March 2011 Houston Business Connections Newspaper

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BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Houston-Area

HARRIS - FORT BEND - GALVESTON

PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS I EMAIL: WWW.HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM

THE GREATEST TOOL WE HAVE TO WORK WITH IS THE POWER OF OUR RESOURCEFUL, INNOVATIVE &

“CREATIVE MINDS” Highlighting Past, Present & Future Leaders In Business, Politics, Innovation, Science, Ministry & The Corporate Sector

PART ONE

Michael O. Adams Ph.D says that “the changing demographics of Houston as a major-minority city continues to demonstrate a need to understand political opinion and civic engagement trends in the African-American community to ensure it is better served.”

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THE STATE OF BLACK HOUSTON FACING A LEGAL MATTER?

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Call Joi-Lin Hunt, ESQ. at The Hunt Law Group, P.C. @ 713.869.7066

A

Divine Closet

by Jackie Boutique

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re you looking for a well-qualified and knowlJoi-Lin Hunt is duly admitted and licensed as an Attorney and edgeable lawyer to help with a legal challenge Counselor at Law to practice law in Texas and Louisiana. She gradyou’re facing? Then look no further than The Hunt uated cum laude from Southern University Law Center in Baton Law Group, P.C. for your legal Rouge, Louisiana, and received her Master’s in answers and solutions. The Tax Law from Southern Methodist UniverCORPORATE SPONSOR Hunt Law Group, P.C. specialsity in Dallas Texas. izes in Asset Protection, Tax Defense, Estate Planning, “Talking to your family, friends or business Business Law, Wills & Probate, and Family Law. acquaintances are all excellent places to start This firm is a preferred firm and Corporate Sponyour search for an attorney should you need sor of Houston Business Connection Newspaper. one. Why is this, you may ask? Quite simply, the “Joi-Lin Hunt is a determined, vibrant, word of a close friend, relative or someone we alrespected and trusted attorney in Houston,” ready may know just means a lot more than a says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Housstranger's,” that’s why I want you to consider conton Business tacting The Hunt Law Group, P.C. today!

Connections Newspaper.

SEE INFORMATION ON

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www.TheHuntLawGroup.com ON YOUR LEFT IS ATTORNEY JOI-LIN HUNT A CORPORATE SPONSOR OF THIS SERIES I ON YOUR RIGHT IS DR. JACKIE COBBIN OWNER OF DIVINE CLOSET BY JACKIE BOUTIQUE!

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT I

“CREATIVE MINDS SERIES”

Divine Closet by Jackie Boutique is located at 5505 West Orem, Houston , Texas 77085 www.divineclosetbyjackie.com I 713.729.9800

Inspiring Entrepreneurship Through Faith & Confidence

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Yes, it CAN be done.

What a better time than ever to plan your work and work your plan! Otherwise, you are waiting and relying on others to deliver you out of the financial crisis that “appears” to have crippled our communities. Not me, not us, not Kingdom-minded people of God and certainly not members of our church community who reverence and keep God first are without direction.

Windsor Village United Methodist Church is a church that equips and encourages each of its members to live according to the precepts and principles found in scripture.

Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell has a vision for his members as Kingdom residents. So, it is not an accident that he calls us and we call ourselves the Kingdom Builders, satanbusters, people of God. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: That if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (I John 5:14). Only through our

tique, now.” His reply was, “Is there any“faith confidence” do we have the power to thing you don’t do?” My response was “No!” live the way we believe. Therefore, I choose You see, Pastor Cosby knows me as an educato live a prosperous life and believe that I tor and consultant, who joined his staff and have it. “Beloved, I wish above all things transformed his declining Pre K-Grade 3 thou may prosper and be in good health even School into a State Accredited –Premier as thou soul prospers.” (3 John 2) School of Houston in 13 months. I truly beMy desire and purpose in life are to inlieve there is nothing we cannot do, within spire, teach and motivate others, especially the will of God, through Christ who strengthwomen and girls to a divine life, beginning ens us. That ‘IS’ what I believe! That ‘IS’ with a divinely respected IMAGE. Divine how I live, and that ‘IS’ how Divine Closet Closet by Jackie Boutique goes far beyond Boutique continues to thrive. buying and selling clothes. I believe that my We appreciate all of the wonderful supstore‘s concept represents divinely inspired porters and clients. It has been a dynamic first women who are happy, poised, teachable and year for Divine Closet. We well-balanced spiritually, walk by faith and not by emotionally and physiCORPORATE SPONSOR sight. And, we call those cally. The store is always things that are not as though they are...transin a state of continual development of its formed, God-confident images of women and fullest potential. For we never reach our girls; Much financial prosperity; Much success, “fullest” potential; we just cease to live. I pressed down, shaken together and running thank God for the opportunity to represent over. our church through this entrepreneurial venture Pastor Caldwell has entrusted in me.

My husband, S. E. Cobbin, who has also been “Nothing is hampering your an inspiration, and I are forever grateful. ability to enter into a new At Windsor Village UMC, we have defield or fulfill your dreams, clared each Sunday that, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippibut you!” -- Dr. Jackie Cobbin ans 4:13). Fifty-two Sundays a year for over twenty years, surely by now, I do believe and However, there are several major steps that must live this scripture. I continue to receive conbe taken. This article is to be continued… firmation regarding my “life and work” as what happened a couple of months ago during Divine Closet by Jackie Boutique is located at the First Mission Conference at the Power 5505 West Orem, Houston , Texas 77085 Center . My staff and I participated as a venwww.divineclosetbyjackie.com dor with beautiful accessories from Divine Closet Boutique. Pastor Rev. Dr. Marcus Cosby from Wheeler Baptist Church was the Dr. Jackie Cobbin, owner of Divine Closet by Jackie luncheon speaker. As he proceeded to depart Boutique is an image and education consultant, from the conference, I greeted him and inquired about his wife. Then, I asked him if he CEO, Cobbin & Associate Education Consulting Services, adjunct faculty member of the University wanted to buy some accessories for her. He Houston Systems and a Technical Assistance responded to me by saying, “Oh, you are sellProvider for the Texas Education Agency. ing clothes now.” I replied, “I own a bou-

713.729.9800 --------------------

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A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 3

PUBLISHER’S PAGE I

FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR

iF YOU HAVE A STORY IDEA OR INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED INSIDE HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER PLEASE CALL US TODAY AT: (832)212-8735.CONTACT uS today!

1776 Entrepreneurship Is Still Alive!

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AUBREY R. TAYLOR - PUBLISHER - 832-212-8735

The Entreprenuer’s Credo below was written by Thomas Paine way back in 1776. But I think it still applies as much in today’s society as it did back then. I fell in love with this Credo the very first time I read it on the wall of one of my clients, whose a well-known business man in the moving and storage industry in Houston. My hope is that as we publish and highlight entrepreneurs each month in the “Creative Minds” series that you would become inspired and empowered by the stories. I also hope you use them as a source of inspiration. And if you would like to be featured, highlighted, or promoted in this series, please don’t hesitate to call me directly at: 832.212.8735. I’m waiting!”

“

--Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher Houston Business Connections Newspaper

Entrepreneur’s 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 an Entrepreneur

ust before the New Year I kept hearing the word “RESILIENCE” over and over again in my spirit. After hearing it several times, I decided to look it up and discovered that in psychology, it’s described as the positive capacity to cope with stress and adversity. We’ve all had to do that at one point or another in our lives — haven’t we? But just how do we deal with it? For some, stress an adversity can become an excuse to give up. A trigger that causes a person to stop what they’re doing and remain in a perpetual cycle of always trying to overcome what they’re going through.

But not this year! This year we’re going to recapture the “CREATIVITY” and energy of our ancestors. People like (the resilient) Madame C. J. Walker.

`This year, we’re going to view stress and adversity as little more than part of what comes along with the process of us working and striving to achieve our full God-given potential. Are you with me?

A Perfect Example of “RESILIENCE” and “CREATIVITY” at Work in Business Madame C. J. Walker was born as Sarah Breedlove in 1867 to former slaves. Her parents died when she was young and she had a difficult childhood. She moved in with her sister when she was 7 and got married when she was 14. Two

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Photo credits: A’Lelia Bundles/Walker Family Archives/madamcjwalker.com.

THIS MARCH 2011 PRINTED KEEPSAKE EDITION OF HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS - PHONE: 832.212.8735 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRESS RELEASES SHOULD BE MAILED TO: 957 NASA PARKWAY #251, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058. EMAIL: NEWS@HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM

4 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

SPIRITUAL I

PRAYER BY MINISTER TONYAI PALMER

iF YOU HAVE A STORY IDEA OR INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED INSIDE HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER PLEASE CALL US TODAY AT: (832)212-8735.CONTACT uS TODAY!

2011 In the name of Jesus, it is so!

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Gracious and Most Holy Father, I plead the purifying blood of Jesus over Your blessed servants who are my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Father, bless their beloved spouses and bless them, also, in their season of singleness. Bless the inheritance of their beloved children, their families and entire bloodlines, the thorns that You placed in their sides, their ministries, their business endeavors and everything else connected to them. Your sovereign will reigns supreme in their lives. Father, You chose them to accomplish greater works for the sake of the kingdom and greater works they shall do. The word, (Your word) declares that they are Your friend, they are kings and queens, royal priests, men and women above reproach, prophetic voices to the nation and are excellent stewards over all that You have endowed them with.

In the name of Jesus, Lord God, stir up the spiritual gifts within them and enlarge their territories of promise. I thank You that my brothers and sisters operate in the fruit of Your Holy Spirit, that they are vessels of honor and walk uprightly, that they refuse the counsel of the ungodly and are widely respected, for Your name sake, wherever they go. Father, allow Your goodness and Your loving kindness to remain with them forever. Fortify the spiritual hedges of protection that surround my brothers and sisters minds, bodies, souls and spirits, by the blood of Jesus.

Keep them humble and grateful for the inevitable valley experiences for in due season You always unleash the miracles in their mouth that will move mountains.

They are true, soul winning ambassadors for Christ and Your word is their weapon.

In the name of Jesus, intensify their resolve in You this day. Reaffirm within them that Your grace is always sufficient, that You can be trusted, and that King Jesus is interceding on their behalf daily.

Lord God, You are greater than any situation. Give them the strength to cast every care at Your feet.

Liberate their minds and unburden their spirits from the distractions of the world that they may flow freely in reverent praise to You. Cover them now under the shadow of Your almighty wings and instill in them Your compass of divine direction. As they submit themselves before You, like Your servant Job, confessing their sins, expressing their frustrations and weaknesses, have mercy on their sweet souls and bless them double for any trouble. You have established them this day to soar with eagles and to ride on Your chariots of fire with God given power, dominion, and authority.

In the name of Jesus, no weapon formed against my brother or my sister will be able to prosper and every tongue that rises up in judgment against them, they will condemn. Holy Spirit, convert every critic, negate the efforts of every naysayer and silence every soothsayer, in the name of Jesus. Incinerate every false report, all bouts of confusion, doubt, spiritual congestion, demonic plots, assassination attempts, and all snares of iniquity, right now in the name of Jesus. Father, infuse them with an untouchable anointing of Your Spirit of wisdom, revelation, knowledge, understanding and discernment.

I declare that EVERYTHING that comes near them MUST come through the blood of Jesus.

In the name of Jesus, reaffirm that success is not grounded in what can be seen or heard, but it is rooted in what You’ve preordained. I thank You for ordering my brothers and sisters steps and enabling them to stand on the word of God for such a time as this. Increase the measure of faith within them God. They are not merely water walkers by faith; they are the flavourful salt and radiant light of the earth by works. It is because You made them righteous by the

A Prayer For Excellence & Protection

By Minister Tonyai Palmer -----------------------------------------------832.543.3370 - FOR PRAYER

blood of Jesus, that neither they nor their household will ever beg for bread. By the hand of Your angels, bring fresh manna, honey and quail to their door. Remind them that You will never leave them nor forsake them. I thank You, Lord Jesus, for engrafting Your Character upon theirs. You are the Overseer of their souls and they belong to You. In the name of Jesus, remove everything in and around the lives of my brothers and sisters that did not come with Your seal of approval. You are their ROCK, their Fortress and their very present help whenever they are in a season of transitional need. Quicken their spirits so that they will never tire of doing well. Renew their strength by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Father, encase them in Your Holy presence. Saturate my brothers and sisters from the crown of their heads to the soles of their feet with fullness of joy. I thank You that the Earth is Yours and the fullness therein. Release the blessings of overflow into their lives, like the Noahic deluge of Genesis 9, as a symbol to the world that they are Your elect. The standard of the Lord, Your standard, continually goes before Your servants and they will suffer no harm. Establish their feet like hinds feet and fashion them in such a way that they will never slip. By Your Spirit God, their victory is already won!

Heavenly Father, Your amazing grace, abundant favor, surpassing peace and everlasting love rests upon them both now and forevermore. I touch and agree, declare and decree by the matchless name above every name, in the name at which every knee shall bow, in the mighty name of Jesus, it is so.

Amen.

A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 5

FOCUS ON OBAMA I

WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV

BARACK OBAMA IS THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden cross Pennsylvania Ave. as they walk from the White House to Blair House for the meeting with leaders in the House and Senate to discuss health insurance reform, Feb. 25, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

The State of

Black Houston “Opinion Leader” Survey

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ey findings from a survey of 118 African-American “opinion leaders” attending the State of the Black Houston Town Hall Meeting at Texas Southern University, held in the latter part of 2010 may give us a glimpse into how some African Americans feel about the 2011 Mayoral Election, the 2012 Democratic Presidential Primary ElecCarroll G. Robinson, Esq. Michael O. Adams, Ph.D karen Callaghan, Ph.D tion, and the war in Afghanistan.

When I first read the report I was very intrigued and thought that making you aware College Professors and NAACP members. be declared “no contest” – Obama would of the report’s findings may help you to better According to the report, opinion leaders lead with Clinton trailing by 82 percentage understand how the African American “opinare ambivalent about their support for Mayor points according to the report. ion leader” feel about what’s going Annise Parker’s reelection. Her Few respondents favor a troop surge in on in Houston and beyond. The strongest support comes from Afghanistan. However, most reject an immesurvey was conducted by Texas younger men. diate “pullout” in favor of bringing the troops Southern University Professors If the 2012 Democratic home within a year. The latter view appears Karen Callaghan, Carroll G. presidential primaries were held to be in line with the stated principles of the Robinson, and Michael O. today and the race was between Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

Adams. Among those surveyed President Barack Obama and were African American Business, Secretary of State Hillary Community, and Political leaders.

Clinton, the election would Also included in the survey were

Houston Mayoral Election 2011 Unlike the loyalty opinion leaders display for Bill White and Barack Obama,support for Mayor Annise Parker’s reelection is not particularly crystalized, especially among younger females. Her strongest support comes from younger men (47%). And while 32% of Democrats favor Parker’s reelection, nearly one-quarter (24%) oppose it, 44% are undecided. Independents oppose her reelection by nearly a 2 to 1 margin (41% to 18%), while 41% are undecided. The mayor and her political advisors have time before the next election to address opinion leaders’ concerns about her leadership, especially those of African-American women and political independents.

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6 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY”- MARCH 2011

SPONSOR FEATURE I

TH E HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C.

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2011

Don’tFaceYourChallengeAlone!

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re you looking for a well-qualified need one. Why is this, you may ask? Quite simply, the word of a close friend or and knowledgeable lawyer to help relative or someone we already may know just means a lot more than a stranger's. with a legal challenge you’re facThat’s why as publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper, I’m pleased ing? Then look no further than The to recommend The Hunt Law Group, P.C., as a firm you can trust for any legal Hunt Law Group, P.C. for your need you may have,” says Taylor. legal answers and solutions. The The Hunt Law Group is a high performance organization committed to the Hunt Law Group, P.C. specializes success of each and every client who enters their doors. in Asset Protection, Tax Defense, Estate Do You Need Asset Protection Assistance? Asset protection planning inPlanning, Business Law, Wills & Probate, volves figuring out and applying a lawful series of techniques that protect your and Family Law. This firm is a preferred assets from claims of future creditors.

Do You Need Tax Defense Assistance? The Hunt Law Group, P.C. firm and Corporate Sponsor of Houston Busican provide strategic tax planning services and representation of clients ness Connection Newspaper.

“Joi-Lin Hunt is a determined, vibrant, in resolving matters with tax collection agencies in the United States. respected and trusted attorney in Houston,” says Do You Need Estate Planning Assistance? Let The Hunt Law Group, P.C. show you a range of estate tax planning techniques, from traditional planning all Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Busithe way to aggressive plans that can significantly reduce the estate tax burden. ness Connections Newspaper.

Joi-Lin Hunt is duly admitted and liDo You Need Help With Business Law? It is important to be skillfully reprecensed as an Attorney and sented in your business in a wide variety of matters including Counselor at Law to practice formations and contract negotiations.

CORPORATE SPONSOR law in Texas and Louisiana. She Do You Need Family Law Help? The Hunt Law graduated cum laude from Southern UniGroup, P.C. understands the need for resolution in a case involving a child, versity Law Center in Baton Rouge, spouse, or individual with whom a dispute has begun.

Louisiana, and received her MasAre Your Assets Protected? Below are some realistic examples of ter’s in Tax Law from Southwhere an asset protection plan would have made all the difference: ern Methodist University in Employee Car Accident: You own a restaurant that also does delivery.

Dallas Texas.

One night, there is an order to be delivered on the other side of town which is “Talking to your assigned to one of your delivery guys. An hour later you learn your company family, friends and vehicle has been in a bad accident where the driver and passenger of the other business acquaincar were taken to the hospital with critical injuries. tances are all exSeveral hours after the accident, you learn that your driver had marijuana in cellent places to his system. Your insurance will not cover this type of accident. Who will? Your start your personal assets will become part of the lawsuit unless you have an asset protecsearch for an tion plan in place that put a protective wall between you and your business. attorney should you

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JAWORSKI

THE

LAW FIRM

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oe Jaworski, following a family tradition of service, enters his twentieth year of practice.

During his two decades of service to the community, Jaworski served as law clerk to U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge John R. Brown, he practiced maritime law on behalf of numerous shipping and energy companies, and he now litigates individuals’ and business entities’ claims in federal and state courts throughout the Country. He is managing partner of The Jaworski Law Firm, headquartered in Galveston, Texas.

Jaworski is a leading mediator in the Houston/Galveston region, assisting parties in resolving commercial and personal injury matters, and he is a favorite appointment - both as ad litem and special master - in the Harris and Galveston County Courts.

Born in Houston on the day Texas prepared to mark its 126th year of independence, Jaworski earned his bachelor’s from North Carolina’s Davidson College and his law degree from the

University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated in 1991 and won honors for his mock trial work and was elected to the prestigious Order of Barristers.

Joe Jaworski combines a celebrated family tradition of public service with a deep faith in the power of individuals to make a positive difference in their communities.

Mediator: Resolve your case with a high energy mediator. Public Servant: Independent leadership for a new direction for Galveston. Trial Attorney: Special Master, Guardian Ad Litem, Local Counsel, Lead Attorney. Galveston Mayor: As Galveston’s Mayor I have a job to promote this Island. www.MayorJoeJaworski.com

The Jaworski Law Firm 305 21st Street, Suite 222 Galveston, Texas 77550 Office: 409.763.0700 Fax: 409.763.6352 Cell: 409.771.7139 joejaws@jaworskilawfirm.com

WWW.JAWORSKILAWFIRM.COM 8 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

FOCUS ON OBAMA I

WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV

QUESTION: HOW DID YOU FEEL THE DAY BARACK OBAMA WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES? EMAIL: NEWS@HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM

The State of

Black Houston “Opinion Leader” Survey CONTINUED FROM

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Presidential Primary Election 2012 In response to the question: “If the 2012 Democratic primary elections for president were held today, who would you vote for?”

Black opinion leaders strongly favor President Barack Obama over Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (88% to 6%) with slightly stronger support from Democrats (90%) than Independents (82%). Support for Obama is not distinguishable by gender, age or level of education. Although people often have multiple interests and identities that affect their political views, the opinion leaders in this study have reached a consensus on their loyalty to President Obama. African-American voters were not strongly supportive of Obama when he first ran for office. Hillary Clinton was the favorite. Now he appears to be well grounded in the African-American community in terms of its political support and loyalty. The big change in opinion came after Former President Bill Clinton associated the words “fairy tale” with the Obama campaign. Though he recanted later on during a radio interview with Al Sharpton saying he was not referring to Obama’s

presidential campaign but to his ideas on war the shift in support happened. This is when Black voters really started to rally around Obama.

The War in Afghanistan The survey included two questions which are useful for gauging elite AfricanAmerican opinion on the war in Afghanistan.

The first question asked about sending more troops to Afghanistan. A large percentage of respondents (82%) reject a troop surge, especially women, younger opinion leaders, those without a college degree, and Democrats.

“What should the plan for U.S. troops in Afghanistan be?”

Bring troops home immediately.

31%

Develop a firm timetable to bring troops home within a year.

54%

Do not have a firm timetable for troop withdrawal.

7%

Don’t Know/Refused.

8%

support in the United States’ struggle against The second option implies some support extremism. The Caucus full supported Presifor the current United States policy of milident Obama’s commitment to reduce the US tary involvement in Afghanistan. President military presence in Iraq. For Afghanistan, Obama has identified July 2011 as the start date for troop withdrawal. Less than a third of the Caucus stressed to the President the necessity to carefully consider a new strategy to the sample supports an immediate withdrawal measure progress for the conflict (CBC 2009 of troops while 7% do not favor a firm Annual Report, p.20). timetable. Even the group generally most reNearly half of the Congressional Black sistent to military action—women—do not Caucus (49%) voted against a strongly favor the immediate bill (HR248) to withdraw pullout option. Furthermore, COMMUNITY U.S. troops from Afghanistan there are no differences in by the end of 2010. Forty-six percent were in opinion by age groups: both younger and favor of the bill, with two abstentions. older respondents favor bringing the troops Of course, given the condition of the home within a year. The opinions of Democeconomy and the high unemployment rate, rats and independents are also statistically inwar is off the radar screen for most African distinct (labeled “ns” or non-significant Americans. However, a lack of focus on the findings).

Karen Callaghan, a professor at TSU whose field is political psychology, says that CONTINUED ON P.11 “opinion leaders seem to be saying: “We supported you in the 2008 election. We are trying to stay faithful to you now, not only in the electoral arena but on the war front, at least on some issues.” Furthermore, these findings appear to be consistent with the stated principles of the Congressional Black Caucus.” From the CBC’s website: On February 24, 2009, the CBC met with President Obama to express its

BARACK OBAMA IS THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: President Barack Obama, flanked by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen, listens to the national anthem during a ceremony marking the events of September 11th at the Pentagon, Sept. 11, 2010, (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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ASSET PROTECTION FAMILY LAW BUSINESS LAW WILLS & PROBATE TAX DEFENSE ESTATE PLANNING 11 5 0 0 N ORTH WES T FR E E WAY SU ITE. 5 8 5

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2012 P R O V E N

C O M M I T M E N T

T O

O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

Working together is the best way to get things done in Missouri City, Texas. The leader of a visionary community, Mayor Owen serves as a Market Area District Manager for Wells Fargo Bank of Texas and spends a great deal of his time with many of the residents on a daily basis. “Congratulations to Ron Reynolds on becoming the first African American to serve as the State Representive for Fort Bend County’s House District 27.” -- Mayor Allen Owen

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ayor Allen Owen is Missouri City’s tenth mayor since the City’s incorporation back in 1956. Mayor Owen’s profile shows his family’s long term residence of over 32 years in this community...a place he calls home. This is where Mayor Owen continues to dedicate much of his time and expertise towards the development of a community he and his wife of 42 years, Jane, reared their three chil- MAYOR ALLEN OWEN dren. Before his mayoral office, whose tenure began in 1994, Mayor Owen served as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner for five years and later as a Council Member for eight years having also served as Mayor Pro Tem.

Over 32 Years of Service for Missiouri City Texas From the beginning of Mayor Owen’s association with Missouri City, he has been highly visible in a growing community he shares with residents whose population numbers an estimated 65,000. Since then, Mayor Owen has continued working towards building a strong economy evidenced by attracting quality residential and commercial development to the area. The leader of a visionary community, Mayor Owen serves as a Market Area District Manager for Wells Fargo Bank of Texas and spends a great deal of his time with many of the residents on a daily basis. His community involvement includes tireless volunteer hours with the YMCA, United Way, March of Dimes and many other organizations. He serves on the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Fort Bend Womens Center, Fort Bend Literacy Council, Fort Bend Fair Association and holds a ViceChairman post on the Fort Bend Community Justice Council. Mayor Owen is also a Life-Time Vice-President and Director of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Past-President of the Texas 4H Foundation, and President of the Asian American Family Counseling Center. Mayor Owen graduated from Southern Methodist University’s Graduate School of Finance and Banking and from Stephen F. Austin State University.

POL. ADV. PAID FOR BY THE ALLEN OWEN CAMPAIGN FOR MAYOR, 2022 MASTER LANE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459

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FOCUS ON OBAMA I

WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV

BARACK OBAMA IS THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE U.s. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama talk with Maude Smith at her home in Columbia Parc Housing Development in New Orleans, La., Aug. 29, 2010. Smith's grandson, David Robichaux Jr., 9, sits next to the President. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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war should not be confused with a lack of opinion. On the contrary, opinion leaders in this study have distinct opinions.

Description and Survey Methodology Principal Investigators: Dr. Karen Callaghan, Dr. Michael O. Adams, Carroll G. Robinson, Esq. Purpose: TSU, a special purpose institution with an urban mission, is centrally located in Houston, the 4th largest city in the United States. Michael Adams says that “the changing demographics of Houston as a major-minority city continues to demonstrate a need to understand political opinion and civic engagement trends in the African-American community to ensure it is better served.”

Karen Callaghan adds that “the focus on African-American opinion leaders is important. People often follow the lead of individuals who are better informed and more engaged in politics than they are. The influence of opinion leaders is derived from the informal status as individuals who are highly informed, respected and simply ‘connected.’ Opinion leaders influence the thinking of others predominantly

through agenda setting – ie., cueing messages that alert people about which policy issues and political candidates are consistent with their values or the reality of the situation. Generally, public opinion is strongest when elite consensus is strongest and less strong when elite consensus is less strong or non-existent.

Survey Methodology: The survey was conducted in person on the day of the town hall meeting. The cooperation rate is 56% based on 210 participants (est.) No demographic information is available on the survey nonrespondents. Based on the sample design, this is a purposive sample. A purposive sample is a sample that is selected in a deliberative and non-random fashion to achieve a certain goal. Therefore, this survey is subject to the same limitations facing nonprobability samples, which include the commonly employed with surveys where respondents are solicited and participate via the internet. With nonprobability samples the relationship between the sample and the population is unknown so there is no theoretical basis for computing or reporting a margin or sampling error or for knowing how representative the survey participants are of the target population.

Still, the data are useful for two reasons: (1) hypothesis generation-to develop ideas to be substantiated with more ro-

bust datasets drawn from random samples., and (2) the exploratory analysis of relationships between variables, with the caveat that the results may be only narrowly extrapolated and may not generalize to the population of all African-American opinion leaders in Houston.

However, to substantiate our findings, we conducted tests of statistical significance and highlight sequences of percentages that are non-random and associations that do not occur with equal probability with p<.10 used as the standard cutoff in most cases.

Demographic Profile: Fully 87% of the respondents have a two year college degree or higher. Fifty-eight percent have a family income above $40,000. Sixty one percent of the sample is female.

Seventy-one percent COMMUNITY are Democrats. 23% are Independents and less than 2% are Republicans. The median age of the sample is 38 years old. Only 2.5% of the sample say they are not registered voters. The numerical preponderance of female opinion leaders attending the meeting may reflect the fact that women have historically been more politically engaged, at least at the base of African-American civic and political life in Houston and elsewhere.

Acknowledgements: We are grateful to the meeting attendees who participated in the survey and to Jew Don Boney, Director of the Mickey Leland Center, for allowing us to conduct this research. We also thank our research assistants Ebony Barnes, Quonna Coleman, Subria Lapps, and Simone Parker.

Karen Callaghan, Ph.D. Political Science Professor, Texas Southern University.

Callaghan recently returned from Afghanistan where she conducted surveys for the U.S. Defense Department. Fields of Research: Political Psychology/Behavior and Methodology. Cell: (713)328-9584. Email: callaghank@tsu.edu Michael O. Adams, Ph. D. Public Administration Professor, Texas Southern University and Director of the E-Government Center, the Master of Public Administration program and the Executive MPA program. Phone: (713)418-0897. Email: adams_mo@tsu.edu Carroll G. Robinson, Esq. Public Administration Professor, Texas Southern University.

Chairman of the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce, former At-Large member of the Houston City Council, former General Counsel of the Texas Democratic Party and a Democratic candidate for Congress in 2002.

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THE FUTURE I 2011 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ROOT VISIT: WWW.THEROOT.COM

Meet 25 People Who Will Change Our World

“

“

When President Obama said “We do big things,” he didn’t have to convince these 25 budding innovators, ages 16 to 21. They are the young people to watch if you want to know where America is heading.

De-Juan Correia

The Root’s Young Futurists List of 25 Innovators

Age: 16 Hometown: Savannah, Ga. Achievement: Fighting capital punishment

By: The Root Staff

A

ll during the month of February, The Root introduced you to innovators in various fields, ages 16 to 21. These are the young people to watch if you want to know where America is heading.

Our future, we know, belongs to the young. That is why The Root decided to put the spotlight on the leaders of tomorrow.

We embarked on a nationwide search to find African-American youth, ages 16 to 21, who are innovators in the green movement, science and technology, social justice, business and the arts. We approached schools and universities, national sororities and fraternities, as well as civil rights groups like the NAACP, which has nurtured a young-talent competition every year. The names poured in.

We took on the difficult task of sifting through the achievements of many young and talented people to come up with this final list.

The 25 winners we selected for our Young Futurists list are committed to making the world a better place and are actively doing something about it. Many are still in high school. Some are in college. They live all over the U.S., from Savannah, Ga., to Santa Cruz, Calif., but they are bound together by their common desire to make a real change in the world.

Our winners have started their own nonprofits and invented technology — for developments in surgical techniques and hybrid cars — to rival that of innovators twice their age. They have used their artistic talents to help their communities, started their own businesses and transformed school projects into full-fledged charitable organizations.

Two of our finalists have drawn the attention of the Obama administration for their achievements: Brandon Ford of Philadelphia and Cameron Fields of Viejo, Calif.

We’ll highlight one Young Futurist a day during the month of February. What better

Top row: Z. Howard, T. Cole, A. Pugh, C. Penrose-Whitmore.

Bottom row: B. Ford, G. McBay, J. Hall, T. Dinkins. time than Black History Month to unveil our list of the talented young people of African descent who hold our future in their hands?

Meet our future.

Stephanie Asante

Age: 17 Hometown: Springfield, Va. Achievement: Created nonprofit for orphans in Ghana Born in Accra, Ghana, Asante came to the U.S. in the third grade and met her future business partner, Nshira Turkson, in the seventh grade. They collaborated on a class project, Goo Goo for Ghana, in April 2010, collecting toys and clothing. After shipping more than 250 items to a Ghanaian orphanage, they used the same business plan for their new nonprofit, Born From Love. Asante, a senior at West Springfield High School who wants to study medicine, has Boston University, Tulane and Columbia atop her list.

Daquan Chisholm

Age: 17

Hometown: Baltimore Achievement: Invented design for bulletproof helmet At 12, in a program for talented youth, Chisholm was assigned to create something to make the world better. He came up with a walkie-talkie, bulletproof helmet. “That was the first thing that came to mind, making the police feel safer walking the streets,” he said. He was encouraged by Johns Hopkins University faculty but lacked the funds to patent the idea. An aspiring science or mechanical-engineering major, the Lock Raven High School student plans to resume the project in the future.

Tevyn Cole

Age: 18

As long as his uncle Troy Davis sits on death row, Correia — a budding human rights activist — will be speaking out against the death penalty. At 16 the Sol C. Johnson High School student has already spoken before the British Parliament. He will also be the keynote speaker at the Amnesty International Youth Summit in San Francisco in March 2011.

Through it all, Correia, who is equally passionate about issues such as poverty and education, has raised awareness about his uncle, who has been seeking a new trial to prove that he was wrongly convicted for the 1989 murder of Savannah Police Officer Mark MacPhail.

Zoë Damacela

Age: 18 Hometown: Chicago Achievement: Has designs on the future Tyra Banks loves Damacela. President Barack Obama invited the Northwestern University student to the White House. The young clothing designer’s star is rising as her fouryear-old apparel company gets bigger. At 14 she started making dresses as a hobby in her small bedroom, selling her first one to a friend for $13 — and the business took off from there. She got an extra boost from a high school course on entrepreneurship, which helped her put together a business plan that earned her second place in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship’s 2009 national competition.

Hometown: Maybee, Mich.

Achievement: Educating through fashion With a mission to educate people about the great accomplishments by African Americans, Cole launched School Me Clothing when he was just 10 years old. The company, which designs T-shirts and other apparel with slogans and images of various achievements in black history, has garnered Cole several national awards and accolades. An early-entrance student at Eastern Michigan University, Cole is now balancing being a business owner with pursuing a double major in international business and Japanese.

Dorian Dargan

Age: 21 Hometown: Wichita Falls, Texas Achievement: Empowering economically and socially marginalized communities Working on a double-major bachelor’s degree (urban studies and planning, plus economics) and a master’s degree (city and international planning), this senior at MIT enjoys

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keeping a full load. He has worked on start-ups and held entrepreneurial workshops in South America; he also worked as a microenterprise consultant in Mexico. “I like to have my hands in a lot of different things,” Dargan said, citing his interest in art and music. I’m looking for the nexus of creativity, problem solving and service.”

Automotive X Prize competition, in which they held their own against corporations and universities. Ford, who was invited to attend the recent State of the Union address because of his work, says, “If the country works hard to produce new technology, then we can be one of the front-runners in the world.”

Thais Francis

Age: 21

Hometown: Bowie, Md. Achievement: Educating through the performing arts

Tiffany Dinkins

Age: 20 Hometown: Catonsville, Md. Achievement: Researching genetics as well as computer science At age 16, Dinkins co-authored a paper published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. Now she is a junior at Duke University, where she started out as a chemistry major but discovered she really liked computers.

Dinkins switched to computer science after her sophomore year. “Both fields are very much an open frontier,” she said. “We continue to learn more and more every day about genetics, as well as the limitations and capabilities of computing technology.”

Cameron Fields

Age: 21 Hometown: Mission Viejo, Calif.

Achievement: Promoting energy efficiency Fields, who has a double major in environmental studies and economics, has helped University of California, Santa Cruz develop its first Carbon Fund Program, which supports funding for sustainable projects on campus. In 2010 he played a key role in a campaign urging UCSC to redirect funds into more energyefficient projects, such as “updating our generators and retrofitting the buildings on campus,” says Fields. He was also a White House intern in 2009 for the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, which he hoped would give him a chance to meet a role model — environmental advocate Van Jones — “because I would like to pick his brain.”

A native Trinidadian who moved to the U.S. at age 10, Francis is an accomplished actress, playwright, essayist and activist who has performed at Radio City Music Hall. However, it is her community service that centers the New York University student. She teaches acting and dance to young people in local schools.

She also wrote a play about domestic violence and had it staged. A junior, Francis plans to work on Broadway and in film, especially in works with a message.

Age: 18

Hometown: Philadelphia Achievement: Engineering fuel-efficient cars As a member of the Hybrid X team, West Philadelphia High School students who design and build fuel-efficient cars, Ford is passionate about tech. The team entered the Progressive

Age: 16

Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. Achievement: Developed improved surgical technique for hysterectomy patients After not placing in his eighth-grade science fair, Hansberry was determined to do better the following year. He got an idea from an administrator at Shands Hospital — where he’d interned — and in the ninth grade created a procedure that he presented to surgeons at a medical conference. Now a junior at a DarnellCookman Middle/High School of the Medical Arts, Hansberry said about his future, “I was looking at neurosurgery, but I’m keeping my options open. I know I want to be a physician, not just a surgeon.”

Age: 18

Hometown: New York City Achievement: Rocking the vote through poetry

Joshua Hall

Age: 17

Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. Achievement: Raising awareness about slavery Since age 9, Hall has volunteered his time doing everything from working at food pantries to giving needy kids in his Bushwick neighborhood book bags filled with school supplies. But in 2009, Hall discovered the widespread horror of human trafficking and child slavery in Ghana through the servicebased program Journey for Change. Since returning from the West African country, the Frederick Douglass Academy IV Secondary School student has spoken at high schools, universities and the United Nations about modernday slavery. He is one of four recipients of a Teen Nick 2010 Halo Award.

Khalea Ross Robinson

Age: 21

At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Robinson, a senior majoring in civil engineering, played a pivotal role in helping to set the national agenda on social policy. In 2008 she spearheaded the Presidential Priorities Initiative at MIT to raise awareness among the national candidates of the greatest threats facing the U.S. In a position paper and accompanying video, Robinson and other black students at the school urged the candidates to adopt solid policies to tackle the mortgage crisis, poverty and education. The video link was sent to black college-student organizations nationwide and was featured on CNN.com.

duo Dead Prez. In 2010 she opened for Bill Cosby at his request. Johnson, an Oberlin College student and Bonner scholar, also pursues solidarity in her work with Oberlin’s Prison Justice Project, whose mission is to transform the criminal justice system. Johnson, who has a double major in African-American studies and creative writing, is also chair of Oberlin’s black student union.

Clayton Penrose-Whitmore

Age: 17 Hometown: Springfield, Ill. Achievement: Keeping music appreciation alive

Zora Howard

Hometown: St. Kitts and Nevis Achievement: Shaping social policy

Brandon Ford

Tony Hansperry II

The Yale University student found her poetic voice at age 13, when she was the youngest person to win the Urban Word NYC Grand Slam finals. In 2009 Howard was tapped to be New York’s first youth poet laureate, which included being an adviser to the city’s Voter Assistance Commission. One of her most noted poems, “Biracial Hair,” was the focus of a short film by the same name that received an Emmy for outstanding advanced media interactivity in 2009.

Penrose-Whitmore practices the violin five hours a day, an instrument he began playing when he was 4 — and the work has paid paid off. At 12 he was the youngest musician to reach the finals of the 2006 Sphinx Competition, a national event for black and Latino string players. Two years later, he returned to win and toured with the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra. In a review, the New York Times touted his “buoyant performance” at Carnegie Hall. The young virtuoso, who attends Music Institute of Chicago’s Academy Program, works to spark other students’ musical interests and careers by performing in classrooms and raising funds for music scholarships.

Jordan Howard

Age: 18

Hometown: Los Angeles Achievement: “Green” education guru When she was younger, Howard was reluctant to attend a “green” charter high school, going strictly for its academic reputation. But she became enthusiastic once she learned about climate change, renewable resources, organic foods and other green issues. Since then she has spearheaded numerous service projects, workshops and film festivals, in addition to editing Green My Parents, a book to help kids teach their parents. “It’s important when someone learns something that can change their life and empower them,” said the Santa Monica College student.

Taylor Johnson

Age: 19

Hometown: Riverdale, Md. Achievement: Using spoken word for social activism Johnson wants to change the world through words. By age 16 she had performed as a slam-poetry artist at the Washington, D.C., gathering spot Busboys & Poets and appeared as part of the opening act for rapper M1 of the

Andrea Pugh

Age: 16 Hometown: Saginaw, Mich.

Achievement: Improving the crops we grow Pugh already has a minor planet named after her. That was the second-place prize she earned at the 2010 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in San Jose. “That’s a highlight for me,” says Pugh. Her project for the fair looked at ways to infuse nutrients into soil as a better method of preparing it for growing crops. She’s not all about science, though. The Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy high school junior has a concentration in dance at the academy, is vice president of the Saginaw NAACP Youth Council and was tapped as Miss Saginaw County Outstanding Teen for 2010-2011. She hopes to attend Florida A&M, where she will pursue environmental sciences or study to become an investment banker.

Jana Johnson

Age: 21

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THE FUTURE I 2011 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ROOT VISIT: WWW.THEROOT.COM

Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.

Achievement: Boosting the ranks of women in tech

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Males dominate computer technology, but Johnson is trying to increase the number of females in the field. She has been a leader in the intercollegiate Computer Science $% Women & ( * & "& program and an active participant in mentoring and teaching middle-school girls. She likes a gender-specific approach because “it not only makes a comfortable environment for just women in a male-dominated field, but it also makes computer science relevant and applicable to everyday situations.” A senior at Columbia University, she’ll be a technology analyst for Goldman Sachs upon graduation.

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Age: 21

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Jordan Rivers

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Age: 20

cakes to brownie bars. In the beginning, she was selling mostly to friends and family, but since then she has filled orders for the likes of top chef G. Garvin and NFL legend Emmitt Smith.

At Texas Christian University, she is studying $$ % $ business and marketing, specializing in entrepreneurship. Eventually she hopes to open her own bakery, with a modern twist: It will also be % and !# % a( lounge$with live music poetry. $

Nshira Turkson

Hometown: Detroit Achievement: Developing smart transportation initiative Initially, Rivers wanted to organize fellow engineering students to make houses more energy-efficient. “I was trying to do some social justice, like environmental service,” he said.

But when he found out about grant money for green transportation, he shifted gears. A Howard University junior and college ambassador with the nonprofit Green for All, Rivers is working to develop a bike rental co-op on Howard’s campus, where students would pay a small fee or trade service in exchange for using the bikes

Age: 16 Hometown: Springfield, Va. Achievement: Created nonprofit for orphans in Ghana A West Springfield High senior whose parents emigrated from Ghana, Turkson and schoolmate Stephanie Asante collected toys to send to a Ghanaian orphanage in 2010. Then Turkson spent the summer working at a Ghanaian day care center and orphanage. Now they’ve created Born From Love, a nonprofit “to assist impoverished kids in Ghana with toys, clothes and stuff like that,” Turkson says.

She plans to study liberal arts in the fall of 2011, with Columbia, Duke and the University of Virginia her top choices.

Kayla Vinson

Age: 21

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at her high school, where blacks were 40 percent of the student body. And her mother had to press school officials to get her into those classes, even though Vinson’s performance was outstanding. “I’m hoping to change that pattern, the socialization that determines the education you get and the options available because of that education,” she says. A senior % Vinson &has%made black $%male % students $ at Yale, the focus of her research and plans to reform the education system.

The Root is a daily online magazine that provides thought-provoking commentary on today’s news from a variety of black perspectives. The site also hosts an interactive genealogical section to trace one’s ancestry through AfricanDNA.com, a DNA testing site co-founded by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., CDAHis270;;4=64B who also The Root’s Editor-In-Chief. The Root >5 %DA *A>>?B #8;8C0AH 0<8 aims *0:4 to be an0A4 unprecedented departure from tradi;84B 0=3 ,4C4A0=B tional American journalism, raising the profile of G?0=3 A>D=3 >A24B #44C #8;8C0AH blackJvoices in mainstream mediaC> and engaging $443B interested 0=3 <?A>E4 'D0;8CH >5around "854 the =2A40B8=6 anyone in black culture world.

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TEXAS HISTORY I

FORT BEND COUNTY

STATE REPRESENTATIVE RONOLD E. REYNOLDS I CAPITAL ADDRESS: ROOM E2.402, AUSTIN TEXAS 78768 I PHONE: 512.463.0494 I FAX: 512.463.1403

“

“2011

I pledge to serve the residents and business owners in Fort Bend County by advocating for high-quality education, affordable healthcare, and economic empowerment in our community.

--STATE REPRESATIVE RONALD E. REYNOLDS

A Special Moment In Texas History

M

ost of us remember 2008 as a year of celebration. A year of renewal and the revival of the American dream. But for Ron E. Reynolds, 2008 was a bitter-sweet year. And even more than that – it was a pivotal point in his life.

That year, in the Democratic Primary held on March 4th, his bid to become the first African American to represent the 27th District in Fort Bend County since Reconstruction came up just short.

Yes, while many Americans were celebrating the important step of (then Senator) Barack Obama on his road to making American history. Ron E. Reynolds had just suffered a defeat in his personal quest to make Texas history. It wasn’t so bad that he’d lost to the incumbent who few people thought he could defeat in the first place. It was how he lost that bothered him the most. The fact that he lost by a mere 187 votes made this a tough

REYNOLDS” etched into Texas history.

Nope. This time, they would make good on their quest to be written into the annals of Texas history!

FAST FORWARD TO 2011 Rep. Ron Reynolds Receives Key House Committee Assignments

STATE REPRESENTATIVE (HD-27) RON REYNOLDS, HIS WIFE DR. JONITA REYNOLDS, AND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BARACK OBAMA pill to swallow for Reynolds.

But Ron E. Reynolds and his wife Dr. Jonita Reynolds didn’t stop there.

They renewed their resolve! They rejoiced with America as they participated

in, and watched history unfold before their eyes. However, the Reynolds family wouldn’t have to wait long for their second chance to have the name “STATE REPRESENTATIVE RONALD E.

AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 10, 2011) — House committee assignments were announced by the Speaker. Rep. Ron Reynolds (D- District 27, Fort Bend) was placed on the Economic and Small Business Development Committee and the Environmental Regulation Committee.

“I am delighted with my committee assignments and will work together with the chairmen and other members of the committees to ensure passage of quality legislation to benefit the people of my district and the state,” remarked Rep. Reynolds.

The Economic and Small Business Development Committee is a newly created committee for this session. “I would like to

16 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

“

FORT BEND COUNTY

“

TEXAS HISTORY I

STATE REPRESENTATIVE RONOLD E. REYNOLDS I CAPITAL ADDRESS: ROOM E2.402, AUSTIN TEXAS 78768 I PHONE: 512.463.0494 I FAX: 512.463.1403

Witnessing Ron E. Reynolds (A Democrat) and Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen (A Republican) endorse and support one another tells us that Republicans and Democrats can work together to get things done in Texas. It feels great to see our leaders put politics on the back burner. -- AUBREY R. TAYLOR, PUBLISHER thank the Speaker for creating this new committee in these difficult economic times to address the critical issue of ensuring the vitality of small businesses as we emerge into a more prosperous future. One of my priorities for this legislative session is to work diligently to improve the environment for small businesses. I am proud to serve the people of my district and am ready to embark on these new responsibilities,” said Rep. Reynolds.

Rep. Reynolds looks forward to working hard in his committees to put Texas families first. “We have many serious issues to tackle and have tough decisions to make,” added Rep. Reynolds. “I am looking forward to working hard for the residents of District 27.”

ABOUT STATE REPRESENTATIVE Ron E. Reynolds, was sworn in on January 10, 2011 as State Representative House District 27. He is the first African American State Representative in Fort Bend County since Reconstruction. Reynolds is a product of Fort Bend County public school’s Blue Ridge Elementary and Quail Valley Middle School. He went on to attend Texas Southern University and received a B.S. degree in Public Affairs, “magna cum laude”. Ron received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law. Reynolds is a named partner in the Brown, Brown & Reynolds, P.C., law firm. He is a former Associate Municipal Judge for The City of Houston and TSU Adjunct Professor (College of Public Affairs).

Reynolds has written numerous articles relative to Consumer Rights, Civil Rights, Civic Engagement, and Employment Law because he embodies an inherent responsibility for keeping the community abreast of current issues that impact their lives.

He believes that by investing in the community, he has made a positive impact on the business and economic base in Fort Bend County. Commensurate with the belief, to whom much is given, much is required; Ron has devoted his life to serving the community. Some of his civic and other affiliations include but are not limited to the following:

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class 2007 100 Black Men of America – Houston Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Board member, Houston Citizen’s Chamber of Commerce Board member, TriCounty Black Chamber of Commerce Board member, Jazz Education, Inc. Constable Ruben Davis Advisory Council Co-Chair Fort Bend International Festival and Mayor’s Jazz Brunch

Ron has won and been recognized for numerous honors and awards:

American Red Cross Humanitarian Award; Named Houston’s Top Lawyer by H Texas Magazine; Recipient of the Missouri City Juneteenth Community Service Award; YMCA Minority Achievers Award; MLK Drum Major For Justice Award; NAACP ALEX Award for Legal Excellence; 2-time HCCC Business Pinnacle Award winner; Named Houston’s Top 40 Leaders Under 40; EEOC Civil Rights All-Star Award; Senator Rodney Ellis Texas Leader of the Future Award; Who’s Who in Law and Who’s Who in Black Houston Ron is married to Dr. Jonita Reynolds and has one daughter, Lacey Reynolds.

Fort Bend ISD Bond Advisory Committee Fort Bend County Democratic Party, sustainingmember Houston Area Urban League Member of Fort Bend Democratic Club and Black Dems Legal Counsel for Houston Black Expo and a non-profit organization benefiting sickle-cell research

Past President, NAACP Missouri City & Ft. Bend Vicinity Branch Past President, Houston Lawyer’s Association Brookhollow Baptist Church, Legal Ministry Chair

MAYOR CITY MAYOR ALLEN OWNE GIVES HIS ENDORSEMENT AND VOTE OF CONFIDENCE TO RON E. REYNOLDS BEFORE THE 2010 GENERAL ELECTION IN FORT BEND COUNTY.

A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 17

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT I

“CREATIVE MINDS SERIES”

TROY B. SMITH PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IS “A TRUSTED NAME WHEN CARING COUNTS” -- 9013 SCOTT STREET IN HOUSTON, TEXAS 77051 - 713.734-TROY

Entrepreneur

serves families with

COMPASSION

By Rochelle Rucker

A

fter high school, Troy B. Smith had no career choices to choose from and it’s easy to see why.

“I come from a large family, and by the time I graduated all the good careers were gone,” says Smith as he laughingly explains his siblings’ varied careers.

“Let’s see, I’m No. 12 of 13 children and when I graduated my brothers and sisters were working in various careers such as the Harris County Hospital District, public school system, Veterans Administration, aviation, U. S. Postal Service, engineering and military fields. One brother is a fire chief. So that left me wondering, what am I going to do?

That was more than 22 years ago and Smith eventually fell into a rewarding and successful career path. Today, he’s the owner of Troy B. Smith Professional Services, a full-service funeral business with 20 employees located at 9013 Scott St. in Houston’s Sunnyside community. Careful consideration with a wellthought-out plan went into naming his company. “A Trusted Name When Caring Counts,” is the company’s slogan, and the last four digits of the telephone number spell out T-R-O-Y. His career has taken him to some of the most amazing areas of the funeral home industry, from servicing notable celebrity and political figures at small and large funeral home companies to being a partner in one. Because of his compassionate, caring, thoughtful and sympathetic attitude, families are especially grateful to him for his caring nature.

In 1989, Smith found his niche in the funeral services industry when he attended and graduated from Commonwealth College of Funeral Service with an associate of science degree. He attained his Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) certification from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service

Practice where he serves as an ambassador for the academy. To expand his knowledge to better serve families, he applied and was accepted as a member of the British Institute of Embalmers (MBIE).

It was at his first job in the industry where he noticed his inner gift of caring for families in their time of need. “I remember going to this funeral home for an ad for my church and noticed they were looking for a limo driver,” he says. “Right away I knew this was the career for me. It was my ‘ministry.’ I had the uncanny ability to help people get through the death of a loved one in a caring way.”

His experience lends itself to building lasting relationships with families as he continues to service them from one generation to the next. He attributes much of his caring and compassionate nature to the fact that he was

raised in a very large family.

A product of the Sunnyside area, Smith attended T. M. Fairchild Elementary School, Crispus Attucks Middle School and Evan E. Worthing Senior High School, graduating in 1983. He also attended Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University.

Smith served as president of the Houston Funeral Directors and Morticians Association for two separate terms. Under his leadership and guidance, membership increased immensely and the organization continued to give back to the community by providing toys and food for the less fortunate and scholarships to those entering the funeral service industry. In 2007, the Independent Funeral Directors and Morticians Association of Texas, Inc. named Smith as “Professional of the Year.” He is a member of, and serves on numerous local

civic, community, state and national boards.

Serving on the Houston Funeral Directors and Morticians Association board allowed Smith to “build bridges in the industry,” with colleagues and constituents.

“I was fortunate enough to travel to different regions of the country and expand my knowledge,” he says. “I’m constantly traveling attending conventions developing a clearinghouse of experts, creating lasting relationships.”

With consumers having more to choose from these days, Smith says, his funeral company is thinking outside the box and has established a five-year strategic plan.

In recent years, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, consumers have increasingly relied on the Internet as a leading resource for information. In response, businesses have increased their presence on the Web and funeral service is no exception. In order to enhance service to families and community, many funeral homes now have their own Web site. Having a presence in cyberspace allows funeral homes to easily display their products and services, which, in turn, provides the consumer with the freedom to conduct research at-will.

“My vision is one-stop shopping for consumers covering major service industries,” says Smith, whose typical day at the office starts at 8 a.m. checking emails and setting up appointments with families. “As an entrepreneur, you’re only going to be successful if you put 100 percent into what you do.”

As with any business venture, struggles and problems do arise, causing many to cave in and quit. Smith attributes his strong faith in God and stood on Romans 8:28 when the going got rough. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

“I know that every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord and I thank Him everyday that I get to serve others in an industry that cares about families.”

-------------------------------------------------------Rochelle Rucker is a writer based in Houston and is President/CEO of CalComm PR, LLC.

18 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

CARING I COMPASSIONATE I PROFESSIONAL A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 19

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Daphney Chaney works to help our youth through

INTENTIONALLY YOU! I

n 2006 God gave Daph- INTERVENTION ney Chaney the vision Intentionally You! is about intervention for Intentionally You!, a in the lives of youth. Through planning and preparation, Daphney and her volunteer staff Non Profit organization (for meet with local Doctors, Teen Crisis Center Directors, Youth Advocate Groups, Youth mentoring girls) “Our misPastors, Juvenile and Detention Centers, and sion is to serve as an effecSchool Principals, to assess the needs of the tive intervention of the issues community of teens to develop age-appropriate workshops, summits, and conferences plaguing our youth: teen tailored to meet specific youth challenges.

The Self-Esteem Summit (held in late pregnancy, violence, sexu2010) was no different and was a tremenally transmitted diseases, dous success with it’s theme FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE as it minisdepression, suicide, and tered to the needs of youth ages 8-18, all abusive peer relationships, around Houston and its surrounding areas: Houston, Humble, Katy, Fort Bend, and says Chaney.

Pasadena ISDs. This awesome event The organization provides opened with the Welcome and History of the Organization by Daphney a platform for Chaney and a rendition of OUTREACH Christina Aguilar’s “Beautiful” by youth to be Breanna Washington, a 7th heard and empowered to grade student from Beatrice Mayes Institute (“BMI”). The BMI Majorettes, a group make positive decisions for of 6th and 7th grade girls mentored by Min. their lives. Their established Chaney, then pumped up the crowd with a dance to ‘Get UP’ by Mary Mary. All of this curriculums instructs our prepared the audience for the messages preyouth to achieve their full po- sented by two keynote speakers: Kimberly Bady and Evangelist Lisa Ricardo. tential by engaging them in Kimberly Bady, inspirational speaker and author of Authentically Me, provided several empowerment summits, to developing a healthy self-image and workshops, counseling, and keys self-esteem, as she challenged the audience mentorships to equip them to to discover the beauty of authenticity by taking off the mask and being true to themselves. become accountable, reNext, Devine Destiny did a powerful, soul stirring dance to Donald Lawrence’s sponsible, successful, and “A King in You”. confident adults.

Following the dance Evangelist Lisa RiThis fine organization provides services for, but not limited to at risk youth ages 10-21.

Daphney Chaney is a highly sought after speaker. She has been the Keynote Speaker for several youth, and women summits, workshops, and conferences over the years. She collaborates with area school districts to bring Intentionally You! Curriculums into the schools. She currently empowers students in Pasadena and Houston Independent School Districts on a weekly basis and just recently was invited into the Fort Bend ISD.

cardo shared her personal testimony of victory over personal rejection and ridicule from family, in particular, a mother who despised the very sight of her. Her inspiring words

CONTINUED ON

DAPHNEY CHANEY, FOUNDER OF INTENTIONALLY YOU!

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WWW.C

20 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

CREMEDELACREMEHAIR.NET A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 21

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT I

WWW.COLBERTBALLTAX.COM

THE CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IS LOCATED AT 2616 SOUTH LOOP WEST SUITE #400, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77074 I 713.592.5555 I TOLL FREE: 1.888.288.8675.

The Dream that began in Houston, Texas Is Now Nationwide Colbert/Ball Tax Service Is One of The fastest Growing Tax Services in the United States

C

olbert/Ball Tax Service (CBTS) was founded by Al Colbert and JaJa Ball in January, 1995 while they were seniors in college. With an unsecured job market, these two individuals decided not to try to predict the future; instead create it!

Colbert/Ball opened the doors to its first location on January 2nd, 1995 in Houston, Texas. During the first year in business, Colbert / Ball Tax Service processed over 270 returns. This benchmark allowed these two young men the opportunity to relocate their main office to the Reliant Park area.

The second year, under the direction of Al Colbert and JaJa Ball, they were able to increase processing to over 570 returns.

After doubling the amount of returns from the previous year, Al Colbert and JaJa Ball made a decision to open two additional locations. Their customer base increased to 1800. This was considered to be a break out year.

In the year 2000, Colbert/Ball was operating from four offices

and processed over 4000 returns. After one year of success earned by noticeably painstaking hard work, Al Colbert and JaJa Ball implemented an Affiliate program, hence creating opportunities for a vast majority of other entrepreneurs.

In December 2002, CBTS was recognized by the distinguished Black Enterprise Magazine as being one of the best franchise

opportunities to invest in. Ebony Magazine soon followed in their February 2003 edition, featuring entrepreneurs 30 and under.

Colbert/Ball Tax Service projected 25,000 returns for the 2002 tax season and by realizing that goal they have since taken a huge step toward becoming the largest tax preparation company in the United States. The focus for

2003 was searching for a vehicle or a program which would afford an opportunity for Colbert / Ball Tax Service to expand its Franchising Opportunities.

Currently, Colbert/Ball, with its corporate headquarters located in Houston, Texas, has added 320 Affiliates in 23 states. Their success garnered CBTS the Pinnacle Award from the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce.

CBTS is the fourth largest tax preparation company to franchise in America which marks Colbert / Ball Tax Service as being among the elite of specialized financial services. The emblem symbolizing their success is perched atop the building located at 2616 South Loop West, in Houston, Texas. Thousands of drivers are exposed to their advertise-

ment on a daily basis.

Al Colbert and JaJa Ball believe the success each of have been blessed with stems from their belief in God. Each are equally are aware and have agreed that God must be first in their business decisions and practices, in addition, that God also helps those who help themselves.

The long term goal for Colbert/Ball is to be intrepid, to compete with and surpass the top three tax preparation companies in the United States. By the year 2015, Colbert/Ball Tax Service is expected to be an industry leader with locations in every state in the Union. “We want every American to have the opportunity to own their business” as profoundly stated by both gentlemen.

Colbert/Ball Tax Service understands that whenever a customer visits their location for service, the client will be immediately assisted by a trained professional. We are professionals who understand the importance of “Customer Service” as it relates to our clients income tax being processed in a fast and efficient manner. It is our desire at the corporate office for each of our clients to feel special and to be taken well care of whether the client calls or visits our office.

We truly believe it should be a

CONTINUED ON

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WWW.COLBERTBALLTAX.COM 22 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT I

“

“

WWW.COLBERTBALLTAX.COM

THE CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IS LOCATED AT 2616 SOUTH LOOP WEST SUITE #400, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77074 I 713.592.5555 I TOLL FREE: 1.888.288.8675.

Colbert/Ball opened the doors to its first location on January 2nd, 1995 in Houston, Texas. During the first year in business, Colbert / Ball Tax Service processed over 270 returns. This benchmark allowed these two young men the opportunity to relocate their main office to the Reliant Park area.

CONTINUED FROM

P.22

wonderful experience for our clients because they have chosen and trusted Colbert/Ball Tax Service to have their taxes processed. At Colbert / Ball Tax Service, our clients should not expect anything less.

There are three mottoes in which Colbert/Ball Tax Service stands firm on and expect each employee to uphold:

We offer our customers Superior Service We offer our customers a Superior Product We encourage constant innovation At Colbert/Ball Tax Service we believe that our customers come first. We set ourselves apart from our competition by looking at our customers as people instead of just

numbers. We expect our tax preparers to build relationships with each customer. We go the extra mile in providing our clients with advice and information that is required so that we are able to increase our clients return amount both now and in the future. We also offer our clients incentives whenever they refer family members and friends to us. We offer our clients $10 cash for each referral that has his or her taxes processed with us.

Prior to any of our customers leaving our facility, we provide each of them a complete analysis and a copy of their tax return, along with a gift to show our appreciation for their decision to do business with us. Colbert/Ball believes that we should always have a superior product to offer our customers; a product that will provide our customers the best return on their dollar that the market has to offer. We have one of the top software packages in the industry, and the best banking re-

lationship that is custom designed especially for our customers needs.

Colbert/Ball Tax Service will have the latest technology available to increase production and efficiency. We encourage constant innovation with each of our staff members and our customers.

It is our belief that having this process in place helps to strengthen our customer base and customer service efforts. Interaction with our staff and clients allows us to gain information first hand and stay ahead as an industry leader.

Colbert/Ball Tax Service is the Tax Service of the Future In addition to preparing individual tax returns, Colbert/Ball Tax Service provides tax preparation services for Federal and State tax returns for individuals and small businesses. One of the main fo-

cuses at CBTS is on electronic filing of tax returns and the ability to secure quick refunds through Refund Anticipation Loans (RALS), generally within 24 hours.

CBTS understands the needs of our tax clients. We have made a commitment to providing trained professionals for fast and efficient service to each of our customers.

We set ourselves apart from our competition because we care and call proficient attention to detail. Our customers are never just another number.

Complete Federal & State Tax Return Preparation Colbert/Ball Tax Service locations are fully prepared to provide you with the attention to detail and the experience you deserve.

We can prepare various types of

CONTINUED ON

P.24

A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 23

“

WWW.COLBERTBALLTAX.COM

“

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT I

THE CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IS LOCATED AT 2616 SOUTH LOOP WEST SUITE #400, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77074 I 713.592.5555 I TOLL FREE: 1.888.288.8675.

At Colbert/Ball Tax Service You Get The Highest Tax Refund Possible Guaranteed or Your Money Back!

CONTINUED FROM

turn the “old-fashioned way”! And you will get the e-file accuracy, pay lower fees and have your refund mailed to you or direct deposited into your bank account from the IRS. At COLBERT/BALL, we are committed to providing each of our clients with the option they are most comfortable using. Our desire is to make your income tax filing as painless and as stress free as possible!

P.23

Federal and State tax returns. We will assist you in completing our comprehensive questionnaire. All legal deductions are applied and, you will receive the maximum refund possible. We can prepare multiple State returns in conjunction with taxpayers relocating or for those individuals working outside of their State of residence during the year.

Electric Filing e-File Through State-of-the-art technology and the best software available we can electronically (e-file) your return. E-filing greatly increases the accuracy of your tax return. Our computer program will check your return and let us know if there are errors in the return. Not only is e-filing more accurate it’s faster! If you choose one of our refund loan products (described below) you could have money in minutes! No more waiting six to eight weeks for a check in the mail. We can even have it deposited directly into your bank account. And if you prefer a paper return we can do that too!

Owe Money? Make a Payment!

Refund Anticipation Loan RAL We can file your return and have your loan available within two days. You not only will save a little money, will not have to wait six weeks for a check that could possibly get lost in the mail! The benifit of making this choice ….you still pay nothing up front since all fees are deducted from your refund.

Electronic Refund

Check ERC You can save money by choosing our Refund Anticipation Check. You still receive all the benefits of electronic filing, but you wait 10 – 14 days for your money. All fees are deducted from the refund amount when you receive in your loan check.

Direct Deposit If none of the refund loan options are convenient for you we are able to still process your re-

Not getting a refund? The IRS accepts credit card payments which will allow you to pay your taxes that are due over a period of time without being charged any interest, late fees or penalties. Any one of our locations is able to assist you in finding the right solution to meet your financial needs.

Referral Program We are confident knowing that you will be pleased with our efforts.

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24 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT I

WWW.COLBERTBALLTAX.COM

713.751.0000

THE CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IS LOCATED AT 2616 SOUTH LOOP WEST SUITE #400, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77074 I 713.592.5555 I TOLL FREE: 1.888.288.8675.

IS THE NUMBER TO CALL FOR A LOCATION NEAREST YOU! CONTINUED FROM

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We encourage you to refer your friends and family about the affordable fees and great services at COLBERT/BALL. Many of our locations offer tremendous referral programs ranging from gift certificates, phone cards, to cash, just for sending new clients to us. Consult with your tax preparer for more details.

Low Startup Cost With Unlimited Territories Available In Your Area

1. Our owners and key management personnel collectively have over 60 years of combined experience in the tax industry.

2. Colbert/Ball has developed a turnkey operating system for your success.

3.Businesses that franchise have a greater success rate than businesses in the same industry that don’t franchise.

4. Colbert/Ball Tax Service provides training and consultation. No

prior tax experience is needed.

$50,735.00 overall investment.

5. Our experienced marketing personnel will assist you in the location selection process to ensure ideal territory coverage for the target demographic.

8. Colbert/Ball Tax Service is ranked in the Top 50 fastest-growing franchises in the country* *(Source: Entrepreneur.com)

6. Colbert/Ball Tax Service provides technical and tax support year-round - You are never alone.

7. Low startup cost with unlimited territories available in your area. The franchise fee is only $15,000 with a $33,235.00 to

9. Colbert/Ball uses big-ticket giveaways as a key marketing tool. This year, we gave away a Chevy Camaro as the grand prize!

10. Colbert/Ball is promoted by celebrities in radio and television advertisements

The mission of Colbert/Ball Tax Service is to continue providing opportunities for people to own their businesses. This is an exciting time to become an innovative entrepreneur. Annually, the tax preparation industry excels in growth and potential, providing a stable and solid source of revenue that is unaffected by economic change.

In 2008, over 144 million individual tax returns were filed, of which more than 86 million were filed electronically, an increase of 16% over the previous year. This supports the I.R.S. mandate to make 90% of all tax returns filed electronically by the year 2010. Colbert/Ball Tax Service is a company on the rise. We have secured our reputation as a key competitor in the tax industry. Choosing to become a member of the Colbert/Ball family will afford you the opportunity to achieve your dreams. Colbert/Ball Tax Service will provide you powerful electronic tax preparation software, marketing concepts, training programs and seasoned individuals with more than four decades of experience in the tax industry.

The Tax Industry -The tax preparation industry has been dominated for nearly 40 years by one major player, H&R Block.

-In 2004, over 61 million people filed their returns electronically and that number has grown by over 71% as of 2008.

-Tax preparation and electronic filing is a multi-billion dollar industry.

-The IRS mandate that over 90% of the nation will file electronically by 2010 guarantees the continuing growth of this industry.

-Paid preparation of tax returns is growing even faster than electronic filing alone (from 65% in 2006 to over 80% last year)

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TH E HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C.

713.869.7066 THE HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C. SPECIALIZES IN ASSET PROTECTION, TAX DEFENSE AND PLANNING, ESTATE PLANNING, BUSINESS LAW, CRIMNAL DEFENSE AND FAMILY LAW - call713- 869-7066

IS THE NUMBER TO CALL FOR ALL YOUR LEGAL NEEDS!

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Bad Business Loan: Two years ago, you had a great idea to start a tax consulting business. You start your business out of your house and everything is going along great. In fact, you decide to rent some office space and some office equipment for the new up and coming business.

Unfortunately, you become ill and can’t keep your business going. The rent and office equipment lease haven’t been paid in three months. You get served with papers, to recoup the money and to go after your personal assets.

If you had formed a Corporation or an LLC when you started your business, then you would only be liable for the money invested into the business. The creditor couldn’t go after you personally, (unless of course you signed a personal guarantee).

Bitter Divorce: Ten years ago, you married the woman of your dreams. You shared five happy years of marriage before starting a family with two children. Also, during this time you were successful in building your sports equipment business into a successful retail chain.

In year eight, your marriage starts to fall apart. Within a year and a half, after some bitter disputes, you’re able to work out custody and visitation rights with the kids. However, your ex-wife has also decided to sue you for two millions dollars and alimony. You are not made of money and the business carries a large over-head, what are you going to do?

How are you going to prove that you don’t have this kind of money? If a majority of your assets really belong to a Corporation, then those assets cannot be touched to fulfill a personal obligation.

Don’t let yourself become another asset protection case study, Contact The Hunt Law Group, P.C. today about how to get started with your asset protection plan.

Call the firm at: (713)869-7066.

Tax Defense & Planning The Hunt Law Group is experienced in tax planning and defense. Their background stems from providing strategic tax planning services, and representation of clients in resolving matters with tax collection agencies in the United States. She also earned her Master’s Degree in Taxation from Southern Methodist University.

We are well qualified to help our clients with their tax matters. Tax Defense: In the case of taxpayer delinquencies, tax assessments and tax collection matters, problems can often be resolved through face-toface negotiations with ITS agents.

Remember, tax agents are trained to identify

and question both legitimate and questionable tax “loopholes” utilized by your professional advisors during the preparation of your tax filings. Therefore, it is always wise to utilize tax professionals to represent you and your interests when dealing with taxing authorities. The Hunt Law Group, P.C. has the experience necessary to handle tax disputes against the Internal Revenue Service.

IRS Tax Defense

“Don’t face the IRS alone” If you’re one of the millions of frustrated taxpayers who owes the IRS or state back taxes, we can help.

Everyday businesses and Individuals across the nation turn to The Hunt Law Group, P.C. to resolve their individual and payroll tax debt. Our tax team consists of Tax Attorneys, and highly skilled Tax Professionals, who have several years experience in finding a permanent solution to your tax problem, utilizing the broadest range of tax relief strategies.

Are you looking to: Settle or contest an existing tax liability Stop a wage garnishment or bank levy Reduce penalties and interest File back tax returns for multiple years Negotiate or Re-negotiate a monthly payment plan Minimize liability from unpaid payroll tax Release or withdraw a tax lien Obtain relief from a spouse’s tax debt Get representation for a tax audit

SERVICES WE OFFER: OFFER IN COMPROMISE INSTALLMENT AGREEMENT (Payment Plan) WAGE GARNISHMENT RELEASE BANK LEVY RELEASE FEDERAL TAX LIEN REMOVAL AUDIT REPRESENTATION PAYROLL TAX REPRESENTATION INNOCENT SPOUSE RELIEF UNFILED TAX RETURNS CURRENTLY NOT COLLECTIBLE

PENALTY ABATEMENT (Penalty reduction)

Don’t fight the IRS alone. The Hunt Law Group, P.C. will stop the IRS from contacting you and handle all communication and correspondences with the IRS throughout the duration of your case. Remove the stress of your tax situation and put it where it belongs: in the hands of qualified tax professionals. Our Tax Attorneys know the ins and outs of tax relief.

Asset Protection – Unfortunately, many business owners think about asset protection after a catastrophic event costs them their business or their personal assets. Insurance alone cannot shield a business owner from a catastrophic event. Every business owner should have an asset protection strategy to provide protection of their assets from the operations of their business, including the actions of their employees.

Retirement Planning The business provides opportunity beyond present income for owners. Owners should also use their business as a vehicle for retirement savings.

Tax Deferral Planning – Second best only to eliminating tax entirely are tax deferral opportunities.

Taking a current deduction to avoid tax until a later date can be beneficial since most taxpayers are in a lower tax bracket later in life.

Estate Planning When you die, will your property and personal effects pass to the persons you choose or will the government make the decision for you? Will you receive proper care as you age?

Who will take care of you and your property if you are incapacitated? Who will get custody of your children? Do you want to make these decisions or do you want the State of Texas to make these decisions for you?

Most people don’t like to think about death, much less plan for it. No matter the size of a person's estate, every adult should protect themselves and the interests of their loved ones by developing some type of estate plan to ensure that there is continuity in the handling of you money and property.

For some people, this will be a will and durable power of attorney for health care and property. For others, a combination of a wills, trusts, business formation, and other estate planning devices will be in their best interest.

Do You Have An Estate Plan?

You should have an estate plan if: (1) You

are a parent of minor children; (2) You own property, or (3) You care about your health care treatment or financial affairs.

The Hunt Law Group, P.C. can explain all options available to you in meeting your estate planning goals and fulfilling the needs of your loved ones. If you have questions about estate planning, need to have estate planning documents drafted, or would like an experienced attorney to review your current estate plan contact The Hunt Law Group, P.C. Some of our estate planning services include: Revocable Living Trusts, Bypass Trust, Life Insurance Trusts (ILITS), Charitable Trusts, Simple & Complex Wills, Financial Power of Attorneys, Health Care Power of Attorneys, Probate Services, Living Wills, Guardianships and Conservatorships (both for Minors and Adults), Codicils/Amendments and Restatements to Current Estate Plans and Advance Tax Planning.

------------------------------------------------------The Hunt Law Group, P.C. will customize an estate plan to meet your specific needs so that you—not the government—make that choice. Call the Hunt Law Group, Inc. for a free consultation at: (713)869-7066.

A Few Question You Should Ask Yourself?

QUESTION: If you are a parent of a minor child and both you and your spouse died simultaneously in a car accident, do you know who would be raising your child?

QUESTION: If someone opened fire at your job today and killed you, would there be a bitter dispute between family members regarding your assets?

Despite the importance of a Will, at least 50% of American’s do not have one. A Will is a legal document that designates how you want your money and property (your estate) to be distributed after your death. Parents of minor children can also use a Will to name a guardian. This is imperative because if you do not name a guardian, the State of Texas will appoint one and they may not appoint the guardian whom you would have chosen.

If a person dies with a Will (“testate”), the probate court determines if the Will is valid, hears any objections to the Will, orders that creditors be paid and supervises the process to assure that property remaining is distributed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Will.

The typical cost to probate an estate is in the range of 3% to 7% of the total estate value. On the other hand, if you die without a will (“intestate”) the

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THE HUNT LAW GROUP, P.C. SPECIALIZES IN ASSET PROTECTION, TAX DEFENSE AND PLANNING, ESTATE PLANNING, BUSINESS LAW, CRIMNAL DEFENSE AND FAMILY LAW - call713- 869-7066

State of Texas steps in and decides how your assets will be distributed, which may not conform to your wishes or what is best for the people closest to you.

Even if some items do not hold great monetary value, they could hold an enormous amount of sentimental value. Failing to indicate who receives these treasures in your Will can cause friction between family members that lasts for decades.

Durable Power of Attorney: If you had an unexpected heart attack today and was hospitalized, does someone have the legal authority to access your accounts to pay your bills so your bank doesn’t foreclose on your mortgage or the utility company doesn’t cut off your phone, electric, heat, and power? Don’t assume that your spouse has the legal authority to sign your name because they may not. A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to name someone you trust to handle your finances if you cannot due to sickness or incapacity. Without a durable power of attorney, your family will be forced to commence expensive proceedings to have the court appoint a guardian so as to access your funds to pay for your care and other expenses.

Joi-Lin Hunt Head Legal Counsel The Hunt Law Group, P.C. 11500 Northwest Frwy Suite #585 Houston, Tx 77092

Medical Power of Attorney: 1. If on the way home from work today you were in a severe car accident which rendered you unconscious, does someone have the legal authority to make health care decisions on your behalf?

2. Are you opposed to certain types of surgeries? Do you want to be resuscitated?

Does someone have the right to receive your medical information?

A Medical Power of Attorney allows you to name someone (an Agent) to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so due to temporary unconsciousness. This power of attorney involves only health care decisions and does not affect your property and assets. A Medical Power of Attorney only goes into effect when you are no longer able to make your own health care decisions. Without a Medical Power of Attorney, your family will have to request a court appointed guardian to make these decisions and guardianship is a costly procedure in Texas, even if it is limited to guardian of the person and to medical treatment decisions.

4. Would you want to receive medical procedures to prolong your life? A Living Will allows you to state whether you want certain treatments withheld or withdrawn if they are only prolonging the dying process or if there is no hope of recovery if you will soon die from a terminal illness.

Living Wills only go into effect if you are no longer able to make your own health care decisions.

For example, if you suffer an incapacitating stroke and are permanently unconscious and unable to communicate with your doctor. Without a Living Will, the emotional burden of making this decision is placed on you family which can cause grief and

sometimes end up in a costly legal battle as in the Terri Schiavo case.

Revocable Living Trust: The purpose of a Revocable Living trust is to hold your assets, usually under your control, during your lifetime and to distribute those assets at your death. Unlike a Will, a Living Trust does not go through probate so assets can be distributed immediately according to your instructions by the trustee, thus avoiding the cost and time delays of probate proceedings. If you own property in another state, a Revocable Living Trust eliminates the need to probate that property in that state. Also if you have minor children a Revocable Living Trust enables you to name their guardian who will also manage any trust property for young beneficiaries. Unlike a will which is a public document, the property of the trust, terms of the trust, and identity of trust beneficiaries are private. Also, Trusts are less susceptible to a successful challenge by disappointed heirs where as anyone related by blood can contest a will which freezes the disposition of assets in litigation.

There are many reasons, both emotional and financial, for having a sound estate plan. It doesn’t matter how old you are, your family and loved ones will suffer when you leave them. While that cannot be helped, if you prepare, you can spare them a great deal of additional grief and expenses. Business Law The Hunt Law Group, P.C. can skillfully represent your business in a wide variety of matters.

We provide client-centered, cost-effective services that will assist you in all your business endeavors.

Some of the services we provide include, but are not limited to: Formations, Contact Negotiations, Drafting and Reviewing Partnership and LLC Agreements, Business Solutions, Non-Profit Organizations, Protection (Copyright, Trademark) and Criminal Defense.

When you are charged with a crime, you could be facing damage to your reputation, your loved ones, and even loss of your freedom. Don’t risk facing a criminal prosecution alone. The Hunt Law Group, P.C. is devoted to protecting your rights and making sure you are being treated fairly. When you are suspected of committing a crime, the government will work hard to convict you, and it will not always respect your rights. We are here to protect your rights and work for you. We work tirelessly to put together the strongest case on behalf of our clients. From our thorough attention to details, to intensive interviews with witnesses, to meetings with prosecutors, we are able to negotiate from a position of strength because we do our homework and utilize every option available to help our clients.

Regardless of the crime you are charged with, we will vigorously defend you. We represent clients on a full range of criminal mat-

ters including: Traffic Violations, Misdemeanors & Felonies, DUI /DWI, Drug crimes, Assault, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Weapon Charges, White-Collar Offenses, Fraud, Embezzlement, Theft, Burglary, Robbery, Parole, Probation Violations, Sealing or Expungment of Records, Bail and Bond reductions, Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings, Jail Visits and Murder. If you’ve been charged with a crime and need help, contact The Hunt Law Group, P.C. for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case! We can be reached at: (713)869-7066.

You should NOT answer any questions from the police or the prosecutor without your lawyer present.

Family Law The Hunt Law Group, P.C. works to resolve your problems. We understand the need for resolution in a case involving a child, spouse, or individual with whom a dispute has begun.

Our team concentrates on family issues, including, but not limited to: Divorce, Annulments, Property settlements, Premarital agreements, Child custody, Child Support, Grandparents rights, Adoption, Paternity , and Name changes.

Family Law- FAQ's QUESTION: How long does it take to get a divorce? If the spouses have reached an agreement on all of the relevant issues a divorce may be obtained on the 61st day after the divorce petition was filed. If an agreement is not possible and the case must be tried, the length of time is primarily dependent on the Court's docket. In Harris County, most divorce cases are set for trial within six to twelve months after the divorce petition is filed.

QUESTION: If my spouse and I have agreed to all the relevant terms, what is the general procedure for obtaining and finalizing the divorce? It is common for spouses to believe that they have an agreement, but they actually have not addressed all the necessary terms, such as child custody or support, or property division. Assuming all required terms are agreed to in advance of filing, the divorce can be a relatively simple legal procedure. The attorney for the Petitioner (the filing spouse) files the divorce petition and either has the petition served on the other spouse or the other spouse executes a Waiver of Service. The Petitioner's attorney then drafts an Agreed Final Decree of Divorce and any other necessary documents which are reviewed and signed by the other spouse. The other spouse is free to hire or consult with an attorney of his or her own. After the necessary papers are signed by the parties and attorneys, the Petitioner and his attorney then go to court for a hearing to have the Court enter the Decree and other documents.

QUESTION: Do I have to show fault to get a divorce? Texas is a no-fault divorce state which means that it is unnecessary to show that either party was at fault in order to obtain a divorce. It is only necessary to show that there is marital discord and there is no reasonable expectation of reconciliation. However, many fault issues (adultery, cruelty, etc.) are frequently relevant factors in divorce cases because they can have an impact on how the community property is divided, or how custody is decided.

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OUTREACH I

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

OPINIONS PUBLISHED IN THIS ISSUE OF HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLISHER, ADVERTISER OF SUPPORTERS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Casondra Brown, Lisa Ricardo, Daphney Chaney, Rossiland Davis, and Trina Brown at the Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Summit.

Daphney Chaney works to help our youth through Intentionally You! spoke to the attendees about CONTINUED FROM P.20 overcoming personal adversity through the use of powerful “I AM“ affirmations.

The event culminated in a high-energy fashion show.

The importance of the Fashion show went beyond dressing up and strutting down the runway, but rather reiterated the importance of body image, authenticity, individuality, and most importantly, self-acceptance. Ultimately, the fashion show is used to elevate the thinking of teens beyond what society and the media deems as beauty.

A beautiful poem was then delivered by Chanelle Coleman who struggled in her teen years with low self esteem.

am beautiful and that God saved me on Purpose, Intentionally! I have a purpose and there is a plan for my life.

God saved me on purpose and I am so grateful. I now have confidence and everybody knows it!” I am beautiful, Intentionally!”

Chemeka Moore, says of the Anger Management, “I get mad really easily and if someone does something to me to anger me, I respond in a bad way. The class opened my eyes and made me take a closer look at myself, and that hurt was really behind the emotion of anger.

It made me understand the need for healing and really want to change. I want to do better.”

Shelby Coleman says, “ I really learned a lot about loving myself and seeing myself the way God see’s me, Intentionally and purposefully.”

Cameryn Baily says, of the Abstinence class “ I learned a lot about self respect. I once did things to get INSTRUCTION the attention of boys, now, I know my own worth” LaTuara Hines says, “It Students received lessons in etiwas the personal testiquette, anger management, bullying mony of the speakers and conflict resolution, abstinence and that moved me. I am purity, self-acceptance, and self-esteem. now more conscious of Casondra Brown LMSW, M. Div my attitude: thinking instructed the girls on anger managebefore I speak.” ment from a biblical perspective. Ms. A graduating senior Brown gave positive ways to overcame to understand the come anger. Ultimately, she helped each severity of the sexual young lady identify the underlying issue and abusive relationship that triggers anger within them. that she was involved in.

Janet Stevens & Lavera Okoh She reports that God gave power testimonies and discussed has delivered her and the personality and profile of a bully enINTENTIONALLY YOU ON GREAT DAY HOUSTON the relationship has couraging the girls to speak out and reended. She has now turned her focus to college and port bullies, as well as, provided steps to resolve the things she needs to do as a young lady. conflict and the intimidation of a bully.

Daphney Chaney, Founder of Intentionally You! Erica Kemper taught on self-acceptance sharing revsays, “As I observed each workshop I was in complete elation that each young lady was uniquely designed to fulAWE! each instructor was gifted, inspiring, and engagfill God’s purpose with everything that was needed having ing. The students were really involved and walked away already been placed on the inside of each of them. with handouts to reaffirm lessons that were taught.”

Nicolette Hines challenged the young adults with a Fort Bend County State Representative Ron teaching on “How Safe is Safe?” using impromptu skit Reynolds states, “I'm very excited that Evangelist presentations to draw the young ladies into the discussion Daphney Chaney is bringing this phenomenal on the importance of sexual abstinence and purity. While event called Intentionally You! to Fort Bend Trina Brown provided the youth with a candid yet ageCounty. This promises to be an event that will appropriate discussion on purity and sexual abstinence. enrich the lives of those that attend. Ms. Chaney empowers teens and delivers a IMPACT powerful Christian message inspired by the Holy Spirit. I strongly encourage everyone to attend and be blessed by Krysta Riley says, “I am always brought to tears as I the experience.” listen to Minister. Chaney speak, her words are so powerful. I admit, I don’t always feel pretty, I feel like people stare and make fun of my scars. When I was three years THANK YOU old I stopped breathing and the doctor had to place a trek in my neck. I have some pretty ugly scars on my face A special thank and neck and sometimes kids laugh and tease me. I you to each Staff wished I could remove them. My mom tells me I am beaumember and volunteer tiful, but sometimes to hear someone else say it, makes a of Intentionally You! cordifference. Minister. Chaney always reassures me that I

porate sponsors for their support: Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston Inc (Selinsky Road), Fort Bend Academy of Arts and Dance, Girls Scouts of SE Texas, Walmart, Chase, HEB, JC Penny, Devine Destiny, as well as, the many private contributors.

COMING UP April 2011 Intentionally You! and the County of Fort Bend Collaborative effort will host the Spring Self Esteem Empowerment Summit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------For more information, registration for upcoming events, and/or to partner with Intentionally You! In your community, visit www.intentionallyyou.com.

Daphney Chaney Founder/Director INTENTIONALLY YOU!

WWW.INTENTIONALLY YOU.COM 28 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER- A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

POLITICS THEI SUBMITTED RUNOFFS TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER OPINION

BY CARROLL G. ROBINSON

Houston’s 2009 Mayoral Election Results

OPINIONS PUBLISHED IN THIS ISSUE OF HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLISHER, ADVERTISER OF SUPPORTERS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

STAND UP FOR OUR FUTURE

The Race For Mayor Brown, Peter

Daniel Cupp, Charles EDITORIAL OPINION BYLocke, CARROLL G. ROBINSON Gene)RO

Morales, Roy

We areAnnise)RO in a fight for Parker,

futureLuis of our countheUllrich, try and our state.

Ulman, Amanda When I hear members of theMembers Tea Party Council call themselves constiThe Race for DISTRICT A tutional conservatives, Downing, Jeff if that I want to know Lane)RO beis Lewis, the constitution fore or after Peck, Amy it was amended.

Rodriguez, Darrell Before the constiSchoellkopf, Bob tution was amended, Stardig, Brenda)RO African-Americans Wathen, Alex were slaves and The Raceof foraDISTRICT 3/5ths person, B Bowden, Roger there was no federal right to privacy, Johnson, Jarvisto freedom of speech, The Race for DISTRICT C freedom of religion, Clutterbuck, Anne no right to bear arms, Locke, Randolph and no right for African-Americans, The Race for DISTRICT D women orWanda 18 year Adams, olds to vote.

Jordan, Otis McKinzie, Larry I am Fed Up with the people in the Tea Party who want to drag our nation in time. I am E not The Race back for DISTRICT going back. Are you?

Garrison II, Phillip I am Fed Up with theWayne Republicans in Washington who are trySullivan, Mike ing to drag President Obama down and fighting for tax cuts for The Race for of DISTRICT the rich instead focusing onF creating jobs, fighting for the midAcquaro, Peter dle class and working to empower Chow, Joe poor Americans to lift themselves out of poverty.

Cook, Lewis Congress and the Texas Legislature should not balance Hoang, Al)RO their budgets on the backs of theKane, poor, theRobert middle class and senior citizens.

Khan, Khalid The federal government owes the Social Security Trust Fund Laster, Mike)RO trillions of dollars that it should repay.

If the federal government reThe for DISTRICT G paysRace that money and it’s properly invested in a National InfrastrucHandy, Dexter ture Bank, there will be no need to cutFoulard, the Social Security benefits of George senior citizens to reduce the naPennington, Oliver tional debt.

If we want to grow our econSedita, Richard omy, create good paying jobs and increase public safety, Congress Worsham, Mills and the Texas Legislature can’t cut funding for our public schools and The Race for DISTRICT H institutions of higher education.

America and Texas need Gonzalez, Edward more college graduates and young people withfor the DISTRICT technical and IinThe Race tellectual skills to enter the workforce, if they chooseJames to do so, Rodriguez, immediately upon graduation from High School.

We need to AT fullyLARGE fund our The Race for community colleges to do work– POSITION 1 force development and retrain-

Allsbrooks, Lonnie Batteau, J. Brad

ing, and to serve as a bridge back Cook, Donald to education for the people who have dropped outStephen of school and as Costello, a superhighway to a bachelor’s Derr, Karen degree for those who want to go on to a four year college and a Litt, degree.

Herman graduate A quality is the corPerkins,education Kenneth nerstone to rebuilding and growing our Rodriguez, economy. It is the foundation Rick for the long term strength and prosperityRace of ourfor nation.

The AT LARGE I want a better America and – POSITION 2 Texas for all of us, our children and Burks, Andrew)RO grandchildren.

If you do too, please stand up and Griffin, Michael join me in this fight for our future.

Shorter, Roslyn "Rozzy"

Christie, Jack)RO

The Race for AT LARGE – POSITION 3

Jones, Jolanda)RO

Daniels, Davetta Obando, Carlos

Noriega, Melissa

The Race for CONTROLLER

The Race for AT LARGE – POSITION 4

Green, Ronald)RO

Bradford, C.O.

Holm, Pam

Freeman, Noel

Khan, M.J.)RO

Garmon, Curtis W. Shafto, Deborah

Join the NAACP, register and vote, and get active in the Harris County Democratic Party.

Our future is in our hands.

I am going forward, not backward.

Let’s get moving.

------------------------------------------*Carroll G. Robinson is a former General Counsel of the Texas Democratic Party. He was founding Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council’s Local Elected Officials Network.

The Runoffs • December 2009!

The Race for AT LARGE – POSITION 5

CARROLL G. ROBINSON

Lovell, Sue)RO

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God Want’s You To Win! Keep Pressing Forward!

T

he first quarter of a new year is an excellent time to exercise the discipline of remembering what the previous year brought us for at least three reasons. 1. Education: What did the year teach us? What lessons did we learn? 2. Celebration: What where our accomplishments? What were we able to maintain? What valleys did we survive? 3. Expectation: What should we pursue, plan, maintain or avoid moving forward?

I think it is advisable that we look at

our professional, personal, and spiritual Resources: What do you have that you can lives as we remember the year. The followuse to improve your effectiveness, enjoyment, and ing steps may help you as tools to evaluate impact in your journey? Remember that hard the lessons, accomplishments, obstacles and work, drive, passion and education are also useful goals of this year as we move into the next. resources. Please don’t limit your dreams or your Review: What expectations based on happened during the financial resources year? Make a list of the only. There are variFOCUS ON EMPOWERMENT major things that hapous innovative ways pen in your life; good, to create capitol or bad or indifferent. As you review, don’t get bridge capitol to fund projects. Also, remember to stuck in the past. As you look at the misalways use the spiritual resources that you have within you. And never underestimate the power takes you’ve made -- forgive yourself. As you assess the victories you’ve achieved – of working together with others to accomplish your goals. be sure to encourage yourself.

Reflect: How did the things that hapRegroup: What can you do different pen in your life affect you? Concentrate or better to improve your standing in the inyour efforts on moving forward. Some dustry. Also, consider what you must mainthings we can change and some things we tain. Determine what you need to do to rise have to adjust and live with. Know the difto the next level. ference between what is in our hands to Renew: Renew your commitment to change and what is out of our control. And win. Pursue your goals with patience and have the courage to move forward. passion. As long as you are on the right

road your chances of accomplishing your goals are much better.

Rejoice: Be thankful for making it to this point in time; in your life! Be positive and optimistic. Believe that it will work out.

Remember, there is a winner in you!

Every day is another opportunity to win!!!

--------------------------------Be Blessed & Followed By Favor!

Bishop K.J. Brown Happy Holidays from Bishop K.J.Brown & Minister Priscilla Guillory – Brown Zion Tabernacle Church Bishop K. J. Brown Ministry (C-SIM) Christian Sexual Integrity Movement

BishopKJBrown@gmail.com Phone: 832.893.9424

30 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

SPOTLIGHT I

PRE-ARRANGED PLANS OF AMERICA

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER SPOTLIGHT CREATED FOR YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION CALL US TODAY AT: (832)212-8735.CONTACT US TODAY!

Time Waits for No Man or Woman

A

rranging for the well-being of our families after we’re gone is just the responsible thing to do. “At Pre-Arranged Plans of America Inc., we take our position as your partner in this process very seriously,” say’s Hebert M. Ware, — founder and CEO. “We have the best team in the field. And our commitment to our core values and passion for what we do creates a productive and rewarding environment for those who choose to use our services and become a part of our team,” he says.

WHO ARE WE: Pre-Arranged Plans of America, Inc. is an independent Pre-Funded Funeral and Insurance agency, licensed to operate and do business in the state of Texas. For the convenience of our clients, we have and maintain an office inside many of the funeral homes we write plans for in the lone star state.

Because the family is our number one focus and priority, our counselors will always provide multiple clear and concise options (you can understand) to meet your needs. We have a plan to meet the needs of just about anyone, regardless of their current age or health condition.

Through independently owned Funeral Homes we have provided inexpensive and complete Pre-Arranged/Pre-Funded Funeral Plans, for care facility residents that meet state irrevocable requirements. This added security and peace of mind eliminates any problems or hardships on families upon the unexpected death of a loved one.

His career blossomed in 1997 as he and a partner began an independent agency. However, shortly thereafter the partnership failed and had to be dissolved. But all was not lost for Ware. It was at that moment he came to understand what “Divine Intervention” was all about. And how it would play a role in shaping and fashioning him into the man he is today.

Agents and companies have come and gone in this specialized industry. But through it all, Herbert M. Ware and Pre-Arranged Plans Of America, Inc. have stood strong and resilient. The man who started with a mere $300.00 dollars and some change in his pocket remains a “Main-Stay” provider of Pre-Need Funerals/Burial Insurance for independently owned funeral homes in Texas.

Today, Ware along with Herbert M. Ware II and Katrina C. Ware (his two children) are running this vibrant and successful familyowned enterprise with the mission of helping as many families as they can to live their lives with the peace of mind that comes with knowing their covered.

NOTE: In June of 2006, Ware became the M.W. Grandmaster of Mt. Sinai Grand

ILL. PGM MW Herbert M. Ware 32 of Mt. Sinai Grand Lodge Jurisdiction of Texas.

Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Texas. He believes, teaches and practices spiritual principles in business and his personal life. “To seek mutual benefit in all your dealings is Godly,” say’s Ware. “Work is the answer to 99.9% of our challenges in life,” he says. His favorite poem is: “On the plains of hesitation lies the bleach

bones of many, Who while on the verge of victory, Sat down to rest, And while resting died.”

His favorite symbol is the Hour Glass.

If you would like to discuss how PreArranged Plans of America, Inc., can partner with you as your total solution provider call Herbert M. Ware today at: (281)704-7541.

QUESTIONS WE SHOULD ASK OURSELVES: Who will be in charge of my service? Where will the money for my service come from? How do I want my “HomeGoing” service to be? How much should be spent on my service? Do I want to protect my family from over-spending and stress in their time of bereavement?

A FEW REASONS YOU SHOULD SIGN UP TODAY: A funeral is cheaper today than it will ever be; Your health is probably better today than it will ever be; The stress and strain on your surviving family members will be greatly reduced; You will sleep well knowing you’ve looked out for the best interest of your family; You can be assured of getting exactly what you want and have paid for; It’s simply the right thing to do.

WHAT WE OFFER: At Pre-Arranged Plans of America, we “Protect Tomorrow Today” so that you and your family can rest assured knowing your final expenses are taken care of. We can provide you with a protection plan that protects you from inflation. We offer Insurance—fully and graded, level and increasing benefits (for the living) as well as Pre-Need funerals – fully insured and graded, trust funded, and annuities (For the deceased). Individual and Family Coverage (Child Riders) are also offered. We have a plan for any age or health condition that can be designed to fit within and meet the financial constraints of almost any budget. So call Herbert M. Ware today at: (281)704-7541.

ABOUT THE CEO: Herbert M. Ware was born in Opelousas, Louisiana in 1950 and was just old enough to witness the good life as something to be seen on black and white television. With his family moving to Houston, Texas in 1960, Ware graduated from Jack Yates Sr. High School. He went on to spend three years in the United States Army where he served in Germany as the Human Relations/Equal Opportunity Specialist for his Battalion. Ware worked for the Bell Telephone System for 10 years…then decided he’d become an entrepreneur.

Herbert M. Ware has also been a Master Mason since May of 1989 and found his occupational calling in January of 1994 in the Funeral Industry as a Pre-Need Funeral Agent.

A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 31

32 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

PUBLISHER’S PAGE I

FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR

832.212.8735

iF YOU HAVE A STORY IDEA OR INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED INSIDE HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER PLEASE CALL US TODAY AT: (832)212-8735.cONTACT uS tODAY!

IS THE NUMBER TO CALL TO GET PROMOTE YOUR VISION!

CONTINUED FROM

P.4

years after her first child, Lelia, was born, her husband died.

She moved to St. Louis to join her brothers who were barbers. While there, she worked hard in order to earn enough money to educate Lelia.

Walker worked many jobs to survive during this time. She developed a scalp ailment that caused her to lose most of her hair.

She started using homemade remedies and different products to save her hair. She started using and then selling a product made

by Annie Malone.

She moved to Denver as a sales agent for Ms. Malone with $2.00 in 1905. It was there that she married her third husband, Charles Walker, changed her name to Madame C. J. Walker, and developed he own hair products for Black people and started selling them. Nine years later her line of personal care products designed for Black people made her a millionaire. She was a pioneer and a role model for many people.

You Are Here At This Moment In History to Add Something to Our World What do you think determines whether a person is able to “bounce back” from adversity or crumble under the pressure of it?

First and foremost I believe faith in a power much higher than us is crucial. But more than that, our “RESILIENCE” and “THE ABILITY TO COPE” and maintain resolve as we face adverse and challenging moments is vital to our success. Furthermore, anything that we could ever face today pales in comparison to the challenges our ancestors faced during their lifetimes.

Make no mistake about it!

I’m not making light of any of

our situations. I’m just of the belief that everything we go through in life can be used to build us up and make us stronger. And I furthermore believe that you and I are here at this very moment in time for purpose. We could have been born during slavery – but weren’t! We’re living, breathing and preparing to thrive during this time, in this year because we’re well-able and prepared to do so!

Building Your “RESILIENCE” is Vital in 2011 Resilience doesn’t just happen. There are a few things we’re going to have to do to build ourselves into the “RESILIENT” people we’re designed to be. The American Psychological Association suggests “10 Ways to Build Resilience”, which are: (1) maintaining good relationships with close family members, friends and others; (2) to avoid seeing crises or stressful events as unbearable problems; (3) to accept circumstances that cannot be changed; (4) to develop realistic goals and move towards them; (5) to take decisive actions in adverse situations; (6) to look for opportunities of self-discovery after a struggle with loss; (7) developing self-confidence; (8) to keep a long-term perspective and consider the stressful event in a broader context; (9) to maintain a hopeful outlook, expecting good things and visualizing what is wished; (10) to take care of one’s mind and body, exercising regularly, paying attention to one’s own needs and feelings and engaging in relaxing activities that one enjoys.

Learning from the past and maintaining flexibility and balance in life are also cited.

This Is Your Time To Shine Prior to the November 2008 historic election of Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States, few people thought electing an African American as president in this country was even possible — but that barrier (whether real or imagined) has been dismantled and torn down. Now the challenge is to use our “CREATIVITY” to overcome any barrier that stands between us and our Godgiven destinies. After all, just like President Barack Obama, was directed to put the political-machinery into place to drive him all the way to the White House — we can do the same. Our creative mind is well-capable of driving us right to the dream that’s been placed in our hearts and minds just like anyone who’ve come before us.

You Have The Ability To Create Whatever Your Mind Can See

Jan Ernst Matzeliger (1852–1889) invented a shoemaking machine that increased shoemaking speed by 900%! Fast Fact: In 1992, the U.S. made a postage stamp in honor of Matzeliger.

Granville T. Woods (1856–1910) invented a train-to-station communication system. Fast Fact: Woods left school at age 10 to work and support his family.

George Washington Carver (1860– 1943) developed peanut butter and 400 plant products! Fast Fact: Carver was born a slave.

He didn’t go to college until he was 30.

Madam C. J. Walker (1867–1919) invented a hair-growing lotion. Fast Fact: Walker grew up poor. But she became the first female African- American millionaire.

Garrett Morgan (1877–1963) invented the gas mask. Fast Fact: Morgan also invented the first traffic signal.

Matzeliger, Jan: Revolutionized the shoe-making industry with his automatic lasting machine which could produce significantly more shoes than could human cobblers.

McCoy, Elijah: Created an automatic lubricating cup which provided oil to moving trains. Was held in

Elijah McCoy (1843–1929) invented an oil-dripping cup for trains. Fast Fact: Other inventors tried to copy McCoy’s oil-dripping cup. But none of the other cups worked as well as his, so customers started asking for “the real McCoy.” That’s where the expression comes from.

A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 33

BOOKS I

NEWS@HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM

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SPEAK TRUTH BRIDGES RACIAL DIVIDE

1954 An Unprecedented Court Case Becomes Model for Unity 57 Years Later

ing and prayer, he accused the officers of assault—a first for that era. Expecting death, he instructed his brother to help raise his young children. Patrick was shocked when the officers were abruptly fired, and even more stunned when after they were rehired, BirmingOUSTON—When black WWII ham’s white and black citizenry, the press and veteran Charles Patrick chalpoliticians went public in avid support of his lenged corrupt powers in 1954 cause. A citizen letter-writing campaign, rallies Birmingham, Ala., little did he at Sixteenth Street Baptist know that Church and newspaper editorithis would als calling for the officers’ perbecome one of the first manent dismissal from the cases on record whereby police force ensued. segregated races would Journalist and writing inrally and unify in support structor Mignette Yvonne of one man wronged.

Patrick Dorsey never dreamed Patrick’s unusual story is she would parlay yellowing arcaptured in a book reticles about her father into such leased by the University a book, one seen as crucial to of Alabama Press: Speak badly needed healing in today’s Truth to Power, the Story fragmented social environment. of Charles Patrick, a Civil “The editorials and letters I Rights Pioneer, by read in support of my father Mignette Y. Patrick changed my views about BirmDorsey. This moving acingham,” said Dorsey, a Los count of faith, truth and Angeles, Calif., native. brazen courage happened Speak Truth to Power offers prior to the start of an ora rare look into a silent era prior ganized mass movement for MIGNETTE Y. PATRICK DORSEY to the advent of Rosa Parks and civil rights. Charles Patrick Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It confirms that is now 92 years old. He will receive the April when adversity strikes, faith, truth and courage 4th Foundation’s “Open Door Award” on April can unite any community torn by racial strife— 4, 2011, at the Cook Convention Center in even as far back as 1954.

Memphis, Tenn.

Patrick took his stand after a December Media Contact: 1954 argument with a white woman over a Rochelle Rucker parking space in downtown Birmingham. That CalComm PR, LLC night, he was arrested and charged with varochelle@calcommpr.com grancy and disorderly conduct, but while in jail, 832-265-5987 he was brutally assaulted by the woman’s police officer husband and two other cops, and left for More information at dead. Standing with one white attorney before http://www.speaktruth2power.com a racist judge, and after agonizing soul search-

H

Upcoming Release From Terri L. Watts

BOOK RELEASE: Christian Author’s Latest Work Explores Death, Resurrection and Faith [HOUSTON, Texas]—Terri Watts’ book Death and the Resurrection: From the Grave to Heaven, published

by Vim Publications and scheduled for an official release date of March 2011, promises a detailed and compelling examination of Christ’s Resurrection, God’s final words to His Church, the nature of death, the coming Second Resurrection, and the threat of the Second Death for those who lack faith.

Death and the Resurrection: From the Grave to Heaven directly challenges doubters of the Resurrection.

Media hype over the subject naturally tends to peak every Easter, resulting in a slew of books, articles and documentaries—many of which question the Resurrection in tones ranging from rationalization to outright denial.

Ms. Watts cites a specific event that inspired her to write the book.

“There was a TV program produced by James Cameron which claimed to have found the tomb of Christ, as if to offer up evidence against the Resurrection. I felt it was time to produce a definitive work in response to the doubters, something to reaffirm once and for all why we as Christians believe that Christ rose from the dead and what we believe the future holds for us.”

Watts’ book makes extensive use of Old and New Testament references to illuminate her points, such as the Book of Ezekiel’s prophecies of God’s raising the dead from their graves.

Watts also explores God’s instructions to the Church on what it must do to lead their people to salvation.

Other topics include the prophecies revealed in the Book of Revelation, their fulfillment as reflected by the turbulent events of today’s world,

and the unfolding of God’s plan through the Second Resurrection.

A later section of the book covers what people must do to avoid the Second Death – the final, irrevocable death of the soul and banishment to Hell for nonbelievers at the time of Christ’s return.

“Believers die once,” Watts explains, “but when they’re resurrected to face their final judgment they go to Heaven, while those who did not believe in Christ experience the Second Death.”

Watts feels that her book can help a wide audience gain valuable insights into Christianity. “Death and the Resurrection will give believers and nonbelievers alike a deeper understanding of why Christians celebrate Easter, which is their time to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. I hope that this book will inspire and enlighten as many people as possible.

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION:

Terri L. Watts: Phone: (713) 878-9755 Email: info@vimpublications.com 34 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

CARMEN’S CORNER I

FROM CARMEN CUNEO

iF YOU HAVE A STORY IDEA OR INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED INSIDE HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER PLEASE CALL US TODAY AT: (832)212-8735.cONTACT uS tODAY!

1925 A Special Year In U.S. History

“

“

From left to right the men are: State’s Attorney Crowe, Editor Abbott, Lawrence Cuneo (Carmen’s Grandfather), Attorney N.K. McGill, Ed. Wright and Alderman Anderson.

My grandfather, a Republican, and his brother in law State’s Attorney Crowe, a Republican, swore in Cook County’s first black Assistant State’s Attorney, the highest ranking black person in the state of Illinois at that time. The date was: April 28, 1925.

McGill Appointed State’s Attorney NATHAN KELLOGG McGILL

1888-1946

A

ttorney N.K. McGill (with hand upraised) receiving the oath of office back in 1925 as assistant State’s Attorney, who had practiced his profession for years in Florida, had been told often that if he were white he would be a state’s attorney. His color alone prevented him from receiving in Florida what he was able to accomplish in Illinois. In Illinois, he accomplished his dream of becoming a state’s attorney.While in Florida, no matter how well trained he was, his color barred him.

Editor Abbott, standing between State’s Attorney Crowe (extreme left) and his secretary, Lawrence Cuneo, discovered Attorney McGill and informed him that while he was needed in the South, where good lawyers are in demand, there was no future for him nor his family there, and encouraged him to come North.

From left to right the men are: State’s Attorney Crowe, Editor Abbott, Lawrence

spite of all the Interracial Cuneo, Attorney McGill, Ed. Wright and Alcommissions, Blacks were held bond by Jim derman Anderson.

Crow laws and humiliated at every turn.

In acknowledgment of the service rendered Even in Florida, where Attorney McGill’s to the Republican party of Cook county by the ability as a lawyer was recognized, he could Chicago Defender, State’s Attorney Robert E. never aspire to be anything more than a practicCrowe appointed Attorney N.K. McGill Assising lawyer, and even then not entirely secure. tant State’s Attorney of Cook county.

Mr. McGill was a man of exceptional McGILL WAS A NATIVE OF FLORIDA ability and rare legal talent. He was a graduate Born in Quincy, Fla, on of Boston University, Nov. 29, 1888, McGill Boston, Mass., and had FOCUS ON HISTORY began his law practice at been practicing law for 10 Jacksonville in 1913 and years. Prior to his advent in Chicago he was served as publisher of the Florida Sentinel in an accredited member of the law firm of Jacksonville from 1916 to 1920.

McGill & McGill of Jacksonville, Fla. in In 1925, he came to Chicago to assume which place enjoyed the distinction of being a the duties of general counsel and secretary member of the state bar as well as being adwith the Abbott Publishing Company. He was mitted to practice in the United State Supreme Assistant States Attorney for Cook County Court. He was also the attorney for the Chicago from 1925 to 1926, Assistant Illinois Attorney Defender and several other corporations. He General from 1929 to 1933, and became the was also a member of the Illinois state bar for first Black appointee to the Chicago Library eight years.

Board where he remained six years.

Mr. McGill’s appointment in Chicago was McGill had also been a member of the a perfect example of the Chicago Defender’s bench of the Superior Court of Illinois and contention that the North was the only place Florida. At the time of his death he was a for our Blacks in this country at that time in practicing attorney.

American histor. His appointment could have happened only in a place where there there NOTE: Portions of this article was initially was social equality, upon which all other published in the Chicago Defender. forms of equality are based. In the South, in

CARMEN CUNEO

This page spotlighting a special moment in U.S. history is made possible by Carmen Cuneo the grandaughter of Lawrence Cuneo the former Secretary for the State’s Attorney in Chicago, Illinois. Carmen Cuneo is a community leader and business woman. She is currently serving the Third Ward area of Houston as the Republican Precinct Chair for Precinct #210 and a past president and current secretary for the Rotary Club of Herman Park.

---------------------------------------Contact Carmen Cuneo at: Email: cuneo@sbcglobal.net

A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011 - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 35

Looking Ahead I

Election Watch 2011

iF YOU HAVE A STORY IDEA OR INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED INSIDE HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER PLEASE CALL US TODAY AT: (832)212-8735.cONTACT uS tODAY!

The 2011 General Election Will Take Place On Tuesday, November 8th!

STAY TUNED FOR ELECTION MONTHLY ELECTION UPDATES IN HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER

City Council

Sue Lovell

At Large 2

Meet Your Council Members

Nine Council Members are elected from districts and five are elected atlarge, by all voters of the City. The fourteen Council Members are elected every two years, in odd-numbered years. Council Members are limited to serving three terms of two years each, with each term beginning on January 2 of the even-numbered year.

Brenda Stardig

Phone: 832.393.3013 Term-limited cannot run for another term ---------------------------------------------Melissa Noriega At Large 3 Phone: 832.393.3005 Note: Can run for another term.

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

District A

C.O. Bradford

At Large 4

Phone: 832.393.3010 Mayor Annise D. Parker serves as the Executive Officer of the City.

As the City’s chief administrator and official representative, the Mayor is responsible for the general management of the City and for seeing that all laws and ordinances are enPARKER forced.

Administrative duties include the appointments, with Council approval, of department heads and persons serving on advisory boards.

As Executive Officer, the Mayor administers oaths and signs all motions, resolutions and ordinances passed by City Council. The Mayor also serves a legislative function, presiding over City Council with voting privileges. The Mayor is responsible for advising Council of the City’s financial condition and presents to Council an annual budget for approval.

Contact The Mayor Mayor Annise D. Parker City of Houston P.O. Box 1562 Houston, TX 77251 Phone: 3-1-1, or 713.837.0311 Email: mayor@houstontx.gov or scheduling@houstontx.gov Note: Can run for re-election ----------------------------------------------Houston City Controller Ronald C. Green is the second highest elected official in Houston city government and its chief financial officer. The Office of the Houston City Controller superintends the fiscal affairs of the City.

This includes conducting audits, manGREEN aging investments and debt, preparing financial statements and providing leadership on policy issues pertaining to the City’s financial health. The Controller thus serves as an independently elected “financial watchdog” over City government’s fiscal affairs.

Contact The Controller ControllerRonald C. Green City Controller 901 Bagby, 6th Floor Houston, TX 77002 T. 832.393.3460 • F. 832.393.3411 controllers@houstontx.gov Note: Can run for re-election

Phone: 832.393.3012

Note: Can run for another term.

----------------------------------------------Jarvis Johnson

Note: Can run for another term.

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

District B

Jolanda “Jo” Jones

At Large 5

Phone: 832.393.3009

Phone: 832.393.3006

Term-limited cannot run for another term.

----------------------------------------------Anne Clutterbuck

District C

Phone: 832.393.3004 Term-limited cannot run for another term ----------------------------------------------Wanda Adams

District D

Phone: 832.393.3001 Note: Can run for another term.

----------------------------------------------Mike Sullivan

District E

Phone: 832.393.3008 Note: Can run for another term.

----------------------------------------------Al Hoang

District F

Phone: 832.393.3002 Note: Can run for another term.

----------------------------------------------Oliver Pennington

District G

Phone: 832.393.3007 Note: Can run for another term.

----------------------------------------------Ed Gonzalez

District H

Phone: 832.393.3003 Note: Can run for another term.

----------------------------------------------James G. Rodriguez

District I

Phone: 832.393.3011 Note: Can run for another term.

----------------------------------------------Stephen C. Costello

At Large 1

Phone: 832.393.3014 Note: Can run for another term.

Note: Can run for another term.

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

City Council Overview The City Council is the City’s legislative body, with the power to enact and enforce all ordinances and resolutions. Nine Council Members are elected from districts and five are elected atlarge, by all voters of the City.

The fourteen members of Council, along with the Mayor, act only by ordinance, resolution or motion. They adopt and may alter the annual budget and confirm the Mayor’s appointments.

Council is responsible for the appropriation and issuance of bonds, the awarding of contracts and the approval of City expenditures over $50,000.

Council may lease or dispose of the City’s real estate and may levy assessments against property.

Council determines its own rules of procedure, and its meetings are open to the public.

Fourteen Council Members are elected every two years, in odd-numbered years. Council Members are limited to serving three terms of two years each, with each term beginning on January 2 of the even-numbered year. Five Council Members are elected At-Large, or city-wide, while the other nine are elected to geographic districts of roughly the same proportion of population. According to the City Charter, once the population of the City of Houston exceeds 2.1 million, expected for the 2010 census, two more geographic council districts will be added.

You can write to your Council Member at: 900 Bagby / City Hall Annex / First Floor / Houston, TX 77002.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 - Uniform Election Date These dates are subject to changes from the 2011 legislative session. **First Day to File for Place on General Election Ballot (for cities and schools ONLY) (filing deadline for other political subdivisions may vary) Monday, August 8, 2011 Last Day to Order General Election : Wednesday, September 7, 2011 **Last Day to File for Place on General Election Ballot (for local political subdivisions ONLY) Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

First Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail: Friday, September 9, 2011 (does not apply to FPCA) Last Day to Register to Vote: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 (deadline is extended to next business day after Columbus Day) First Day of Early Voting: Monday, October 24, 2011 (17th day before election day falls on a Saturday, first day moves to next business day) Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) Tuesday, November 1, 2011 Last Day of Early Voting Friday, Nov. 4, 2011

HARRIS COUNTY TREASURER ORLANDO SANCHEZ AND 2011 CANDIDATE FOR CITY COUNCIL ERIC B. DICK

Eric B. Dick Is Ready To Serve Houston “I’d like to give Houstonians a real candidate that will stand up for them and be candid with them - not someone who is just running to develop business contracts for some construction company that deals with the city.” - E.B. DICK

E

ric B. Dick is a Houston lawyer and small business owner that is best known protecting civil rights as he defended a blogger that was controversially imprisoned from a lawsuit filed by the mother of the late Anna Nicole Smith. Eric is deeply intertwined in the history and tradition of Texas as a third-generation native Houstonian; his relative, Jacob Darst, fought and died at the Alamo.

Eric worked his way through community college, college, and law school - receiving a scholarship and graduating cum laude. He is a local guy, with local roots and attended Houston Community College, University of Houston, and University of Houston-Downtown.

He’s fought for criminal justice by serving with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in the Welfare Fraud Division. While working in the Attorney General’s Office, in the Special Litigation & Tobacco Law Division, He was involved in the largest civil settlement in U.S. history which involved over $200 billion dollars. Additionally, Eric loathes taxation so much that he earned an advanced degree in Taxation (LL.M.), making him the most educated and qualified candidate running for City Council this race.

When asked why he would want to run for city council, Eric said, “You know I am tired of listening to people who are disenfranchised by the whole political process. I’d like to give Houstonians a real candidate that will stand up for them and be candid with them - not someone who is just running to develop business contracts for some construction company that deals with the city. What does the city have to gain from me being a city councilmember? A citizen who loves the city, and will zealously fight and protect her, that has a long family history with public service – for example, my father is a retired captain in Houston Fire Department and my grandfather served our county as a US Marine Corps. Sgt. and a captain in Harris County Sheriff’s Office.”

When asked why he is choosing to run at this time, Eric said, “Houston is in a financial deficit. My fear is that the city will look to home and small business owners to cover the majority of this deficit through increases in fees and property taxes. I cannot, in good conscience, sit here and just leave the little guy to fend for himself.”

Eric Dick and his fiancée, Vanessa Salazar, are members of numerous community organizations and attend First Baptist Church.

The city-wide Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th 2011 Political Ad. Paid for by Eric Dick for Houston Campaign.

Mark Hess, Campaign Treasurer. Mail: 4325 Tulsa Road; Houston, TX 77092. Telephone: 713-510-4500

36 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - A CELEBRATION OF “RESILIENCE” & “CREATIVITY” - MARCH 2011

“Houston is in a financial deficit. My fear is that the city will look to home and small business owners to cover the majority of this deficit through increases in fees and property taxes. I cannot, in good conscience, sit here and just leave the underserved to fend for themselves” - E.B. DICK

WWW.EBDICK.COM

“Eric B. Dick is the best qualified candidate in this race for Houston City Council.”

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VOTE FOR CARROLL LONG-TIME EDUCATOR AND FORMER CITY COUNCIL MEMBER CARROLL G. ROBINSON ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR HCCS TRUSTEE

Dear Fellow Houstonian:

ted to making sure that all HCC campuses are safe places for students to attend and faculty members and staff to work. I will continue to work to ensure that every person in our community who wants a better education will have access to an affordable education with the best qualified and compensated faculty in the country. HCC must be the best community college in America.

This is why I am running and why I am asking you for your Help, Support and Vote to serve as your HCC Trustee.

If I can count on your Help, Support and Vote, please e-mail me at: EMAIL: crobinson@cgr4hcc.com.

You can donate to the campaign by visiting www.cgr4hcc.com or sending a personal or PAC check made payable to CGR for HCC Trustee to: Carroll G. Robinson for HCC Trustee P.O. Box 8325 Houston, Texas 77288

I

am writing to personally ask for your support and vote. I am running for Houston Community College (HCC) Trustee, District IV because I care about making our city better. My wife and I have a 12-year-old son. We want him and all the children in our community to have an opportunity for a better life, just like our parents wanted for us, and I know you want for your children and grandchildren. As your Trustee, my priority will be to provide the best education for all those who attend HCC to get a high-quality education to go to college or workforce training to get a better job to take care of themselves and their families. Too many of our young people are dropping out of school. HCC will be key to getting them back into education. The more educated a person, the more likely they are to have a job or be a business owner or entrepreneur.

I am working with members of the state legislature to get a law passed that would allow students who graduate from HCC in

Thank you for your full and fair consideration Because HCC Matters™. the top 10 percent from HCC to have automatic admission to any four-year college in the state that they want to attend.

To ensure that education is the top priority of the HCC Board, Trustees should not be allowed to be paid by any

individual or company doing business with the college. Trustees family members should not be allowed to do business with the college, and Trustees should be required to file an annual personal financial disclosure. I am commit-

Sincerely,

Carroll

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People are strongly supporting Carroll G. Robinson for HCCS Trustee because we know he is an experienced educator committed to making the HCCS a better and more innovative vehicle for improving education in our community and developing our regional work force to attract and create more good paying jobs for all Houstonians.” J. Alan Johnston, Jr., P.E.

H

ouston, TX—Former Houston City Council Member and Texas Southern University Associate Professor Carroll G. Robinson has officially announced that he is a candidate for Houston Community College System (HCCS) Trustee, District IV in the 2011 general election.

Robinson filed his campaign finance report with the HCCS General Council’s office on Tuesday, January 18, 2011. Mr. J. Alan Johnston, Jr., P.E., President, Johnston, LLC is his campaign Finance Committee Chairman. The financial report documents that Robinson’s campaign has already raised a total of $75,276.85 with $67,608.29 in cash on hand.

“People are strongly supporting Carroll G. Robinson for HCCS Trustee because we know he is an experienced educator committed to making the HCCS a better and more innovative vehicle for improving education in our community and developing our regional work force to attract and create more good paying jobs for all Houstonians” says Johnston of Robinson.

Robinson’s campaign has a series of fundraisers and special events scheduled up to Election Day and has already begun to implement it’s e-marketing, social networking and viral promotion online with a succession of videos and promotional pieces. Supporters of Robinson and his campaign include the Houston Federation of Teachers,Gayle Fallon, Clara Caldwell, Clara Meek, Kathryn Griffin, Georgia Provost, John Bland, B. R. Williams, Alan Helfman, Fred Zeidman, David Robinson, Jason Medlock, Tiffany Thomas, Billy Briscoe, Crystal Hadnott, Freddie Oliver, HISD Trustee Larry Marshall, City Council Member Stephen Costello, City Council Member James Rodriguez, Constable May Walker, Former Congressman Chris Bell, Former Houston City Council Member Mark Ellis, Dr. Teddy McDavid, Dr. Kim McLeod, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Laura and George Pontikes, Bobby Singh, Greg Denby, and James M. Douglas among many others listed on Robinson’s campaign web site (www.carrollgrobinson.com) including a growing number of educators in the campaign’s “Women for Robinson” support group such as Dr. Davetta Daniels, LaVerne Richards, both former HISD principals.

Robinson is currently an Associate Professor at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University (TSU) where he has served as Associate Dean of External Affairs, Executive Assistant to two Presidents of the university and is Co-Principal Investigator of the university’s Homeland Security Department National Transportation Security Center of Excellence; Petro-Chemical Transportation.

He was recently sworn in as Third Vice President of the NAACP, is Chairman of the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, and is a former At-Large (elected citywide) member of the Houston (Texas) City Council where he served as Chairman of the city’s Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee.

Robinson is currently available for interviews with the press. If you would like to schedule an interview or would like more campaign information please contact Kelly King at 281.682.9503 or by e-mail at Kelly@thelivewireagency.com.

POL.ADV. PAID FOR BY CARROLL G. ROBINSON FOR HCC TRUSTEE MAKITA ROBINSON TREASURER.

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