July 2006 Houston Business Connections Newspaper

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Houston

Community News & Business Reports

Published By Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. Proudly Serving The Houston Community Since 1998

SPOTLIGHT

Bush

• Email: news@houstonbusinessconnections.com • JULY 2006

PHA Small Business Development Program Delivers Successes at Reception to Celebrate Fourth Year (Houston) - The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) celebrated the fourth anniversary of the Small Business Development Program (SBDP) with a reception on Wednesday, June 21. The celebration at the Gus S. Wortham

BUSINESS FOCUS

Theater was attended by more than 450 invited guests including participating SBDP vendors, representatives of the Please see RECEPTION, P.13

President Bush signs an EO to protect the property rights of the American people By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to strengthen the rights of the American people against the taking of their private property, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to Please see BUSH, P.18

Perry

CELEBRATING FOUR YEARS: PHA Chairman Jim Edmonds and Mistress of Ceremonies Melanie Lawson.

helping organizations streamline their operations while creating new profit Please see NEWSOME, P.20

Please see PERRY, P.19

Interactive Technologies Group Announces Time and Money Saving Tools For Black Organizations EventQuick as another way that he and his company can help Afro-centric institutions improve operations and welcome new profit streams.

"Simply put, EventQuick is about

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ov. Rick Perry recently hosted a small business summit in Houston aimed at providing area small businesses with the tools and knowledge for future success. Perry has held a series of summits around the state in support of small business.

“While we are here to talk about how to make our small businesses prosper, foremost on our minds right now is the safety and security of the people of Southeast Texas,” Perry said in reference to the recent flooding in the Harris County area. “We want to continue to urge Texans to be cautious and to avoid low-lying flood-prone areas, recognizing that flood condi-

Newsome Hits Mark Interactive Technologies Group, Inc. (ITG), an African-Americanowned company, has developed a webbased service that allows organizations to increase efficiency and save money in their administrative practices.

Following ITG's "software as service" model, EventQuick is an application that allows organizations to effectively manage their events, donation campaigns and memberships using the power of the internet.

Currently in use by a wide variety of institutions, EventQuick Newsome streamlines the manual steps involved in paper and phonebased event registration and donations payment processing and builds a database of all demographic information, allowing for focused marketing using both mass and targeted e-mail blasting. With EventQuick, the organization can instantly publish its events, providing registration capabilities and an immediate purchase decision to its customers.

Mark Newsome, ITG's President and CEO, is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and has long been a productive force in the advancement of African-American enterprise. Mr. Newsome sees

Gov. Perry Hosts Houston Small Business Summit

Are You A Woman On The Move?

Mark your calendar for the TEW event to be held Nov. 17 This year’s luncheon will be on Friday, Nov. 17, in the Hotel Intercontinental, Legends Ballroom Nominations are no longer being accepted for the 2006 Women on the Move® Awards. The annual awards ceremony, sponsored by Texas Executive Women (TEW) continues to be dedicated to honoring Houston women who have made a difference in their community while excelling in their work environment. The dollars raised from this event help fund programs that reach out to underserved teenage girls.

TEW and its members are dedicated to supporting programs that recognize,

2005 Women On The Move Honorees: Standing (L to R): Margo Scholin, Suzanne O'Malley, Susan Llanes-Myers, Frances Jeter, Nancy Levicki, Theresa Chang Seated (L to R): Jo Pease, Genora Boykins, Juanita Romans, Pauline Higgins.

develop and fund the advancement of women and girls in the community.

Through its diverse membership, the organization works to inspire young women to achieve their goals and give back to the community. Funds raised from this event support the organizations mentoring and scholarship programs.

Two-hundred ten women have been honored as Women on the Move® since the event’s inception. Past recipients include: Graciela Martinez, Nancy Levicki, Sally Nelson, Suzannah Wong, Nancy Chang, Pauline Higgins, Mary Ann Collier, Ileana Blanco, Hon. Beverly Kaufman, Sonceria Messiah Jiles, Beth Wolff, Theresa Chang, Susan A. Lieberman, Judge Nancy Atlas, Cindy Crane Garbs, Dorothy Please see WOMEN, P.17

TO VIEW HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS ONLINE VISIT: www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

NEWS Publisher’s Message/Environment

HHP Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. Mailing: 957 Nasa Parkway #251 Houston, TX 77058.

Aubrey R. Taylor, president and CEO of Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C., publisher of Houston Business Connections.

A

s always, I would like to thank our loyal advertisers, readers, and supporters for their continued support. It is through their support that we are able to print Houston Business Connections and publish “Eye on Houston” our political and news release website.

We added a “Preferred Business Directory” to the website, and are excited about you supporting the businesses listed.

Numerous additions have been made to our “Online Billboard” as well. In your leisure, check out the changes at www.houstonbusinessconnections.com or www.eyeonhouston.houtonbusinessconnections.com.

On page 4, Jim Edmons was unanimously reappointed as Chairman of the Port of Houston Authority Commission and we applaud his reappointment.

On page 5, Congressman Al Green (TX-9) has introduced legislation that would increase the minimum wage to $7.25 by 2007. That’s great news for the working class. Let us keep our fingers crossed on this much needed bill.

On Page 12, for the first time, we’re asking Harris County area residents to join our loyal readers in the task of helping us select the best candidates on the upcoming November ballot. The deadline to get your endorsements back to us is Friday, September 1, 2006. They should be mailed to: Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C., 957 Nasa Parkway #251, Houston, Texas 77058.

Enjoy the rest of this issue of Houston Business Connections. In addition, remember to support those who support you!

Aubrey R. Taylor Publisher

Email: aubrey@houstonbusinessconnections.com

ENTREPRENEURS CREDO I do not choose to be a Common man It is my right to be UNCOMMON… If I can I seek Opportunity - not Security I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the “Calculated Risk” to Dream and to Build, to fail and to SUCCEED. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.

I prefer the challenges of Life to the “Guaranteed existence”, the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia.

I will not trade FREEDOM for Beneficence nor my dignity for a handout.

I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid, to think and act for myself, to enjoy the benefit of “MY CREATIONS” and to face the world boldly and say: “This with God’s help, I have done.

All this is what it means to be a ENTREPRENEUR” H OUSTON B USINESS C ONNECTIONS IS PUBLISHED ON A MONTHLY BASIS BY H OUSTON H IGHLIGHTS P UBLISHING , L.L.C. ALL RIGHT RESERVED . N O ARTICLES MAY BE COPIED , REWRITTEN , PUBLISHED , OR OTHERWISE DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE PUBLISHER . F OR SPECIAL REQUESTS EMAIL : AUBREY @ HOUSTONBUSINESSCONNECTIONS . COM S END P RESS R ELEASES TO : NEWS @ HOUSTONBUSINESSCONNECTIONS . COM .

Dear EarthTalk: How is it that African Americans are said to suffer the most in the U.S. from pollution and other environmental ills?– Jon Stein, Novato, CA hile conducting research upon completion of his sociology Ph.D. in Houston in 1979, Dr. Robert Bullard noticed that all the city's garbage dumps were located in and around neighborhoods inhabited primarily by AfricanAmericans, even though blacks only accounted for a quarter of the city's population. Bullard hypothesized that such discriminatory siting was no coincidence, especially since Houston had no zoning laws to regulate land use. At the time, his findings helped a middle class African American community in the city prevent the building of a new dump facility in their neighborhood.

Fearful that the Houston situation was no anomaly, Bullard cast his net wider to find more examples of what he called “environmental racism.” Indeed, he found not only dumps, but also polluting factories and other industrial blemishes throughout the American Southeast – from West Virginia to Alabama to Texas to Louisiana to Florida – located where poor and sometimes middle class African Americans lived. While discriminatory decision-making was no doubt a factor, Bullard also theorized that such communities’ lack of political experience also contributed to their predicament. Such realizations gave birth to an entire new political movement, and today thousands of activists in the U.S. and elsewhere monitor policy making, lobby for new laws and fight City Hall in the struggle for “environmental justice.”

In his seminal 1990 book, Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality, Dr. Bullard emphasizes that the kinds of prob-

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lems he uncovered in black communities in the Southeast are not limited to a particular region or ethnicity. “People of color in all regions of the country bear a disproportionate share of the nation's environmental problems,” he said. The book, now in its third edition, highlights some of the cases Bullard considered over two decades, and makes a compelling case for taking into account issues of fairness when it comes to the siting and remediation of hazardous facilities of any type.

Bullard’s pioneering work also helped shatter the myth that minority communities didn't care about the environment. With financial help from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Bullard convened the first National People of Color Environmental Summit held in October 1991, and a year later published the first version of the People of Color Environmental Groups Directory with listings for more than 300 different groups in the U.S. alone. An expanded version of the directory released in 2000 is available free online from the website of Bullard’s Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University.

These days Bullard is marshalling all the resources he can to monitor the “mother of all clean-ups” in post-Katrina New Orleans, and has been highly critical of the slow pace of federal and state efforts. Acknowledging that funds are limited, Bullard wonders, “which neighborhoods will get cleaned up and which ones will be left contaminated.” No doubt, though, residents are glad to have Dr. Bullard and the thousands of environmental justice activists he inspired on their side this time around.

Dear EarthTalk: Do fireworks celebrations cause any significant pollution?– David Hiebert,Scottdale, PA erhaps it should come as no surprise that the fireworks displays that go on around the U.S. every Fourth of July are still typically propelled by the ignition of gunpowder– a technological innovation that pre-dates the American Revolution itself. And the fall-out from these exhibitions includes a variety of toxic pollutants that rain down on neighborhoods from coast to coast, often in violation of federal Clean Air Act standards.

Depending on the effect sought, fireworks produce smoke and dust that contain various heavy metals, sulfur-coal compounds and other noxious chemicals. Barium, for instance, is used to produce brilliant green colors in fireworks displays, despite being poisonous and radioactive.

Copper compounds are used to produce blue colors, even though they contain dioxin, which has been linked to cancer. Cadmium, lithium, antimony, rubidium, strontium, lead and potassium nitrate are also commonly used to produce different effects, even though they can cause a host of respiratory and other health problems.

The chemicals and heavy metals used in fireworks also take their toll on the environment, sometimes contributing to water supply contami-

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nation and even acid rain. Their use also deposits physical litter on the ground and into water bodies for miles around. As such, some U.S. states and local governments restrict the use of fir works in accordance with guidelines set by the Clean Air Act. The American Pyrotechnics Association provides a free online directory of state laws across the U.S. regulating the use of fireworks.

Of course, fireworks displays are not limited to U.S. Independence Day celebrations.

Fireworks use is increasing in popularity around the world, including in countries without strict air pollution standards. According to The Ecologist, millennium celebrations in 2000 caused environmental pollution worldwide, filling skies over populated areas with “carcinogenic sulphur compounds and airborne arsenic.”

Not usually known for championing environmental causes, the Walt Disney Company has pioneered new technology using environmentally benign compressed air instead of gunpowder to launch fireworks. Disney puts on hundreds of Please see EARTHTALK, P.16

We once worried that democracy could not survive if an undereducated populace knew too little. Now we worry if it can survive us knowing too much. — Robert Bianco

2 • JULY 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

EDITORIAL OPINION/QUESTIONS

Did You Know?

Sirleaf

Bush

Winfrey

Clinton

national banker, and chief officer for Africa at the United Nations Development Program.

With the 2006 general election a few months away, and the 2008 Presidential election just around the corner, talk about who could run is swirling. Much of the talk is centered around former first lady, Senator Hillary “As the first woman ever Rodham Clinton, possibly makelected President in Africa, ing a run for the White House.

Johnson-Sirleaf is an example This talk is inspiring women of what can happen when girls across the country and is probably are educated,” says U.S. first the closest possibility. Houston Business Connections would like to lady Laura Bush. know if you Liberian President, think a woman Opinion Ellen Johnson Sirleaf could ever get recently made Time elected President of the United magazine’s 2006 list of “the 100 States.

And, if so, who?

Talk men and women whose power, Show Host and philanthropist talent, or moral example is transforming our world.” Before Oprah Winfrey, Secretary of State becoming President, Sirleaf Condoleezza Rice, current first served as finance minister, inter- lady Laura Bush, or someone else?

Is America Ready for a Woman President?

EMAIL YOUR RESPONSE OR EDITORIAL COMMENTS:

news@houstonbusinessconnections.com

Juneteenth Celebrating the Republican Party of Texas’ Heritage From the Republican Party of Texas

Republican Party. In fact, two of the first three RPT chairmen were black, and the first 42 blacks n June 19th 141 years ago, Union elected to the Texas legislature were Republicans.

General Gordon Granger was finally And black Republican Senator Matthew Gaines able to deliver word to the people of implemented the State’s first faith-based proTexas not only that the Confederacy grams. Texas Republicans have a rich heritage had surrendered and the war was over but also that of diversity, and that diversity continues today. two years earlier President Abraham Lincoln had In 2002, Texas became the first State to elect issued the Emancipation Proclamation and that all three blacks to statewide office in the same slaves were now free. Why the delay in receiving election, and all three were Republicans. this important message? Because for Numerous other black Republican two years the leaders of the solid officials have been elected across Editorial Democrat-controlled South had been the State including the Party’s new able to block that official word from Vice Chairman, Dr. Robin getting out, thus ensuring the continuation of their Armstrong. It is through their numerous contribupower. The message was received with jubila- tions under our shared common values that we tion by Texas blacks and abolitionists; and just have all benefited and seen our Party grow and two weeks later on July 4th, 1865, 150 blacks become ever stronger and more effective. As we (the majority of whom had been former slaves) look back and remember our history, let us move and 20 whites joined together to form the forward with a renewed vigor to work together Republican Party of Texas. toward our common goals, and thus remain Black Americans were not only the founders the Party of conviction and values the Party but also the backbone and strength of the Texas for all the people.

O

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Candidates Who Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

I Want Your Support!

“You can support my effort to become your next State Rep. for District 146 by donating to my campaign!”

– Gerald W. “Jerry” Lafleur Candidate for State Rep. District 146

Name:___________________ ________________________ Address:_________________ ________________________ ________________________ Contact#: ________________ Amount Enclosed: $ _______ Make Check Payable To: LaFleur for Texas 146 7920 Cullen Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77051 Jerrell I. Davis Treasurer

Cut along the dotted line and mail today!

Political advertisement paid for by LaFleur for Texas 146, Jerrell I. Davis, Treasurer

The highest measure of democracy is neither the ‘extent of freedom’ nor the ‘extent of equality’, but rather the highest measure of participation. — A. d. Benoist

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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• JULY 2006 • 3

BUSINESS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

PHA Small Business Development Program Delivers Successes at Reception to Celebrate Fourth Year Reception continued from P.1 City of Houston, METRO, Houston Minority Business Council, U.S. Small Business Administration and the Women's Business Enterprise Alliance as well as several political and civic leaders. KTRK13 anchor Melanie Lawson served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

The PHA saluted Orion Construction as the Small Business Advocate of the Year. During 2005, the PHA commission awarded a $40.4 million contract to Orion for work at the Bayport terminal, which had 26 percent small business participation. MB Western Industrial Contracting of Pasadena and Atlas Industrial of Houston were recognized as the PHA's Small Businesses of the Year.

Two PHA employees — Community Relations Manager Grace Moolchan and Training and Development Manager Carolyn Ashley – were honored as PHA’s Procurement Champions of the Year.

“As the sixth largest port in the world, the Port of Houston operates like a large, well-oiled machine. But that large machine wouldn’t operate at all without a great number of small parts,” PHA Chairman Jim Edmonds said. “Since its creation four years ago, the Small Business Development Program has not only helped the Port of Houston Authority meet its goal of being a contributing member of the community but has helped us be more diverse and cost-effective as well.”

About SBDP The SBDP is designed to help PHA contractors make good faith efforts to

From left – PHA Chairman Jim Edmonds, Gustavo Garza, owner of Atlas Construction and PHA Commissioner Janiece Longoria. include small business participation in eligible contracts. Most PHA contracts valued at more than $25,000 are considered SBDP eligible. The exceptions include contracts for sole-source items, federally funded contracts, contracts with other governmental entities and certain contracts that are otherwise prohibited by applicable law from inclusion in the SBDP. Professional service contracts are SBDP eligible contracts to the extent permitted by law and/or PHA commission policies.

As a race - and gender-neutral program, the SBDP is open to all certified small businesses located in greater Houston and the surrounding areas including Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Waller, Liberty, Chambers and Brazoria counties. An individual small business owner’s personal net worth must

not exceed $750,000 (excluding the business and homestead). Eligible small businesses must complete and submit an application and vendor information form. The application must be accompanied by a copy of the firm's small business certification. A company can be certified as a small business by the City of Houston, Houston Minority Business Council, METRO, U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a) and the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance. Upon PHA staff review and approval of a company's application and small business certification, a company becomes eligible to participate in the program.

In 2005, members of the Small Business Development Program received $47.52 million in PHA contracts worth more than $25,000. For items costing less than $25,000, program members received

nearly half of the PHA’s business, which totaled nearly $3.2 million. Members of the program received 39 percent of PHA business in the first quarter of 2006, exceeding the authority's stated objective of 35 percent small business involvement.

“These totals mean that millions of dollars a year in economic benefits will be staying right here in the Houston area,” PHA Managing Director Wade Battles said. “The opportunities are there for a small business looking for a chance to move forward, and I encourage any of you who have not registered with the Small Business Development program to do so.”

The Port of Houston Authority owns and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-mile long complex of diversified public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, containers, grain and other dry bulk materials, project and heavy lift cargo, and other types of cargo. Each year, more than 6,600 vessels call at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage, second in overall total tonnage, and tenth largest in the world. The Port Authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston’s development as a center of international trade. The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any U.S. port facilities to develop and implement an innovative Environmental Management System that meets the rigorous standards of ISO 14001. Additionally, the port is an approved delivery point for Coffee “C” futures contracts traded on the New York Board of Trade’s Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa Exchange. For more information, please visit www.portofhouston.com

Edmonds Re-Appointed Chairman of PHA Commission Prominent Business Leader Will Serve Fourth Term Jointly Appointed

by Harris County and City of Houston (Houston)– By unanimous votes, the Harris County Commissioners Court and the Houston City Council recently jointly reappointed Jim Edmonds as Chairman of the Port of Houston Authority Commission.

The county commissioners and city council members gathered at Houston City Hall for the reappointment vote.

Initially appointed to the port commission in October 1996, representing Harris County, Edmonds was first appointed chairman in 2000 by the city and the county. He also is a member of the board of commissioners for the Houston Pilots Association. PHA commissioners serve two-year terms without pay. In addition to Edmonds, the other PHA commission members include Commissioner Kase Lawal, Commissioner Steve Phelps, Commissioner Jim Fonteno, Commissioner Jimmy Burke, Commissioner Janiece Longoria, and Commissioner Elyse Lanier.

“Jim Edmonds has demonstrated

Edmonds

White

exceptional leadership in dealing with the numerous aspects of the Port of Houston Authority,” stated Harris County Judge Robert Eckels. “From security and small business development, to the Bayport Container and Cruise terminal construction, numerous transportation projects, and revenue and tonnage increases, the port authority has experienced record-setting performances under Edmonds’ leadership. I look forward to another two years of achievement with Jim Edmonds at the helm of the Port of Houston Authority.”

Under Edmonds’ leadership, the PHA has been able to expand its business opportunities to better serve existing customers and to create opportunities for future customers. The PHA received a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ permit in January 2004, and began construction the following June for the Bayport Container and Cruise Terminals. Built out in phases over 15 to 20 years to meet market demand, Bayport will have enough space for seven ships and a 378-acre container storage yard. It will have a maximum capacity of about 2.3 million TEUs – a

200 percent increase over PHA’s current container handling capacity. The facility is expected to create approximately 32,000 non-construction jobs and contribute millions of dollars to the Texas economy through wages and tax revenues. Completion of the first phase – including 1,660 feet of the ultimate 7,000 ft. wharf and approximately 65 acres of the ultimate 1,043 acre facility – is targeted for October.

Houston Mayor Bill White stated, “Jim Edmonds has stewarded Houston's port at a time of critical growth and progress. He understands that the port is vital to Houston as a source of jobs and economic strength. And he also understands the importance of the port being a good neighbor in the area.”

In 2001, Edmonds led the efforts to seek Texas voters’ approval on a state constitutional amendment exempting all green coffee and raw cocoa imports stored in Harris County from ad valorem taxes. The New York Board of Trade granted green coffee exchange port status to PHA in early 2003. Last month, Houston’s port became the top-ranked coffee exchange port in the world based

Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary. — Reinhold Niebuhr

4 • JULY 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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Please see OPENING, P.17

NEWS RECENT LEGISLATIVE FILINGS Congressman Al Green Proposes Legislation to Increase the Minimum Wage to $7.25 Bill to Link Minimum Wage to the Federal Poverty Threshold

Green

(Washington) - Congressman Al Green (TX9) has introduced legislation that would increase the minimum wage to $7.25 by 2007.

He was joined by Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member George Miller (CA-7), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Mel Watt (NC-12), Congressional Hispanic

Caucus Chair Grace Napolitano (CA-38), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Michael Honda (CA-15), and 42 additional original co-sponsors. The Living American Wage (LAW) Act of 2006 would raise the minimum wage by linking it to the federal poverty threshold for a family of two - a factor determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If enacted, the bill would increase the minimum wage for the first time since 1997.

The following is a comprehensive list of Houston area Chambers of Commerce ------------------------Acres Home Citizen Chamber Of Commerce (713) 692-7003 6130 Wheatley St Houston, TX 77091 Arab U.S. Chamber Of Commerce (281) 447-2563 525 N Sam Houston Pkwy E Houston, TX 77060

Please see GREEN, P.9

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

Arab-us Chamber National (713) 963-4620 1330 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056 Asian Chamber Of Commerce (713) 782-7222 7457 Harwin Dr Houston, TX 77036 Australian American Chamber Of Commerce (713) 467-2146 11935 Cobblestone Dr Houston, TX 77024 C I S American Chamber Of Commerce (713) 464-4800 8707 Katy Fwy Houston, TX 77024 Caribbean Chamber Of Commerce (713) 977-8308 7171 Harwin Dr Houston, TX 77036 Chamber Of Commerce North (281) 872-8700 16825 Northchase Dr Houston, TX 77060 Chamber Of Commerce North Channel Area (713) 450-3600 P 9759 Ste Ste 100 Houston, TX 77213 Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation (281) 486-5535 2525 Bay Area Blvd Apollo, TX 77058 Clear Lake Shores Chamber Of Commerce (281) 488-7676 1201 Nasa Rd 1 Apollo, TX 77058 Cy-fair Houston Chamber Of Commerce (281) 955-1100 11050 Fm 1960 Rd W Houston, TX 77065 Cy-fair Houston Chamber Of Commerce (281) 765-8888 11050 Fm 1960 Rd W Houston, TX 77065 French American Chamber Of Commerce 5373 West Alabama, #209 Houston, TX 77056 (713) 960-0575 German American Chamber Of Commerce (713) 877-1114 5599 San Felipe St Houston, TX 77056 Please see LISTING, P.7

Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat, but it’s something you do. You participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles. — Abbie Hoffman

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

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• JULY 2006 • 5

NEWS THINGS TO DO IN HOUSTON

Big Spenders and Thrifty Travelers

Are Both at Home in

Houston

ith gas prices approaching all-time highs, many families search out close-tohome travels. Houston is surprisingly affordable with plenty of entertainment options for the entire family. Known for its jet setting socialites and old money, Houston also has an abundance of high-end accommodations, retailers and activities for travelers looking for a luxurious vacation.

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views of downtown Houston and beyond.

A favorite destination for visiting VIPs, the terrace has been the location for a live segment of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Luxury suites at Hotel ICON begin at $350, or you can upgrade to the Ritz Suite for $2,500/night. Frequent travelers to Houston may prefer to purchase a condominium at the Four Seasons Houston to add a touch of home to the already luxurious hotel room. Condos start at $395,000.

ACCOMMODATIONS IN HOUSTON

WHAT TO DO IN HOUSTON

With more than 60,000 hotel rooms in the Greater Houston area, it’s possible to find perfect accommodations for any budget.

Super Savings Stay at the Courtyard by MarriottDowntown, located on the METRORail line, from $109 per weekend night, just a few rail stops from Midtown, the Museum District, Texas Medical Center and Reliant Park. Or stay at Candlewood Suites by The Galleria for just $75.99/night. The Four Points by Sheraton, near Reliant Park, Greenway Plaza and The Galleria offers rates starting at $99/night.

Suite Dreams Hotel ICON’s tri-level luxurious suite located on the 12th floor offers a private 600-square-foot terrace with awe-inspiring

On a Budget Travelers to Houston looking for a great deal should log on to www.visithoustontexas.com to view special offers from nearly 40 Houston organizations. Check back often, as new offers are added regularly.

It will take a day to see everything from fine art to arts and crafts in Houston's famed Museum District, home to 16 museums and the Houston Zoo — all within walking distance of one another. But that’s not the best part. Eleven of the museums are free all the time, and the others offer free admission on specific days of the week.

Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science free of charge on Tuesdays after 2 p.m.; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on Thursdays; The Health Museum on Thursdays after 2 p.m.; and the Children’s

Museum of Houston on Thursday evenings. Get a family package to the Houston Zoo for just $30, which includes zoo admission for two adults and two children, four Wildlife Carousel tokens and a souvenir guide book.

Houston’s renowned performing arts scene is affordable year-round, and it gets even better during the summer. Miller Outdoor Theatre, located in Hermann Park, is a unique outdoor venue for free performances all summer. This season, audiences will enjoy performances by the Houston Symphony, Theatre Under The Stars and the Houston Shakespeare Festival, among others, for free. Spread a blanket on the lawn, have a picnic and immerse yourself in these spectacular shows.

If you prefer an “off the beaten path” experience, visit the Art Car Museum, dedicated to the fun, funky and outrageously exuberant Art Car movement Houston’s Art Car Parade is the oldest and largest of its kind in the country. The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, presenter of the Art Car Parade, also preserves the Orange Show monument, a tribute to the iconic fruit created by visionary outsider artist Jeff McKissack, and the Beer Can House, a Houston folk art landmark covered in more than 50,000 beer cans. There is no charge to visit the Art Car Museum or the Beer Can House, and admission to the Orange Show is $1.

History buffs will want to visit the San Jacinto Monument and Battleground.

Following a period of renovation, the San Jacinto Museum store and the award-winning presentation of Texas Forever!! The Battle of San Jacinto are now open to the public. The permanent exhibit gallery, exhibiting 400 years of Texas history will be re-opened to the public in July. The observation floor, at 489 feet, will be opened in August for visitors to experience its remarkable view. Visitors to the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Park can also visit the grounds, the marsh boardwalk, and the Battleship TEXAS. For those who like to gamble but aren’t exactly high rollers, Gulf Greyhound Park offers $2 minimum bets.

Until Aug. 31, 2006, the park is charging only 50 cents for hot dogs, sodas and beer every Thursday night.

Visit the Water Wall in Uptown Houston, the city’s most photographed site. The Water Wall pumps thousands of gallons of recycled water over both sides of a 64-foot wall. More than 180 live oaks shade the three-acre area that plays host to families and couples out for a stroll, picnic, or even a game of Frisbee. Get in touch with nature at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, a 155-acre

Justice will only exist where those not effected by injustice are filled with the same amount of indignation as those offended.— Plato

6 • JULY 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

Please see HOUSTON, P.8

BUSINESS

RECENT HIRINGS

Jorge Lopez Named President, CEO of Con Edison Solutions Will Continue the Successful Growth Strategies of His Predecessor (New York) – Jorge J. Lopez was named president and chief executive officer of ConEdison Solutions recently.

As one of the country’s leading energy services companies, ConEdison Solutions – the energy services subsidiary of

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (CEI) – supplies competitively priced energy and energy management services to a wide range of commercial, industrial and residential customers around the United States.

Mr. Lopez will succeed JoAnn F. Ryan, who is assuming the senior executive position in charge of purchasing, central field services, energy management, and information resources for the regulated businesses in the ConEdison family of companies.

Established in 1997,

Listing continued from P.5

ConEdison Solutions is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., and part of a family of companies that is one of America's largest and longest-operating investor-owned energy companies (NYSE:ED).

ConEdison Solutions currently serves electric commodity customers in Maryland, Washington, D.C., New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Texas, and provides energy services to businesses throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic.

Houston Hispanic Chambers Of Commerce (713) 644-7215 2900 Woodridge Dr Houston, TX 77087 Houston Northwest Chamber Of Commerce (281) 440-3476 14511 Falling Creek Dr Bammel, TX 77014 Houston Northwest Chamber Of Commerce (281) 440-4160 14511 Falling Creek Dr Houston, TX 77014 Lopez

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

WHY SETTLE FOR LESS THAN THE BEST? Mike Calvert Toyota opened for business in Houston over 20 years ago. The reputation of this dealership is built upon Fairness, Honesty, and being there after the sale. Our hard work earned the President’s Award for Customer Satisfaction.

Call Andre’ Walker at 866-684-3446 or come by our Dealership located at 2333 South Loop West for a pleasant buying experience. There’s always a great selection to choose from. Easy financing! Call or come by TODAY!

MIKE CALVERT TOYOTA 2333 SOUTH LOOP WEST HOUSTON, TEXAS 77054

Houston West Chamber Of Commerce (713) 785-4922 10777 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77042 Houston West Chamber Of Commerce Spring Branch Division (713) 467-9330 8400 Long Point Rd Houston, TX 77055 Indo American Chamber Of Commerce Of Greater Houston (713) 850-1144 1990 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056 Interamerican Chamber Of Commerce (713) 975-6171 510 Bering Dr Houston, TX 77057 Italy-america Chamber Of Commerce Of Texas Inc. (713) 626-9303 4605 Post Oak Place Dr Houston, TX 77027 Japan Business Association Of Houston (281) 493-1512 14133 Memorial Dr Houston, TX 77079 League City Chamber of Commerce (281) 554-5595 P.O. Box 977 League City, Texas 77574

Andre’ Walker New & Preowned Sales (713)558-8252 Direct (832)283-1660 Cell Email: usedcars@mikecalverttoyota.com

National U.S. Arab Chamber Of Commerce (713) 963-4620 1330 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056 North Chamber Of Commerce (281) 872-8700 16825 Northchase Dr Houston, TX 77060 North Channel Area Chamber Of Commerce (713) 450-3600 13301 E Fwy Houston, TX 77015 North Houston Greenspoint Chamber Of Commerce (281) 872-8700 16825 Northchase Dr Houston, TX 77060 Seabrook Chamber Of Commerce (281) 488-7676 1201 Nasa Rd 1 Apollo, TX 77058

Intellectual freedom is the only guarantee of a scientific - democratic approach to politics, economic development, and culture. — Andrei Dmitrievich Sakharov

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

• JULY 2006 • 7

NEWS THINGS TO DO IN HOUSTON

Big Spenders and Thrifty Travelers Are Both at Home in Houston Houston continued from P.6 forest sanctuary within Memorial Park.

Money is No Object Go behind the scenes at Space Center Houston and do as the astronauts do.

Begin your tour with lunch in the Astronaut Cafeteria. See space artifacts, space suits, the new Mission Control Center and the Space Environment Simulation Lab. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Sonny Carter Training Facility and the Neutral Buoyancy Lab to experience weightlessness just like the astronauts. The tour costs $69.96 per person and includes a two-day pass to Space Center Houston.

The Houston Astros, 2005 National League champions, are battling it out for another pennant. There's no better place to see a game than in the dugout seats, directly behind home plate. You may catch a glimpse of George H.W. and Barbara Bush, longtime Astros seasons ticket holders. For the chance to catch a home run ball, purchase seats in the Crawford Boxes, which are highly sought after for game “souvenirs.”

The Houston Theater District is home to renowned ballet, opera, theater and symphony companies and three gorgeous venues. Jones Hall is the city’s oldest music hall, open in 1966. Dominating an entire city block, Jones Hall is stunning with its curving travertine marble facade, an exterior rectangle of eight-story columns and a brilliantly lit grand entrance. Built in the 1980s, Wortham Center, home to Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera, was funded entirely by the private sector. At the time, Wortham Center was the first major opera house built in the U.S. in more than 25 years. The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, built in 2002, is a $102 million shining star designed by Robert A. M. Stern. The downtown view from the Hobby Center’s balcony is one of the loveliest in the city. The best seats in the house at Wortham Center can be found in the Founder’s Boxes and can run as much as $150 for a coveted performance by Houston Grand Opera. At Jones Hall, the hot ticket to a Houston Symphony show can cost as much as $85 if you want to sit in the box seats. For a wild experience, have your portrait painted at the Houston Zoo by an elephant or an orangutan for a mere $500.

There’s nothing quite as regal as high tea at the St. Regis Hotel, Houston.

Choose from a wide selection of superbly blended teas and a delicious menu of tea sandwiches, scones and fresh fruit. For an extra indulgence, the St. Regis offers a selection of fine French champagnes and wines. Tea is served Tuesday through Sunday 3-5 p.m.

High rollers feel right at home at the Sam Houston Race Park. Luxury suites offer great views of the track, where American Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and Arabian horses race. The 22 luxury suites offer food prepared by award-

winning chefs. Suite rentals begin at $250/night.

See Houston from a unique point of view — from above. Blue Sky Balloon Rides offer private hot air balloon rides that include a one-hour flight for two and a post-flight champagne celebration for $500.

Nothing says luxury quite like a yacht.

Bay Area Houston, about 30 miles south of downtown Houston, is considered to be the nation?s third coast for boating, with one of the greatest concentrations of sailboats, yachts and pleasure craft in the U.S. Choose from a variety of yachts and sailboats to rent, or charter a boat for a saltwater fishing excursion.

SHOPPING IN HOUSTON A city full of extreme shopping opportunities, shoppers can find the perfect piece at designer boutiques that line The Galleria’s “Million Dollar Mile” or land the perfect deal on Houston’s internationally eclectic “Bargain Mile” found on Harwin Drive. Houston is a city that turns casual shoppers into shopaholics who never want to leave. And why should they? Houston is a shopper's paradise.

Bargain Buys For a shopping experience unique to Houston, head directly to Harwin Drive in southwest Houston. Simply called Harwin by locals, shoppers will find sterling silver jewelry, faux designer fashions and handbags and perfume at prices you absolutely won’t find at the mall. Known for its great deals and less for its appearance, shops along Harwin are simple, cluttered spaces, owned by people from around the world who don't mind a little haggling. The “Bargain Mile” is also home to furniture, rugs, silk plants and accessories imported from around the globe.

Head west of Houston for clothes encounters of the discount kind at Katy Mills Mall, an expansive outlet mall full of amazing deals and finds. Clothing, shoes, accessories, house wares and more fill the 1.2 million square feet of shopping splendor. Know before you go, Katy Mills Mall is best experienced in a pair of comfortable shoes, but don’t worry. If you need a break from the shopping action, there are plenty of places to take a break, including the food court, a movie theatre and seating throughout the mall.

Trash or treasure? You decide at Traders Village, the largest flea market on the Texas Gulf Coast. You’ll find tires and tools, army surplus and electronics, comics and cards, crafts and collectible, silk plants and flowers, truck accessories, jewelry, furniture, clothing, garage sale bargains — and that’s just the beginning.

More than 1,000 vendors set up shop at Traders Village each weekend. If you’re not a shopaholic, you’ll enjoy one of Traders Village's many weekend festivals like the Classic Country Music Festival, Cricket Summer Concert Series or the Village Art Car Show.

Pricey Purchases While every city has its fair share of malls, Houston's malls are gigantic in size

and selection. Topping the must-see and shop list is The Galleria, a wonderland for shoppers with discriminating taste and budget to go with it. A who’s who of designers, The Galleria is home to Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel, Jimmy Choo and Ralph Lauren, among others. Joining the upscale boutiques are anchor stores Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Foley’s, adding up to more than two million square feet of shopping thrills, making it the fourth largest shopping center in the country. An ice rink made famous by Olympian Tara Lipinski and restaurants to suit every taste make it easy to stay and play all day long at The Galleria.

Shoppers who enjoy the great outdoors have plenty places to stroll along, visit and shop while in Houston. You don’t need a passport to shop at Uptown Park, an upscale, pedestrian-friendly shopping center in the shadow of the Houston Galleria that has a decidedly European feel. A collection of 36 stores and boutiques, Uptown Park caters to a sophisticated clientele, all the while maintaining its old-world charm. Also in the Galleria area is Highland Village, a classy collection of shops and boutiques that will easily outfit both you and your home. It’s no surprise that nestled in River Oaks, Houston's toniest neighborhood, is the River Oaks Shopping Center. Whether window shopping, or searching for something specific, the River Oaks Shopping Center with stores such as Sole Sensation, Principessa, La Mode Lingerie and Chico’s is full of possibilities.

CHEAP EATS AND NIGHTLIFE IN HOUSTON Houstonians eat out more than residents of any other city. The good news is that even the “high” restaurants are lower than other cities of comparable size. According to Zagat, the average meal in Houston is $5.02 less than the national average.

Dine on a Dime Irma’s is a favorite Mexican food choice for locals and visitors alike.

Serving only weekday breakfast and lunch, Irma's has become a downtown institution among the politico crowd, and is known for having no menu — as well as being easy on the pocketbook. Collina’s, with locations on Richmond Avenue and Rice Village, offers piping hot pizzas and a B.Y.O.B policy. Food lovers flock to Niko Niko's for their famous gyros and Greek fare. Barnaby’s Café offers a completely organic menu of salads, burgers and sandwiches at a reasonable price. A Houston legend, Goode Co.’s restaurants keep locals coming back for more with a taqueria, seafood house, world-famous barbecue and their newest venture, Armadillo Palace saloon. A Houston institution since 1923, James Coney Island has become a multi-million dollar institution that sells more than 30,000 hot dogs every day. While the hot dogs are no longer 15 cents (as they were in 1923), they are still an affordable, tasty option for the entire family.

Penny-Pinching Happy Hour

Self-described as the “home of Houston’s best Happy Hour,” The Social on Washington Avenue is a great place to mingle in style without splurging on price.

This hip-hangout offers one of Houston?s most popular patios and an excellent rotation of local DJs. Plus, there’s free parking and no cover. Taco Milagro in the Uptown District is Thursday’s popular happy hour spot “a la Tex-Mex.” For a lively mix of students, good tunes, pool tables, a famous frozen screwdriver cocktail and a relaxed vibe on the patio, try Volcano in the Rice Village area. Offering Houston's longest happy hour, The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium offers 85 taps, including Houston’s own St. Arnold Brewery.

Fine Food There have never been a shortage of fine restaurants in Houston. Brennan’s of Houston, part of the New Orleans family of restaurants, is also a Houston institution and has been in the same location for 40 years. Take one bite of their famous Turtle soup or jumbo lump crab cakes, and you’ll see why. Tony’s, which relocated to a new location in February 2005, retains its reputation for fantastic food and an elegant ambiance. During a visit to Tony’s, expect to see anyone from local politicians and oilmen to Houston socialites and national celebrities. Café Annie celebrated its 25th anniversary in Houston last year. One of the original creators of Southwestern cuisine continues to delight and surprise patrons with ever-inventive selections. bistro moderne, BANK and Vic & Anthony’s are rather new to Houston’s culinary scene but have certainly made their mark. bistro moderne was named one of the 20 best new restaurants in 2005 by Esquire magazine. BANK, inside Hotel ICON, is chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s first venture in Texas.

Vic & Anthony’s has been recognized for its stellar wine list by Food and Wine. Mark’s American Cuisine is consistently listed among Houston?s favorite restaurants and was recently voted No. 1 in the 2006 Zagat Guide.

Housed in a 1920s church, Mark’s everchanging menu 0features only the freshest ingredients.

Cocktails and Dreams Bar Annie, located inside Café Annie, is a place to see and be seen over a cocktail or appetizers. The Whiskey, the swanky lounge inside Hotel ICON, is nightlife king Rande Gerber’s first foray into Houston. Try a shot of Louis XIII Cognac for $175. For a fine wine selection in a boutique setting, visit The Wine Bucket, which features more than 50 wines by the glass or bottle. If you prefer a good cigar and a bottle of 15-year-old scotch, Downing Street is more your speed. Try the Macallan 50-year scotch, which costs $300 a shot and $4,000 a bottle. You can also store your cigars in a locker in the bar’s humidor for a mere $400/year.

Whether you want to stretch or splurge, you’ll find plenty of things to do on any budget. Log on to www.visithoustontexas.com or call 1-800-4HOUSTON for more information.

Democracy is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequal alike. — Plato

8 • JULY 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

NEWS RECENT LEGISLATIVE FILINGS Green continued from P.5 “I would like to thank all of my colleagues who have signed on in support of this legislation and all staff who have worked tirelessly to bring it to fruition,” Green said. There are 37 million Americans living in poverty due to their lack of income, which impacts their housing, access to education, and health care.

While a full-time job should be a bridge out of poverty, this is clearly not the case for minimum wage earners and their families. A full-time worker earning the minimum wage in this country cannot support

a single child above the poverty threshold.

This is inexcusable and a problem my legislation seeks to redress.

Green’s bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to link the minimum wage to the federal poverty threshold for a family of two, one adult and one child. Under this provision, the minimum wage would increase to $7.25 by 2007, and would be recalculated every four years, making it a living wage. Congress has not increased the minimum wage since September of 1997 - the second longest period of inaction since it was enacted in 1938. While the 2005 federal poverty threshold for a family of two is $13,461, a full-time worker earning the current mini-

mum wage of $5.15 per hour earns well below this level at $10,712 a year. In addition, the Economic Policy Institute, a non-profit, non partisan think tank, reports the real inflation-adjusted value of the minimum wage in 2006 is at its lowest point in 50 years.

“Opponents of minimum wage increases often claim that the majority of individuals holding minimum wage jobs are teenagers and other part-time workers, a claim that is simply untrue,” Green said.

Approximately three-quarters of minimum wage workers are adults over the age of 20, and more than one-third of workers who would benefit from an increase are parents of children under age 18, including

760,000 single mothers. This Congress has an obligation to help ensure these hardworking Americans are able to provide for themselves and their families."

While those opposed to minimum wage increases have linked job loss with past wage increases, supporters of increasing the minimum wage counter that employers may be able to absorb some of the costs through higher productivity, lower turnover resulting in lower recruiting and training costs, decreased absenteeism, and increased worker morale.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, studies have failed to find a systematic link between significant job loss and past minimum wage increases.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

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If liberty and equality are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost. — Aristotle

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

• JULY 2006 • 9

LEGAL COLUMN

Bankruptcy…The New Law On October 17, 2005, the United States Bankruptcy Laws enacted numerous changes that will affect individuals in Texas and throughout the United States who seek bankruptcy protection.

Some changes in the new law are designed to make it more difficult for debtors to discharge their unsecured debts.

What are some of the major changes in the current law? How do these changes affect you, and your ability to obtain a fresh start? What do you do when faced with the dilemma of delinquent house payments, delinquent car notes, overwhelming credit card debts, massive medical expenses, or past due personal income obligations? There are three major areas of changes in the October 17, 2005 revisions to the bankruptcy code that affect all debtors.

CREDIT COUNSELING One of the major changes under the new bankruptcy law involves credit counseling. All debtors are required to seek consumer credit counseling prior to filing a bankruptcy petition. A consumer credit counseling course must be completed within 180 days of the date of filing either a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy petition. The credit counseling course must be taken from an approved non-profit credit counseling agency.

Failure of debtors to undergo the mandated pre-bankruptcy credit counseling prevents debtors from remaining in court in either a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy. Since October 17, 2005, bankruptcy courts confronted with debtors who failed to take the pre-bankruptcy credit counseling course have dismissed the debtors’ bankruptcy petition.

After debtors have completed the credit counseling course, a certificate of completion is issued by the credit counseling agency.

This credit counseling certificate must be filed along with the debtors’ bankruptcy petition that describes the services provided by the agency to the debtors.

WAGE AND SALARY VERIFICATION The current law mandates that debtors provide proof of the last six full months of current monthly income verification to the court at the time of filing the bankruptcy petition. Income is defined to include any money paid by others toward the household expenses of the debtor.

However, Social Security benefits, payments to victims of war crimes, payments to victims of international terrorism, and pension income are all excluded from current wages.

The bankruptcy law also allows debtors to file bankruptcy and to maintain possession of

funds placed in an educational individual retirement account if the beneficiary of the account is a child, stepchild, grandchild, or stepgrandchild of debtors.

BANKRUPTCY MEANS TEST A new legal term called the "bankruptcy means test" is the current standard used to determine if a debtor qualifies for

automatic discharge of unsecured debts, when filing a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy.

What is the means test? The means test is a method used to

determine the annual income of debtors, and the debtors’ right to Please see BANKRUPTCY P.16

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies Who Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

“Lawyers You Can Trust” Brown & Hixon, PLLC is engaged in the practice of general civil law. With over more than thirty years of legal experience, we have built a legal practice that has one central focus: we are “Lawyers you can trust.”

Our strong belief that a good personal relationship between client and attorney should exist, and our determination to get the best possible result for clients, has resulted in a tradition and reputation for caring, competent legal representation.

Brown & Hixon was established in June, 1985 by Eric C. Hixon and Ella Edwards Brown-McCoy, with a mission to provide professional, quality legal services to clients. Both licensed in 1975, the founding partners have combined legal experience of over 60 years.

Eric C. Hixon and Ella Edwards Brown-McCoy Founding partners of Brown & Hixon with over 60 years of combined legal experience

Brown & Hixon has offices in the Astrodome area of Houston, which provides the firm with a very convenient location to serve its diverse array of clientele.

Brown & Hixon, PLLC 2656 South Loop West, Ste. 680 Houston, TX 77054

Telephone: 713/661-2541 Facsimile: 713/661-2583 Areas of Practice Include: • Serious Personal Injury • Wrongful Deaths • Bankruptcy • Family Law • Social Security Disability • Commercial Litigation • Insurance law • Contracts

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.— Margaret Mead

10 • JULY 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

BUSINESS

SPOTLIGHT

Ral’s Fine Catering and Café Bistro Receives Two Distinguished Awards Husband and wife team receive POHA Caterer of the Year Award and H-Texas Magazine Distinction hef Ral Nwosu and his wife Rhonda Nwosu, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, were recently awarded 2006 Caterer of The Year at the GPC conference by The Port of Houston Authority (POHA). Chef Nwosu was also voted Best Chef by H-Texas magazine; the result of online voting by Houstonians with the top professionals representing 2-4% of all professionals working within the named industry.

“Ral’s has been a model small business. They perform quality work, are very competitively priced and their food is always very tasty”, says Gilda Ramirez, Small Business Development Director with POHA. “We love doing business with them and enjoy the rich meals Chef Ral prepares.” Ral’s Fine Catering was also ranked in the 2005 Houston Business Journal Top 25 Caterers list.

Born in Nigeria, Chef Nwosu developed a love for cooking by watching his extended family prepare large meals with great passion and care. At the age of 17, he received a scholarship to attend a prestigious

C

BUSINESS

culinary arts academy in Godollo, Hungary. Upon graduation, he worked in London and eventually moved to Houston where he worked at the River Oaks Country Club and a well known Houston based restaurant chain.

In 2005, Chef Nwosu, along with his wife Rhonda, opened Ral’s Café Bistro in the Galleria area. With two concepts under the same roof, Ral’s is both a casual café with a take-out menu and a bistro with exquisite meal selections and an elegant white tablecloth sit-down setting.

For more information on Ral’s Fine Catering and Ral's Café Bistro, which is located at 1330-D Wirt Road, Houston, Texas 77055, please visit their website at Ralsfinecatering.com or call 713-688-7257.

Chef Ral Nwosu and his wife Rhonda Nwosu.

SPOTLIGHT

Sugar Land Dialysis, One of the Only African-American-owned Facilities in Texas, Set To Open Larger State-of-the-Art Location

T

he Wilsons opened a larger, state-of-the-art dialysis facility which houses 20 treatment stations (increasing their patient capacity from 80 to 120 per day), each utilizing the latest patient monitoring and alarm system available. The new facility has over 5,000 square feet, almost doubling their previous (nearby) 2,800 square feet space which they are retaining for administrative and storage use, as well as for over-flow patients when the need arises in the future, in keeping with their philosophy of never turning any patients away.

The public was invited to Sugar Land Dialysis’ Grand Opening Celebration on held recently at the new location at 13855 Southwest Freeway @ Sugar Creek Boulevard. Elected officials, business and community leaders from Fort Bend and Harris Counties participated in the festivities.

Sugar Land Dialysis, one of the only African-American-owned facilities in Texas, opened its doors in 2003 with only 4 treatment stations and a handful of patients. Raising funds for a minority owned business, requiring a minimum half-million dollars for start-up, was a huge challenge, considering the facility was not part of a hospital franchise or network of doctors. Despite the risks involved in leaving behind lucrative careers and utilizing all of their personal savings, owners, Marian and Rodney Wilson, persevered and were rewarded with financial assistance from Chase Bank. Applying a philosophy of loving care and support, and putting patients' needs first, owners, Marian and Rodney Wilson built their business offering amenities not found elsewhere, such as free transportation to and from the clinic, which are still the foundation of their success.

Marian and Rodney Wilson, Owners Sugar Land Dialysis

The well being of democracies regardless of their type and status is dependent on one small technical detail: The right to vote. Everything else is secondary.— Jose Ortega y Gasset

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

• JULY 2006 • 11

POLITICS

VOTER QUESTIONNAIRE • Deadline: 09.01.06

Endorsement Row 2006 General Election Harris County Area Candidates in selected races Harris County area residents can now join our readers in issuing an endorsement for the candidates of their choosing in the following races. Simply make your selections and mail pages to the address listed below. The results will be published in a future edition of Houston Business Connection.

Please mail your choices to: Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. 957 Nasa Parkway #251 Houston, Texas 77058

* Note: you do not have to make a selection in every race to have your endorsements tallied.

* United States House – 29th District : DEMOCRAT: Gene Green (i) will face off against REPUBLICAN: Eric Story and LIBERTARIAN: Clifford Lee Messina.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Governor: REPUBLICAN: Rick Perry (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Chris Bell, LIBERTARIAN: James Werner and INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES: Carole Keeton Strayhorn and Kinky Friedman.

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WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

* United States Senate: REPUBLICAN: Kay Bailey Hutchison (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Barbara Ann Radnofsky and LIBERTARIAN: Scott Lanier Jameson.

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* Lieutenant Governor: REPUBLICAN: David Dewhurst (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Maria Luisa Alvarado and LIBERTARIAN: Judy Baker.

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WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

* United States House – 2nd District: REPUBLICAN: Ted Poe (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Gary E. Binderim and LIBERTARIAN: Justo J. Perez.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* United States House – 7th District: REPUBLICAN: John Culberson (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Jim Henley and LIBERTARIAN: Drew Parks.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* United States House – 9th District: DEMOCRAT: Al Green (i) U.S. Congressman for District 9 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------AL GREEN -------------------------------------------* United States House – 10th District : REPUBLICAN: Michael McCaul (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Ted Ankrum and LIBERTARIAN: Michael Badnarik.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* United States House – 18th District : DEMOCRAT: Sheila Jackson Lee (i) will face off against REPUBLICAN: Ahmad Hassan.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

* Attorney General: REPUBLICAN: Gregg Abbott (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: David Van Os and LIBERTARIAN: John Roland.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Comptroller: REPUBLICAN: Susan Combs will face off against DEMOCRAT: Fred Head and LIBERTARIAN: Mike Burris.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Land Commissioner: REPUBLICAN: Jerry Patterson (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: VaLinda Hathcox and LIBERTARIAN: Michael A. French.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Agriculture Commissioner: REPUBLICAN: Todd Staples will face off against DEMOCRAT: Hank Gilbert and LIBERTARIAN: Clay Woolam.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Railroad Commissioner: REPUBLICAN: Elizabeth Ames Jones (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Dale Henry and LIBERTARIAN: Tabitha Serrano.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas Supreme Court – Chief Justice: REPUBLICAN: Wallace Jefferson (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN: Tom Oxford.

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* United States House – 22nd District : REPUBLICAN: Tom DeLay (i) has officially retired and his seat remains open at this time.

DEMOCRAT: Nick Lampson and LIBERTARIAN: Bob Smither await the decision of whom they will face from the Republican part in the November 7 General Election.

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* Texas Supreme Court – Place 2: REPUBLICAN: Ron Willett (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: William E. "Bill" Moody and LIBERTARIAN: Wade Wilson.

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WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

* Texas Supreme Court – Place 4: REPUBLICAN: David M. Medina (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN: Jerry Adkins.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas Supreme Court – Place 6: REPUBLICAN: Nathan Hecht (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN: Todd Phillippi .

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas Supreme Court – Place 8: REPUBLICAN: Phil Johnson (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN Jay H. Cookingham.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Court of Criminal Appeals – Presiding Judge: REPUBLICAN: Sharon Keller (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: J.R. Molina.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Court of Criminal Appeals – Place 7: REPUBLICAN: Barbara Parker Hervey (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN: Quanah Parker.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Court of Criminal Appeals – Place 8: REPUBLICAN: Charles Holcomb (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN: Dave Howard.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State Senate – District 7: REPUBLICAN: Dan Patrick will face off against DEMOCRAT: F. Michael Kubosh.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State Senate – District 13: DEMOCRAT: Rodney Ellis (i) State Senator for District 13 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------RODNEY ELLIS -------------------------------------------* Texas State Senate – District 15: DEMOCRAT: John Whitmire (i) State Senator for District 15 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------JOHN WHITMIRE -------------------------------------------* Texas State Senate – District 17: REPUBLICAN: Kyle Janek (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN: Phil Kurtz.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

Vote on Election Day!

November 7, 2006

* Texas State House – District 126: REPUBLICAN: Patricia Harless will face off against DEMOCRAT: Chad Khan and LIBERTARIAN: Oscar J. Palma Jr. --------------------------------------------

* Texas State House – District 136: REPUBLICAN: Beverly Woolley (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Scott R. Brann and LIBERTARIAN: J. W. Stables.

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WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

* Texas State House – District 127: REPUBLICAN: Joe Crab (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Diane Trautman and LIBERTARIAN: Veal Johnson.

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* Texas State House – District 137 – DEMOCRAT: Scott Hochberg (i) will face off against REPUBLICAN: Sylvia Spivey.

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WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 128: REPUBLICAN: Wayne Smith (i) State Representative District 128 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------WAYNE SMITH --------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 138: REPUBLICAN: Dwayne Bohac (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Mark McDavid and LIBERTARIAN: Mike Craig.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

* Texas State House – District 129: REPUBLICAN: John E. Davis (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Sherrie Matula.

--------------------------------------------

* Texas State House – District 139: DEMOCRAT: Sylvester Turner (i) State Representative District 139 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

SYLVESTER TURNER --------------------------------------------

* Texas State House – District 130 REPUBLICAN: Corbin Van Arsdale (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN: William B. Gray Jr. --------------------------------------------

* Texas State House – District 140: DEMOCRAT: Kevin Bailey (i) State Representative District 140 not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 131: DEMOCRAT: Alma Allen (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN: C.S. Fuller.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 132: REPUBLICAN: Bill Callegari (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN: Cesar A. De La Canal.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 133: REPUBLICAN: Jim Murphy will face off against DEMOCRAT: Kristi Thibault and LIBERTARIAN: Chris Camero.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 134: REPUBLICAN: Martha Wong (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Ellen Cohen and LIBERTARIAN: Mhair S. Dekmezian.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 135: REPUBLICAN: Gary Elkins (i) State Representative District 135 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------GARY ELKINS --------------------------------------------

KEVIN BAILEY -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 141: DEMOCRAT: Senfronia Thompson (i) For State Representative District 141 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 142: DEMOCRAT: Harold V. Dutton (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN: Mary Czapla-Fullard in the November 7 General Election.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 143: DEMOCRAT: Ana E. Hernandez (i) will face off against REPUBLICAN: Dorothy Olmos and LIBERTARIAN: Joe O. Marcom.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 144: REPUBLICAN: Robert E. Talton (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Janette Padilla Sexton and LIBERTARIAN: Mathew Kolar.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------CONTINUED................

Please see CANDIDATES, P.13

Washing one's hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral. — Paulo Freire

12 • JULY 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

POLITICS Candidates continued from P.12 * Texas State House – District 145: DEMOCRAT: Rick Noriega (i) State Representative District 145 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------RICK NORIEGA -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 146: DEMOCRAT: Borris L. Miles will face off against LIBERTARIAN: Gerald W. "Jerry" LaFleur.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 147: DEMOCRAT: Garnet Coleman (i) State Representative District 147 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------GARNET COLEMAN -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 148: DEMOCRAT: Jessica Farrar (i) will face off against LIBERTARIAN: Ray E. Dittmar.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 149: DEMOCRAT: Hubert Vo (i) will face off against REPUBLICAN: Talmadge Heflin.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Texas State House – District 150: REPUBLICAN: Debbie Riddle (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Dot Nelson-Turner.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

VIEW RESULTS ONLINE AFTER • 9.15.06 * 14th Court of Appeals – Place 3: REPUBLICAN: John Anderson (i) 14th Court of Appleals Position 3 Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------JOHN ANDERSON -------------------------------------------* 14th Court of Appeals – Place 4: REPUBLICAN: Harvey Hudson (i) 14th Court of Appleals Position 4 Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------HARVEY HUDSON -------------------------------------------* 14th Court of Appeals – Place 5: REPUBLICAN: Wanda McKee Fowler (i) 14th Court of Appleals Position 4 Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------WANDA MCKEE FOWLER --------------------------------------------

* 1st Court of Appeals – Place 8: REPUBLICAN: Tim Taft (i) 1st Court of Appleals Position 8 Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------TIM TAFT -------------------------------------------* 1st Court of Appeals – Place 9: REPUBLICAN: Elsa Alcala (i) 1st Court of Appleals Position 9 Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------ELSA ALCALA --------------------------------------------

* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 185: REPUBLICAN: Susan Brown (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Randall Kallinen.

--------------------------------------------

* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 246: REPUBLICAN: Jim York (i) 246th Family District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 189: REPUBLICAN: Bill Burke (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Chuck Silverman.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

JENNIFER ELROD --------------------------------------------

* 14th Court of Appeals – Place 8: REPUBLICAN: Charles Seymore (i) 14th Court of Appleals Position 8 Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 208: REPUBLICAN: Denise Collins (i) 208th Criminal District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

CHARLES SEYMORE -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 55: REPUBLICAN: Jeff Brown (i) 55th District Civil Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------JEFF BROWN --------------------------------------------

PATRICIA HANCOCK --------------------------------------------

TERRY JENNINGS --------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

JANE BLAND --------------------------------------------

* 1st Court of Appeals – Place 7: REPUBLICAN: Terry Jennings (i) 1st Court of Appleals Position 7 Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

* 14th Court of Appeals – Place 6: REPUBLICAN: Richard Edleman (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Leora Kahn.

--------------------------------------------

* 1st Court of Appeals – Place 2: REPUBLICAN: Jane Bland (i) 1st Court of Appleals Position 2 Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

GEORGE C. HANKS --------------------------------------------

* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 245: REPUBLICAN: Annette Galik (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Mary Kay Green.

--------------------------------------------

* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 190: REPUBLICAN: Jennifer Walker Elrod (i) 208th Civil District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 113: REPUBLICAN: Patricia Hancock (i) 113th Civil District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

* 1st Court of Appeals – Place 6: REPUBLICAN: George C. Hanks Jr. (i) 1st Court of Appleals Position 6 Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 183: REPUBLICAN: Vanessa Velasquez (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Robert Voigt.

--------------------------------------------

* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 157: REPUBLICAN: Randy Wilson (i) 157th Civil District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------RANDY WILSON -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 180: REPUBLICAN: Debbie Mantooth Stricklin (i) 180th Criminal District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

DENISE COLLINS -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 209: REPUBLICAN: Michael McSpadden (i) 209th Criminal District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------MICHAEL McSPADDEN -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 228: REPUBLICAN: Marc Carter (i) 228th Criminal District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------MARC CARTER -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 230: REPUBLICAN: Belinda Hill (i) 230th Criminal District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------BELINDA HILL -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 232: REPUBLICAN: Mary Lou Keel(i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Herb Ritchie.

--------------------------------------------

DEBBIE STRICKLIN --------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 182: REPUBLICAN: Jeannine Bar (i)182nd Criminal District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 234: REPUBLICAN: Reese Rondon (i) 234th Civil District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

JEANNINE BAR --------------------------------------------

REESE RONDON --------------------------------------------

JIM YORK -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 247: REPUBLICAN: Bonnie Hellums (i) 247th Family District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------BONNIE HELLUMS -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 248: REPUBLICAN: Joan Campbell (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Lydia ClayJackson in the November 7 General Election.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 257: REPUBLICAN: Judy Warne (i) 257th Family District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------JUDY WARNE -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 262: REPUBLICAN: Mike Anderson (i) 262nd Criminal District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------MIKE ANDERSON -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 263: REPUBLICAN: Jim Wallace (i) 263rd Criminal District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------JIM WALLACE -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 269: REPUBLICAN: John T. Wooldridge (i) 269th Civil District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------JOHN T. WOOLDRIDGE -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 270: REPUBLICAN: Brent Gamble (i) 270th Civil District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

Exercise your RIGHT to Vote on Election Day!

BRENT GAMBLE -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 280: REPUBLICAN: Tony Lindsay (i) 280th Civil District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

November 7, 2006

TONY LINDAY --------------------------------------------

* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 281: REPUBLICAN: David Bernal (i) 281st Civil District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------DAVID BERNAL -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 295: REPUBLICAN: Tracy Christopher (i) 295 th Civil District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------TRACY CHRISTOPHER -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 308: REPUBLICAN: Georgia Dempster (i) 308th Family District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------GEORGIA DEMPSTER -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 309: REPUBLICAN: Frank Rynd (i) 309th Family District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------FRANK RYND -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 310: REPUBLICAN: Lisa Millard (i) 310th Family District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------LISA MILLARD -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 311: REPUBLICAN: Doug Warne (i) 311th Family District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------DOUG WARNE -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 312: REPUBLICAN: Jim Squier (i) 312th Family District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------JIM SQUIER -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 313: REPUBLICAN: Pat Shelton (i) 313th Juvenile District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------PAT SHELTON -------------------------------------------* Harris County District Courts – Court No. 314: REPUBLICAN: John Phillips (i) 314th Juvenile District Court Judge will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------JOHN PHILLIPS --------------------------------------------

CONTINUED................

Please see CANDIDATES, P.14

Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them. — Frederick Douglass

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

• JULY 2006 • 13

POLITICS Candidates continued from P.13 * Harris County District Courts – Court No. 315: REPUBLICAN: Mike Schneider Jr. will face off against DEMOCRAT: Bill Connolly.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Harris County Courts-at-Law – Court No. 1: REPUBLICAN: R. Jack Cagle (i) County Court at Law Judge Court No. 1 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------R. JACK CAGLE -------------------------------------------* Harris County Courts-at-Law – Court No. 2: REPUBLICAN: Gary Block (i) County Court at Law Judge Court No. 2 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------GARY BLOCK -------------------------------------------* Harris County Courts-at-Law – Court No. 3: REPUBLICAN: Lynn Bradshaw-Hull (i) County Court at Law Judge Court No. 3 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------LYNN BRADSHAW-HULL -------------------------------------------* Harris County Courts-at-Law – Court No. 4: REPUBLICAN: Roberta Lloyd (i) County Court at Law Judge Court No. 4 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------ROBERTA LLOYD --------------------------------------------

WWW.EYEONHOUSTON.HOUSTONBUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM * Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 1: REPUBLICAN: Reagan Helm (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Joan Nwull.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 2: REPUBLICAN: Michael Peters (i) County Criminal Court Judge Court No. 2 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 3: REPUBLICAN: Don Jackson (i) County Criminal Court Judge Court No. 3 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------DON JACKSON -------------------------------------------* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 4: REPUBLICAN: James Anderson (i) County Criminal Court Judge Court No. 4 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------JAMES ANDERSON --------------------------------------------

ROBIN BROWN --------------------------------------------

* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 7: REPUBLICAN: Pam Derbyshire (i) County Criminal Court Judge Court No. 7 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 13: REPUBLICAN: Mark Atkinson (i) County Criminal Court Judge Court No. 13 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

PAM DERBYSHIRE --------------------------------------------

MARK ATKINSON --------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 8: REPUBLICAN: Jay Karahan (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Alfred "Bud" Valdez.

--------------------------------------------

* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 14: REPUBLICAN: Mike Fields (i) County Criminal Court Judge Court No. 14 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

* District Clerk: REPUBLICAN: Charles Bacarisse (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: John Shike in the November 7 General Election.

--------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 9: REPUBLICAN: Analia Wilkerson (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Randy E. Roll .

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 10 o REPUBLICAN: Sherman Ross (i) County Criminal Court Judge Court No. 10 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------SHERMAN ROSS --------------------------------------------

* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 5: REPUBLICAN: Margaret Harris (i) County Criminal Court Judge Court No. 5 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 11: REPUBLICAN: Diane Bull (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: Ira Chenkin.

--------------------------------------------

MARGARET HARRIS --------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE --------------------------------------------

* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 6: REPUBLICAN: Larry Standley (i) County Criminal Court Judge Court No. 6 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------

LARRY STANDLEY --------------------------------------------

* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 12: REPUBLICAN: Robin Brown (i) County Criminal Court Judge Court No. 12 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

MIKE FIELDS -------------------------------------------* Harris County Criminal Courts – Court No. 15: REPUBLICAN: Jean Hughes (i) County Criminal Court Judge Court No. 15 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------JEAN HUGHES -------------------------------------------* Harris County Probate Courts – Court No. 1: Russell Austin (i) Judge Probate Court 1 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------RUSSELL AUSTIN -------------------------------------------* Harris County Probate Courts – Court No. 2:REPUBLICAN: Mike Wood (i) Judge Probate Court 2 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------MIKE WOOD -------------------------------------------* Harris County Probate Courts – Court No. 3: REPUBLICAN: Rory Olsen (i) Judge Probate Court 3 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

RORY OLSEN -------------------------------------------* Harris County Probate Courts – Court No. 4: REPUBLICAN: Bill McCullock (i) Judge Probate Court 4 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

--------------------------------------------

WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Harris County Clerk: REPUBLICAN: Beverly Kaufman (i) will face off against DEMOCRAT: James G. Pierre.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Harris County Treasurer: REPUBLICAN: Orlando Sanchez will face off against DEMOCRAT: Richard Garcia.

-------------------------------------------WRITE NAME HERE -------------------------------------------* Harris County Commissioner Precinct 2: DEMOCRAT: Sylvia Garcia (i) Harris County Commissioner Precinct 2 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------SYLVIA GARCIA -------------------------------------------* Harris County Commissioner Precinct 4: REPUBLICAN: Jerry Eversole (i) Harris County Commissioner Precinct 4 will not be facing an opponent in the November 7, General Election.

-------------------------------------------JERRY EVERSOL --------------------------------------------

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

Moore Transportation Services “You’ll Get More With Moore” • SCHEDULED COURIER SERVICES • GUARANTEED QUALITY SERVICE

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Corporate Headquarters: 2600 SOUTH LOOP WEST • SUITE 630 • HOUSTON, TEXAS 77054 If an individual agrees with everybody, he lacks conviction; if he likes everybody and is everybody's friend, he is indifferent to one and all. — Nikolai Dobrolyubov

14 • JULY 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

FAITH FOCUS ON FINANCES

Can Faith Help You Achieve Financial Freedom?

The Holy Spirit Can Help Change Your Mindset on Wealth

W

hen it comes to their finances, Americans have become alarmingly dysfunctional the past several years.

In fact, the personal savings rate in the U.S. is the lowest it has been in 73 years.

To make matters even worse, credit card debt is at an all-time high, with an average of $9,312 per household. With 90 percent of Americans claiming to be worried about their retirement, you’d think that people would be more focused on saving money, but the numbers don’t seem to reflect this.

In these difficult financial times, our search for answers doesn’t always point us in God’s direction. Perhaps it is time to re-think our financial situation in terms of our faith.

“As we grow in our understanding of who we are in Christ, we learn that the Holy Spirit operating in our lives is what makes a difference in our ability to live a successful Christian lifestyle,” says Carla J. Cargle, noted financial expert and author of the new book, The Financial Truth…to Humble, Wise and Wealthy Living (Wealth Builders Publishing, 2006). “Naturally, we begin to incorporate the Holy Spirit into our relationships with family, friends, colleagues and those persons around us.

Though how often do we think to incorporate the Holy Spirit into the relationship we share with our money? Will your money trail reflect how much you love God or will it reveal selfishness?”

Cargle advises people that they need to change their mindset if they want to start taking strides toward financial freedom.

“Changing your mindset is the first step toward financial freedom and economic independence,” says Cargle. “A person’s mindset determines their future. A poverty mindset reaps poverty, but a wealthy mindset reaps wealth.”

Cargle is determined to change the mindset of consumption and poverty within the United States. She’s dismayed by America’s lack of financial discipline and it’s increasing focus on material things.

She encourages people to focus on faith instead of materialism and wealth.

“Wealth is not wearable or drivable,” says Cargle. “Wealth is not in your money, wealth is in your mind and soul. It’s measured by what you own, not what you earn.”

While most financial advisors want you to believe that their finances are perfect, Cargle is not ashamed to admit that she’s experienced financial challenges of her own. Cargle particularly understands the bumpy path to economic independence because she has actually been there. Her advice stems from her own experiences.

She has lived from paycheck to paycheck and has even been unemployed and incapable of finding food, clothing, and shelter for herself.

By applying her faith and basic financial principles to her life, Cargle was able to go from poverty to prosperity. Now

approaching her 15th year as a financial advisor, she shares her vast knowledge on wealth transformation to audiences and readers all over the country. She educates her audiences about the intricacies of creating wealth and how to build and protect it for generations to come.

In her book, during her speaking engagements, and throughout her financial empowerment program, The Financial Truth, Cargle emphasizes that the responsibility of ending the cycle of financial destruction begins with the individual. “The road to wealth truly does begin with you,” she says.

“Becoming wealthy is within your power. The Financial Truth will set you free.”

Through the application of sound and practical advice, Cargle wants to lead you out of debt and put you on your journey towards wealth and financial freedom. “Just remember that wealth must manifest itself with your mind before it can exist in the tangible,” she says. “Don’t allow society to make you believe that wealth is only about being a multimillionaire or billionaire.”

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

Committed to your needs The role of a real estate agent is to guide you through the buying or selling process, taking the time to make sure you understand every step of the transaction. I am absolutely committed to fulfilling your needs with the highest level of professionalism, expertise and service.

My commitment to your satisfaction is the foundation from which a solid business relationship is built.

I realize that people do business with people they trust. I am interested in what is best for you, the client, and am committed to establishing a long-term relationship based on trust. I pride myself on being knowledgeable and staying current with changes in the industry that will affect the success of your transaction. You have worked hard to be able to purchase the home of your dreams. I feel the responsibility to make those dreams a reality and pursue the right solution enthusiastically.

THE TREADSTONE REALTY GROUP

www.fm1960REALESTATE.COM

12830 Willow Centre Dr., STE A Houston, TX 77066 Direct: (832) 229-4380 Alternate: (281) 580-0898 Email: reathiaa@earthlink.net

OLIVET MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH The Olivet Missionary Baptist Church family of believers would like to invite you to come out and worship with us. We believe you will have a Spirit-filled encounter with the Almighty God. If you do not have a church home we would like nothing more than for you to consider Olivet Missionary Baptist Church.

SUNDAY: Morning Worship—11:00A.M. TUESDAY: Bible Study—7:30 P.M.

Prepared To Praise...

...Motivated To Minister

(713)224-1515

“Over 73 Years Of Service”

Reverend Robert L. Thomas, Jr., Pastor

3115 Lyons Avenue • Houston, TX 77020 Email comments or suggestions to Pastor Thomas at: Pastort2@yahoo.com

When great changes occur in history, when great principles are involved, as a rule the majority are wrong. The minority are right. — Eugene V. Debs

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

• JULY 2006 • 15

Bankruptcy

BUSINESS SHOWCASE &

Something To Think About

continued from P.10 seek to discharge of their debt. In each Texas County, debtors, either single or married, whose earnings are at or below the average yearly income of the average of residents of the county in which they live are automatically entitled to discharge their debt obligations. For example, the average yearly income of the average Harris County resident is $48,000.00. Harris County residents who earn $48,000.00 or below, who file for bankruptcy protection are entitled to have their unsecured debts automatically discharged.

Harris County residents who earn more than $48,000, debts are not automatically dischargeable.

However, while the bankruptcy code has instituted a means test, the means test does not absolutely prevent debtors who earn more than $48,000.00 from filing bankruptcy and obtaining a discharge of their unsecured debts.

The 2005 revisions of the bankruptcy code have increased the requirements debtors must meet in order to file bankruptcy. However, bankruptcy remains a viable option for eliminating debt by filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, or getting additional time to repay delinquent obligations by filing a chapter 13 bankruptcy.

The changes in the 2005 bankruptcy laws are significant in many areas. This article has only discussed a few changes present in the 2005 bankruptcy law, and is not intended to be a comprehensive article about all of the changes present in the 2005 bankruptcy law. For a thorough discussion of the 2005 bankruptcy laws, you should consult a lawyer.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE is a monthly inspirational platform sponsored by the businesses showcased. All advertisements are accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Although Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. makes every effort to check the authenticity of our advertisements, we accept no responsibility or liability for the contents therein. The advertiser assures that advertisements will not contain any matter that is libelous or violates any person's right of privacy or constitutes copyright infringement or is otherwise contrary to law. The advertiser assumes all responsibility in connection with the advertisement placed in this publication. Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. shall be held harmless from any claim, loss, damage (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that may be incurred or suffered for any reason including but not limited to a breach of any kind associated with advertisers included in this section.

To include your business in this section call 832.212.8735 or email your request to: advertise@houstonbusinessconnections.com

MAXIMUM CARE PHARMACY

W

orry is a form of fear, and all forms of fear produce fatigue.

A man who has learned not to feel fear will find the fatigue of daily life enormously diminished.

— Bertrand Russell

UNITED HOME MORTGAGE

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713-223-8071

continued from P.2

3618 Lyons Ave. • Houston, Texas 77020

dazzling fireworks displays every year at its various resort properties in the U.S. and Europe, but hopes its new technology will have beneficial impact on the pyrotechnics industry worldwide. The company has made the details of new patents it has filed for the technology available to the pyrotechnics industry at large with the hope that other companies will also green up their offerings.

While Disney’s technological breakthrough is no doubt a step in the right direction, many environmental and public safety advocates would rather see the Fourth of July and other holidays and events celebrated without the use of pyrotechnics. Parades and block parties are some obvious alternatives. Meanwhile, laser light shows can wow a crowd without the negative environmental side effects associated with fireworks.

Codwell Family Foot Center

-----------------------------------------GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thi sweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

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NOT CERTIFIED BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

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BD A LAW OFFICE OF

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NOT CERTIFIED BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

Whatever field of human activity one may take, only those trends that are in harmony with the needs of society show rapid progress. — Nikolai Chernyshevsky

16 • JULY 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

Women

BUSINESS SHOWCASE &

Something To Think About

continued from P.1 Ables, Cathy Binstock, Ann Goldstein and Pamela K. Triolo.

Since TEW began its mentoring programs in 1993, it has touched the lives of more than 1,500 middle and high school girls throughout the greater Houstonarea. The goal behind the TEW mentoring program is to create possibilities for young women, provide role models, spark the desire for a better life, and show them how to make it happen for themselves.

This year's luncheon will be on Thursday, October 20 in the Hotel Intercontinental, Legends Ballroom.

For more information, visit the TEW website at www.tewhouston.org.

A

N

NDRE

o one keeps up his enthusiasm automatically. Enthusiasm must be nourished with new actions, new aspirations, new efforts, new vision. It is one’s own fault if his enthusiasm is gone; he has failed to feed it. —Papyrus

.

IGON

ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR

BENTLEY BENTLEY HOUSTON View our Fine Selection of New and Pre-owned Luxury Cars online. Inventory changes weekly. www.bentleyhouston.com

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds in a day. Have you used one to say “thank you”?—William Arthur Ward

Nubian Mortgage Group

LL

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Not Certified By The Texas Board Of Legal Specialization

Edmonds

713.659.1608

continued from P.4 on the number of coffee cargo bags tendered or delivered for exchange.

The port moved into the top position in March and has held on to that ranking since. According to PHA and the Greater Houston Coffee Association, during April and early May, a total of 5,000 tons was tendered to the board in Houston. A tendered commodity is delivered to a futures exchange – in this case, the New York Board of Trade – without a contract and is open to purchase from any bidder.

The GHCA estimates that an additional amount ranging from 10,000 tons to 15,000 tons will be delivered to Houston within the next several months. Coffee association leaders hailed the PHA's efforts to move the Port into a premier position in coffee trade. The awarding of more than $31.5 million in federal security grants to PHA is credited to the port's proactive stance to broaden public awareness of security issues along the world's sixth largest port.

Edmonds, along with his commission colleagues, has directed the port staff to strengthen relationships with local, state and federal elected officials and to develop constructive affiliations with members of the Houston-area media. During Edmonds' tenure, PHA has also implemented its Small Business Development Program and become the first port in the U.S. to achieve compliance with ISO 14001, which is the global standard in environmental excellence.

Professionally, Edmonds is President of Edmonds & Company, a business consulting firm. In addition to his responsibilities with PHA, Edmonds also serves on the board of the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System. He is a member of the board and executive committee of the Greater Houston Partnership and serves as chairman of its world trade division. He also serves on the board of visitors of the Texas A&M University at Galveston and the board of Space Center Houston.

S

1314 Texas Avenue, Ste. 525 Houston, Texas 77002

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LINDA D. POPE, M.D.

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KHAN

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FOR STATE REP. DISTRICT 126 It is with great pride that I step forward as a Candidate in the Nov.,7, 2006 General Election for: Texas House of Representatives District 126

Linda D. Pope, M.D., P.A. Ophthalmologist

As your State Representative, I will utilize my experience in business and community leadership as a strong advocate for our Public Schools, Health Care, Public Safety, and the Environment.

“For the Gift of Sight” PATIENTS ARE PRECIOUS 6500 Fannin Suite 1108 • Houston, Texas 77030 (713)797-1500 Office • (713)797-1150 Fax Thanksgiving is a sure index of spiritual health. —Maurice Dametz

Hunter’s Insurance Agency 713.880-1285

It is time for a change in our current legislative leadership. I provide an alternative to voters by offering them a candidate who will make improving Education, Health Care, and the Environment his top priorities.

Please vote for a positive change in the Texas Legislature, the face of the American dream.

“I want to be your next State Representative for District 126 and I would appreciate your vote.”

— Chad Khan, Candidate for State Rep. District 126

Bryant Hunter

Khan for House Representative District 126.....

Scott Hunter Auto • Fire • Life

• Commercial • Annuities

Political Advertisement Paid For By The Chad Khan For State Representative Campaign, Jenny Khan Treasurer.

The finest test of character is seen in the amount and the power of gratitude we have. — Thoughts of wisdom from Milo H. Gates

The Pharmacy “ Yo u r F a m i l y ’s H e a l t h I s O u r C o n c e r n ”

elling is essentially a transference of a felling —Zig Ziglar

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6 6 3 0 S . W. F r e e w a y • ( A t H i l l c r o f t ) • HOURS: Mon - Fri. 9a.m. - 6:30 p.m. • Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Democracy cannot be forced upon a society, neither is it a gift that can be held forever. It has to be struggled hard for and defended everyday anew.—Heinz Galinski

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

• JULY 2006 • 17

Bush continued from P.1 protect the rights of Americans to their private property, including by limiting the taking of private property by the Federal Government to situations in which the taking is for public use, with just compensation, and for the purpose of benefiting the general public and not merely for the purpose of advancing the economic interest of private parties to be given ownership or use of the property taken.

Sec. 2. Implementation. (a) The Attorney General shall: (i) issue instructions to the heads of departments and agencies to implement the policy set forth in section 1 of this order; and (ii) monitor takings by departments and agencies for compliance with the policy set forth in section 1 of this order. (b) Heads of departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law: (i) comply with instructions issued under subsection (a)(i); and (ii) provide to the Attorney General such information as the Attorney General determines necessary to carry out subsection (a)(ii).

Sec. 3. Specific Exclusions.

Nothing in this order shall be construed to prohibit a taking of private property by the Federal Government, that otherwise complies with applicable law, for the purpose of: (a) public ownership or exclusive use of the property by the public, such as for a public medical facility, roadway, park, forest, governmental office building, or military reservation; (b) projects designated for public, common carrier, public transportation, or public utility use, including those for which a fee is assessed, that serve the general public and are subject to regulation by a governmental entity; (c) conveying the property to a nongovernmental entity, such as a telecommunications or transportation common carrier, that makes the property available for use by the general public as of right; (d) preventing or mitigating a harmful use of land that constitutes a threat to public health, safety, or the environment; (e) acquiring abandoned property; (f) quieting title to real property; (g) acquiring ownership or use by a public utility; (h) facilitating the disposal or exchange of Federal property; or (i) meeting military, law enforcement, public safety, public transportation, or public health emergencies.

Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) authority granted by law to a department or agency or the head thereof; or (ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budget, administrative, or legislative proposals. (c) This order shall be implemented in a manner consistent with Executive Order 12630 of March 15, 1988. (d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE &

Something To Think About

Houston Business Connections Showcase To Place Your Advertisement In This Section Of Houston Business Connections Call 832.212.8735 If you’re not selling your product...don’t blame the product!

L AW O F F I C E S O F L A N E T R A S . L A RY

W

hen we accept tough jobs as a challenge to our ability and wade into them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen. When we do our work with a dynamic, conquering spirit, we get things done.

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Call Linda Dunson Today!

NOT CERTIFIED BY TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

In actual fact those who do not care for politics and sit on the fence do indeed side for a political party: The ruling party. — Max Frisch

18 • JULY 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

BUSINESS SHOWCASE &

Perry continued from P.1 tions can materialize in a matter of minutes.”

Perry thanked summit organizers and participants for the important role they play in the Texas economy.

“Texas prospers only when small business prospers. If Texas is to remain a place where jobs and opportunity are abundant, where the American dream is within reach for every family, and where government priorities are funded by a growing economy instead of a growing tax burden, then one of our greatest goals must be to help small employers succeed today,” Perry said.

Perry encouraged local small business owners to take advantage of opportunities presented at the summit, which offered advice on securing growth capital, utilizing health savings accounts, becoming certified as a Historically Underutilized Business and numerous other topics.

Perry also pointed out that representatives from 26 state agencies were present to help Houston-area businesses learn how to effectively bid for government contracts.

“Whether it is for printing, construction, technical support or a wide variety of other opportunities, state contracts can add millions of new dollars to the local economy and serve as the catalyst that propels your business to new level of success,” Perry said.

Perry added that the school finance package passed by the Legislature – which cuts property taxes by 33 percent – is good for small businesses. “Small business was foremost on our minds as we implemented tax reform last month.

That’s why we doubled the size of the small business exemption from $150,000 to $300,000 in gross receipts. Because of this change, a number of additional small businesses will pay nothing in taxes as they get their feet on the ground and grow,” Perry said.

The governor added that businesses that owe as much as $1,000 under the reformed business tax will not be charged a cent. And every time a business paying under the tax hires a new worker, invests in health insurance or funds worker pension plans, that business’s tax liability decreases.

“The possibilities for prosperity are endless if employers are not over-regulated and over-taxed. This is especially true for the small business that operates on a small margin,” Perry said. “Small business is vitally important to me, not just because I helped my dad run one, but because they represent the best of Main Street America. They are the incubator where ideas are tested, refined and perfected so that families can experience opportunity.”

Something To Think About

ERV’s Klip Joint

A

PEOPLE’S CHOICE BARBER SHOP Walk In’s Welcome

Tues.—Sat.

ll that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.—Buddha

BEAL COUNSELING ASSOCIATES A Community Mental Health Agency

Office Hours: 10:00AM-7:00PM Monday Through Friday

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Appointments Must Be Made 4 to 24 Hours In advance!

Ervin Randle

Mr. Ron Wright

Arcola, TX Location

Coming Soon!

Barber/Owner

Phone: 281-431-8585

281.534.3434

2600 S. Loop W.#694 • Houston, TX

East 517 in Dickinson, TX

The world belongs to the enthusiast who keeps cool. —William McFee

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Julius Hynson • 832-723-2476 Janet Hynson • 713-991-2759

I rate enthusiasm even above professional skill.—Sir Edward Appleton

I prefer the errors of enthusiasm to the indifference of wisdom. —Anatole France

Richard’s HAIR STUDIO 2600 S. Loop West #540 • Houston, TX 77054

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YEMANE K. CLARKE

M

Attorney & Counselor at Law

ost people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be —Abraham Lincoln

2600 South Loop West Ste. 610 Houston, Texas 77054 Phone: (713)592-8982 • Fax: (713)456-2585

Law@clarkelegal.com

www.clarkelegal.com

Not Certified By The Texas Board Of Legal Specialization

If...the machine of government...is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law.— Henry David Thoreau

Houston Business Connections Monthly •

www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

• JULY 2006 • 19

POLITICS ANNOUNCEMENTS GOP selects Sanchez as replacement for Cato on the Nov. ballot Houston Business Connections Reports Orlando Sanchez has been nominated to replace Jack Cato, who passed away in May of this year on the November ballot for Harris County treasurer.

Sanchez is no stranger to politics. He is a former city councilman and two-time

candidate for mayor of Houston. He also opposed Cato in a losing effort in the March Republican primary.

In November, Sanchez will face Democrat Richard Garcia on the ballot Sanchez and the winner will replace the late Cato – pending ongoing calls to do away with the position of county treasurer.

Former Houston city councilman Reyes released from prison Houston Business Connections Reports Ben Reyes a former high-profile city leader has been released from prison and has reported to a halfway house after serving more than seven years.

The former city councilman and state House of Representative was convicted

of trying to bribe the successor to his council seat along with other members of Houston city council.

According to published reports, Reyes is expected to stay at the halfway house until he gains employment in the Houston area. He is also required to get his driver's license, and make other arrangements to operate as a free citizen.

It is expected that he will move from the facility sometime in December, and for a period of three years he will operate under supervised release.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

Newsome continued from P.1 streams," says Mr. Newsome. "Time spent on manual tasks is time that could be used to drive new business, support current customers or reach out to the community. ITG sees the service as a way for AfricanAmerican organizations to strengthen their operations, tighten links with current customers and bring new business through the door.

We are proud to see our products and services help other minority businesses succeed."

The EventQuick team focuses a great deal of attention on the specific needs of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as EventQuick has particular relevance for these organizations. Automation of event registration, e-payment and donation processes can save these organizations time, money and resources. A database is automatically developed as users enter their personal information to register for events or to make donations, allowing HBCUs to engage their alumni groups in new and exciting ways. The alumni associations at Virginia Union University and Shaw University were the earliest adopters of EventQuick in an academic context, and ITG has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with both organizations.

"ITG's dedication to helping African-American organizations has been very impressive," said N. Scott Phillips, President of the Virginia Union National Alumni Association. "The features and technical capabilities of the application have really been a great asset in helping to communicate with our members and manage our events. I have found the service provided by the staff at EventQuick to be equally helpful."

In addition to event registration, e-commerce and donations management, the service allows for fully customizable online surveys and segmented user lists.

EventQuick's standardized reports provide real-time information about event attendees, eliminating time lost manually compiling data. The registration website is completely implemented and hosted by ITG...there is no software or hardware to install, maintain or update. EventQuick is the most affordable and adaptable service of its kind, and the customer service at ITG is unparalleled. AfricanAmerican organizations can be assured that they will be treated like ITG family when using any of the company's services.

For more information about EventQuick or ITG, visit www.eventquick.com or www.itgco.com or contact Al Newsome, Sales Analyst, at 919-815-2558 or via email: anewsome@itgco.com.

Real Estate...At The Speed Of Life

About the Company ITG was founded in 1996 by four former employees of the federal government with specific experience in the arena of Management Engineering. ITG's stated mission is to "Maximize the Potential of People and Organizations." From its founding, ITG has provided consulting and training to federal agencies and the private sector in strategic sourcing, manpower analysis and organizational redesign, and has built a consultant team of analysts who average 20 years of experience in performing the many kinds of studies, tasks and analysis necessary for a successful organization transformation. ITG has experience managing international, multi-function governmental projects requiring overseas travel and major logistical management expertise. In addition, ITG has developed numerous innovations and computer-based systems to greatly improve the efficiencies in management engineering performance studies. In all, ITG has helped federal agencies save tens of millions of dollars. ITG is based in Davenport, Iowa with two satellite locations in the Washington D.C.-Metro area.

GUESS GROUP, INC. A REAL ESTATE SERVICES CO. The Guess Group, Inc. will maximize your investment returns.

The Guess Group, Inc., is a full service Commercial Real Estate Firm, with the ability to bridge the chasm between public and private sector interests. With superior staff expertise in: · · · · ·

Real Estate Development Property Management Valuation Urban Planning Marketing and Consulting

John L. Guess, III President

Services Offered By The Guess Group, Inc. Our mission is to assist clients, including individuals, public agencies, investors, and corporate decision-makers, in meeting their need to acquire, dispose, lease, or manage real estate assets in a changing economic environment. Our core services include acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, asset management, consulting and appraisal.

GUESS GROUP, INC. A REAL ESTATE SERVICES CO. 2626 South Loop West Suite 545 • Houston, TX 77054

713.660.7003

LAND ACQUISITIONS AND COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROJECTS Renaissance Strip Center • HEB Grocery Store •Taco Bell • McDonald’s • Papa John’s Pizza • Houston Independent School District (Old & New Locations) • Houston Community College System • Texas Southern University • Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. — Thomas Jefferson

20 • JULY 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly •

PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735