Unite Feb 2017

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February 2017 Volume 27/ Number 2 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

www.unitenewsonline.org

UNITE.

2017 Black History Month Gospel Festival See Ad on page 12

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

MSU Black History Month Calendar Of Events See Calendar on page 2

At Springfield Contemporary Theatre

See Stor y on page 8

A Growing Demand For Private Security Services Designed by BK Designs

An Interview with the owner of Ascension Protective Services, Terry Edwards See Stor y on Page 6

Deliverance Temple Ministries

Springfield Branch NAACP

Carson Confirmed As HUD Secretary by Cal Thomas Guest Columnist Excerpts from, “Ben Carson: Role Model” During his Senate confirmation hearing, Dr. Ben Carson, secretary of Housing and Urban Development-designate, told a story. He said his mother was a domestic who cleaned beautiful homes. One day she asked him if he would rather live in those nice houses or the house in which he and his brother lived in Detroit. She told him that only he could decide the type of home he would eventually live in by how much he studied in school and the

Dr Ben Carson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

choices he made for his life. Thus motivated, Carson said he went from last in his class to first, and people who used

to call him "dummy" started asking him for help with their schoolwork. Continued on page 2

Drury accounting students to provide free income tax preparation assistance Springfield, MO—Drury University students again will provide free tax preparation through an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. The annual tax preparation service is open to the public and is designed to benefit low-income and senior taxpayers.

The Drury tax clinic is primarily a walk-in service. This site calls its last client on each date one hour prior to closing. VITA clinics are held at the Breech School of Business Administration building, on the northeast corner of Central Street and Drury Lane. All returns will be filed electronically unless the IRS

The clinics will be held at the following times: Saturday, Feb. 4 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6 – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Continued on page 5

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Ben Carson

Library Events

He also said people used to tell his mother she could receive welfare payments, but she refused them, believing she could make it on her own without the government. Carson said people on welfare are not "bad people," they just don't know any other life. He said he wants to take a "listening tour" of America to find out from people how best government can serve them and by implication how much more they can do to help themselves. Stories about overcoming adversity, discrimination and poverty should be at the heart of the incoming Trump administration. It isn't that government is all bad, as Carson stated, but that government is doing things it should not be doing. That is why it has become bloated, dysfunctional and detached from everyday Americans. Carson spoke of the poor as "human capital." When was the last time anyone said something like that? Possibly it goes back to the days of HUD Secretary Jack Kemp, who did what Carson proposes by showing up at public housing projects and listening to the people who live there. Everyone has a story. Some are very sad stories, but they don't have to be the final chapter in one's life. Bad conditions can be bettered. Inspirational stories like Carson's can lead to change. The rap against Carson is that he has no government experience. That should be considered an asset, not a liability. Unlike many top government officials who have enjoyed a life of privilege, Carson knows what it is to grow up in poverty. That experience will count as

to meditation, from origami to worm farming, from dancing to drawing. You can also get help with your digital devices. Visit thelibrary.org/howtofestival for a schedule of topics and presenters. On Tuesday, March 7 at 6 p.m., learn how to master container gardening in the Midtown Carnegie Branch upstairs meeting room. Patrick Byers, a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist, will address the benefits of using portable container gardens to replace or complement traditional garden beds, including plant and container selection and tips for creating a thriving, small-scale garden. Who doesn’t have lovedbut-broken things lying about that we’ve always meant to fix? Learn how at the Fixit Fair on Saturday, March 11, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for all ages in the Midtown Carnegie Branch upstairs meeting room. Give your household appliances, computers, bicycles or even clothing a new lease on life at the Fix-it Fair. Volunteer experts will be there to help you with your repairs. No registration is required, but please feel free to call after Feb. 25 to find out if a specific “fixer” will be available to assist with your item. A Fix-it Fair is a great way to reduce waste while learning a valuable repair skill. Presented with the Community Partnership of the Ozarks Tool Library.

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MSU Black History Month Calendar of Events Continued from page 2

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IN THIS ISSUE

Health & Mental Fitness 9 Best Practices for Making a Good Impression Do you want people to like you? Then make sure you do these things when you’re with them.. by Young Entrepreneur Council March 6, 2015 Admit it: You judge people. Whether it’s the new guy in the cubicle next to you, the girl you always see on the phone in the hallway or the person at the coffee counter, we attach a fast glimpse at someone’s behavior to an impression, good or bad. And you’re lying to yourself if you think other people aren’t doing the same to you. So what do other people think of you? Do they like you as soon as they meet you? We asked the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), “What is your No. 1 tip for making a great impression?” Here are their suggestions… and we suggest you try them: 1. Smile. Simply smiling can be one of the best ways to make a good impression on anyone. If you enter a situation without one, it could put a negative impression on a potentially difficult situation. And smiling just makes you feel happier and releases bad emotions. —John Rampton, JohnRampton. com 2. Be present. Stop your mind chatter. Put down your phone. Listen. Give yourself 100 percent to that other person and chances are you will make a good impression. Your presence is the great-

At The Library There Are Programs That Give You Access To Learning New Skills

est gift you can offer another human being. —Corey Blake, Round Table Companies 3. Be on time. Punctuality is crucial, especially in today’s business world where everyone is ultra-busy and their patience is extremely thin. Ever wait a few minutes for someone to join a conference call? I bet it seemed like an eternity. Probably one in which your opinion of the late arrival dropped considerably. So show respect and consideration by arriving on time. —Nicolas Gremion, FreeeBooks.net 4. Be authentic. Being yourself is the first way to positively kick-start a new relationship. People can tell if you’re not authentic and, more so, it’s no fun for you to try to be something you’re not. Don’t try to be the person you think your audience wants to meet, rather than giving them a chance to get to know your true self first. —Darrah Brustein, Network Under 40 / Finance Whiz Kids 5. Make eye contact. Often people become overeager to make a good impression and forget to balance the conversation. Rattling on and on about yourself will only leave the other party feeling disenchanted and undervalued. Concentrate on the person in front of you and

Community News

by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District

ask thoughtful questions that engage the other person. —Sharam Fouladgar-Mercer, AirPR 6. Show confident body language. Over 70 percent of what we say is nonverbal. Stand your ground with confident body language, your back erect and your shoulders square. Move slowly, smoothly and confidently as if you’re swimming through a pool. When someone beckons you, turn your head slowly and make direct eye contact. These things imply that you’re someone who takes himself seriously and is confident in your abilities—traits everyone likes to see. —Brennan White, Cortex 7. Ask questions that show you’re listening. The No. 1 thing people like to talk about? Themselves. Make sure to ask questions that indicate you’re interested and that you’re listening. That person will do 95 percent of the talking and will only remember what a great conversation you had.

—Adam Stillman, SparkReel 8. Do not look at your phone. During the first 10 minutes of meeting someone, do not pull your phone out and look at it. Focus on staying present within the conversation, no matter what life or work distractions might be vibrating in your pocket. Being perceived as disorientated, distracted or— worse—disinterested, not only makes for a bad impression, but it can create a halo effect of how others view your business practices. —Kim Kaupe, ZinePak 9. Show sincere interest in other people. In business most people assume that we are constantly looking for an angle. In reality most business relationships that last are made by simply being sincere in your interactions. The best way to show sincere interest in other people is to come to terms with the reality that everyone has something unique to offer. —Rahim Charania, American

You can keep your resolution to learn a new skill in 2017 at the SpringfieldGreene County Libraries. There’s a wide range of how-to Kathleen O'Dell and fix-it programs for all ages. First, you can always learn a new computer skill – Windows 10, Facebook, Quickbooks, Photoshop and more – at the Edge Community Technology Center in the Midtown Carnegie Branch, or during Edge Mobile classes at the library branches. You can see the schedule and topics at thelibrary.org/edge, pick up a free catalog at a branch or call 837-5011. On Saturday, March 4, at the Library Center, you can learn a day’s worth of skills at the How-To Festival from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Local experts and Library staff will present lively lessons on everything from beekeeping continued on page 11

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February: Our Voice-Our Choice Community session by Springfield Public School

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Business News

A Growing Demand For Private Security Lifestyle & Entertainment News

Movie Review “Loving” by Dwight Brown

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Health & Mental Fitness

9 Best Practices for Making a Good Impression

by Young Entrepreneur Council

GORMAN-SCHARPF FUNERAL HOME, INC

The Quality And Care That You Expect In 242 Years Of Combined Experience W. Bruce Howell Robert J. Lohmeyer Don R. Lohmeyer Heather K. Howell Angela N. Collins Harley R. Williams 886-9996 Clint W. Mease Russ Allen

(417) 886-9994 • Fax: (417) 1947 E. Seminole Springfield, Missouri 65804

City Employment Link The City of Springfield offers a variety of municipal career opportunities for individuals interested in public service. Job opportunities are updated each Friday and can be accessed through a number of mediums: Web: http://www.springfieldmo.gov/jobs; or TV: CityView on Mediacom Cable Digital Channel 80; or In Person: visiting our offices at 840 Boonville, Room 324, Springfield, MO 65802. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to testing or appointment. Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in The United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. Pre-employment drug testing required.

UNITE. Volume 27, Number 2 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Bon Tindle Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Celine Roberts PHOTOGRAPHY Tondaleigha Jones VOLUNTEERS Tyra Knox

The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be directed to Unite. P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801 and accompanied by $25. for one year’s postage and handling. Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct correspondence to the same address. Readers comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. “The Unite Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.” For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo. com

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CommunityNews

African American Community Organizations Directory

February: Our Voice-Our Choice Community session Springfield, MO—The second session in the Our VoiceOur Choice Community will take place on February 18, 2017 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Deliverance Temple Campus, 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. One improvement suggested was: MORE TIME in the sessions! Each session will offer breakfast, a community keynote, two sessions for adult attendees, literacy and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts,

and math) sessions for students (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12), childcare for pre-K. A boxed lunch will also be provided. “Our hope is to bring people together around topics of interest and common purpose and strengthen the relationships among all those supporting students since learning doesn't just happen from 8-3 on school days. We hope that students will see parents, the schools, our churches, and businesses working together to support them,”

said Marty Moore, Springfield Public Schools Executive Director of Learning Support & Partnerships. Topics for February will include Financial Choices, Stress Reduction, Healthy Cooking (demo), and FAFSA (student financial aid support). Students will enjoy literacy and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) sessions and leave with books and materials from the session. For additional informa-

tion contact Marty Moore at mamoore@spsmail.org

Want To Attend?: Place: Deliverance Temple 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy Date: Sat, February 18, 2017 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Admission: Free Of Charge

COLLECTIVE IMPACT SERIES 8-11:30 AM DELIVERANCE TEMPLE 2101 W CHESTNUT EXPRESSWAY SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802 For additional information contact Marty Moore 523-0315

Nedgra Culp & Girls on Fire

Theatre

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A Raisin In The Sun is directed by Richard Dines and features Robert Colyer, Alicia Marie Douglas, Christina Gardner, Lawrence Hairston, Henry Herbert, Jon Herbert, Mikil Hernandez, Johnnie Angelia King, Michael Lee, Tony Wheeler and L Wilbert • Also in Februar y: Springfield Contemporary Theatre Songbook Series featuring Nedgra Culp & Girls on Fire - February 19, 2017, 7:00 p.m. SCT is thrilled to introduce our audiences to Springfield native Nedgra Culp coming to us from her current engagement

Loving Movie

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WHAT CHOICES WILL YOU MAKE IN 2017?

Top Photo: Mark Dixon, presentation to the audience in the gymnasium Second photo: Shurita Thomas-Tate reading to students in a classroom

today. Regular people, living and working together, defying stereotypes about racial polarization and making things work. According to conventional wisdom, perhaps it shouldn’t be happening. In real life it did and does. Legalizing a relationship that had lived under the radar causes the friction. Richard’s mother Lola (Sharon

as Aretha Franklin in Branson's Legends in Concert! Girls on Fire is a collaboration of top Branson female vocalists who have graced many audiences from being the opening act for Dorothy Moore as well as The Tokens to singing the National Anthem for The Kansas City Chiefs and The Chicago Bulls. With a mix of big band, disco and rhythm and blues, these ladies will put on a show that will make you want to clap your hands, sing out loud and dance the night away. Tickets are available by calling or visiting our box office in person in the theatre lobby at SCT’s Center Stage on the corner of Pershing St and Robberson Ave in downtown Springfield. Call 417-831-8001 Blackwood) says in the most matter-of-fact-way: “You never should have married that girl.” Richard: “I thought you liked her?” Lola: “I like a lot of people. You never should have done it.” For viewers looking for overthe-top racism, burning crosses, extreme violence, etc., be forewarned, that is not Nichols’ approach. It’s as if the battle this unassuming couple waged must have been blessed from the start.

Mark A. Dixon Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center 918 E. Calhoun Springfield, MO 65802 417-987-9939 www.bartley-decatur.org

Shelia Burton, Worthy Matron Missouri Jurisdiction PHA Order Of Eastern Star Greater Truth Chapter #88 P.O. Box 8804 Springfield, MO 65801 417-866-6878

American Legion Post 1339 E. Division St Springfield, MO 65803 417-862-9123

Calvin L. Allen, Exec. Director Springfield Community Center 911 E. Division St Springfield, MO 65803 417-866-4359

Deidra England, President Ladies Civic League Provides scholarships for youth P. O. Box 8296 Springfield, MO 65801 417-887-7440

Cheryl Clay, President Springfield Branch N.A.A.C.P. P.O. Box 8983 Springfield, MO 65801 Meetings are every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. 417-873-6386

Sherman Avenue Project Committee, Inc. Housing Org. 1228 N. Sherman Springfield, MO 65802 417-865-1203

Nora England, President Springfield Reunion Club Organizes the Annual Park Day/ Reunion Weekend 1447 N. Hampton Springfield, MO 65802 417-869-0183 Meeting every first Monday

Anthony Pickens Prince Hall Masons Truth Lodge #151 P.O. Box 8063 Springfield, MO 65801 417-890-5180 Wesley Pratt The Gathering A Community Action Group For more information call 417-987-7809 Shelia Burton, President Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Board, Inc. P.O. Box 9282 Springfield, MO 65801 417-877-0668 Dennis Davis Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Springfield Alumni P.O. Box 6287 Springfield, MO 65801-6287 417-496-7365

Willie Carter, Director Victory Circle Peer Support Inc 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy Springfield, MO 65802 417-894-0188 Support group for men in recovery

Samuel G. Knox Unite of SWMO, Inc. Publishes the Unite Publication; presenters of the Annual Springfield Unite Festival 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. Springfield, MO 65802 Phone: 417-864-7444 unitepublication@yahoo.com www.unitenewsonline.org Dorothy L. McClendon, Esq. (President) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Cultured Pearls of Springfield P.O. Box 8361 Springfield, Missouri 65801 (816) 721-8946

If you are a part of a Springfield African American Community Organization, we want to hear from you. Please send the name of your organization, address, phone number and a contact person to Unite., P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801

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Arts&Entertainment News

Former NFL Player Steven Warren Selected for Coaches Academy

Movie Review: “Loving” white folks worked and lived together. Interracial friendships were normal. Loving relationships less so, but not unheard For a long time it was a forbidof. den love. Through slavery, the Mildred Jeter (Ruth reconstruction era, on into the Negga, World War Z), an 20th century, particularly in African-American with some the South, interracial romantic Rappahannock Native relations were looked American blood, and down on and marriagRichard Loving (Joel es were illegal. AntiEdgerton, Black Mass, miscegenation laws Zero Dark Thirty), were on the books in a white construction 16 states below the worker and brick Mason-Dixon line. mason were sweetMarry someone not of hearts. Folks knew it. your race and face jail Dwight Brown Nobody said much. time. Though several In 1958, she was legal cases challenged those just 18 and he 25 when the two laws, none turned the tide until discovered she was pregnant. Loving v. Virginia in 1967. Knowing that Virginia’s Racial Ruth Negga and Joel Integrity Act of 1924 banned Edgerton co-star in the romaninterracial marriage, the two got tic historical drama Loving. hitched in Washington DC. The small town of Central Upon their return to Central Point, Virginia, 52 miles northPoint, someone told the police east of Richmond, was a bit of a that the two were cohabitating utopia in the 1950s. Unlike other and married. One night cops parts of the South, black and By Dwight Brown Guest Contributing Writer

raided their home and arrested them both, citing their non-compliance with Section 20-58 of the Virginia Code (which says it is illegal to marry out of state and return to Virginia) and Section 20-59 (which makes miscegenation a felony offense). Mildred and Richard were jailed. He was bailed out and not allowed to bail her out. She spent five days behind bars. A subsequent trial did not go well, and the opinion of Judge Leon M. Bazile was harsh: “ ...The fact that Focus Features 2016 he [God] separated the races shows that he did not intend for the races to mix.” The Lovings, on the advice of their lawyer, pled guilty and were sentenced to a one-year

prison term, which was suspended for 25 years as long as they left Virginia. They did, moving in with her relatives in DC. But the fight for justice wasn’t over. It was Mildred, the quieter of the two, who set the wheels in motion to return to Virginia and bring their case to a higher authority. The sensitive script by filmmaker Jeff Nichols (Mud) and his restrained direction set a tone that makes what’s on view seem so normal you’d think it could have happened to people down the street. His recreation of Central Point and its citizenry could almost play out continued on page 9

Productions at the Springfield Contemporary Theatre Springfield, MO—The Springfield Contemporary Theatre, is a non-profit corporation, that presents a wide variety of year round productions. SCT is located in downtown Springfield, Missouri, at the corner of Pershing Street and Robberson Avenue in Wilhoit Plaza. Housed from 1995-2012 at the Vandivort Center Theatre, past productions include such landmark area premieres as Hair and The Rocky Horror Show to Nine: The Musical and

The Goat or, Who Is Sylvia? SCT is dedicated to the production of contemporary works and works that can be re-energized through a contemporary view and through an intimate staging while using outstanding directors, local actors and guest professionals throughout the season. Springfield Contemporary Theatre is a member of Springfield Regional Arts Council and the Downtown Springfield Association.

In February SCT will present, A Raisin In The Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry. Set on Chicago's South Side, the plot revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis and matriarch Lena. When her deceased husband's insurance money comes through, Mama Lena dreams of moving to a new home and a better neighbor-

hood in Chicago. Walter Lee, a chauffeur, has other plans, however: buying a liquor store and being his own man. Beneatha dreams of medical school. The tensions and prejudice they face form this seminal American drama. Sacrifice, trust and love among the Younger family and their heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration. continued on page 9

Springfield, MO—Steven Warren was one of thirty former NFL Players from across the country selected to attend the 2017 NFL-NCAA Coaches Academy. All participants were selected based on their exempla-

Ben Carson

continued from page 2 he travels around the country telling people how they might overcome their circumstances today instead of someday. Two quotes from Dr. Carson reflect an attitude that will serve him and the people who need decent housing well. One is: "It doesn't matter if you come from the inner city. People who fail in

Tax Preparation continued from page 1

requires a manual return. All taxpayers must be available to sign the appropriate forms in the case of joint returns. Taxpayers are required to bring photo ID and Social Security cards for themselves and dependents, as well as any tax documentation which they have received, including all W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and statements issued by brokerage firms. Clients are also asked to bring a copy of their 2015 state and federal tax returns to help

ry achievements, which included their coaching experiences, civic involvement and application. Warren attended and played football here in Springfield at Kickapoo High School. He played college football for the

life are people who find lots of excuses. It's never too late for a person to recognize that they have potential in themselves." The second is: "Our children need to see and hear about more black role models in many fields so they can make better choices." Ben Carson could be the role model those striving to better themselves have been waiting for. Let's wait and see. speed up the filing process. The Drury VITA site is located in the Breech School of Business Administration at the corner of Central Street and Drury Lane. Due to limitations set by the federal government, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs are unable to help taxpayers who have declared bankruptcy or incurred insolvency during the tax year, have rental property, have a self-owned business with inventory, depreciable property, or which had an overall loss for the year, and certain situations in which a taxpayer has received a forgiveness of debt.

Good News, Great Music & Warm People Deliverance Temple Ministries 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 865-4338

Service Times: Sunday 10:30 a.m. & Wednesday 6:00 p.m.

University of Nebraska and was ment are able to educate and drafted in the 3rd round of the train selected participants in a 2000 NFL Draft by the Green variety of areas that encourage Bay Packers. effective coaching and improve The NCAA and NFL student-athlete well beCoaches Academy ing at both the college provides current, fulland professional levels. time college football Topical education and coaches at NCAA conversation during member schools, the academy may some former NFL include: effective comathletes, the opportumunication with camSteven Warren nity to expand their pus and community knowledge and insight constituents; the imporinto the world of college football tance of building culture focused coaching. on the overall success of the During the three-day acadestudent-athletes both on and off my, the NCAA leadership develthe field; budget management opment staff and the National of a football program; coaching Football League Player Engagestrategies and philosophies.

Come lend your voice to our University!

Missouri State University is recruiting diverse faculty and staff for a variety of positions. We are committed to inclusive excellence across campus, and we have a unique public affairs mission that encourages cultural competency, community engagement and ethical leadership. We believe diversity is good for our students, our community and our University. Our most important job is to give students an enriching education, complete with the tools for career success. Our faculty and staff must be racially, ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse to help our students understand and appreciate different viewpoints, preparing them to lead the future. We act on our beliefs. Let us welcome you to our campus. Come see for yourself!

Search our vacancies to learn how you can join us.

www.missouristate.edu/careers Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability employer and institution.

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A Directory of free or low cost Business Assistance Minorities In Business Monthly Networking Meeting February 7, 2017 5:30 p.m. Q Enoteca, 308 W Commercial St Bring a friend or business partner! Everyone is invited! Light Refreshments and Cash Bar Available 417.837-2631 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce www.spfldchamber.com 417.862.5567 Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov 417.890.8501 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org 417.837.2619 Drury University - Breech Center / Student in Free Enterprise www.drury.edu 417.873.7243 The Library Center Business Reference thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org 417.874.8110 Small Business & Technology Development Center sbtdc.missouristate.edu 417.836.5685

The BusinessSection A Growing Demand For Private Security Springfield, MO—As budgets shrink for traditional law enforcement, demand increases for private security services, according to Terry Edwards, owner of Ascension Protective Services. Edwards who has 28 years of law enforcement experience, grew-up in Walsh, West Virginia where he attended the University of West Virginia. He received his law enforcement training in Ohio where he became a police officer. Edwards moved to Springfield in 2000 and served as a deputy sheriff in a county close to Springfield. "My day typically starts about 6:30 am, noise and domestic complaints mostly throughout

the day. Later on in the night on the premise that the public I will get more call on fights. should have a higher level of His security team is made up of security services not normalsome ex police officers. "With ly available to the public. We Springfield police collectively offer over departments being 45 years experience short on officers, in Law Enforcement, we fill a gap in Military and Security, some of the tradibringing that expetional call from our rience to the private clients." sector so you can be "Most of our properly served. clientele is student "At every level housing and apartof our organization, Terry Edwards ment buildings," we employ the best Edwards stated. practices to guaranAscension Protective Sertee superior client service and vices offer a full spectrum of the very finest security services services for home, business and available in the field today from personal protection. Edwards Apartment Complex Patrol, continued on page 7 says, “our company was created

Minority Business Development Agency Releases Report on Contracting Barriers Impacting Minority Firms WASHINGTON, DC— The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency today released a new report, Contracting Barriers and Factors Affecting Minority Business Enterprises: A Review of Existing Disparity Studies.The report, which spotlights disparities in state and local government contracting between minority-owned and nonminority-owned business enterprises, provides an in-depth review and analysis of disparity studies, summaries, and reports. “Our goal in releasing this report is to advance the dialogue surrounding contracting disparities and use the findings as a catalyst for creating policy

and innovative solutions. It’s critically important that MBEs, advocacy groups and policy makers have access to this information,” said MBDA National Deputy Director Albert K. Shen. “This report also underscores the power of data and the fact that we still have a lot of work to do to ensure MBEs have fair and equal access to contracting opportunities.” Some of the key findings from the report prepared by Premier Quantitative Consulting Inc., revealed the following: contracting disparity remains wide-spread; MBEs typically obtain a lower number and dollar value of contracts in proportion to the number of available MBEs in a comparable market;

and that industry groups most affected include construction, professional services, architecture, engineering services, and goods and supplies. The report also dedicates a chapter to Disparity Study Basics, a guide for those embarking upon a disparity study. This should be helpful to state and local governments, since the Federal Government provides over $536 billion, with disadvantaged business enterprise spending requirements, to states each year. Conducting a local study can determine if disparities exist and prompt states to take corrective action and eliminate the risk of losing federal dollars. The report can continued on page 7

Private Security

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Stationary Officers, Fugitive Recovery, Missing Persons and Independent Crime Scene Investigations to name a few. We also serve on the Christian County Community Emergency Response Team and we are Fema Certified." When asked what drew

Minority Firms

continued from page 6 be viewed at http://www.mbda. gov/sites/default/files/ContractingBarriers_AReviewofExistingDisparityStudies.pdf National Deputy Director

Edwards to law enforcement, he responded “my family was mostly cops.” I find a joy in helping people …knowing if someone needs you, you are there to help.” Putting on a badge is something I love…I love stopping criminals. For information on how to contact Ascension Protective Services, you can call 417-365-5123 or 417-763-8487.

Shen will host a free webinar to discuss the final report and its overall findings. To register for the webinar visit www.mbda.gov. A copy of the webinar recording will also be available for download on the website.

Entrepreneurs Launch Service to Help More Business Owners Accept Online Payments BlackBusiness.org—Online retail is a booming industry in the U.S. with sales expected to increase by 45 percent this year, but in Africa only about 1% of all transactions happen online. So, two Nigerian entrepreneurs have developed a product that offers a centralized way for African online merchants to accept online payments, and they just received $1.3 million in seed investment to help fund their company which is based in Lagos, Nigeria. Finally, online payments in Africa Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi co-founded fintech (financial technology) startup Paystack. The company's product streamlines the process of online payments, which is often fragmented in Africa. As Africa's economy continues to grow, the online payment system will be extremely helpful to

Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi

many online businesses across Africa, including on-demand services, e-commerce, travel and hospitality, financial services, or entertainment. Online shopping along with online payments are expected to increase in Africa, with 400 million more smartphone connections in Nigeria by 2020. The two entrepreneurs are happy to be part of the business boom. With the $1.3 million in seed investment, they can now expand their engineering team in Lagos, Nigeria; grow their sales and marketing operations; and increase product development

and customer service. Africa is the now the fastest growing middle class in the world According to the African Development Bank, Africa is now the fastest growing middle

class in the world. Their spending has increased 100 percent in less than 20 years. Last year, Africa made $150 billion in business revenues. For more details about Paystack visit www.paystack.com

Discover the Springfield Art Museum. Exhibits, and pieces on display from our permanent collection, are always changing. So plan your visit, and then plan on coming back.