d-mars.com Business Journal 99

Business Journal Inspire, Inform & Educate

November 2015

INSIDE

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99th Edition @dmars_com

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Giving Back to the Community

The Ladder of Success

By Dr. D Ivan Young What happens when you climb the ladder of success only to find out the ladder is leaning on the wrong wall?

PAGE 6

Texas Southern’s Graduate Public Administration Program Top Ranked & Accredited

By d-mars.com News Provider Houston, TX—Graduate Programs (graduateprograms.com), a resource for prospective graduate students recently ranked the Online Executive Master of Public Administration (eMPA)...

PAGES 4-5

The Queens of Medicine Create Beauty Success

PAGE 8

5 Marketing Tips for Small Businesses from the Kanye West School of Marketing

By Cynthia Nevels As marketers and entrepreneurs, we know “no risk = no reward.”

PAGE 10

Remember to Vote!

d-mars.com Supports Sylvester Turner as the Next Mayor of Houston

By Noel Pinnock

We are all gifted. That is our inheritance.

– Ethel Waters

The Gale…The Guide!

PAGE 12

November 2015 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

Giving Back to the Community is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Business Journal. When it comes to business, you have to work hard, and not just hard, but also work smart. I know that d-mars.com would not be where it is today without teamwork. We cannot accomplish anything alone, but together we can create great success.

This month’s cover story is on Extensions of Royalty. This hair empire right in the heart of Houston was started by two female pharmacists, believe it or not. Arreiva Papillion and Eboney Hadnott are a fierce female duo that proves women working together can make big things happen. The number of African-American female entrepreneurs continues to grow, and with partnerships like this, women are shown to be an unstoppable force in the business world.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Dyvl Davis DeAndra N. Dunn

Contents

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cynthia Nevels Noel Pinnock Dr. D Ivan Young d-mars.com News Provider

Extensions of Royalty Provides the Highest Standard of Beauty...................................................................................................4-5 The Ladder of Success..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Texas Southern University.............................................................................................................................................................................. 8 5 Marketing Tips for Small Businesses from the Kanye West School of Marketing.....................................................................10 The 4-Step Plan to Make Your Day More Efficient...................................................................................................................................10 The Gale…The Guide!......................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 In the Community............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Truck Maintenance Is a Growing Career Opportunity........................................................................................................................... 14 Tax Tips for Newly Married Couples............................................................................................................................................................16 Millennials ‘Chronically’ Stressed but Optimistic about Financial Future......................................................................................20 Houston Business Women Come Together..............................................................................................................................................26 5 Tips for Businesses to Cut Energy, Save Money................................................................................................................................30 Tips to Turn Kids into Money Masters at Any Age.................................................................................................................................30

Are you Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

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MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “All great achievements require time.” – Maya Angelou

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BLACK PAGES ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY What this means to you,

The Business Owner: • The ability to stimulate money in our communities • Publicity at an affordable price • The professionalism it provides to black-owned businesses

It’s time we put our future finances into our own HANDS! We must encourage members to patronize black-owned businesses to further expand the economic power of African American merchants and the households that support them.

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4 November 2015

Extensions of Royalty Provides the Highest Standard of Beauty

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

If you think you can’t receive a royal salon experience at an affordable price, think again. The standard salon experience is a thing of the past. The bar for the beauty salon experience has been raised by Arreiva Papillion and Eboney Hadnott, co-owners of Extensions of Royalty. The motto of Extensions of Royalty is, “Where affordable hair meets luxury,” and when it comes to luxury, Papillion and Hadnott have met and exceeded expectations, claiming the top spot in the hair and beauty game.

What’s interesting about the partners in this beauty endeavor is that they are acclaimed pharmacists in the health industry. The same high standards they use to help patients are used for their Extensions of Royalty clientele. These queens of medicine are creating beauty success.

TheQueens Queensof ofExtensions Extensions of The of Royalty Royalty Papillion and Hadnott are no strangers to success and achievement. Though

Being pharmacists and salon owners, we know that health and beauty are one in the same. We use the highest standards in the medical profession, making sure our patients are healthy.

We use those same high standards when it comes to our clients at Extensions of Royalty.”

— Arreiva Papillion, Extensions of Royalty Co-Owner

they are not stylists themselves, don’t think that this beauty salon co-ownership is a hobby. They have a genuine love and passion for the beauty industry, and as responsible salon co-owners, they have done their due diligence and the extensive research to ensure that the Extensions of Royalty salon creates the highest standard as a hair supply company and full service salon, serving all ethnicities. Papillion and Hadnott have known each other for about 4 years, and the genuine sisterhood formed between these two pharmacists turned into a business relationship.

Papillion graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She has been a pharmacist for 7 years, with extensive experience in long-term care, and compounding and pharmacy management.

Her passion for beauty started in high school. “In high school I would do hair and enjoyed seeing the beauty transformation. I would enjoy seeing the way people felt after I fulfilled my passion

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

November 2015 5

CONTINUED from page 4 of making people feel beautiful. Because I also had a passion for medicine, that took much time, dedication and commitment. I’m so glad that now I am a pharmacist and a salon co-owner, which allows me to do two things I love, medicine and beauty,” says Papillion. Hadnott received her Chemistry degree from Prairie View A&M University and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of the Incarnate Word. Like Papillion, Hadnott saw what the beauty industry did for women. Making people feel their best was one of Hadnott’s passions. Pursuing medicine was also a passion, as she wanted to contribute to the health and well-being of the people around her. Hadnott says, “I do have a love for the beauty industry, but like many people, we can have more than one passion. My passion for medicine led me to pharmacy. I am so blessed that now I am able to use what I have gained as a pharmacist to be successful in the beauty industry as well.”

TheFormula Formulafor forSuccess Success The As pharmacists, Papillion and Hadnott make people feel their best, providing quality care for their pharmacy patients. They take the same mindset to the beauty industry for their clients at Extensions of Royalty. “Being pharmacists and salon owners, we know that health and beauty are one in the same.

We use the highest standards in the

medical profession, making sure our patients are healthy. We use those same high standards when it comes to our clients at Extensions of Royalty. When our clients walk through the door, they know that they are receiving the best that the beauty industry has to offer from our skilled and talented staff,” expresses Papillion.

Their plan for success in the beauty industry with Extensions of Royalty was a no brainer, as they used the same formula that helped them gain achievement as pharmacists. Failure has never been an option for these entrepreneurial divas. These medical mavens have combined their medical and beauty passion to create quite a buzz around the city for providing the most luxurious salon experience at an affordable price, where no other compares.

They credit their Extensions of Royalty success to prayer, commitment, focus, strategic planning and support from family, friends and the community.

God gets all the glory, as being spiritually connected with God first and being a blessing to others is their first step in defining success. Hadnott says, “I advise any aspiring salon owner to first, ask God for the gift of direction. Next, do your research to understand the market and the contributing factors that will control your investment. Also, prepare yourself financially for the full investment, and be resilient and adaptable to the startup process. Finally, have a supportive team who is willing to see the vision through.” Their commitment and

focus to make Extensions of Royalty a success could not be carried out without them following through on their dream.

TheExtensions Extensions of Royalty The of Royalty Standard Standard A full service salon and hair supply company, Extensions of Royalty offers a wide array of services ranging from the highest quality hair extension installation to eyelash extensions. Hadnott says, “We are a full service hair salon, serving all ethnicities. We offer hair care and image consultation, full spectrum hair coloring, preci-

“Our plush ambiance is tranquil and alluring. We really have worked hard to create a plush ambiance so our clients feel like royalty. That is what Extensions of Royalty is about.”

– Eboney Hadnott, Extensions of Royalty Co-Owner

sion cutting, lash extensions and eyebrow shaping. We also sell 100% virgin hair by the bundle.” Papillion and Hadnott have created Extensions of Royalty to transform clients and to create an experience where they can take a much-needed break from reality and relax in an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Hadnott adds, “Our plush ambiance is tranquil and alluring. We really have worked hard to create a plush ambiance so our clients feel like royalty. Before you even say a word, your hair speaks for you. Extensions of Royalty offers beauty in a QUEENDOM at an affordable price.” The highly skilled stylists are really more like trained artists who can create a fresh and new look customized for you. The Extensions of Royalty artists are one step ahead of the industry, staying current, so they provide the clients with the latest trends on hair cutting and styling, providing the royal treatment. To make the client feel especially royal, the hair extension service packages even have regal names, starting at “Lady” and the highest level package as “Queen Matriarch.”

When you step out of Extensions of Royalty, you will feel like royalty.

When you start a business it can be a risk, and that is sometimes especially true of partnerships, but Papillion and Hadnott knew that this Extensions of Royalty regal partnership would be the right partnership to go into together. They have known each other about 4 years, and they knew that because they shared the same drive, motivation and focus, they would be a success. In addition, they also have a great balance where their strengths compliment each other. They have created a great business partnership and friendship.

Where many feed into the stereotype that African-American women can’t work together, Papillion and Hadnott have dispelled that myth. Papillion says, “Instead of competing, we help each other reach the same goals and equally put in the work to get to the top. This is the message we share, and this is how we have been able to work to create Extensions of Royalty.”

Talent will only take you so far, and professionalism is the key for Extensions of Royalty. Papillion, Hadnott and their trained licensed beauty professionals work hard to give customers an amazing beauty salon experience, and the customers give raving reviews. Hadnott says, “Our customers appreciate the experience that Extensions of Royalty provides.

They constantly comment on the beauty of the salon, the excellent customer service and our talented and knowledgeable stylists. We are elated that clients appreciate our professionalism and our attention to detail when it comes to giving them the best beauty experience.”

Not only do Papillion and Hadnott have a heart for business, but they have a heart for the community as well, actively involved with breast cancer awareness, women’s shelters and feeding the less fortunate. Extensions of Royalty has a high standard of customer service that sets them apart from the competition, and there are plans for expansion.

Extensions of Royalty is a cut above the rest, giving clients a unique and royal experience. For more information about Extensions of Royalty, please visit www.extensionsofroyalty.com.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

6 November 2015

The Ladder of Success

By Dr. D Ivan Young

W

Contributing Writer

• Unrealistic Expectations • Someone Else’s Ideas • A Fantasy - Not Rooted in Reality With that stated, I’m going to expand on what those three things really mean.

Unrealistic expectations are just that, unrealistic. Here’s an example. Let’s say you plan to go to Harvard to attend medical school, but, at present, all you have is a GED. That within itself doesn’t make your goal unattainable, but you need to be realistic. Instead of packing up and moving to Boston next week, wouldn’t it make more sense to begin with enrolling in a local program at a community college? Once you’ve completed that, then seek admittance into a feeder school that will accept you as a transfer student with your GED. After a couple of semesters on the dean’s list, engage the system, then seek acceptance into Harvard.

write out a plan that has a timeline.

Having milestones will help keep you focused and on track. Also, make sure you access the cost. It’s up to you to put your plan in action and make it happen. Remember, God steers moving vehicles.

He feeds birds, but he doesn’t throw worms in their nest. It’s time to get to work!

Pd Pol Ad by the Rhonda Skillern Jones Campaign

hat happens when you climb the ladder of success only to find out the ladder is leaning on the wrong wall? This leads us to an even bigger question: What’s your definition of success? What is it based on? As a Holistic Life Coach and Relationship Expert, everyday people come into my office in search of ShangriLa (paradise). The funny part is most of them can’t find what they’re looking for despite the fact that the answer to that question is staring them right in the face.

The problem is most people don’t know how or where to begin. The good news is by the time you finish reading this article you will not have that problem. Not only will you know if your ladder is leaning on the wrong wall, but I’m going to tell you what you need to do to move it.

The first step in determining whether your life is on or off track, starts with being honest with yourself. This begins

with you not lying to you about you.

Consider this. When is the last time you took an inventory of where you are supposed to be in life right now? Are you even close to the original plan you had for your life? If you’re like most people, the answer is, “No,” and that’s where your problem starts. People don’t plan to fail. In fact, the real issue is most people never constructed a plan to begin with.

Making matters worse, many of those that did, based their plan on one of three things:

Next, never base your goals on someone else’s ideas. Allowing someone else to limit, be responsible for, or govern your dreams will result in one thing - a nightmare. God declared that your talents would bring you before great men, and that your dreams would make room for you.

Have faith in what God gave you--if you don’t, who will?

Lastly, fantasy is not reality. Just because you’ve seen it on TV, heard it on the radio, or read about it on the Internet, that does not make it real. It also doesn’t suggest that the gimmick of the week will work for you. When something is too good to be true, it is just that -- too good to be true. Get rich quick schemes are just that -- schemes. If you could become a millionaire overnight by selling real estate or coffee, everybody would be doing it. Everybody I know who tries pyramid schemes ends up just like the Pharaoh - entombed in a hot mess.

If you want to be successful, you will have to work hard and work smart. Explore things that come natural to you.

Those things that you, by nature, are well-suited for will work best. Next,

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November 2015  7

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

8 November 2015

Texas Southern’s Graduate Public Administration Program Top Ranked & Accredited

H

By d-mars.com News Provider

ouston, TX—Graduate Programs (graduateprograms.com), a resource for prospective graduate students recently ranked the Online Executive Master of Public Administration (eMPA) program in the Barbara Jordan - Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs 19th for Best Overall Online Graduate Schools for Public Administration Programs, making it a top online MPA program for Fall 2015.

“GraduatePrograms.com assigns 15 ranking categories to each graduate program at each graduate school.

Rankings cover a variety of student topics, such as academic competitiveness, career support, financial aid, and quality of network. For a given graduate program, rankings are determined by calculating the average score for each program based on the 15 ranking categories. These scored are then compared across all ranked schools for that program and are translated into a final ranking for that graduate program. A given graduate program is not ranked until a minimum threshold of graduate student surveys are completed for that graduate program. Rating reflects both current and recent students attending

Dr. Michael O. Adams, eMPA Program Director graduate programs at more than 1,600 schools.”

1 (http://www.graduateprograms. com/graduate--‐school--‐rankings/) “The faculty and staff of the eMPA Program pride ourselves in doing our best to provide a first class online education to our students,” says Dr. Michael O. Adams, eMPA Program Director.

Adams went on to say, “We are elated to be included in this list of top online MPA programs and will strive to enhance our

program to eventually increase our rank.”

The Online Executive Master of Public Administration, founded in Fall 2010 at Texas Southern University, is a 36-credit hour program that is uniquely designed to meet the growing demand for mid‐ career professionals in the public sector.

The program is conveniently offered online and provides a focus on public policy. With its student abroad component, students of the eMPA program have traveled to Brazil, China and Ghana.

In addition to the performance of the eMPA program, the on‐ground Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is in its fifth year of its seven--‐year accreditation by the Network of Schools

of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

2 (https://naspaaaccreditation.files. wordpress.com/2015/07/annual--‐ros ter--‐of--‐accredited--‐programs--‐up dated--‐09--‐01--‐15.pdf) The only program in the Houston metro area to be NASPAA‐accredited, the MPA program is home to a 48‐credit hour graduate program that includes four specialization options and the opportunity to pursue a joint degree with a Juris Doctor degree.

Adams, also program director of the MPA program says, “Our graduate programs in the Department of Political Science are definitely flourishing. We take pride in the growth of our MPA program and are committed to seeing the program expand to be even greater.”

For more information about the eMPA and MPA Programs, please contact Dr. Michael O. Adams, Interim Chair at 713-313-7760 or via e‐mail at adams_ mo@tsu.edu.

1 GraduatePrograms.com.

Fall 2015 Graduate School Rankings. http://www.graduateprograms.com/graduate--‐school--‐rankings/.

2 NASPAA Roster of Accredited Programs. https://naspaaaccreditation.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/annual--‐roster--‐of--‐accredited--‐programs--‐updated--‐09--‐01--‐15.pdf.

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November 2015  9

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

10 November 2015

5 Marketing Tips for Small Businesses from the Kanye West School of Marketing

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By Cynthia Nevels Contributing Writer

s marketers and entrepreneurs, we know “no risk = no reward.” If you are thinking about your marketing strategy for the New Year and working on a master plan to beat your competition, increase market share and expand into new areas, conservative thinking does not seem to fit here. No, Kanye West has not launched a new business school, but he is a smart businessman who seems to get a few things right. If you have followed West’s career over the years, you know he is far from conservative. While a percentage of the nation wants to give West the boot, the other percentage is singing a different tune—to the tune of millions of dollars in album sales, endorsements and sold out concert ticket sales. This multimillionaire could teach us a thing or two about marketing.

Consider these marketing tips for your small business: Walk Before You Crawl While some people believe that you should crawl before you walk, serious entrepreneurs who are on a mission to generate revenue, understand that your effort to reach your audience can sometimes be a matter of life or death for your business. The world of marketing has changed with the introduction of social media marketing tools, tactics, and strategies. If you are still crawling

and straddling the fence when it comes to implementing a marketing strategy, you can expect to get left behind. If you sell products or services to the individual consumer (B2C), you have to be social, you have to be quick, and you have to be nimble to reap the rewards and generate the type of income you are expecting.

As you evaluate your current marketing efforts and develop new ideas, consider boosting your social media presence and integrating some quick and easy ways to entice people to sit up and pay attention to what you have to offer. West's controversial hip-hop album entitled “Yeezus,” managed to reach the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart without a traditional album rollout, yet, West was still able to catapult to the #1 spot the first week.

Say it First, Think Later Remember, there is no such thing as bad press. Conservative activities lead to slow, steady, and hopeful results. As a small business owner who has taken on full responsibility and risk of the organization, you are fully aware that it is your derrière that is on the line if an employee, manager, or contractor says something in public that doesn’t necessarily represent your views, or perhaps just wasn’t data for public consumption.

We can think of a few who have called on the PR power rangers to rescue their companies from the pitfalls of fumbled publicity. Mr. West is no stranger to having foot-in-mouth disease. However, being vocal heightens awareness, Twitter trends, and boosts his sales.

comes to your product or service’s value to your customer? We see it every day on television commercials where company A makes a claim that their product can beat their competition (company B) or is preferred 2-to-1 over the leading brand.

Are small businesses afraid to confidently shout from the roof tops their gadgets will beat your gadgets in a public battle? Identifying the weakness in your competition is a vital exercise when you are evaluating what you do well, what areas you can improve in, and comparing what you offer to your competition.

Pay a little bit extra to have your product tested in a lab or studied to provide real analytical or statistical data to use when you stand on the stage to exclaim your product walks on water and the others don’t. If you can back it up, go for it.

Claim Superiority over Your Competition Hip-hop artists do this well. They are not shy and they are certainly confident they have the skills to battle any competitor on the open market. What’s the harm in staking claim in your territory or drawing a line in the sand when it

Shock your Customers There is a fine line between pleasing your customers and annoying them. You have to remember what is important to your customers and understand why they buy from you. If you cannot answer the question, “What do my customers

want?” how can you give it to them the way they want it, when they want it and how they want it to meet and exceed their expectations? Consumers have become accustomed to poor treatment and poor service from places like restaurants with rude wait staff, the automated customer service line where you can never reach a human being, and long lines at the DMV when it is time to renew your license. We’ve been desensitized to poor service. However, when we are treated well and you exceed our lowered expectations we will follow you home, rub your feet, and tell our friends all about you. As a business owner, it is your job to know what the customer wants.

If you are optimistic about the future, but uncertain about the investment needed to sustain your operation, do not let conservative thinking impact your marketing strategy. The words ‘conservative’ and ‘marketing’ are two words that should never be intertwined in the same sentence for small business owners.

You need to create opportunities today for your small business that can help you reach your future goals.

The 4-Step Plan to Make Your Day More Efficient By d-mars.com News Provider

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emember free time? You used to have so much of it. But these days, work and family obligations have you running around constantly and you don’t know what to do first. You don’t even have time to do everything you have to do, let alone what you want to do.

So how do you take back your day?

How do you find the time to get things done and bring back some semblance of order? It is possible if you focus on making yourself more efficient. To help you accomplish all of your goals and find some free time as well, here are four ways you can improve your efficiency every single day.

• Make a plan. When you’re running through your list of daily obligations the morning of, it’s easy to forget a thing or two, especially if you have children running around, phones ringing or dogs barking to distract you. Instead, plan out the upcoming day the night before. Make a list of everything you have to do and check these items against one another.

Can two trips be combined? Are you prioritizing the most important things first?

The better you can plan out your schedule, the more organized you’ll be the next day.

• Get the news and information you need ASAP. You are bombarded by digital content every day and some of it is really important — but who has time to sift through it all? To help you find the information you need as quickly as pos-

sible, Fresly LLC launched a new app, iNews Photo. Whether you are on the go, or gathering news in your office this application allows you access to global and local news curated in real time by former journalist directly to your mobile phone or on a larger screen.

• Set priorities. You don’t have time to do it all and maybe you don’t have to.

Sit down and make a list of every social or professional group and obligation you belong to. Once you’ve made the list, look at it and ask yourself honestly how important this obligation is to you or your family. If you find the obligation is not essential, you’re better off to abandon it and save your time for the responsibilities that are more important to you.

• Limit multitasking. Many people look to multitasking as an efficiency so-

lution, but doing several things at once means it takes longer to accomplish any one task. And when the first task is completed, the result is often poorer because of it. Instead of trying to do several things at once, focus on the most important thing, accomplish it and move on.

With today’s hectic schedules, finding the opportunity to do everything you’re supposed to do may seem impossible.

However, if you apply the four tips listed above, you’ll improve your efficiency, stay up on the latest news and maybe even discover that elusive free time you sorely deserve. To learn more about how the iNews Photo app can help you find all of the information you need when you need it, and to download the app at Play.Google. com or iTunes.Apple.com, using the following code OGV1015. – BPT

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November 2015  11

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

12 November 2015

The Gale…The Guide!

And in between on the misty flats, The rest drift to and fro.

But to every man there openeth, A high way and a low, And every mind decideth, The way his soul shall go.

By Noel Pinnock

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Contributing Writer

ork is something that we do every day. Some get paid to do it, while others do it as a matter of keeping their minds alert and their bodies in motion. In either case, we should not labor in vain. There is something that we can change or someone who can be changed by our involvement. We have to stop underestimating the power that’s inside all of us. This power propels us in our life’s direction, and either we can go with the flow of the gale, or we go against it. Poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox wrote in her poem, Tis the Set of the Sail: But to every mind there openeth, A way, and way, and away, A high soul climbs the highway, And the low soul gropes the low,

One ship sails East, And another West, By the self-same winds that blow, 'Tis the set of the sails And not the gales, That tells the way we go.

certainly get it. If we expect the best, even when negative circumstances come our way, we can still make the best of it and keep pressing forward. If you talk to people in top organizations across our country, the higher you go, the better the attitudes you’ll discover. A Fortune 500 study found that 94 percent of all the executives surveyed attributed their success more to attitude than any other factor. A good attitude makes it possible for us to be successful. It gives us fuel, so that we can pursue our

divine purpose, grow to our potential, and sow seeds benefiting others. It can give us the staying power to improve. It also makes the journey more enjoyable along the way, no matter where it takes us. As former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden said, “Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” At the end of the day or top of the morning, we must be bold, be joyful, be Godly and above all – set our sails and allow His gale to take you where you need to go!

Like the winds of the sea Are the waves of time, As we journey along through life, 'Tis the set of the soul, That determines the goal, And not the calm or the strife.

I agree with Ella 99 percent with one exception. It is not the set of the sail, but it is the gale that tells the way we go. We can predict, forecast, or formulate an educated guess, but when we live or work in faith, there is no telling what God will do through us or for us.

If we expect the worst, we will

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

November 2015 13

In the Business Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

Verizon Minority-Owned Business Summit

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14 November 2015

Truck Maintenance Is a Growing Career Opportunity By d-mars.com News Provider

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ne career field that requires great handson training, provides on-the-job instruction and is growing steadily is that of a diesel truck mechanic. It's a specialty job, and it’s a career that a person can easily advance with for many years.

With the transportation industry seeing increased business opportunities, more trucks are needed to deliver products from manufacturers to warehouses and from warehouses to stores across the country. These trucks will need ongoing maintenance to ensure they stay up and running.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that diesel truck mechanics can earn a competitive wage, and that the industry will have an additional 21,600 job openings.

Truck mechanics can service trucks for everything from a regular oil change to a complete overhaul of the engine.

They need to know how to use diagnostic equipment and be familiar with both the mechanical and technical aspects of maintaining a diesel engine.

“Our diesel employers tell us they can’t find enough skilled technicians to meet their current needs, much less expand their operations,” says Jerry Rutter, vice president of employment and solutions at Universal Technical Institute.

“Training to be a diesel technician is a

smart career choice. Employers are competing with impressive compensation and recruitment packages to hire diesel technicians with the skills they need.”

Penske Truck Leasing is currently growing its maintenance team, and applicants are needed to fill roles as fleet maintenance supervisors, technicians, service coordinators and fuelers/washers. The company has over 221,000 vehicles in its North American fleet.

According to Jennifer Sockel, Penske Truck Leasing senior vice president of human resources, “Penske is experiencing strong growth in 2015 and we are actively hiring diesel engine technicians and maintenance managers across North America.”

To apply, visit gopenske.com/careers.

Penske is a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified provider and offers at least 40 hours of state-of-the-art training each year on a variety of equipment, so you can further your career while on the job.

For a career that is going to continue to grow and remain very secure, consider pursuing a job as a diesel truck mechanic. At Penske, you'll have the opportunity to learn about every kind of diesel truck on the road, enhance your technical knowledge and choose where in the country you want to work.

If you're in high school or considering a career change, look into what a career in diesel truck maintenance could do for you. – BPT

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November 2015  15

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

16 November 2015

Tax Tips for Newly Married Couples

both you and your spouse work, you’ll likely have a higher combined income, which may put you into a higher tax bracket. In order to ensure the right amount of tax is withheld from your paycheck, you’ll want to update your Form W-4 to ensure you aren’t having too much or too little tax withheld.

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By d-mars.com News Provider

n most parts of the country, the months of June, August, September and October are the most popular for weddings. Whether recently married or anxiously counting the days until you tie the knot, there are some important tax implications that you and your spouse can’t afford to overlook.

“In between the flurry of wedding planning, dress shopping and bridal showers, few engaged couples stop to think about how getting married will affect their income taxes,” explained TaxAct spokesperson, Shaunna Morgan. “While it’s important to understand the tax consequences, keep in mind that you can still do your own taxes. TaxAct, a leading DIY tax solution, asks simple questions about life events like marriage to guide you through the tax implications and help you get all of your deductions to maximize your refund.”

Name changes Your name(s) and Social Security number(s) are critical elements of your tax return. Both identifiers must exactly match the information the Social Security Administration (SSA) has on file. That means if you legally change your name after you get married, the SSA needs to

know about it.

To get a Social Security card with your new name, you’ll need to provide proof of identity, such as a marriage certificate, fill out an application and either mail it or deliver it in person to your local SSA office.

You’ll want to do this long before you file your income tax return.

New address If you’re moving, remember to report your new address to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The fastest way to make the change is to complete Form 8822 available on the agency website at www.irs.gov.

New filing status Once you’ve said, “I do,” you’ll have the option to claim one of two filing statuses on your tax return: married filing jointly or married filing separately. If you and your spouse each earn an income, you might

consider running the numbers to determine if you have a lower combined tax by filing one way versus the other. Some tax software packages do the calculations for you so it’s easier to make an informed decision when selecting a filing status. TaxAct Deluxe, for example, gives users a Joint vs.

Separate Analysis report that does all the calculations so you can see your estimated refund amounts for each filing status. For many couples, married filing jointly results in lower income tax liability.

Keep in mind that no matter when in the year you get married, you are considered married for the full year. Even if your big day is December 31, you will have a married status in the eyes of the IRS for the entirety of that tax year.

Changing your tax withholding Any time you have a life change you should revisit your Form W-4. Getting married is definitely one of those times. If

Affordable Care Act premium tax credit If you or your spouse receive health insurance through a government-sponsored marketplace and receive advance payments of the premium tax credit to help offset the cost of your premiums, you’ll want to review your coverage after the wedding, and notify the marketplace of your newly married status. Reporting this change will help you avoid having too much or too little premium assistance paid and ultimately, help you steer clear of owing additional money or getting a small refund when you file your taxes. If you elect to keep your coverage “as is,” separate from your spouse, or wish to add your spouse to your coverage, you should notify the marketplace of your special changes in coverage. If you elect to go under your spouse’s health plan, be sure to cancel your marketplace coverage.

For more information about the tax impact of marriage, visit www.irs.gov and www.taxact.com/taxinfo. – BPT

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20 November 2015

Millennials 'Chronically' Stressed but Optimistic about Financial Future

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By d-mars.com News Provider

illennials —those between 18 and 34 years old — are now the largest generation in American history, constituting 25 percent of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

They’ve surpassed baby boomers in number and are poised to exceed that generation’s financial impact on the country. So it’s concerning news that a new Bank of America/USA Today Better Money Habits Report found that while 84 percent of millennials are confident in their ability to manage their finances, 41 percent report feeling “chronically stressed” about money and more than half say anxiety about money affects their emotional wellbeing.

“Even though millennials are confident about money and focused on their finances, they’re still experiencing a great deal of stress. That’s due in part to factors out of their control – a volatile global economy, a challenging job market and, to some extent, the student debt they’ve taken on,” says Andrew Plepler, Global Corporate Social Responsibility executive, Bank of America. “Amid the uncer-

tainty, it’s important to focus on things they can control, such as their level of financial knowledge and awareness. This survey indicates there may be room for more effective financial management efforts that make it easier for millennials to take greater control of their finances, and hopefully alleviate some of the stress they feel.”

Although millennials are optimistic and are actively trying to take control of their finances, outside pressures are getting in the way. They often worry about the cost of living, lack of income growth, student debt, housing costs and more financial concerns — all of which affects their personal relationships, work performance and even their physical health.

Despite these stressors, millennials haven’t necessarily lost confidence in their ability to manage money. Most respondents (more than eight in ten) said they feel “confident” or “very confident” when it comes to personal finance. A much smaller percentage (17 percent) consider themselves “experts” on the topic. “We don’t expect young people to be experts,” explains Plepler, “which is why we partnered with Khan Academy to create BetterMoneyHabits.com. The website is free for all and provides information on-demand when you need it.”

Examples of content found on BetterMoneyHabits.com include: Create and stick to a budget You can do this with these simple steps.

• Learn your monthly take-home pay — the amount you actually get after taxes, insurance and 401K contributions come out of your salary.

• Tally monthly fixed expenses, those costs that don’t fluctuate much throughout the year, such as rent or mortgage, car payments, student loan payments, etc.

• Calculate variable monthly expenses, such as phone or other utilities, groceries, clothes, entertainment, etc.

• Decide what’s really important.

Some expenses are musts, like rent. Others are “wants,” such as a premium cable package or unlimited texting. With a close look, you’ll likely find wants you can curtail in order to spend less.

• Track your spending and review it every month. Use a budgeting app, a spreadsheet or old fashioned pen and paper, but keep track every month of how well you’re doing on your budget.

Managing credit wisely • Pay all your bills on time every

month. Late and missed payments show up on your credit report and will harm your credit score. Use your bank’s auto payment service to ensure you never miss or are late with a payment.

• Pay down credit card debt. Too much revolving debt not only reduces the amount of money you have to spend each month, it can negatively affect your credit report.

• If you want to establish or build your credit, see if your bank offers a credit card. You can use it each month to pay for certain expenses, pay off the entire balance right away and build a good credit history.

Build an emergency fund • Try to save up at least two to six months’ worth of living expenses — even more is better.

• Not sure how much to save? Look back at your budget for the total of your monthly expenses. This will help you understand not only how much you need to save, but where you can reduce spending in order to pay more toward your emergency fund.

For more money management and personal finance information and tips, visit www.bettermoneyhabits.com. – BPT

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26 November 2015

Houston Business Women

Come Together for Odyssey Media’s In the Black Tour

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

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ecently, Houston’s sisterhood of fierce women in business came together for an unforgettable evening of networking and connecting at Odyssey Media’s In the Black Tour. This 15-city life-changing tour made its latest stop in Houston to inspire and empower business women to aim greater and create amazing change.

Though it was a business event, Odyssey Media gave attendees an unforgettable experience to mix and mingle with likeminded peers, professionals and influencers in a chic, stylish and entertaining atmosphere. Odyssey Media’s In the Black Tour has created a movement of taking multicultural women to the highest level through their success-driven initiatives and events. Being an attendee, I can truly say that the spirit of sisterhood and love was genuine, and it’s no wonder why Odyssey Media has been embraced and recognized on a national and international level.

Odyssey Media Odyssey Media is a marketing & communications company founded by CEO Linda Spradley Dunn. Linda is all about sisterhood, which is an important facet of what this company is about. When it comes to bringing multicultural women around the world together, Linda has done it. Her formula for bringing this select group of women together continues to be a success through her connecting and empowering these women around the world.

Through her work with Odyssey Media, Linda has selflessly spent almost two decades creating this sisterhood of success for this long-neglected target market of multicultural women. Linda, through Odyssey Media, offers the membership unique access to a private digital network, exclusive travel experiences and a select group of partners. This partnership is selective, in that it offers highly sought-after products and services. Linda is a celebrated innovator and a recognized market strategist on a national level. She is well-known as a game-changer, having been featured in Essence, Black Enterprise, the Financial Times and the Tom Joyner Morning Show, just to name a few. She has also appeared on CNN and PBS and currently serves on the Wal-Mart Women’s Economic Empowerment Board. Linda is also a history-maker, becoming the first female and AfricanAmerican chair of the board of directors of the Essex County and Hudson County United Way. Not only does Linda have a spirit for business, but a spirit for the community, working alongside The CocaCola Company, Life Reimagined (AARP) and Marriott International. Her endeavors continue to empower women with tools and support they need to help their businesses thrive.

The In the Black Tour Experience The In the Black Tour focused on bringing together female entrepreneurs and small business owners to increase their confidence. This sisterhood of affluent multicultural female influencers was from a wide range of backgrounds and industries. The tour gathered women in an intimate and relaxing environment to provide a unique opportunity to discuss everything from entrepreneurship to mindfulness. The event was held at the Marriott (a sponsor) in the Galleria area and the emcee was Odyssey Media’s Executive Vice President, Cheryl-Walker Robertson.

Cheryl’s fun, engaging and charming personality was a perfect fit for the spirit of the evening. From fashion to finance, the In the Black Tour did not leave us disappointed. In fact, it had me wanting more of what Odyssey Media has to offer.

The attendees included multicultural female corporate executives, attorneys, physicians, entrepreneurs and small business owners, among others. Odyssey Media has a knack for connecting professional women with extraordinary events, and this night was absolutely extraordinary.

There was definite inspiration that encouraged women to have a powerful presence and make their mark in the world.

What was the attire for the evening?

The little black dress of course. The little black dress is a must have in every woman’s closet, and who better to address the little black dress than Mikki Taylor, Essence Editor-at-Large. Mikki is wellknown around the country as the leading authority on style and fashion for women of color. Mikki was dressed to impress, and that was no surprise, as she is one of the top acclaimed fashion gurus. You can’t just wear the little black dress any kind of way, and with the help of attendees and hostesses modeling different ways to wear the little black dress, Mikki had us thinking differently when it comes to dressing up or dressing down this black garment.

Attendees saw the timeless style of the little black dress and how you wear it can help you achieve success in the boardroom or turn heads at an after work event. Mikki’s presentation was an informative and fun element to the tour. Visit Essence at www.essence.com.

To call Becky Davis a business expert doesn’t do her justice. Becky is not only a successful business woman and author, but she is known as the “Chief BOSSpreneur™” for her ability to help women entrepreneurs develop into well-rounded business owners. With over 20 years of coaching, speaking, and in-the-trenches business experience, she has been featured in countless publications. Becky is a fierce

and respected business woman and her presentation was much needed and wellreceived. She didn’t just talk about being successful on a financial level, but how giving back can also create success. As busy women who have many responsibilities, giving back cannot be forgotten. Giving back and thinking of others is not something that you hear many business consultants speak on, but that is what has made Becky a perfect fit for this tour.

Speaking with Becky, there was a genuine spirit of sisterhood and love for seeing multicultural women succeed in business. To read more on Becky, please visit www.beckyadavis.com.

Odyssey Media’s In the Black Tour put attendees, myself included, in such a different space and mindset when it comes to making business goals. It truly now has me thinking on a different level in regards to success. To have such an amazing networking experience with successful and kind-hearted women was refreshing. This tour is creating an amazing movement of women’s empowerment on a higher level.

Women were touched and changed for the better. The Odyssey Media’s In the Black Tour gave us that much needed push and inspiration to aim higher when it comes to business. To read more about Odyssey Media and their upcoming events, please visit www.odysseymc.com.

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30 November 2015

5 Tips for Businesses to Cut Energy, Save Money By d-mars.com News Provider

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ompanies across the nation are looking for ways to become more energy efficient, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are no exception. Reducing energy consumption is one of the top areas where SMB leaders need more guidance — up 14 percent from the previous year, according to the 2015 Cox Conserves Sustainability Survey.

Energy costs are among the largest business expenses for any company. Simple conservation efforts will go a long way to lower the power costs of your current operations.

"More companies than ever have said they want information on sustainability," says Cox Enterprises Executive Vice President Alex Taylor. "Our survey showed that some SMBs often find it difficult to make or justify the investment in sustainability programs or prioritize them over other demands and initiatives. From our own experience with the Cox Conserves program, I can confirm that sustainability is as good for our business as it is for the environment."

Here are some quick tips that can help any sized business improve efficiency and cost savings.

1. Know your baseline. Your utility company can provide detailed usage records that show usage and cost totals, as well as helpful details like peak usage times. This data helps you measure your progress.

2. Take advantage of savings. Government agencies offer a variety of tax credits, rebates and other incentives to support energy efficiency. Visit energy. gov/savings to find programs that may be available to your business.

3. Pay attention. Take note of the natural energy sources specific to your geographic location. Sun or wind energy technologies may be great moneysaving solutions. If the sun sufficiently lights your office or meeting room, make a point of keeping the blinds open and the electric lights off.

4. Look at lighting. Lighting retrofits are a simple and effective solution that do not interrupt regular operations and often offer a short return on investment.

5. Encourage employees. Turning off computers and other office equipment when not in use is an easy way employees can make an impact.

These tips can start your business on a journey toward becoming a more efficient and eco-friendly organization.

The benefits start at protecting the earth and extend to enhancing the bottom line. – BPT

Tips to Turn Kids into Money Masters at Any Age By d-mars.com News Provider

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ost kids start learning about money earlier than a lot of people think— and it's usually from watching

their parents.

Three out of five young adults say their parents’ advice or example had the greatest influence over how they handle their finances today, according to findings from a Bank of America/USA TODAY survey. That parental involvement had a big effect on the practice of good financial habits. Of those who say their parents did an “excellent” or “good” job teaching them about money, 74 percent have savings and nearly half make a regular budget.

“Talking to your kids about money and using everyday moments to teach practical lessons is not only important, it works,” says Andrew Plepler, global corporate social responsibility executive at Bank of America. “It’s OK to be repetitive – kids may not always remember everything we say – but this survey shows that they do listen and learn from our example.”

Parents who would like guidance on how to teach kids valuable financial lessons can find help online. The website www.BetterMoneyHabits.com – a financial education resource by Bank of America and education innovator Khan Academy – offers easy-to-follow videos and tips to help parents teach important

financial lessons to children of various stages and ages.

Elementary lessons A child in elementary school is just learning how money works, so simple lessons are best. For example, a trip to the store for back-to-school shopping can be an opportunity to learn about how to comparison shop and save money. Ask your child to examine the prices of different folder and notebook styles and find the lowest priced items.

An allowance is another tool for teaching the building blocks of money management. Experts typically recommend parents who follow this approach to give young children 50 cents to $1 per week for every year of their age. Some parents start with a smaller amount and only raise it once they feel their child can handle the responsibility.

Moving up to middle school At this age your child may be ready for more complex money-management skills, including saving for larger, medium-term goals such as coveted clothing or electronics. Work with them to build a savings plan around a goal and track progress. For bigger-ticket items, consider matching contributions to reward your child’s savings efforts. If she wants a new phone that costs $200, for example, you could ask her to save for half, and agree to cover the remaining $100.

This age is also a good time to talk about digital spending. All those in-app

purchases, music and game downloads can add up. Instead of allowing your child to download at will, consider setting up online accounts to require a password for purchases and set a monthly spending limit. When he asks you to make a digital purchase, discuss the cost and how what he’s asking for will fit into the budget.

High school lessons By high school, your teenager will be much more independent and will have had a lot more experience with money.

If he is managing a larger allowance or even an income from a part-time job, it may be time to open a checking account. Checking accounts come with a lot of responsibility, but walking him through the process of setting one up and establishing best practices for

banking and managing money responsibly will set the foundation for sound money habits far into the future.

As your teen gets older, she may start to have bigger ideas about things she wants to do or purchase – such as planning a spring break trip or graduation party or buying a car. Take the opportunity to talk about how much it could cost, work with her to map out a budget for all related expenses, and identify ways for her to help contribute, say for a plane ticket or the party invitations.

At some point, most teens are offered opportunities to take on debt, perhaps through loans or credit cards. You can help prevent impulsive decisions (and costly outcomes), by teaching teens some key guidelines about borrowing money.

For example, most teens might not understand that there is a cost to taking out a loan or charging purchases to a credit card if you stretch the payments out over a long time. There is of course a benefit to borrowing money responsibly as a way to build credit so show your teen your credit report and discuss your own experiences to show how good and bad decisions affect credit and purchasing power.

Whether your child is just starting to learn the value of money or is old enough to have a bank account, the money skills you set while they are young could help them develop financial skills for a lifetime. For more ideas on teaching kids about money – as well as resources on everyday money matters for adults – visit www.bettermoneyhabits.com. – BPT

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