have to go to the post office? Even if you’re on a tight budget, you may discover that the time you’ll save will make it worth it.

Stack also suggests trading services with friends. Offer to do tasks that you enjoy or that you were planning to do anyway.

“You could exchange gardening services for babysitting services,” Stack says. “If you like to cook, you could prepare and freeze a couple of meals and give them to a friend in exchange for wrapping your holiday gifts.”

4

Get moving.

It’s hard to make time for exercise when you have a jampacked schedule, but experts say that it may ultimately help you get more done by boosting your energy level and ability to concentrate.

“Research shows exercise can help you to be more alert,” Brooks says.

“And I’ve noticed that when I don’t exercise because I’m trying to squeeze in another half hour of writing, I don’t feel as alert.”

Samantha Harris, a lawyer who works for a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia, says she recently started sneaking in a trip to the gym two or three mornings a week before her family

“You have to make a little time for the things that ignite your joy.” wakes up. “It’s been a real boost in terms of the way I feel for the rest of the day,” she says. “I feel like my head is clearer and I’ve had a little time to myself.”

5

Remember that a little relaxation goes a long way.

Don’t get overwhelmed by assuming that you need to make big changes to bring more balance to your life. Brooks recommends setting realistic goals, like trying to leave the office earlier one night per week.

“Slowly build more activities into your schedule that are important to you,” he says. “Maybe you can start by spending an hour a week on your hobby of carpentry or planning a weekend getaway with your spouse once a year,” he says.

Stack points out that even during a hectic day, you can take 10 or 15 minutes to do something that will recharge your batteries. “Take a bath, read a trashy novel, go for a walk, or listen to music,” she suggests. “You have to make a little time for the things that ignite your joy.”

SOURCES: Robert Brooks, PhD, psychologist; co-author, The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence, and Personal Strength in Your Life.

Laura Stack, president, The Productivity Pro, Inc., Denver; author, SuperCompetent: The Six Keys to Perform at Your Productive Best. Marilyn PuderYork, PhD, psychologist and executive coach. News Release, University of Georgia Office of Public Affairs. Hillman, C. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, January 2008; vol 9: pp 58-65.

Reviewed on January 21, 2011 © 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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LOVE & HAPPINESS

Finding

Mr. right QUICK TIPS TO HELP YOU FIND THAT SPECIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE.

S

So you hAvE fiNiShED youR EDucA-

tional goals and are on the ladder to success. Now that everything seems under control, there happens to be that one thing missing. A relationship. Someone to share all of this free time with now that you don’t have to study. It might be difficult to swallow, but you start to think, how do you meet someone? It seems all of your friends are off getting married and having babies. Then you start to wonder, what happened to all of this time that has passed?

Only 29 percent of the population in the city of Orlando have a college degree of a bachelor’s or higher according to the U.S. 2010 Census. After reading that stat, your fear of finding someone might start to set in because you hoped that you would be able to meet someone at your level. Thankfully enough, the male to female ratio is about 50/50 according to orlando. areaconnect.com. There is a great chance that someone is in Orlando.

Well, where do you meet Mr. Right? There are several channels in which to meet someone who is looking for a relationship. Dating sites which you pay for a subscription for such as eharmony.com or match.com are one of the best ways to find someone who is looking for the

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same thing you are. You will have the opportunity to get to know them on an intellectual level first, which is most important to the professional woman.

Plus you know the guy is serious. He wouldn’t be paying a subscription fee if he wasn’t truly looking. If you want a serious relationship, please do not go on a free dating site. Those are filled with men who are looking for that one thing your mother told you to watch out for.

Another great place is through your friends who are already in a relationship.

Their significant other might have a great friend he or she has been hiding for whatever reason. Your friends know you best and they know what is good for you. They would not be hooking you up with someone who they do not think is right or you better find new friends.

Also meet new people through networking or other hobbies you might be interested in getting involved in. Orlando is a growing city and organizations are popping up everywhere. There is a great salsa group in Orlando which teaches group lessons which allows you to get up close and personal with your potential suitor. Or even join a 5K training team. There are several groups across the country but Disney has some of the biggest races at the beginning of the year. Regardless, if you don’t meet Mr. Right, you will feel good for helping those in needs.

The most important thing before you date anyone, make sure you’re ready for a commitment. You will be giving up personal time which you might not have been accustomed to in the past. A smart man will not let an independent, professional woman out of his sight.

Istockphoto.coM

By vAlERiE figuERoA

Istockphoto.coM

Would like to thank Atlantic Justice Law Group for their continuous support

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TR AV E L & L E I S U R E

orlando Welcome to

SPEciAl guEST coNTRiBuToR gARy SAiN, PRESiDENT of viSiT oRlANDo

wElcoME To oRlANDo: the center of all of the action for the 2012 nba all-star Weekend Feb. 24-26.

During the week of the big game, there will be events that span from family-oriented to volunteerism to swanky parties—as varied as the players themselves.

For family fun, attend the all-star Jam session at the orange county convention center. For die-hard sports fans, check out the rising stars challenge or all-star saturday night, featuring the highly-anticipated slam Dunk contest. If you’d like to give back to the community during your stay, get involved in the nba’s allstar community caravan or E-recycling event. and while you’re in orlando catching the all-star action, check out our starring attractions. When it comes to the fun and memories you can create in orlando, there’s no contest. In fact, there are many reasons why orlando slam dunks on the competition with plenty to do, see and be a part of.

Join the winning team of Mickey and Minnie in the magic and wonder of Walt Disney World® resort’s theme parks and water parks. From the Magic kingdom® park to Disney’s hollywood studios®, there’s something for everyone in your group or family to enjoy. take in a show at seaWorld orlando® and watch majestic killer whales jump through hoops. score points and re-connect with your loved ones on one of Universal orlando® resort’s heart-pounding rides. not to mention, we have 100 other attractions to cater to every whim, as well as great restaurants, hot nightclubs and thrilling outdoor adventures.

For a taste of our nightlife, get your groove on at the blue Martini or IcEbar orlando, a nightclub made entirely of ice.

West church street, near the amway center in downtown orlando, is filled with top-notch steakhouses, cozy dessert bars and enough entertainment options to fill your nights with fun.

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and did we mention the shopping? shopping in orlando means endless options: From upscale malls, to open-air outlet centers to fanciful boutiques in quaint districts. take time away from the all-star action and head to downtown Winter park, where you’ll find gourmet restaurants and shops filled with haute couture fashions. and if you’re looking for culture, the hannibal square heritage center is just steps away from Winter park. Exhibitions, photographs and works of art at the center capture the lives of Winter park’s close-knit, africanamerican community.

Experience more of the artistic side of orlando during artsFest: an immersion of more than 300 free arts and cultural events in more than 80 locations around orlando Feb. 1-29. to learn more about orlando’s distinct african-american history, tour the Well’s built Museum, once a famous hotel where ray charles and count basie stayed. Learn about one of orlando’s most famous writers, Zora neale hurston, at the museum that bears her name.

Looking for theater or live shows? We got that, too. Laugh the night away at the orlando Improv, where comedians like gary owen and tommy Davidson regularly perform. be a part of the act during sak comedy Lab’s show, where comedian Wayne brady got his start. Join some of your favorite nba players at shaq’s all-star comedy Jam at hard rock Live orlando Feb. 24-25. and to wind down from all of the activities on sunday, treat your soul to one of the many sunday jazz brunches around the area, including one at the grand bohemian hotel in downtown orlando.

When you visit orlando for all-star Weekend, you’re bargaining for lots of action and excitement – on and off the court. that’s because when it comes to orlando’s thrills, excitement, adventure and smiles, there’s no competition. go to Visitorlando.com for a listing of events and things to do during your stay. For more information on all-star events, go to www.nba.com/allstar2012.

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L IFE S T Y L E

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Meditation The Gift of

F

Lessons learned from Oprah Winfrey

BY Maria Genao-Homs

For the past several years, the practice

of meditation has slowly infiltrated mainstream culture in the United States. No longer does it seem as an elusive practice of the Far East. Now, books, seminars and even mobile device apps are readily available to help you find your “ooom” moment. But even with the accessibility factor being bumped up a few notches and solid research backing up the life–changing health benefits of sitting in silence for a few minutes, most people are skeptical; not to mention often “too busy” to take a few minutes to themselves. I, too, was a skeptic until I tried it for myself. And I am here to tell you that it is a game changer.

After completing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida, I had the fortune of grabbing my first gig as a production assistant in the television industry—a dream that I had worked so hard to achieve. I literally packed every sole possession I had into my little four-door coupe and hit the road to New York City. I was excited as thoughts of meeting amazing people, working in a studio and living the life in the concrete jungle bounced in mind. Don’t get me wrong; I knew working in television was going to be hard work. Little did I know that would mean averaging an 80-hour work week, eating every meal at my desk and being connected 24/7 while living in 500 square feet of space. I held up, but quickly realized that it was taking a toll on my health and my personal life.

Fast forward nine years, still working in the same high-pressure industry with the difference being that I can now compartmentalize that pressure all because I have started the practice of Transcendental Meditation thanks to my boss, Oprah Winfrey. I have had the great fortune of working as a producer at Harpo Studios for a little over a year

now. Ms. Winfrey has been a student of meditation for many years and often preached its benefits to her viewers and also to her staff. She believes in it so much, that she gave the staff opportunity to learn the practice of Transcendental Meditation earlier this year. And who could say no to that? Not me! So, I signed up, dove right in and have never looked back. I cannot begin to tell you what a generous gift it is and so easy, too.

Transcendental Meditation or TM, is the regarded as one of the simplest forms of meditation. It requires nothing other than you, a quiet space and 20 minutes, twice a day. It was brought to the states by an Indian Yogi, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, around 1961 and is now practiced from coast-to-coast. Dr. Norman E Rosenthal wrote a book with research supporting the benefits.

Praised for its ease of practice and incredible benefits, TM is used in schools to help children with their development and has been introduced in prisons all over the world. Inmates as well as students have attested to how it has helped with behavioral issues and stress reduction.

Part of the gift included a week-long session with TM teachers that gauge your needs and teach you proper practice. Within a few days of beginning the exercise, I started feeling the results. I experienced stress level reduction; a longer attention span and I even lost a few pounds. Though my work demands have not changed, the negative effects caused by stress have begun to fade.

And although not everyone may be able to receive this specific gift of wellness, you can find a few minutes in the day to sit and let your mind go to the quiet place it craves. Trust me when I tell you, in an age when noise is not only heard, but seen, this is the best investment you can do for yourself and those you love. Who can sit down behind that?

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Nancy Jo Brown, 106FOTO

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FRONT FRONT CENTER CENTE &

with Frontline Promotions

By Joni Fletcher

Patrick Nix and Willie Fisher’s tenacity, adaptability, and a high aptitude in maintaining their relevance has allowed these business owners to sustain successful careers for

Nancy Jo Brown, 106FOTO

nearly two decades.

O

n April 11, 2011, business partners

Patrick Nix and Willie Fisher opened the doors of their upscale establishment, Draft Global Beer Lounge and Grill, where the business motto reads Go Local…Drink Global. Located downtown directly across from the newly built $480 million Amway Center, the new spacious lounge and restaurant hosts a lavish bar that boasts long rows of beers on draught, an impressive menu, and a comfortable ambiance that is accented with backlit panels that alter their color display. While patrons have access to multiple dining tables in the spacious venue, they also can unwind along the end of the main room in the banquette.

The space that Draft currently occupies has been empty for years and it has seen numerous restaurants come and go.

With the assistance of Philadelphia Eagle’s Football Player Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Nix and Fisher were able to see a dream come into fruition. Rodgers-Cromartie shared the same vision that nix and Fisher had, which was to one day open a lounge directly across from the Amway Center.

Nix and Fisher consider it as a great achievement to have such an ideal location for their restaurant due in part to the amount of foot-traffic that it can draw upon from devoted Orlando Magic fans, downtown professionals, and college students. “It’s a very big blessing and we feel we worked hard to get where we are,” affirms Fisher.

Draft draws in a decent influx of customers if there is an event or when the Orlando Magic is playing at the Amway arena. However, when the arena goes dark and there is F E B R UARY / M AR C H 2 0 1 2 | WWW. RY SEM AGA Z I N E.C OM 4 1

&

Pat Nix & Willie Fisher with NBA Player LeBron James.

Right: Pat Nix with entertainer LL Cool J. nothing to draw people to downtown, Nix and Fisher crafted themed nights to maintain their customer base. On any given Wednesday, Draft has a promotional event called “Re-Wine Wednesday” that draws many professionals availing for the special pricing on appetizers and drinks in addition to networking. “Exit 21” takes place on Thursday night that caters to the young urban professionals who are looking for an outlet to enjoy swaying to hip hop but in an upscale setting, Nix affectionately calls this night “Hip Hop with Heels.” After a long week of work, everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy their happy hour from five to ten or as it is fittingly called “Recess,” which is hosted by Star 94.5. For Saturday, Draft has “Open Format,” a mixer that accommodates a diverse populace. For the two entrepreneurs, the opening of their lounge restaurant is not their first foray in operating a lucrative business; they have seen the success of many for nearly 20 years The Florida natives became business partners in the late 1990s, but before their paths would eventually cross, Nix and Fisher were making distinctive marks on their own separate paths.

In 1991, while attending Florida A&M University, Nix was developing his marketing and promotional skills as a member of his fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. “I was in charge of fundraising so it was my job to come up with events and parties to raise money for our non-profit,” said Nix. After graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor Degree in Business Economics and a minor in Marketing, Nix went on to become a Sales Manager at Toyota Orlando, however, his employment there was brief after he realized that he was not well suited for corporate America and decided instead to pursue a full-time career in promotions. “Working for someone else, I feel that there is only a certain level you can go and eventually that level will stop somewhere. With owning my own business I have the opportunity to keep growing forever,” declares Nix. For Fisher, his path led him to play professional basketball for two years in Istanbul, Turkey after graduating from Jacksonville University in 1995 with a Bachelor Degree in Business Management. Upon his return, Fisher was given the opportunity to promote his first event Welcome to Orlando Party for NBA basketball players Tracy McGrady, Dee Brown, and Grant Hill at Roxy Night Club. Needless to say, being a novice to the industry the event was not a success because it was only able to draw in 75 people in attendance. Fisher knew he had a long way to go before he could garner the success he enjoys

today. Nevertheless, through his first Pat Nix with failure he was introduced to Nix, who R&B artist in 1995 formed Front-Line PromoBrian McKnight tions serving as President. Together they hosted their first profitable event that brought in over 800 people at the Roxy Night club causing Fisher to join the company in 1999 in the capacity as Vice President.

Today, Nix and Fisher base their success on consistently being dedicated to providing their customers with high caliber entertainment options; by creating unique atmospheres, trendsetting themed events with access to top-tier celebrities.

Together they have grown Front-Line Promotions and Marketing Inc., into multi-faceted service company specializing in elevating the experience of Central Florida events by focusing on the designing, planning, coordination and execution of various types of special occasions coupled with utilizing grassroots and cutting edge promotional efforts; in order to reach a diverse minority demographic and cater to a variety of distinguished clientele. Some of their more notable clients have included House of Blues-Orlando, Florida A&M University, Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson, Hard Rock Live, Remy Martin, Tom Joyner, the Kenard Lang Foundation, and Tracy McGrady. As testament to their continued savvy business practices, one of their more recognizable events that they have

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been closely associated with since it moved to Orlando seventeen years ago has been the Florida Classic, the annual college football game between the Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University and the Rattlers of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. “We have been the official marketing companies for the Florida Classic since day one. I’d say we prepare for it all year long and really get into high gear about six months out. We come up with our ideas and what we plan to do to make it happen and [around four months out, our ideas come to fruition],” said Fisher.

As a means to add to the continued growth of Front-Line Promotions and Marketing Inc., besides promoting events, the business partners decided to enter into another sector of business by procuring the nightclub Rain (initially named Club Whispers) and quickly gained the distinction of being named Orlando’s Number One Urban Night Spot by the Orlando Sentinel. Building upon the acquisition of their premiere nightspot, they were able to expand the Frontline promotions brand by providing Orlando and surrounding areas, with over a decade of Phat Fridays and Grown Folks First Fridays.

However, Nix and Fisher are not just limited to the Central Florida, they have served as a relevant liaison between areas in the Southeast region by providing quality urban entertainment to a number of different cities and venues throughout the United States such as national special events for the Super Bowl, Essence Music Festival and NBA All Star Games. They attribute their growth and accomplishments to their innate ability to harness the power of effective marketing. “Our marketing strategies have gone from back in the day doing grass roots, gorilla flyer distribution that has [now] transitioned to mediums such as television, billboards and now today [we] greatly relying on social media techniques,” said Nix. Although their reputation in Central Florida has surrounded Orlando’s nightlife, there is more to these two men than just parties, clubs, and promotions. Nix and Fisher fought through the backlash they received when they decided to close down their nightclub in order to open Draft. “There comes a time in a business when it’s not making sense anymore that you have to move on,” said Nix. They decided to seek other opportunities elsewhere when they realized that they were not receiving the much needed patronage from the minority community. “For some reason in this market, were always at a tug of war against each other instead of supporting each other. There’s a lack of support from the minority community. Hopefully one day we can change that overall perception here in Central Florida,” said Fisher.

Nix agrees that more minorities need to help build and sustain minority owned business in Central Florida. “Everyone has the right to go out and do business, but you have some people who will stop going to an establishment once they find out it’s [African-American] owned. But you have cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and Charlotte, [where] you have a lot of black people pulling each other along.”

Undeterred by their many trials, Nix and Fisher are more focused on maintaining their progression into new emerging markets. Currently, they are in the developmental stage of creating the Fisher and Nix Marketing Agency because they recognize the value of utilizing integrated marketing communications in ever changing industry; they are determined

Willie Fisher and Pat Nix along with Kheep Entertainment’s Tony Khuu (far left) and John Hamilton (Far right) to understand the habits of various groups of consumers in order to attract a broader audience. Recently, they have partnered with Kheep Entertainment headed by John Hamilton & Tony Khuu who are up and coming event promoters with the ability to navigate through the social media marketing terrain. The synergy benefits of the merger for FLP will allow the pair to pass on the responsibility to Kheep Entertainment to continue to tap into the profitable 18-30 year old target market, by remaining engaged to this group who communicate their interest and activities heavily through social media. In the meantime, this will permit Nix and Fisher to devote their energy to court the more maturing sophisticated business crowd.

Nix and Fisher have overcome many hurdles in their careers in order to achieve the level of success they enjoy today, however, they do not take their position lightly. “There are Fortune 500 companies that have gone out of business and we feel blessed that we are still here,” said Nix, Fisher adds, “It’s important to stay humble, just as sure as you can be on the top you can be on the bottom.” As of now they are far from being abased, through their joint venture they have reaped 20 years of professional experience and accomplishments to afford them the opportunity to be in the prime position to capitalize on the 61st edition of the National Basketball Association All-Star Game being held on Feb. 23-26, 2012 in Orlando.

NBA All-Star Jam Session will be held at the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive while also serving as a hub for pre-game activities, and then on Friday, Feb. 24, activities shift to Amway. On Saturday, Feb. 25, the Amway Center will also host the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam and the NBA All-Star Saturday Night events in addition to the mid-season All-Star Game..

Nix and Fisher have been earnestly preparing to benefit from the NBA All-Star game, they have already secured multiple exclusive venues throughout the city of Orlando to host events that will bring in high caliber A-list celebrity guests that include Drake, Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard, Tyrese, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Mario Lopez, to name a few.

“There’s going to be something for everybody. We locked down the best venues, we have everything from black-tie to corporate events. If you have never been to an All-Star weekend it is a major experience and you should definitely treat yourself to something that weekend.” Concluded Nix.

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TR A IL B L A Z E R S

the

oF baSKetball

By TAviA REcoRD

FORMER NBA PLAYERS TRANSITIONING TO LIFE OFF THE COURT.

WE WANT OUR COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT US. WE WANT TO BE ACCESSIBLE… —Wayne “Tree” Rollins, President

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O coUrtEsy oF nbrpa

oRlANDo chAPTER PRESiDENT, wAyNE “TREE”

Rollins voiced that the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is ready and eager to build relationships in Central Florida as the Legends of Basketball. The chapter is actively seeking opportunities to give back through service and to stimulate new business development in our community.

The Orlando chapter is a non-profit organization with a 75 member roster comprised of former basketball players from the National Basketball Association (NBA), American Basketball Association (ABA) and the Harlem Globetrotters. The integral focus of the organization is to provide resources for retired players to make a successful transition into life off the playing court. However, Rollins would like Central Floridians to know that his chapter is motivated to reach out and connect. “We want our community to support us. We want to be accessible to the general public.” The 7 feet 1 inch Clemson University graduate and center, was drafted into the NBA in the first round as the 14th pick in 1973. Known for his relentless efforts on the court, he now channels his tenacity to lead the Legends of Basketball into becoming a major partner in the community. How might this affect Central Floridians?

For starters, the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend is scheduled to take place during February 23-26. The chapter will be hosting events that are open to the general public, with the intention to interact with a variety fans. “We want to offer an experience for the locals to enjoy,” said Rollins.

Rollins expects the chapter to have a presence that resonates long after the 2012 All-Star Weekend is over.

In fact, the chapter hit the ground running as soon as it was established in February 2011, embarking on an opportunity to work with graduate students from the top five nationally ranked DeVos Sport Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida (UCF). The opportunity enabled the graduate students to develop sports marketing and brand management experience while lending their talents to help the chapter with structural development and growth. The chapter has also provided internship opportunities for UCF undergraduate students looking to develop public rela-

Members of the National Basketball Retired Players Association ready to make an impact in Central Florida as the Legends of Basketball. tions and event management experience.

Legends Care is the NBRPA community service program that provides opportunities for the Legends to serve in their communities nationwide. Sharon Letalon, Chief Operating Officer of the Orlando chapter, has steered the chapter’s involvement in Rock Pink, a local charity that raises money to help individuals without health insurance to cover the costs associated with treatment for breast cancer. Letalon shared that, “It’s events like Rock Pink that show that these men are not only legends because of their athletic achievements, but also because of their character and desire to give back.”

Basketball 4 Life is another service initiative in the Orlando chapter that enables the Legends to connect with local young people beyond the court, such as the Darcy J. Foundation Golf Outing, which was attended in an effort to support a local University of Central Florida Alumnus in the community with a similar interest in fundraising to give back to the youth. This service initiative was inspired by a DeVos student assisting the chapter and adopted by the membership keen on getting involved. Some of the active members include, Nick Anderson, Chucky Atkins, Adonal Foyle, Sam Vincent and Greg Kite.

The chapter also works with a program called Global Coach, which offers opportunities for international and local basketball programs, student-athletes, or fans to work with a former NBA coach or player.

The Legends of Basketball in Orlando are willing to ignite partnerships with like-minded leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, organizations, schools, businesses, and fans, who aspire to use the power of sport to stimulate a positive impact. In response to the strides made by the chapter since early last year, Arnie D. Fielkow, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the NBRPA expressed, “I commend President Rollins and the entire Orlando chapter for their outstanding work in helping former professional basketball players to transition from the playing court and also for their tremendous contributions to the greater Orlando community.”

Visit: www.lobfl.com for event details and contact information.

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MO N E Y TA L K S

tax tactics

STOREFRONT OR CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL: WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A TAX PREPARER RYSE MAGAZINE

T

By ShAQuANA T. lyNuM, cPA MANAgiNg MEMBER of ThoMPSoN lyNuM & ASSociATioNS, llc TAx SEASoN iS JuST ARouND ThE coRNER AND MANy

SToREfRoNT PREPARERS. This includes the big chains, like Jackson Hewitt or H&R Block, and even sole proprietors.

These individuals are usually used for simple, straightforward tax returns and typically have credentialed and noncredentialed employees. Employees of these national chains have usually passed at least a tax preparation course, and the companies maintain that experienced supervisors review their work. cERTifiED PuBlic AccouNTANTS (cPA). A CPA is an indi-

vidual who is certified by the state to act as a Public Accountant based on the completion of a state exam and practical experience. In addition to being certified, CPAs generally hold a Bachelors or Masters degree in Accounting and/or Finance. Many CPAs specialize in taxation and may repre46 RYSE MAGA ZINE | F E BRU A RY/ M A RCH 2 0 1 2

sent you before the IRS. Some of the advantages of using a CPA to prepare your tax return include tax planning advice that can be provided throughout the year, they are knowledgeable of tax breaks, modifications and ramifications to new tax legislations, and alleviate the time and effort of doing it yourself.

TAx cliNicS. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) provides assistance for individuals whose income meets the income poverty guidelines and other criteria. LITC can provide representation before the IRS in court on audits, tax collection disputes, and other issues for free or for a small fee. If an individual’s native language is not English, some clinics can provide multilingual information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities. To find a tax clinic in your area visit www. irs.gov for more information.

Now that you have a brief understanding of the different types of tax professionals that are available to you, it is important to also ask yourself the following questions: Is this person or the company’s personnel available beyond the tax deadline? It is important to know if the preparer will be accessible beyond the April 15th deadline. If the IRS has questions about your return, will this professional be available to assist you in responding to the inquiries.

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individuals and small businesses are asking themselves: Who should file my tax return this year? The answer to this question depends on the complexity of your return and the quality of the tax preparer providing the service. Before you commit yourself to a specific individual or company, here are some questions and tips you should consider when choosing a tax professional: Is this person qualified? The IRS does not certify tax preparers. You should be aware that anyone that generally meets the minimal educational and state requirements has the ability to file a tax return for a fee. As determined by federal regulation, tax professionals face a series of penalties if they prepare returns incorrectly.

The following is a description of the type of specialists you may encounter during this tax season:

“Make sure that you hire a preparer who agrees with your level of risk taking and that you understand the consequences of asserting a particular tax position.”

Are you an aggressive or conservative taxpayer? Do you like to take chances or do you like to play it safe? Many tax returns are cut and dry, but some financial situations could call for a tax professional to take either a more assertive stance or a subdued conventional method when determining the customer’s tax return. Make sure that you hire a preparer who agrees with your level of risk taking and that you understand the consequences of asserting a particular tax position. The key to defending a tax position is to maintain adequate support for deductions and credits taken in a tax return.

Avoid the following common pitfalls: 1. Guarantees of a large refund—Be aware of supposed tax authorities that claim they can give you a better refund on your return than their competitors. A preparer is not able to estimate your refund without reviewing your financial information. Avoid doing business with anyone who bases his or her fees on a percentage of your refund, which is illegal.

2. Fraudulent extra fees—Be aware of fees for “processing,” “document preparation,” and “service bureau” which are often used to pad the preparer’s bottom line. Ask for a fee list in advance and avoid anyone who refuses to give you one.

3. Refund-anticipation loans (RAL)—Also known as “instant refunds,” RALs are basically short-term loans that were designed to offer customers a quicker access to their funds than waiting for tax refunds. However, annual interest rates can reach almost 500%, consumers should avoid paying such an exorbitant tax preparation fee.

4. Refund debit cards—Tax preparers might offer an “instant refund” on a debit card, which can be loaded with fees. Certain debit cards charge a fee per transaction or a monthly fee for unlimited transactions.

Now that you are well equipped to make an informed decision, ask yourself again; who should file my tax return this year?

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P O L IT I C A L P O W E R

All Star Weekend Comes To Central Florida Mayor Dyer shares why All Star weekend means opportunity for Central Florida’s small business community Special Guest Contributor Mayor Buddy Dyer

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but to also provide a significant economic impact to our local businesses throughout Central Florida.

I want to encourage all of our local businesses to get prepared and informed about all the opportunities the NBA AllStar weekend will bring to our community and to put a plan in place to take advantage of these opportunities. Whether it is offering special discounts for attendees or improving signage on your business to increase your visual presence in turn attracting more business—there are a multitude of ways that local businesses can profit from the NBA All-Star weekend here in Orlando.

The City is pleased to host this international event and give our local businesses and entrepreneurs “an assist” to ensure the NBA All-Star weekend is a “slam dunk” for our economy.

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

W

When I became Mayor in 2003, I had

a bold vision for Downtown. I challenged Central Florida to imagine a great city, reborn and revitalized. I asked our residents to envision a Downtown that has restaurants and retail, vibrant entertainment venues and professional sports drawing in citizens from not just our city or the Central Florida region, but from all over the state and even the country.

Since then we have worked together as a community to make strategic investments in business, development and amenities, making Orlando the exciting, urban city it is today.

And we continue to see those investments pay off. The NBA All-Star weekend in February 2012 will be much more than a sports and entertainment experience for our residents and visitors. It will bring continued economic impact to Downtown Orlando. The 2008 and 2009 All-Star weekends drew 60,000 visitors to New Orleans and Phoenix and in 2010 Los Angeles drew 100,000 attendees with each city generating an economic impact of $80-$100 million. In Orlando, we expect similar numbers, with tens of thousands of attendees staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants, shopping at our retailers and enjoying everything Orlando has to offer.

Key to attracting the NBA All-Star weekend was the City’s development of the world-class Amway Center, which will host most of the events. The Center has become a vital part of Orlando’s economic recovery, from the jobs provided during construction, to the opening of new restaurants and other businesses throughout Downtown. With the All-Star events, the Amway Center will continue to be a powerful economic driver for countless local businesses.

The City invested in the development of the Amway Center to bring our residents increased entertainment options,

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P O WE R M O V E S

Jessica Burns New position: Vice President organization: R L Burns Inc. General Contractors / Construction Managers Responsibilities: As Vice President of R L Burns Inc. General Contractors, Jessica’s Primary responsibilities will continue to include new business development, marketing and client relations. As part of her new role, she will also be responsible for executive project management, strategic planning and business operations.

Former position: Business Development Manager Community Involvement: City of Orlando, Code Enforcement Board—Vice Chair, BBIF Annual Business Networking Event—Immediate Past Chair, National Sales Network-member, National Urban League Young Professionals-member.

William (Will) Smiley New position: Vice President/Market Manager organization: First Southern Bank (Winter Park Office) Responsibilities: Manage all aspects of branch operation; directing and managing market planning, business development and new client acquisitions.

Former position: VP/ Branch Manager (Federal Trust Bank Community Involvement: Rotary Club of Winter Park, Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, Seminole Advisory Board; Dream Center for Youth and performances in various community stage plays.

Are you making power moves in your community? RYSE Magazine wants to hear about it. Email us at powermoves@rysemag.com

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B US IN E S S S E N S E

Doing

Business with

B.O.B (Black Owned Businesses)

I

Why it’s important to support minority owned businessES

It has been duly noted that most African-American consumers usually do not patronize black-owned businesses.

Although this statement seems quite harsh, if their respective communities do not support African-American establishments, they will face the strong possibility of falling by the wayside. As a result, the legacy they will leave will be of discouragement due to the lack of success and will serve as a means of disillusionment for future entrepreneurs.

Metro Orlando is a booming location with a thriving hospitality and service market, which serves as a rich opportunity for budding African-American entrepreneurs. With more than 11,000 Black-owned businesses operating in the City Beautiful, Orlando has all the resources for minority owned ventures to be a success, yet the much-needed support from their targeted consumers continues to avoid their grasp.

In quiet reflection, one must ponder why our AfricanAmerican consumers are so reluctant in supporting businesses that cater to their communities; and why has it become so difficult to rally their consistent patronage? One

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possible solution that will encourage progress in this sector is for both the business owner and the intended consumer to realize that they share a part in a symbiotic relationship.

However, in order for the relationship to work, both parties must be committed to constantly supporting one another.

The beneficial results that can spring from this bond will afford both parties innumerable advances in their respective objectives. For the consumer, if they continuously support African-American businesses, they give the business owner the opportunity to create more jobs, which will in turn advance the local economy.

For the owners of these ventures, they must recognize that many African American consumers do not receive emotional satisfaction from patronizing black-owned businesses. In order to rectify this significant problem, business owners must find ways to connect and engage their local communities by openly supporting their citizens in likes of civic events, having a presence in local government regarding policies that affect the social groups of their consumers, becoming actively involved in the African-American youth segment in the areas of education and extracurricular activities, being open to prospect of helping others to succeed in their own businesses or organizations, and most of all blackowned businesses must accept the fact that they have not been known to give back to their communities. In order to re-build and re-brand this tarnished image, businesses must

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

BY Alicia Mitchell

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

In quiet reflection, one must ponder why our AfricanAmerican consumers are so reluctant in supporting businesses that cater to their communities? show that their primary agenda is not only to make money from their constituents but that their presence will create growth and opportunities for the African American populace.

Having more than 18 years in the food and beverage industry, with experience owning and managing other Metro Orlando establishments, Pat Nix and business partner Willie Fisher, owners of Draft Global Beer Lounge & Grill, also have taken notice that another aspect to operating a successful black-owned business is having a good product.

“With a billion dollar building sitting across the street from you, we did not feel like you could come with anything shabby and be successful right across the street from the new Amway Center.”

In addition to Draft’s supreme location, Pat and Willie

placed a great amount of effort in creating a swanky ambiance, with an upscale décor and menu for their lounge that would appeal to many people with different cultural backgrounds and tastes.

“Not to put any other minority owned restaurants down, we wanted to build an atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable in coming. That was key to the amount of money and efforts we put into the build-out and finishing of the place.”

Landon Hale, on the other hand, holds a different perspective on minority-owned business. As a professional that lived in different areas across the nation, Landon Hale struggled identifying where to find black-owned businesses in Central Florida when he relocated from Austin, Texas.

“First and foremost, the issue was learning where these establishments were located. There wasn’t a good resource to identify African American marketplace, especially identifying the companies in the categories I needed.”

Forward thinking, Landon developed the Central Florida Black Business, a directory created to address the very basic need of connecting black consumers to black-owned businesses, with the principal goal of helping these companies to grow with the continued support of the African American consumers.

Obtaining a greater consciousness and commitment to black-owned businesses is possible; dropping the inherent biases towards the quality of a black business is the first step.

“We’re not the only one with quality issues,” Landon stated. “I’ve supported a lot other businesses [that are not owned by minorities] in my life and I’ve had service failures.”

Other components that greatly impact the growth of black-owned businesses are legislation that promotes small business growth, access to capital, and business management training, which are all available through participation with organizations like the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida.

Through membership, the chamber fosters economic success and tangible benefits that will assist black businesses in becoming more efficient and more successful.

Dr. Robert M. Spooney, President of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida. (AACCCF) believes, “There are many variables that separate success from failure,” Dr. Spooney stated. “I believe that one factor we must not ignore is that successful businesses have in depth, strategic plans that are dynamic and adjustable.

Without a roadmap, you will go nowhere.”

Since January 2008 over 200 seminars and workshops were attended by 5,160 business men and women. Moreover, the chamber has grown from 120 members to 480 members and has been able to track 320 referrals that resulted in solid business deals for its members that represent millions of dollars.

In the end, African American business owners who are determined to be successful need to structure their businesses so that it caters to the needs of their core target group, they must position themselves as having quality products and services, and to be of service for the community. If these tactics are implemented the economic landscape of the African American community will grow and prosper.

For additional assistance and resources to grow your business please visit www.blackcommerce.org

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B US IN E S S S E N S E

Rediscovering the Public Library

Y

Public libraries offer free resources for professionals and small businesses

Your local library is where you

can enjoy free wireless internet, learn a new language or computer software program, access databases, and check out the newest DVD release while partaking in a live lecture.

It is also the ideal place where the quintessential young professional and the small business owner can access resources to conduct extensive research on potential employers, competition, potential customers, and investors. There are informative books on starting and managing a business, writing a business plan, and videos on small-business financial and management strategies.

Large groups of young professionals are turning to libraries to meet their business needs. Comfortable study rooms are usually available where entrepreneurs and their business partners can convene to collaborate on projects that can add a level of social structure to the work environment.

Spacious meeting rooms may also be available to civic and community groups for a nominal charge and business training space may be rented as well. The ability to use the libraries comfortable, cutting-edge computer classrooms provides a terrific venue for training work groups.

For Elba Bermudez, her library interaction was more personal. When the economy took a downturn, it left her jobless, so Bermudez took free computer classes to enhance her job related skills while seeking employment. Armed with the objective to improve her resume and attain employment, she completed classes in resume writing, online job searching, Office 2007 and QuickBooks. Presently, Bermudez is gainfully employed and credits the library

for her success in landing a new position.

“I’m very thankful and happy to have walked through the library’s doors because the classes gave a lot of positive and fantastic tips for selling yourself,” said Bermudez. “I got called for an interview and ultimately got the job.”

Her story is not an isolated one; just recently a handwritten thank you note was left in the Technology Education Center at Florida library, from a patron who identified himself only as “Brian.” It read, “I found the Improving Job Interview Skills to be very beneficial in my last job interview. I felt much more prepared and confident about my own strengths and weaknesses. I got the job part time for now with the possibility to go full time.”

CEO and Library Director of Orange County Library System in Orlando, Florida, Mary Hodel says, “It’s gratifying to fill such critical needs in these trying times. Libraries have always been in the information business, but technology has expanded the definition of what “information” means—and broadened the list of what people expect from libraries.”

Hodel is pleased to be riding the crest of the technology wave and meeting people where they are, which is currently on their smartphones.

Most public libraries encourage patrons to explore their offerings and services by way of their iPhones, iPods or Androids.

This is a convenient way for customers to access their accounts, search the catalog, find library locations and driving directions, learn about upcoming events, and watch informative videos.

Visit your own local library to find more information on programs, products and services.

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ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

BY Tracy Zampaglione, APR

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coUrtEsy oF aDonaL FoyLE

IT TA K E S A V I L L A G E

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Adonal Foyle Former Orlando Magic Player

M Shining his light through the Kerosene Lamp

BY Yolanda Baruch

courtesy of adonal foyle

My first introduction of Adonal

Foyle was at an intimate birthday party of a mutual friend. Amiably known by the sobriquet “The Gentle Giant,” standing at 6”10 and 250 lbs., Adonal quickly injected a surge of energy into the group’s conversation by expressing his deep concern for his fellow NBA players, both for the neophytes and the veterans, many of who lack strong financial knowledge on how to manage their earnings and lifestyles effectively during and after the ending of their careers. As the newly appointed Director of Player Development with the Orlando Magic, Adonal relayed his vision to implement a program where he would bring in financial advisors from Merrill Lynch to assist players in practical monetary management.

His need to serve and better his fellow man is a testament to his character that has been carefully molded by his family, career, and his experiences. His giving and gregarious nature has endeared him to his peers and his fans alike, so when the assignment to describe retired Orlando Magic Center Adonal Foyle’s exceptional life and the reason why he started the Kerosene Lamp Foundation it proved to be a daunting task.

How can the poverty of the English language fully encapsulate the incredible life he leads and his generous spirit? A simple overview of Adonal’s life would appear to be rife with adulation and would come across like a celebrated epistle of an over enthused devoted sports fan? Granted, he is very much entitled to the recognition of his many awards and achievements, however, one should not holdfast to his fame, success or the accumulation of his numerous accolades as a means to define or label him. Doing so would appear prosaic and frankly would not give him justice since he is a man who seeks to use his many honors to bring inspiration, joy and hope to others rather just bask in the exaltation. The best way to understand the complexity of Adonal and the impact of how his success has affected others would be to start at the beginning and his beginning is quite simple.

Born Adonal David Foyle on March 9th, 1975 in the Caribbean islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, one of four children to parents Hycinth and Patricia Foyle. Sadly, when Adonal was only seven, his father

decided to leave the family, forcing Patricia to become the sole provider. Later, Adonal move in with his grandmother Faith.

Growing up with his grandmother would profoundly developed Adonal’s present-day altruistic spirit. As a young boy, he would witness his grandmother take simple small ingredients and make a meal, which she managed to feed 20 people in the close knit Mannie Village. However, witnessing his grandmother’s generosity only angered him because he was concerned on how he would eat if there was no food. Imparting a gem of true island wisdom to her displeased grandson, she taught that ‘God will always provide and you do not know when you will need from others [or] what will happen tomorrow so give today. ‘ At the age of 15, Adonal met two American college professors Jay and Joan Mandel at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Club Championship Tournament in Dominica. The Mandels were basketball enthusiasts, who dedicated their time to working in the Caribbean’s basketball leagues and tournaments by educating the participants on the rules of the game.

They noticed Adonal at one of the tournament games and were immediately captivated by him. Although at the time, Adonal was not a highly skilled basketball player and by his own admission he despised basketball due in part to his lack of knowledge on how

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led Hamilton Central High School’s Emerald Knights basketball team to their first two state championships and unsurprisingly garnered the attention of many recruiters from prominent universities with elite NCAA programs like Duke and Syracuse.

However, Adonal instead chose to attend Colgate, a small liberal arts college in upstate New York with a small yet aggressive Division I basketball program, rather than attend one of the traditional basketball schools.

In his official biography, he stated that he wanted the opportunity to learn the principles of the game in a slower paced setting, where the coach would be able to give him the attention he desired while maintaining a strong academic foundation.

At Colgate, Foyle flourished as a basketball player, breaking a number of records and earning many accolades.

With his athletic popularity growing, the NBA soon came calling, forcing Adonal to come to a crossroads in his life, to either finish his education or pursue a professional basketball career.

At the end of his junior year, Adonal made the arduous decision to leave Colgate and enter the NBA draft.

Drafted in 1997, the 8th pick of the San Francisco’s Golden State Warriors for the position of a Center, a team Foyle would play for the next 10 years with a brief stint of playing for the Orlando Magic for three years before retiring.

Despite his enormous success on the courts, he managed to graduate from Colgate University in 1999, Magna Cum Laude, with a degree in History and in June 2011, he received his Master’s Degree in Sports

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Psychology from John F. Kennedy University.

During his career, Foyle would take many summer trips to Canouan and in 2003 he experienced an epiphany. He contemplated how he could work with children from his country, who shared his humble background, on a more consistent basis? He called upon his Colgate college friend, Shiyana ValentineWilliams to share his vision and together they birthed the concept of the Kerosene Lamp Foundation in 2005.

The name is originated from Adonal’s experience growing up on the island where he used a kerosene lamp to study and find his way home when the island became pitch dark since there was no available electricity. The kerosene lamp serves as his foundation’s symbol by which it is seen as a light through the darkness, giving hope in efforts to brighten the futures of today’s youth.

Knowing the importance

Adonal teaching kids it’s about the mind as well as body in Dominica

of their work, Shiyana is extremely dedicated to the mission of the KLF and her position as Executive Director. Before the inception of KLF, Shiyana worked as Country Manager in the Bahamas for the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative, a foundation founded by the former President of United States Bill Clinton.

Within her role, she assisted the Ministry of Health with integrating HIV/AIDS care into primary healthcare services and strengthening their antiretroviral supply chain to ensure that patients received an uninterrupted supply of medication. With Shiyana at the helm of KLF and armed with her notable experience, she has grown the foundation’s global influence and its event outreaches considerably. Adonal notes, “Shiyana

coUrtEsy oF aDonaL FoyLE

to dribble. However, the couple, like true visionaries did not see this diamond in the rough as what he was but rather what he could be if given the right opportunities to blossom. Within a short amount of time, the Mandels met with Adonal’s mother and explained to her the opportunities that awaited him in America like receiving a better education and the chance to play basketball. After much consideration, she gave her tearful blessings to her son and the couple whisked him off to New York.

Upon arriving in the U.S., acclimating to a new culture was a bit overwhelming for the youngster, having been accustomed only to Third World living. However, his greatest hurdle that he had to overcome was improving his performance in a rigorous academic environment for which he struggled greatly. Undeterred by this obstacle, the Mandels were relentless in their pursuit to provide a stellar education for Adonal. Under the couple’s tutelage, Jay who was a W. Bradford Wiley Professor of Economics at Colgate University, would diligently teach Adonal 10 new vocabulary words a day through the use of flashcards and Joan, an Associate Professor of Sociology, Anthropology, and Women’s Studies at Colgate, would also require him to write a paper for them whenever he had one due for school. When he was not studying, Adonal was busy improving his ball playing skills with endless drills like passing, shooting, dribbling.

Eventually the Mandels’ diligence paid off when Adonal ascended to being one of the top players in the country within a year. In 1994, he

courtesy of adonal foyle

Book fair at Canouan Camp in St. Vincent & the Grenadines

took the reigns of KLF and expanded our goals. She has a keen sense on how to execute ideas, she took a shoe string budget and grew the foundation.” She actively seeks corporate sponsorships and partnerships, manages program development, as well as, supervises the board, events, and volunteer management. She also plays an active role in grant writing and as a result KLF was

recently awarded a threeyear grant from Scotia Bank. To date, under her direction, KLF has directly reached over 6,000 at risk youth in the USA & Caribbean. The biannual Athletic and Academic camps brings in a staff of 15 volunteers from the United States, which sometimes includes prominent NBA players, coaches, and staff.

The mission of KLF is to provide free camps using basketball as a conduit to empower children of the Eastern Caribbean as well as the United States and give them the right tools to navigate life’s challenges like illiteracy, sexually transmitted diseases and economic hardship, in hopes that the children will grow into healthy and well educated adults through the promotion of education, health and nutrition awareness. Although basketball is used to engage the children, Adonal uses the camps as a platform for them to explore other paths to success, concentrating more on the pursuit of education rather than sports.

Already KLF’s vision has come to fruition in a young man named Cregg Friday.

Friday, originally from Bequia a tiny island in the Grenadines, attended his first camp in 2005. He perceived attending a university a distant dream considering his poor performance in the classroom. However, through the mentorship of KLF, Friday was awarded a basketball scholarship, and the 22-year old is in his third year at Ming Chuan University in Taiwan, studying hospitality management and astounding local basketball fans.

The goals that Adonal

and Shiyana hold for KLF are to established more programs focused on academics, leadership and nutrition in Central Florida and San Francisco, host more camps that will reach 1500 kids or more, develop a scholarship program whereby they can track the children that attend the camps in terms of their results in school, and open their own center in Caribbean with the hope to reach 25,000 kids.

With a sparkle in his eyes and excitement shining in his smile, Adonal knows the goals are grand, yet he believes, “If you reach for the moon, you hope to get some stars.”

Adonal and Shiyana are already busily planning two prominent fundraising events both to be held in Orlando. One will be a wine and food extravaganza for Adonal’s Birthday Bash February 26, 2012 and the other will be the 3rd Annual KLF Gala Dinner & Caribbean Fete that will be at the Rosen Shingle Creek on March 31, 2012.

Adonal’s own life and the lives he has touched is remarkable because he has come full circle, all the while carrying his grandmother’s humble creed of serving rather than be served. The Kerosene Lamp Foundation will undoubtedly continue to be renowned for the contributions that it has made in changing the world in which we live.

If interested in tickets and information for KLF events please visit: www.

KeroseneLampFoundation. org, and for sponsorship opportunities contact Shiyana Valentine at svalentine@KeroseneLampFound ation.org

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YoutH on tHe rYSe AbENA APPAH-SAMPoNG Trinity Preparatory School senior Abena Appah-Sampong has been named a 2012 National Achievement Finalist and is being considered for National Achievement Scholarships to be offered to outstanding African American students in the Class of 2012. Abena is one of approximately 1,300 Finalists from across the nation, and 800 Achievement Scholarship winners will be selected from this group.

More than 160,000 African American high school students entered the National Achievement Program competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2010. Abena was one of 1,600 National Achievement Semi-finalists who were recognized in the fall as the highest scoring African American students. National Achievement Semi-finalists are named on a regional representational basis.

The National Achievement Program, conducted by National Merit Corporation, is a privately financed competition established in 1964 to provide recognition for outstanding African American high school students. For each of the last five years, Trinity Prep has had students recognized by the National Achievement Scholarship Program, including two finalists like Abena.

Abena has attended Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park since grade six, where she is involved in Science Olympiad, Spanish Honor Society, and National Honor Society. She is looking forward to attending college next year and is interested in studying neuroscience.

RYSE Magazine and Trinity Preparatory School congratulate Abena Appah-Sampong for being a RYSE-ing Star!

Are you a youth that’s on the RYSE? Visit RYSEMagazine.com and let us know why you are a next generation leader.

60 RYSE MAGA ZINE | F E BRU A RY/ M A RCH 2 0 1 2

READY TO START YOUR BUSINESS? You need a graphic design company that can help you translate your ideas into words and images that the rest of the world will ‘get.’

Contact us today and see how StudioJones can help you on your path to success. www.StudioJonesDesign.com jason@studiojonesdesign.com facebook.com/studiojonesdesign twitter.com/studiojones 62 RYSE MAGA ZINE | A U G U S T 2011

OFFICIAL DESIGN STUDIO OF RYSE MAGAZINE

Would like to extend a special thank you to the following advertisers and contributors who made this issue possible. As they have supported us, we ask that you support them in their businesses.

106 Foto (www.106foto.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 37 all tied Up Men’s Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 49 atlantic Justice Law group (www.atlanticjustice.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 35 b Jackson photography (www.facebook.com/bjacksonphotography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 central Florida orthodontic specialists (www.orlando4braces.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside back cover Daniel For Men (www.danielformen.net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19 David Washington – charles rutenberg realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 1 Digestive and Liver center of Florida (www.dlcfl.net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 35 Florida hospital healthy 100 kids (www.healthy100kids.org) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 61 Frontline promotions (www.weareallstarweekend.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2, 3 Fulmore chiropractic (www.fulmorechiropractic.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12 grassland Enterprises, Inc. (www.grasslandenterprises.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31 hollywood barbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 Juve’ salon and spa (www.juvesalon.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front cover orlando Utilities commission (www.ouc.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back cover space to grow (www.spacetogrow.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 studioJones graphic Design (www.studioJonesDesign.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 62 suit city (www.suitcityoforlando.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15 the Experience christian center (www.theexperiencecc.org) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 50 the g-Wrap company (www.ghairwrap.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 55 thompson, Lynum and associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 trinity preparatory school (www.trinityprep.org) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 47

RYSE Magazine would like to welcome the following new advertisers: Atlantic Justice Law Group, Digestive and Liver Center of Florida, Frontline Promotions, Hollywood Barbers, Orlando Utilities Commission, Space to Grow, Thompson, Lynum and Associates

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facebo o k.co m/rys e m agaz ine | twitter.com / r y sem agaz ine to receive the hotlist which will give you notification when these advertisers are running specials exclusively for RYSE readers.

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