MR 2012 by Do-WAP Agency Publications

2012 Business Minority r eport:

The Minority Report represents all that is good and unique in the top diverse businesses in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our goal is to assist and be responsible for $1 billion in minority business inclusion activity over the next 5 years by matching these listed minority companies with city, state, and federal opportunities who subcontract tasks/jobs through requests for proposals or direct hire agreements.

Our plan is to advocate on behalf of the businesses listed in this report. We will hold contractors, government, private, and non-profit entities accountable to hiring these firms listed in these pages and online at minorityreportonline.com. We could not have published such a wonderful publication without the support, encouragement, and resources from these listed companies:

i M e to grow t ogether!

Almost didn’t make it …not from Katrina but the great reces sion of 2008 - 2010. Trust me when I tell you that I know what it’s like as a fellow entrepreneur to MAKE salary for my team and not for myself, to work a 80 hour work week with the pursuit of staying OPEN, to go to every outreach meeting held by Economic Development professionals making promises, only to realize I am securing and justifying their salaries and not my own. So, please believe me when I tell you I understand and that good news is on the way. If you’re like me, you see your 2012 with new life, vigor, and results. You will stop at nothing to obtain what is rightfully yours. Make your business benefit you directly! Make your business make your family better, your personal relationships, your travels, your experiences should all be better this year.

o ur history

Together we all share something sacred in common that will be written about in history books all across the world, WE ARE SURVIVORS! This is not to be taken lightly as all of us have learned a valuable lesson called community. Many of us won’t admit this but WE all know how disconnected this community was pre-Katrina/recession. We don’t need National Journalists to come here to air our dirty laundry and speak of the injustices that are occurring now and then. We know we stopped taking time out to meet our next door neighbors or watch after our fellow citizens who may have been in need. We know the dysfunctions that exist and am happy to say that for those of us here, it is our time to change and change is happening everyday.

o verco M ing

The challenge is getting others within the business and political community to value this change that we are demanding from our leadership. We need to take a lesson from pages of successful organizations lady Women of the Storm, New Orleans business Groups for 1 Assessor, and individuals who had no political experience but jumped head first into the arena, successfully or not, to make a difference for us all. We also have great initiatives going

answered the call when the community needed them most.

The bottom line is that we can make this out to be the city and region that we all want. We can have better public education, less crime, and better streets and trash removal; we can have all these things we speak as a community and with one voice. Today is not the day to see color or separation. Today is the day to embrace our differences and see results! I fully recognize that my latest sacrifices from sitting on boards to community engagement initiatives probably won’t benefit me directly, but what a wonderful community we are creating for our children. Through it all I recommend we keep our eye on this prize because they will benefit, OR NOT, tomorrow from our efforts today.

We encourage the large private business community to tune into this guide and make a meaningful effort to support and utilize these firms for your supplier diversity needs. We ask that you utilize these business’ products and services and whilst doing so, seize the opportunity to support a greater good, The American Dream.

Finally, am encouraging all Political Leaders to keep this guide close and on their desks so that as business development opportunities, RFP’s, RFQ’s, and the like arise, you encourage your constituents, your government agencies, and your influential partners to do business with those that have done so much for our community.

t hank you in a dvance

I would like to thank you all for your overwhelming response and support to our third issue of the Minority Report (June 2012). We have hundreds of distribution points that were instrumental in helping us spread the positive messages of our great

community, in state and out-of-state. I personally spoke with several politicians, business leaders, and community activists who all understand the need for such a guide. Consider this a “where are they now” issue of the Minority Community in this region. Also, a huge thank you to all of our sponsors that took a risk on us in this very trying time. Your courage, belief, and positive messaging to our community are obvious and we will continue to support each of you as you champion your cause in our community. Finally, we would like to issue a heartfelt thank you to the staff, friends and family of our firms; Do-WAP Agency, EBONetworks, & The W. Anthony Patton Agency,LLC. The belief, hard work, and dedication that you prove daily will boomerang blessings and good will your way for a lifetime. Together, we can and did make a difference!

It is known that New Orleans and the metro area exist only because of the strength of our small business community, lets support them in every way possible…our children and legacy businesses count on us to do so. On behalf of the Minority & Women Owned Small Business Community, We Thank You In Advance.

W. Anthony Patton, MBA President/CEO

| The Minority Report | 2012 | The Minority Report | 2012 5 4 Leadership

Fro M t he p u B lisher

Renewed Visions o f dR eams Come T R ue

tailored to M eet your personal B anking needs

Personal Banking Greetings:

It is my pleasure to introduce to you the 3rd Edition of the Minority Report. The Minority Report is a full sized & color business directory. The incessant goal of this publication is to spur a powerful economic growth for the greater New Orleans area. We know as the center of our economic survival that the Minority business is vital to the city’s pecuniary health.

Many of the minority businesses in the Greater New Orleans area are striving to break even and sustain continual business flow. As supporters of the Minority Report our goal is to find and support sustainable business ventures that make our city great. This year’s publication is celebrating” Woman Empowerment” and showing the many ways New Orleans women have stepped up to not only do the job but run the show themselves. The newest edition will contain articles on some of the most influential female entrepreneurs in the greater New Orleans area. It will acknowledge these women for their accomplishments along with highlight their careers and sharing the struggles of entrepreneurship.

I remember what it was like beginning my business in 2005 with many questions. We are guided by the simple premise of knowing our clients, our local market, and following sound banking practices. We will build our bank on relationships and trust, not numbers. We are proud of our flexible organizational structure and firmly believe our clients will quickly be able to differentiate us from other financial institutions. Our product offerings are state of the art and are easily adapted to meet the needs and best interest of our clients.

In closing, we appreciate your hard work and commitment to the city and your families. We look forward to working with you and making this impact on our city impressive and meaningful.

Come experience the difference and you will be glad that you did!

Sincerely,

Ashton Ryan Jr. Bank President / Chief Executive Officer / Chairman

David W. Anderson Vice Chairman

We have hit the half way mark of what has been a very fortuitous New Year! My initial forecast of our 2012 New Orleans business potentials have hit the high mark with many positive returns already blooming around us and the year is still on the upswing. I entitled 2012 the “Year Of Dreams Come True” because of all of the opportunity that I foresee as business in our city has put out a big welcome sign to entrepreneurs and industry that is quickly repopulating New Orleans with ingenuity and capital. Opening doors for economic success at a rate eclipsing all other growth averages nationwide we are embracing enthusiastic growth projections. Our housing market is up and our unemployment is down. Welcome to the new New Orleans that is beaucoup business

friendly and getting friendlier every day. When asked to predict how we will fare financially the answers I see are good. We have gained a momentum in our rebuilding that paved the way to our good fortune and here are just a few of the reasons why we should be excited about the future as the Crescent City thrives forward:

1) predict that more and more money is going to pour into this town. Both private and public funding will keep flowing allowing new ventures to launch and others to arrive and thrive. With more grants, venture capital and tax incentives grow increasing as experts and the media continue to rank us high on their lists of friendly business sectors and point us out as the comeback kid. I see 2012 experiencing the highest business growth we have had here in centuries. There are cold cash reasons now to do business here and opportunities to get ideas off the ground. GE Capital and Google are coming here. Can you feel this pulse of vibrancy? The city is a buzz.

D2) predict growth in construction and real estate related industry. The medical complex and recovery school district rebuilding with be some of he things breaking ground on large scale efforts while business fill commercial real estate. The estimated 25,000 employees of the new medical centers alone are going to increase the housing demand and that’s simply employees from one sector. The days of low tax coffers will be over as our city tax base grows. Boons to education and public works will improve as more contributing residents’ stake their claims here.

3) predict that our networking opportunities will continue to widen as business to business connectivity becomes more necessary in our pulsing economy. One hand helping another in the business community is a theme as the opening of new business and expansion of existing ones will really help spread the wealth through the use of ancillary services. Movie Production Companies who do business here benefit everyone from accounting firms to dry cleaners and this holds true when it comes to the Tech, Bio engineering, Medical and other industries that are rooting here now and throughout the year. We truly are a business community here in New Orleans and during 2012 we will all benefit from business inter dependencies that will make the city have even more economic bustling in every sector. Truly we are a village and when one area prospers it reaches out and prospers the rest.

4) Ok, I guess can’t get away without mentioning our beloved Saints. I turn my eye to them each year to see how far we’ll go. As did the rest of the world, sat in sorrow at the idea of our Super bowl winning title being tarnished and during a year of our hosting Super bowl – OUCH! But do not lose heart my Who Dat Nation for we will rise again from adversity just as we always do. The eternal phoenix, New Orleans rebuilds only to find itself even stronger. We have managed to rebuild an entire city in just 7 years. I don’t believe that this NFL incident will keep us down for long!!

I really can’t say enough good things about what I see for New Orleans. With such a positive path before us, the way to make the most of this auspicious time is to use this vision to help light the way.

Let’s keep 2012 on a high note with renewed hope, commitment and opportunity to make our dreams come true!

New Orleans Psychic Cari Roy has been featured on The Today Show, A& E, Discovery and Travel Channel as well as local news and radio. With a career spanning several decades, Miss Roy has a loyal following of local, national and international clients, offering in-person and phone consultations, speaking services and seminars. More information is available at www. neworleanspsychic.com

| The Minority Report | 2012 | The Minority Report | 2012 7 6 Leadership

drea M s co M e true

Proud to be a woman owned small business in New Orleans.

w omen e M power M ent of

written by: L. Kasimu Harris

These ladies have more than womanhood in common; they share an unwillingness to accept rejection; the fortitude to be innovative and the perseverance to overcome adversity. The six women highlighted in this issue have impacted New Orleans in major ways through vastly different industries that are all typically male dominated

or rare for minorities. Women not only make up a significant part of the American workforce, women employ a large part of the workforce. According to a 2008-2009 study with the Center for Women’s Business Research, 10.1 million firms are owned by women and employ more than 13 million people and generated $1.9 trillion in sales. Moreover, 1.9 million firms are owned by women of color and employ 1.2 million people and $165 billion in revenue. Women mean business. These ladies are helping to further knock down the proverbial glass ceiling.

Featured in this special section

Simone Bruni, CEO/founder of Demo Diva

Andrea McNeil, franchisee of Planet Beach

Marian Pierre, CEO/founder of CG Inc., Security firm

Patrice Williams-Smith’s, CEO of NOBRCC

Melissa “Dj Soul Sister” Weber, DJ Artist and radio show host

Kiki Baker Barnes, athletic director, Dillard University

| The Minority Report | 2012 9 Leadership

Fro M ta B le c loths to d u M p t rucks , the s tory o F a d iva

Simone Bruni stood there, on Memphis Street, a year later, but only two of her neighbors had returned to their block in the Lakeview neighborhood. Hurricane Katrina was here. It was July of 2006, and a month earlier, she mailed her business registration documents, but it was a rejection filled month. Until, her neighbor called to contract Bruni. “I remember saying oh my God someone has given me a chance,” Bruni recalled. “I was so dizzy from jumping.”

Initially, she sought government contracts and realized she was “going up against giants” with men in construction. She saw the need to appeal to the consumer directly and fortunately, working with people is among her strengths.

Raised in New Orleans East, her father is Brazilian and Bruni grew up speaking Portuguese. She worked at Desire Street Ministries, while attending Loyola University and after graduation, where she crossed the proverbial lines of the city and constantly connected with people.

“I wasn’t intimidated by poverty,” she said. “I worked in the Desire [Housing Projects] in 92 and 93 when it was among the worst neighborhoods in America.” Bruni wanted to be near the most hurt and worked in that community for five years. She later changed careers and became a corporate party planner for 10 years.

Then, the storm happened and she was out of a house and job.

“I went from selling flowers and table cloths, to putting heavy equipment onto people’s front lawns,” Bruni said. She wasn’t an expert in demolition and recalled how men flaunted the specifications of their equipment as sale pitches, she didn’t the know names. “I sold trust,” Bruni said, adding she told her neighbors to allow her to resolve their problems.

Bruni said marketing directly to the people would’ve never happened without Katrina—the people of New Orleans put her on the map.

“I saw blight the same way as the Desire,” she said, “the buildings were dense and looked like dark soulless eyes that stared at you.”

Bruni said Mitch Landrieu knows blight and crime are connected and has made great strides; but homeowner need to do more, blight is their responsibility. And for homeowners and businesses that have rebuilt—the lone abandoned house or store diminishes the moral of the whole neighborhood.

“Demolition is the first step to a ray of hope,” she said. “We know it’s hard, but let’s clear a way to make way for progress.”

wo M en in B usiness

Hope as always been paramount to Bruni, she aspired to be a foreign missionary. However, Bruni’s father her helped realize it was unnecessary to travel across the world to make an impact.

Locally, among other efforts, Bruni sponsors an all-girls flag football league with Orleans Parish Schools. The girls gave Bruni a catchy jingle: Fight the Blight.

“I gave to the community and the community gave to me,” she said referring to the cheerleading squads from Martin Luther King and Warren Easton high school, who penned the ditty used in Demo Diva ads.

Bruni will continue her community efforts and grow the business the same way she already has: serving the people. “The only reason I went into this business was emotion,” she said, “I saw a need.”

Bruni didn’t formally study business and early on, she underbid contracts. With every mistake, she would not beat herself up and maintained a positive attitude. Bruni was her own cheerleader.

“If I got caught up in the minutiae of the business I would have thrown the towel in,” she said.

Demo Diva will remain in demolition and is working to be a player in disaster recovery and commercial site preparation.

| The Minority Report | 2012 10

Leadership

Simone Bruni

Leadership

“I have a bigger vision,” she said. “I believe in this business, I truly believe that the world needs us and I can’t give up.”

s pa o wner Breaks d own the s tereotypes o wnership

Andrea McNeil was nervous, excited and anticipated opening the doors for the first day of business. She ran campaigns for political candidates in New Orleans and led multi-million dollars fundraising drives for non-profits. But, this was different, she was about to open the doors of her Planet Beach in Terrytown.

She recalled the hard work, but didn’t celebrate too much after her first customer. “I knew it was just the beginning,” she said. “I’ll feel accomplished after the one year anniversary.” Even on her opening day, she was thinking about the 80 percent of new businesses that fail within the first year. Now, she’s moving toward year two.

In year two, she aspires to expand Planet Beach’s Business Partners in a mutually beneficial program that shares discounts and increases clients for both companies. McNeil will also heighten awareness of the corporate wellness program, which helps reduce health care cost for companies that are associated employee’s obesity and smoking, while also increasing their productivity, by being happier and healthier.

McNeil’s path to opening Planet Beach wasn’t a straight one, but the right one. She relocated to New Orleans and started direct sales and marketing company, a year after graduating from Northeastern Illinois University in 2002, with a degree in chemistry and math. In August 2005, like most New Orleanians, Hurricane Katrina forced her from the city. McNeil returned to the city and transitioned to working on political campaigns and later did fundraising for nonprofits.

“Non-profits were doing a lot more change and growth than politics,” she said. In 2010, she earned her master’s in public administration from the University of New Orleans. Seeking a business she was passionate about led her to Planet Beach. The company’s model is a contempo spa, which is an automatic day spa.

“It’s really a passion of mine, helping people look and feel good,” McNeil said “That’s what health and wellness is about.”

She referred to the state’s obesity ranking, which is always among the worst in America and her business addresses that problem. In McNeil’s posh Planet Beach with hardwood floors and brightly painted orange walls and yellow trim. Planet Beach is more than tanning, it’s also weight management. One program is the Saunatox, where users can burn 300 to 600 calories during a 20 to 30 minute sessions while relaxing. They also offer massages,

a ndrea Mc n ei l

tanning, facials, and skin care and teeth whitening, McNeil’s spa offers 13 different services.

McNeil combats offering a non-essential service during an economic down turn by offering a superior product.

“We’re in a wellness revolution,” she said, “people want to be healthier an anti-aging is important.”

McNeil describes the business as a service for everybody and membership for anybody and on cue a tall athletic man completed his session then walked towards the door. The attendant addressed the client by name as he set up his next appointment and said his goodbyes.

“We see our members between one to five times a week and get to know them,” she said.

McNeil hails from an entrepreneurial family; her father owned one of the first Subway restaurants in Chicago. But, she has never formally studied business.

| The Minority Report | 2012 12

wo M en in B usiness

“It’s a spirit, it’s a mindset it’s characteristics,” she said about thriving in business and added that people’s environment are paramount. She attributes her solid upbringing to her family and her faith in God.

“The turning point in my business,” she said, “is when decided to make God my business partner.”

s ecuring the Future with g ood d eeds and t echnology

Marian H. Pierre started her business with $50 borrowed from a friend. She took the money and headed to a one-stop incorporation service and formed Crescent and Guardian Inc., (CGI). The company started with four employees, all family, including Pierre. Now, CGI has an office in Dallas and New Orleans and is a growing brand with over 150 employees.

“I wanted to control my own destiny,” said Pierre, a proud 64-yearold who put back 30 years as a government employee. After her sons departed for college, she took the risk of self-employment. Since 1993, CGI has provided services for federal, state, municipal, commercial, energy and critical infrastructure clients. CGI is the first woman-owned multi-million dollar owned professional security firm in the three-state region. However, Pierre is not satisfied with past achievements and moves forward+.

“The future is endless, it’s technology,” Pierre said, “I call it fusion, physical security with electronics.” She saw this trend10 years ago and said people won’t be replaced, but their presence will be enhanced. Her foresight and innovation has established CGI as the only local company that offers security, analytics, cameras and access control. Last November, at the American Public Transportation Authority convention in New Orleans CGI unveiled the Vehicle Permission Switch, keyless ignition for secure access to public transportation vehicles so only the operator assigned can operate it. CGI doesn’t manufacture, but is always looking for new products and partners to develop a need.

The ability to work with others and the help of family and friends has been a factor in her success. In the beginning, one of her nephews, was the first guard and made the logo.

Pierre passed out cards, worked the phones during the day and had a detail at night. Within the first seven months, she signed her first million dollar contract; a feat the financial projections said would take five to seven years. However, the company had to overcome obstacles made easier by establish an organizational structure.

But, the foundation of her entrepreneurism was built growing up in the ninth ward.

“When I was growing up they had more black business owners than they do now,” she said. Pierre recalls seeing the change happen and said New Orleans is regressive and not progressive. “Integration hurt us,” she said. “We thought it was better, we made other people rich when we stopped shopping at the mom and pop stores in the neighborhood.”

Marian h . p ierre

Pierre said what’s worse is the African-American’s who forget the community once they arrive at success. Last October, Pierre landed in Washington D.C., as a 2011 Woman to watch from the Women Impacting Public Policy (WHIPP) organization and is the first woman from New Orleans to receive the honor.

She’s received numerous honors but, one of the most important things in her office doesn’t hang from her walls—it sits on her desk. Pierre has a daily reminder of mantras: “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

In 1999, Pierre helped start Women Inc., that aims empower young women among multitudes of other community endeavors. “The only thing I want people to remember about me” she said, “is

that I tried to make a difference in other people’s lives and I took someone with me.

patrice w illia M s- sM ith is a Major p layer F or Minority Businesses

If a calculator could talk, the career path for Patrice A. WilliamsSmith would be differentiated as someone with REAL life & business experiences in various facets not unfamiliar to the hundreds of minority businesses in New Orleans that she represents.

After graduating from Southern University, she worked as an accountant.

“I was too talkative to sit behind a calculator all day,” she recalled. “The calculator didn’t talk and the desk just looked at me.” Eventually, she went to work at MWH to advocate on behalf of small businesses. She has either worked at a minority or on behalf of a small minority business her entire year career.

Now, she heads the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, an organization, founded in November 2005, whose aim is to empower and sustain African-American communities through entrepreneurship. She viewed her appointment as the CEO as a means to continue working for minority businesses.

“The playing field has never been level for small minority businesses and there has to be someone to champion gaining access as it relates to capital,” she said. Williams-Smith said it’s hard for any business to grow if it’s undercapitalized and it has always been a challenge and not as simple for minority business owners compared to their counterparts.

In April 2011, she became NORBCC first CEO. And at the helm of Williams-Smith is embarking on getting community engaged in 2012 and tackling the issues for minority owned small businesses at all levels of government to ensure the legislation is favorable. The chamber is trying to be proactive and not reactive as it relate to policy.

She explained they want to monitor bills and form an opinion, before they’re on the floor, and then pull together a coalition to back or oppose it. “The black chamber has a voice and we want to be heard,” she said, “and we will be heard.”

Another goal of the organization is to grow and increase the membership and growth opportunities. She said they are only as strong as their members and must go out and find them to represent the regional business community.

Williams-Smith is representative of her mother.

Her mother instilled lessons in her six children at very young age that Williams-Smith said has lasted a life time.

“She was the consummate champion of causes and said everything could be accomplished through hard work and perseverance,” Williams-Smith remembers. Williams-Smith was raised in Treme’ attended St. Peter Claver Church, where she is still a member. Her work is the causes of under-represented businesses and her play is a member of the Who Dat Nation and loves the Hornets. “My dad was an original season ticket holder and I have three older brothers,” she said. “So, the Saints were a part of life in my household.”

She’s involved with her 12 –year-old son’s activities and is a constant volunteer at his school and sports teams. She contends if more people gave a few minutes of their time, New Orleans would have fewer issues.

In business, Williams-Smith follows the same doctrine and said its people’s duty to contribute; it is required to share talents. “God, family and business,” she said, “If you put all those things in perspective everything else will fall into place.”

Leadership | The Minority Report | 2012 | The Minority Report | 2012 15 14 Leadership

wo M en in B usiness

patrice a . w illia M s- sM ith

t he s oundtrack to h er l i F e is s et to a r are g roove

Sitting at the counter for lunch at Hi-Hat Cafe the conversation flowed with stories ranging from the time she left her senior prom and walked in the rain to see War or the Commodore’s record she got when she was five for Christmas. Then, silence. She was stomped, put her hand to her chin and deeply thought about her interest outside of music.

“I don’t know,” Melissa Weber said and paused again, even longer this time. Finally, with conviction, she said: “Seriously that’s really it.”

Weber, who’s more commonly known as DJ Soul Sister, said even her vacations are centered around music.

She graduated from the University of New Orleans with a degree in communications and works for non-profits in marketing and event planning, host a radio show on WWOZ, a widely popular dj and a soul music presenter.

But first, she’s a crate digger—a special breed of record collectors, who’s in pursuit of the obscure recordings. And her love is rare grooves, things that are seldom played—“discovering new old music.” Weber has hosted Soul Power, on WWOZ, since 1994 and it’s the oldest rare groves show in America.

“Everything I do is a mission, that’s why I don’t call myself a forhire-DJ,” she said. “I throw my own sets.” She does this because under someone else’s employ, usually they want you to do want they want you to do, she said. “I’ve been afflicted with this love of soulful music since I was little and I can only do that,” she said.

In college, she started volunteering hosting at WWOZ and after a few years did her first DJ gig—she had never spun before and got a 10 minute crash course. However, entry into the profession wasn’t that easy.

“There were men that I respected in the business, who laughed at me when told them I wanted to DJ.”

She was undeterred. Weber began producing events because, it’s another avenue for her to share the music she loves and the stories she believes should be told. This February, she worked full days on Thursday and Friday and then had events each night with Clarence “Blowfly” Reid, a performer from the 60s and 70s known for his lewd parodies of popular songs. On Saturday afternoon, she headed to Mimi’s to set up for the dance party that night, returned home until going to WWOZ to host Soul Power from 8:00p.m., to 10:00p.m. Finally, she headed back to Mimi’s in the Marigny, a popular night spot, and relaxes a bit before for the Hustle, a dance party that sometimes doesn’t end until 5:30a.m.

“People think that I don’t sleep, actually I sleep,” Weber said. “I nap a lot.” Even when the records stop spinning, she wants the music to continue. She aims to increase awareness of the culture of soul

wo M en in B usiness

wo M en in B usiness

music and not leave African-Americans out of the entertainment equation. Soul Sister presents other DJs, produced skate parties, a classic movie night at the Prytania Theater and panel discussions related to music.

“When you come you will leave a better person,” she said about her events. “You will have had fun and been inspired, maybe challenged to do something in a different way. All of these things help everybody.”

speakers, Barnes gave everyone posters with Dillard University rings pictured.

“It was about making the vision plain for them,” Barnes said. “And getting over the first hurdle of believing they could be champi-

h er p lan was athletic d irector at 45, h is p lan was 32

Dillard University’s most recent championships in volleyball and men’s track were won with a poster. Kiki Baker Barnes, the university’s athletic director, was tired of seeing promotional materials from a ring company with major colleges used in the sample pictures. So after the annual Student Athlete Leadership Training, where sports teams were already inspired from the dynamic

ons.” During the 2010-11 seasons those two teams earned the university its first championship since Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Belief is paramount to Barnes, who’s one of the few female athletic directors in America. Barnes, 36, a native of Minden, La., a place so small, her social networks were church, school and home that all helped her develop a strong work ethic and a deep faith in God.

“I thought I was going to be Oprah,” she said, who graduated in 1997 from the University of New Orleans with a degree in communications, where she excelled in track and basketball. “But, God has his own plan and I just walk in it.”

Barnes wanted to return to the game, after an unsuccessful tryout with the Women’s National Basketball Association in 1997. She got an opportunity as a graduate assistant for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette women’s basketball team. Barnes worked nonstop for $4,500 a year and never complained.

“You have to work as if you’re getting paid a million dollars, even if you’re only getting paid $.15,” she said. Despite her time constraints, Barnes earned a master’s degree in communications with concentration in Public Relations. Then, at, 25, Barnes head coaching break came with Southern University at Shreveport, where she first aspired to be an athletic director. She led the team to its first winning season and oversaw all sports at the school

Leadership | The Minority Report | 2012 | The Minority Report | 2012 17 16 Leadership

Melissa w e B er

(women’s basketball, cheer and dance) except men’s basketball. She didn’t get title, but gained valuable experience.

Leadership

In 2003, she stopped coaching and relocated to New Orleans start a doctoral degree in educational administration at UNO, a step in what she thought would be a long path to becoming an AD. Eventually, she became an assistant basketball coach and worked under Robin Martin, the first female AD at Dillard. It was the perfect situation for Barnes to gain experience, then Hurricane Katrina hit and she was laid off. Dillard rehired her in 2006 as head coach of women’s basketball team and run the entire athletic department as AD.

L. Kasimu Harris is freelance writer/photographer whose work has appeared in local and national publications. This spring, his style blog, Parish Chic, will debut with the Oxford American Magazine.

For now, you can see his work at www.LKasimuHarris.com or www.

Visionsandverbmedia.com

Follow him on twitter @visionsandverbs and contact him at Lkasimuharris@yahoo.com

“Dillard has been good to me, I met my husband here and they gave a young person an opportunity,” Barnes, the mother of two, said.

Since taking the helm, Barnes has successfully reestablished the men’s and women’s basketball programs and the women’s volleyball team and established men’s and women’s track & field and men’s and women’s cross country. She implemented strategic plan that has already yielded the school’s sports first website, a scholarship endowment and increasing competitiveness and brand awareness. And her focus remains students.

Barnes said: “we’re creating better people that will have an impact on society.”

HEALTHIER AIR FOR ALL

EXCEPT THAT LOUISIANA BARS AND CASINOS STILL CONTAIN UNHEALTHY AIR, ACCORDING TO RECENT AIR QUALITY TESTING. SO THEIR EMPLOYEES DON’T ENJOY THE SAME BASIC RIGHT TO SMOKE-FREE AIR IN THE WORKPLACE AS THE REST OF US. LEARN MORE AND SEE THE TEST RESULTS AT

| The Minority Report | 2012 18

LetsBeTotallyClear.org

Marcel Wisznia

a n e ngaging d e V elopmen T

By Thaddeus Zarse

Pay close attention as Marcel w isznia hands you his business card, since the card reads “developer” on one side and “architect” on the other. This duality has come to define one of the most innovative architecture offices in New Orleans, and really the region. Architects, often stereotyped as stubborn artists more concerned with proportion systems than business strategies, are nearly notorious for poor business acumen. Developers and their often cringe-worthy results are viewed as pocket lining adversaries of smart community development. Wisznia’s design-driven development model leaves the pejorative stereotypes of architect and developer at the door finding a sweet spot within both professions that remarkably doesn’t sacrifice good design or good business. His lack of compromise on these most important issues has led to the creation of a diverse range of well-designed housing options in a ro B ustly growing downtown community in New Orleans.

It’s hard to talk about New Orleans, especially housing in New Orleans, without talking about Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane wiped out a large amount of the housing stock within lower lying areas of the city creating an increased desire for residents to move to higher ground areas near the Mississippi River. In addition the city has had a post-Katrina influx of new residents move to the city, often young creative classers moving from other large cities with more familiarity living in larger apartment buildings as opposed to charmingly dilapidated two-bedroom shotguns. The Cen T ral Business Dis T ri CT, where most of Wisznia’s developments are located, is nestled between the vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods of the French Quarter and the Warehouse District, but has long been a standard downtown of office workers leaving the area after work. Having completed three post-Katrina residential renovations in the neighborhood totaling over

335,000 square feet with 293 new units, and another 65 units on the way with the new Garage development in the neighboring Warehouse District, Wisznia has been hugely responsible for the renaissance of the neighborhood which is now seeing an influx of other developments catering to the new residential user.

Architecture can be understood as a public art. This is especially true for buildings like museums, libraries, and train stations that engage the public directly in defining spaces and cities. While Wisznia’s work deals with housing, a much more private endeavor, this does not stop his civic mindedness. His engagement with the local art community is without comparison. The Union Lofts for instance contains art in each unit in addition to common areas on each floor by artists, Terrence Sanders and John Lawson. Sanders eventually curated the art for the Wisznia’s Saratoga Building which includes sixty-four pieces by a diverse group of local artists. And this isn’t just sidewalk art in Jackson Square either; the work collected here was shown at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art before being installed at the Saratoga and subsequently published in a book, which is given to each new tenant. Additionally the exterior of the Saratoga has a Katrina memorial containing each victim’s name carved into the wall, something the city had yet to accomplish. The memorial is located at a busy bus stop, so Wisznia also funded and designed his own bus stop shelter with a distinctive flying canopy. At the Maritime Wisznia hired the younger experimental architect, Ammar Eloueini of AEDS, to design the ground floor coffee shop, Merchant, in addition to providing backing to open the shop itself. Going beyond a marketing ploy for his buildings, Wisznia’s sustained commitment to supporting local artists is an investment in one of the aspects that make New Orleans so unique. It’s hard to imagine a developer so willing to put money into projects within and around his buildings that most would consider extra, but in New Orleans and for Wisznia that’s lagniappe and that’s the way it should be done.

t he renovation o F historic B uildings into housing is a new turn for Wisznia. His previous development work with his Texas-based architect father, Walter Wisznia, for whom he funds a memorial lecture at Tulane’s School of Architecture, was focused on the new construction of office buildings and condo developments, but new construction did not make sense in the post-Katrina New Orleans building landscape. With an initially weak business economy and the affects of Katrina leaving many abandoned buildings, Wisznia was able to gradually purchase four in the area and utilize both historic and occasionally new market tax credits in order to finance their redevelopment.

The three completed projects, the Union Lofts, the Maritime, and the Saratoga, and the ongoing project, the Garage, all have some similar strategies for their design renovation of using movable wall panels to create open spaces, but have a varied aesthetic response from Wisznia’s adept group of designers for two reasons. According to Wisznia, “The design variation is intentional. If we are going to do multiple developments in one downtown we don’t want to cannibalize our own projects with newer projects. Also each building has a certain vernacular, so we work with the existing conditions of the building to figure out the space planning and finishes so that the units are working in concert with the building itself.”

| The Minority Report | 2012 21

design

using fai T h

By: OLIVER M. THOMAS Jr.

African – American, Black, or whatever moniker we may want to give ourselves, are one of the most Religious groups and Cultures in the world. Every Sunday all across America will fill our places of worship from the Choir stand to the last pew in the church. We tithe and fulfill our religious obligations even when we can barely take care of ourselves and in our community too often we rely on just our faith, and not the kind of action that God says should accompany a believer. (Deuteronomy 8: 18, remembrance of the God who gives man the power to get wealth is emphasized. Wealth here is considered as a means to establish God’s covenant.) The poverty statistics that are attached to AfricanAmericans show that weather it’s the disparity gap in income, or higher unemployment, access to affordable homes, or capital for small and emerging businesses, when the economy is good we’re not doing as well as others, and when the economy is in the kind of condition it’s in right now we suffer the kind of economic turmoil that places us last on the wealth chart. When I think about New Orleans and African- American businesses that have emerged post Katrina, Abide Home Health comes to mind. Just think if New Orleans had more African- American businesses that could employ people from its community, and give them the kind of economic foundation that companies like Abide provides. What could we predict? Well, less crime, better education, more homeownership, more economic independence, and less reliance on Government services. Business owners like Lisa Crinel create the kind of freedom that allows our families to worship without worry! Because as prayerful and hopeful as we are the stress and worry to make ends meet, for basic survival adds to the Social Ills that financially cripple the African-American Community all over America. Now I’m not suggesting that we should put financial wealth before spiritual wealth, but am saying that we should use our money and our investments to improve the quality of life and create economic independence in our community.

Just think Black folk praying to God to be lifted up to Heaven, and using our money to lift us out of Poverty. Wouldn’t that be a new dynamic! A strategy to use most of the 1.1 trillion dollars we spend annually, which makes us the 12th largest nation in the world as resources to build stronger families and more self-sufficient communities for our own people. In the Book of Matthew Chap.7 verse 7& 8, the scripture encourages us to knock on Heaven’s door and ask for God’s blessing, because God gives to those who ask. As practicing believers we are willing to knock on God’s door all day and night, and aggressively plead with our Lord, and even make worldly demands on our Savior, but we won’t demand the same kind of fairness and access to wealth from Political and Business Leaders. What is about the AfricanAmerican that prohibits us from believing that we are worthy of our own investment? Some say Willie Lynch, and those ole, “ How

to maintain a Slave “manifesto’s still condition our thinking and our actions hundreds of years later, some say economic policies, and unwritten rules that redline our communities from access to capital play a major part every day. There are I’m sure more reasons than we can come to terms with, but it’s also safe to say that though many have conditioned ourselves to be Christians and live a Godly life, we haven’t maintained that same attitude when it comes investing in our own people. We have a Black President, and high black unemployment, we have a city like New Orleans with a majority African-American population, and extreme poverty amongst our people with one of the highest income gaps between white and Black in the nation. So how then do we use our faith to strengthen our economics? Should the same Black Church that preached boycotting those who would hose and abuse us, now teach us how to keep our money in our community for more than 8hrs. so we could create our own businesses and jobs.

Should whatever families are left in our community take on the responsibility of teaching the next generation to invest in Black people in spite of what they’ve been conditioned to believe. In the words of Lisa Crinel owner and CEO of Crinel Enterprises,

“ As an African-American business our faith has to be our foundation, and we have to be mindful of the Economic and Employment condition of our people. At Abide and Lace we operate with God being the head of our business, and it’s our obligation to make sure our people (His People) are empowered, clothed, and fed. This provision comes from God, and we will continue to be mindful and prayerful for all of our families during these difficult economic times.” Lisa Crinel.

| The Minority Report | 2012 | The Minority Report | 2012 23 22

T o s TR egn T hen e C onomi C s

hri p roperties in n ew o rleans

Based in New Orleans, HRI Properties (HRI) is a full-service real estate development company and a national leader in the adaptive reuse of historic structures. The company specializes not only in real estate development, but also property and hotel management. Most recently, HRI and invested partners have given a historic property on Canal Street, formerly the D.H. Holmes building, an $18 million restoration. The hotel was flagged as the Hyatt French Quarter in May 2012. Hyatt Place on Convention Center Boulevard also underwent an $8 million renovation to the property and received its flag in March.

HRI Lodging is a division of HRI Properties, which acts as the hospitality liaison and management team of several hotels throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and Virginia. Gary Gutierrez, president of HRI Lodging, oversees all aspects of operations and performance of the company’s hotel assets. He provides guidance and oversight to project acquisitions and brand relations and has an extensive background handling turnaround strategies for distressed and under-performing hotel properties.

Gary is a 25-year lodging industry veteran and came to HRI Lodging from Highgate Hotels based in Dallas, Texas. As vice president of operations, he successfully oversaw operations of hotels such as the AAA 4-Diamond 676-room Westin Hotel and 1010-room Parc55 Hotel in San Francisco. In addition, he has managed boutique and lifestyle hotels such as the iconic Paramount Hotel and On The Avenue Hotel in New York City. Prior to working for Highgate Hotels, Gary served as divisional vice president of Remington Hotels, managing operations of both independent and Marriott branded venues. In addition, he worked with Wyndham International for 16 years managing operations of several 4 and 5-Diamond properties around world.

“The city of New Orleans is really like no other in the world, said Gary Gutierrez, “Being a part of HRI Lodging and helping to develop various projects has been a great introduction to the community. It is rewarding to be a part of the rebuilding process.”

Gary is a resident of the Warehouse District and enjoys being part of the reinvigoration of downtown New Orleans.

As mentioned, the Hyatt French Quarter has recently received a major overhaul with complete renovation to the exterior and interior including guest rooms, lobby, pool and courtyards, food and beverage outlets. At the helm of the hotel is general

with

for more than 25 years and joins the Hyatt French Quarter team coming from the Chateau Bourbon Hotel and before that from Dallas, where he managed the 811-room Hyatt Regency DFW since 2005. Prior to that position, he served as general manager of two other Hyatt Regency properties.

“Joining HRI Lodging to manage the renovation and transition of the Chateau Bourbon to the Hyatt French Quarter was an opportunity hard to resist,” said Larry Daniels. “One of the most exciting aspects is to see firsthand the revitalization happening on Canal Street and how the hotel’s restoration fits into the big picture.”

HRI has a reputation for creating diverse, vibrant and sustainable communities in the local market and strives to help develop our city in a manner in which is deserved. The company has earned numerous awards for its restoration projects and community service, including the National Preservation Honor Award, conferred by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Most recently, HRI received the Sold on St. Louis Award for its development initiatives in St. Louis.

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Hyatt French Quarter

800 Iberville Street

New Orleans, LA 70112

TEL: 504-586-0800

Hyatt Place New Orleans/ Convention Center

881 Convention Center Boulevard

New Orleans, LA 70130

TEL: 504-524-1881

| The Minority Report | 2012 25

manager, Larry Daniels. He has worked Hyatt

Re V i Talizing Ci T ies by C R eaT ing d i V e R se, Vib R an T and s us Tainable Communi T ies

to suggest that nearly seven years since h urricane k atrina, two years o F a new M ayor with a national recession sandwiched in B etween, n ew o rleans’ s M all B usinesses have B een in survival M ode is an understate M ent.

Having to rebuild to rebound is no easy task, especially in an uncertain climate. While small businesses pride themselves on being resourceful and nimble, the resounding question being floated is: Where is the money going?

g iven the large F ederal in F usion F or disaster recovery, Louisiana has become a gold rush for many business interests outside of the State (creating considerable economic leakage) during a time when local business capacity and reserves warrant support. It would stand to reason that policy makers would be vigilant in enforcing programs and policies designed for local participation, yet public sentiment is that after the press release(s) less attention is being paid to actual metrics of success.

“ w hen you understand history, the collective w ill is all that helps the underserved achieve its’ goal o F Fairness and equity. t he “ F ight” that is necessary is B est deter M ined By those unwilling to share.”

Ben R. Guillory, Agent 4111 Franklin Ave

New Orleans, LA 70122 Bus: 504-943-4055

ben.guillory.b21w@statefarm.com

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DEPENDABLE and KNOWLEDGEABLE agent seeks customers looking for real PROTECTION and long term RELATIONSHIP.

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Having one special person for your car, home and life insurance lets you get down to business with the rest of your life. It’s what I do. GET TO A BETTER STATE ™ . CALL ME TODAY. Look no further.

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To best respond to the ongoing challenge of access and inclusion, a group of civic minded, business professionals have come together to create “The Collaborative”. The Collaborative endeavors to engage local leadership to create and/or enforce polices of economic inclusion for small businesses while identifying opportunities that will enhance local participation and success.

t he colla B orative is co M prised of many seasoned and nascent businesses choosing not to be distracted by political platforms and platitudes yet galvanized by data, dialogue and diplomatic demands. The brainchild of organizer Barbara Major, who in her work as a community loan fund executive, witnesses first-hand the inordinate difficulties minority businesses face to compete.

The Collaborative continues to grow as the word spreads, reinforcing the belief that small business feels disconnected, need to huddle and share information for basic survival. Uniting to stand during these difficult times is the only option, for the roots and remnants of socioeconomic divisiveness are too costly to revisit...

| The Minority Report | 2012 | The Minority Report | 2012 27 26 t he c olla B orative

1101201.1 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

f R eedom equali T y

African Americans have a long history of activism in New Orleans, from fighting for freedom, quality education, political representation, or integrated public spaces to the new frontier of economic inclusion. Barbara Major has made it her life’s mission to study and practice the fight of institutional racism and how it affects economic disparities. Ms. Major says, “ In order to be a change agent, you have to first get over the fear of death, and be fortunate enough to be in touch with your humanity.” “At the end of the day, I want my family to be proud of me for giving people of the community a voice at the table that they’ve never had.”

Barbara Major, born in New Orleans Charity Hospital, raised in Franklinton, Louisiana, is a graduate of George Washington Carver High School, and later earned her B.A. in Sociology of Southern University of New Orleans. She’s come a long way from her “farm town” upbringing. Whereas currently, she is the CEO and President of Citizens United for Economic Equity (CUEE), the chair of the Regional Transit Authority Board, a current board member of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA), and a board member of Mouton Charter School. She has spent much of her life addressing issues of inequality, from Women’s Rights, to race relations and economic disparities. She is the past United Nations representative to the World Conference in India, Nicaragua, South Africa, East Africa, and Germany. “We know we’re being left out, but we’re always forced to prove it. That’s the road block proving what we already inherently know,” says Ms. Major. “African Americans and minority businesses have never been given our fair share without a fight. The fight we must endure will be defined by those unwilling to share.” Ms. Major has always been a collaborative thinker, understanding history; she suggests the collective will is all that’s ever helped us get out fair share. Currently, as the lead organizer of a new small business initiative called The Collaborative, she has demonstrated, contrary to popular belief that people and business owners want to work! “The system has castrated and demeaned black men and is the most vile, vicious, and hateful

attempt at circumventing upwardly mobile, educated, and hard working members of our community and our families.”

Ms. Major isn’t interested in being well-liked, but you must RESPECt her. She has always believed in three guiding principles that she offers to budding business executives which are to be honorable, to always understand and be cognizant of the voiceless people, and to always do what’s right (in your heart). When addressing issues of criticism, she responds with her understanding of institutional racism that she too, subscribes to a relationship model, as do her white counterparts. She is a bit perplexed at any criticism that she receives by the general market, New Orleans, regarding lending or procurement opportunities to the underserved African American business owners. She reminds people that New Orleans is represented by an over sixty percent African American Population who have achieved far less than the thirty-five percent disadvantaged economic incentive goals that she fights for. She urges minority business owner to collaborate and find mutually beneficial business opportunities that allow for larger scopes of work and to lose the thoughts of small-minded competition.

When you ask Ms. Major what she’s most proud of and you think of her

international travels F or equity her board positions, her business accomplishments, etc., she responds having raised two young men. Gentry, who is a minority contractor and familyman, and Akeem, who is an honor student in college studying electrical engineering, is her life’s pleasure and personal success.

w

“ w hen you leave M e, you B etter B e in a B etter position than when i F ound you.”

OFFICIAL BIO Barbara Major President/CEO

Barbara Major brings 40 years of experience in social work, community organizing, and national and international community development to helping CUEE fulfill its mission of eradicating poverty through asset building in New Orleans. Formerly the director of the St. Thomas Community Clinic, and currently on the boards of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority and the Regional Transit Authority, Ms. Barbara is an expert in identifying funding sources and allocating resources so that the resulting social impact is effective and sustainable.

cuee

c itizens u nited F or e cono M ic e quity

a B out cuee

Citizens United for Economic Equity is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) created to support economic parity in the rebuilding of the great city of New Orleans. Our mission is to invest in small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses in order to alleviate the extreme racial and economic disparities evident in the regional economy.

CUEE has aided in the recovery and growth of more than 200 small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses in Southeast Louisiana by providing over $8 million dollars in low interest loans since December 2008.

As we continue to learn and grow as an organization, we will persistently strive for excellence in terms of our financial and lending procedures. As part of all audits through 2011, CUEE has remedied and cleared all audit findings by social investors, government funders, and private foundations. We appreciate that these evaluations have allowed us to streamline our processes and improve services to our clients.

At CUEE, we clearly understand the challenges we face as a young organization determined to overcome the racial disparities in institutional lending that contribute to the high unemployment, blight, and crime in the neighborhoods of New Orleans. It is a

fight against historic prejudice and an entrenched business culture that chooses to ignore the regional growth potential, economic diversification and social stabilization that would come with a vibrant minority-owned business community.

Through small business lending, policy research, and community partnerships, CUEE will continue to advocate for an economically just environment in which all hard-working business owners have a real opportunity to succeed.

| The Minority Report | 2012 | The Minority Report | 2012 29 28

co MM unity

Bar B ara Major

poli CTal R ep R esen TaT ion 60%

co MM unity

black art is an investment

s tella j ones g allery

After a 20-year practice in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Stella Jones and her husband, Harry, started an art gallery that gives voice to BLACK ARTISTS. Stella Jones Gallery is situated in the heart of downtown New Orleans and features an impressive stable of established and emerging artists. Having traveled all over America to seek out relationships with new and exciting Black Artists, a rare DIvERSIty of DIASPORIAN ARtIStS is represented. Today, art galleries and dealers, along with museums must be mindful that history should be inclusive, as we write art history, from here forward.

The gallery is dedicated to assisting individuals interested in collecting works of art that are high in esthetic value and strong in economic potential. In keeping with that commitment, their collections represent a wide range of style, media and subjects by artists of African descent – especially those who live and work in The Americas.

tHE gALLERy BROKER’S ARt, teaches the new collector how to collect, maintain and insure their works and also informs them about art valuation. Anyone interested in starting an art collection, adding to or maintaining an already existing collection, can find assistance form Stella Jones Gallery.

Never have Black Artists claimed such a presence in American history than the last few decades of the 20th century. An entire generation of artists who participated in the New Deal’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) is gaining deserved recognition for their career contributions. Along with literary and musical artists, these Black visual artists strongly established the black identity by fusing African imagery with their American experience in the arts.

Right now is an exciting time for collectors of Black Art. Within the past two decades, we have seen a celebration of the tenacity and collective genius of Black Artists who, despite racial resistance, became powerful visionaries in the history of American arts. As we move further into the new millennium, names of Black Artists such as Elizabeth Catlett, David Driskell, Louis Mailou Jones, Hughie Lee-Smith, Benny Andrews, James Denmark, Margaret Burroughs, Samella Lewis and others, have become household names for collectors of fine visual art and have established themselves as “American Artists.” From abstract to figurative, including photography, their works express a sincere creative feeling and meet the high standards of the greater art world.

Many younger Black Artists, such as Charly Palmer, John Barnes, Nina Buxenbaum, Gale Fulton-Ross, Wosene and Georgette Baker, are making their marks with significant and innovative works. Owning a work of art by any Black Artist is important for African Americans. American art history is being slowly rewritten as Black Artists receive their legitimate place in the burgeoning art world, with a steady increase in ownership of more prestigious galleries by African Americans and major galleries’ recent recognition of works by Black Artists.

StELLA JONES gALLERy, with our broad spectrum of artists of different media and styles, challenges the notion that “our art is one and the same.” As African Americans, it behooves all of us to own art that tells our stories and presents strong, accurate images of ourselves

WE MEASURE IT IN DECADES

In 1937, Jones Walker began as a small law firm in New Orleans. Much has changed since then. For starters, we’re now one of the largest law firms in the Gulf South with more than 375 attorneys in 15 offices across the country. We also serve a broad range of industries, from banking and healthcare to energy and maritime.

While we’ve certainly changed over the years, what hasn’t changed is our steadfast commitment to our communities and helping our clients meet their legal challenges, whether they are large corporations in highly regulated industries or small businesses just starting out like we did 75 years ago.

Perhaps that’s why Corporate Counsel Magazine named us a “Go-To” Law Firm® for the ﬁfth consecutive year. We’re proud to have reached this milestone in our ﬁrm’s history. And while we honor the past on our 75th birthday, we look forward to embracing the future and helping our clients thrive for the next 75 years.

Honoring the past.

the future.

William H. Hines, Managing Partner bhines@joneswalker.com

| The Minority Report | 2012 | The Minority Report | 2012 30 Leadership co MM unity

2012 75 Years. And Still Growing. 2011 Jackson, MS Olive Branch, MS Gulfport, MS 2010 Birmingham, AL (expansion) 2009 Lafayette, LA (expansion) Phoenix, AZ 2008 Birmingham, AL Montgomery, AL Mobile, AL 2006 Houston, TX 2001 The Woodlands, TX Miami, FL 1996 Baton Rouge, LA (expansion) 1991 Lafayette, LA 1990 Washington, D.C. 1980 Baton Rouge, LA 1937 New Orleans, LA

Embracing

We don’t measure success in years

201 St. Charles Ave. | New Orleans, LA 70170-5100 504.582.8000 | joneswalker.com

ALABAMA

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

MISSISSIPPI

Attorney Advertising. No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. JW_Minority_01.indd 1 2/10/12 1:19:12 AM

| ARIZONA |

| FLORIDA | LOUISIANA |

| TEXAS

Architect/Developer

Marcel Wisznia believes good

or more informa on about the The Garage, call: (504) 5 - 4 Marcel Wisznia is the principal of Wisznia|Architecture + Development. Learn more about design-driven development at www.wisznia.com

SMART

IN DOWNTOWN NEW ORLEANS!

design elevates downtown living... an idea evident in his recently completed Mari me and Saratoga buildings. And speaking of eleva ng, Marcel’s most ambi ous project yet, appropriately dubbed The Garage, will pay homage to its prior use as a parking structure and o er residents the convenience of car elevators to li them (and their cars) to their apartment oor. That way, your parking spot is right at your front doorstep. t’s a suburban concept retro ed for an urban se ng and one of the many ways in which Marcel takes an innova ve approach to design-driven development.

GEE WISZ !

LIVING

SBA.gOv

Starting your own business can be an exciting and rewarding experience that offers numerous advantages, such as the ability to be your own boss, set your own schedule and make a living doing something you enjoy. Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires sound planning, creativity and hard work. It also involves taking risks because all businesses require some form of financial investment. To begin evaluating whether or not owning a business is right for you, consider the personal characteristics and qualities that can help improve entrepreneurial success. Fact: a nyone can learn how to B e an entrepreneur Entrepreneurs often have similar traits and characteristics. Here are some of the qualities that can go a long way in bolstering business success. If you don’t have all of these traits, don’t worry. Most can be learned with practice.

CREAtIvE INQuISItIvE DRIvEN HARD WORKER

HIgH-ENERgy LEvEL

INtEgRIty

PROBLEM SOLvINg SKILLS

gOAL-ORIENtED INDEPENDENt CONFIDENt CALCuLAtED RISK tAKER COMMIttED AvID LEARNER SELF-StARtER

RESILIENt

(ABLE tO gROW FROM FAILuRE OR CHANgE)

Businesses are built on ideas. In fact, the first step to starting a business is to come up with an original idea. Therefore, entrepreneurs must be open to thinking creatively. Are you able to think of new ideas? Can you imagine new ways to solve problems? Do you have insights on how to take advantage of new opportunities? Many people believe that some individuals are just born with creative minds, while others are not. This might be true, but you can learn to be more creative if you want to become an entrepreneur!

One approach to improving creativity is to research and learn as much as you can about the things that interest you. New ideas can come from reading or by talking to others who have the same interests. Another way to spark your creativity is to think about a problem and picture different ways to solve the issue. Once you have an idea, think it through and determine if it is a reasonable option. If it is, try it. If it isn’t, keep thinking. Don’t limit yourself. Be open to a variety of possibilities and your creative mind will naturally form new ideas.

to keep your creativity F lowing, use these help F ul hints:

look F or new ideas in a variety o F ways k eep the process si M ple s tart s M all t ry, try again

s u CC ess of a h ome- b ased business: oR gano g old

Demond Crump is a successful entrepreneur out of Atlanta, Georgia. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, he had great vision for his future. After he graduated from high school, he enrolled in the military and served 4 years. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a mobile detailing company and he worked for 7 yrs. He got married to his wife of 18 yrs. and started a family, 3 daughters and 1 son. His son is 19 and has Cerebral Palsy. Having a special needs son and owning his own business. He isn’t a stranger to hard work. Soon after he got into real estate and mortgage loans before hurricane Katrina. During hurricane Katrina he evacuated to Atlanta, Georgia, and stayed.

He got involved in network marketing beginning in 2006, to Nov 2011. In November 2011, he became a part of Organo Gold. Organo Gold has been around since 2008. The total revenue for the company in 2008 was 1 mil then exponentially grew. In 2010 it was 47 mil, 2011-120 mil, and 2012 is projected to produce over 300 million in total revenue. Organo Gold is in 20 countries now. The goal in the next 3 years is to have locations in 200 countries and to have 1 million distributors worldwide.

w hat is o rgano g old? w hy co FF ee?:

Like most people, Desmond was skeptical at the idea of something new and thought it was stupid at first. A friend called him for 3 years to try to convince him to join the business. He was taught the business and how it could benefit him, and then decided to hop on board. The best thing about Organo Gold is that it is a HEALTH and WELLNESS coffee. It has the super-herb GANODERMA in it. Organo Gold is a brand that specializes in this rare herb. It is infused in their products, such as coffee, toothpaste, soap and lotion. The benefits of Ganoderma are incredible and include a strengthened immune system. Organo Gold has mastered the brilliant idea of combining the number one habit in the world (coffee drinking), with the number one herb in the world. If we are going to drink coffee, why not make it as healthy as possible? Organo Gold isn’t going anywhere. It is recessionproof and is ALWAYS in demand. Coffee has been around for centuries. It is not a fad like the next diet pill or new technology. People will still be drinking coffee in 50-60 years.

s uccess s tory:

Organo Gold has different levels that are assigned according to the amount of revenue achieved. On November 1st, 2011 he made it to Diamond Consultant. It takes the average person 12-18 months to achieve this level. Mr. Demond achieved this is only 29 days. To be a Diamond Consultant is to have the #1 lifestyle in the world. You can make 80,000 a month while the organization does over 200,000 a month in revenue.

h ow to get involved:

Anyone can do it. Your ability to be successful is based on your individual mindset and belief factor. Everyone has God-given potential that merely needs to be recognized and tapped into. The team-building factor in this company is what makes you successful. Most people are used to linear pay based on hourly wages. Never do you see the people at a lower level able to profit from people on a higher level like Organo Gold’s network marketing business. Network marketing produces more millionaires than any other outlet! Donald Trump was asked in an interview what business he would be in if he lost all of his money in real-estate. He answer was network marketing. The audience snickered. His response was, “That’s why you all are sitting out there and I’m sitting up here.” People need to open their eyes. The main reason why most people are in the troubled financial situation that they are in is because they aren’t taught any other way. If people would open their minds and be willing to take in new information and apply it. There are endless possibilities.

“You don’t have to be great to get started, but Y ou need to get started to be great.”

-Demond Crump by: Dacia Fernandez

| The Minority Report | 2012 | The Minority Report | 2012 35 34 i s e n TR ep R eneu R ship f o R you?

ho M e- B ased B usiness

StRONg MANAgEMENt AND ORgANIzAtIONAL SKILLS

10 s teps to r epair, r e B uild, and p rotect your c redit

Excerpts from Forbes.com Contributor Liz Davidson

Have you had one or more financial misfortunes over the past several years and now have a less than ideal credit score? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Credit scores have been one of the biggest victims of the financial crisis and the recession. Unfortunately, that number can determine not only whether you can get credit and what interest rates you’ll pay but they can also affect your insurance premiums and even your ability to get a job.

1 Fix any errors in your credit report. You can get a free copy of each of your 3 credit reports every 12 months, at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228.

2 Catch up on any missed payments.

3 Make sure your payments on any debt and other bills like rent and utilities are on time going forward.

4 Begin Making GOOD Credit. a good place to begin would be to see if your bank will allow you to open a secured credit card.

5 after a few months of making timely payments, try to upgrade to an unsecured card.

6 Pay down as much of your credit card debt as possible and avoid closing credit cards because what matters is the amount you owe as a percentage of your total amount of credit.

7 avoid closing credit cards that you’ve had a long time since this can negatively impact the third factor: the length of your credit history.

8 inquiries for new credit can also damage your score.

9 To help protect your credit from identity theft, consider contacting each credit bureau to put a security freeze on your credit.

10 Finally, you can get a free copy of your credit score along with other potentially useful tools to track and monitor your score at sites like creditkarma.com, quizzle.com, and creditsesame.com.

For full article, log onto Forbes.com Contributor Liz Davidson.

| The Minority Report | 2012 36

s urety Bonds:

The b usiness of i nsu R an C e

By Donna L. Swanson

Business i nsurance is a necessary and o F ten costly B udget ite M F or all B usinesses. w hether you have a retail store, have an o FF ice or do contracting, you need i nsurance. i would like to touch on the M ost co MM on coverage needed By B usinesses.

g eneral l ia B ility:

My favorite term for this kind of insurance is “you will be sued insurance”. No matter how diligent You may be, it’s not always possible to avoid being sued. Often a suit has absolutely nothing to do with negligence. Anyone who can find a willing attorney may file a suit. You must respond to even a totally bogus claim. General Liability Insurance will not only pay for any judgments against you, but will provide legal representation to respond and defend as soon as there is a claim.

General Liability Insurance is written on an adjustable premium basis. It is usually based on projected income or revenues. The policies give the company the right to audit even after the policy expires. This can result in additional premiums.

Note: General Liability Insurance is not a warranty of your work, nor does it guarantee completion of any work.

w orkers co M pensation:

In Louisiana, this may be termed “Somebody is going to pay”. Many Louisiana Laws protect workers. If someone is hurt on a job, they will be compensated. Your insurer may pay the insurance of someone you are contracted with, or you personally will bear the cost. The price of insurance depends on the type of business that you do, your employee payroll and your business loss experience. Workers Compensation, like General Liability, is written with an adjustable premium and you may end up with a bill after policy expiration. Many contractors run into problems with insurance companies or the State of Louisiana when they distinguish employees from contract workers. If a worker performs services for you on a continuing basis and you control what will be done and how it will be done. If you are employing him for insurance purposes (Unless the worker can provide proof of his own coverage).

If you attempt to do any bid business, you will be asked for a Surety Bond. The Surety Bond assures that if you do not complete the contracted work, the insuring company will make sure that the work is done. Then they want to be able to recoup their cost from you. Obtaining a Surety Bond is much more akin to obtaining a bank loan than to purchasing any other type of insurance. The Bonding Company wants to know that you have the capability to pay them back in the event you fail to complete your job. So, obtaining a Surety Bond requires credit records and financial statements. It is not simply a question of applications and premium payments.

to wrap up here are a F ew general rules a B out B usiness insurance:

1.) To minimize expenses and be sure you are properly covered (Keep Good Records). There are Many fine organizations in New Orleans that provide free information on record keeping.

2.) Hire a professional Insurance Consultant. The person selling you a personal auto policy may Not be the one you want to trust with your business future.

3.) Be truthful with your consultant and when you complete applications. This is the year 2012. Your loss information and other history are available to the insurance company. If you have a Website or do marketing or social media, make sure your message is consistent. Insurance Companies check these sources. A contractor applying as a drywall installer should not have A website showing him roofing or elevating houses.

4.) Whatever your business insurance needs, you will pay extra if you do not allow time for your insurance consultant to put together the best possible package for you.

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loo K ing T o s Ta RT a nonp R ofi T?

Nonprofit organizations also known as charitable organizations, nongovernmental organizations, tax-exempt organizations or in some cases corporate entities that are formed for the sole purpose of fulfilling a mission to improve the common good of our community rather than acquire a profit. Nonprofits are guided by their charitable vision and led by their Board of Directors. The appointed board in terms will hire additional staff if needed, create a strategic direction or plan of action for which the organization will operate. Nonprofits serve as a vehicle for people in the community whom want to be active servants in their community making a difference in the lives of others. There primary focus is to strengthen the community through community-outreach by creating various programs, employment and educational training to enhance the lives of the citizens in the community. In addition to, a vision to assist families, businesses, and communities so that everyone would have an economic opportunity to reach their full potential.

Organizations operate for several purposes such as charitable, educational, religious, scientific, day care centers, food banks, low-income housing organizations, theatre groups, universities, social clubs, fraternities/sororities and mental health organizations are examples of many different types of charitable entities.

The ultimate goal is meeting the needs of citizens throughout the community. Fundraising and grant funding are very common

Directors. The appointed board in terms will hire additional staff if needed, create a strategic direction or plan of action for which the organization will operate. Nonprofits serve as a vehicle for people in the community whom want to be active servants in their community making a difference in the lives of others. There primary focus is to strengthen the community through community-outreach by creating various programs, employment and educational training to enhance the lives of the citizens in the community. In addition to, a vision to assist families, businesses, and communities so that everyone would have an economic opportunity to reach their full potential.

The ultimate goal is meeting the needs of citizens throughout the community. Fundraising and grant funding are very common ways in which nonprofits fund their missions. These efforts to acquire funding are done on a local, national, and global level. Nonprofits are very vital in our community; helping to initiate economic growth and community development for our citizens. One of the greatest challenges of nonprofits sometimes is advancing their creative ideas and solutions which can be benefit the community and connecting citizens to the opportunities. Marketing strategies and low visibility can be a challenge as well for the organization. Nonprofits are community-based organizations composed of individuals throughout the community coming together for one common goal

| The Minority Report | 2012 | The Minority Report | 2012 39 38

Charles Williams, CEO The Williams Group NOLA

| The Minority Report | 2012 | The Minority Report | 2012 41 40 Member FDIC True leadership in business is marked by an unselfish commitment to the greater good of the community. The same can be said of banking. At Whitney Bank, you can look forward to a promising future of greater strength, increased convenience, a broader range of financial services for your business, and a continued commitment to the communities we call home. Find out more at whitneybank.com. Whitney Bank and you. Moving forward together. Committed to you. Committed to New Orleans. Free Business Checking • No Monthly Service Charge • No Minimum Balance • 500 transactions per statement cycle* • No monthly or annual fees on debit cards Simply Better! *Any Free Business Checking account exceeding stated transactions or cash deposited limits during any two statement cycles in a 12 month period may automatically be converted to Advanced Business Checking. Free Online Bill Pay Service is intended for use by small business clients with annual sales less than $10 million. Commercial accounts must review online services with Relationship Banker for a quote. Please refer to the Rate and Fee Schedule for more information. Public Fund, Brokerage or Institutional entities and IBERIABANK Corporation associates with businesses are not eligible for this oﬀer. transactions per statement We’re giving BIG rewards to our small business clients! FREE BUSINESS CHECKING very loving. @TCOLnola #TCOL THE CITY OF LOVE 8601 Palmetto & Leonidas St. Sunday Experience 8 am /10:30 am Wednesday Experience 12 noon / 7pm Saturday Experience 8 am EXPERIENCE the Love of God

d aily d eal s ites: t he eM ergence o F the “c usto M er a cquisition

Today’s economy has created the demand for two things – cost effective ways to shop and cost effective ways to advertise to those consumers. One of the realities of this tightfisted era - where even Amazon shareholders demand a profit - is that well-known brands, by virtue of their ability to attract customers, are also the ones best able to offer online bargains.

The small business owner faces the challenge of not having the well-known brand names to attract customers and not having the funds to market their products and services to the buying audience. The emergence of the “customer acquisition tool”, better known as the daily deal website, has given the small business owner the opportunity to reach their audience, obtain new customers and grow their revenue with no upfront cost to them.

CajunDailyDeals.com was launched in October 2010 to serve as a customer acquisition tool for businesses and as a great savings opportunity for consumers. This New Orleans’ based product was designed and launched to compete in one of the fastest growing online sales segments in the country – daily deals websites. Sites such as Groupon and Living Social have set the standard for how to market to consumer in these economic times. Local sites such as CajunDailyDeals.com have used local databases to reach local businesses and help them increase their bottom line.

CajunDailyDeals.com is dedicated to offering consumers incredible savings on things that they already purchase every day. By being a locally-owned company, they can find deals that national companies may overlook. The local insight to what consumers want, gives the local site a strategic edge in marketing. By offering businesses the ability to reach this local database at no cost to them, they provide great discounts not offered anywhere else. Each day, one “Deal of the Day” is emailed to a database of over 80,000 people with an opportunity to save at least 50% off of the product or service.

The concept behind CajunDailyDeals.com and all other daily deals websites is to target consumers that are looking for great savings on products and services that they use every day. Moreover, this online group of shoppers has also been segmented to focus in on who this group of daily “impulse-buying” individuals actually consists of the most. Groupon was one of first deal sites offering daily deals on food and services in cities across the country and throughout the world.

Whether you have a product, service, event or activity, the daily deal website is the ideal way to watch your financial business goals come true. While Groupon and Living Social soar to greater and greater heights (both are valued in the Billions of dollars!!!), local sites like CajunDailyDeals.com continue to offer locals the ability to reach an audience that once was beyond their reach. Look for more sites to come that offer small businesses the ability to acquire new customers in the near future.

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tool”

Jb ehind T he b iz of m usi C

j ohn “j ohn j ohn” g ordon : owner o F t. e . a .M. p roductions

ohn John, a New Orleans Native is the “Man Behind the Music”. From humble beginnings, he has successfully branded New Orleans’ #1 R&B singer, Rantz Davis. His road to success has been a winding one, with roadblocks, unexpected U-turns, and Detours. However, the journey is no where near finished and he and his team have accomplished more in a few years than what anyone could ever dream of.

It all started back in 2006. As a fresh college graduate in Business/ Sales and Marketing, John John started a career managing at T-mobile while promoting for different record companies and Hot 104.5 FM radio. Then, in 2008, He met Rantz Davis and Verdell (V.script) while also working at T-mobile and the rest is history. John John heard their music and the quality was “unlike anything he had ever heard in the local community.” He decided he wanted to help. Already having experience in business, management, promotions, and relationships at radio stations, this would be the perfect opportunity on both sides.

They immediately began their collaboration, and T.E.A.M. Productions went to full throttle. Rantz Davis’ first album, “Love Train” was released in October of 2010 with hit singles having major airplay such as “gIRL RIgHt tHERE” and “HEy” John John’ friend and mentor “DC”, program director of Q93 FM, helped by giving insight as to which songs would “keep their listeners tuned in.” That’s just what the songs achieve, by giving their listeners hit after hit. “DC” suggested that they release a song from Rantz’ mix tape which was considered part of their “old” material. They followed his advice, and little did they know, that song would be their catapult into major success. “NOBODy” was an instant hit and favorite. It was their most downloaded and played single to date. Following this single came appearances, tours, features, ITunes royalties and more.

John John’s schedule became hectic and he would need to make a decision about his job at T-Mobile. He needed nights and weekends to be available to manage like he needed too. This resulted in a transfer to a job with State Farm which was more flexible as well as all 3 men living under one roof. John John’s artist was becoming more and more in demand, eventually leading to both himself and Rantz needing to make a life decision. They both quit their jobs and decided to give 160%. Now they are touring different states with his new hit single “Old Thing Back”, and are so constantly in demand that they don’t need “jobs”. John John’s management is now a small business in itself.

Having years of experience in the local market, he can look back and give feedback as to what the local community can do to better help people like himself and each other. The main thing he believes New Orleans should do is SUPPORT. “If you see a new artist on stage performing with charisma, presence, and talent, SUPPORT, even if he/she is unheard of.” “We should all be more open minded as a community.” As far as minority businesses’ part in helping, the best way would be creating partnerships. For example, right now John John is partnered with “Sloppy Seconds” clothing line. Wardrobe is provided in exchange for exposure. He is already giving back to the community, partnering with COS, promoting The Arts in schools. John John is definitely implementing his company’s motto. “Together Everyone Achieves More.” (T.E.A.M.)

John John’s near future goals that are into play include a clothing line of Hip Hop/ Urban couture, film, and managing other artists of which include Alania. John John’s team is growing, and right now consists of about 12 main people listed as follows:

how T o hollywood sou T h

From Baton Rouge, to Shreveport, to New Orleans especially, it seems as if taking a step onto the streets of downtown New Orleans is like taking a step right into Hollywood. We’ve all seen the trailers, trucks, “super-techy” equipment, street blockage, parking lots turned into base camps and used to provide amenities to feature films and television shows. Apartment complexes, private residences, hotels, and local businesses are being rented and sometimes bought to provide the right setting for the production. With so much of New Orleans’ resources being used. How does one get to participate?

Behind the s cenes:

Beco M ing a crew M e MB er:

Compose your resume. Be clear. Keep it short and sweet. It should be ONE page. DO NOT lie. It is ok if you do not have experience. References are optional. Email your resume to the appropriate production email address of the film or show you want to work on. Include your contact info in the email.

Rantz Davis-artist

Vscript - songwriter

Lanzer Robinson- publicist

Damien “Smooth” Brown- stylist

Amber Allen, Quinn Gordon, and Brittany Baham - photographers

Charley Mac and Zac Manuel- Videographer

Josh Casimer- Trainer/Nutritionist

Blair Taylor and K.C.- Producers

John John says even after he has to relocate to larger markets, he will “come right back to the community.”

You want to make a movie? You must write the script, and then sell your script. If you are successful in doing so, pre-production begins, followed by production, and post production.

WWW SCREENWRItERS MEEtuP COM

WWW FILMtAxINCENtIvES COM

h elp F ul l inks:

WWW.FILMCREWPRO.COM

WWW FILMNEWORLEANS ORg WWW LOuISIANAENtERtAINMENt.gOv

| The Minority Report | 2012 44

entertain M ent

Powerhouse behind R&B artist Rantz Davis

entertain M ent

WWW.DOCStOC COM

WWW.FILMINgLOuISIANA COM

u tilizing your services:

When films come to town they need a variety of services. They are encouraged to do so through Louisiana’s tax incentives. When marketing your business be clear about what services you offer. Bid competitively, and provide discounts as productions like to save money. Research so you will know which departments could use your services.

WWW.FILMNEWORLEANS.ORg

WWW.LOuISIANAENtERtAINMENt.gOv

u sing your venue/location:

You would like to use your business, home, etc as a filming location? Take pictures of your property, write a description, email the photos and description and contact info to kagunnell@nola.gov

For houses/apartments: You must fill out the appropriate application on www.filmneworleans.org. Leases will be short term between 2-4 months. “Turnkey” properties where everything is included such as utilities, furniture, and internet is ideal.

WWW FILMNEWORLEANS ORg

WWW.LOuISIANAENtERtAINMENt.gOv

Beco M ing an a ctor:

If you would prefer to be in front of the camera and would like to start a talent career there are steps you need to take. You can be an extra or a career stage actor. You should get some experience by becoming an extra, working on student films or “no budget films” and building relationships with people in the industry such as cameramen, screenwriters, directors and editors. You can then use the footage from the student and “no budget” films to create a reel. Another important step to take is to get professional headshots. This is very important because this represents who you are. Lastly, get an agent. You will need an agent to audition for principal roles.

WWW.ACCLAIMtALENt.COM

WWW.AvAtALENtAgENCy.COM

WWW FAMEAgENCy.COM

WWW LOuSIANAWARDAgENCy.COM

WWW.DELCORRALMODEL COM

WWW.WILHELMINABROWN.COM

WWW.LANDRuMCREAtION SMugMug.COM

WWW.DANAgENCyNEWORLEANS.COM

WWW.FILMINgLOuISIANA COM

you can F ind resources, contact in F o, lists o F projects in pre production/ production and in F or M ation at www. F il M neworleans.co M .

| The Minority Report | 2012 46

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For more than 50 years, the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau and our dedicated industry partners have worked hard to serve the people of New Orleans. By promoting New Orleans as a vacation and meeting destination, the CVB helps bring millions of visitors to the city every year. These visitors spent over $5 billion in 2011. Tourism matters.

Working together, we can achieve uncommon results

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| The Minority Report | 2012 49

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w . n e w o r l e a n s c v b . c o m