Pride Magazine - 2020 July/August - Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine by Pride Magazine Online

Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Multicultural Resource Magazine 2020-2021

Annual Small Business Directory

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COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Issue

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July – August 2020

Departments 8 From the Publisher 42 Annual Business

Directory

46 FYI News & Notes

Features 10 C OVID-19

Pandemic offer unique opportunities

12 Corona

in the Carolinas How COVID-19 is affecting local businesses

17 Lost

Health Insurance How to navigate the system

19 Black

Businesses Creatively cope with changes

Log on to pridemagazineonline.com for more features including our weekly calendar of events. 22 Charlotte

Real Estate Market Home buying during the crisis

25 Novant

Health Responding to the community

Follow Focus / Shutterstock.com

26 Work

and Play Thriving after the Pandemic

30 Poor

No More Giving supplies with dignity

31 To

The Future Planning for uncertainty

32 Recovery

Resources Federal, state and local support

34 Atrium

Health Community care for all

29 America

Thrives The secret between entrepreneurs’ success

On the Cover: COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Issue July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER. BE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY. In times of uncertainty, community comes together, supports each other, and shapes the future. Now and always, Central Piedmont is built to help navigate whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next. Whether you earn an associate degree, work toward a four-year degree, or take a direct path to employment, here you can conquer possibility. Learn more at ConquerPossibility.com.

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon

Editor-in-Chief

Lashawnda Becoats

Copy Editor

Sonja Whitemon

Lead Writer Angela Lindsay

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Distribution Watch Dog Entertainment®

Account Executive Nikelle Fesperman

Public Relations Nepherterra Estrada

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July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

FromTheCEO

By Dee Dixon

Systemic Inequities Exposed

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Brent Eysler / Makalaka / Shutterstock.com

n all transparency, the coronavirus and the ruthless murder of George Floyd by the police shook me to the core. Initially, I couldn’t see how these two catastrophes were linked. I wasn’t so much afraid of the virus itself, but selfishly, more so afraid of how it would upend my lifestyle–no church, no travel or shopping, unless it was to find toilet paper. My greatest fear was for the survival of my business. Sheltering in place was the absolute pits at first, and my mind hit rock bottom a time or two, before I could see the light. I cried out to God and he steadied me. As a result, I gained empathy for those suffering physically from COVID-19 and saw clearly that the suffering and disproportionate deaths of African Americans during this pandemic didn’t just show up. Black people have been suffering and dying from societal diseases faster than any other ethnic group for ages. This needs to change. Now, the brutal murder of George Floyd chilled my soul. Why is this happening AGAIN? My mind immediately flashed back to the time when one of my sons and his friend, then teenagers, were pulled over by the police, thrown up against the car with one pointing a gun at his friend’s head. After finding out a mistake had been made, they gruffly told them they could go, without one ounce of apology. Of course, I spent a lot of time on the phone, demanding an apology for these young boys and even vented my anger on the evening news. They never got that apology. Obviously, this in no way compares to the anguish and suffering Black families endure when their loved ones are senselessly killed by the police. It does, however, allow me to have empathy for them. Let the protests continue until real reform is achieved. I believe these two back-to-back horrors are not coincidental, but allowed by the Almighty to

clearly bring systemic racial inequities to the forefront. At the same time, opportunities for society to do the right thing are clearly exposed. There’s a lot of talk about change from corporate America on down. While this sounds good, it’s not what you say, it’s what you do. One thing is certain - Black History came early this year, like never before.

LET’S SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES I mentioned early on that my greatest fear was the survival of my business. It still is and I am not alone. Small businesses, especially minority–owned businesses have suffered greatly due to the pandemic. That is why we intentionally created this July issue to be a resource for recovery. Pride Magazine and its related events and other products have existed primarily to showcase Black achievement and to lift up the African American community. We’ve had some success, but truth be told, it’s never been easy. You can help us keep this voice alive by advertising in the magazine, sponsoring our events, contracting with us for PR services, partnering with our nonprofit – PEEP, or by volunteering your expertise in a variety of areas, such as technical support. Call me: 704-375-9553. We would appreciate it.

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COVID-19 Offers Unique Opportunities For Surviving Businesses By Tonya Jameson

lmost two months into the easing of social distancing restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, people in Charlotte are creating a new normal for shopping, dining and overall living. Handshakes are now fist or elbow bumps, and hugs are reserved for family members and close, close friends. For businesses, especially black businesses, that new normal likely means less money for those who weathered the quarantine – at least for now. Social distancing restrictions have hampered the way we do business, from eliminating waiting rooms in barbershops to reduced capacity in restaurants. It’s hard for any

Makalaka/Shutterstock.com

Cristina Romero Palma/Shutterstock.com

“COVID-19 further exposed minority-owned businesses because they tend to be under capitalized.” —Malcomb Coley

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

business to survive in a climate like this, and it’s even more difficult for those that are minority-owned businesses, which make up about 11 percent of the businesses in the Charlotte region, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. Government and business leaders are trying to help small businesses weather this storm and prepare for the next one, but it’s not just about money. Black businesses, like people, also need social capital. The city of Charlotte created a Community Recovery Task Force to address COVID-19’s impact on small businesses, housing and the CharlotteDouglas International Aiport.

“We’ve got to figure out how we can help companies and people adjust to whatever the new norm is going to be.”

Cristina Romero Palma / Shutterstock.com

—Julie Eiselt The small business working group emphasizes helping minority and womenowned companies by providing them with financial resources and mentorship in this unprecedented time, said task force member Malcomb Coley. Money helps these businesses keep their doors open, but the mentorship component leads to long-term viability. COVID-19 highlighted problems facing many small businesses, and especially minority-owned companies. Some aren’t efficient and don’t embrace technology, such as cashless payments and e-commerce. “How do they make their businesses more efficient in the new world?” Coley said. “COVID-19 further exposed minorityowned businesses because they tend to be under capitalized.” In the Charlotte region, minorities tend to own economically exposed businesses, such as accommodations, food services, and retail, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. For example, 27 percent of all accommodations and food

service businesses are owned by minorities, predominately Asian, and 23 percent of all retail businesses are owned by minorities, predominately Hispanic. Minorities own 20 percent of all of the physically exposed businesses, such as healthcare and social assistance. African Americans make up 14 percent of that ownership locally. They are also a large part of the home healthcare workforce at more than 40 percent, according to the Alliance data. These businesses are a critical sector of essential services in the community. We need them to survive and thrive. City and community leaders recognize their importance and have created various programs to help them survive now and prepare for the next round of COVID-19 or any future crisis. “We’ve got to figure out how we can help companies and people adjust to whatever the new norm is going to be,” said city council member Julie Eiselt, the small business working group co-chair. In a strange way, COVID-19 could be the jump start that many small business owners and government leaders needed to invest in the necessary infrastructure to insure long-term viability of the region’s small businesses. If these efforts are successful, we may see more AfricanAmerican businesses flourish in the coming years not simply survive COVID-19. P

July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

Corona in the Carolinas Local Panel Unmasks How COVID-19 is Affecting Local Black Businesses By Angela Lindsay

needs of customers and the ability to navigate the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan process to obtain support funding.

Dominique Simpson Milton,

Are local small businesses receiving adequate Paycheck Protection Program assistance? What kind of hardships have they experienced in applying for PPP loans? 1 Small businesses have experienced difficulty finding lenders—CVMSDC has a solution for all small business owners that have not received funding yet or who have difficulty assembling paperwork. Visit www.bcfcapital.com/ ppp-disclosure for more information. 2 They also have experienced difficulty assembling paperwork—CVMSDC can also direct them to resources for help. Visit www.cvmsdc.org.

he coronavirus has sickened us beyond just physically. It has greatly affected the economic health of our country, leaving many small businesses ailing—and the city of Charlotte is not immune. In many ways, small businesses are the backbone of our community. Given their unique perspectives, local entrepreneurs and leaders share their thoughts on navigating the new normal.

President and Chief Engagement Officer, Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council

What has been the most pressing issue facing local businesses since their forced shut down by Governor Roy Cooper due to COVID-19? The most pressing issues involve the financial resources to remain operational, the ability to pivot to meet the changing

How has COVID-19 forever changed the landscape for local small businesses? 1 Small businesses need to have a plan in place to survive the next crisis: cash reserves, employee flex plans, virtual service options. Those that survived pivoted quickly. 2 Relationship banking is important— small business owners should know their bankers like they know their barbers. 3 They should have partner options so they can scale up when needed to meet new demands. 4 Look at the glass as half full; there are new opportunities. 5 They should contract with service providers (human resources, information technology, legal,

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

etc.) so that they have their teams in place. Are there any ways in which business owners could benefit from the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic? Crisis should be a time of retooling. They should take time to restock and plan to come out stronger on the other side. They will realize that they can now do things they did not think they could. They will see that they can operate with less and reach more people. Instead of saying no or thinking they can’t, they will figure out how and pivot. Rich people have teams of people that help them maximize the same 24 hours in a day that every human has. Small businesses can work smarter with advocacy groups versus working harder alone.

“Crisis should be a time of retooling. They should take time to restock and plan to come out stronger on the other side. They will realize that they can now do things they did not think they could.” —Dominique Simpson Milton

Gina Spriggs, Owner of Curio, Craft & Conjure

or “held hostage” for up to two weeks; but, everyone is experiencing the strain. We are learning to be more patient and forgiving. Are there other businesses that rely on you and your business? If so, what effect has COVID-19 had on your relationships/interactions with them? How have you planned for interacting with them moving forward? Yes. Our store also builds community through special events often hosted by local professionals. These events were part of their income. At this time, we are not hosting events due to Covid-19.

Did you apply for Paycheck Protection Program assistance? We did apply for the PPP. Oddly, my online business received funding, but the store did not. Have you had to lay off any employees? If so, how many? Our business is family owned and operated, so no layoffs were necessary. But we were unable to pay ourselves.

What has the pandemic taught you about your business? About yourself? We have learned that people need all types of support. Our clients look to us for emotional and spiritual support and guidance. We are learning patience. Who could’ve predicted such a long-term interruption in business? We now look at ways we can provide more for our clients. When we can’t, we have a list of other “sister stores” we refer them to. We are all in this together.

Eternity Philops,

Yoga Educator, Self Care Coach and Owner of Soul Liberation Wellness

What kind of supply chain issues have you experienced, and how have you dealt with the changes? Some of our suppliers have not been able to work, so there are things we have been unable to source on a timely basis. Our biggest challenges have come from UPS, USPS and FedEx. Some of our orders have been sent back (because they were delivered when we’re closed)

“We have learned that people need all types of support. Our clients look to us for emotional and spiritual support and guidance. We are learning patience.” —Gina Spriggs

How is your business recovering during the pandemic? As a wellness provider who typically led in-person classes, it’s been a significant transition to being solely online. Most of my in-person students have not yet transitioned with me, so I’ve had to build a new base of clients. It’s almost like starting my business from scratch.

How will your business operate differently from now on? What changes will you implement once things get back to “normal”? Are there old business policies/practices that you feel you will need to alter? Even before the pandemic, I had planned on taking my wellness offerings online. The pandemic made that transition mandatory and instantaneous. As far as going back to “normal,” I don’t know when that will be for in-person classes and workshops. Despite phased re-openings, it’s truly too soon to tell what direction COVID-19 is going. Like many wellness professionals, I am treading lightly. Do you feel your business will survive COVID-19? If not, do you have a plan B? It’s scary to admit, but there’s a real chance that my business may not survive the pandemic. The economy has hit rock bottom, and while wellness is desperately needed by all, people have to prioritize the basics like rent and groceries. I honestly don’t have a plan B, so my best plan is to keep moving forward. P

“The economy has hit rock bottom, and while wellness is desperately needed by all, people have to prioritize the basics like rent and groceries.” —Eternity Philops July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

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Lost Health Insurance, Another Consequence of COVID-19 By Sonja Whitemon

S Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com

ince the economic fallout of Covid19 began in early March, more than 40 million Americans have lost their jobs and it is estimated that of those, 16 million also lost their employer-provided health insurance - no insurance at a time when they may need it most. Many of those who have lost their jobs may have never faced unemployment and may not know which way to turn to replace their health insurance coverage. Below are some insurance options toÂ consider.

Free Covid-19 Testing and Treatment

Uninsured people can get free testing and treatment for Covid 19. Under the CARES Act, the federal government will reimburse healthcare providers who test and/or treat uninsured patients. Nothing

will be billed to the patient. The healthcare provider would have to verify that you do not have coverage through any other means- individual, employer or federal healthcare program. Contact your medical provider for more information.

insurance plan is important to you, it may be something to consider. You have up to 60 days to select COBRA and another 45 days to pay the first premium. If you have not received information about COBRA coverage, contact your former employer.

COBRA

Medicaid

COBRA, an acronym for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, lets workers at companies of 20 or more employees extend their employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health coverage for up to 18 months after losing their jobs. This could be an option, but it also could be a very expensive option. While your company-provided health plan stays in place, the now unemployed pay their share and their former employers share of the cost plus a 2 percent administrative fee. This could be too much of an expense for many people with reduced income, but if keeping the same

If your loss of employment qualifies you as low income, consider Medicaid. North Carolina Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income individuals, children, seniors and people with disabilities. North Carolina Medicaid covers mandatory benefits plus services the state has added for its citizens. It is free comprehensive health coverage. Benefits may be different depending on your age, income and healthcare needs. Medicaid may cover doctors, OB/GYNs, prescriptions, vision and hearing, dental, laboratory and radiology, hospitals,

July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

Taking action means researching available plans, their coverage, limitations and costs. There may be paperwork to fill out. Brace yourself and get it done. Don’t hesitate because some options have time limits. anesthesia and ambulatory surgical centers. Most hospitals and many doctors accept Medicaid. You can apply for it at any time online at medicaid.ncdhhs.gov.

The Affordable Care Act Marketplace

Commonly known as Obamacare, The Affordable Care Act Marketplace normally has an enrollment period during the winter, however, there now is an exception for people who have lost their jobs. Known as the Special Enrollment Period (SEP), it offers a limited time by which the uninsured can apply for ACA coverage Coverage through the ACA is provided by major health insurance agencies such as Blue Cross/BlueShield of NC and Bright Health. Premiums could run $350 and higher. Low income applicants could qualify for a subsidy to offset the cost. The plans also have deductibles that could exceed $4000. For exact pricing, fill out an application online at Healthcare.gov.

Short-Term Healthcare Plans

The major appeal of short-term health coverage is its affordability. The insurers are some of the same companies you may be already familiar with, such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna and UnitedHealth, but premiums could be as low as $40 per month and terms up to 12 months. The benefits covered by short-term plans are typically related to emergency care, so they may work well for those who don’t require regular medical care, such as frequent visits to the doctor or expensive prescriptions. Although these plans do not have as many benefits as major medical health insurance, they provide

COVID-19 Test Sites in Mecklenburg County Here's a list of coronavirus testing locations in Mecklenburg County:

CHARLOTTE

• Atrium Health Levine Children's Urgent Care, 231 S. Sharon Amity Road • Atrium Health Urgent Care, 1426 E. Morehead Street • Atrium Health Urgent Care, 10210 Couloak Drive • Atrium Health Urgent Care, 5727 Prosperity Crossing Drive • Atrium Health Urgent Care, 11115 Golf Links Drive • Atrium Health Urgent Care, 4525 Cameron Valley Parkway • Atrium Health Urgent Care, 14214 Ballantyne Lake Road • Atrium Health Urgent Care, 9325 J.W. Clay Blvd. • BetterMed Urgent Care, 1431 South Boulevard • Carolinas HealthCare Urgent Care, 7810 Providence Road • Carolinas HealthCare Urgent Care, 5717 Albemarle Road • Carolinas HealthCare Urgent Care, 9332 S. Tryon Road • FastMed Urgent Care, 2728 W. Mallard Creek Church Road • Novant Health, 5501 Executive Center Drive • Novant Health, 3149 Freedom Drive • Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care, 15235 John J. Delaney Drive • Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care, 4815 Berewick Town Center Drive • Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care, 445 South Kings Drive some coverage that is still affordable for many people. These health plans typically do not cover pre-existing medical conditions or many benefits that more comprehensive plans do, such as the minimum essential benefits that are required for qualified health plans under the Affordable Care Act. They do not guarantee renewal, so any conditions that develop while you are on a short-term plan may prevent you from renewing or may be excluded from your policy once you renew. While certainly an option to be considered, short-term health insurance might not be for everyone. If you need low-cost insurance and only need minimal

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

• Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care, 8450 Park Road • Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care, 13129 South Tryon Street • Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care, 11840 Southmore Drive • Novant Health OB/GYN Urgent Care, 6331 Carmel Road • Tryon Medical Partners, 900 East Morehead Street

HUNTERSVILLE

• Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care, 9121 Sam Furr Road • Novant Health Screening Center, 16525 Holly Crest Lane

CORNELIUS

• Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care, 19485 Old Jetton Road

MATTHEWS

• BetterMed Urgent Care, 2304 Matthews Township Parkway • Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care, 9600 E. Independence • Novant Health Screening Center, 3330 Siskey Parkway • Tryon Medical Partners, 630 Matthews Township Parkway

MINT HILL

• Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care, 11300 Cresthill Drive Source: Patch.com

coverage, this could be a good option, but make sure to take the risks and your own health care needs into account when it comes to choosing your health insurance plan. A quick search for short-term healthcare will uncover many plans to choose from. If you have lost your health insurance or anticipate losing it, the most important thing to do is to take action and at least consider options you may not have considered before. Taking action means researching available plans, their coverage, limitations and costs. There may be paperwork to fill out. Brace yourself and get it done. Don’t hesitate because some options have time limits. P

Black Businesses

Creatively Cope With

COVID-19 By Tonya Jameson

ide hustle. Pivot. Adapt. These are trendy terms to describe how businesses and individuals are enduring the financial impact of COVID-19, but for black people, these terms have always meant the same thing - survival. This spring, quarantines crippled the country and North Carolina’s economy. As of press time, nearly 1 million people had applied for unemployment. Businesses, especially small businesses, ground to a halt. Black business owners immediately felt the blow. Often black-owned business is underfunded even without a pandemic choking the cash flow. Dr. Shante Williams is chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber and is also a neuro-oncologist. She says black business owners have to bootstrap their way to startup. They are often using their own money, personal savings, credit cards and profits, to stay afloat. They have not had the opportunity to build savings.

Chris Moxley, 704 Shop

They haven’t had the opportunity to get ahead. “The scrappy mentality is great, but being scrappy doesn’t show on paper,” she said. “If you had no savings going into this crisis you may be on your way out of business at this point.” Federal and local governments tried to bolster small businesses with various funds and low-interest loans but most, if not all, quickly ran out of money. Several business owners interviewed had not received any

or enough funding by press time. Many sole proprietorships didn’t qualify or even apply for funds because of the reams of paperwork required. “We’re not deploying capital to the people who actually need it,” Williams said. Saving businesses is where pivot, side hustle and adapt come in. Right now, it’s all about surviving the virus and its decimation of our wallets. The team at 704 Shop was already considering making face masks as a fashion accessory before COVID-19 struck. The clothing store, located on Camden Road in Southend, is known for its trendy Charlotte-themed apparel. They released face masks with a Charlotte crown before the Centers for Disease Control issued guidelines to wear face coverings. A second version featured the letters CLT in calligraphy. Other versions feature the company’s logo. At $18 each, they sold out. 704 Shop started as an online retailer. Shifting back to online-only sales wasn’t difficult. Co-owner Chris Moxley said, as of press time, that the company had not

July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

Ariene Bethea, Dressing Rooms Interior Studio

“People are more intentional about going out,” she says, “people are not just going out and stopping by.” “Bethea, like other black businesses, “shifted to survive the pandemic but is seeing the shift as a potentially permanent move. Tamu Curtis owns Liberate Your Palate. She teaches hands-on cocktail classes for at-home enthusiasts. Before the pandemic, she lugged all of her tools to clients’ homes to conduct classes. Now, she teaches through Zoom and clients provide their own bar tools or they pick up kits from Curtis’ front step.

Sherry Waters, The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary

“I never thought we'd have to do this because The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary was launched to give people an experience when they enter into our sacred lounge space.” She’s trying to create an online communal space by moving her First Friday Live Music and Open Mic Poetry online and hosting CommuniTea Contemplative Sessions online. "I miss having patrons in the Tea-Bar. It had started becoming like an extended part of my family. I initially launched the Tea-Bar thinking that it would be a place of solitude and contemplation, but I discovered that people were coming to be a part of an authentic community of herbal tea conversationalists. The gatherings that have occurred over the last 10 months have been amazing and inspiring to watch.“ Ariene Bethea, owner of Dressing Rooms Interior Studio, isn’t anxious to reopen the doors of her boutique vintage furniture store on Sharon Amity Road in Oakhurst. She shifted 90 percent of her merchandise online and began offering virtual store tours. She offers curbside pick-up and delivery. She worries about a second virus wave and wonders if shopping habits will return to pre-COVID tendencies.

“The correlation between people giving and getting is neck and neck. Everybody is trying to get access to this food together. It shows us at our most vulnerable.” —Photographer Alvin Jacobs lens to documenting the crisis through food scarcity. “I have to make sure everything I do in the community is intentional,” he said. “I knew how to react in social justice and protest but this thing was invisible.” But the people suffering were not. Jacobs began photographing food banks. Through the lens, he saw people from all walks of life in desperate need of help, and people desperately trying to help any way they could. “The correlation between people giving and getting is neck and neck,” he said. “Everybody is trying to get access to this food together. It shows us at our most vulnerable.” Black people, especially Black business owners, have always been vulnerable in America. Whether it was the riots that destroyed Black Wall street or the inability to secure capital to undergird our companies, Black business owners have always struggled to survive. COVID-19 is simply the latest challenge that will push owners to not only survive, but hopefully thrive this crisis. P

Tamu Curtis, Liberate Your Palate

“This has been a lot more profitable because I can do more classes,” she said. “Before I could only do one class per week.” Photographer Alvin Jacobs, a sole propietor, also pivoted his business or better yet - passion. Jacobs is known for documenting communities in crisis - from uprisings after fatal police shootings to affordable housing. His funding comes from grants from museums or payments as an independent contractor. During the virus, he has shifted his

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Photographer Alvin Jacobs

Photo courtesy of Alex Tribble

furloughed any employees although sales revenue was down. The company has received some government assistance. “What made it easier is that we didn’t have to train our audience,” Moxley said. “Our audience already knows how we operate and what our tactics are. What made it difficult is people's priorities changed overnight.” Customers lost their jobs or faced reduced hours so paying for rent, utilities and other necessities took precedence over non-essential purchases, he said. Unlike 704, Sherry Waters started The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary as a store first and had to shift to online. Customers order online and can get teas mailed to them or they can pick up curbside.

Life isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always easy. Sometimes, you just need a little help.

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare: Medicaid and public health services and supports to help people live their best lives. For help, call us at 1.800.939.5911 or visit us online at cardinalinnovations.org Mental Health | Substance Use Disorders | Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Coronavirus Pandemic’s Effects on The

Charlotte Real Estate Market

Photo courtesy of Rashad Davis

Photo courtesy of Belinda Carr Lipscomb

By Hope Yancey

harlotte’s real estate industry, and real estate agents themselves, have faced a variety of new challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and county and state stay-at-home orders and related restrictions. The pandemic hit locally in March. According to market data from Canopy Multiple Listing Service and the Canopy Realtor Association, counties in the Charlotte region had 4,254 closed sales in March 2020, and 4,032 in March 2019. There were 3,534 closed sales in April 2020, and 4,464 in April 2019, data show. For April, that’s a decrease of 20.8 percent from a year ago. April figures were the latest available, as of this writing. In early versions of business restrictions, appraisers and title companies were deemed essential to allow for the completion of transactions already

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Rashad Davis has a diverse background in real estate with experience in residential and commercial properties.

underway when the pandemic struck; however, real estate agents could not show homes to clients. Restrictions were later modified to permit them to show vacant homes. Eventually, restrictions were amended to allow for the showing of occupied properties. “We’ve come a long way since then,” real estate broker and realtor Belinda Carr Lipscomb says of the initial days of the pandemic. Carr Lipscomb is the founder and owner of Elite Homes of the Carolinas, and has 26 years of experience in real estate. Early on, agents relied on photographs and virtual tours. Carr Lipscomb held orientation sessions with clients via Zoom, the video-conferencing platform. Through professional photography and videography, a home may look different than it looks in person, she says. In some cases, buyers purchased

Gino Santa Maria, Dech St/Shutterstock.com

Gino Santa Maria / Shutterstock.com

Belinda Carr Lipscomb works in residential real estate, representing buyers and sellers.

houses without ever visiting the properties. Just before the pandemic began to affect local conditions, clients in Washington state bought a house in the Charlotte area for its investment potential without seeing it in person, says broker/Realtor Rashad Davis, whose R2D Real Estate Group is affiliated with Engel & Volkers, a global network of real estate professionals. The buyers viewed the house through FaceTime video calls. They stayed in Washington and did not travel for the closing. “As a matter of fact, they were the first ones to tell me how serious it was,” Davis says of the pandemic. Drive-up closings have been part of the home-buying experience for some people. Clients received documents in advance and attended the closing only to sign those pages that required their signatures, never getting out of the car, says Carr Lipscomb. During the time agents were restricted to showing only vacant homes, not only did sellers need to have moved out, their belongings had to be gone as well. Face coverings, gloves, shoe covers and disinfectant wipes became tools of the trade. As of this writing, real estate agents now are able to show occupied properties to clients in person. Speaking in early May, Carr Lipscomb says some closing attorneys are still limiting closings to signers only and not allowing agents to attend. She expects to see that loosen. Charlotte is a seller’s market, with low inventory and prices holding steady, she says. She hasn’t found buyers particularly hesitant. Related industries, such as home inspectors, are staying busy, she says. Mortgage lenders are tightening credit score requirements for borrowers though – something she hopes won’t continue. Many workers have been furloughed or lost jobs during the pandemic. Both Carr Lipscomb and Davis say the first call a homeowner at risk of falling behind on an existing mortgage should make is to their lender. That may mean either short-term help or getting out of the property without a foreclosure, Davis says. The website of the federal government’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau outlines mortgage forbearance provisions of the CARES Act, legislation passed in response to the coronavirus national emergency. Forbearance refers to when a mortgage servicer or lender allows the borrower to pause or reduce mortgage payments for a time period. It is not free money. The CFPB notes the debt is not eliminated, and missed or reduced payments are pushed into the future. As for tenants of commercial properties who can’t pay their rent, Davis says he’s seen a mix of approaches. Larger commercial landlords have tended to be more “absolute” than smaller ones, he says. Some landlords have been more flexible, he says, noting they may not be able to find another tenant right now. Davis expects an “avalanche” of real estate activity as the pandemic begins to subside, and advises home buyers to prepare for the market by working on their finances, he says. He anticipates relocations to Charlotte by people who may have been “on the fence” about moving in the past, especially from areas hard-hit by the pandemic, such as the Northeast. Carr Lipscomb believes, given the strength of the Charlotte market, real estate is still a great investment, she says. P

July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

PROUD TO GIVE BUSINESSES A LIFT CATS is proud to provide opportunities for businesses to create local jobs through the advancement of transit projects. CATS also seeks to create an environment that gives small and socially or economically challenged local businesses the opportunity to compete for publicly funded contracts by participating in the Small Business Opportunity (SBO) and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs. To date, 11 DBE firms have been awarded contracts of over $13 million to help build the CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar. As the major provider of public transportation to Charlotte and the surrounding region, CATS relies on the communities we serve to build and operate the service every day. By working together on these new opportunities, we can all keep our communities moving in the right direction. For more information, visit ridetransit.org.

CATS. YOUR RIDE IS HERE.

Responding to Communities in Need During COVID-19

he rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has made an unprecedented impact on communities across the country. However, the effect has not been the same for all communities. People of many diverse groups: race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and ability have been disproportionately impacted. Before the coronavirus increased the spotlight on health disparities, Novant Health had been working for years to close health equity gaps and address social determinants of health in the communities it serves. With the help of community partners, the health system has invested in community clinics, mobile health units, innovative wellness initiatives and a diverse supplier program to ensure all people and businesses are cared for. But when the coronavirus struck the United States, Novant Health recognized an opportunity to focus on diversity, inclusion and equity more than ever, and worked to ensure all communities, especially the ones most in need, had the resources to stay safe and healthy.

Improving access to care

“What was true before COVID-19 is certainly true now – certain communities lack equitable access to healthcare,” said Dr. Jerome Williams, senior vice president of consumer engagement for Novant Health. “If you lacked healthcare before, either because you couldn’t afford it or you didn’t have easy access to it, a time of stay-at-home orders, job loss or illness can make that mountain an even harder one to climb.” In an effort to serve all communities, Novant Health established mobile health units in areas with limited access to COVID19 screening and primary care, with the goal to connect people with resources like referrals for testing and educational materials. The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic also transitioned temporarily into a respiratory assessment center, ensuring the community it serves had this key resource close by. Novant Health established new digital health options, including a 24/7 helpline available to anyone who had questions about the coronavirus, including where or when they should be screened, and a free online

assessment tool where people could get guidance on whether they should be seen for their symptoms or stay at home to recover. In addition to immediate health needs, the health system also utilized its online tool, MyCommunity, to address social determinants of health, helping people search for free or reduced-cost services like transportation, food assistance and job training.

Investing in communities

On top of keeping people healthy, Novant Health also saw an opportunity to care for small businesses during the pandemic. For more than a decade, Novant Health has been focused on developing and maintaining partnerships with diverse suppliers, acknowledging that diversity, inclusion and equity go beyond the four walls of its facilities. The health system established the Diverse Supplier Community Reinvestment Program in 2018 in partnership with M&F Bank to grow the capacity of businesses owned by women, ethnic minorities, veterans, LGBTQ individuals and people with disabilities by guaranteeing loans for those who are suppliers with Novant Health.

Recognizing that small businesses could be significantly impacted by stay-at-home orders, Novant Health and M&F Bank expanded the Diverse Supplier Community Reinvestment Program to offer low-interest loans to Novant Health-certified and diverseowned suppliers who were facing challenges due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. “Throughout the years, Novant Health has relied on our suppliers’ support to help our organization continue to thrive and provide remarkable care,” said Mark Welch, senior vice president of supply chain at Novant Health. “Now, it’s our turn to support them during this time of economic disruption. At Novant Health, we recognize that small businesses are vital economic engines in every community and acknowledge the severe impact the novel coronavirus may cause to their sales and supply chain. We want to ensure these businesses remain resilient and hope these loans will help them through the coronavirus outbreak.” For more information about the loan program, visit NovantHealth.org/ supplierdiversity. P Content sponsored by Novant Health.

July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

Carolina Beach, NC

Thriving After the Pandemic and

Work Play

Pride: Is this as bad a time as it seems to be to look for a job or make a career change? Is there any positive side? Youngblood: The beauty of looking for a job now, is that you have the opportunity to reinvent yourself right now. You are not stuck in a specific career track. While yes, you are searching for a job at the same time as millions of others, you have an opportunity to explore various interests and gain skills that you may not have otherwise had an opportunity to explore if you went directly into your desired career field. Additionally, there

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Pride: Is there likely to be an uptick in job scams? How can readers identify and avoid those? Youngblood: Unfortunately, some people will always try to find a way to take advantage of others, but you do not have to be a victim. A general rule of thumb is if they ask you to pay for something upfront, do not accept that offer. Also, if it sounds too good to be true, assume it is too good to be true and move on to the next opportunity.

Pride: What tips do you offer your students on writing resumes and cover letters that might be helpful to readers as well? Youngblood: Tailor your resume to the job for which you are applying, so always showcase the skills you have which meet the qualifications for the job. Generic resumes do not get you hired. Use your resume to highlight your achievements rather than just repeating what they can read in the job description.

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Pride: Of all the things that are changing in the economy and job market as the situation unfolds, what do you think will not change in those areas? Youngblood: We will come to rely on technology even more than we already were. We all require certain basic needs met and that will not change so the economy will rebuild around those needs. The need for food, healthcare, socializing and emergency preparedness – those things will all be where we rally around each other for a stronger future.

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Pride: What is the Center for Career and Professional Development telling students about the job market during and after the pandemic, especially graduating seniors? Youngblood: Be encouraged. Companies are still hiring during this time, it just may look different from what you originally thought. For example, companies are hiring for remote positions now and a lot of companies are hiring temporarily. Even if the job is a temp assignment, you can gain experience for a future full-time position.

The mountains of North Carolina

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Career tips from Sonia Youngblood, assistant director of career readiness, Johnson C. Smith University, via email:

will be more remote work opportunities as a result of the pandemic. A lot of people love the idea of no commute and being able to dress a bit more comfortably for work. Additionally, for the entrepreneurial minded, now is the time to think about creating a sustainable business that can withstand any circumstances.

Lake Lure, NC

Photo courtesy of Jaclyn Miller

ince it began locally in midMarch, the coronavirus pandemic has sidelined career goals and nonessential travel plans. As of this writing in May, restrictions are gradually being loosened with North Carolina’s entry into Gov. Roy Cooper’s three-stage strategy for reopening the state. Charlotteans will be figuring out how to thrive again during and after the pandemic, whether setting new goals and making new plans, or resuming what was put on hold. Pride Magazine contacted professionals for suggestions. Responses have been edited for brevity.

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By Hope Yancey

Vacation travel tips from Wit Tuttell, director, Visit North Carolina, via email: Pride: Any brief tips for travel on a budget? Youngblood: Book in advance whenever you can. Try traveling off-season or in shoulder seasons – the time between peak and off-peak travel seasons. If you can schedule your stay to avoid weekends, you’ll save a lot on lodging. If you have camping equipment or can borrow some, you’ll have more money to spend on food, attractions and souvenirs. Pride: Do you think there will be a pent-up demand for travel once travel restrictions are lifted? Youngblood: Our research is showing a lot of pent-up demand. At first, people will travel regionally and visit tried and true attractions that they know and love. Pride: What kinds of travel research should people be doing now? Youngblood: They should be checking on what they can book in advance to lock in the price while discounts are available. They should also make sure they’re checking with reputable sources. We recommend they do their planning with local tourism offices throughout the state or on VisitNC.com. Local tourism websites can also direct trip planners to free or inexpensive activities. Pride: What types of trips are likely to be desirable? Youngblood: People want to travel close to home, within about 200 miles. And they want to experience those triedand-true things that they know and love. Visit NC is part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, a nonprofit organization that contracts with the N.C. Department of Commerce to promote economic development, including tourism. According to a spokesperson for Visit NC, the N.C. Restaurant & Lodging Association is partnering with it and several other groups on a best-practices training program for restaurants, hotels and other businesses for safe reopening. Businesses completing the voluntary training will display certification for customers to see. The new initiative is called Count on Me NC. P

Little things are a big deal Now more than ever. Peace of mind has taken on added importance. Dining, shopping, medical needs and access to people who can lend a helping hand are paramount. For those living at Sharon Towers, it’s all part of being a resident. It’s where the little things matter a lot.

To learn more about things to do in North Carolina, go to visitnc.com. Call ahead to destinations, as conditions are changing.

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Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nags Head, NC

To learn more, go to SharonTowers.org or contact our Marketing Department at 704.556.3231.

5100 SHARON ROAD | CHARLOTTE, NC | 28210

July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

We Are All Super Heroes When We Recycle Right!

When Minority Businesses Thrive, America Thrives The Secret Sauce Behind Entrepreneurs’ Success

uring the past few months, we have all experienced interruptions to our day-to-day lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For entrepreneurs, the pandemic adds an additional layer of complexity, which gives rise to countless questions and decision making. Having access to a network of experts and peers has probably never been more important to entrepreneurs than it is today. For two local entrepreneurs, participation in capacity-building programs is giving them access to experts and the tools that may be the key to helping them weather the pandemic. “There are millions of minority-owned businesses across the U.S. that are vital to the economy and our communities.” At Wells Fargo, we recognize that we must provide technical assistance and access to resources to help minorityowned businesses retool and recover,” said Regina Heyward, senior vice president and head of Supplier Diversity. “During these unprecedented times, we are proud to work with our network of development partners to provide hands-on support to cohorts of minority-owned businesses across the country. We want them to know that we believe in them and that we are stepping up to help.” For Jefferson Ovalle, learning how to delegate enabled him to transform his local construction business into a regional contracting firm. Elyshia Brooks is looking forward to gaining the knowledge and accountability to overcome hurdles and successfully scale her business. What these two business leaders have in common is their participation in Wells Fargo sponsored capacity- building programs. Jefferson Ovalle is the CEO and founder of Genesis Construction located in Charlotte, NC. Ovalle credits his participation in the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative as being instrumental to his growth. The Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative is funded in part by Wells Fargo and is a collaboration between the Stanford

Jefferson Ovalle, CEO and Founder of Genesis Construction of the Carolinas, Inc.

Graduate School of Business and the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN). Ovalle came to the U.S. from Colombia with $275 and a goal to better his family’s future. According to Ovalle, “The knowledge that I brought back from Stanford and applied to the business has helped us not only grow economically, but also geographically. When you take what you learn and apply it to your business, it works.” Elyshia Brooks, CEO and president of BrandNiquely™ You! Inc., is grateful to be one of the 15 female business owners participating in the Charlotte-based GAME CHANGER Leadership Education and Development Program. The GAME CHANGER Program is offered exclusively at the Women's Business Center of Charlotte in collaboration with the Deltas of Charlotte Foundation. “We are honored to partner with a corporation like Wells Fargo and work with a group of 15 dynamic and successful local business owners,” said Natalie Williams, executive director of the Women’s Business

Center of Charlotte. “Wells Fargo truly understands that developing and utilizing minority-owned businesses will strengthen their supplier base and increase the economic impact that their suppliers have on their communities.” The GAME CHANGER Program’s unique collaboration with the Deltas of Charlotte Foundation (DOCF) provides participants valuable insights and networking activities with DOCF alumnae. According to Sandra Galmon, chairperson of the Deltas of Charlotte Foundation, “The GAME CHANGER initiative truly supports the foundation's mission to strengthen the community by implementing and supporting programs that improve the quality of life for women and their families in the greater Charlotte region.” “I am so thankful for the Wells Fargo team and how everyone is stepping up to help small businesses. In the end, that’s what is most important, that we reach out beyond ourselves and meet the needs of others,” said Heyward. P Content sponsored by Wells Fargo

July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

Poor No More Gives Supplies and Dignity By Tonya Jameson | Photos courtesy of Poor No More

Jermaine Nakia Lee

ost people know the complex in NoDa that houses Amelie’s Bakery as a hangout spot, but at the very end of the complex is NoDa @ 28th Creative Studio – a refuge for men and women struggling to survive even during the best of times. The sprawling space houses studio space, a salon, a masseuse, an ethnic store and Poor No More. Poor No More is slowly taking over the entire space. It’s a food pantry and free store that started as a community service project last year but has evolved into a taxexempt non-profit, said founder Jermaine Nakia Lee. In the last few months, client services and donations have increased as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. At the height of the pandemic, community activists immediately started raising questions about the plight of people living on the edge of poverty and those who have fallen off the edge. Through social media they highlighted the needs of the chronically homeless and people facing eviction. They raised money and organized food drives. Poor No More began before COVID-19 struck the region, and its organizers were quick to respond to its challenges. “I know what it feels like to have a college degree and be couch surfing,” Lee said. “I’ve been on food stamps, I’ve had to go to Crisis Assistance. I certainly have empathy for people who are in those situations.” Poor No More started last year because homeless men and women would stop by NoDa @ 28th asking for money or left-over food following an event, Lee said. They offered to mop the floors and do other odd chores. Like many activists, Lee tapped his social media and friends to collect donations. Lee is a longtime figure in the community arts scene, creating plays and various productions to highlight black creatives.

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He and his friends collected enough to host food and clothing drives. Organizations and small businesses offered to donate, he said. As a playwright, Lee has plenty of experience writing grants and sitting on various nonprofit boards. He used that experienced to make Poor No More an official nonprofit. He got incorporated, recruited a board of directors and secured a tax identification number. Lee said in less than a year, the organization has served more than 900 people. When COVID-19 forced stay-athome orders for the city, Lee knew the homeless and working poor would be hit particularly hard. Panhandling ground to a halt since fewer people were driving, he said. Poor No More has hosted six free store events since the start of the pandemic. To comply with social distancing rules, clients could shop the store by appointment only. The group spread the word through social media. At the events, people could get fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing, toiletries and paper products. At least 80 percent of the items available in the free store were donated, Lee said. “We have an amazing donor base,” he said. “People give very generously.” Many people cleaned out homes and closets during the quarantine, but typical donation sites such as Goodwill of the Southern Piedmont were closed. Even so, Lee said they are selective about the items they take. They only accept gently used and new items such as new shoes, household appliances, electronics, and kitchen items. They are in need of toiletries, paper products and non-perishable foods. The store is clean, everything is organized by size and color. Volunteers attend to the shoppers and clients receive a hot meal when they come to shop. “We create a dignified experience for those who are coming,” Lee said. A little dignity can be just as comforting as a hot meal. P

To the Future… By Dominique Milton

eamesBot / Shutterstock.com/ Photo illustration by SPARK Publications

t is July 2020, and many of us feel like we are actors in a science fiction movie. Seriously, what really happened the first half of this year? Although everyone was impacted differently, let’s reflect on the plight of many business owners. It’s March 4 and you are excited about the rest of the year – sales to date are great – and you are staffed up for the year, ready to soar! By the end of the week, the news is alarming and business as you know it is about to come to a halt. What is Coronavirus, or is it COVID? You ask: Can the government really make me shut down my business? Can I still go out to dinner and to the movies this weekend? It starts to become real. How serious is this and what steps should I take to stay safe and keep moving forward? Business owners, nonprofits, parents, students, and individuals were blindsided. Neither the biggest nor the best prepared companies anticipated the impact of COVID-19. As days turned to weeks, the impact spread and the news got worse. It is now April, and the economy is spiraling. The stock market is plunging, unemployment is out of control, and daily life is upended as working from home is mandatory, children are not returning to school and every aspect of life needs to change. You don’t know how long you can make payroll, pay your rent and cover bills. Now there is talk of PPP (Paycheck Protection Program). Should you apply? Does your business even qualify? What are the terms and are the funds forgivable in the future? It’s April 5 and now that you have your paperwork ready and have a potential bank to process the loan, it appears all of the money is gone – mostly to bigger businesses that don’t need the money as badly as many small business owners do. It’s May and everyone is settling into a new normal; some businesses have pivoted to address the changing needs of

their customers. Kudos to you if you were able to retool and reinvent your company to meet new marketplace demands. What did you do to pivot? Yes, you now know how to operate a Zoom call – in fact, you have participated in Zoom, Teams, Web this and Web that. The question is whether your current business model is sustainable in times of uncertainty. Mixed messages abound. No one seems quite sure what to do. Should we stay inside to protect the health of the majority or reopen everything to rebound the economy? Do you have a personal plan of action, a business plan, and a family plan to recover from this crisis? This is not business as usual and this is not life as we know it. Now we attend Zoom graduations, Zoom memorials. How would you define the impact on your life? Are you adjusting and making self-care a priority for you and your family? After going through this unprecedented pandemic, what I now know is that we all need a plan of action – A plan to “Future

Proof” business, family and life in general. Did you know there are agencies and advocacy groups available to help you in normal times and Dominique Milton in times of uncertainty? If you are an ethnic minority business owner, www.CVMSDC.org is an advocacy group designed to help, connecting business owners with supply chain opportunities and helping them to grow. Advocacy groups exist to help businesses of all types make connections. As you work to recover from the first half of this year, we invite you to join our webinars, attend our virtual events and make plans to Future Proof your business. On December 2, we invite you to join us for an in-depth virtual conference on Future-Proofing Your Business. Check out our calendar of events at www.cvmsdc.org or email us at info@cvmsdc.org. P July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

Recovery Resources to Help Get You Through By Angela Lindsay

t can be hard to know exactly where to turn for guidance or how to even start the process of mitigating some of the damage caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic. With parts of the nation still under various stages of stay-at-home mandates and medical experts still pleading for people to practice social distancing, both individuals and businesses are having to find alternative means to survive. Fortunately, there are viable resources made available by government and private entities to provide assistance during these uncertain times.

FEDERAL • As part of the Small Business Association’s coronavirus debt relief efforts, it will pay 6 months of principal, interest and any associated fees that borrowers owe for all current 7(a), 504 and Microloans in regular servicing status as well as new 7(a), 504, and Microloans disbursed prior to September 27, 2020. www.sba.gov • Companies with 500 or fewer employees that maintain employees and compensation may be eligible to receive up to eight weeks of cashflow assistance in the form of forgivable small business loans under the CARES Act’s Paycheck Protection Plan to prevent layoffs and business closures while most nonessential workers are under stay-at-home orders. home.treasury.gov

STATE AND LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE • The U.S. Department of Treasury is offering the Paycheck Protection Program, established by the CARES Act and implemented by the Small

Business Administration (SBA). This program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs including benefits. home.treasury.gov • Under the City of Charlotte’s Community Recovery Task Force, Charlotte’s smallest businesses can apply for loans of up to $10,000. In addition, the Charlotte City Council approved a $1 million economic relief package to support micro-businesses, defined as those with five or fewer employees. www.charlottenc.gov • The North Carolina COVID19 Rapid Recovery Lending Program supports North Carolina small businesses and family farms. This rapid recovery loan helps small businesses bridge the gap between the time the crisis strikes and the time federal loans, insurance payouts, and other relief funds are approved, or it serves as a bridge to the time they are able to recover. www.ncrapidrecovery.org • The City of Charlotte has launched its Open for Business initiative, which is designed to

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support local small businesses that are open during the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout the recovery. www.charlottenc.gov • The COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Stabilization Loan Fund allows businesses with up to 50 employees located in Mecklenburg County to apply for loans ranging from $5,000 - $35,000. The loan funds may be used to cover the day-today operating expenses of the business, such as payroll costs, rent, routine real estate and equipment financing payments, utilities or losses incurred because of COVID-19. Loans will be available with repayment terms of up to 10 years at an interest rate of three percent. Disbursements may be available as soon as 10 days after the completion of an application. The county has committed $5,000,000 for this program. www.mecknc.gov • The Micro-Business Stabilization Fund lets businesses with up to five employees located in certain Mecklenburg County towns (with the exception of Mint Hill and the City of Charlotte)

and the unincorporated areas of Mecklenburg County who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 apply for loans of up to $10,000. The loan funds may be used to cover the dayto-day operating expenses, such as payroll costs and benefits, commercial mortgage payments, rent and utilities. To be eligible for this loan program, the business owner or 51 percent of the employees must have low or moderateincome and the business must have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19. As part of the application process, the business must certify that its revenue has declined by at least 25 percent as a result of COVID-19. www.mecknc.gov • Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund is supporting The Local Initiatives Support Corporation in offering grants to businesses in underserved communities. Verizon is donating $7.5 million in small-business grants. www.lisc.org • Former L.A. Laker turned businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson will provide $100 million in loans to minorityowned businesses struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Equitrust Life Insurance Company, which he owns through his company Magic Johnson Enterprises, will provide the capital for loans

Philip Steury Photography / Shutterstock.com

Coping With COVID-19

through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). www.sba.gov • Through the Red Backpack Fund, the women’s undergarment company Spanx has announced that a donation of $5 million is going to support female business owners who have been negatively impacted in some way by COVID-19. One thousand female business owners within the United States will receive $5,000 of funding. Applications will be open until August. www.globalgiving.org/ redbackpackfund • A nonprofit called “digitalundivided” is providing relief for those impacted by COVID-19 through a new fund called The Doonie Fund. The

aid supports black female entrepreneurs. Since it was established in April, the fund has helped more than 93 entrepreneurs by providing micro-investments of up to $500. www.digitalundivided.com/ the-doonie-fund • Through its Facebook Small Business Grants Program, Facebook has committed to offering up to 30,000 small businesses $100 million in cash grants and Facebook advertising credits. The grants will be provided to businesses in more than 30 countries. www.facebook.com • GoFundMe has partnered with Intuit QuickBooks, Yelp, GoDaddy, and Bill.com to give small businesses a $500 grant if they raise at least $500 on www. gofundme.com. www.gofundme.com • Salesforce has committed $5 million to launch a grant program to keep afloat small businesses hurt by COVID-19. The software company will

give out 500 grants for $10,000 that small businesses can use for expenses like salaries and materials. grants.ureeka.biz/salesforce

Carolina, to aid the restaurant workers impacted by the Covid19 closures. www.restaurantstrong.org

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS (minority/ women-owned)

FOR THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY • Mecklenburg Creative Resiliency Fund helps Mecklenburg County artists navigate the potentially dire economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. www.artsandscience.org

RESTAURANTS • The goal of the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund is to provide immediate financial assistance to the tens of thousands of cooks, servers, dishwashers, housekeepers and others who live paycheck-topaycheck and suddenly find themselves in distress. www.ncrestaurantrelief.com • Samuel Adams and The Greg Hill Foundation are bringing the Restaurant Strong Fund to 20 total states, including North

• SheaMoisture has committed a $1 million relief fund to help support female entrepreneurs and small-business owners of color. Ten business owners will be selected and awarded $10,000 each. www.sheamoisture.com

OTHER ASSISTANCE: • The United Way of Central Carolinas, Foundation for the Carolinas, Lending Tree COVID19 Response Fund is a partnership comprising of Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, corporations, houses of faith and others to help those individuals and families in Mecklenburg County most impacted by the pandemic. www.fftc.org/COVID19 P

Ready. For. Anything. Ready to lead. Ready to thrive. Ready for the world. Country Day Ready.

charlottecountryday.org (704) 943-4530

July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

Unprecedented Times, Unprecedented Commitment

A “Growing up in Charlotte helped me to realize and put into perspective the potential of our great city." —Fernando Little, Chief Diversity Officer

t Atrium Health, we are fully dedicated to the powerful notion that, together, we can make our community a better place by respecting our differences and celebrating the ties that bind us. We are an integrated network of nearly 40 not-for-profit hospitals and 900 care locations, which employs more than 70,000 teammates across the Carolinas and Georgia. Through our established Diversity Agenda that focuses on patients, teammates and the community, we develop diversity education and strategies that are implemented throughout our system. Patients come first, which brings a high quality of care that responds to the unique needs of every patient. We understand that our teammates are the key to excellent care, and we remain engaged in their growth, development and cultural competence. Finally, developing long lasting partnerships in the community is a priority – particularly in our diverse and at-risk communities. Our chief diversity officer, Fernando Little, leads the way forward with our Diversity Agenda at the forefront. He brings together broad, collaborative efforts throughout Atrium Health’s operations and academic programs to foster diversity, inclusion, culturally competent care, inclusive purchasing, language access and health equity for diverse and underserved populations. He also develops, implements and monitors programs and processes that sustain Atrium Health’s inclusive organizational culture. “Growing up in Charlotte helped me to realize and put into perspective the potential of our great city,” said Little. “I am blessed and humbled to serve in a leadership role that drives culturally competent care, workforce development, economic mobility and intentional community engagement. Our Diversity & Inclusion team is passionate, and we have outstanding Diversity Champions across the Atrium Health enterprise.” During these unprecedented times, Atrium Health has nourished and

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

flourished with its trusted partners within the community. This includes recognizing not only the healthcare impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the economic impact. Our minority, women and veteran-owned supplier partners are crucial to the work that we do in healthcare. Supporting their viability through and beyond the pandemic crisis is a primary goal. Atrium Health strives to drive economic inclusion through supplier diversity and inclusive purchasing. Over the past year, Atrium Health has awarded more than $3 million in projects to minority-owned tier-one firms that were new to the organization. Additionally, Atrium Health has increased minorityowned tier-one spending by 95 percent. In 2019, Atrium Health added 353 new diverse-owned vendors for a total of $4.4 million in new spending with diverse suppliers. Our vice president of supplier diversity at Atrium Health, Les Maginley, has partnered with leaders across the enterprise to offer procurement opportunities to diverse vendors who supply products and services including personal protective equipment (PPE), office supplies, promotional items and more. In recent months, Maginley has also spearheaded a partnership with the City of Charlotte aimed at identifying minoritybusiness owners and teaching them how to do business with Atrium Health. We recognize that trying times will require an even stronger commitment. As we continue the journey to remove barriers, enhance equity and further our Diversity Agenda, it’s important to remember that our teammates can be patients, patients are likely members of our beloved community and the communities we serve are also home to many of our teammates. These intersections make up just one of the many reasons we are on a mission to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – FOR ALL. P Content is sponsored by Atrium Health

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Minority and Womenowned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Training and Support

N.C. Coordinators’ Network www.mwbenetwork.org N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development 919-956-8889 www.theinstitutenc.org MWBE Certification Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council 704-549-1000 www.cvmsdc.org info@cvmsdc.org City of Charlotte Small Business Opportunity Program www.charlottebusinessinclusion.com 704-336-4137 N.C. Small Business and Technology Development Center 919-715-7272 www.sbtdc.org Statewide Uniform Certification Program (SWUC) *N.C. Dept. of Administration Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses 919-807-2330 www.doa.nc.gov/hub Women Wrule Women, Minority and Small Business Certification Assistance and Government Contracting 803-517-4030 www.womenwrule.com

Corporate Supplier Diversity Atrium Health Les Maginley, MBA Vice President, Supplier Diversity 704-512-5482 Les.Maginley@atriumhealth.org www.atriumhealth.org Balfour Beatty Construction Calvin Stevens Director of Business Development and Diversity 919-233-5137 cstevens@balfourbeattyus.com www.balfourbeattyus.com Bank of America www.bankofamerica.com Visit “Our Story, How We Work, Supplier Diversity.”

Duke Energy Andrew Grier Supplier Diversity Executive 704-382-7690 andrewgrier@duke-energy.com www.duke-energy.com/ suppliers/default.asp Food Lion Garland Scarboro Manager, Diversity and Inclusion 704-310-2589 Garland.Scarboro@ RetailBusinessServices.com www.foodlion.com/careers/diversityand-inclusion/supplier-diversity/ Novant Health Kevin J. Price, MBA, MHA Director, Supplier Diversity & Performance 704-384-3543 kjprice@novanthealth.org www.novanthealth.org/ supplierdiversity Piedmont Natural Gas David Britsky Senior Diversity Sourcing Specialist 704-731-4116 supplierdiversity@piedmontng.com www.piedmontng.com/ about/supplier-diversity

Advertising Agencies/ Promotional Products 3 Keys Marketing Products 704-249-5572 www.3keysmarketingproducts.com The Plaid Penguin 704-919-1726 www.theplaidpenguin.com AC&M Group 704-697-4400 info@acmconnect.com www.acmconnect.com Ad Concepts, Inc. 704-366-1616 www.goadconcepts.com AdSpark Promos 704-781-8790 www.adsparkpromos.com Alliance Document Solutions, Inc. 704-583-3409 www.adocument.net BluePepper Public Relations 704-625-6564 www.bluepepperpr.com Brand Equity Marketing, LLC 704-372-3982 www.brandequitymarketing.com info@brandequitymarketing.com BrandRPM 704-225-1800 www.brandrpm.com CGR Creative 704-334-2232 www.cgrcreative.com Carolina Corporate Wear, Inc. 704-540-4613 www.carolinacorporatewear.com sales@ccw5.com

Walmart Stores, Inc. Michael Byron Senior Director of Supplier Diversity 479-277-5458 SupplierDiversity@wal-mart.com http://corporate.walmart.com/ suppliers/supplier-diversity

Clark Mobley Creative Associates 704-780-8021 shebiaclark@gmail.com

Wells Fargo Regina O. Heyward Head of Supplier Diversity 704-206-0054 regina.o.heyward@wellsfargo.com www.wellsfargo.com/supplierdiversity

Creative Marketing Ideas 704.684.5543 www.ceativemkg.com cs@creativemkg.com

Classic Achievements, Inc. 980-819-9176 www.classicachievements.com cs@classicachievements.com

Equine Marketing Group 704-663-4487

Businesses

KS Image Solutions, LLC 704-786-7763 www.ksimagesolutions.com info@ksimagesolutions.com

Administrative Services

Logo’d Gear 704-334-9333 www.logodgear.com

Cybertary Charlotte 704-256-4717 http://charlotte.cybertary.com charlotte@cybertary.com

Logo Pros 704-545-7408 www.logopros.us logopros1@gmail.com

Global Linking Solutions 877-914-5465 www.gls.com

Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerly.com elyerly@lyerly.com

Main Street Mobile Billboards 888-788-7492 www.mainstreetmobilebillboards.com Media Mark.US 803-329-7942 www.mediamark.us Media Power Advertising, Inc. 704-896-0310 www.mediapoweradvertising.com PIA International 704-593-1256 www.piapromo.com Pride Communications, Inc. 704-375-9553 www.pridemagazineonline.com QCityMetro.com 704-442-1565 www.qcitymetro.com

ResourceListings

Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov

Compass Group/Foodbuy Priscilla Wallace Supplier Diversity Manager 704-328-1129 supplierrelations@compass-usa.com www.cgnad.com

Robinson Thinks www.robinsonthinks.com Rutherford Media Group, LLC www.rutherfordmedia.com Spark Strategic Ideas, LLC 704-625-2185 www.sparksi.com The Agency Marketing Group 704-333-0667 www.gettheagency.com Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuricreative.com Yellow Duck Marketing, LLC 704-271-9555 www.yellowduckmarketing.com

Attorneys A. Gray Bonds 704-347-2545 Williams & Exum, P.A. 704-332-5583 www.jjexumlaw.com Mickle & Bass Law Firm 803-467-6423 www.mickleandbass.com Barbara L. White 704-375-9411 www.barbaralwhite.com Benjamin M. Li 704-527-0878 Brady & Kosofsky, PA 704-849-8008 www.bandklaw.com info@bandklaw.com Cheryl R. Watkins 704-552-3993 www.crwatkinslaw.com Cheryl@crwatkinslaw.com Douglas H. Kim Law Firm 704-504-0962 www.douglaskimlawfirm.com GPS Law Group 704-269-4223 www.dsimmons.com Gardner Skelton, PLLC 704-335-0350 www.gardnerskelton.com July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Hoard Law, P.C. 704-954-8094 www.hoardlaw.com

Tamela T. Wallace 704-371-4212 www.tamelatwallace.com

Houston Law Office 704-595-9146

Bishop, Dulaney, Joyner, Abner, P.A. 704-945-9850 www.bdjalaw.com

The Montgomery Law Firm, PLLC 704-749-3135 charlottemontgomerylaw.com Ferguson Chambers & Sumter, P.A. 704-375-8461 www.fergusonsumter.com Hands Law Office, PLLC 704-248-7976 www.handslawonline.com service@handslawonline.com Ken Harris & Associates 704-343-2620 www.kenharrisandassociates.com Kimberly E. Fox, PLLC 704-439-2720 www.kimfoxlaw.com Kimberly Poe Law Office 704-489-8182 Law Offices of Michael A. Demayo 704-333-1000 www.demayolaw.com Closing Carolina •Law Offices of Michelle Vereckey 704-283-5555 www.closingcarolina.com Lisa Andrew Dubs 828-323-1926 Morris York Williams Surles & Barringer, LLP 704-375-4480 Paul A. Suhr 919-876-4707 info@paulsuhrlaw.com www.paulsuhrlaw.com Ramsay Law Firm, P.A. 704-376-1616 www.ramsaylawfirm.com Robinson Law Group www.rlgcounsel.com 704-944-3583 The Snow Legal Group 704-358-0026 Email: info@snowlegal.com 725 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Collins Family Law Group 704-286-6881 www.collinsfamilylaw.com Starrett Law Firm, PLLC 704-887-4944 www.starrettlawfirm.com Susan D. Brotherton 704-873-7529 Law Offices of Michael Todd 704-343-9700 Fax 704-343-9044 mtodd@tmtoddlaw.com 1230 West Morehead St. Suite 302 28208

Central Law Group, PLLC 704-248-0949 http://www.clglawgroup.com The Justice Firm, LLC 704-377-4747 www.thejusticefirm.com admin@thejusticefirm.com The Wright Law Firm 704-332-2274 www.wrightforjustice.com RoderickWright@Wright4Justice.com Echols Purser & Glenn, PLLC 704-540-2550 Zamora Law 704-728-9633 www.zamoralaw.com info@zamora-law.com Roderick G. Davis Attorney & Counselor at Law 704-632-1500 rdavis@rgdavislaw.com

Book PublisherIndependent SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.sparkpublications.com

Book Stores

Atlantic Communication Products, Inc. 704-676-5880 www.goacp.com Brand Equity Marketing 704-372-3982 www.brandequitymarketing.com info@brandequitymarketing.com CGR Creative 704-334-2232 www.cgrcreative.com CCITI, LLC 704-969-2484 www.citi-llc.com IASO Sport Center 704-201-7791 Karin Lukas Technical Writing, LLC 704-552-2812 Media Power Advertising 704-896-0310 www.mediapoweradvertising.com Network Cabling Systems, Inc. 704-523-8606 www.networkcablingsystems.com Yellow Duck Marketing, LLC 704-271-9555 www.yellowduckmarketing.com Watson Electric Company, Inc. 704-947-5151 www.watsonelectric.com

Computers/Printers/Web Allegra Marketing, Print, and Mail 704-385-4212 www.allegracharlotte.com

Book Buyers 704-344-8611

Application Consultants, Inc. 704-573-7677

Park Road Books 704-525-9239 4139 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209

Applied Data Technologies 704-847-3000 www.applieddatatech.com info@applieddatatech.com

Main Street Books 704-892-6841 www.mainstreetbooksdavidson.com

CGR Creative (704) 926-9933 cgrcreative.com The Best Computer Fixers 704-333-2827 www.cfcomputerstore.com Computer House Calls 704-549-4334 http://www.chc-clt.com/ Computel Systems 704-541-8659 Copy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte 704-529-6606 www.copycatsouth.com CPI Training Solutions Inc. 704-593-8999 www.solutionsrus.com cpi@solutionsrus.com Dat-A-Syst, Inc. 704-523-3548 www.datasyst.net Experienced Recruiting Partners LLC 518-598-6300 www.experiencedrecruitingpartners. com Geek Choice 704-331-0739 www.geekchoice.com service@geekchoice.com BC Forward 866-363-1132 www.bcforward.com Hardison Cartridge, LLC 704-770-3533 www.hardisoncartridge.com JCMR Technology, Inc. 704-707-3333 www.jcmr.net Contact@JCMR.net Laury Controls & Design 704-785-6788 www.laurycontrols.com Logical Advantage, LLC 704-377-5066 www.logicaladvantage.com

The Book Rack 704-544-8006

Blueline Technologies 704-542-1514 www.BlueLTI.com info@BlueLTI.com

Julia’s Café & Books 704-295-4585 1133 N Wendover Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

Business Policy Solutions, LLC 704-921-9556 www.bpolicysolutions.com info@bPolicySolutions.com

KEMETIC Science Institute 704-910-6783 www.KemeticScienceInstitute.com

NTT DATA Consulting 800-745-3263 http://americas.nttdata.com/

Metrolina Printing & Promotional, LLC 704-262-3939 www.metrolinaprintpromo.com

Carolina Cartridge & Supplies 704-347-2447 www.ccsinside.com

Limelight Web Development 818-264-4256 www.limelightwebdevelopment.com

Advanced Imaging Systems 704-525-4392

Classic Graphics 704-597-9015 www.knowclassic.com info@knowclassic.com

Neteffect Technologies 704-504-9040 www.ne-t.com

Aquent 704-338-9119 www.aquent.com

Computech Consulting, LLC 704-499-8967 www.computech-consulting.net

Communications/ Media-Related Services

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Lorven Group, Inc. 704-899-5200 www.lorvengroupinc.com MPG Consulting Services LLC 704-807-6376 www.mpgcs.com info@ mpgcs.com

Paperless Digital Solutions, LLC 704-357-8881 www.paperlessds.com

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 704-971-7272

IRV Plumbing & Electric 704-544-0200 www.irvplumbing.com

Mr. Jim’s Pizza 704-376-5467 www.mrjims.pizza

The Regal Group 704-882-9061

Orthodontic Care 704-509-4999 (Northlake) 704-548-1653 (University) www.drcooperortho.com

Jim Dickerson Co. 704-331-0544 www.jim-dickerson.com

New Century Grocery & Food 704-921-1716

The Network Team, Inc. 980-263-2856 980-263-2850(Main) www.thenetworkteam.co SMS Tech Solutions, LLC 800-656-7702 www.smstechsolutions.com Virtual Information Systems Consulting 750 704-659-0665 www.visc750.com Xtramile Soft, LLC 704-699-9912 www.xtramilesoft.com info@xtramilesoft.com Zenmonics, Inc. 704-971-7315 www.zenmonics.com

Dentists/Orthodontists Smart Orthodontics (704) 549-8878 www.smartorthodontics.com Carlos A. Sanchez, DDS 704-896-6160 Carmel Commons Dental & Imaging 704-550-4403 www.carmelcommonsdental.com Dasling Dentistry 704-594-9250 www.daslingdentistry.com Derek C. Barnes, DDS 704-849-6700 www.drderekbarnes.com Diane E. Haberl, DDS 704-663-3001 Dual Image Orthodontics 704-269-8495 www.dualimageortho.com Friendly Dental of Ballantyne 704-494-7990 www.friendlydentalballantyne.com Jackson Orthodontics 704-464-0696 www.drjacksonsmiles.com Kathleen Boyd, DDS, MS, PA 704-637-3636 www.kbendo.com Eastover General Dentistry 704-842-3542 http://www.eastoverdental.com Southpark Doc 704-365-6505 www.southparkdentistcharlotte.com Matthews Periodontics 704-847-5657 www.matthewsperio.com Michael Stout Dentistry 704-332-7737 www.michaelstoutdentistry.com

Palmieri Dentistry 704-247-6336 www.palmieridentistry.com Renda L. Welch, DDS 704-786-9123 Rolle Oral & Facial Surgery 704-892-9500 www.rolleoralfacialsurgery.com

Jenkins Electric, Inc. 800-438-3003 www.jenkinselectric.com John Roper Electric Company 704-365-5648 www.johnroperelectric.com

Organic Marketplace 704-864-0605 www.organicmarketplacenc.com

Major Contractors, Inc. 704-392-3133 www.majorcontractors.com

Oriental Food Market, Inc. 704-537-4281

Sandy Stovall, DDS 704-549-5600 www.stovalldentistry.com

McNaughton-McKay Electric Co. 800-521-0917 www.mc-mc.com

SouthEnd Dentistry 704-335-8266 www.southenddentistry.com

Pike Corporation, Inc. 336-789-2171 www.pike.com

A Smile 4 U Family Dentistry 704-549-1199 www.Smile4ucharlotte.com

Starr Electric Company, Inc. 704-568-6600 www.starrelectric.net

Susan M. Collins, DMD 803-324-3277

Summit Air and Electric 704-597-0940 www.summitairandelectric.com

Steven Ghim, DMD 704-293-0213 University Pediatric Dentistry 704-688-1664 www.universitypediatricdentistrync. com U. Phillip Igbinadolor & Associates 704-494-8484 www.upidental.com S.W. Webber Jr., DDS 704-392-9357

WB Moore Company of Charlotte 704-331-9300 www.wbmoore.com White Electric Company 704-594-4612 www.whiteelectriccompany.com

Ethnic Food Items/ Grocery Stores

Young & Polite Children’s Dentistry (704) 587-7336 www.youngandpolite.com

A1 Stop Food Store 704-347-1747

Eagle Shembo Dentistry Dr. Etienne Shembo, DDS 704-503-0202 www.eagleshembodentistry.com

Central Market 704-567-2071 www.centralmarketcharlotte.com

Electrical Services Adams Electric Company 704-940-6080 www.adams-electric.com Beam Electric Company, Inc. 1-855-225-2326 www.beamelectric.com Gaylor Electric, Inc. 800-878-0577 www.gaylor.com Qwest Electric, LLC 704-662-3900 www.qwestelectricllc.com Interstate Electric Company, Inc. 704-333-7149 www.interstateelectriccompany.com

Ole Mexican Foods 704-587-1763 www.olemexicanfoods.com

Carolina Smoothies 704-358-0006

Caribbean Hut (2) (704) 527-9505 200 W Woodlawn Rd Suite D, Charlotte, NC 28217 Compare Foods 704-596-3495 www.comparesupermarkets.com Corner Store 2 803-366-3116 Celestial Cakes 704-258-1209 www.celestialcakes.com Eloquent Creations Catering & Design Services, LLC 704-200-6883 www.eloquentcreationscatering.com Honey Butter Bakery 704-421-1390 www.honeybutterbakery.com Lucky Oriental Grocery 704-568-8666

Futo Buta 704-376-8400 www.furobuta.com

ResourceListings

Rush Computer Rentals 800-343-7368 www.rushcomputer.com

Plaza Sundries 704-333-1410 Sweet It Is! Bakery 704-351-4668 www.sweetitis.net Tropical Nut & Fruit, Co 704-588-0400 www.tropicalfoods.com Uptown Catering Company 704-332-5521 www.uptowncateringco.com info@uptowncateringco.com

Events/Party Planning Aisha Thomas Events 704-951-4273 Aishathomas.com hello@aishathomas.com Botanica Lights, LLC 704-737-0962 www.botanicalights.com Creative Catering 704-373-2900 www.creativecateringinc.net Extravangaanza Events & Props 704-343-9200 www.extravaganzaevents.com It’s My Affair 704-394-4928 www.itsmyaffair.com Occasions Catering and Event Planning 704-333-1060 www.occasionscater.com The Main Event 704-332-5819 (Main) 704-605-6028 www.themaineventnc.com info@themaineventnc.com The Kee Group Portia Kee 704-726-6838 www.keepingeventsepic.com Wadsworth Estate 704-332-3050 www.wadsworthestate.com July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Engineering

Cornerstone Wealth Planning Matthews: 704-849-0123 www.cornerstone4planning.com

Advanced Enclosure Consulting 704-361-8664 www.aeconsulting-usa.com

My Gym 704-522-6966 www.mygym.com/charlotte

The Southern Gourmet 704-675-7412 www.thesoutherngourmet.net

First Legacy Community Credit Union 704-375-5781 www.firstlegacyccu.org

N’Shape with ’N 704-334-4848 www.nshapewithn.com

Zippy Ice Inc. 980-355-9851 www.zippyicecompany.com

Atom Engineering, PLLC 704-687-6019 www.atomengineers.com

eRates Mortgage 855-693-7283 www.eratesmortgage.com

C2 Engineering Solutions, PLLC 540-314-1578 www.rcengineering.net

Freedom Financial Advantage, LLC 704-905-9867 www.freedomfinancialadvantage.com

DiCon Consulting 980-202-2011 www.diconconsulting.com

GM Financial 704-719-3570 www.gmfinancial.com

Devita, Inc. 704-335-0396 www.devitainc.com

J & G Legacy Financial 704-557-9786 www.jandglegacy.com

High Performance Building Solutions, Inc. 704-299-1698 www.hpb-solutions.com

M&F Bank 704-332-2121 www.mfbonline.com

Brinkley Design, Inc. 704-372-8666 leigh@brinkleydesign.com

Toushea Body Boutique 980-354-1145 www.tousheabodyboutique.com

Classic Graphics 704-597-9015 www.knowclassic.com

8th Street Studio 704-372-4289 www.8thstreetstudio.com

Cynthia Frank Design 704-562-2616

Ultimate CrossFit 704-497-4099 www.ultimatecrossfit.com

Metro Retirement Plan Advisors 704-412-8170 www.myplanadvisor.com

Food/Catering/ Food Trucks

Jones Civil Design, P.C. 704-412-8523 www.jonescivildesign.com

AloStar Bank of Commerce 877-738-6391 www.alostarbank.com

Cake and Craft Creations 704-577-4400 www.cakeandcraft.com

Laurene, Rickher & Sorrell 980-235-2624 www.lrspc.net

Ocean Advisors 704-523-6914 www.oceanadvisors.com

Catering by Tara 704-492-3791 www.cateringbytara.com

Mitchell Consulting Incorporated (704) 766-0851

Rose & Associates Southeast 704-896-0094 www.roseassociates.com

Shultz Engineering Group 704-334-7363 www.shultzeg.com

Creative Catering 704-373-2900 www.creativecateringinc.net

Tucker Boynton Company 704-366-5085 www.tbfinancial.com

Smiley Engineering, Inc. 803-548-4111 www.smileyengineering.com

Shear Expressions, Inc. 704-847-8571

Big “L” Enterprises 704-392-8717 www.biglfood.com

Watson Electric Company, Inc. 252-237-7511 www.watsonelec.com

JP Financial Group LLC 704-543-6269 www.jpfinancialgroupllc.com Beacon Wealth Advisors 704-947-8444 www.mybeaconwealth.com

Wescott Structures, P.A. 704-921-0504 www.wescottstructures.com

Worth Financial Advisory Group 704-731-0121 www.worthadvisors.com

Willis Engineers, Inc. (704) 338-4664 www.willisengineers.com

Fitness/Wellness

Financial Services

Better Bodies 4 Us, LLC 980-721-1866 www.betterbodies4us.com

Anderson & Associates 704-347-0090 www.andersonexecsearch.com

Club Fitness 704-295-7900 www.goclubfitness.com

ATG Accounts & Advisors 704-303-9998 www.atgadvisors.com

Core Elevation Fitness & Wellness www.coreelevationfitness.com info@coreelevationfitness.com

Carter Insurance 704-542-7500 agents.allstate.com/luthercarter-jr-charlotte-nc.html

Energyve Fitness 704-763-6556 www.energyve.com

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Graphic Design

Total Life Changes 980-349-5747 shop.totallifechanges.com/ discoveryourfigure

Hinde Engineering, Inc. 704-814-4407 www.hindeengineering.com

System WorCx, PLLC 704-996-9924 www.systemworcx.com

PlantFitGym 704-449-1476

Essie’s Catering 803-329-2228 www.essiescatering.com FDY, Inc. 704-523-6605 www.fdyinc.com Heaven Sent Catering 704-399-0088 www.heavensentcatering.net Howard & Howard Event Management and Catering 980-349-5750 www.howardandhowardevents.com Jewell Treats 980-202-2530 www.jewelltreats.com Manolos Bakery 704-568-2120 www.manolosbakery.com Popbar www.pop-bar.com/charlotte 980-237-9750 Sadie’s Café 704-532-5570 SouthernCakeQueen 843-800-0766 www.southerncakequeen.com

Linda K Blake 704-408-8865 Moonlight Creative Group 704-3332-9918 www.moonlightcreative.com Moore Creative Ink, Inc. 704-726-6007 www.moorecreativeink.com SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.sparkpublications.com Steele Creek Printing & Design, Inc. 704-697-1755 info@steelecreekprinting.com Steelecreekpringting.com TC Design Solutions, Inc. 704-971-7854 www.tcdesignsolutions.net Virtual Illustrations 704-287-7023 www.virtualillustrations.com Vistec Graphx, Inc. 704-377-6626 www.vistecmarketing.com Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuricreative.com

Health Care/Medical Advantage Vision Center 704-375-3935 www.advantagevisioncenter.net Americare Health 704-535-0400 Arboretum Obstetrics & Gynecology 704-341-1103, 704-841-7225 www.arboretumobgyn.com Barbara G Green Physical Therapy 704-377-0020 www.barbaragreenphysicaltherapy. com Carolinas Eye Center & MedSpa 704-510-3100 www.carolinaseyecenter.com

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Carolina Family Healthcare 704-847-4000 www.carolinafamilyhealthcare.com Carolina Pediatric Therapy Cooperative 803-980-4900

Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness 704-543-2325 www.medicineandwellness.com

Heating and Air Conditioning

A Devine Lock and Key 704-579-4799 www.adevinelockandkey.com Bullseye Construction, Inc. 704-889-2855 www.bullseyeconstructioninc.com

A-1 Quality Insulating Service 704-331-9294

Carolina Custom Installations, Inc. 704-568-7277 www.cci-floors.com

AeroRaq Engineering Inc. 704-469-8463 www.aeroraq.com

Camden Roofing and Construction, LLC 704-858-2141

Air Diagnostics, Inc. 888-611-3011

Center for Personal Growth 704-655-2828 www.center-for-growth.com

AME Consulting Engineers, PC 704-295-4263 www.ame-pc.com

Carolina Hydroplanting, LLC 704-913-1113 www.carolinahydroplanting.com Carolina Lawn Service 919-633-4647 www.carolinalawn.com

Center for Speech Excellence, Inc. 704-375-5231 www.speechexcellence.com

Barrett & Garrett Heating & Air 704-391-2077 Barrettandgarretthvac@gmail.com

Queen City Master Services 800-326-5540 www.queencitymasterservices.com

CATAWBA Mechanical Services, Inc. 704-399-8786 www.catawbamechanical.com

Certapro Painters of North Charlotte 704-489-0957 north-charlotte.certapro.com

Climate Control of Charlotte 704-588-2066 www.climatecontrolcharlotte.com

Charlotte Plantscapes, Inc 704-529-1399 www.charlotteplantscapes.com

Cost Effective Maintenance, Inc. 704-332-9711

Bless Hurr Soil 484-714-2819 www.blesshurrsoil.com

Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry 704-377-3687 www.cltpediatricdentistry.com First Care Medical Clinic 704-271-5585 www.firstcarecanhelp.com Crown Clinic 704-527-5522 www.crownclinicpa.com Cynthia Busher 704-522-8300 www.cynthiabusher.com

Environmental Controls & Mechanical 704-910-2692

Cook’s Pest Control LLC 704-399-8919 www.cookspestcharlotte.com

Gordon’s Heating & A/C 704-370-7789

DLS Landscape 704-583-0777 www.dlslandscape.com

JP Chiropractic & Posture 704-841-1701 www.jpchiropractic.com

KID Construction Company, Inc. 704-277-4679 www.kidconco.com

Carolina Door Specialties, LLC 704-391-7133 www.carolinadoorspecialties.com

Lancaster One Medical 803-286-5700 www.lancasteronemed.com

Mckenney’s Inc. 704-357-1616 www.mckenneys.com

M.D. Laser Studio 704-664-4247 www.mdlaserstudio.com

Native Air & Heat 704-824-0380

HomeCare for the Carolinas, LLC 704-335-8488

Mount Holly Eye Clinic, Inc. 704-822-0099 www.mounthollyeyeclinic.com Thuanh Nah Nguyen, MD, PA Internal Medicine & Pediatrics 704-554-8880 Planned Parenthood 704-536-7233 www.plannedparenthood.org/healthcenter/north-carolina/charlotte Premier Pharmacy 704-496-9182 www.yourwellnesskey.com Speechworks Therapy Services 980-237-6226 www.speechworkstherapy.com Starks Pediatrics 704-717-2826 www.starkspediatrics.com

Performance Air, Inc. 704-394-4748 Refresco, PLLC 704-293-8011 www.refresco-pllc.com Superior Mechanical Systems, Inc. 704-335-1942 www.superiormsinc.com

Homecare Services Advanced Roofing & Exteriors, LLC 704-999-4130 www.advancedroofingandexteriors.com American Fence and Supply Co., Inc. 704-523-4936 www.americanfenceandsupply.com

Fresh Bright Corp. 704-526-6922 www.freshandbrightcorp.com Genesis Construction of the Carolinas 704-266-3737 www.genesiscoc.com Get The Lead Out, LLC 704-376-3594 www.gettheleadout.biz Jiron’s Construction, Inc. 800.555.6789 www.jironconstruction.com Kim’s Professional Painting 704-349-1810 www.kimsprofessionalpainting.com Millennium CCF and DJF, LLC 704-622-9409 PMG, Inc. 704-398-6676 www.professionalsmgmt.com

United Painting Services, Inc. 800-961-5927 www.unitedpaintingservices.com

Human Resources/ Executive Search AccruePartners, Inc. 704-632-9955 www.accruepartners.com Advantage Personnel Solutions, LLC 704-612-9500 www.advantageaps.com Advocations, LLC. 704-960-1783 www.advocations.org

ResourceListings

Centers for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research 704-895-9355 www.drbuttar.com

PrimeCare Medical 980-320-0221 www.primecaremed.org

Allegiance Staffing 704-556-1770 www.allegiancestaffing.com Alpha Labor Contractors, Inc. 704-398-2741 www.alphalaborcontractors.com Before You Hire, Inc. 704-878-3600 www.beforeyouhireinc.com Kforce 704-612-2800 www.kforce.com Burnett Resources, Inc. 888-273-4108 www.burnettresources.com BPN Healthcare Concepts 866-623-8880 www.bpnhealthcareconcepts.com Career Match Solutions 813-412-6560 CEO, Inc. 888-242-1755 www.ceohr.com Compass Career Management Solutions 704-849-2500 www.compasscareer.com Corestaff Services 704-248-3453 www.corestaff.com Employee Benefit Advisors of the Carolinas, LLC 704-442-4400 www.enviroequipment.com Be Evolved HR 919-576-9279 Beevolvedhr.com www.Rboone@beevolvedhr.com Galilee Agency, Inc. 704-394-0674 www.galileeagency.com

Tillman’s Lawn Care LLC altontillman70@yahoo.com 704-891-7584

Insurance Professional Search, LLC 704-362-5638 www.insuranceprofessionalsearch. com

Lewaro Interiors Inc. 980-430-1951 www.lewarointeriors.com

Integra Staffing 704-527-9191 www.integrastaffing.com July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Jennifer Temps, Inc. 704-510-1556 www.jennifertemps.com

Staffmark 704-799-3636 www.staffmark.com

J.W. Smith and Associates, LLC (919) 649-4055 jwsmithconsulting.com

Trinity Strategic Consulting, Inc. 704-957-0620 www.trinitystrategicconsulting.com

Kavaliro Staffing Services 704-525-3457 www.kavaliro.com Language Resource Center Inc 877-322-1244 www.languagerc.net LeadAdvantage, Inc 704-577-7891 www.leadadvantageinc.com Link Staffing 704-525-4555 www.linkstaffing.com Logical Advantage, LLC 704-377-5066 www.logicaladvantage.com Medical Administrative Solutions 704-944-3571 www.mascodingsolutions.com Metro Staffing 704-535-3559 www.metrostaffingservice.com Employment Practices Counsel Inc. 877-763-7193 www.lleary@epcounsel.com Performance Staffing Solutions, Inc. 704-927-1477 www.performss.com PrideStaff 704-237-3646 www.pridestaff.com ProLogistix 704-522-9166 www.prologistix.com FirstPoint, Inc. 800-288-7408 www.firstpointresources.com Vincent Career Training Institute 941-227-2092 www.vincentcareertraining.com Refulgent Technologies Inc. 704-405-4238 www.refulgent-tech.com Sappenfield Staffing, Inc. 704-332-4710 https://sappenfieldstaffing.com Simply Virtual 704-719-2202 www.simply-virtual.com SourceAbility, Incorporated 704-837-8200 www.sourceabilityinc.com

VisionCor, Inc. 704-366-7979 www.visioncor.com Xperience Leadership, LLC 704-896-9881 www.xperienceleadership.com CRG Workforce 704-665-9555 www.getcrg.com

Janitorial/Custodial Mint Maids 704-367-9931 www.mintmaids.com ATL & C Cleans, LLC 704-839-0283 www.atlccleans.com Bucket, Mop, and Broom Cleaning Service LLC 877-784-0781 www.bucketmopandbroom.com Elite Touch Cleaning Services, Inc. 704-266-0623 www.elitetouchcleaningservices.com

Greene Group 704-896-3110 www.greene-group.com

Green’s Commercial Cleaning, Inc. 704-525-5859 www.gccpride.com

Insurance Services

All Things Professional Cleaning, Inc (704) 345-3976 www.allthingsprofessional.net

Allstate Insurance: Bob White 704-376-3479 www.allstate.com/bobwhite2 Altmann & Porter Insurance 704-795-9001 www.bcbsnc.com Carolina Insurance School, Inc. 704-489-9440 www.carolinainsuranceschool.com Carolyn Green, Lutcf 704-504-0564 www.allstateagencies.com/ carolyngreen/welcome Dawn Johnson Agency 803-980-1414 https://www.statefarm.com/ agent/US/SC/Rock-Hill/DawnJohnson-Z4JGF1YS000 Group Insurance Solutions, Inc. 704-543-9314 www.groupinsurancesolutions.com Hayes Insurance Agency 704-545-3337 www.hayesinsuranceagent.com Zxiva Insurance 980-236-1548 Landmark Insurance Agency 704-633-7283 ACOP, LLC. (212) 945-8167 tchalk33@yahoo.com

Solutions Staffing 704-503-1090 www.solutionsstaffing.com

Prestige Insurance Agency, Inc. 704-321-3900 www.prestigeinsagency.com

Sign World, Inc. 704-529-4440 www.signworldnc.com

Rankin Insurance Group, Inc. 704-896-9393 www.rankininsurancegroup.com

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

JAC Janitorial Services 980-201-9099 www.jacjanitorialservice.com JC Services Unlimited 980-253-7256 www.jcservicesunlimited.com Joffie Contracting Services, Inc. 704-392-4442 www.joffie.com Miriam Davis Cleaning, LLC 704-201-6111 www.miriamdaviscleaning.com MOLLY MAID of South Charlotte / Matthews 704-714-1150 www.mollymaid.com Mr. Clean Maintenance Company 980-339-5399 www.mrcleanservices.com The Johnson Group 704-522-3546 www.aejohnsongroup.com Squeaky Completely Clean 704-455-7580 www.scclean.net Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Co. 803-470-3336 www.sparkleandshinecleaning company.com Top Pro Cleaners 704-241-6206 www.topprocleaners.com

Latin American Chamber Charlotte

Metro Landmarks Architecture, PC 704-333-2011 www.metrolandmarks.com AC&M Group 704-697-4400 www.acmconnect.com AFC Custom Granite 704-598-1647 www.afccustomgranite.com Speed Latino 828-466-9911 America’s Real Estate Group, Inc. 704-540-4646 www.americasre.com Amway - Miriam/Jorge 954-805-8061 www.amway.com/miribel Apex Exterminating, Inc. 704-573-1197 www.apexexterminatinginc.com Arlette Guerra de Hurtado 704-591-0359 Arronte Law Firm, PLLC 704-774-6292 AVON Products Cynthia Garcia 704-999-5581 AVON Products Myriam Gladney 704-814-7318 Baruu Advertising Group LLC 888-841-0179 www.baruu.com Beauty & Body Rituals 704-568-5458 www.bbrituals.com Bonilla Brothers, LLC 704-737-7124 www.bonillaroofingnc.com Borealis Language Academy 980-207-3958 www.borealislanguageacademy.com Cambio Coaching LLC 704-497-2340 www.cambiocoach.com Carnitas Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant 704-563-1651 www.carnitasmexican.com Celia Estrada Realtors 704-335-4400 Centro Medico Latino, PC 704-741-7591 www.centromedicolatino.com Latino Community Credit Union 704-531-0201 www.latinoccu.org JV Painting, LLC 704-942-1514

1900 Mexican Grill 704-334-4677 www.1900mexicangrill.com

Agua Source, LLC 704-831-8311 www.aguasourcellc.com

Mellorinas Catering 704-264-6115

Concepcion Barajas Painting 704-557-5072

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

CGR Creative (704) 334-2232 cgrcreative.com

Finishing Partners, Inc. 704-583-7322 www.finishingpartners.com

Qué Pasa Media 704-319-5044 www.quepasamedia.com

Culturati Research 858-750-2600 www.culturatiresearch.com

Precise Translating, LLC 704-606-2869

BluePepper Public Relations 704-625-6564 www.bluepepperpr.com

Pride Communications/ Pride Magazine 704-375-9553 www.pridemagazineonline.com

Daniela Melendez State Farm 704-733-9022 Dentist Salud 704-771-2268 www.dentistsalud.com El Progreso Hispano Newspaper 704-529-6624 www.progresohispanonews.com El Soplon Deportivo 704-238-0260 Elite Touch Cleaning Services, Inc. 704-266-0623 www.elitetouchcleaning.com

Premier Home Healthcare Services 704-521-4901 www.premierhomehealthcare.com Punta Cana Grill 704-529-3599 www.puntacanagrill.com Que Pasa Mi Gente Newspaper 704-319-5044 www.charlotte.quepasanoticias.com RentMeUSA 980-355-9696 www.rentameusa.com Sign Connection 704-868-4500 www.signcon.com

Exotic Landscapes 704-537-0842 www.exotic-landscapes.com

Promotion Magic 704-596-2300 www.promotionmagic.com

Fast Signs 704-599-4949 www.fastsigns.com

USTT, Inc. 704-676-0990

Latin American Coalition 704-531-3848 www.latinamericancolition.org Heits Building Services 919-361-5555 www.heitsofcentralnc.com/ HPS, Inc. 704-552-8077 Into Languages Global 704-408-3132 www.intolanguagesglobal.com

Windsor Jewelers 704-556-7747 www.windsor-jewelers.com

Marketing/ Public Relations AC & M Group 704-697-4400 www.acmconnect.com

CHDS Manufactures Representatives 704-504-1032 www.hdsreps.com Image Solutions 704-619-1539 International Minute Press 704-782-2020 www.concordimp.com Jervay Agency, LLC 704-780-7004 www.thejervayagency.com KS Image Solutions, LLC 704-786-7763 www.ksimagesolutions.com Lockman-Brooks Marketing Services 704-944-3188 www.lockmanbrooks.com The Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerly.com

Asian Library 704-332-4167 www.chungroup.org

La Noticia, The SpanishLanguage Newspaper 704-568-6966 www.lanoticia.com

CGR Creative 704-334-2232 www.cgrcreative.com

CAM Talent Agency 614-488-1122 www.camtalent.com

Compass Career Management Solutions 704-849-2500 www.compasscareer.com

La Noticia 704-568-6966 www.lanoticia.com

Law Offices of Stefan R. Latorre, PA 704-344-0004 www.latorrelaw.com Linzac Corporation, Inc. 704-502-7713 Mundo Uniforms, LLC 704-287-1527 Neighboring Concepts 704-374-0916 www.neighboringconcepts.com Parks Insurance Group 704-548-0500

Michelle Connley-Gore 980-477-5665 www.mdcmarketinggroup.com LaToya Evans Public Relations LLC 910-261-5874 Latoyasvans.com Digital Divas 201-304-2933 www.digitaldivasevents.com Dream Builders Communication, Inc, 704-727-5006 www.dreambuilderscommunication.com Eaddy, Perry & Associates, Inc. 704-965-6956 www.eaddyperry.com

Mental Health Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions 980.938.4100 www.cardinalinnovations.org

The FMRT Group 866-761-0764 www.fmrt.com

A Design Company 704-910-0113 www.robinsonthinks.com

Latorre Insurance Group 704-766-0889 www.latorreinsurance.com

The Charlotte Post 704-376-0496 www.thecharlottepost.com

Pride Public Relations 704-375-9553 www.pridepr.net

Johamar, Tires/Wheels 704-847-0175

Las Delicias Bakery, Inc. 704-568-2120

SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.sparkpublications.com

Essential Assessments & Behavioral Health 980-939-5099 www.essentialhealthnc.com

Media/Magazines/ Newspapers/Radio

LaCa Projects 704-837-1688

Speak Up Magazine 704-980-9885 www.speakupmag.org

Mythic Advertising & Marketing 704-227-0700

Apple Rock Displays 1-800-478-2324 www.applerock.com

JDC Construction 980-721-2882

Radio One — Old School 105.3, Praise 100.9FM 704-548-7800 www.oldschool1053.com www.praisecharlotte.com

Lake Norman Currents 704-749-8788 www.lncurrents.com Lake Norman Woman 704-895-6168 www.lakenormanwoman.com LaRaza — 106.1FM 800-975-0760 www.larazalaraza.com Breiding Electronics, Inc. 704-362-5333 www.breidingelectronics.com Norsan Media 800-975-0760 www.norsanmedia.com Qcitymetro.com 704-442-1565 www.qcitymetro.com

ResourceListings

CSB Promo 704-708-5088 www.csbpromo.com

Pride in North Carolina 919-934-1312 www.pridenc.com Symmetry Behavioral Health Systems 704-369-3921 www.symmetrybhs.com

Office Supplies/Services Aaron’s 877-607-9999 www.aarons.com Ad Concepts, Inc. 704-366-1616 www.goadconcepts.com Richa Graphics 704-331-9744 www.richa.com Beardsley Office Solutions, LLC 704-395-3081 www.bosrepair.com Carolina Marking Devices 704-599-4500 www.caromark.com Shred-It, Inc. 888.750.6450 www.shredit.com UPS Store - Stewart Creek Crossing 704-392-5099 store5926@theupsstore.com July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Optometrists

Indigo Photography 704-335-0948 www.indigocharlotte.com

Timeless Arts, LLC 803-493-7086 www.timelessartsonline.com

Advantage Vision Center 704-375-3935 www.advantagevisioncenter.com

JB Long Photography 803-517-7159 www.jblongphotography.com

Plumbers

Fort Mill Vision Center 803-547-5547 www.fortmillvision.com

Joanna Dehart Photography 704-545-5850 www.joannadehartphotography.com

Photography/Aerial/ Commercial Avioimage Mapping Services, Inc. 704-573-7080 www.avioimage.com Advanced Imaging Systems 800-365-1038 www.aisimc.com Boyle Consulting Engineers, PLLC 704-676-0778 www.boyleconsulting.com

Kim Brattain Media 704-562-9161 www.kimbrattain.com

Dependable Plumbing 704-982-6938 Heyworth Plumbing Company, Inc. 704-523-2696 www.heyworthplumbing.com

Lisa Adams Photography 704-334-3231 www.lisaadamsphotography.com Media Arts Collective, LLC 704-771-9927 www.mediaartscollective.com

Tew Equipment Solutions, Inc, 704-573-5476 www.tewequipment.com

Origin Land Surveying and Mapping, Inc. 704.852.9453 www.originlandsurveying.com

Roper Construction, LLC. 704-258-1531 www.roperconstructionllc.com National Plumbing Solutions 704-309-9565

PPT Photography 704-293-7459 www.pptphotography.com

Moments by Donna 704-364-1215 www.momentsbydonna.com

Color Star Media 980-819-0255 www.colorstarmedia.com Colorstarmedia@gmail.com

Edison’s Photographics 704-333-0123 www.edisonsphotographics.com

Sanborn 1-866-726-2676 www.sanborn.com

Agua Source 704-831-8311 www.aguasourcellc.com

Moore & Son’s Services LLC. 866-540-5054 Pay Less Plumbing 704-910-8395 Paylessplumbingofcharlotte.com Crockett Quality Plumbing llc. 704-231-1531 Qualityplumbing.Crockett @aol.com

Reed’s Plumbing Company 704-399-7785 Rooter Man 704-315-2651 www.rooterman.com

Printers Action Graphics 704-332-1164 www.actionprints.com Allegra Marketing, Print, and Mail 704-385-4212 www.allegracharlotte.com American Labels & Printing 704-633-8005 Fast Signs Matthews/ Ballantyne 704-841-4033 www.fastsigns.com BEC Car Printing Co., Inc. 704-873-1911 www.beccarprinting.com Carolina Cartridge & Supplies, Inc. 704-347-2447 www.ccsinside.com The Charlotte Post Publishing Co. Inc. 704-376-0496 www.thecharlottepost.com

Charlotte Business INClusion can help you do business with the City of Charlotte. Become a certified minority, women or small business enterprise. Build relationships with city buyers. Increase visibility and notification of city contracting opportunities. Attend free workshops, seminars and networking events. Get access to working capital loans. Call Charlotte Business INClusion to get started, (704) 336-4137 or visit charlottebusinessinclusion.com.

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Recycling/Junk Removal/Shredding

Copy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte, Inc. 704-529-6606

C & M Recycling, Inc. 704-599-1771 www.gotsomeconcrete.com

Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 704-370-0100 www.nikkosushibar.net Soho Bistro 704-333-5882 www.sohobistro2go.com

Underground printing-Custom T Shirts & More 980-495-0324 www.Undergroundshirts.com/clt

Carolina Recycles 704-376-4295 www.carolinarecycles.com

Shun Lee Palace, Inc. 704-366-2025 www.shunleepalacecharlotte.com

Junk King 704-469-4815 www.charlotte.junk-king.com

Ishi Restaurant 704-921-9219 www.sushiishi.com

Shred-It, Inc. 704-424-5997 www.shredit.com

Thai House - University 704-717-8006 www.thaihouse.us.com

All Points Waste Service Inc. 704-821-5424 www.allpointswasteservice.com

Thai Orchid 704-364-1134 www.thaiorchidrestaurantcharlotte. com

Remodeling

Thai Taste 704-332-0001 www.thaitastecharlotte.com

Anointed Flooring, Inc. 704-510-8906 www.anointedflooring.com

Vietnam Grille 704-525-2408 vietnamgrille.business.site

Do It All Interiors, LLC 704-492-9741 www.doitallinteriors.webs.com

Multicultural Cuisine

ImageMark 704-865-4912 www.imagemarkonline.com Lake Printing and Design 704-895-3878 www.lakeprinting.biz Marie’s Print Shop, Inc. 704-633-1125 Metrographics 704-375-2474 www.metrographicsprinters.com Mid-Carolina Reprographics, LLC 704-529-0612 www.mid-carolinareprographics.com Perfect Image Printing, Inc. 704-841-2464 www.perfectimagemktg.com Proforma Impressions Group 704-575-2743 www.proforma.com/ impressionsgroup Image Solutions 704-771-5038 www.imagesolutions.biz Rainbow Printing Co. 704-861-1820 Richa Graphics 704-331-9744 www.richa.com Squeegee Tees & More, Inc. 704-888-0336 Tower Guys, Inc. 704-845-1004 www.towerguysinc.com Vision Print Solutions 1-800-200-9797 www.visionenvelope.com Vision Forms & Supplies, LLC 704-940-0741

Real Estate Canopy 704-372-0911 www.CarolinaHome.com Nettie Lark, REALTOR Morton Malloy Realty 704-340-3862 www.mwrealtors.net

Free Agent Electric 704-502-4677 M.A.N. Construction 704-786-5439 Mister Sparky 704-341-2270 www.mistersparky.com Interior Motives by will smith llc 704-523-0935 Interiormotives.ws ToddCo Builders, Inc. 704-277-6338 www.toddcobuilders.com

Restaurants

Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish 3100 Statesville Ave. 704-333-0455 www.mrcharleschickenandfish.com Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish 8006 Cambridge Commons Drive 704-595-7410 www.mrcharleschickenandfish.com Nana’s Soul Food Kitchen 704-357-3700 www.nanassoulfoodkitchen.com Price’s Chicken Coop 704-333-9866 www.priceschickencoop.com Soul Central 980-349-4015 www.soulcentralfood.com Los Paisas (Colombian) 704-542-5477 www.lospaisasrestaurant.com VelTree – Vegan Soulfood 980-355-0075

Security Alarms and Services

Copper Cuisine of India 704-333-0063 www.copperrestaurant.com

Alpha Alarm Systems, Inc. 704-598-5829 www.alphasecurity.us

Maharani Indian Cuisine 704-370-2455 www.maharaniindiancuisine.com

Firestop Carolinas, Inc. 704-662-7720 www.firestopcarolinas.com

Saffron Indian Restaurant 980-297-7722 www.saffron-cuisine.com

Keyper Systems 704-455-9400 www.keypersystems.com

Azteca Mexican Restaurant (Woodlawn) 704-525-5110 www.aztecarestaurantcharlotte.com

JP Government Investigations 877-990-2111 www.jpgovernmentinvestigations.com

Asian 88 China Bistro 704-335-0288 www.88chinabistro.com

Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant 704-921-2414 www.donpedrorestaurant.com

Basil Thai CuisineCharlotte, NC 704-332-7212 www.eatatbasil.com

Three Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina 704-536-1851 www.threeamigoscharlotte.com

Ben Thánh Vietnamese Restaurant 704-566-1088

Monterrey 704-593-0167 www.monterreyuncc.com

Dim Sum 704-569-1128

una’s Living Kitchen 704-333-0008 www.lunaslivingkitchen.com

House of Leng 980-207-3518 (University) 704-510-5081 (Mallard Creek) www.houseofleng.com

Mert’s Heart & Soul 704-342-4222 www.mertscharlotte.com

Anntony’s Caribbean University 704-598-6863 6434 West Sugar Creek Rd. Suite F

Cantina 1511 704-331-9222 www.cantina15eleven.com

Fujo Uptown Bistro 704-954-0087 www.fujobistro.com

La’wan’s Soul Food Restaurant 704-665-7225 www.lawans.com

Bobbee O’s BBQ 704-509-6902 www.bobbeeosbbq.com Chicken Box 704-566-6000 www.thechickenboxcafe.com

ResourceListings

Classic Graphics 704-597-9015, 800-368-1056 www.knowclassic.com

Landmark Security, Inc. 704-527-7756 LifeGuard Protective Services, Inc. 704-319-3180 www.lifeguardprotective.com K.M. Armstrong Associates, Inc. (704) 366-1776 www.kmaa.com Professional Protection, Inc. 704-523-1660 www.ppi-inc.net Professional Security Services 1-888-704-7765 www.pssprotection.com SAF Technologies, Inc. 704-844-0955 www.saftechnologies.com Security Solutions Group & Investigative Services 540-220-0052 www.ssgis.com andre@ssgis.com July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

ResourceListings

Southeastern Public Safety Group 704-394-1500 www.secpd.com

Signs Bunn Barber Specialties 704-650-2242 www.bbunnspecialties.com Signs Now 704-343-9619 DAWA, Inc. 704-321-4748 www.dawainc.com FastSigns - S. Tryon 704-527-9102 www.fastsigns.com/176 Graphical Creations, Inc. 704-888-8870 www.graphi-cal.com McCallum Sales, Inc. 704-377-2367 Petrie Sign Installation 704-599-6977 Pronto Signs 704-890-4554 www.prontosigns.biz Quality Neon, Inc. 704-598-2256 www.qualityneoninc.com Rutherford Media Group, Inc. 704-373-2522 www.rutherfordmedia.com Sign Innovations 704-375-2338 www.signinnovations.com Signs, ETC of Charlotte 704-522-8860 www.signsetcofcharlotte.com Signs by Tomorrow 844-957-4467 www.signsbytomorrow.com

Street Sweeping/ Parking Lots Major Clean 704-529-5775 www.majorcleaninc.com Supreme Sweepers, LLC 888-698-9996 www.supremesweepers.com

ATG Advisors 704-303-9998 www.atgadvisors.com Burchett Financial Services 704-549-9401 www.burchettfinancial.com Bustle Tax Service 704-873-3946 H&R Block 704-503-1502 Liberty Tax Service 704-373-1343 www.libertytax.com Lucas Tax & Energy Consulting 704-968-5506 www.lucastaxandenergy.com Marilynn Allred (H&R Block) 704-827-5761 MND Accounting 866-774-9447 Mndaccounting.com Storey’s Tax Bookkeeping & Secretarial 704-865-0210 www.storeystaxservice.com TaxPro 1000 Instant Tax Centers 704-596-3400 www.taxpro1000.com Hawkins Accounting & Tax Service 704-509-2399 www.hawkinstax.net

Taxis Assistance Travel & Transportation, Inc. (919) 489-5050 www.assistancetravel.com A & S Taxi 704-938-5440 VIP Transportation Services 704-200-2347 www.ondutylimo.com Crown Cab Company, Inc. 704-334-6666 www.crowncabinc.com Luxury Transportation 704-458-9126 Prestige Wheelchair Transportation 704-332-3939

Video Production Tax Return Preparation ABC Tax Services 704-735-7900

Apollo Video Productions 704-814-8899 www.apollovideoclt.com

Accounting Associates 704-864-0284

Civilized Films, Inc. 704-904-6368 www.civilizedfilms.com

Accounting Payroll & Taxes, Inc. 704-482-1722

Story Street Studio 404-405-1229 www.storystreetstudio.com

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Color Star Media 980-819-0255 Colorstarmedia@gmail.com www.colorstarmedia.com Kim Brattain Media 704-562-9161 www.kimbrattain.com Rutherford Media Group 704-373-2522 SL Media Productions 704-451-3566

Business & Civic Organizations 100 Black Men of Charlotte 704-375-7300 www.100blackmenofcharlotte.org Altrusa International of Charlotte 704-321-2902 http://districtthree.altrusa.org/charlotte

The Inertia Group 704-301-2551 www.inertia-group.com

Metropolitan Business & Professional Women 704-500-3524 www.mbpw.org info@mbpw.org

Web Design

Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County 704-525-5843

The Agency Marketing Group 980-938-6779 www.gettheagency.com

Office of International Relations 704-336-2174 www.charlotteinternational.org

New Creations Enterprises 704-971-7854 Brand Equity Marketing, LLC (704) 372-3982 www.brandequitymarketing.com Neonsky Creative Media 704-377-4820 www.neonsky.com STP Ventures, LLC 704-470-4121 www.stpventures.com The Anstad Group 704-208-8304 www.anstad.com Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuricreative.com

Nonprofits Chambers of Commerce Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce 866-937-2742 www.caacc.com Charlotte Business Guild (LGBT Community) 704-750-5224 Charlotte Chamber 704-378-1300 www.charlottechamber.com Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce 704-212-2032 www.cmbcc.org Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte 704-343-2525 www.lacccharlotte.com

Chinese-American Association of Charlotte 704-877-6759 704-651-3964 www.charlottechinese.com Diversity Council of the Carolinas 281-975-0626 www.ndccarolinas.org The Diversity Forum 704-527-9191 www.thediversityforum.org Women Network 704-208-9561 www.ewomennetwork.com Filipino-American Community www.facc.us German Language and Culture Foundation 704-678-4331 www.germanfoundation.com Hispanic Contractors Association of the Carolinas 704-583-4184 www.hcacarolinas.org Hmong Community 828-327-6137 www.hmongcarolinas.com Homes of Hope Transitional Housing for the Homeless (704)-984-2883 www.stanlycohomesofhope.org InnerVision, Inc. 704-377-5042 www.innervisionnc.org Internal Revenue ServiceCharlotte 704-548-4100 www.irs.gov Lao American Association www.lasga.org Latin American Coalition 704-531-3848 www.latinamericancoalition.org

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

National Hispanic Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Inc. www.nheo.org

League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg 704-556-4600 www.goleaguego.org

Neighborhood Good Samaritan Center 704-605-6723 704-531-9989 www.ngscenter.org

Metrolina Minority Contractors Association 704-332-5746 www.mmcaofcharlotte.org

Pride Entrepreneur Education Program (PEEP) 704-375-9553 www.peepcharlotte.org

Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas 704-536-9668 Jacarolinas.org

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Republican Women 704-903-6037 www.cmrw.org

N.C. Small Business Administration (SBA) 704-344-6563 https://www.sba.gov/localresources/north-carolina

SCORE 704-344-6576 www.charlottescore.org

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Charlotte 704-900-3067 www.nawbocharlotte.org National Black MBA Association — Charlotte Chapter 877-732-0314 www.nbmbaacharlotte.org

Urban League-Central Carolinas 704-373-2256 www.urbanleaguecc.org Vietnamese Association 704-607-4461 http://vietcharlotte.wix. com/vietcharlotte Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange 980-355-7000 www.wi-ce.net

Community Services A Child’s Place 704-343-3790 www.achildsplace.org Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency 704-535-8803 www.carolinarefugee.com Center of Hope/ Salvation Army (Shelter for women and children) 704-348-2560 www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/ charlotte/home/ Children and Family Services Center 704-943-9400 www.childrenfamily.org Community Link 704-943-9490 www.communitylinknc.org Crisis Assistance Ministry 704-371-3001 www.crisisassistance.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte 704-910-1301 www.bbbscharlotte.org Hope Haven, Inc. 704-372-8809 www.hopehaveninc.org

Kicking for a Dream www.kickingforadream.org Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services 704-336-3000 www.charmeck.org Refugee Support Services www.refugeesupportservices.org info@refugeesupportservices.org Safe Alliance 704-322-9034 www.safealliance.org Supportive Housing Communities 704-335-9380 www.supportivehousingcommunities.org

ResourceListings

Latin American Women’s Association 704-552-1003 www.lawanc.org

United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc. 211 (information and referral services) 704-372-7170 www.uwcentralcarolinas.org Urban Ministry Center 704-347-0278 www.urbanministrycenter.org YMCA of Greater Charlotte 704-716-6200 www.ymcacharlotte.org

July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

PrideBusiness

FYI News & Notes

Racial Wealth Gap Worse for Families with Children

Compiled by Katrice Bryant

Gregory Watson Named New Director of Corporate Services

Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council

Gregory A. Watson was recently named the director of Corporate Services covering North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia for Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council. Watson is a general management and marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience successfully building and growing businesses. He brings corporate and MBE experience through ownership of a management consulting company. Watson previously served as a consultant to the Ohio MSDC, in addition, as a vice president of marketing for UniWorld Group Inc., McGraw Hill Education and Nationwide Insurance– Financial Services division. He will reside in Charlotte, and his first plan of action is to add a manager of Corporate Services in the Virginia market.

A new study called “A Penny on the Dollar: Racial Inequalities in Wealth Among Households with Children,” by Christina Gibson-Davis, professor of public policy and sociology at Duke University and Christine Percheski, professor of sociology at Northwestern University, found the ongoing economic disparities are continuing to be a challenge in communities of color. According to the new study that examines the relative wealth of black, white and Hispanic families, in 2016, black households with children had only one penny of wealth for every dollar held by their white counterparts. “Our study provides one of the first estimates of the extreme wealth inequality across racial/ethnic lines among households with children,” said Gibson-Davis. The Great Recession affected black households with children more severely than similar Hispanic or white households. The impact from the

coronavirus pandemic could be even more devastating, she says. The study drew on data from the Survey of Consumer Finances from 2004 to 2016. The researchers defined a child household as one that contained at least one member under the age of 18, in which the household head self-identified as non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black or Hispanic. They examined the assets and debts— including home ownership and education debt—by race, ethnicity and year. “Wealth is central for child well-being, for acquiring education and skills, and for their outcomes later in life. We also know that most children will have the same wealth position as their parents,” said Gibson-Davis. “Any child—black, brown, or white—who grows up without a lot of wealth is likely to have low wealth as an adult.” To read the entire study go to: journals.sagepub.com P

Access To Capital Small Business Recovery Program

Attention Small Business Owners The City of Charlotte and Foundation For The Carolinas have partnered to distribute $30 million in CARES Act funding as grants to small business throughout Charlotte. Grants are either $10,000 or $25,000 depending on the size of your business. Small business owners may apply at www.fftc.org/CLTCityGrant from June 22 through July 31. To be eligible, your business must meet the following requirements: • Has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic • Headquartered within Charlotte, NC, city limits • 25 or fewer employees • Gross sales of between $30,000 and $2 million for 2019 • Established before January 1, 2020 • Not currently engaged in bankruptcy proceedings Other eligibility requirements apply; visit www.fftc.org/CLTCityGrant for full details and exclusions, and for a list of documents required for the application. To ensure an equitable process, applications will be randomly selected for review each day instead of a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are not guaranteed to receive a grant.

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

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July-August 2020 | Pride Magazine

YES, your safety is our priority Nothing matters more than your health and safety. That’s why you can trust Novant Health, recently recognized as the safest healthcare in the communities we serve by The Leapfrog Group, a hospital safety watchdog organization. Now, more than ever, Novant Health is committed to saying YES to care on your terms. Is it safe to get the care you need? YES! And during the COVID-19 pandemic, Novant Health is here for you with the highest safety standards and unlimited access. That’s why we offer masks for all, mandatory screenings, social distancing and innovative approaches, like expanded virtual care. With us, you can: • See your doctor via scheduled or on-demand video visit. • Get at-home medical help 24/7 with our online e-visit option. • Use our TytoHome device to diagnose and get treatment for common conditions. • Check in by phone and see a provider from your car. • Get safe, immediate care for emergencies. Novant Health is at your side with remarkable care, now more than ever. Learn more at NovantHealth.org/safestcare