Uts feb 2014 edition

Urban Trendsetters News Magazine More than a Magazine it’s a Lifestyle

FREE February 2014

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Publisher ’s Message goal to live at least 100 years following the footsteps of my grandfather who will be 104 this year. Since longevity seems to be in my DNA (his sister lived to be 106) I have a strong belief that if I continue to take care of myself I will be able see 100. Of all the questions asked, the most important one to me was what will my legacy be? Now a grandmother of five, how do I want to be remembered by my grandchildren and generations of my off springs to come?

Eleven years ago this month I launched Urban Trendsetters News Magazine making me the first African -American Woman in Ohio to own and operate a black newspaper, radio Every girl needs great friends and here are two and television show, consecutively. I of mine. John Gregory and Pamela Lowery. actually first read this in an article in the SBA, (I had no idea). Being a first was never a goal of mine. I just wanted to publish positive news about my people. I have always loved magazines and reading but I felt there was a void of publications in our community that reflected the great things that My daughter and I share the same birthday. Here we are at my people were doing and the unsung heroes in our community were not 50th Celebration acknowledged. There seemed to be the implication that there were only 10 Black History Month and the Anniversary of Urban Trendsetters are always or 15 people in the city to ever do anything worth reporting about and if they a cause for celebration and reflection for me, however this year it’s a little were not talking about these talented few the news was negative and concendifferent. This year I celebrate my 50th Birthday, January 27th to be exact. trated on jail, crime, drugs and poverty. Urban Trendsetters filled the void.

As I began to reflect on my life and my triumphs as well as trials and tribula- Though it has not been without challenges and tough times, as most black tions I am excited to report that the triumphs out weigh the tribulations. God media outlets have in this country, it has been the most gratifying and satishas been so good to me…I have no complaints! fying accomplishments, next to motherhood, I have to date. Published from Turning 50 makes you start asking those questions to yourself to see if you my basement and launched at a Power 107 Anniversary Party (Happy Anniare in alignment with your goals and where you thought you would be or versary Power) Urban Trendsetters, if nothing else, is proof that with God realize how far behind you are and that you need to catch up. Questions you can do anything you want to do if you put your mind to it and disregard range from… ‘What is my legacy going to be?’ and ‘Do I have enough life the voices of the haters. insurance?’ Suddenly it seemed to hit me and I felt this rush to work out I want to thank all of the readers, fans, sponsors and advertisers for your supmore, eat more organic, pray and meditate more, spend more time with my port of Urban Trendsetters this past 11 years. If not for you we would not be grandbabies and parents and take time to smell the roses--or just simply cre- here. I do not take you for granted. A special thanks to my family and ate more balance in my life. The funniest question of them all was ‘where is friends for putting up with me, as I know this has not always been easy for my driver and my personal chef’? The plan was to have them on payroll by you. I am excited about the second decade of UTS almost as much as I am now. looking forward to my next 50 years.

Once I removed my personal issues, egos or challenges from the equation I discovered how wonderful 50 is. I am so blessed and grateful to have survived my first 50 years, and still be relevant. I say first 50 because it is my

Thank You For All Your Support Sharon S. Gordon

URBAN TRENDSETTERS IS EVEN BETTER ONLINE Read it in print….Experience it online ………….Links from online version to Videos / Interviews / Advertisers / Full Events Calendar / Coupons & MORE!!!

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Team UTS

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IN THIS ISSUE

Publisher/CEO Sharon S. Gordon

Urban Trendsetters Celebrates Our 11th Anniversary and Black History Month

Assistant To Publisher Ciara Banks

Page 4 Community News

Rhonda Johnson

National Public Relations Director Will Stewart

Page 5 Business News

Black Enterprise Conference Comes Back to Columbus with Bishop T.D. Jakes

V.P. Sales & Marketing Lisa Freeman-Williamson

Page 6 Education Trends

After School All Stars with Arnold Schwartzenegger

Contributing Writers Delois R. Wright Brenda Spencer

Page 11 Sports News

The New H.O.O.P

Page 12 Cover Story

Black History Month Special

Page 18 Business

The Diva’s Movement and Noni McMillian

Editor-at-Large Alicia (“A.C.”) Dunlap

Interns Mykayla Bryant Production/Graphics Mayda Sanchez Online Editor Ashley Corry Distribution Cobre’ Gordon UTS Grind & Go Street Team

Copyright Urban Trendsetters is published monthly and distributed the first Thursday of every month as a complementary publication by Myshbre’ Media and Communication, LLC,5773 Emporium Square, Columbus, OH 43219. Publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or cancel any advertisement or editorial

Remember Urban Trendsetters For Your Spring & Summer Marketing Strategy Let Us Put Your Business in the Streets!

URBAN TRENDSETTERS AT—A—GLANCE MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Celebrate Diversity

Minority Health Month

Black Enterprise Entrepreneur Conference Special Edition

International Women’s Day Celebration & Special Edition

Mother’s Day

Visit Urban Trendsetters Online at www.urbantrendsetters.com to download our 2014 Media Guide for submission deadlines and rates.

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NEWS

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COMMUNITY

Mayor Appoints Rhonda Johnson as Columbus Education Director Rhonda Johnson will be the City of Columbus director of education beginning in June. Mayor Michael B. Coleman chose Johnson to serve as the city’s fulltime point on education policy and investments and will engage with Columbus City Schools and the entire education community. As director, Johnson will serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Education with a formal, recognized role in board meetings.

The Columbus Education Commission called for the mayor to appoint a director of education as part of his cabinet among the recommendations issued last year. Johnson has been a Columbus City Schools teacher since 1978 and has served as president of the Columbus Education Association since 2004.

An 11th grade banking and accounting teacher, Johnson is the first woman and first African -American to serve as CEA president. She was among the strongest voices for education reform on the Columbus Education Commission, a body of 25 individuals appointed by Mayor Coleman and City Council President Andrew J. Ginther, to recommend improvements for Columbus schools.

“I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve as an education leader in the City of Columbus, and I look forward to the implementation of the Columbus Education Commission’s recommendations,” Johnson said. “By engaging with all stakeholders in our community, we can ensure that all our students get a great education and become successful adults.”

Johnson received CEA’s Helen Jenkins Davis Award, presented to a Columbus teacher who has worked to promote social justice, diversity and human rights. For her contributions to United Way’s community services programs, she received the Central Ohio AFL-CIO 2005 George Meany Award. Johnson has been a member of the United Way of Central Ohio Board of Trustees, Executive Committee and Community Impact Council. She has also served on the Campaign Cabinet, Operation Feed Cabinet. Additionally, Johnson has been the labor representative and vice chair of the governing board of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel and on the advisory board of the Upward Bound Program at The Ohio State Uni“This appointment demonstrates we are as versity. committed as ever to our kids’ education, and nobody understands the challenges fac- “Rhonda Johnson brings an extraordinary background in education to the new position of ing our kids and our schools better than a teacher,” Mayor Coleman said. “Throughout her Columbus Education Director,” said Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the City career, Rhonda has been an educator, a community leader and a reformer. She will work Council’s newly created Education Committee. “I look forward to working with Director with our schools and our entire community to give our kids the education they deserve.”

Johnson to provide Columbus City Schools children with the best education possible.”

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NATIONAL NEWS

GET READY TO B.E. READY! The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference Returns to Columbus This marks the second year that the three-day power conference, which annually brings together more than 1,200 of the country’s leading entrepreneurs and corporate executives, will be held in Columbus. The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo (BEEC) is designed to provide attendees with the latest and most innovative strategies from today’s top business minds. The conference will also provide high-powered networking opportunities that are critical to attendees’ efforts to take their businesses from successful launch to growth and profitability. Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will gain insight about business plan development and start-up planning as well as tactical growth and investment strategies.

Bishop T. D. Jakes world-renown as a spiritual leader, as Founder and Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House, and is also an accomplished entrepreneur of TDJ Enterprises

“Nationwide is proud to sponsor this year’s conference because we share Black Enterprise’s commitment for empowering minority businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the country,” said Matt Jauchius, Nationwide Chief Marketing Officer. “We are pleased to work with Black Enterprise and the City of Columbus to bring this exciting event to our hometown for the second consecutive year. I am confident that participants will have a great experience, and will walk away with valuable resources and networks to support their continued business endeavors.”

“It is with great enthusiasm that we bring the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference back to Columbus, Ohio, for the second consecutive year,” says Black Enterprise CEO Earl (New York, NY) -Black Enterprise will hold its 2014 Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo “Butch” Graves, Jr. “Working in partnership with host sponsor Nationwide, Mayor Michael hosted by Nationwide Insurance on Wednesday, May 14 through Saturday, May 17, at the Coleman and the business communities of Columbus and the state of Ohio, the EntrepreHyatt Regency Columbus in Columbus, Ohio, with a powerhouse line-up of some of the neurs Conference enjoyed significant success last year. We look forward to working with nation’s most accomplished and celebrated entrepreneurs.

Nationwide and our other event sponsors and partners to deliver an even more impactful conference for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners from across the nation and Urban Trendsetters is proud to once again be a media sponsor for the is awesome event pro- around the world in 2014.” moting African American entrepreneurship and honoring the best in Black Business. This year adding additional excitement to the event is Bishop T.D. Jakes. A Columbus favorite, The conference will take place in the heart of downtown Columbus located in close proximoften worshiping in Central Ohio with his self proclaimed Spiritual Father Dr, S.S. Watkins ity to a wide variety of locally owned eateries, theaters, and retail shops. The Columbus of Higher Ground.

Convention Center, which will host the Deal Makers Expo, is situated in the center of the city’s Discovery District, Short North Arts District, Arena District and the historic AfricanCEO T.D. Jakes will serve as the featured headliner at the Black Enterprise Small Business American neighborhood, the King-Lincoln district.

Awards Luncheon. Bishop Jakes will also hold a major book signing event for his highly anticipated book Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Unborn Drive, in the Deal Makers “Columbus is proud to welcome the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference to our Expo. T.D. Jakes is world-renown as a spiritual leader, as Founder and Senior Pastor of The thriving city for the second consecutive year,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “Once Potter’s House, and is also an accomplished entrepreneur of TDJ Enterprises – which has again we’re looking forward to sharing our community’s greatest assets including restausuccessfully engaged in businesses ranging from branded products and services, including rants, shops, and nightlife throughout the city with conference attendees and visitors.” publishing to media and entertainment, with a range of offerings from live events to film For more information and updates of the BE Conference log onto and television production. He is the first of several internationally recognized business lead- http://www.blackenterprise.com/events/entrepreneurs-conference/ ers announced as headliners for this year’s conference.

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YOUNG & TRENDY

AFTER-SCHOOL ALL-STARS OHIO EXPECTS LARGEST CROWD FOR EVENING OF STARS All-Stars Hosts Annual Evening of Stars Gala along with founder, Arnold Schwarzenegger COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRURARY 28, 2014 After-School All-Stars Ohio (ASAS Ohio) hosts Annual Evening of Stars Gala at the Hilton Columbus Downtown from 5:15pm9:00pm.

The 2014 Evening of Stars is going to be a night to remember. An expected 400 guests will be in attendance during one of the busiest weekends for Columbus, the Arnold Sports Festival. ASAS Ohio will be honoring our community partners this year for their dedication and support of the program. Francious McGillicuddy from Fox Sports Ohio & SportsTime Ohio will be presented with the Life, Service, Action award and Nick Akins from American Electric Power will be presented with the C.E.O award.

The 2014 Evening of Stars Gala highlights ASAS Ohio supporters and celebrates the successes of the statewide expansion, which took place last year. After-School All-Stars Ohio has a total of nine schools throughout the state, including five schools in Columbus, two schools in Dayton and two schools in Toledo. The nine schools that are included in ASAS Ohio chapter serves over 1,000 students weekly during the school year.

“This is an event where we can showcase the work that we are doing in the community and say thank you to those who have helped us to continue this work,” said CoExecutive Director Aslyne Rodriguez. “This gala brings all of our ASAS Ohio family together, from employees, volunteers, community partners, supporters, to people that are interested in getting involved.”

Speakers for the night include: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Will Allen from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dr. Steve Allen of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Co-Executive Directors of After-School All-Stars Ohio, Sienna Daniel and Aslyne Rodriguez.

After School All Star Founder Arnold Schwartzenegger

FAMILY TRENDS

Expert Advice On Student Loan Repayment Once you graduate from college, you may have a few months before you have to start repaying your student loans.

(NAPS)—Here are two bits of good news for recent and soon-to-be college graduates with student loans:  1.

You probably have a six-month grace period after graduation before you have to start making payments.

2.

While adding a new payment of any kind into your life can be daunting, the vast majority of Americans with student loans do successfully pay them off, due, in part, to the value of their college education.

These student loan repayment tips can help you be among them:  Contact your servicer. Some students have more than one loan, so it’s best to contact each servicer to discuss your payment options. The servicer can also help identify alternatives if you’re experiencing difficulty. 

Create a budget. Know how much is due every month and create a budget that’s in sync with the amount due. Get the big picture when creating your budget. Put together a snapshot of all your financial obligations, including your credit cards, car loan, student loans and rent.



Pay yourself. Build an emergency savings fund of $500 to $1,000 to be prepared for car expenses, an emergency trip or life’s other unexpected expenses.



Sign up for auto-pay. Automatic payments not only make sure you never miss a payment, but servicers such as Sallie Mae, the nation’s No. 1 financial ser-vices company specializing in education, may reduce your interest rate if you pay by automatic debit.

It’s peace of mind with a bonus.

• Learn more. Go to www. SallieMae.com

Pay every month, and pay extra when you can. Make payments every month. Options to postpone payments typically mean you’ll pay more over the life of the loan, so tackle your payments now. Whenever you can, pay extra to reduce your interest costs and pay off faster. Put money from a raise or bonus toward your student loans.

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EDUCATION RISE (Redefining Investment Strategy Education) will feature a keynote address by Sandra Pianalto, president and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Other speakers and panelists include: Stephanie Link, CIO and co-portfolio manager, TheStreet Inc.; Mellody Hobson, president, Ariel Investments; and Russ Koesterich, chief investment strategist, BlackRock and chief global strategist, iShares.

"CNBC is pleased to return to RISE, this time as the forum's official media partner," said Nikhil Deogun, senior vice president and editor-in-chief, CNBC Business News. "This year, as part of our 25th anniversary celebration, CNBC is focusing on financial education DAYTON, -- University of Dayton's RISE 14 forum, for all ages and this conference is the perfect place for the largest student investment conference in the world, us to connect with the young people who represent fuwill welcome CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, as ture investors and leaders of the finance industry." the official media broadcast partner for the March 2729 event.

CNBC's Kelly Evans will anchor CNBC's Closing Bell from the conference on Thursday, March 27. She will "Each year, RISE speakers represent the best and also serve as a moderator and panelist. Closing Bell brightest from Wall Street, corporate America and gov- runs 3-5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. ernment," said University Provost Joseph Saliba. "Our partnership with CNBC will share with the world the For more information about CNBC's financial educaenergy and excitement created by the interaction of tion coverage go to: yourmoney.cnbc.com. students and speakers."

CNBC's Your Money, Your Future features on-air and

tive and interdisciplinary curriculum; level of personal attention to students; and commitment to the liberal arts.

online reports aimed at educating, empowering and engaging all consumers to take control of their personal finances and to inspire the next generation of investors to get started now.

Now in its 14th year, RISE has brought together thousands of students, faculty and practitioners from hundreds of educational institutions and professional organizations. Past speakers have included Federal Reserve Bank presidents, a Nobel laureate, CEOs and investment strategists from some of the largest and most successful investment firms in the world.

Professionals and the general public may attend RISE Thursday, March 27. Students and faculty stay through noon, March 29, for breakout sessions, workshops, networking and a career strategies forum — all conducted by industry professionals.

Schools may also participate in the optional RISE student-managed portfolio competition, with cash prizes totaling up to $6,000.

For more information and to register, visit RISE 14 at http://www.udayton.edu/business/rise or contact RISE at 937-229-1444 or rise@udayton.edu.

"Otterbein continues to develop and launch innovative programs, like our zoo and conservation science program and now our new systems engineering program, that respond to students' needs and interests, as well as to significant career opportunities upon graduation," said Otterbein President Kathy Krendl.

According to the National Academy of Engineering's WESTERVILLE, -report, The Engineer of Otterbein University will 2020, tomorrow's engineers offer a new major in systems "will need to be multidisciengineering beginning in fall plinary; and social, cultural, 2015. Students will have the political, and economic forcoption to enroll in Otteres will impact technological "The Otterbein curriculum is bein's four-year program, or innovation." geared to what most in a pathway program being Worthington Industries facildeveloped in partnership ities are looking for; a multi"Integrative, multidiscipliwith Columbus State Comdisciplinary engineer that nary learning is Otterbein's munity College (CSCC). strength, and our curriculum can handle a wide range of plant engineering tasks," combines the principles of Ohio will need to fill said David Painter, operamechanical, industrial and 274,000 STEM (science, tions manager at Worthingelectrical engineering with technology, engineering and our nationally-recognized ton Steel. mathematics) jobs by 2018, Integrative Studies program. and 34,000 of those jobs will Otterbein engineers will be "Modern engineers must be for people with degrees in technically competent, have consider not only design Engineering, according to broad training and perspec- challenges, but also environthe U.S. Bureau of Labor tive, and will be wellmental, economic, and ethiStatistics (2011). positioned to solve problems cal challenges as well. We in a wide range of contexts," expect our engineers will be Systems engineering offers a said Aaron Reinhard, assis- leaders and will be wellbroader-based training than tant professor of physics and positioned to solve such more traditional engineering interim director of the sysmany-faceted problems," degrees Otterbein's program tems engineering program.

Reinhard added. will be unique for its innova-

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FAMILY TRENDS

Reverse Mortgages Provide Financial Flexibility Each day, 10,000 Americans turn 62, according to U.S. Census reports. Many retire with the expectation that a solid retirement account will make it possible to travel or enjoy their home with friends and family.

Unfortunately, too often, retirees find that their savings account or investments don’t look as promising as they once did or that other expenses have emerged and need to be paid.

The good news is that a growing number of seniors are coming to the conclusion that they can put the equity in their home to work by getting a reverse mortgage.

With a reverse mortgage, seniors 62 and older can access the equity in their home to get tax-free funds that can be used for whatever they want. While this kind of mortgage may not be for everyone, it can benefit seniors who want to improve their financial situations after retirement. Plus, the seniors can continue to live in their home without monthly mortgage payments.

Have a Fulfilling Life A life that is meaningful and fulfilling can be yours. All it takes is a little selfknowledge, a plan and some hard work.

The work however doesn't seem as difficult if you are doing what makes you happy and allows you to be fulfilled.

Below is a twenty-step plan that will set you on your path to a life of fulfillment.

Taking the time to follow this plan step by step will help you reach the life you want a lot quicker than just allowing life to take you where it will. Take a deep breath and get started. I'll be cheering you on each step of the way!

Putting Your Home To Work Here are five examples of how seniors are putting reverse mortgages to work for them: Payment of hospital or medical bills—More and more Americans are going into debt because of medical bills.

Never before has the cost of medical coverage been so high.

Many seniors rely on Medicare, but that only covers a percentage of the total cost of medical expenses.

Home improvements—Seniors are hesitant to make home improvements while living on a fixed income. A reverse mortgage can allow seniors to make home improvements or repairs.

Travel—Funds from a reverse mortgage give seniors a chance to take the dream vacation they have always wanted but may have not had the funds to do.

An Attractive Option Reverse mortgages are increasingly becoming an attractive option for seniors who want a comfortable retirement. The consumer no longer makes a monthly mortgage payment but remains responsible for all applicable property taxes and homeowners insurance.

When the home is sold, the proceeds go toward paying off the reverse mortgage and any remaining money is kept by Pay off debt—Reverse mortgages provide the funds needed the former homeowner. The money received from a reverse for seniors to pay down debt or eliminate debt completely. mortgage is tax free and it doesn’t affect Social Security This gives many seniors the feeling of financial relief and benefits. flexibility.

Improvement of quality of life—One of the benefits of a “Reverse mortgages give senior homeowners financial flexreverse mortgage is financial freedom. With a reverse mort- ibility so they can comfortably retire and remain in their gage, the current mortgage is eliminated and monthly mort- own homes,” said Richard Mandell, CEO of One Reverse gage payments are not required for as long as the senior Mortgage. “There is no greater satisfaction than helping lives in the home. Seniors receive relief by not having to seniors do what they thought was impossible with a loan make a monthly mortgage payment, as well as gain finanprogram that is insured by the federal government and has cial flexibility to be able to do more in their retirement helped thousands of seniors live a better retirement.”

To learn more, visit www.onereversemortgage.com. years, like dining out, traveling to see family, or simply providing the financial cushion that some seniors seek.

Step 8: Figure out who you want to be when you grow up.

Step 9: Practice living the life you want now.

Step 10: Figure out what you are passionate about.

Step 11: Align your abilities and your interests.

Step 12: What would a perfect vocational day be for you?

Step 13: Write your autobiography five years from today.

Step 1: Find a purpose for your life.

Step 14: Downscale your lifestyle now to Step 2: Figure out what bothers you most create the opportunities that you seek. about the world and do something about it.

Step 15: Strengthen your relationships and Step 3: Determine what is most important support systems. to you.

Step 16: Grow strong emotionally Step 4: Align your new goals around what Step 17: Give yourself permission to follow is most important. your heart.

Step 5: Have a healthy perspective of yourStep 18: Laugh a lot and enjoy the ride self.

Step 6: Replace old beliefs that are no long- Step 19: Live with integrity as a path towards an authentic life. er useful to you.

Step 7: Create new possibilities for your Step 20: Eat well, exercise and get plenty of sleep. life.

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THE JOURNEY “It’s time to take charge of your life and turn your “Impossible” to I’M-POSSIBLE I’M-POSSIBLE: 31 Days of daily inspiration transforming the TOTAL you through spiritual, physical and life application.

‘Get Ready It’s a New Day’! “Every day, you should look forward to discovering something new about you and what God has for you” states Harris.

“Wondering what is your next step? I’ve been there! If you are not looking daily at the “Do you know that your body is a sanctuary of the person who you know you should be, it is time to raise the bar and start, today, believing it Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have for God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price; is possible. It is time to live the life you want to have. There is no perfect time or situation; there is only an instant decision and belief in knowing you deserve to live out your dreams therefore glorify God in your body.” and desires. In His word, God says you are meant to prosper, so get started now. You can do it and I am here to help you start” said Harris.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) “.

develop stratvisualizing ing for a which will fulfilled life.

The goal of I’M-Possible is help readers develop healthier life changing habits. It has often been said that it takes at least 30 days to create or quit a good or bad habit. I’MPossible provides reader with 31 days of focus on THEM before the GRIND, and will help to egies on and prepargood day, lead to a

ABOUT STACIE Stacie McCall Harris is known for her big hair and her big personality. You will feel her infectious personality through her story telling. She is a firm believer in being contagious in a good way and that there is no such thing as impossible, but there is such a thing as I’M-POSSIBLE. As an only child who grew up with her parents as her life coaches, Stacie was an undersized, overachiever that would work her way to becoming an honor- student, and stand out three–sport athlete in high school. After deciding to play basketball for the first time in 4th grade, she received the guidance and support system from her parents. Through their support, her hard work, commitment, and discipline, she received a full basketball scholarship to the University of Michigan being the shortest player at 5’3 in the dynamic Big Ten Conference during her tenure.

This ‘1 Hot Mom Series’ first installment prepares reader with 31 days beginning dividWhile at Michigan, Stacie received her degree in Public Relations/ ed into sections. The Communications. Her character and work ethic proved to be a day features start with a lifestyle as she was awarded “The Henry & Nancy Newlin scripture and daiAward” honoring the school’s top three athletes. Stacie’s conStacie McCall Harris / ly devotion.

Next in the sistency and ability to focus led to being on Michigan’s top 10 list Author/Life Coach/Fitness Coach daily exercise is the life for having a 93% Free Throw Average during her Senior year in and fitness applicawhich she was named Co-Captain. tion. These features allow one to exercise the After college, Stacie’s walk in life guided her toward health and mind, spirit, and body to fitness and she became a personal trainer and fitness competiget allow one to be their tor. With time Stacie moved to Los Angeles… literally living the best and in their overall total well-being. I’M Possible defines the daily ‘GRIND’ as dream of millions and managing her son, C.J. Sanders, who became a well- known actor in

Gospel recording artist, Karen Clark-Sheard headlines the 30th year production of the Upon This Rock Passion Play.

Karen ClarkSheard is one of the premiere vocalists of our time.

As a member of the legendary Clark Sisters and daughter of gospel pioneer Dr. Mattie Moss-Clark, she has carved her niche in the gospel music industry as an untouchable songstress.Karen's powerful, anointed soprano complete with those singularly stylized multi-textured runs, has often been imitated, but never duplicated. She has provided lead vocals on such classics as "Hallelujah," "Endow Me," "Take Me Higher," and "Praying Spirit." Her musical ministry has given inspiration to legions of followers, including recording artists Kenny Lattimore, Faith Evans, Mariah Carey, Nancey Jackson, Kelly Price and Kim Burrell.

TRAVEL/PAYMENT INFORMATION TRAVEL WITH US TO INDIANAPOLIS Our deluxe motor coach departs from THE KENLEY KONNECTION at 7:00 AM on GOOD FRIDAY, April 18, 2014. Upon arrival in Indianapolis at approximately 11:00 AM, we will enjoy lunch (on your own) and shopping at one of Indianapolis' most popular malls before heading to the drama at 6:00 PM. We depart for home after the performance and should arrive by 2:00 AM. Pay in full or deposit $50 immediately to confirm reservation. Balance of $60 due on or before March 15. Absolutely no refunds, but you may find your own replacement and transfer your payments.

PACKAGE INCLUDES: Deluxe motor coach, continental breakfast, tickets to the PASSION PLAYand fellowship with good people.

For More Information Contact: Gloria Kenley at The Kenley Konnection 614-898-9505 9

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CAREER & DIVERSITY

Finding a New Job: How to Use Career Training to Your Advantage Are you interested in changing careers or changing jobs? If you are, your first impulse may involve automatically quitting your current job and going right out and applying for new jobs. Of course, the decision is yours to make, but you may want to refrain from taking this approach, as there are no guarantees. Instead, you may want to take the time to find the perfect jobs to apply to, as well as use career training to your advantage.

As you likely already know, career training comes in a number of different formats. In all honesty, career training typically caters to different careers. For instance, if you are looking for a career in healthcare, you may be required to attend medical school, even just to receive certification for nursing. On the other hand, if you are interested in working as a secretary, your career training may involve courses that teach typing or office management skills. Although career training comes in a number of different formats, it can dramatically improve your chances of successfully changing careers or jobs.

As previously stated, career training courses come in a number of different formats. With that in mind, career training, no matter what classes or courses you take, is designed to help educate you on one particular career field, such as nursing, accounting, or office management. Although career training courses can vary greatly, you often walk away with a large amount of skill and knowledge. In fact, depending on the career courses or classes that you take, you may be able to walk away with a degree or a certificate of completion. These are

documents that you can give all prospective employers access to for verification of your training, knowledge, and skills.

One of the many reasons why career training can assist you when you are looking to change careers or even just jobs is because it can help you stand apart from your competition. Although career training is still popular today, not as many job seekers take advantage of it.

This means that you can really use career training to your advantage. For instance, if you are interested in applying for a job as a secretary, you can take a few office management classes, typing classes, or computer software classes before you start applying for new jobs.

By taking this approach, your job training is new and fresh. This not only gives you an advantage over those who do not have career training behind them, but it also gives you an advantage over those who received training a year or more ago.

As ideal as it is to hear that career training can offer you assistance, when looking to change jobs or careers, you may be curious as to how you go about getting that training, especially if you are still currently employed. Career training is offered through a number of different centers, which are commonly referred to as career centers or vocational training centers.

You may also be able to receive career training at your local community college. What is nice about many of these establishments is that they offer affordable and flexible training classes and courses. In fact, you will likely find that a good percentage of career training classes are taught at night or on the weekend. This is what essentially enables to you receive career training while still holding down your current job.

As outlined above, it is relatively easy for you to go about enrolling yourself in career training courses, for a wide variety of different career fields. There are also a number of benefits to doing so. Of course, the decision as to whether or not you want to use career training to your advantage is your decision to make, but if you are serious about changing jobs or changing careers, it is something that you should seriously consider. In all honesty, what do you have to lose by at least examining all of your options first?

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SPORTS COMMUNITY YOUTH ORGANIZATION PRESENTS “THE NEW HOOP COMMUNITY & SPORTS COMPLEX”

Columbus, Ohio – The Central Ohio Community Involvement Foundation (COCIF) became the new owners of the USA Sports Academy and present “The New Hoop Community& Sports Complex”. Situated on over 10 acres of land at 4185 East Fifth Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, “The New Hoop Community & Sports Complex” is the new premiere sports and fitness facility focal point for the Central Ohio community. COCIF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing inner city families with programs integrating healthier life choices.

“The heart of every community is our youth”, said Bobby J. Walker, Executive Director of COCIF. “It is our mission to invest in our youth so they can learn, grow and magnify the positive influence that they can give back to the community. We want to feed our children as a whole as they are rich in talent and we need to enhance the opportunity for them to display it”, continued Walker.

Youth enjoy fun and games at the New Hoop. Register for team events, tournaments and more . A great place to host your fitness event.

The New Hoop will continue to elevate the current core sports programs, incorporate the Charter School Athletic Association of Ohio’s curriculum, host the largest summer youth sports camp in the history of Franklin County, host sports and Celebrity basketball tournaments and events, feature kids birthday parties and with the help of our community partners build a football, soccer and track stadium on its campus.

and resources along with the support of his fellow OSU Alum’s”, continued Walker.

The New Hoop will continue to elevate the current core sports programs, incorporate the Charter School Athletic Association of Ohio’s curriculum, host the largest summer youth sports camp in the history of Franklin County, host sports and Celebrity basketball tournaments and events, feature kids birthday parties and with the help of our community partners build a football, soccer and track stadium on its campus.

The Central Ohio Community Involvement Foundation (COCIF) recently announced that former OSU Basketball Star, George L. Reese will serve as the new Director of Operations for The New Hoop Community& Sports Complex. Situated on over 10 acres of land at 4185 East Fifth Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, The New Hoop Community & Sports Complex is the new premiere sports and fitness facility focal point for the Central Ohio community.

Reese currently serves as a Guest Basketball Expert Analysis on The FNA Show that airs daily on 95.5 FM radio; is a Buckeye Basketball Analysis on Wall to Wall Sports with Dom Tiberi and Beau Bishop on WBNS 10TV every Saturday and Sunday evening; and also does color commentary for The Ohio State Men’s and Women’s Basketball with the Big Ten Network. Reese attended The Ohio State University where the Buckeyes went to the NCAA Final Four in 1999, and won the Men's Big Ten Basketball Championship in 2000. Reese played small forward at OSU and was a thirdteam All-Big Ten Conference pick in his senior year. George has also played abroad, including France, Germany, Greece and Poland.

George L. Reese Director of Operations for The New Hoop Community & Sports Complex

The Hoop Event Rental has affordable rates for the day, week or weekend.

“We are thrilled to have George Reese taking the lead and driving the lane for The New Hoop,” said Bobby Walker, Executive Director of COCIF. “George is a perfect fit for COCIF and The New Hoop. He brings a wealth of knowledge, talent, Visit www.centralohiocif.org.

The New Hoop will host a Grand Opening Celebration featuring a press conference and open house from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2014 followed

by The Charter School Athletic Association Statewide Boys and Girls Middle School Basketball Tournament.

To learn more about The New Hoop contact George Reese, Director of Operations at 614-3229388 or Brenda D. Spencer, Marketing & Community Relations Director.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH—BLACK MEDIA, CIVIL RIGHTS, MICHELLE AND ME How African Americans must continue to use the Black Press, Networking and Economic Development to Create Unity and Change

By Sharon S. Gordon, Publisher Outreach, Networking, and Wealth Creation - you may ask how all this works together. Well as my First Lady Michelle and I celebrate our 50th birthday this year, note that this alone is a big deal for me in my first 50 years, I am reminded how much has changed and how much work we still have yet to do. In the past 50 years we recognize that this year represents the 50th Anniversary of The Civil Rights Movement as well as the 2nd term of Presidency for the first Black President.

We, as a people, especially, have proven on many occasions what can happen when we decide we want something Frederick Douglas Black Newspaper Owner bad enough to come together and fight for it. Today networking is used often to describe a group of people coming together to discuss business ideas with the hope of Freedom Journal the first Black owned News founded in 1827 creating business relationships with one another. However, as WE ARE URBAN TRENDSETTERS! Nobody does it better, has survived more Black America we have either with less or accomplished as much as African Americans, Black Folks, Negroes, forgotten or maybe never assoColored People or whatever we decide to call ourselves depending upon what era ciated the fact that we were the you are referring to or come from. As the only group of people in this country, of first to create networks and use whom many of us are unsure of our real heritage, we have changed or allowed our them for the benefit of our peotitle to be changed as we have progressed. However, whatever we decide to call ple. We have been creating ourselves it can not be argued that regardless of how we got here, what they called networks I would imagine since us or how we were and are treated we are game changers, winners, conquerors, we got here. The Black Press chosen and trendsetters. We are a force to be reckoned with whether they or most has been our source of inforof us know it or not. mation since the launch of Freedom’s Journal in 1827.

We create the trends - we are Trendsetters. This fact cannot be denied and those that tried to stop it knew it was coming. There has always been something special about Black people. Really, what other people in this country were forced to be here, stripped of their human rights, treated like animals, told we were nothing, forbidden the opportunity to read or write yet through our determination survived it all and now one of us is the President of that same country? Who are we? Well, you can call us what you want but know that you will call us!

The Underground RailBlack people are called upon because we have the ‘IT’ factor. It is a waste of time to hate on us, it’s not our fault you know, we were born this way. Call it Soul or Swagger, it’s just in our DNA. Trendsetters all day, everyday and we can’t help it. I am excited for the day when we realize how AWESOME we really are.

Music, fashion, sports, entertainment, from the way we walk to the way we talk we have a style all are own. It has been copied, cursed, imitated, mocked and hated but never duplicated. We cannot be denied and please believe that whatever genre we enter one should get ready for “the takeover”. Everything we touch we take to another level. Everything we were told we could not do, we did and exceeded beyond expectations.

road, Civil Rights Move- Harriet Tubman rescued over 300 slaves usment and other Network- ing THE NETWORK of antislavery activists ing Opportunities The emergence of the black press opened the eyes of African Americans to what was going on in areas and communities other than their own. We began to read and realize that things may be a little better for us ‘Up North’. Because of the outreach and access to knowledge through black newspapers the birth of black networking began.

Now I don’t know this for sure but I would be willing to bet that one of the best orchestrated networking events of all time was one launched by a woman by the name of Arminta Harriet Ross or Harriet Tubman, you may have heard of her.

As we celebrate yet another 28 days out of the year which have been set aside to Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made more than nineteen remind us of how awesome we are, I wonder what it is that I can do as a media missions to rescue more than 300 slaves using the network of antislavery activists owner and voice in my community to make sure that we have the knowledge and information and tools to make not only 28 days of February a time for Black Pride, and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. (Continued on page 1Through this network and group of individuals who believed that we were being but everyday. What do I believe is the number one topic of discussion and would treated in humanly decided that enough was enough and “before I be a slave, I’d make my theme for 2014? As I pondered that question I came to the conclusion that it would be my responsibility to discuss networking and wealth. Now this is not be buried in my grave and go home to my Lord and BE FREE!” a new subject for UTS, I have always had an economic empowerment edge, but Continued on Page 13 this year I felt the need for it to be front and center.

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African American met in churches, homes and businesses in order to reach out to one another to create change and stand our ground as we fought for civil rights

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50 Years After the Civil Rights Bill is passed I have the opportunity through the Black Press-My BLACK Press to stand with My First Lady of The United States for us to enjoy the victories won 50 years ago with the Civil Rights movement and still enjoy wealth creation in our communities? Can we come together and buy the empty lots and buildings in our communities and create business incubators and retail locations for our stores and businesses. Even though we can go to their hotels and motels can we still come together and, like Bob Johnson and others, purchase or build hotels and resorts? As a people we have the projected buying power of over $1.5 trillion by 2015. This is great news, yes, however in industries where we will spend most of those dollars we own a very small market share. Industries such as black hair care, hotel and travel, banking, media, technology, arts and entertainment and sports, to name a few, get the bulk of our money but we own very little, if at all any, parts of them. It still amazes me how we allowed black hair care to get away from us….. really? Network y’all - let’s go! If it doesn’t make dollars it doesn’t make sense.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. overlooking President Lyndon B. Johnson as he signs the Civil Rights Bill in 1964

We have to make a conscious effort to stop falling into the traps set up to create division, confusion and mess among us. Do you think it was by accident that “they” (you know who “they” were), did not want us to learn how to read or write?

Was it by accident that we were forbidden to join in their “reindeer” games? Of course not. “They” knew our abilities and that we would take over. We have been dissected to see what makes us jump so high and run so fast. Maybe if they could examine our brain they would discover the secret and be able to duplicate it.

Make them not believe in themselves, put them against each other, divide them by dark or light shades and a multitude of other mind tricks played on us since the moment we stepped off the ship was their plan Much of this nonsense can be found if See, we didn’t have telephones, internet, Facebook or Instagram back then. We you take a moment to google “The Willie Lynch Letter”. Now I was not here 288 had spirituals and a language all our own that would allow us to communicate in the years ago when this letter was supposedly written but I can give you evidence tofields from plantation to plantation and alert each other where and when we would day that the methods and effects of it still exist. meet and escape. Other notable network leaders and networking organizations include Marcus Garvey, W.E.B. Dubois, NAACP, and A. Phillip Randolph. And the So this brings me to the question again as I sit back and reflect on my first 50 years network continues. on earth as well as my role and responsibility as a black media owner to do my part to encourage my people, black people whom I so love and adore, to wake up, Wealth Creation come together and create a legacy for ourselves, our children and generations to The third tier of this rise to greatness for our people is to use our voice and our cre- come. The question that we should think about every time we make a general ative networking skills to create wealth and economic empowerment for our people, statement about our own people that we would fight and riot if another culture said not just for some of us but for all of us. How do we do this? The same way we the same thing; the question we should consider every time we opt to shop everyhave always accomplished anything we have ever wanted. We come together and where but with our own; the question to ponder when we support corporations that make it happen. There was a time in history before we were able to shop in any don’t support our communities, we don’t see our logos on their fliers for our events store in America or go to any bank in America or before insurance companies in or hear them advertising on our radio stations or in our newspapers, yet we wonder America would insure us, we owned our stores, restaurants, insurance companies what happened to our radio stations and our newspapers; the next time your sister and banks. What happened to those days? Did Civil Rights and the end of segre- or brother opens a business or launches a new product that they are excited about gation mean that we had to give up ownership? Did we fall into the trap and beand we pass them by and purchase a similar product the next day somewhere else. lieve that segregation was more than “them” wanting to play nice and not the fact that they were loosing money by not allowing us to shop and play with “them”?

What is your legacy?

Hmmm…. I think so. However it’s not too late to change this around. Is it possible

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HEALTH & WELLNESS TRENDS

Young CEO’s Challenge Community to Get Fit with 90 Day Challenge IT WORKS Global a health and wellness company whose sizzle product “The Ultimate Body Applicator or “That Crazy Wrap Thing” exploded this summer throughout the country. One reason for the “BOOM” in Ohio was due to new Diamond Executive It Works Distributors Mykayla Bryant and Ciara Banks. The two young entrepreneurs made an explosive impact launching their business in January and recruiting over 300 distributors and thousands of customers this

DAY CHALLENGE. During the 90 days participants will embark on a journey towards a healthier and fit lifestyle. As a member of "Team New You" participants will learn how to eat healthy on a budget, detoxification practices, become more creative with their workout regimen as well as discover how It Works products can be incorporated into ANY lifestyle to produce long lasting results and over all better health. "Team New You" will provide a fun, competitive, and motivational atmosphere for individuals to come together and empower one another to finally reach their health and wellness goals!

For those up for the challenge, join Urban Trendsetters publisher Sharon S. Gordon and the Dynamic Duo as we come together to begin the 90 day countdown to a NEW YOU! Participants must attend the New You 90 Day Challenge Launch Party on February 22, 2014 between the hours of 11am-3pm to enter the 90 day challenge and become eligible for the mon-

Mykayla Bryant and Ciara Banks, CEO’s of Live Love Wrap and Independent IT Works Global Distributors encourage the community with a 90 Day Wellness past summer.

Now this dynamic duo is challenging the community to Be Fit & Trendy with their NEW YOU 90

PERSONAL FITNESS NAVIGATORS AND ROKKI BONNER JOINS TEAM URBAN TRENDSETTERS AS WE GET FIT IN THE CITY

petitions, including the 2006 World Games held in Canada, bringing home a silver medal and now she is taking center stage.

Located at Urban Moves in Bexley, Personal Fitness Navigators is quickly becoming the hottest fitness company in Columbus, Ohio.

Rokki and her team specialize in FitBody Bootcamps, Zumba, TRX and Power Plates in order to bring her clients the latest and most elite in boutique fitness.

Being able to provide total body fitness and nutrition, her #1 goal for her clients is a healthy, long-term fitness regimen. She tunes into her clients and encourages them to not only reach for optimal physical goals, but healthy fitness options for long-term results.

As a new member of the Urban Trendsetter family Rocci will be providing readers with fitness tips, healthy lifestyle recipes and much more. You can reach Rokki with your questions about health and wellness at Her biggest client? Herself. She spent sever- ================================== al years sweeping natural body building com- ================================== Urban Trendsetter is pleased to introduce you to our new Fitness Editor Rokki Bonner.

Premiere Fitness Guru and owner of Personal Fitness Navigators, Bexley, Ohio, Rokki is preparing to put all of Columbus on her back.

Small in physical stature, this personal trainer is making some big moves. Not a newcomer to the fitness game, Rokki has been training for over 14 years in the Columbus area.

URBAN TRENDSETTERS IS EVEN BETTER ONLINE

Read it in print….Experinence it online ………….Links from online version to Videos / Interviews / Advertisers / Full Events Calendar / 14

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Fit & Trendy

WHEN THE NUMBERS ON THE SCALE WON’T BUDGE!

By Rokki Bonner, UTS Fitness Editor

If losing fat were easy then we'd all look like fitness models, right?

Possibility #3: You're Doing Too Much Cardio If you're doing hours of steadystate cardio, it's gonna end up working against your fat loss efforts. All that cardio promotes the release of stress hormones in your body, which counteracts your abilUnfortunately, the fat loss game is more frus- ity to lose fat. trating than most care to admit. The scale quickly becomes a dreaded enemy—a conPossibility #4: You're Not Getting Enough Sleep stant bearer of bad news.

You may not see the connection between your sleep patterns and the number on your scale, but it's there. Sleep patterns have an impact on your hormone levels, and If the number on your scale won't budge then hormones are a huge factor when it comes to losing fat. Be sure to get a full eight read on for an explanation: hours of sleep each night to boost your fitness results.

Possibility #1: You're Not Eating Enough Calories This only happens in cases of severe calorie restriction, so don't take it as a license to eat whatever you'd like. When you're trying to drop a few pounds by eating next to nothing, it actually counteracts your efforts.

There's a base number of calories that you should be eating in order to maintain your proper bodily functions, including fat loss, so check with a doctor or nutritionist to make sure that you're eating enough.

Possibility #2: You're Eating Too Many Carbs Processed carbs will promote fat storage quicker than you can say the alphabet backwards. Blood sugar and insulin levels always respond the same to processed carbs – whether those carbs are in the form of a FiberOne bar or a Twinkie.

Possibility #5: Your Snacks Have No Protein Small, whole foods snacks throughout the day can help maintain your metabolism and encourage fat loss, but it all depends on what you're snacking on. Fruit-only snacks quickly break down to sugar, which causes insulin to be released and potential fat storage to occur, much like when you eat processed carbs. Sure, the fruit will make less of an impact than a candy bar, but you could be snacking smarter. Only eat snacks that contain more protein than carbs, and also some fat. This will help to stabilize your blood sugar levels while also keeping hunger at bay longer.

Possibility #6: You Eat Diet Foods I get it, you have a fat loss goal so it's tempting to fall into the trap of purchasing foods that claim to help dieters. The problem lies in the fact that these ‘diet' products have been highly processed and contain potentially harmful chemicals and artificial sweeteners that will confuse your hormones and promote fat storage. The best diet strategy, when working towards a fitness goal, is to stick with real, fresh, whole foods. Steer clear of anything fake or processed.

You're fooling yourself, but not your scale, if you think processed carbs should be included in your fat loss diet.

BEAUTY & FASHION TRENDS

How to Dress for Success on a Budget Are you interested in dressing professionally or dressing for success? Whether you would like to make a good impression at work, at a job interview, look professional and successful for an important business meeting, or just because, you may soon start shopping for new clothes. Unfortunately, when it comes to dressing professionally and dressing for success, it is easy to get carried away. This can be difficult if you are on a budget.

If you are looking to dress for success, but without having to spend a large amount of money doing so, you will want to take the time to examine your local thrift stores. Thrift stores often have a large selection of career clothes. These career clothes can also often double as elegant or formal wear. When shopping for dress for success clothes at your local thrift stores, you will just want to thoroughly examine all clothing pieces. Be on the lookout for items that are missing buttons or ones that have stains. You may also want to see if your stores have any sales, as many thrift stores are known for having sale or discount days.

You can also shop for dress for success clothes by examining specialty used clothing stores.

These stores are similar to thrift stores, but you are often presented with a larger product selection, as well as clothes that are in better condition. These specialty stores are nice, but they can sometimes be difficult to come by. You can use your local phone book or the internet to come across local used clothing stores in your area. Generally speaking, those who live in or around larger cities often have the best chance of success.

Yard sales are another one of the many ways that you can find professional or elegant clothes for sale, when shopping locally. The only problem with taking this approach is that

you never know exactly what you may find. If you are not careful, you can waste a lot of time searching for elegant or formal clothing at yard sales. What you may want to do is examine your local newspapers, as many people hosting yard sales will advertise their sales, as well as outline a few of the items that they have available for sale.

If you are looking for new clothing, as opposed to used clothing, you will want to turn to the internet. The internet is a great way to shop for dress for success clothes, as you have a number of different options. For starters, you will want to focus on traditional clothing retailers or those that have a focus on clothes designed for employment and or formal events.

Be on the lookout for any sales or sections where discontinued items are listed, as many are offered at reduced prices. This approach can also be used to shop for new clothing locally.

In keeping with using the internet to help you dress for success, you may want to examine online auction websites, such as eBay. These websites are nice, as you often have a large selection of products to choose from. You can also find dress for success clothes being sold in both new and used conditions. If you plan to use online auction websites, it is advised that you closely read all product descriptions, examine pictures, as well as keep a close eye on shopping costs. In some instances, you may find yourself paying more for shipping than the clothes themselves.

The above mentioned ways are just a few of the many ways that you can go about dressing for success even while on a budget. Although you do have a number of other options, such as borrowing clothes from friends or family members, the above mentioned approaches are a few of the most common and successful approaches taken. To find the best deals, it is advised that you regularly keep your eyes and ears open.

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Trendy Palette The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group Celebrates 54th National Wine Week™ Catch an early flight and sample 3 premium wines beginning February 18 cut on-premise daily. Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group is headquartered in Boston and owns and operates nine iconic Smith & Wollensky locations in Miami Beach; Chicago; Las Vegas; Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia; Columbus, Ohio; Houston; and two restaurants in Boston. The acclaimed wine list, rich ambiance and exceptional service are designed to provide guests with a truly memorable steakhouse experience. Smith & Wollensky has received numerous local and national awards, including the “Grand Award of Excellence” from WINE SPECTATOR® and the “Award of Excellence” from Distinguished Restaurants of North America.

BOSTON —The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group announces its 54th National Wine Week™, March 10-14.

The seasonal event offers guests the opportunity to discover new wines from some of the world’s most exclusive winemakers. Guests may sample ten wines for $20 with the purchase of a lunch entrée at participating restaurants.

Since its establishment in 1977 as America’s premier fine dining steakhouse, Smith& Wollensky has been committed to delivering unparalleled hospitality and the best USDA Prime steaks, dry-aged for tenderness and flavor and hand

Don’t keep your curiosity bottled up. Guests who can’t wait for Wine Week can “Catch an Early Flight” and preview three featured Wine Week partner wines for $20. The wine flight includes Chateau D’Esclans “Whispering Angel” Rose, Sonom-Cutrer Pinot Noir and J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon. The “Catch an Early Flight” promotion debuts on National Drink Wine Day, February 18, and is available through March.

Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. Proceeds from the 54th National Wine Week activities will benefit Keep Memory Alive and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health provides state-of-the-art care for cognitive disorders and for the family members of those who suffer from them. The physicians and staff at the Center for Brain Health continuously work towards the development of early diagnosis and the advancement of knowledge concerning treatment of cognitive disorders, which could one day delay or prevent their onset. For more information, visit http://www.clevelandclinic.org/ brainhealth.

Keep Memory Alive, whose mission is to provide enhanced treatment and ultimately cures for patients and their families suffering from neurocognitive disorders, raises awareness and funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. For additional information call (702) 263-9797 or visit www.keepmemoryalive.org.

Smith& Wollensky Restaurant Group will continue its sup- To learn more about the 54th National Wine Week featured port to raise awareness and help the millions of Americans wines and the Wine Week raffle, visit affected by neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s,

614-526-8871

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BUSINESS TRENDS GET ON BOARD Urban Trendsetters Presents Our New Community Digital Billboard Urban Trendsetters News Magazine is the premier urban publication in Central Ohio and we are excited to celebrate 11 years of service to our community. We are equally excited about our new service and product the UTS CItyView Billboard.

UTS City View Billboards handles all the technical side of the Ad Servers including installation setup, programming and ad management.

Our digital billboards create jobs for anyone who wants one since everyone is a sales person for all systems in the network!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & CONNECTION FOR THE COMMUNITY Low Cost Effective Advertising for Small Businesses Income Producing Opportunity for Host Partners Employment / Affiliate Opportunities for Community Special Features: PSA for Community Announcements Missing Persons Fundraising Opportunities for Non-Profits & MORE!!!!

Why Choose Indoor Digital Signage

With the UTS CityView Billboards we are expanding our reach to thousands of people in communities all across the nation in small and large businesses including Fitness Centers, Restaurants, Salons & Barber Shops, Medical Offices and more.

As a medium, digital out-of-home advertising reaches 67% of U.S. residents aged 18 or older each month across the venues measured and delivers a fairly representative cross-section of consumers. Of those who recall seeing digital out-of-home displays in the past month, 76% noticed seeing them at multiple venues This new medium delivers compelling and relevant messages to consumers throughout their day where they work, shop and play. LCD Our network delivers HI-RES Ads to consumers everyday. At the same time sharing ad screens placed in locations as diverse as health clubs, transit vehicles, convenience stores revenue with the local communities that support the network of billboard systems. Additional locations for advertising coming aboard every month extending the network. We pro- and restaurants (to list just a few types of venues) are an increasingly important communicavide 100% targeted network marketing with Digital Signage.. tions tool.

UTS City View Billboards was designed to create jobs, connect local communities while at For More Information about the CityView Digital Billboards contact Urban Trendsettters the same time providing a information distribution network for the community. All Ad today at 614-526-8871 or visit our website at www.urbantrendsetters.com.

Servers (Digital Signage Systems) are paid for by way of Crowd Funding or Business Sponsorships and than placed in a local business in that same community.

The community shares in profits by selling ads for each system getting a 30% return in commission for each ad sold. Locations hosting the system gets 5% of each ad sold and FREE Advertising on their location board as well as other partner host location boards.

Tax Tips For Small Business Owners

(NAPS)—Small businesses play a big role in the U.S. economy. That’s the word from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which reports that the U.S. is home to over 28 million small businesses.

A growing number of small business owners are preparing their own business’ taxes. It makes sense given they know their business better than anyone else and because of the affordable tax

products available online and as downloadable vehicle, as well as reimbursements to employees software. for business use of their personal vehicles. You can also deduct vehicle depreciation and loan interest.

What’s your business type?

When choosing an online or downloadable tax •You should be able to substantiate any expenses solution, re-member to select the product appro- you claim on your tax return. So whenever buying priate for your business type: new equipment, technology, software or even furniture for your business, save those receipts •Partnerships and multi-member LLCs must file and keep detailed records that include purchase tax Form 1065. price and date placed into service.

•S corporations file Form 1120S. •C corporations need to file Form 1120.

The Section 179 deduction limit for new and used •Self-employed, sole proprietors and single- assets purchased in 2013 is $500,000. However, member LLCs need to file Form 1040 and Sched- your business must be profitable in order to reule C. ceive this benefit on your tax year 2013 return. In 2014, the dollar limit drops to $25,000 unless Also, keep in mind that you can generally use Congress extends this tax break. online products risk-free because payment isn’t usually required until you file. Remember to com- Bonus depreciation of 50 percent of the cost of pare brands and features carefully, since a higher new items expires at the end of 2013. Depreciaprice doesn’t necessarily mean a better product. tion can be claimed whether or not your business is profitable.

Tax-savings tips •If you use your home for your business, you •Company donations of money, supplies and may be able to deduct mortgage interest, insur- property are deductible expenses. So are bonuses ance, utilities, repairs and depreciation. and associated payroll taxes awarded to your emCorporations and partnerships can deduct actual ployees, partners and officers. If you own an S expenses for non-personal uses of your personal corporation, keep a close eye on officer compen-

sation to ensure that you meet IRS requirements and thus avoid penalties.

•If you take a class or seminar or attend a convention that helps you maintain or improve skills required for your business, you can generally deduct the costs.

Year-round opportunities Remember, if you are a small business owner, your business has year-round tax savings opportunities. Doing your own taxes can help you be better informed about deductible expenses, and how moving revenue and expenses forward or back may change your taxes.

Said TaxACT spokesperson Jessi Dolmage, “Answer simple questions about business income and expenses and the program will do the rest.

It’ll complete your tax forms and cover every deduction and credit to maximize your bottom line.”

Visit www.irs.gov for more business tax tips and www.taxact. com to learn about TaxACT Small Business solutions.

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BUSINESS TRENDS THE DIVA’S MOVEMENT… OHIO’S PREMIER NET WORKING GROUP FOR WOMEN ON THE MOVE! Noni is a well-respected community advocate. She has worked with a variety of community and faith based organizations, providing training, event planning and marketing expertise to staff and volunteers. In 2010, she developed the Power Lunch Series which engaged hundreds of agencies, community leaders, companies and advocates. The Power Lunches ….

Through her experience and personal passion to support, engage resource and coach the networks of committed partners, employees, stakeholders, she successfully led numerous high-profile communications initiatives, including National campaigns and grassroots engagement efforts.

Noni McMillian, CEO and Founder of The Diva Movement

Noni McMillian is the CEO and Founder of The DIVA Movement. The DIVA Movement is committed to inspiring, motivating and empowering women. Born and bred to be a DIVA, Noni was surrounded by women of power, style and confidence. Through community service and service within the faith community during High School, Noni developed invaluable leadership and grassroots development skills.

She developed numerous volunteer training curriculums, manuals and workforce development programs that have been used to improve the lives of low income residents of Central Ohio. She has served on the boards for numerous Head Starts, The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Coalition, Foster Grandparents, Successful Single Moms and Ohio Foreclosure Task Force. For the last 10 years, she has coordinated one of the largest city wide school supply events in the Central Ohio area, which has served over 10,000 low income children. Noni is a graduate of Otterbein University and received a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations.

DIVA Movement Info-It’s Not Just a Movement-It’s a Lifestyle

Expect a Variety of Workshops at a Diva Movement Event

Trainings, Workshops and Seminars EmpowerME© trainings and events provide an opportunity to connect with other women in an empowering, motivating and supportive atmosphere.

The EmpowerME© series are designed to help women discover their purpose, pursue their passions and live your dreams. These trainings and events equip women with the tools to succeed.

Workshops are facilitated by dynamic team of women who are leaders in their respective fields. This team of powerful women will help awaken your dreams and renovate your life.

EmpowerME© Training Series: 1.Dream Big Series-Starve your fears and feed your dream in this personal development series that will help you to expand your capacity to dream and live a fulfilled life 2.DIVAs by Design- This series empowers women to live by design by providing practical resources, training and support 3. DIVAs on a Dime-You can be frugal and fabulous.

Learn how to enhance and embrace your style without breaking the bank.

A DIVA is synonymous with style, success and power. As women, we juggle many responsibilities. It is easy for our lives to get out of balance very quickly. Most womNoni (Center) with her proud parents Ernie and Yvonne Thorton en find that they have sacrificed their goals, hopes and Lik e m a n y life’s ambitions. Invest in Yourself! By learning to maximwomen, Noni has juggled family, work ize each moment you can transform your life and start and the entrepreneurship. Determined to create and living the life of your dreams. run a woman owned company, Noni used DIVAs: every opportunity to learn from organization and companies that focused on the empowerment, development and support of women.

Noni has extensive experience in training design and facilitation, program design and management, cultural engagement, talent management and leadership development. As an accomplished trainer, she has conducted numerous national and statewide trainings for multiple local and national companies. Committed to Diversity and community collaborations, Noni developed an award winning Diversity program which received the Ohio Attorney General Program Award in 2006.

2014 Vision Board Party

DIVAs in the City- The ultimate girls’ night out themed experiences, that allow women to experience events, network with other ladies and have fun.

Divas in the City Book Club Join The Divas in the City Book Club as we talk, laugh and learn with each other. Join us once a month in a fun, social and relaxed setting as we discuss the month’s selection.

Engage and connect with like-minded women for stimulating and interesting conversation. Share a meal with other divas as we inspire, motivate and empower each other.

For More Information and to join The Diva’s Movement log onto http://www.thedivamovementohio.com Or email thedivamovement@yahoo.com Phone: 614-259-7526

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BUSINESS TRENDS M2 Social

Enterprises To Launch The Destiny Center, Ohio’s First Social Enterprise Business Incubator for Economic Empowerment Opportunities for Minorities and Restored Citizens

Founded by Pastor Rick and Michele Reynolds of Common Ground Destiny Center, The Destiny Center officially opened its doors on February 3, 2014. With an emphasis on the growing need for economic empowerment programs and opportunities for minorities and the Restored Citizen population, The Destiny Center will enable these individuals a full service business cycle. “With NISRE we have had the opportunity and pleasure to provide housing as well as jobs for the under-served or re-entry population through our other programs The Exit Program and M2 Social Enterprises. Now we want the ability to help this population that has an entrepreneurial spirit but needs some assistance to get their business or business idea off to a good start,” states founder Michele Reynolds.

Columbus, OH- M2 Social Enterprises, a division of Noth- The Destiny Center membership services will include Life ing Into Something Real Estate (NISRE), Inc. launched The Coaching, Business Workshops and Member Discounts in addition to the varied levels of office space. The Destiny Destiny Center, A Faith Based Social Enterprise Business Incubator. The Destiny Center located at 1561 Old Leon- Center has created several phases that will allow the business owner to grow and advance as their business success grows. ard Avenue in Columbus, Ohio will provide office suites As a member of The Destiny Center an entrepreneur can and programs designed to support the successful development of Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners in Central begin with a Day Rental Package and increase to an Office Suite. In addition, The Destiny Center offers Beyond DestiOhio through an array of business resources and services.

FOR MORE INFORMangi Mphande / 614Ellen Harvey, Sr.

ny their Re-Location Services to assist business owners in the process of buying or leasing a building of their own.

The Destiny Center Business Coach—Michele Reynolds, who is also a Commercial Real Estate Agent with Treasure and Associates Commercial Real Estate, has recently secured the former Hanna Neal Center located at 727 East Main Street to lease as Executive Office Suites for long term tenants.

Unique Services Logistics Career Academy and M2 Social Enterprises Corporation are the anchor tenants of The Destiny Center. Urban Trendsetters News Magazine and Media which will provide members with marketing, advertising and branding services and A Blessed Palate, created by first Restored Citizen tenant Waymond C. Gordon. The Destiny Center also offers a Salon Suite for Licensed Hair Stylists and Barbers and Event Rental opportunities.

For more information log onto http:// www.destinypartners.org.

MATION CONTACT 861-9003 Office / mmphande@usavingsbank.com / NMLS #894032 Loan Officer / Cell: (614) 348-7924 / Ehar-

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URBAN TRENDSETTERS BUSINESS DIRECTORY “Let Us Put Your Business in the Streets”

INFINITY INSURANCE & REALTY We are dedicated to providing insurance products that provide quality protection with competitive pricing and offering comprehensive real estate services to facilitate the purchasing and selling of residential and commercial property.

Donna Jackson Realtor

1607 Brice Road Reynoldsburg, OH 614-861-EXIT www.exit-empower.com

The BauBau Daycare Congratulates Urban Trendsetters On Their 11th Anniversary

President/CEO LaTonga Smith

Contact Us Today 614-636-0556 Email LaTonga Smith @gmail.com

MILLIONAIRES IN THE MAKING Sales Training and Multilevel Marketing Events ENLARGE YOUR TEAM DEVELOP LEADERS INCREASE YOUR BOTTOM LINE Lisa Freeman-Williamson Founder and Principal 614-423-9831

2 for 1

Sew In Hair Weave Organization Name 2 Sew in Only for $150 Call D’Andrea Brown at 614-456-6985 for details and appointment

Expiration Date: 03/15/2014

YOUR AD HERE SPRING SPECIALS $99 Contact Us for Details REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY FREE AT WWW.URBANTRENDSETTERS.COM /UTS BIZ LIST 20

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TRAVEL TRENDS

CROSSING CULTURES TRAVEL AND TOURS Vision Statement Crossing Cultures Travel and Tours’ vision is to be the most creative gateway to the African Diaspora for all.

Mission Statement To celebrate the African Diaspora, to grow eco-tourism and to ensure comfortable travel though regular end-to-end service for all.

Commitment Statement Crossing Cultures Travel and Tours commits to share our knowledge freely while respecting your specific desires and to do so in a manner that encourages a long-term commitment from both parties. All of our services meet the highest stand-

Julialynne Walker Owner

+1.614.214.6277 crossingculturestt@gmail.com www.ytbtravel.com/crossingcultures

AUTO TENDS MotorWeek 2014 Drivers' Choice Best of the Year: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette "The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is an amazing effort at an amazingly affordable price," says MotorWeek host John Davis. "It looks great CHICAGO -- MotorWeek from every angle, and is a names the Chevrolet Corvette total high performance packStingray as its "Best of the age that is truly world class.

Year" 2014 Drivers' Choice Nothing is left out - from Award winner for delivering track-ready features, to iman exotic performance, for far pressive driver comfort, to less than an exotic price. The the kind of fuel economy that Drivers' Choice Awards, is the envy of the sports car among the auto industry's world." most coveted honor, announces the awards annually Recognized as the best overat the Chicago Auto Show. all among winners in 13 lifestyle categories, the ChevroThe 2014 Chevrolet Corvette let Corvette Stingray also Stingray stood out amongst won as "Best Sport Perforcompetition for its eye catch- mance Car." All Drivers' ing exterior design, high tech Choice winners are featured substances, honest quality on Motorweek.org, as well as and lofty performance. on a special episode (#3323) "With MotorWeek's longstan of MotorWeek airing on pubding reputation for represent- lic television stations begining the pulse of the consumer ning February 8, 2014, and and best market choices, on cable's Velocity beginning Chevrolet is honored and February 18, 2014. Motordelighted to be the recipient Week and the 2014 Driver's of the Drivers' Choice, Best Choice Awards are nationally of the Year, 2014 with the sponsored by RockAuto, Tire Chevrolet Corvette Stingray," Rack, and DieHard. said Tim Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer, Global The MotorWeek Drivers' Chevrolet. "This is a fabuChoice Awards are consumer lous award and one that we focused and represent the are exceptionally proud to best automotive picks for a call our own." large range of lifestyles. MotorWeek's editorial staff eval-

uates more than 150 cars, trucks, and sports utility vehicles. Winners are chosen based on performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency and dollar value.

2014 Drivers' Choice Winners: Best Subcompact Car Ford Fiesta ST Best Compact Car Mazda3 Best Family Sedan Chevrolet Impala Best Convertible Jaguar F-Type Best Luxury Sedan Cadillac CTS Best Sport Sedan Subaru WRX Best Sports Coupe BMW 4 Series Best Performance Car Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Best Small Utility Jeep Cherokee Best Large Utility Hyundai Santa Fe Best Pickup Truck Ram 1500 Best ECO-Friendly Honda Accord Hybrid Beast Dream Machine Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Rover Range Rover Sport MotorWeek is one of the nation's leading sources for

BOBBY WALKER THE CREDIT DOCTOR Are you Looking for a Car? Is Your Credit Slightly Bruised?

You need to see a Doctor….

Bobby Walker “The Credit Doctor” in his own Private Practice at "AutoMaxUSA" No Credit Applications Refused!

Use your Tax Refund as your down payment or bring The Doctor your W-2.

Make Your Doctor’s Appointment Today at 614-290-3660 or Stop By and Visit Bobby at 2435 Billingsley Road, Columbus, OH 43235 —270 & Sawmill Road 21

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URBAN TRENDSETTERS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Help Us Grow Our Calendar Post Your Events online www.urbantrendsetters.com or Email Us at utsevents@gmail.com Event: TORN “Third Thursdays” Date: Thursday, February 20, 2014 Time: !2:00pm – 2:00pm Description: Our goal is to help you establish a network of friends, associates and acquaintances with whom you can exchange business referrals Location: Keller Williams Capital Partners 100 East Wilson Bridge Road Worthington, OH USA 43085 Contact: Eric Ransom (614) 402-8335 Cost: Free

Event: Wise Women “Mentor Me Too” Date: Thursday February 20, 2014 Time: 6:00pm –8:00pm Description: The kick-off date for the Mentor Me Too Group which is designed for those women who have been in business for at least 9 months to a year and who want to continue to build their business. From February through June the “Mentor Me Too” Go-To sessions will be held every third Thursday of the month.

Location: Center for Workforce Development at Columbus State 315 Cleveland Avenue Columbus, OH 43215 Contact: http://www.sbdccolumbus.com/group/wisewomen Website: http://www.sbdccolumbus.com/group/wisewomen Cost: Free

Event: STARTUP Columbus 'Startup Saturdays' - For The Love of Business Date: Saturday, February 22, 2014 Time: 10:00am- 1:00pm Description: This is a great opportunity to get to know one another, learn about each other's ventures, get a little business advice and network. You'll also have the opportunity to learn more about what the DEC (Dublin Entrepreneurial Center) has to offer entrepreneurs and small businesses. Bring plenty of business cards.

Theme of the Month: 'For the Love of Business' February is considered the Month of Love and a time when many are either excited about or dreading Valentine's Day. When it comes to business, we rarely talk in terms of love.

However, business love is an important affair. Today we'll examine the love-hate relationship when it comes to entrepreneurship as well as ways to nurture business love. This is also a good time to celebrate National Entrepreneur Week (Feb 18-25).

Location: Dublin Entrepreneurial Center 7003 Post Rd. 1st Floor Multipurpose Room Dublin, OH 43016 Contact: Michelle Harris Email: michelle@startupcolumbus.org Phone: 614-397-1804 Website: www.startupcolumbus.org Cost: Free

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