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TCPBIZ SUMMER 2011 EDITION

VOLUME 1 NUMBER 1

Contents

TCPBIZMAG.COM

5 Impact of Gas Prices

7 Leaders, Legends, and Ladies

8 A Marketing Minute

10 Economic Impact

Editorial

The original focus of TCP Magazine (our flagship publication) was to cover music, ministry and businesses in the faith-based community. Because of our involvement in the music industry, the magazine became heavily populated with music themes and the business section was absorbed into the other sections. However, during the process we received numerous awards and recognitions locally and nationally.

To continue our original vision, we are launching a special edition of TCP BIZ. The content will include stories that will motivate and encourage aspiring entrepreneurs that they can excel in starting and becoming a successful business owner despite our current economic conditions. Resources will be provided to help you on your journey and networking sessions will be held by TCP BIZ to help cross promote businesses.

This issue and subsequent issues of TCP BIZ will be provided in print and online. The online flip version will encompass the latest technology, which provides live links and embedded audio and video. Advertisers will have the choice of purchasing a standard ad or an ad with multiple capabilities and selecting target marketing with any of our 15 media partners across the country and abroad.

Take a look at this edition of TCP BIZ and let’s talk about how we can help you expose your goods or services to our client base.

Once again, through our print magazine, online full-version flip magazine, social networking sites and media partners, we have programs that can place you in front of thousands of subscribers.

Call us today at 919 796-4724 or 919 676-0263 and let’s build a strategic relationship for your marketing needs.

Peggy Tatum, CEO The Connection Place, Inc. Publisher of TCP Magazine

TRANSLATING FOOD CULTURE

By Chef Khaleel Faheemud-Deen

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sk most people you meet about pasta, they immediately attribute it to the Italian culture, but this may not necessarily be the case.

The actual origin of how pasta came to be is a widely debated topic and depending upon who is asked, there are a myriad of versions of its genesis. As suspected, many believe that pasta was invented by the Etruscans (Italians of Tuscany) in 400 BC, and although there exists evidence that proves that they developed tools that were used to mix, roll and cut dough into strips, others believe that pasta was invented by the Chinese long before the Etruscan explorer, Marco Polo brought it to Europe during his travels to China.

While the exact origins of pasta remain unknown, what is certain is that the industrial manufacturing of pasta is known to have begun in Naples, Italy at the beginning of the 15th century. Despite its origins, pasta is an indelible part of most cultures today and while it is commonly attributed to Italy, it is enjoyed worldwide.

Traditionally pasta is described as a food product made of cereal flour (usually durum wheat - semolina) mixed with water. The pasta is prepared by kneading the semolina flour with water and adding other desired ingredients such as eggs, oil, flavoring, vegetable extracts, herbs and spices. There are two typical types of pasta, dried pasta and fresh pasta.

Dried pasta is flat pasta that is industrially mixed, rolled and cut into various shapes by a blade, stamp, punch, or some other suitable machine. Fresh pasta is the other type of pasta and is usually made by small restaurants or in home kitchens and may be made with flour instead of semolina and almost always contains

eggs. Fresh pasta must be eaten quickly before it dries out and/or becomes unsafe to consume.

In the early days of my culinary career, I recall being quite intimidated by the idea of making pasta from scratch.

Many of my colleagues would talk about how easy it was to prepare, however I wasn’t sure I could master the time honored technique of making fresh pasta.

Little did I know, that it was something that had already been introduced to me in my grandmother’s kitchen while standing apron-level at her side. Once I had conquered my unrealistic fear of the unknown technique of making fresh pasta, and begin to examine its ingredients, it kind of hit me like a ton of bricks. I had made fresh pasta many times before; it was nothing more than the dumpling recipe that I had learned from Ma in making her chicken & dumplings (which she called chicken stew).

Considering myself as somewhat of a food historian, I began to search for similarities and differences among pasta types of various cultures around the world. What I discovered turned out to be quite interesting. The making of fresh pasta and noodles have made its way, not only from China, Japan, France, and Italy or wherever it is said to have originated, but it has found its way into nearly every culture around the globe. However, there are distinctions among pastas of different cultures. These distinctions are usually characterized by the ingredients and shapes that each culture uses to produce its pastas and noodles.

In Italy, commercial dried pastas combine durum wheat and water to create a large number of noodle shapes and

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sizes. While fresh pastas are made using durum wheat semolina, oil and often eggs and salt. And although we aren’t sure whether or not pasta finds its origins in Italy, what we are sure of is that the Italians found pasta to be a nutritious, versatile and economical product. The Ancient Romans fried their pasta and sweetened it with honey and some tossed it with a fish paste the called garum. Some even baked their pasta into rich pies called timballi that actually defied Renaissance laws against lavish or luxurious food production during times of famine or scarcity of wheat. Today, pasta in Italy is usually boiled to a moderately chewy, but resistant consistency known as al dente (to the tooth). The most traditional accompaniment to pasta used by the Italians consists of butter and cheese; however, some even added sugar, cinnamon and other spices.

Surprisingly, the use of tomato sauce, which the Italians call “gravy”, was not introduced until the early 19th century.

The traditional foodways of the Italians have helped make pasta a truly international food.

Many of the Asian cultures have laid claim to the origin of pasta and noodles. In fact, Chinese pasta noodles have been around for several centuries.

These Chinese vermicelli-like noodles are transparent and made from the paste of germinated mung-beans which are soaked in water before they are boiled or fried for consumption. Other pasta noodles in China are made using wheat, rice flour, sweet potato soybean and millet. The Koreans claim to have taught the Japanese how to make soba noodles during the 12th century. The Koreans used Chinese buckwheat that was grown in the northern regions of the country where rice paddies could not survive. Pastas are of many names and types throughout the Asian world including udon, soba, mein, and the list goes on.

In the region of Northwest Africa pasta is made in the form of grains called Couscous, that are produced as small as grains or as large as pearls. In Hungary, there are many types of noodles and dumplings, such as Csipetke (chip-Etkeh) which are dropped directly into soups and stews just as my Grandmother’s chicken stew. In Eastern Europe the pasta dumpling is the Pierogi; in the Arab World the pasta noodle is called Manti; in Scotland it’s called the Clootie dump-

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ling; in Norway the pasta dumpling has many names, one of them is Komle; in Sweden it’s the Pitepalt; in Germany two of the many names for the pasta noodle is Knopfle and Spatzle; in Lithuania pasta dumplings are made with potato called Cepelinai; and in India there is the Fara dumpling among many other. Whether we call them noodles, dumplings or even Gnocchi, pasta all around the world is easy to make, nutritious and an economic food source in every culture.

About the Author

K

aleel Faheemud-Deen is the Director of Catering & Event Sales with Oliver Twist Catering & Events in Raleigh, NC. He is a classically trained chef and has worked in many culinary leadership positions over more than 20 years. He has served as the vice-president of the Triangle Chefs Association, the local Chapter of the American Culinary Federation; and he has served as the Chef Liaison for the March of Dimes Annual Charity Fundraising Event for four seasons. Chef Khaleel is a food historian and is currently writing a book on the culinary history of chefs in America.

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(By: Peggy Tatum)

T

he impact of the increase in gas prices on families and the economy. Gas prices are a part of everyday America whether we like it or not. Without gas, most people can’t get anywhere unless they walk or ride a bike.

While most people live miles from their work, most of the times, people find it hard to walk or ride their bike, especially if the weather outside is five below zero. Gas prices affect us in many ways and I don’t think many people realize how a few cents hike affects the US economy and our towns.

Eating out at restaurants – Let’s face it, everyone and their mother loves to go out and have some good food every once in a while. When gas prices start to rise, people tend to stay at home or travel shorter distances. What does this mean?

People cut back on eating out, that’s one of the first things people do. Instead of dropping $5-$15 a plate, a family would much rather throw that money into the tank.

Grocery shopping bill – Many Americans love to buy their favorite foods or just like to splurge every once in a while on specialty food items but when the gas prices tend to rise, people tend to go the coupon route and start clipping and buying generic

The Impact of Increased Gas Prices

around the table. When people tend to travel less for vacations, this hurts a lot of markets. Let’s think of it for a second. If you were to take a road trip, you’re going to stay at a hotel/campground, eat at a few places, and possibly stop to shop for a little bit. Without the travellers, do you see how it affects us?

Schools extra curriculum With gas prices rising all the time and never going in the opposite directions, there are many ways to save on gas so you can still do those things you love. So, instead of saving at the grocery store, why don’t you save on gas. Using special gas saving techniques or possible a gas credit card can save you a couple bucks every time you fill up.

brands. In turn, this hurts the speciality markets and grocery stores seeing that people are cutting back on their grocery bill to put more money in their wallets for gasoline.

The hotels and resorts – Every time you hop in that car or even in an airplane, these particular devices of transportation use gas. What does it mean when you travel via the ground or air? It means there are higher prices all

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(Peggy Tatum)

another gas image

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Whose Reflection Does Your Mirror Show?

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recently purchased a beautiful pewter vanity mirror with powerful magnification that shows every crevice of my facial skin. The hotels I’ve stayed in have them and I’ve always wanted one for my personal use at home. When I looked into that beautifully lit mirror for the first time, I looked at the “revelations” of my skin tone and the imbalance of what the years have added, but profoundly and immediately, I saw the powerful magnification of my soul. WOW! The woman staring back at me didn’t have the finished makeup and gorgeous jeweled accessories to compliment her usual polished style. Instead, she was refreshingly “natural” to the newness of this God-given day, freshly motivated with a relentless attitude to make the activities of the day count and yet she still commanded the intended mission of excellence set forth for business and life goals of this day. My soul was continuously revealed.

The reflection looking back at me smiled as we simultaneously grabbed hold of our purpose and destiny; we live for it daily. Together we vowed to continue to strengthen our bond of sisterhood in the true spirit of mountaintop experiences taking on everything that we dare to dream with excellence. Together we vowed to stand strong as a woman of focus, faith, action and accomplishment.

Together we vowed to continue to lift up a standard that surpasses the premeasured bar, for striving keeps us in the game of opportunity. Together we vowed to walk through the doors of opportunity that swing on unlimited hinges and when necessary, we will burst down those doors.

By Terry Williams Spicer, CEO, Epiphany Public Relations, LLC of North Carolina show? Are you doing the things necessary to live your life with purpose and destiny? Are you continuously working with relentless abandon toward the levels of excellence required for personal and professional growth and success? If you haven’t taken those steps, take a look into your own reflection with truthful and meaningful assessment. The reflection looking back at you has been given an innate roadmap of purpose and destiny.

What’s required is that first step toward discovery. Put one foot in front of the other and walk into your God-given life of purpose. You will never feel more liberated and fulfilled. Smile at the reflection looking back at you, because it is the one that God personally designed for you to see. Make that wonderful reflection count in His Name!

I love the reflection looking back at me. Together we fear God more than we fear failure. For us, failure isn’t failure; pitfalls are continuous training tools of strength and fortitude to prepare for that “next great thing.” I love the reflection looking back at me; she is my soul and the essence of who I am.

(By Peggy Tatum.)

Whose reflection does your mirror

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Leaders, Legends, and Ladies

Names left to right: Dr. Christy Clayton, Owner of The Cary Women’s Center and OBGYN Practice. / Katie Gailes, CEO of SmartMoves, Intl. / Peggy Tatum, CEO of The Connection Place and Publisher of TCP Magazine and TCP BIZ /Dr. Irma McClaurin, First Female President Shaw University / Edna Earle Blue, Community Activist and Wife of Senator Dan Blue.

P

eggy Tatum joins Leaders, Legends, and Ladies in support of the new Shaw University President.

The First Female President of Shaw University is celebrated by 27 African American Women Leaders TCP Magazine and TCP BIZ were proud to be a sponsor of the first ever Leaders, Legends, Ladies event. Held on Monday, March 28th in historic Estey Hall on the campus of Shaw University, the event was aimed at creating a support network of other accomplished African American women for the 15th and first female president of Shaw University, Dr. Irma McClaurin.

Leaders, Legends, Ladies is the brain child of Katie Gailes, a marketing strategist, owner of SmartMoves International and marketing director and regular marketing columnist for the soon-to-be launched TCP BIZ magazine. “So often, African American women step into significant roles in business and society without the personal and professional support network that they need. In many

cases, they are the first African American, first female or first of both in those roles.

Leaders, Legends, Ladies is a program aimed at creating a support network of other African American female leaders for pioneers and executives like Dr. McClaurin.”

This first gathering of Leaders, Legends, Ladies was held in Estey Hall on the Shaw University campus. ‘This building’s significance to the development of African American women makes it a very special place for this gathering,’ says Edna Earle Blue, a community activist, wife of Senator Dan Blue and one of the coordinators of this event. Estey Hall was the first building constructed for the higher education of African-American women in the United States. Built in 1873, Estey Hall is the oldest surviving building at Shaw, which is the oldest historically black college in the South and was the first institution of higher learning established for freedmen after the Civil War. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is a Raleigh Historic Landmark.

An activist and anthropologist, Dr. McClaurin, is a member of the Ms. Magazine Committee of Scholars. She taught anthropology, women’s and gender studies, African studies, and Latin American Studies during her tenure at the University of Florida. She later served as the Program Officer for Education and Scholarship at the Ford Foundation, where she worked with programs that supported both Black Studies and Women’s Studies.

Most recently, McClaurin served as Associate Vice President of System Academic Administration and Executive Director of the Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center at the University of Minnesota. ‘Meeting so many of my smart and accomplished sisters and being able to share my vision for Shaw University was a real joy,’ says McClaurin. ‘I appreciate their willingness to be a resource for me as I do this most important work.’

Dr. McClaurin goal for the university is ‘….to reignite a vision of research, teaching, scholarship, and community engagement that prepares students to become engaged, challenging, optimistic, and socially responsible citizens in a diverse and global world.

Among the other attendees was Dr. Julianne Malveaux, the 15th President of Bennett College for Women, Linda Coleman, Director of NC State Personnel, Supreme Court Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson, Judge Cheri Beasley of the NC Court of Appeals, Adrianne Lumpkin, President of Alternate Access former member of the Board of Directors of the National Black MBA Association, Maria Spaulding of the NC Department of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Christy Clayton, owner of the Cary Women’s Center and one of the event’s coordinators.

Peggy Tatum says, ‘The TCP organization is proud to support this important project and look forward to continuing our partnership with Leaders, Legends, Ladies as we embrace other African American women leaders, legends and ladies.’

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A

Katie Gailes is Chief Strategist at SmartMoves InternationKatie Gailes, Chief Strategist at SmartMoves International al

Marketing Minute ™

I

n each issue of TCP BIZ Magazine, I will invite you to take a minute to think about marketing. Well, actually, it will take a bit longer than a minute but I promise you that it will be well worth your time.

Marketing has never been more important to your business success than today. As you know, marketing is the process of letting the marketplace, especially your ideal customers, know about your company, product and/or service. Free, economical and easy access to easy-to-use technology has dramatically changed how we communicate with the marketplace.

Technology allows small businesses to look much larger than they are and to mimic the resources and reach of major corporations.

and via the channel that they use for information. In order to resonate with them, the messages must be created specifically with them in mind. In order to be created specifically for them, you must know who your ideal customer is. Whenever an entrepreneur tells me that their ideal customer is everybody, I know that they have not done the work necessary to identify their

lationship with your customers is worth more than gold. Therefore, some of your marketing efforts and resources must be aimed at the customer who has already proven that they will and can do business with you. Some experts say that it costs six times more to get a new customer than it does to keep the one you have. Therefore, some of your marketing efforts must be aimed at selling more to your current customers and keeping at them loyal to your business.

Standing up and standing out for your ideal customer will get their attention and may get them to buy from you the first time. However, if you are to keep their attention, you have to turn them into loyal customers. Satisfied customers will stick with you until someone offers them a little bit better deal. Loyal customers value you beyond the details. This deeper re-

and techniques to help you get or keep more of your ideal customers.

Anybody can be in business almost instantly. With the use of free web sites and blogs, social media and free and inexpensive e-blast tools, anyKatie Gailes is Chief Strategist one’s messaging and information can be readily available to the mar- SmartMoves International, a marketCustomers are the most important ketplace. Since internet technol- ing strategy consulting and coaching thing that your business can have. ogy really knows no geographic firm that helps small businesses aim In fact, if you do not have customboundaries, any business can easily their products into their sweet spot in ers, you do not have a business. If be an international business. This you have enough customers, the the marketplace. is all wonderful news for the aspirrevenue that they provide will aling entrepreneur and small business low you to fix almost any other owner. However, this new, equaliideal customer. Knowing who your ideal problem. They provide the fuel for busitarian marketing environment also creates customer is, what messages will resonate ness growth and can be another marketing some significant new challenges. with them and where they go for their inengine to help you get more customers. In formation is critical to rising above the There is a lot of noise in the marketthe future, each A Marketing Minute ™ noise in the marketplace. place. This means that your ideal cuswill provide information on tools, tactics tomer is constantly being bombarded with messages from your competitors and others. You must stand up and stand out to get their attention. Your ideal customers have to be able to easily find you and pick you out of the crowd. This means that your messages have to resonate with them.

They must be delivered in the format that your ideal customers want to receive them

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Katie Gailes

Chief Strategist at SmartMoves International Like Us on

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Economic Impact of Housing on the Underserved--keeping mortgage lending affordable

By: Victor Galloway Director of Special Research and Policy The Institute of Minority Economic Development

A

s the United States continues to navigate through a stormy recovery from the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression, the negative economic impact is being felt across all ethnic, social and geographic boundaries And while the housing and financial crisis is not limited by economic standing, its effect on communities of color and the underserved has been especially devastating and more prolonged.

Over the past 24 months, the already limited net worth of ethnic minorities has been in decline. Unemployment continues to increase at a higher rate among minorities, and record foreclosure levels are hurting both individuals and communities. As a result, the ability of minority families to maintain or access financial capital has become increasingly difficult. Underserved communities have seen employment, financial stability and homeownership deteriorate, with wealth in those communities mostly driven by homeownership, and access to credit and capital by minor-

ity small business owners often secured by the value of their home. The impact on business has been significant.

One way to reverse that trend is to stabilize the housing market, and ensure that safe, sustainable low down payments are available to those who need them most. How to do that, along with the proposed changes in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are major concerns on Capitol Hill, They make headlines daily.

The critical roles of FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in a vital housing market cannot, be underestimated.

All have long been primary sources of mortgage capital for minority and lowto-moderate income homebuyers. At the same time, their recent moves in response to the troubled mortgage landscape need examination. They should be of concern to buyers pursuing the dream of homeownership across North Carolina and the country.

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At the FHA, an increase in its upfront mortgage premium, which usually is financed into the overall mortgage amount, increased from 1.75% to 2.25% of the base mortgage amount and has added to the cost of all its insured mortgages -- $750 on a $150,000 loan. Also, under consideration is a raise in the maximum monthly FHA mortgage insurance premium from the current rate of 0.55% of the mortgage amount. That, too, would raise costs, perhaps significantly. Such an increase could, however, be paired with a decrease in the upfront premium to make overall cost more affordable.

The FHA also recently set a new minimum 580 FICO threshold for its lowest down payment rate of 3.5%. Since risk is generally off-set by the down payment amount and mortgages where the buyer has “skin in the game� demonstrably perform better, it is reasonable for the FHA to require a higher down payment for those with lower FICO scores. Of concern, however, is that lending institutions do not always administer the FHA guidelines as designed. Instead, lenders almost unanimously impose stricter underwriting overlays that exceed the guidelines, excluding just the families for whom these programs were designed.

Next to the FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the largest source of mortgage capital for U.S. minority and moderate income homebuyers. Unfortunately, in response to ongoing financial challenges both companies have established a variety of new fees that add to the cost of homeownership for low down payment borrowers. Eliminating these new delivery charges and Loan Level Price Adjustments would increase loan availability and affordability for those who need it most.

Such fees dramatically increase the cost of homeownership for buyers taking advantage of private mortgage insurance, a proven alternative to FHA-insured loans.

The increases can price many borrowers, especially minorities and others with lowand moderate-incomes, out of the market. They also present an obstacle to the needed return of the private capital that the private insurers and investors provide, capital that would reduce taxpayer risk from Government-insured loans. Having our government on the line for virtually all mortgage risk is something we simply cannot afford.

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The FHA, Fannie, Freddie and private mortgage insurers all have a role to play in revitalizing the housing market and helping drive the nation’s economic recovery.

In doing so, it will be important for all to resolve the conflict between continuing to provide access to affordable loans while effectively mitigating and accessing risk.

This internal tension raises a concerning question about how much of the increase in fees and pricing is due to risk and how much is driven by profits.

With no true transparency on the analytical tool that predicts a mathematical probability outcome, otherwise known as

a credit score, one must ask has the industry become too dependent or addicted to believing that a consumer’s credit score is the dominate factor of their credit worthiness? Is the lending industry applying the same level of trust in credit scores as they did when funding millions of dollars in stated income and no documentation loans (as they recently did) over the work of an underwriter’s ability to put hand to file? Is local presence in the respective lending market, knowledge of the community, and relationships with the customer of value any more to lenders?

Do lenders still believe that they can fit

most borrowers into to some generalized box(es) and make centralized decisions from faraway places by people who never even heard of some of the communities?

If the same staffing efforts that are in place right now to address loss mitigation, loan modification and foreclosure prevention had been applied to pre-homeownership counseling, manual underwriting, and relationships with the customer communities, would the housing crisis had been as severe?

(Peggy Tatum)

Your Health Matters

Exhausted at the end of the day? Here are a few tips that will help give you a boost and loss those unwanted pounds.

1) Start your day 30 -60 minutes earlier whether working out at home or the Gym. a. meal.

Drink a glass of water before each

b.

Take a brisk walk for 20 minutes or whatever you enjoy doing: jogging, dancing, biking, kickboxing etc. along with some stretching and weight training 2-3 times per week. c.

Make sure to clip on a pedometer to track your steps… Increase steps daily.

2) Prepare your meals the night before.

(Eating out increases your chances of overeating and stay away from vending machines this also saves you money) a.

Breakfast – Enjoy a large bowl of fruit (these are your energy foods) b.

Snack – raw veggies (these are your body cleansing foods) or Fruit of your choice with a few almonds.

Hatti Taylor

By:

III John 2 – Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health even as the soul prospereth

c.

Lunch – make this your largest meal of the day. Don’t over eat it will make you sluggish! d.

Dinner – should be very light and eaten before 8pm.

If you must eat desserts remember to share with friends and eat it with your lunch. This gives your body ample time to burn those calories.

3) Limit dairy products, all white foods, such as potatoes, rice and pasta.

Your health does matter!!

For more information and daily tips please go to www.yourhealthmattersguide.com Or e-mail Hatti at hattit@yahoo.com Hatti Taylor PO Box 166 380-H Knollwood Street Winston Salem, NC 27103

Did you know that 1 cup of broccoli has as much calcium as a full glass of milk?

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11

Honors and Awards: Mortgage Bankers of America Diversity Champion Award, Mahogany Award Dime Award as One of North Carolina’s Most Influential African American Women, Durham Alumnae President’s Award, Bennett College for Women Corporate Award, Triangle East 100 Black Men Award for Excellence, NCNAACP Service to Youth Award and numerous other awards.

DOLLARS AND SENSE

By Lori Jones Gibbs

A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Ms. Jones Gibbs holds a Masters degree from the University of Bridgeport.

L

ori Jones Gibbs is Vice President of Affordable Housing/Industry Affairs for Genworth Financial’s mortgage insurance business.

The company is one of the nation’s leading mortgage insurers. She is responsible for developing strategies to increase home ownership in diverse, under-served markets nationwide, specifically targeting lowto-moderate income, ethnic minority and New American constituencies. A twenty plus year industry veteran, Ms. Jones Gibbs held positions with, Peoples Bank, Mechanics and Farmers Bank, the North Carolina Community Development Initiative and SELF-HELP Credit Union prior to joining Genworth Financial (formerly General Electric) in 1998.

Jones Gibbs is a visionary leader who is the creator of The Delta Challenge Homeownership Initiative and Communities of Faith Home Ownership Initiative in which she has partnered with Pastor and Grammy Award winning Gospel legend Shirley Caesar to spread the importance of homeownership in the faith community. Jones Gibbs is a frequent trainer, speaker panelist on issues regarding women and finances, housing policies and programming.

Jones Gibbs serves on numerous boards, is a member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Durham Alumnae Chapter, Delta’s National Program Planning and Development Committee, Co-Chair of Economic Development Sub - Committee, Chair of Russell Simmons’ Hip

Jones Gibbs is married to Kenneth Gibbs and they are the proud parents of three adult children.

Hop Summit Action Network National Economic and Homeownership Advisor Council, the Congressional Black Caucus “With Ownership Wealth” (WOW) National Advisory Board, National Bankers Association Corporate Advisory Board, North Carolina Low Income Housing Coalition, Mortgage Bankers Association Of The Carolinas and the North Carolina Council of Housing Counselors. Past board service includes the City/County of Durham Merger Task Committee, the National Housing Council, St Joseph Historic Foundation and North Carolina Central University Foundation.

Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW) is a leading insurance company in the United States, serving the lifestyle protection, retirement income, investment and mortgage insurance needs of more than 15 million customers in 20 countries including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and more than a dozen European countries. Genworth Financial is headquartered in Richmond, VA. (By: Peggy Tatum)

Jones Gibbs is a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., NAACP and National Council of Negro Women.

Jones Gibbs is the author of Yes, I Would Marry Him Again: Wives Salute Their African American Husbands and co- author of the book Yes, You’re Approved! The Real Deal About Getting a Mortgage and Buying A Home. Additionally, Jones Gibbs has written articles for and or has been profiled in number of publications, listed are just a few Heart and Soul Magazine, Spectacular Magazine, Triangle Woman and The Delta Journal.

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How Is Your Financial Strategy?

It’s Not Too Late To Catch Up

H

ow’s your financial strategy coming along? That old adage, “People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan,” can be especially true when it comes to finances.

And, given the current economy, the best time to start taking control of your finances is today. Being financially responsible doesn’t just happen. It’s a conscious decision you make to live within your means.

Slowly, U.S. consumers may be catching on. A nationwide survey on the financial state of U.S. households, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, found only 13% of households are currently saving 7% or more of their disposable income, although fully 36% of households expect to save at this level in 5 to 10 years.1 While that trend may be encouraging, there remains ample room for improvement.

It’s Never Too Late to Plan

consider what amount of your current income you can allocate into retirement savings vehicles, such as 401(k) plans, IRAs and other investments. With retirement possibly lasting 20 or 30 years, the more resources you have the more likely you’ll be able to enjoy it. Do you want to just get by or be financially comfortable so you can enjoy life with your family and friends?

No matter where you are in life, a financial strategy is a necessity. With a proper strategy, you’ll always be in a better position to help achieve your financial goals, whether it’s buying a home, driving a new car or retiring.

1Viewpoint on U.S. Savings Rate, PwC Financial Services Research Institute, 5/13/2010.

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No matter what stage of life you’re in, you should have a strategy that helps meet your current financial needs while creating a path to help you reach longterm financial goals. Whether you’re just starting out or nearing retirement, a strategy is necessary, and the good news is no matter what your age, it’s never too late to start. A proactive approach now can help avoid heartaches and disappointments later on.

Consider the following scenarios: • If you’re single and just starting out, it’s never too soon to start a savings plan. By just saving a small amount today, you can make a huge difference later on. What financial goals can you set today to help make your dreams a reality?

• If you’re the head of a new household, perhaps with a new baby, how do you protect your family’s standard of living in case anything happens to you or your spouse? If you died today, how would your family manage financially?

• If you have young children, it’s never too early to start saving for their college expenses. How can you start a college education fund so they won’t be burdened with student loans and can attend the college of their choice?

•

If you’re thinking about retirement,

This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by Vincent A. King, New York Life Insurance Company.

For additional information on the information or topic(s) discussed, please contact: Vincent A. King Office: 919.785.2566 Cell: 919.801.6608 Email: vaking@ft.newyorklife.com

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What Are Facebook Fan/Business Pages And Why Do You Need One?

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By Ozion Media acebook Fan Pages are a great way to connect with people, build your credibility and ultimately generate leads and grow your business. What Are Facebook Fan/Business Pages And Why Do You Need One?

Facebook allows you to create a Fan or Business Page where you can post information, participate in discussion and share photos, videos and news.

Unlike groups in Facebook, Fan pages are visible to unregistered people and are indexed by the search engines (which is a great thing – it’s another opportunity for you to come up in the search engines.

The number of Fans you can have is unlimited (the Friend limit on a profile is 5,000).Fan Pages are generally better for long-term relationships with your fans, readers or customers.

When someone “likes” a Fan Page, it’s published in their News feed for all of their Friends to read (unless they have turned this feature off).

This helps spread the word about your Fan Page and helps you gain new Fans. I’ve become a Fan of pages because I’ve seen them pop up in a Friend’s news feed lots of times.

A Fan or Business Page is designed to promote a business or a brand (if you are a resturant, clothing store, church, band, performer, author etc you could be the brand you are promoting) It can be used to share simple information like your business hours, contact information, how to order products. and product/service offerings. It can also be used as a marketing tool. That’s where the power lies.

If you design a fun and graphically appealing Fan Page that is designed to capture leads and promote your business well, it can be a good tool for generating new leads.

New leads are the lifeblood of any business.

If you are wondering why pages are important, look at these stats and you’ll start to understand: • Facebook has 500 Million Global Users (and growing).

• Facebook has 100 Million U.S. Users.

• The average Facebook User Spends 1 Hour Per Day On Facebook.

• Real-time Search Is Important Today: Facebook is now making most content available publicly (unless you adjust your privacy settings). This has tremendous implications for search engine optimization for Google, Yahoo, and other search engines. You need to be on top of real-time search today!

A recent study (The Sysomos study) found a strong correlation between amount of content (notes, links, photos, videos and custom pages/tabs) and number of fans.

Anyone looking to create more exposure and generate more leads for their business should build a Fan Page.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to play games or make friends and waste time idly chatting with people. You don’t have to waste countless hours chatting. You just have to create a page that is compelling and informative. It’s a place to publish good information and generate a base of interested followers.

Who Can Build A Fan Page?

Anyone can set up a Fan page, but to get the most out of it with the added features, you need to know HTML, CSS and work with graphics.

You have to know your audience, you have to engage and compel them first and foremost or they’ll leave without liking your page and may never come back. Once you’ve done that, you have to provide quality content regularly and encourage discussion and engagement.

There are thousands of brands on Facebook in addition to the thousands of small – medium sized entities that have no brand awareness – you need to stand out from that crowd!

Custom Fan Page Designs By Ozion Media Group facebook.com/OzionMedia

Ozion Media Group | 919-702-4264 | OzionMedia.com | facebook.com/OzionMedia | contactus@ozionmedia.com

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Facebook Fan Pages are becoming more and more popular everyday.

More businesses are using Facebook Fan Page Social Platform to increase their popularity, business connections as well as increasing sales of their products and services.

More importantly of having a facebook fan page is to have an appealing landing page for your new visitors to land on when they visit your fan page for the first time. Impressing and interacting with your new visitors, 90% of the time will result in them liking your fan page.

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Ozion Media Group - Facebook.com/OzionMedia OzionMedia.com / info@ozionmedia.com / Tel: 919-702-4264