BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Houston
Community Community News, News, Business Business Reports Reports & & Politics Politics
Published By Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. Proudly Serving The Houston Community Since 1998
• Email: news@houstonbusinessconnections.com • FEBRUARY 2007
Texas Business, Political, Community Leaders Endorse Senator Barack Obama for President
LET’S RODEO
HBC Reports
Texans4Obama.com founders, left photo, and State Rep. HD146 Borris L. Miles, top right.
HOUSTON— Recently at the Reggae Hut located at 4814 Almeda in Houston’s historic Third Ward, a very prominent group of Houston business, political and civic leaders came together to announce their endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for presiSee OBAMA, P.27
Magnolia Opens Concierge Level The beautiful Houston Magnolia Hotel opened in 2003 in Houston’s most renowned downtown structure, the former Post Dispatch building
T
he Houston Magnolia Hotel recently opened the new Magnolia Concierge Level on the hotel’s 22nd floor, providing the ultimate in complimentary services and amenities to guests. “The Magnolia Concierge Level provides an exceptional level of privacy and exclusive services for guests,” said Chuck Castiglia, general manager. Guests of seven executive stu-
Gasper and Beckie Mir wearing large smiles at the Black Heritage Committee Western Gala.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Black Heritage Committee Hosts Annual Western Gala Chuck Castiglia, “The Magnolia Concierge Level provides an exceptional level of privacy and exclusive services for guests.” dios, two guestrooms and the Ross Sterling Presidential Suite all have access to the benefits of the Magnolia Concierge Level and the Concierge Lounge. The Ross Sterling
Presidential Suite is a stunning 1,200square-foot suite featuring a black and white tile floor, a separate bedroom See MAGNOLIA, P.12
HOUSTON - The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo TM Black Heritage Committee recently hosted its 14th Annual Black H e r i t a g e The Westons at the gala Western Gala at Reliant Arena. Entertainment was provided by Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws, while Dinner included delicious Western fare by Harlon’s Barbecue. SEE PHOTOS ON PAGES 13-15.
Cornyn Backs Minimum Wage Increase that Includes Critical Small Business Protections WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a Member of the Senate Budget Committee, recently made the following statement regarding H.R.2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which passed the Senate by a vote of 94 to 3. “This bipartisan legislation, which I supported, helps low-income workers while protecting small businesses and their employees from the conse-
quences of raising wages in the marketplace. Small businesses are the number one creator of new jobs in America and they deserve our support. By helping them with this important tax and regulatory relief, we’ll ensure that the economy continues to grow.” “I do believe however, that we should aspire to more than a minimum wage for the American people. Raising the minimum wage only puts a patch on the symptom of a larger problem. We should instead continue
to provide the training and educational opportunities that allow individuals to enter the work force and move up the economic ladder. It is critical that every American receive a quality education, and we must continue to pursue avenues to ensure this is not merely a dream, but a reality. I strongly believe that workforce training programs are critical to continuing the economic upswing in the U.S. and these issues See CORNYN, P.22
ON THE SCENE
So what’s your Dream? Visit “On The Scene” to see what Craig Joseph and his customers at This Is It Soul Food had to say at This Is It Sundays. SEE PHOTOS ON PAGE 16.
Optical Entertainment Network Names Albert J. Estrada President & CEO As Company Readies Commercial Roll Out in Houston
Senator Cornyn
Optical Entertainment Network (OEN), the leading provider of IPTV and IP broadband services optimized for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and the first company to launch in a major market, announced recently that it has named Albert J. Estrada, President and CEO of Optical Entertainment Network. Albert was promoted
from the position of Chief Marketing Officer. He will continue overseeing OEN’s Marketing and Sales division until a new marketing chief joins the team. “Albert originally joined the OEN team to lead our sales and marketing efforts,” said Robert S. May, Chairman, Optical Entertainment Network.
“He has done a fantastic job for us in our start-up phase and as we are about to enter full revenue generating mode, we believe that he will be the best person to run the company, a job that he has been performing to a large degree already. He has demonstrated the experience Estrada
See ESTRADA, P.25
You May Also Download A Copy Of This Edition By Visiting: www.houstonbusinessconnections.com