Xcellence community magazine fall 2015 preview issue

FALL 2015

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

goes pink!

In this issue

2015 Leadership Honorees

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Happy Seventh-Versary

President, CEO, Founder Angella Palmer-Banks

Committed to X Cancer Out

Meet the Survivors

The NeXt Level

From the Publisher The Fall season has just begun, and we only have three months left to maximize 2015. Now is the time to push forward! It’s okay if you got off track, but you can still finish strong.

There’s no time like the present time.

You will feel good knowing that what you set out to accomplish in January, can still be achieved. For those that are on track, now is the perfect time to start planning sessions for your 2016 calendar.

There are many things that you have envisioned for your life, from career dreams, starting your own business to family legacy planning, etc…

However, you are your own biggest procrastinator.

Every day, every act, every step, MUST BE INTENTIONAL! Forget about all your could haves, would haves, and should haves, they are a thing of the past. Set your focus on what is in front of you, the reward will be far greater.

Remember, I am cheering you on!

Do your best work, so that it will be reflected in the Spirit of eXcellence.

Therefore, your product, your service, your planning, your best efforts, will always be a reflection of you. Never forget that, a dream is just a dream, until you’re living it.

I just want to Thank God for his promise regarding Xcellence, Inc. This year, we finished strong with seven years of operation. From a dream in late 2007, to a living, thriving organization, that is making an impact in people lives all across the globe.

I must be honest; there were times that I just wanted to throw in the towel. If there is anyone out there, that is making a continual sacrifice to commit to the works and assignments that God has given you, it constantly weighs heavy on your heart. Having a name like Xcellence, which is a direct reflection of everything he is to me, I cannot deliver anything less than that. Therefore, I pray that every experience you have with our organization, will live up to its name. 2016 is already well underway with solid plans that will surely shift us to the next level.

A soft launch of our IXI Online Leadership has already been completed, which will provide a virtual platform for leaders anywhere to experience various online classes, created by real people, with real experiences, to get real results. In addition, truly one of the most exciting initiatives to date, is our new Partner-in-Xcellence Initiative. We have found through our grass root community efforts, that within the church every individual can directly benefit from our organization. We are committed to seeing the mission, and vision of Xcellence fulfilled and we are excited about this life-changing partnership, which will surely propel us to one of the most innovative movements in the non-profit, community-based, and faith-based community sector.

We solicit your continued prayers, support, partnership, and donations, as we continue on a journey to make every community an Xcellent community through the development, empowerment, and promotion of strong leadership across the country. Visit us online at www.xcellenceinc.org to support the X movement or call 1-888-983-1672 x 1.

http://www.facebook.com/xcellence

Angella Palmer-Banks Angella Banks Founder/Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Audra Buchanan Co-Founder/Vice-President Marion Mosby Co-Editor-In-Chief Dianne McKinney National Membership Director

http://www.twitter.com/xcellbiz.grp

http://www.xcellence.com

Angella Banks Mission Possible Global Outreach Activated

2015 Humanitarian Award of Xcellence Anne Banks

Gospel Artist Mrs. Vonda Cooper-Peet

My Story!

His Glory!

Dr. Monica Dunnagan

Tamara Roach

Wandra Cain

Maria Luchsinger

Thanks for Supporting Xcellence in Haywood County Haywood County, TN Supports Xcellence Communities Special Thanks to County Mayor Franklin Smith

The City of Brownsville, TN Supports Xcellence Communities Special Thanks to City Mayor Bill Rawls

The Historical Woodlawn Missionary Baptist Church Supports Xcellence Communities

Special Thanks to Pastor James Farmer, Jr. and First Lady Jamonica

Celebrating 7 Years of Xcellence 2008 to 2014

7th Annual Gala 2015

Legacy Humanitarian Award of Xcellence

Anne Banks

“While recently retired, I remain committed to the betterment of my community and State and will continue to stay involved through volunteer service. My true passion is to serve women and children.”

• Retired after 32 Years of in City Government • Served 29 Years as Director of Community Development Managed over 80 projects ($38M in grant funds) including street, water, sewer, park and industrial projects and rehab of over 400 homes.

• 16 Years as Assistant to the Mayor • 14 Years as Deputy Director Scott Street Community Resource Center (serves at risk children) • 11 Years as Project Manager - BHCCAO, Inc. Affordable Housing Program - Constructed 25 homes for low and moderate income families (most for single mothers and their children) • Founding Member of Leadership Haywood County • Graduate WestStar Leadership Program • Graduate Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy Past Board Affiliations: Regions Bank - Brownsville Branch - Vice President Economic Development; Brownsville Chamber; State of Tennessee Civil Rights Title VI Advisory Board; Boys and Girls Club, Brownsville; Habitat for Humanity; State of Tennessee Judicial Selection; West Tennessee American Red

Cross; Brownsville Industrial Development Board: Past President Brownsville Rotary Club; Founding Member of Brownsville Salvation Army Current Board Affiliations: Board member Brownsville Rotary Club; Member of Tennessee at Martin WestStar Leadership Program Strategic Planning Committee(serving on the Working Women & African American Conferences); Member /Secretary Brownsville Municipal Planning Commission; Member Brownsville Haywood County Joint Economic and Community Development Board Honorable Mentions: Recipient of Economic Council on Women “E” Award, Brownsville Chamber Woman of the Year Award WestStar Jimmy Daniel Making a Difference Award HUD Urban Excellence Award, USDA Excellence Award Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, Lifetime Member Haywood County NAAC Most important – Member, New Olivet Baptist Church, Memphis, TN, where I am an Ordained Deacon

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visit www.xcellenceinc.org Family Status: Husband Willie Banks Daughters Stacey and Bridgett Banks Grandsons Will Channing Banks and Tristan Alexander Long

Business Leader of the Year Wandra Neal-Cain Wandra Neal Cain is the principle designer and CEO of WCA Interiors LLC, a premier design and decorating firm headquartered in Easton, Pennsylvania. She is currently developing and designing interior portfolios for both the residential and commercial markets. Wandra has active memberships in American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Certified Interior Decorators (CID), and National Association of Professional Women (NAPW). She and her husband founded Three One 6 Consulting and is currently leading the company’s Be Strong Campaign, a ministry designed to encourage and inspire people around the world.

Her 20 year career in design includes multiple successful entrepreneurial and corporate positions that include residential construction designs. She has earned degrees in interior design and decorating and owns and manages a real estate portfolio in the Jackson, Tennessee area.

A native of Tennessee, Wandra credits her ability to her faith and her Southern upbringing.

According to Wandra, “my personal faith drives me forward and it’s anticipating the joy in the face of my client that motivates me to do a great job.” Wandra also believes that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. “I love creating spaces that are unique and making them into someone’s special sanctuary”.

Wandra lives in Pennsylvania with her husband David and her daughter Nia.

Member of the Year Dianne McKinney

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Dianne McKinney is a native of Streator, Illinois and currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

She serves as the National Membership Director of Xcellence,Inc. She is a proud mother of two sons, Joseph and Aaron. She is a Personal lines underwriter and has over 25 years of Insurance experience. She as a associates degree in business and has a property and casualty license. In her spare time she enjoy volunteering for several non profit groups, such as Habitat for Humanity and March of dimes.

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visit www.xcellenceinc.org

10

Woman of the Year

Monique Merriweather Monique Merriweather began working for the City of Jackson as a 911 dispatcher in August of 1997. As a dispatcher, Merriweather provided emergency services to thepublic and dispatched the appropriate police/ fire emergency apparatus. She served as a CTO (communication training officer), training new hires and conducting in servicetraining. Answered 911 emergency and non-emergency calls, worked with surrounding cities, states, and counties, in the apprehensions of criminals and supervised a staff of five employees.

The Second Chance program has assisted over 40 offenders with gainful job placement, GED, family reunification, driver’s license reinstatement, parenting, anger management and basic life skill classes.

In 2005, she became the case manager for the City of Jackson Drug Treatment Court program. In this position, Merriweather prepared court dockets, documented court dispositions, and made follow up court dates. She monitored and documented the progress of Drug Treatment Court participants and produced agency newsletters, brochures, and informational fliers. She was responsible for facilitating the treatment team and moral reconation therapy (CBT). She also organized fundraisers and solicited donations from area businesses for Drug Treatment Court Events. She conducted all direct observation drug/alcohol screens for female participants and initiated crisis services when needed. Merriweather was responsible for developing a plan of service for participants and enforcing the policy and procedures as well as administering needs assessments and analyzing data to determine appropriate treatment modalities.

In 2010, Merriweather under the direction of Mayor Gist and other community advocates implemented the Low Income Homeowner repair program. This program consist of area churches from all denominations working together to assist homeowners that do not have the resources to repair their homes. Materials for the repairs are provided to homeowners that meet the income requirements. In 2011, Merriweather started Greater Works Community Outreach, (Kids in the Kitchen) in the Hillcrest Circle community in collaboration with Area Relief Ministries. The goal of this ministry is to strengthen the family unit by bringing families back to the table. While learning how to prepare healthy meals, and make healthier food choices, children and parents have an opportunity to connect with one another. Area churches have implemented this program into their family ministry curriculum.

In 2008, Mayor Jerry Gist appointed Merriweather to the role of Director of Neighborhood Services. The mission of the Neighborhood Service Department is to make government more accessible to the citizens we serve. This department acts as a conduit for constituents and neighborhood groups to get answers and find solutions to problems; also to be a resource for technical assistance to neighborhood groups to empower citizens; and a way for government to reach out to its citizens through a meaningful public process. Merriweather’s staff is committed to helping promote active neighborhood involvement and finding long termsolutions to ongoing problems in our community.

Her responsibilities include implementing the recommendations made by the Safe Neighborhood Task force, in an effort to reduce crime and property code violations within the city. In this role, Merriweather manages the direct support professional staff by providing support services to individuals to assist them in, communication and socialization skills, applicable to HR and day-to-day operations of the department.

Manage, train, supervise and evaluate staff. Direct the preparation and administration of the departmental fiscal budget. Make presentations to the legislative body, and various other committees, groups and the public relating to economic development, ways to reduce crime, code violations and youth initiatives. Plan and direct employee activities such as team building initiatives and staff development trainings. Evaluate employee performance and self-appraisals. Attend regular speaking engagements with professional associations, public and private groups.

In 2013, Merriweather started a citywide volunteer campaign during National volunteer month in April. The initiative’s theme is “A Month of Miracles” transforming communities, transforming homes, transforming lives. This concept consisted of local businesses, churches, community leaders, and service organizations committing to a project throughout the City of Jackson. These projects included but were not limited too, (planting gardens, scraping and painting houses, landscaping, planting a tree and cleaning area parks). The City of Jackson just celebrated its 3rd annual “Month of Miracles” and recorded over 1000 volunteers working on over 60 projects in just 30 days. We witnessed gardens being planted, houses repaired, donation drives, shoe distributions, and many other volunteer activities. Businesses such as Home Depot, 84 Lumber, Sams Club, Perkins Restaurant, Old Country Store, Popeyes, Latham’s Meat Company and Backyard bar-be-cue donated materials and food to the volunteers. The media, WBBJ, Charter, Jackson Energy Authority, Lamar Advertising, News Talk 101.5, Forever Communications and The Jackson Sun, worked to cover stories of the miracle making during the month.

All of this resulted in a successful April and an improved Jackson. The churches and faith based organizations formed as a single unit working together harmoniously and without prejudice.

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In October 2014, Merriweather in collaboration with area churches started “Praise in the Park”. An outdoor praise and worship experience for the whole family. Over 15 churches transformed the beautiful parks in the City of Jackson into a place of praise and worship. There were over 2500 in attendance for this event.

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Direct the implementation of evidence based practices in the areas of offender management and re-entry, mental health and co-occurring disorders, neighborhood and economic development and youth prevention programs. Merriweather is responsible for maintaining and reporting programmatic data for a variety of grant funded programs and explore additional funding sources for referenced programs. Merriweather advocates for programs that will help improve the overall quality of life for City of Jackson residents. In 2009, her department implemented the Mayor’s Second Chance program, a program that assists non-violent felony offenders with reintegrating back into society after incarceration.

Merriweather serves on the City of Jackson Gang Task Force, Youth master planning committee, and racial diversity & inclusion committee.

She is a member of the Exchange club, Carl Perkins center for child abuse and a board member for the Boys and Girls club. She is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Jackson and serves on the Leadership University board with the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. Merriweather is married to her husband of fourteen years and they have 4 sons and 1 foster son.

visit www.xcellenceinc.org

Mission Possible!

Global Outreach Activated 70% of Americans blame leadership crisis as a factor in the national economic decline.

Isabel Williams, 2014 I will go a step further and state that not only are these statistics creating an economic decline, but poor leadership qualities or the lack thereof are also creating a decline in our communities. Strong leadership is first developed personally within, then transferred outwardly.

My personal philosophy, “Leadership is Contagious!� However, we must take accountability for the leaders that are struggling. How do we do it?

Xcellence as an organization feels that if we can start a movement of targeting the three internal areas of leadership where deficits exist, we can make a global impact in the world.

They are the development, empowerment, and promotion of leaders. Each of these components are critical to the success of both our local communities and economic deficits.

We are committed to developing the entire family by meeting the needs of everyone in the household. Our infrastructure supports all individuals starting from the age of five and up.

We train each person in what we feel are the foundational principles that are life changing for individuals: Spiritual, Business, Outreach, and Socially. Can you imagine every family, regardless of what its household looks like, becoming stronger leaders, first in their homes, then in their communities, and then ultimately making an impact in our national economy?

We believe in our MISSION! We believe it is POSSIBLE to make a global impact by touching one community at a time. We will develop leaders through mentoring, coaching, and consulting. We will empower our leaders through workshops, conferences, and trainings.

We will promote our leaders, through the continuation of providing this magazine platform to share the inspirational stories of everyday people who are leaders, and have made a conscious choice to walk in their leadership shoes to make this world a better place.

Written by: Angella Palmer-Banks

Sources: http://switchandshift.com/6-leadership-development-trends-for-2015

Vonda Cooper-Peet

Vonda Cooper-Peet began her singing career as a little girl while performing with her mother and sister. Music is the common denominator of her family. There’s nothing strange nor awkward when you cross Vonda, her sister, and her mother, singing an impromptu song of worship and praise, anywhere, anytime, or any place. Her mother would place them in workshops to prep their voices for live performances and concerts, in which she had been schedule to sing.

surely in for a treat, anytime she opens her mouth to sing. As she prepares herself for God’s divine timing and release of her voice to bring healing and soothing of pains to the nation, she is active in the ministry of Love and Truth North Campus, located in Jackson, Tennessee. She serves as a member on the worship and security team. In addition, Vonda has just recently started vocal coaching sessions for others that want to take their voice, praise, and worship to another level.

It was nearly three years ago that God revealed to her the gifts of songs, worship, and praise.

Eager to be obedient to the voice of God, she’s been pursuing and living her dream every since.

Her ability to usher in the presence of God anytime she hits the stage is surely pleasing in his eyesight. One can say that Vonda is a newbie in the music industry as she is striving to achieve eXcellence in her first released album and will not settle for anything less, but this psalmist voice is experienced, well toned, and you are

She is married to Reginold Peet and they have three children, Joston and Kendle Cooper, and Reginold Peet, Jr. (RJ). Her favorite scriptures are Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:11-13. Vonda Peet is definitely a relevant voice for the contemporary gospel audience, but her voice resonates with those who love traditional, and many other forms of gospel music genres.

Remember, you were first introduced to her here, as we strive to share with you leaders who exemplify Xcellence in every area of their life.

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Leaders Behind the X Movement Audra Wilson Audra Wilson is a native of Kalamazoo Michigan and currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. She serves as the Co-Founder and Vice President of Xcellence, Inc. A life of excellence is what she has always strived for, so when Xcellence, Inc. was envisioned she knew it was an act of God. Audra is a certified professional coder with 10 + years of experience. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Marian University (2014). In addition to her active role in Xcellence, Inc., she is a supportive member of the Indianapolis Urban League and NAACP which provides a networking platform to promote Xcellence Inc.’s mission and goals.

In 2016, she will unveil her newest program to Xcellence called Bully Free America (BFA). She is married to George Wilson and they have 2 sons and 4 daughters. They are members of Beech Grove Bible Church under the leadership of Pastor Dwight Washington Sr.

Rev. James T. Farmer, Jr.

Rev. James T. Farmer, Jr. is a native of Brownsville, TN. He accepted his calling to preach in January of 1999. Rev. Farmer preached his first sermon at New St. Luke M.B. Church of Jackson, TN, in March of 1999. Rev. Farmer pastored St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Medon, TN for 12 years.

On July 7th, 2012, Rev. Farmer was elected as Senior Pastor of the Historic Woodlawn Missionary Baptist Church in Brownsville, TN. Rev. Farmer preached his first sermon as Pastor of Woodlawn on July 29th, 2012.

Rev. Farmer graduated from American Baptist College with his Diploma of Theology in April of 2006. He also graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management in December of 2009. He is certified by the National Baptist Convention to teach Church Administration courses on the National Level. Rev. Farmer currently serves as the Western Regional VicePresident of the Moderator’s Division of the Tennessee Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention, Inc. Rev. Farmer is also a charter member of the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention, Inc. He is the former Moderator of the New Era District Association. Rev. Farmer also serves on the Advisory Board of the Jackson Extension of American Baptist College. Rev. Farmer is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

He is the son of Susie Farmer and James T. Farmer, Sr. Rev. Farmer currently resides in Jackson, TN. He is married to Jamonica Harris-Farmer of Aberdeen, MS. They have two children, Dwayne (24) and Jaszmine (22). He is also the proud grandfather of Jaylen Dwayne Harris. Rev. James T. Farmer, Jr. serves as Xcellence National Spiritual Advisor.

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A Mother & Daughter’s Port of Love Story A mother’s love is ever lasting and she often dreams of sharing everything she has with her child (ren). As true as that statement is, and mother’s all across the world can attest to it, this was also Helen Stewart’s thoughts for her daughter, LaTanya Stewart Florence, until she received the news, that they both would share a journey of breast cancer together.

It was July 2013, when Helen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Within two short weeks, her

life had changed and a mastectomy on her left breast was performed. Her treatments consisted of four rounds of chemotherapy every 3 weeks.

As LaTanya braced herself to be her mother’s strength, unknowingly to her, they would become each other’s strength to endure the journey ahead. Just four short months after Helen’s July 2013 diagnosis, in November 2014, LaTanya was diagnosed.

“I remember lotioning and felt a lump on my right breast. I was both nervous and scared. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew that the last news I wanted to receive was a duplication of what my mom was experiencing,” said LaTanya.

After a doctor’s appointment and several tests later, it was confirmed what LaTanya had been fearing, was true, and she was diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer.

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She recalled, “I remember a mixture of emotions ran through my mind. The mother’s love that always made me feel loved and safe, was the same love for her, that the last thing I wanted to share with her, was my newfound devastating news with her and my dad. They had enough they were dealing with! With God’s strength, love, support, and encouragement from my husband, family, and friends, I was able to share my news.” visit www.xcellenceinc.org

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Happy Holidays!

Does your holiday decor need a makeover? Are you struggling with decorating ideas for your home? WCA Interiors can bring new life to your existing holiday decor and much more! WCA Interior Design specializes in home decorating and interior design. We utilize the latest industry trends and ideas to help make a house a home.

Whether your style is contemporary, modern, or traditional, we are here to service all of your design needs. Some of our services include personal shopping for decoration, furniture placement, area rugs, centerpiece design, custom window treatments, lighting and artwork.

We also utilize your pre-existing decor.

Dazzle your home for the holiday decorating this season.

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