BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Houston
Community News & Business Reports
Published By Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. Proudly Serving The Houston Community Since 1998
TSU Dean elected to lead national Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ School’s of Business Summit HOUSTON-Joseph L. Boyd, Ph.D., dean of Texas Southern University’s (TSU) Jesse H. Jones School of Business Boyd (JHJ) has been elected to lead the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Schools of Business Summit for 2005-2006. Boyd, who has been Dean of JHJ since 2002, is responsible for setting next year’s agenda for HBCUs. Boyd, who has more than 30 years of experience in academia, held positions as Distinguished Professor of Accounting and Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, prior to joining TSU. In his new role, Boyd is charged with organizing a threeday summit for HBCU business school deans and representatives from major business and government agencies to discuss strategies and opportunities for strengthening business programs at HBCUs. The Higher Education Act of 1965, defines an HBCU as: “...any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans.” In 2002, President Bush signed an Executive Order to establish the White House Initiative on HBCUs, within the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of the Secretary. The HBCU initiative works with some 30 federal agencies to increase the ability of HBCUs to compete for federal grants, contracts or federally sponsored programs. HBCUs enroll 14 percent of all African-American students in higher education, although it constitutes only 3 percent of America’s 4,084 colleges or universities. The majority of the 105 HBCUs are located in the Southeastern states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.
Texas Conference Of Black Mayors 4th Annual Conference August 18-19, 2005 “Building Stronger Communities While Facing Economic Challenges”
Westin Oaks Hotel 5011 Westheimer Houston, Texas 77056
• Email: news@houstonbusinessconnections.com • AUGUST 2005
INDEX
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Ford Signs Deal with Funkmaster Flex ….…2 From the Publisher's Desk …………..………2 Homeownership May Be Within Reach …....3 Listing of Houston Area Chambers ………....3 Texas Conference of Black Mayors Info …...4 Church State and Africa………………...……5 Five Points of Good Customer Service ........6 Attire Linked to Professional Image..............8 Issues Threatening Minority Businesses….11 How Far Have We Really Come? ………....11 Rev. Jackson Opposes Bush Nominee ......11 Diversity Is The Key
HARD AT WORK– Leslie Alexander has always believed that sports teams could make a real difference in their communities. He is seen here working in the Houston community.
Committed to Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander cares about winning on the court, in the community
Upcoming Events Calendar August 2005 Wednesday, August 3, 2005
hen Leslie Alexander purchased the Houston Rockets on July 30, 1993, he made it clear that he wanted to build the best franchise in professional sports, both on and off the court. His mission was simple: to win championships for Houston and to help Houstonians in need. He has already succeeded on both fronts. In 1994 and 95, the Rockets won back-to-back championships, and after acquiring the Houston Comets, Alexander’s WNBA team brought Houston four consecutive championships from 1997-2000. “I want to do the most we can every year to win championships,” Alexander said. “That’s always our goal and it has
been thrilling to see what this organization has accomplished over the last twelve years.” While Alexander’s teams have been successful on the basketball court, they have also earned championship honors for their off-the-court commitment to the Greater Houston community. In 1997 the Rockets received the Pro Team Community Award given by the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame for outstanding community service. “I’ve always believed that sports teams can make a real difference in their communities,” Alexander said. “When I bought the
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Love mandatory for Codwell certified doctor of podiatric Medicine,” says one Houstonian. Born in Galveston, Texas and raised in Detroit Michigan, Codwell’s desire If you’ve been in to become a podiatrist Houston anytime at all, you developed through a will more than likely recogprocess that began with nize the face of Dr. John an interest in dentistry, Codwell. Chances are, you then pediatrics. Codwell might not know his profesrecalled that he always sion right off, but, his unshakwanted to be a physician Dr. Codwell able love and caring for peoof some sort, but had a ple can’t escape recognition. difficult time deciding in what field. “Dr. Codwell is perhaps one of Houston’s most involved and respected Please see DR. CODWELL, P.15 community leaders, as well as a board
T. D. Jakes Ministries Presents: MegaFest 2005, August 3rd - 6th, in Atlanta is a family affair. Bringing Woman, Thou Art Loosed! (a woman based conference), ManPower (a man based conference), and Entertainment events for the entire family. MegaFest
Please see CALENDAR, P.4
PRODUCTSHOWCASE
. Jarvis
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JOHNSON LEADING BY EXAMPLE Houston City Council District B Paid for by Jarvis Johnson Campaign, Velika Hines, Treasurer
Family, patients, community priority one for this Houston area surgeon
As a Father, Husband, Home Owner, Civic Leader, Businessman, and College Graduate, Jarvis Johnson pledges to listen and work with all Residents to make Our Neighborhoods Safer from crime and more Secure from flooding.
Unemployment Rate Drops to 5.1 Percent Employers Continue Adding Jobs AUSTIN — The unemployment rate dropped four-tenths of a percentage point to 5.1 percent in June. Seasonally Adjusted Nonagricultural Employment in Texas grew by 12,700 jobs in
June, the tenth consecutive month of job growth. Texas employers have added 115,500 jobs over the year, for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent. Eight of nine industry sectors reported
job growth for the year. “The Texas labor market continues to make positive strides with sustained job growth and a significant drop in the unemployment rate,” said Texas
Workforce Commission (TWC) Chair Diane Rath. “In the last two years, employers have Please see JOBS, P.14