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2012 - 2013

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES WITH PRIDE

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Inclusion strengthens Charlotte businesses and grows our communities This PRIDE Multicultural Resource Guide serves as a valuable tool to support diversity, partnership, and connection within our Charlotte community. In these pages, you’ll learn more about the Charlotte Minority Economic Development Initiative (a partnership between the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council — CMSDC), Wells Fargo’s commitment to providing assistance to diverse suppliers, and Wells Fargo’s involvement with the 100 Black Men of America — Greater Charlotte Chapter. Corporate Supplier Diversity strives to identify, build, and sustain strong supplier relationships that reflect the demographics of our communities — here in Charlotte and across the nation. Doing so contributes to the economic power and cultural vitality of the places where we live and work. For more information, contact the Wells Fargo Corporate Supplier Diversity team at corporatesupplierdiversity@wellsfargo.com.

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2012-2013

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Table of Contents Departments

18 16

8 Publisher’s letter 45 Community and business resource directory

Business Spotlights 18 Energized for the future 30 See the city on a Segway 36 Fresh and flavorful 64 Wells Fargo partnership spotlight

Features

16 CMEDI grows business 22 Putting out the welcome mat 26 From Peru to public television 32 YMCA goes global 34 How international is Charlotte? 38 Freedom to live, learn and worship 42 Russian community connects

Sección en Español

60 Charlotte se perfila como una metrópoli multicultural 61 Desde Perú a la televisión pública 62 CMEDI- Desarrolla Empresas

www.charlotteresourceguide.net

Emerging as a multicultural metropolis H

ello, and welcome to Charlotte’s fifth Multicultural Resource Guide. If you are a visitor to the Queen City, or if you’ve just picked this magazine up for the first time, here’s the purpose: Pride Communications created the guide by Dee Dixon as a vehicle to support diversity and inclusion through communication and connection — bringing organizations and the community together using ethnicity and building social capital as key operatives. It’s a celebration of diversity, and it’s a testament of the strength and authenticity of our city. I believe this celebration of our growing metropolis is fueled by three things: current demographic trends (as revealed in the 2010 Census); the growth and importance of small business; and the city’s unparalleled corporate and individual LEADERSHIP with regard to diversity. In case you don’t know or have forgotten, here’s how the numbers were broken down for Charlotte in 2010. Keep in mind the population of our city continues to GROW (we were less than 550,000 strong in 2000). The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce estimates the total population is now close to 772,627, with some 2.5 million people residing in the metro region. Charlotte 2010 Total Population 731,424 Black/African American 256,241 (35%) Hispanic/Latino 95,000 (13.1%) Asian 36,403 (5%) American Indian 3,483 (0.5%) Native American/Pacific 581 (0.1%) There’s no more speculation — minorities ARE in the majority in Charlotte. The explosion of minority owned small businesses further establishes us as a multicultural metropolis. Did you know recent research conducted by the Charlotte Chamber, Pride Magazine and UNC Charlotte reveals there are 27,456 women-owned firms, 13,873 black-owned, 4,242 Hispanic-owned and 4,054 Asian-owned firms in Mecklenburg County? This representation positions Charlotte for strong economic growth, as well as the socio-economic and political advancement of communities of color. Strong leadership has helped create a pathway for this. The strategic initiative established by the Carolinas Minority Economic Development Council 8

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

and the Charlotte Chamber, called CMEDI, partners minority businesses with corporate sponsors as a step toward eliminating disparities with regard to business opportunities. (Read the full article beginning on page 16). Furthermore, a bevy of corporations, such as Compass Group, Siemens, Wells Fargo and Synder’sLance, have active and growing diversity programs that are intentional about maintaining a multicultural workforce. They lead by example. Speaking of leadership, Wells Fargo Supplier Diversity is at the top of its game in Charlotte. It continues to create numerous opportunities for MBEs, including the sponsorship of this Resource Guide. The lives Wells has touched, the businesses it has helped and the difference it has made in our city are too vast to mention here. But please, join me in giving them a resounding “THANK YOU.”

Coca-Cola Sunset Jazz Festival set for Sept. 8 Please join Pride Magazine, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Wells Fargo (see what I mean about Wells?), Synder’s-Lance, WBTV, V101.9 and Bojangles’ for the 21st Annual Sunset Jazz Festival. After two years, we’re excited to move back to Symphony Park at SouthPark for a Saturday afternoon of great music. Everyone is invited — in fact, we’d love to have some of our DNC guests stay and enjoy the festivities with us. This year’s festival is in collaboration with Coca-Cola’s “Family Day” promotion, in which families can win four movie passes, four large popcorns, four large cokes and four passes for VIP seating at the Jazz Festival. At this writing, we have not pinned down the bands. So stay tuned, and log onto www. charlottesunsetjazzfestival.com for updates. (Pssst! We’re planning to bring in a national act.) You can help us by answering this question on our Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/NCPrideMagazine): What local bands would you like to see perform? Now, I must run. See you at the Jazz Festival. (And, don’t forget the 20th Annual Lowe’s Pride Awards on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013.)

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*Offer subject to credit review and approval. The applicable interest rate varies depending on your credit qualifications, line amount, property state and loan-to-value ratio. Loan-to-value restrictions may vary by property location. A Fifth Third Checking account and payments made automatically using Auto BillPayer are required for the following pricing. For an Equity Flexline in the amount of $10,000–$24,999, the applicable interest rate varies from a variable APR of Prime + 0.75% (currently 4.00% APR) to Prime + 2.00% (currently 5.25% APR). For an Equity Flexline in the amount of $25,000–$49,999, the applicable interest rate varies from a variable APR of Prime + 0.50% (current minimum is 3.75% APR) to Prime + 1.75% (currently 5.00% APR). For an Equity Flexline in the amount of $50,000–$99,999, the applicable interest rate varies from a variable APR of Prime + 0.50% (current minimum is 3.75% APR) to Prime + 1.50% (currently 4.75% APR). For an Equity Flexline in the amount of $100,000 or more, the applicable interest rate varies from a variable APR of Prime -.26% (current minimum is 2.99% APR) to Prime + 1.50% (currently 4.75% APR). Interest rates may vary and are indexed to the Prime Rate as published daily in The Wall Street Journal Eastern Edition “Money Rates” table. As of 6/1/12, the WSJ Prime Rate is 3.25%. Offer is available on new Fifth Third equity lines of credit only. The maximum APR will not exceed 25%, or the state usury ceiling, whichever is less. Annual fee of up to $65 waived for one year. In Georgia, intangible taxes apply. The bank is currently paying these taxes on the borrower’s behalf. In Tennessee, recordation taxes may apply. The bank is currently paying these taxes on the borrower’s behalf. Rate and offer are subject to change without notice. Consult a tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest. $50 minimum deposit required to open a new checking account. Fifth Third Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. © Fifth Third Bank 2012

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M I C H A E L J O R D A N ’ S C H O I C E F O R H E A LT H C A R E

2012-2013

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon

Editor Lee McCracken

Lead Writer Angela Lindsay

Creative Director Fabi Preslar

Distribution/Web Site Liaison Tye Feimster

Account Executive Nikelle Feimster

Public Relations Nepherterra Estrada

Intern Epiphany Espinosa

Design & Production SPARK Publications www.SPARKpublications.com

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$13.25. Please subscribe online at www.pridemagazine.net.

Letters to the Editor

Please send an e-mail to info@pridemagazine.net or mail to Pride Magazine 312 W. Trade St., Suite 600, Charlotte, NC 28202

On the Cover

Representatives of the Charlotte Minority Economic Development Initiative include (l-r): Front row – Edison McCrea, Substation Maintenance Services; Jennifer Ballard, Titan Commercial Services; Linda Alexander, NuLevel Strategic Solutions; Keith Brent, BrandRPM; and Erwin Carter, Newbold Services. Back row – David Willis, CMSDC Consultant; Edgar Ruth, Environmental Service Systems; Tiffanie Hoey, Miriam Davis Cleaning; Garry Stevenson, Metro Transportation Services; Tyler Thomas, Metcon, Inc.; and Tyrone Harmon, RJ Leeper Construction. Copyright© 2012 Pride Magazine All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited.

www.Facebook.com/NCPrideMagazine www.charlotteresourceguide.net

ook closely at Charlotte and you’ll discover a lot. Masterpieces on display from diverse artists, a shrine for legends with the NASCAR Hall of Fame and inspired artistic performances are among the debuts the city is proud to tout and we’re not stopping there. Charlotte is undoubtedly on the rise … and in more ways than one. Arts aficionados won’t want to miss out on a thriving cultural scene with everything from neighborhood gallery crawls to alfresco symphony concertos. Most notably, the nationally renowned Levine Center for the Arts is a haven for extraordinary works, thanks to gems like the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. Named for Charlotte’s first African-American mayor, the facility relocates

Photos courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Charlotte’s got a lot

the Afro-American Cultural Center, a 35-year-old institution. The three exhibit spaces host major traveling and permanent exhibitions brimming with fine arts, crafts, and historical and cultural displays. The center also encompasses the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art that features

Photos courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

modern works new to a North American audience, the Knight Theater that hosts regional and national performing arts groups, and a new facility for the Mint Museum Uptown. Meanwhile, Levine Museum of the New South documents the rich history of Charlotte’s role in the “New South” with vibrant exhibits including its timeless and award-winning “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers.” Visitors can relive a civil rights era sit-in at a lunch counter or even stroll down a recreated main street to try on a hat in an early Belk department store. See the city with fresh eyes by taking advantage of helpful resources like Charlotte NC Tours, Charlotte Crown Guides, and C-Charlotte Tours, all Queen City experts that provide insightful excursions. For foodies, the region may be known for stick-

to-your-ribs sustenance with staples like pimento cheese, barbecue, and just about anything deep fried or dripping with butter at favorites like Mert’s Heart & Soul and Mac’s Speed Shop, but Charlotte’s ready to challenge even the most discriminating palate. Visitors can find worldly culinary creations that crisscross the globe ranging from tangy tapas at Press Wine/Food to satisfying sushi at Enso Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar. Not to mention enough steakhouses to exhaust even the most enthusiastic carnivore. With a community so rich in captivating culture, colorful cityscapes and cosmopolitan character, the thriving quality of life here is abundantly clear. CMRG Find out more about Charlotte by calling (800) 231-4636 or visiting www.charlottesgotalot.com.

Inspire Look closely at Charlotte and you’ll discover a lot. A lot at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art to stimulate the senses. And over a mile of arts and performance venues to ignite the imagination. Find a lot more at 800-231-4636 or charlottesgotalot.com.

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F eature

CMEDI grows business Minority firms benefit from mentors’ experiences by Angela Lindsay

Tyrone Harmon says being a part of CMEDI is giving RJ Leeper Construction access to best practices and business expertise.

t’s a fact: Minorities are the majority in Charlotte. Yet, minority-owned firms are doing less than 25 percent of business in the region. Fortunately, this gap is being addressed. Large corporations are mentoring minority-owned businesses to increase referrals and contracts, resulting in the creation of new jobs. Sharing best practices A strategic partnership between the Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC) and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce gave birth last summer to the Charlotte Minority Economic Development Initiative (CMEDI). Evette Beckett-Tuggle Evette Beckett-Tuggle, president of the CMSDC, says the initiative resulted from discussions about the disparities between the representation of the minority community to the total population and the pro rata share of business opportunities of economic impact for minority business enterprises. CMEDI kicked off July 2011 by partnering minority businesses enterprises (MBEs) with corporate sponsors. The objectives are 16

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

three-fold: Strengthen corporate supplier diversity programs through training and best-practice sharing; strengthen MBEs through group capacitybuilding sessions; and provide in-depth, individual assessments for effective business development and growth. CMEDI, she adds, is effecting change. “The opportunity for development and engagement of minority business enterprises with corporate and government entities is viewed as a source of competitive advantage, economic growth and job creation,” says Beckett-Tuggle. The proof is in the numbers from the July 2011March 2012 CMEDI class: 11 corporations and 17 MBEs participated, and there were 56 referrals/ introductions, 31 RFPs/RFQs, 24 contracts awarded (valued at more than $3 million) and 125 new jobs created. During this nine-month period, the MBE participants have received training in strategic planning, marketing, taxes and tax planning, business development, and joint ventures and strategic alliances. The second phase of CMEDI has started, with 14 corporations and 18 MBEs participating. Wells Fargo’s participation as a corporate mentor is an extension of the inclusion efforts the company already has in place,

says Derek Cantey, senior vice president/senior supplier diversity manager with Wells Fargo. “Our involvement goes beyond the financial commitment,” explains Cantey. “The participation and involvement with not only our corporate partners and peers, but also with the small businesses, help us to understand what the current issues are and what the small businesses in this community (view as) some of the issues and challenges they have.” Cantey adds that Wells Fargo is using the information and feedback to strengthen its supplier diversity program and ensure the bank is providing fair opportunities based on the current environment. Learning, improving boosts business Corporate mentors also are performing internal evaluations to make sure they are helping smaller businesses in the best way possible. “I think some of the things that are really making this program stand out above other programs is that we polled (business owners) and looked for the needs of the companies Derek Cantey that were going to be part of it,” says Steve Keckeis, vice president and Charlotte regional leader for Messer Construction Company. “We benchmarked those (results) and understood them (in relation to) other programs. … We’ve already gone back and asked, ‘Are we on track?’ and benchmarked ourselves. We’ve checked in and asked, ‘Are we still delivering what we said we were going to deliver?’ We’ve held ourselves accountable, and there were a couple of things we wanted to tweak that we felt we could do better by doing that intermediate step.” Messer, a national complex commercial construction company with an 80-year history that specializes in large projects, such as health care and higher education buildings, is a mentor to RJ Leeper Construction in Charlotte, a full-service general contractor and construction management company with 20 years in the industry. Keckeis says Messer’s charge is to help Leeper identify improvement areas and share its experiences. “Our company’s goals when we joined CMEDI were to help Charlotte with the experiences we already had, bringing the best practices of where we’ve already done this before. They were to help the community, to be an integral part of the community … and to start to understand and get to know the people.” He continues, “It’s no secret, we are newer to the Charlotte region, and it’s a very good way to get to know the movers and shakers, and the players, in the Charlotte region and to be able to contribute back.” Messer and Leeper meet with several other paired mentor-mentee firms once a month for 18-24 months to discuss best business development. Messer and Leeper

Steve Keckeis, Messer Construction, and Tyrone Harmon, RJ Leeper Construction, have a mutually beneficial business relationship.

also connect twice a month separately for additional strategic planning sessions. “My experience has been outstanding so far,” says Tyrone Harmon, director of business development for RJ Leeper. “Messer Construction has allowed us access to their internal processes and training tools for us to use as guides to improve. The CMEDI program has given our firm exposure to best practices and strategies that we can apply immediately to our firm to make it better. What could take years to learn and experience through trial and error, we are gaining access to that knowledge now.” Keckeis says the benefits are mutual. “What they are helping me with is learning the Charlotte culture — learning the Charlotte sub-contractors and helping me understand how to work in Charlotte better — so I don’t have to reinvent that wheel.” Once the baseline for CMEDI is established, Beckett-Tuggle says more corporations will be invited to get involved and help set goals and report activities/ business with MBEs. The Chamber and CMSDC also pledge to aggressively advocate for the growth and development of minority-owned and small business enterprises as an integral component of Charlotte’s economic development strategy. “As Charlotte continues to grow, we need to build the capacity of our diverse supplier base so they can have access to the opportunities in the city,” says Cantey. “That is the first benefit for any corporation — being a part of this and helping to build that capacity. Second, the networking opportunities expand not only the company’s growth and mission, but also it expands the company’s reach within the Charlotte community.” CMRG www.charlottesourceguide.net. Tags: Charlotte Minority Economic Development, CMEDI, Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council, CMSDC, Wells Fargo, RJ Leeper, Messer Construction, small business www.charlotteresourceguide.net

B usiness S potlight

Cultural reflection Energized for the future Entrepreneur succeeds in growing industry by Zacch Estrada-Petersen photos by Jon Strayhorn

A small business leader in Charlotte’s energy sector, Talmadge Brown built Substation Maintenance Services from the ground up.

almadge Brown gets what he wants not by sitting back and waiting for it to come, but by reaching out and fighting for it. The owner of Substation Maintenance Services in Kannapolis since 1998, Brown has worked for nearly 35 years in an exciting industry that’s powered for continual growth. Brown wasn’t always into construction and energy. Born and raised in Kannapolis, he matriculated to what was then Pfeiffer College and studied to become a teacher. His senior year of college, however, when the reality of an educator’s pay scale came into full view, Brown went to work for the local power company. There, he built the substations, capacitors and transformers responsible for power delivery to homes and businesses. “I often tell people, ‘This is the most exciting job in the world,’ from the standpoint that you can’t make mistakes,” says 18

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Brown. “Mistakes are catastrophic.” That’s his advice from a work perspective — especially when dealing with equipment that transmits up to half a million volts. From a life perspective, however, mistakes are something you can’t be afraid to make. “I never put all my eggs in one basket,” says the former Duke Energy veteran, who went into business for himself when his division was downsized in 1997. Even before then, however, the married father of five balanced a demanding career at Duke Energy along with a real estate development company. He founded Brown Russell Enterprises with the late Greg Russell, his cousin and best friend. Russell also joined him in his next, and current, business venture. SMS, or Substation Maintenance Services, maintains and upgrades the same types of equipment Brown had worked with for 20 years prior. In 2002, Russell’s death hit Brown hard. “It was

like being gut-punched,” says Brown, noting his faith and membership at Beth Page Presbyterian helped him through. He now serves on the church’s Elder Board. Referring to that difficult time, Brown adds, “These are the types of things that make you want to say ‘I can’t quit.’” Instead of throwing in the towel, Brown forged ahead and continued to use all he had

Talmadge Brown advises small business owners to think critically and put their business practices to the test. layout.qxd:Layout 1

6/15/12

3:10 PM

When you criticize something, “people think you’re against it …

not understanding that you’re just trying to see how robust it is, and if it will stand up.

”

learned — as well as the principles on which he and Russell had founded the company — to grow SMS. Participating in the Charlotte Minority Economic Development Initiative has helped Brown to gain further exposure for SMS and learn from larger corporate partners. Brown also says constructive criticism was part of how he and his former partner critiqued everything they did. “We pushed each other,” he says. “We challenged each other all the time. If I had an idea, he did his best to tear it down, and that’s the way we played back and forth, because we wanted to make sure the idea would stand up.” Brown recommends more small businesses engage in critical thinking — especially minority owned enterprises, which he hopes soon will have a greater presence in the ever-growing energy industry. “When you criticize something, people think you’re against it … not understanding that you’re just trying to see how robust it is, and if it will stand up.” CMRG

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

F eature

Putting out the welcome mat Queen City shines with multicultural ambassadors* at the Democratic National Convention By Deborah J. Walker, Ph.D.

*Multicultural refers to cultural group identities based on race, ethnicity, gender, class, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, language, immigration status, national origin, region, military experience and political affiliation. Ambassadors refer to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County residents, as well as others from around the United States and world, who are coming here to support the Democratic National Convention, Sept. 3-7, 2012.

understands its history, embraces its current realities and continually asks itself, “How can we build an equitable and inclusive future for all?” Hosting the DNC gives Charlotte an opportunity to highlight one of its core values — the belief that unity in our diversity is important. From our Native American sisters and brothers to our more recent immigrants, from our bi-partisan politics to our friends and neighbors who will be protesting for civil, social and economic justice, Charlotte will live out its ideal that all groups are welcome and that each matters.

Who is Charlotte? The Queen City prides itself on being a “new South city.” Its cultural traditions, shared values, norms and unwritten rules reflect a city that

What is unity in diversity? In talking with citizens about what it means to be a cultural ambassador, and in the world spotlight, Robert Dawkins, the grassroots

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

... We become a Queen City “ that is worthy of its royal name. — Rabbi Judy Schindler ”

organizer of Democracy North Carolina, says he feels honored to be able to work with a cross section of groups, from the League of Women Voters to the NAACP. “My experience is that Charlotte goes beyond what is required to make the city inclusive,” says Dawkins. “It tries to ensure everyone has a voice.” Sharon Reed, former executive director of Charlotte International Cabinet, says she generally thinks of cultural groups internationally. “It is fitting to embrace the multicultural dimensions of Charlotte as we prepare to host the DNC,” she says. “Psychologically, it means ‘I’ and ‘we’ experience a sense of unity in our diversity.” Astrid Chirinos, executive director, Latin American Chamber of Commerce says the city’s diversity is a tremendous asset. “Our authentic valuing of our differences has helped us advance as a community. With the DNC, we get to ‘walk the talk’ on a larger stage.” And, likening Charlotte to a rich and spectacular quilt, Judith Schindler, senior rabbi at Temple Beth-El, explains, “Each patch represents the diversity of the Charlotteans who dwell here. As we fully embrace the gifts that each segment brings to our city, from the LGBT community to the religious community to the dozens upon dozens of immigrants who have come from other places speaking different languages and bringing their culinary specialties, we become a Queen City that is worthy of its royal name.”

Our authentic valuing of “ our differences has helped us

advance as a community. With the DNC, we get to ‘walk the talk’ on a larger stage. — Astrid Chirinos

”

Dan Murrey, executive director of Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee, affirms that residents here know that building bridges is what bonds a community, and that such bonds have made it possible for Charlotte to overcome obstacles and meet opportunities. “Like many growing U.S. cities, we face challenges, but we work on them together. This legacy of inclusion will be passed on to future generations in Charlotte as we make it possible for people of all backgrounds from all over the world to continue to call Charlotte and North Carolina home.” Connecting the past with the future Former mayor Harvey Gantt has seen Charlotte challenge itself to move from its “old South” history to its “new South” attitude. And Mayor Anthony Foxx has taken up the mantle to lead Charlotte in embracing it multicultural landscape. Both have witnessed the city’s legacy of inclusion, which can be seen in many civic initiatives. One is 2012 DNC Legacy, a community effort that fosters economic inclusion, youth engagement, healthy children and families, and sustainability, and one that further propels the city to live out its unity in diversity core value. Our culture reflects the ways in which we see ourselves. It reflects what we project to the world. First Lady Michelle Obama recently said Charlotte is marked by “southern charm, warm hospitality, and an ‘up by the bootstrap’” mentality. The Queen City is “vibrant, diverse and full of opportunity, and is home to innovative, hardworking folks with big hearts and open minds.” This is the Charlotte the world will see in just a few weeks. Its citizens are the ambassadors who welcome one another to the city’s can-do table. It is this Charlotte that will welcome the DNC to its multicultural home … in southern style. CMRG www.charlottesourceguide.net. Tags: DNC, Queen City, diversity, unity Deborah J. Walker, Ph.D. (Deborah J. Walker Consulting, LLC) is a multicultural and organizational development consultant with more than 25 years experience providing consultation and training on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. www.charlotteresourceguide.net

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F eature

From Peru to public television by Michaela Duckett

The merger between WTVI and Central Piedmont Community College is “a win-win” for Charlotte. —Tony Zeiss WTVI is “a community treasure.” — Elsie Garner

TVI President Elsie Garner’s career in television spans nearly 40 years. Her passion for broadcast media was sparked when she was a child growing up in Trujillo, Peru, and she watched television Elsie Garner for the first time. She recalls, “I wondered how they got the picture into that box.” Garner moved with her Canadian mother and American father to the United States when she was 12. Her parents wanted her to have better educational Tony Zeiss and career opportunities. Shortly after graduating from the University of South Florida, Garner was hired at WEDU-TV in Tampa, where she worked her way up from doing research and writing press releases to the positions of senior vice president and chief operating officer. During her final year with the station, she acted as interim president and facilitated the station’s turnaround from a $350,000 deficit to a $1 million positive variance. “The task mentally prepared me for the 26

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

challenges I would face at WTVI,” says Garner. In 2003, she took the helm at WTVI. But since 2008, the Public Broadcasting Service station has experienced a severe decline in public funding. Last summer, WTVI reported a $300,000 budget deficit for the first time in its nearly 50-year history. A merger with Central Piedmont Community College this spring kept the station, which Garner describes as “a community treasure,” from going dark. Garner said in news reports that preserving the station’s license for the 25th largest market in the country was vital. CPCC spokesperson Jeff Lowrance says WTVI’s survival is important for the region, because the station plays a key role in making the community a good place to work and live by providing multicultural programming for a growing international conglomerate. “Charlotte has such rich diversity,” he says. “CPCC has always embraced and celebrated this diversity. We’ll continue with the same spirit as we develop WTVI’s programming.” WTVI will continue to provide local viewers with the PBS programming they love, says Lowrance. Tony Zeiss, CPCC president, calls the merger a win-win, as the station remains on the air and CPCC has access to a live broadcast facility. Shows currently seen on CPCC-TV will be added to WTVI programming. CMRG

PROUD TO GIVE BUSINESSES A LIFT CATS is proud to provide opportunities for businesses to create local jobs through the advancement of transit projects. CATS also seeks to create an environment that gives small and socially or economically challenged local businesses the opportunity to compete for publicly funded contracts by participating in the Small Business Opportunity (SBO) and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs. On the LYNX Blue Line project, for example, CATS spent $42.9 million with 38 DBE firms to build the new light rail system. As the major provider of public transportation to Charlotte and the surrounding region, CATS relies on the communities we serve to build and operate the service every day. By working together on these new opportunities, we can all keep our communities moving in the right direction. For more information, visit ridetransit.org.

Explore what we have in common in todayâ€™s world

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B usiness S potlight

See the city on a Segway Non-motorized tours are fun, eco-friendly by Lee McCracken

harlotte is one of the latest cities to climb aboard the phenomenon of Segway touring, joining Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Nashville, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The Segway Human Transporter — a selfbalancing, electric-powered transportation device introduced in 2001 as the invention that would transform everyday life — is popular in more than two dozen U.S. communities and is even changing the way tourists see Australia and some European cities. Dianna Ward, who moved to Charlotte in 2001 from upstate New York, believes the best way to see a city is on two wheels. She is an avid cyclist and outdoorsy person, who commutes a few miles by bike to her job in uptown, and brought the technology here in August 2009. The goal of Charlotte N.C. Tours is “to create an experience,” says Ward. An alternative to a customary walking tour or a cramped bus tour, seeing the sights via Segway is eco-friendly, fun and safe. Riding a Segway is amazing — just step on, and ride smoothly and silently with a feeling of simple mobility and freedom. The Pride team enjoyed a one-hour tour in the spring, and many of us are eager to bring also family and friends for an even longer experience the next time. Even the most hesitant among us quickly got comfortable with the feel of riding a Segway, and soon were whizzing along the uptown sidewalks. All participants are outfitted with helmets and given instructions and training before stepping on the Segway. Tour operators allow time for people to get the feel of how a Segway moves and turns, and no one 30

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

The Pride Magazine staff enjoys the newest way to see the sights of the Queen City.

is rushed or left unattended until they feel completely comfortable starting, stopping and getting off the Segway. From black history and ghost tours to tours of Fourth Ward and SouthEnd/ Dilworth, the company makes sure everyone learns something new and has a good time. “We’ve developed relationships with many organizations and sites,” says Ward, “and they give us access to allow people a glimpse of history.” Some tours even stop at art galleries and locally owned restaurants. Tours run daily, February-November. Participants must be 14 years or older and weigh at least 100 pounds. There’s no “senior” age restriction (active grandparents love the experience), but there is a weight limit of 260 pounds. Including some Segway fun in a summer family reunion is a great idea. Charlotte NC Tours also offers bike rentals, bus tours and walking tours. Ward expects to be extremely busy in September, too, when the Queen City hosts visitors for the Democratic National Convention. CMRG For details and videos, visit www.charlottenctours.com.

Jewelry that speaks any language From the Marco Bicego “Paradise Pietre” Collection, this Estate necklace is hand-finished in 18 karat yellow gold and features alternating Citrine and mixed semi-precious gemstone briolettes. Uniquely yours for only $1499.

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START A NEW CHAPTER IN YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION Learning disabilities or attention deficit disorder means educational success can be a challenge. At Dore, our focus on Academics, Arts and Self means your child receives an education that helps close the gap, and creates a well-rounded student in the process. Visit us to see the difference Dore Academy can make in your child’s life.

1727 Providence Road • Charlotte, NC 28207 • 704.365.5490 • DoreAcademy.org Dore Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, marital status, disability, religion, creed, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions, financial aid policies or employment practices.

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F eature

YMCA goes global Building a bridge to Africa by Michaela Duckett photos provided by Greater Charlotte YMCA

Mike DeVaul, center, visits with (left) Adrien Coly, YMCA Senegal board chair, and (right) Jean Bassene, YMCA Senegal chief executive officer.

hroughout Charlotte, the YMCA is more than a place for families to work out or for children to attend summer camp and after-school programs. Like other Ys across the country, it can provide a connection to the world. With YMCAs in 124 nations serving 45 million families and youth, it is becoming more and more important for Ys in the United States to connect globally, says Nico Gourdet, an associate director of YMCA USA. And the Greater Charlotte Y is leading the way. It is one of 25 recognized as a Global Center of Excellence. “One of the things Charlotte has been able to do is get a lot of its leadership to understand the importance of being globally engaged on a local level,” says Gourdet. “That leadership isn’t just the senior executives — it’s the volunteers; it’s the staff. It is everyone in the organization.” Michael DeVaul, senior vice president of organizational advancement with the Charlotte Y, says, “The concept is to think global but act locally. Whenever we are dealing with a local community and program activity, we are always trying to bring a global perspective into play.” For more than a decade, Charlotte has partnered

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

with YMCAs in The Gambia and Senegal promoting healthy living and youth development. DeVaul and Gourdet traveled to Senegal last December to meet with West African Y staff and members to better understand their needs. In addition to funding health clinics, which provide much-needed medical services in rural areas, the Charlotte Y also has helped to fund and develop a primary education program in West Africa, that now serves about 350 students. In November, a small group of Y teens and young adults plan to go to Senegal for a global service learning project, funded by a seed grant from the Y national office. After volunteering this summer with Y Readers here, the students focus will be to help with literacy and education in West Africa. Ultimately, DeVaul says, he wants to “build a bridge” between the Carolinas and West Africa. “We want to encourage and inspire the importance of reinvesting in Africa. There are a lot of things that historically we have taken from Africa as a country. The question now is if we will go back and reinvest.” CMRG www.charlottesourceguide.net. Tags: Greater Charlotte YMCA, Y, families, global, education, Africa

A Transformational Education • In 2011, Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine ranked the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) 18th in the U.S. in graduating African Americans in computer and information sciences. • Johnson C. Smith University is one of four institutions invited to join The Duke Endowment Sustainability Initiative to create a sustainable and energy-efficient campus. • Innovo Laboratory opened in April 2012 at Packard Place in uptown Charlotte to serve as a business incubator for the city’s most promising entrepreneurs. • All-American track and field athlete Leford Green (Class of 2011) qualified for the 2012 Olympics in London to compete in the 400m.

Visit jcsu.edu for more information

Metropolitan College offers undergraduate adult degree programs for adults that enhance their opportunities for career advancement and success.

Monthly Open House Events for Prospective Students Metropolitan College provides adults with flexible, convenient schedules and a variety of course styles including on-campus and online courses, as well as our Flex-Option for courses that include both online and in-class instruction.

For more information visit metropolitancollege.jcsu.edu

Q uiz

How international is Charlotte? W

ith an active website, daily tweets, events and a quarterly newsletter, the Charlotte International Cabinet promotes Charlotte as an international city. In 1962, Charlotte and Arequipa, Peru, became “sister cities,” and now Charlotte has eight such relationships. The CIC was created through the merger of the Mayor’s International Cabinet and Charlotte Sister Cities. It meets six times a year, and serves as an open forum to discuss any international issues the city is facing and to update members on all ongoing CIC activities. These meetings are open to the public, and interested members of the community are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit http://charmeck.org/ city/charlotte/cic/Pages/default.aspx.

Here’s a quiz to test your knowledge of Charlotte’s global reach. 1. What percentage of Charlotte’s population is foreign-born? 2. How many languages are spoken in the homes of students currently enrolled in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools? 3. Can you name Charlotte’s eight sister cities? 4. How many flights to international destinations does Charlotte Douglas International airport offer today? 5. About how many foreign-owned firms operate in Charlotte? 6. Which country has the most businesses with an office in Charlotte? 7. As far as etiquette/protocol, the two A-OK gestures (a circle of the index finger and thumb, or a thumbs-up) that are so popular in the United States are extremely rude in many parts of the world. In what two countries (there are several) are one or both of these well-meaning A-OK gestures obscene? 8. A business card that contains a lot of the color red, draws peculiar looks from some international clients. This is because: A. Buddhists write one’s name in red when they are dead; B. Some Mexicans find a name in red offensive; C. Red is the color of mourning in parts of Africa; or D. All of the above. 9. In Asia, what does a person generally do when given a gift? 10. Which is the largest democratic country in the world?

Answer key: 1. About 14 percent; 2. About 125; 3. Arequipa, Peru; Krefeld, Germany; Baoding, China; Voronezh, Russia; Limoges, France; Wroclaw, Poland; Kumasi, Ghana. (Soon adding Hadera, Israel); 4. 28; 5. More than 750; 6. Germany, with 194 as of 2009; 7. Australia and Brazil (as well as Spain and throughout the Middle East); 8. D (all of the above); 9. Place the gift aside, rather than opening it in the presence of the giver; 10. India 34

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

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B usiness S potlight

Cultural Fresh andreflection flavorful Meskerem serves fresh Ethiopian fare by Angela Lindsay photos by George Harrison

The authentic African food at Meskerem on South Kings Drive is made fresh daily.

he Ethiopian calendar has 13 months and begins in September, or Meskerem. It is the start of the new year, and it marks the end of the rainy season and beginning of the time of renewal and growth, when a variety of plants begin to flourish. Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant suitably serves fresh vegetables and meats in every dish, and patrons enjoy the restaurant as a rare treat of authenticity in Charlotte. “Everything we do is from scratch. There is no frozen (food); there is no reheating or anything like that,” says Ghidy Negash, a native of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, who took ownership of the seven -year-old restaurant with her husband, Yerdaw, in 2010. With a background in catering, Negash created her own versions of customary Ethiopian food, but one tradition remains: Diners are 36

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Everything we do is from scratch. “There is no frozen (food); there is no reheating or anything like that. ” — Ghidy Negash encouraged to eat with their hands, often using a thin, spongy crepe-like bread called “injera” to scoop up their food. The injera bread at Meskerem is made fresh daily. For an entrée, Negash recommends trying the “beef tibs” — a special cut of prime beef sautéed with Ethiopian honey wine, fresh tomatoes and green peppers. It is finished with awaze sauce, a bold and spicy condiment made from a spice blend called berbere. Meskerem also offers a vegetarian/ vegan buffet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. A vegetarian herself, Negash says she had a hard time finding vegetarian food that wasn’t bland, so she is sure to make these dishes particularly flavorful. The affordable prices and family style portions also make this savory and spicy spot a worthwhile experience. Closed Monday, Meskerem opens at noon and closes at 10 p.m. Lunch specials are served noon-3 p.m. CMRG www.charlottesourceguide.net. Tags: Meskerem Restaurant, Ethiopian, food, dining Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant 601 S. Kings Drive Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 335-1197 www.meskeremincharlotte.com

Ghidy and Yerdaw Negash took ownership of Meskerem in 2010.

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We’re more than a bank. We’re your neighbors. THE NICE THING ABOUT BEING THE LOCAL BANK is that we have a vested interest in the community. We’re part of it. So we’re doing more than simply helping clients manage their finances. We’re helping neighbors achieve their dreams. And, like any good local bank, we’re conveniently located. So stop by and see us. We’re probably just around the corner. Charlotte Main 200 S College St., FL 1, Charlotte, NC 28202-2012 704-954-1201

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F eature

Freedom to live, learn and worship Refugees find hope in Charlotte by Marci Mroz

The Ramah family, Montagnard refugees, celebrated their first high school graduation last June.

n 2002, the 5-year-old girl stood at the entrance of the family’s corrugated tin home in Pleiku, Vietnam, waving “goodbye” to her father, thinking he was going off to the jungle to search for fruit. She didn’t see him again until December 2006. The girl’s father, Het Ramah had made the decision to save his life — and the life of his family — by hiking for several days to Cambodia, where he stayed in a United Nations Refugee Camp until he was designated an official refugee. Ramah had suffered too much persecution at the hands of the Vietnamese government. They had stolen rice from him, harassed him, and even imprisoned and beaten him following an incident where they entered his home and decided that he was a Christian “pastor” leading a “house church.” Ramah had been asked over and over to denounce his God and confirm that Ho Chi Minh was the only true “god.” Ramah’s family and his wife’s family also had helped American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Because he felt escape was the only alternative, he left his wife and children, hoping to be resettled in another country that would accept him and allow him to, hopefully, live in freedom. Now, he and his wife and children — two sons and two daughters (one an American38

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

born citizen) — live in Charlotte near many other refugees in a very small apartment near Central Avenue and Eastcrest Drive. Ramah has successfully been employed at Ross Stores’ warehouse for many years, has learned English, and currently is studying for the U.S. citizenship test. His wife recently found employment as well, as did his oldest son, who graduated from Myers Park High School last June. With the additional income, the family now is qualified to purchase a Habitat for Humanity home, having worked hard to put in the “sweat equity” that is a requirement of the program. They hope to move into their new home this summer. There are other families in Charlotte with very similar stories. Many, like Ramah, are Montagnards from the Central Highlands of Vietnam; others are from such countries as Bhutan-Nepal, Burma (Myanmar) and Iraq. Several local agencies have stepped up to help these families, including Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency (www.carolinarefugee. com), which helps find housing and jobs, and Refugee Support Services of the Carolinas (www.refugeesupportservices.org), which assists individuals and families become selfsufficient. The various programs that RSS runs include the adopt-a-family Fruitful Friends, a Wednesday Help Center and Fresh Produce Distribution (through Society of St. Andrews). In addition, the Charlotte Urban Farm Project (www.clturbanfarm.org) is an “infant” nonprofit agency that helps refugees learn important employment skills while enabling them to “work the land,” which is what they know best. Their efforts could help supply Charlotte with even more fresh produce. Lots of help and volunteers are needed. Contact any of the agencies listed below, or connect with me, as I am a volunteer with all three projects. Email ncmroz59@ gmail.com or call (704) 948-9993. CMRG www.charlottesourceguide.net. Tags: Carolina Refugee, Urban Farm, volunteer

Dr. Tara M. Staten

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F eature

Russian community connects Keeping their culture, language alive By Bea Quirk

Families and students celebrate their Russian heritage by participating in multicultural festivals throughout the Queen City.

atyana Thulien and Olga Muller, two transplants from Russia, helped to organize Charlotte’s first spring festival showcasing the arts and culture of the Russian-speaking people who live in the area. The month-long Ulysses Charlotte Spring Arts Festival kicked off February 25 with a community family event at the Levine Museum of the New South that attracted some 1,500 people. In March, there were themed performances by N.C. Dance Theatre, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Opera Carolina. It was a momentous celebration for a community that is not bound by a common country of origin, but rather a common language. The former Soviet Union comprised different republics, 15 of which have become separate countries. Although the cultures were sometimes very different, they all spoke Russian, and many still speak the language in their new home. Perhaps because of the Soviet history, there are no formal organized community groups for Russian-speakers in the Charlotte area. No one is even sure how many live here. A formal population study done in 2000 found 25,000 Russian-speaking residents; current estimates range 35,000-50,000. Alexandra Nicolay has begun an online meetup group that gets together to speak Russian once a month in the Ballantyne area. Its 100 members — mostly professionals — also have formed a 42

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

book club. International House hosts a free Russian conversation hour, and there’s a Russian Club at UNC Charlotte. Although there are some local businesses owned by Russian-speakers, none are members of the Charlotte Chamber. A newspaper, Russian Carolina, was started in 2005, but ceased publication in December 2010. Muller, its publisher, says now an online version is in the works. Before the fall of the Soviet Union, people of faith often were persecuted, notably Baptists. For these refugees and their families, the church remains an important focal point of their lives, and some sponsor Russian schools on Saturdays. Muller estimates most of Charlotte’s Russianspeaking residents fall into this category. CMRG www.charlottesourceguide.net. Tags: Soviet, Russian Russian Conversation Hour Wednesday, 6 p.m. International House 322 Hawthorne Lane Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 333-8099

Russian is one of the 165 languages spoken by students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

F i d e l i s U . E d o s o m wa n , M D

Dentistry

Sugar Creek Medical Center 721 W. Sugar Creek Rd Charlotte, NC 28213 704-941-2080 At The Park 6023 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216 704-399-2677 On The Plaza 1805 Milton Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215 704-535-0400

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Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Training and Support Minority Business Development Agency 888-324-1551 www.mbda.gov N.C. Coordinators’ Network www.mwbenetwork.org N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development 919-956-8889 www.ncimed.com Supplier Diversity Works! 704-237-0278 www.supplierdiversityworks.com United Minority Contractors of North Carolina 919-834-1211 www.umcnc.org Women’s Business Center N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development 919-956-8889 www.ncimed.com

MWBE Certification Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council 704-549-1000 info@carolinasmsdc.org City of Charlotte Small Business Opportunity Program Nancy Rosado, Neighborhood and Business Services 704-336-2116 N.C. Procurement Technical Assistance Center Small Business and Technology Development Center 704-548-1090 www.sbtdc.org Statewide Uniform Certification Program (SWUC) *N.C. Dept. of Administration Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses 919-807-2339 www.doa.state.nc.us/hub

Charlotte/Mecklenburg City-County Resources City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County www.charmeck.org

Mayor/City Council 704-336-2241 City Manager 704-336-2241 County Manager 704-336-2472 Board of County Commissioners 704-336-2472 Three-digit phone services 211 Social service agencies 311 Charlotte-Mecklenburg County services 411 Directory assistance 511 Traffic information/ accidents/construction 711 Connections for speech or hearing-impaired people 911 Emergencies Police Department (non-emergency) 704-353-1000 704-336-7600 www.cmpd.org Fire Department (non-emergency) 704-336-2441 County Sheriff’s Office 704-336-2543 Courthouse 704-686-0400

Other City/County Offices Board of Elections 704-336-2133 Building Permits 704-336-3803 Garbage/Trash Collection/Recycling 311 Park and Recreation 704-336-3854 Tax Office 704-336-7600

Towns Within Mecklenburg County Cornelius-Town Hall 704-892-6031 www.cornelius.org Davidson-Town Hall 704-892-7591 www.ci.davidson.nc.us Huntersville-Town Hall 704-875-6541

Matthews-Town Hall 704-847-4411 www.matthewsnc.com Mint Hill-Town Hall 704-545-9726 www.minthill.com Pineville-Town Hall 704-889-2291

Transportation Amtrak 800-USA-RAIL (872-7245) www.amtrak.com Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) 704-336-RIDE (3366) www.charmeck.org/departments/ CATS Charlotte/Douglas International Airport 704-359-4910 (multilingual) www.charlotteairport.com

Utilities AT&T 888-757-6500 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department 704-399-2221 Duke Energy 800-777-9898 Piedmont Natural Gas 704-525-3882 or 800-752-7504 Sewer (24-hour service) 704-357-6064 Time Warner Cable 704-377-9600 Water/Sewer Bills 704-336-2211 Water (24-hour service) 704-336-2564

Broadband Internet Providers AT&T 704-837-8491 www.att.com Earthlink 866-406-4590 www.earthlink.net Road Runner/Time Warner Cable 800-TWCABLE (892-2253) www.twcnc.com Windstream Communications 800-843-9214 www.windstream.com

* Note: The North Carolina Office for Historically Underutilized Business instituted a Statewide Uniform Certification Program effective July 1, 2009. This program replaced all minority/woman owned business enterprise certifications offered through local municipalities, except the city of Charlotte and Durham. The SWUC Program allows MWBE firms to certify their business at the state level, allowing them to compete for state and local contracts. The SWUC must be accepted by all North Carolina municipalities, removing the burden of MWBE firms to certify with each municipality they wish to operate in. ❖ Certified MWBE Business

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

Government*

F eature

* All government officials are subject to change following the November 2012 elections.

Governor’s Office Gov. Bev Perdue Office of the Governor 20301 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-0301 919-733-4240 www.governor.state.nc.us

U.S. Senators Richard Burr (R) Russell Senate Office Building Room 217 Washington, DC 20510 202-225-3154 336-631-6125 (North Carolina office) Kay Hagan (D) Dirksen Senate Office Building Room B40A Washington, DC 20510 202-224-6342 310 New Bern Ave. Raleigh, NC 27601 919-856-4630 hagan.senate.gov

U.S. Representatives Larry Kissell (D) 8th District 1632 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-3715 325 McGill Ave. #500 Concord, NC 28027 704-786-1612 kissell.house.gov Sue Myrick (R) 9th District 230 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-1976 6525 Morrison Blvd. #402 Charlotte, NC 28211 704-362-1060 myrick.house.gov Mel L. Watt (D) 12th District 2304 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-1510 1230 W. Morehead St. #306 Charlotte, NC 28208 watt.house.gov 704-344-9950 N.C. Senate Legislative Building 16 W. Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096 Legislative Office Building 300 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 919-733-7928 Tommy Tucker (R) District 35 LB 1414 919-733-7659 tommy.tucker@ncleg.net 46

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Daniel “Dan” G. Clodfelter (D) District 37 LOB 408 919-715-8331 daniel.clodfelter@ncleg.net Charlie Smith Dannelly (D) District 38 LB 2010 919-733-5955 charlie.dannelly@ncleg.net Bob Rucho, (R) District 39 LOB 515 919-733-5655 bob.rucho@ncleg.net Malcolm Graham (D) District 40 LOB 620 919-733-5650 malcolm.graham@ncleg.net

N.C. House of Representatives Legislative Building 16 W. Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096 Legislative Office Building 300 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Thom Tillis (R) District 98 LB 1002 919-733-5828 thom.tillis@ncleg.net Rodney W. Moore (D) District 99 LOB 403 919-733-5606 rodney.moore@ncleg.net Tricia Ann Cotham (D) District 100 LOB 418C 919-715-0706 tricia.cotham@ncleg.net Beverly Earle (D) District 101 LOB 634 919-715-2530 beverly.earle@ncleg.net Becky Carney (D) District 102 LB 1221 919-733-5827 becky.carney@ncleg.net William Brawley (R) District 103 LB 313 919-733-5800 bill.brawley@ncleg.net Ruth Samuelson (R) District 104 LOB 418B 919-715-3009 ruth.samuelson@ncleg.net Ric Killian (R) District 105 LB 1010 919-733-5886 ric.killian@ncleg.net Martha Alexander (D) District 106 LB 2208 919-733-5807 martha.alexander@ncleg.net Kelly Alexander Jr. (D) District 107 LB 632 919-733-5778 kelly.alexander@ncleg.net

Education Charlotte-Mecklenburg comprises the seventh-largest public school district in the country. In addition to public schools, state-funded charter schools (www.ncpublicschools.org/charterschools) and a host of private schools (www.independentschools.com/north_carolina) also serve the county. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 701 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28202 980-343-3000 www.cms.k12.nc.us CMS serves more than 138,000 students. Some 168 countries are represented by students, and 165 native languages are spoken.

Colleges and Universities Art Institute of Charlotte 704-357-8020 www.artinstitutes.edu Central Piedmont Community College 704-330-2722 www.cpcc.edu Johnson & Wales University 980-598-1000 www.jwu.edu Johnson C. Smith University 704-378-1000 www.jcsu.edu Keller Graduate School of Management 704-362-2345 www.devry.edu Kings College 704-372-0266 www.kingscollegecharlotte.edu New Horizons Computer Learning 704-522-9747 www.newhorizons.com Pfeiffer University-Charlotte 704-521-9116 www.pfeiffer.edu Queen’s University of Charlotte 704-337-2200 www.queens.edu University of North Carolina at Charlotte 704-687-2000 www.uncc.edu Wake Forest University School of Business 704-365-1717 www.uptownmba.com

Nonprofits Adoption Another Choice For Black Children 800-774-3534 www.acfbc.org

Christian Adoption Services 704-847-0038 www.christianadopt.org

Chambers of Commerce

F eature

Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce 866-937-2742 www.caacc.com Charlotte Business Guild (LGBT community) 704-565-5075 www.charlottebusinessguild.org Charlotte Chamber 704-378-1300 www.charlottechamber.com Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce www.cmbcc.org Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte 704-343-2525 www.lacccharlotte.com

Visitor’s Bureau Visit Charlotte 704-334-2282 www.charlottesgotalot.com

Business & Civic Organizations 100 Black Men of Charlotte 704-375-7300 www.100blackmenofcharlotte.org Altrusa International of Charlotte 312-427-4410 www.altrusa.com American Business Women’s Association Charlotte Charter Chapter 704-953-6169 704-763-8157

Charlotte International Women’s Club Ximena Uribe 704-246-7619 Chinese-American Association Meng Li 704-322-3327 woodydiwu@yahoo.com Crossroads Charlotte 704-973-4567 www.crossroadscharlotte.org Diversity Council of the Carolinas 704-338-1888 www.c-dcc.org The Diversity Forum 704-405-0607 www.thediversityforum.org eWomen Network Charlotte, 704-560-6788 www.ewomennetwork.com Filipino-American Community 704-366-4401 ninibautista@aol.com German Language and Culture Foundation 704-372-2172, ext. 202 www.germanfoundation.com Hispanic Contractors Association of the Carolinas 877-227-1680 www.hcacarolinas.org Hmong Community 704-545-8264 clvang@earthlink.net Indonesian American Association of the Carolinas 704-458-8532 robbyson_suy@yahoo.com India Association 704-545-3727 surjadar@yahoo.com

Black Women’s Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg 704-336-7118

Internal Revenue Service-Charlotte 704-548-4100 www.irs.gov

Business and Professional Women’s Club Metrolina Chapter 704-714-2219 www.mbpw.org

Korean Association 704-591-4872 www.charlottekoreans.com

Carolinas Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs Inc. 704-333-1690 Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists www.caabj.com Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County 704-525-5843 www.mecklenburgdemocrat.org Charlotte Association of Urban Bankers www.cncaub.org 48

Charlotte International Cabinet 704-336-2174 www.charmeck.org/city/charlotte/ci

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Lao American Association 704-497-0490 Kkeonakhone@yahoo.com Latin American Coalition 704-531-3848 www.latinamericancoalition.org Latin American Women’s Association 704-552-1003 League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg 704-556-4600 www.goleaguego.org

Lesbian & Gay Community Center of Charlotte 704-333-0144 www.gaycharlotte.com Metrolina Minority Contractors Association 704-332-5746 Millions More MovementCharlotte 704-333-1690 www.mmmcharlottenc.org N.C. Indian Economic Development Initiative Inc. 919-232-9414 www.ncindian.com N.C. SBA (Small Business Administration) 704-344-6563 www.sba.gov/localresources/ district/nc National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club-Charlotte 704-392-9547 National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Charlotte www.nawbocharlotte.org National Hispanic Entrepreneurs Organization Inc. 704-909-7945 www.nheo.org Neighborhood Good Samaritan Center 704-605-6723 704-531-9989 www.ngscenter.org info@ngscenter.org Pride Entrepreneur Education Program (PEEP) 704-375-9553 www.peepcharlotte.org Republican Women’s Club Charlotte-Mecklenburg 704-553-9392 SCORE 704-344-6576 www.charlottescore.org Urban Financial Services Coalition 202-289-8335 Urban League-Central Carolinas 704-373-2256 www.urbanleaguecc.org The Urban Restoration 704-391-0022 www.urbanrestoration.org Vietnamese Association 803-526-2133 tuananhtran10@yahoo.com Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange 704-365-4452 www.wi-ce.org

Women’s Political Caucus-Charlotte 704-252-0967 www.charlottewpc.org

Community Services Children and Family Services Center 704-943-9400 www.childrenfamily.org Community Link 704-943-9490 www.communitylink-nc.org Crisis Assistance Ministry 704-371-3000 www.crisisassistance.org Kicking for a Dream http://kickingforadream.org Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services 704-336-3150 www.charmeck.org United Way of Central Carolinas Inc. 211 (information and referral services) 704-372-7170 www.uwcentralcarolinas.org Urban Ministry Center 704-347-0278 www.urbanministrycenter.org YMCA of Greater Charlotte 704-716-6200 www.ymcacharlotte.org

Corporate Supplier Diversity Listings Balfour Beatty Construction Calvin Stevens Director of Business Development and Diversity 919-233-5137 cstevens@balfourbeattyus.com www.balfourbeattyus.com Bank of America Jeff Jones 757-728-3711 Jeff.jones@bankofamerica.com Belk 704-357-1000 www.belk.com Carolinas HealthCare System Donnie Moore 704-512-7772 Compass Group/Foodbuy Skyne Betha Supplier Diversity Manager 704-328-1129 sbetha@foodbuy.com www.cgnad.com Duke Energy Andrew Grier Manager Supplier Diversity 704-382-7690 abgrier@duke-energy.com www.duke-energy.com/suppliers/ default.asp

Harris Teeter Johnny Brown Director of Diversity 843-849-5553 jbrown@harristeeter.com www.harristeeter.com

Regina H. Rudolph, CPA 704-944-5547 www.reginarudolph.com

Lowe’s Home Improvement www.lowes.com/supplierdiversity

Stacey E. Tucker, CPA, PC 704-847-0021 www.staceytuckercpa.com

Novant Health/ Presbyterian Healthcare Kevin Price Supplier Diversity and Performance Manager 704-920-7904 kjprice@novanthealth.org Nucor Corp. Betsy Liberman 704-366-7000 Piedmont Natural Gas 800-752-7504 www.piedmontng.com Snyder’s-Lance Cindy Evans 704-557-1421 cevans@lance.com www.snyderslance.com Time Warner Cable – Carolina Region Michelle Hankston Contract Administration Manager 704-731-1911 michelle.hankston@twcable.com www.timewarnercable.com Walmart/Sam’s Club Theresa Barrera Vice President Supplier Diversity and Management 479-204-6559 theresa.barrera@wal-mart.com Wells Fargo Sonya Dukes Senior Vice President, Supplier Diversity Director 704-383-7323 sonya.dukes@wellsfargo.com www.wellsfargo.com/supplierdiversity

Businesses Accountants/Bookkeepers Absolute Business Connections 704-537-0010 www.absolutebusinessconnections.com Boyd’s Acctax Consulting 704-322-3630 mlboyd@carolina.rr.com Elizabeth Leonard, CPA 704-655-2648 Jung Sook Lee, CPA 704-364-3667 Ki-Hyun Chun, Ph.D., LLD, CPA 704-332-5656 Pauline Chan, CPA 704-540-0027 Patrick A. Beach, CPA, PC 704-688-3075 www.beachfinancialsvcs.com

Robinson Tax Services 704-658-8248

Sylvester L. Zee, CPA 704-467-1965

Acupuncture Hu Jiang, L.Ac. English-Chinese Lorean 704-560-6928 Lauren Leung, L.Ac. 704-605-2602 Jeffrey Wang and Mary Ren, L.Ac. English-Chinese 704-968-0351

Advertising/ Promotional Products ❖ Ad Concepts, Inc.

704-366-1616 www.goadconcepts.com

Alliance Document Solutions, Inc. 704-357-0707 www.adocument.net Bantra Corp. 704-372-3400 Bonnie B. Thyer Specialties Co. 704-331-0645 sales@bonnienpromomall.com Carolina Corporate Wear, Inc. 704-540-4613 www.carolinacorporatewear.com Charlotte Hotel TV 704-806-5692 www.charlottehoteltv.com www.fitcitytv.com Cook Information Packaging & Design 704-376-6324 FES, Inc. 704-398-0436 www.fleminges.com Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerly.com Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuri-creative.com

Apparel/Retail DW Clothing Design 704-332-1896 www.dwdesigns.biz Gone Ape www.thegreatgoneape.com Hola Baby 704-737-1622 www.holababyshop.com www.charlotteresourceguide.com

House of Africa 704-376-6160

F eature

The First Lady Apparel 704-302-6429 www.thefirstladyapparel.com

Architects A.L.R. Architects 704-348-2699 Gantt Hubberman Architects 704-334-6436 www.gantthuberman.com Happy Box Architecture, PLLC 704-334-8724 www.happyboxarchitecture.com Metro Landmarks Architecture, PC 704-333-2011 www.metrolandmarks.com Millennium 3 Design Group, PLLC 704-333-1965 www.m3dg.com Mistri Hardaway Architects, Inc. 704-371-4622 www.mistrihardaway.com Neighboring Concepts, PLLC 704-374-0916 www.neighboringconcepts.com Studio 1 Architects, PC 704.370.0408 www.studio1arc.com

Attorneys Benjamin M. Li 704-527-0878 Cheryl R. Watkins 704-552-3993 www.crwatkinslaw.com Denise L. Presley 704-676-4622 Douglas H. Kim 704-504-0962 Eric Montgomery 704-749-3135 Gary Henderson 704-599-4577 www.ghendersonlawoffice.com James Ferguson 704-375-8461 www.fergusonstein.com Kristen Aekyung Chang 336-855-5700 Lisa Chun 919-619-1280 Paul Suhr 919-876-4707 www.paulsuhrlaw.com T. Michael Todd tmtoddlaw@aol.com 704-343-9700 Tamela T. Wallace 704-371-4212 www.tamelatwallace.com 50

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Tin Nguyen 704-461-1527

Automotive Parrish Tire Co. 704-583-5883 Victory Lane Automotive Mobile Services 704-493-3340

Boxes/Packaging Supplies Ferguson Box 704-579-3952 www.fergusonbox.com

Business Consultants

Courtney Paul Chocolates www.courtneypaulchocolates.com 704-629-8824 Creative Catering 704-373-2900 www.creativecateringinc.net Dave & Fran Catering 704-299-7696 FDY, Inc. 704-523-6605 www.fdyinc.com Heaven Sent Catering 704-535-0567 www.heavensent.vtenterprise.net Just 4 U Personal Chefs 704-619-6870 www.just4upersonalchefs.com

Business Link Technologies 704-248-8068 www.businesslinktech.com

Kai’s Kookies & More 980-819-8256 www.kaiskookies.com

The Coman Co. 704-366-9060 www.comancompany.com

Nona’s Sweets 704-717-6144 www.nonasweets.com

DBS Consulting 704-947-9437 www.dbsconsultingllc.com

Sadie’s Soulful Southern Experience 704-532-5570

GoldenCrest Executive Consulting 704-910-5938 www.goldencrestexecutive.com Kreative Group 980-253-4339 www.kreativegroupinc.com Legal Shield 704-807-4184 www.tiffanydodson.com Lil Associates II 704-372-3331 www.lilassociates.com Lockman-Brooks Marketing Service 704-944-3188 www.lockmanbrooks.com Nu Level Solutions 704-756-4888 www.nulevelsolutions.com

SouthernCakeQueen 704-287-8314 www.southerncakequeen.com The Southern Gourmet www.thesoutherngourmet.net 704-849-SOGO (7646)

Compliance/ Safety Compliance Centre Inc. 803-531-1300 www.compliancecentre.net

Computers/Printers/Supplies Allegra Print & Imaging 704-708-5818 www.allegracharlotte.com Applied Data Technologies 704-847-3000 www.applieddatatech.com

Red F Marketing 704-227-0700 www.redf.com

Belk Printing Technologies 704-588-4433 www.belkprinting.com

The ABEO Group 704-790-5200 www.projectmgrs.com

Carolina Cartridge & Supplies 704-347-2447 www.ccs-ink.com

Visioncor 704-366-7979 www.visioncor.com

Carolina Computer Partners 704-549-0125, 849-414-5866 704-409-7977 www.ccpteam.com

Caterers/Bakers Cake and Craft Creations 704-577-4400 info@cakeandcraft.com Caribbean Hut 704-593-0030 Charleston House Catering 704-900-0922 www.herbin.com/charlestonhouse.html

Carolina Copier Services 704-375-9099 www.carolinacopyservices.com Carolina IT Consulting 704-339-2200 www.citonline.com Copy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte 704-529-6606 www.copycatsouth.com

CPI Training Solutions 704-358-3383 www.solutionrus.com

G.W. Liles Construction 704-786-3450 www.lilesconstruction.com

eSource Systems and Integration 704-895-3520 www.esandi.com

Hemar Concrete 704-932-5581 www.hemarconcrete.com

Dat-A-Syst 704-523-3548 www.datasyst.net

Heartland Contracting 704-882-3004 www.heartlandnc.com

Frontline Consulting Services 704-510-1998 www.fcs-inc.com Global Networkers 704-343-0094 www.globalnetworkers.com Network Cabling Systems 704-523-8606 www.networkcablingsystems.com Newton IT Services 704-561-7099 www.newtonits.com

Construction ❖ 8 Star Construction

980-297-7266

A Anthony Corp. 704-358-4747 www.aanthonycorp.com

Nana’s Place Learning Center 704-568-3899

Jamar Properties 704-796-1437 www.jamarhouses.com Latta Light Construction 704-728-2597 Lee Morgan 704-348-1460 www.leemorganinc.com Legacy Construction 704-968-1918 www.legacy-construction.us Lil Associates II 704-372-3331 www.lilassociates.com

Marand Builders 704.525.1824 www.marandbuilders.com

American Eastern Builders 704-342-1968 www.americaneastern.net

Raydal Construction 704-900-2952 www.raydalconstruction.com

Aztek General Contractor 704-770-5389

RJ Leeper Construction 704-334-3223 www.rjleeperco.com

Camps Construction 704-321-1492 www.campsconstruction.com Carolina Cajun Concrete 704-545-8626 Conmat Development 704-597-7844 D.E. Walker Construction 704-597-8911 Do It All Interiors Remodeling & Renovations 704-492-9741 www.doitallinteriors.webs.com DOT Construction 704-634-3790 dotconstructioninc.com Fernandez Construction Corp. 704-309-7176 www.fernandezconstructioncorp.com

Kids Town Child Enhancement 704-527-0423

Horus Construction Services 877-898-6879 www.horus-cs.com

Alvacor 704-544-8211 www.alvacor.com

C&J Supply 704-399-4722

Fran’s Kids Daycare 704-376-2655

Mrs. Chris Play & Learn 704-398-1616

Linda Construction 704-333-7120 www.lindaconstruction.com

Bolton’s Custom Contracting 704-399-5010

Dixon Academy 704-455-2120 www.dixonacademy.com

Highland Construction Group 980-322-7584

Akhter Builder 704-847-5976

Baucom Group & Associates 704-926-1509 www.baucomgrp.com

Day Cares

Structural Creations 704-728-6543 www.structuralcreations.intuitwebsites.com Stuart Page Co. 704-545-0695 www.stuartpagecompany.com

Step by Step 704-568-1214 stepbystephomedaycare@yahoo.com Toddletown Kidz 704-777-8671 www.toddletownkidz.com

Decorating/Visual Art/ Plantscapes Charlotte Plantscapes 704-529-1399 www.charlotteplantscapes.com Corporate Visual Artworks 704-904-4795 www.corporatevisualartworks.com

Dentists/Orthodontists Carmel Commons Dental & Imaging 704-540-2443 www.carmelcommonsdental.net Dasling Dentistry 704-594-9250 www.daslingdentistry.com Derek C. Barnes 704-849-6700 www.drderekbarnes.com Felecia Burridge 704-536-0811 www.burridgedds.com Friendly Neighborhood Dental Center 704-494-7990

❖ Tyler 2 Construction

704-527-3031 www.tyler2construction.com

Luong-Huy Le English-Vietnamese 704-295-0151

Walter B. Davis Co. 704-358-3793 www.wbdavisco.com

Michael Stout Dentistry 704-332-7737 www.michaelstoutdentistry.com

Counselors

Minh Oai Vo 704-568-9777

Angel Gabriel 704-281-8416 www.angelgabriel.org

Orthodontic Care of Carolina 704-509-4999 www.drcooperortho.com

Michael E. Hall, Ph.D. 704-858-2984

Regina Henderson 704-503-0202 www.charlottecosmesticdentist.com

Trinity Counseling Services 704-921-9600 trinitycounselingservicesllccharlottenc28213.com

Smile Family Dentistry 704-549-1199 www.Smile4ucharlotte.com

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

Steven Ghim 704-293-0213

F eature

U. Phillip Igbinadolor & Associates 704-494-8484 www.upidental.com Webber Dentistry 704-332-5848, 704-392-9357 www.webberdentistry.com Xin Chen English-Chinese 704-405-5690 Young & Polite Children’s Dentistry 704-587-7336 www.youngandpolite.com

Education Brisbane Academy 704-598-5208 www.brisbaneacademy.org Kennedy Academic Learning Center 704-547-1151 www.kennedyacademic.com Christian Montessori School at Lake Norman 704-875-1801 www.christianmontessorischool.org Charlotte Chinese Art School and Chinese Language Tutor 980-939-9408 cltchineseartschool@yahoo.com Great Wall School of Education 704-728-2679 www.charlottechineseschool.org Japanese Language Academy 704-333-2775

Electricians ❖ A&W Electric

704-333-4986 www.aandwelectric.com Carolinas Electrical Supply & Service 704-562-0923 COED Electrical 704-395-3622 www.coedelectrical.com DEW Electric 704-335-0891 www.dewelectricllc.com E. Moore & Son Electric 704-358-8828 www.emooreelectric.com Elm Engineering 704-335-0396 www.elmengr.com International Electrical Solutions 704-777-5626

Engineers Capstone Civil Group 704-567-0769 www.capstonecivilgroup.com 52

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Engineering Design Collaborative 704-971-1660 H&H Engineering 704-897-8328 www.hhengineering.net MA Engineering Consultants 704-896-5250 www.maec.com Zapata 704-358-8240 www.zapatainc.com

Ethnic/Minority Festivals Charlotte Dragonboat/ Asian Festival May; Ramsey Creek Park, Cornelius 704-540-6808 www.charlottedragonboat.com Charlotte World Parade & Festival April; Independence Park 704-246-7619 www.worldparadefestival.org Dances of India April 704-330-6534 Jazz in the Village September; Johnson C. Smith University Pride Charlotte (LGBT Community) August: 704-333-0144 www.pridecharlotte.com St. Patricks’s Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival March; Uptown Charlotte www.charlottestpatsday.com The Carolinas Latin Dance Company April; Spirit Square/ McGlohonTheatre 704-872-4988 www.thecarolinaslatindance company.org Yiasou Greek Festival September; Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral www.yiasoufestival.org

Ethnic Grocery Stores A&A International Food 704-531-1151 Ann Doa Sakura Oriental Market 704-525-9840 Bharat Bazaar 704-494-4845 www.bharatbazaarcharlotte.com Central Oriental Market 704-532-9888 Cilnecerea 704-569-0132

Compare Foods www.comparesupermarkets.com Eang-Hong Grocery & Fresh Seafood 704-566-1272 International Super Market 704-509-1799 Jin Asian Market Inc 704-341-1112 LaBella Estrella 704-569-1899 Lucky Oriental Grocery 704-568-8666 New Century 704-921-1716 Ole Mexican Foods 704-587-1763 Overseas Oriental Food 704-522-9111 Payal Indian Grocery 704-521-9680 Rajbhog Sweets and Snacks 704-909-7783 www.rajbhog.com The South African Food Shop 704-849-2660, 888-532-1433 www.southafricanfoodshop.com

Events/Party Planning Creative Catering 704-373-2900 www.creativecateringinc.net Events & Celebrations, Inc. 704-246-7619 www.eventscelebration.com It’s My Affair 704-394-4928 www.itsmyaffair.com The Main Event 704-332-5819 www.themaineventnc.com Millennia Solutions 704-395-4706 Occasions Catering and Event Planning 704-333-1060 www.occasionscater.com Tribble Creative Group 704-376-1943 www.tribblecreativegroup.com

Exterior Maintenance/ Window Washing Joffie Contracting Services 704-392-4442 www.joffie.com

Film GreyHawk Film 704-343-0220 www.emulsionarts.com

Financial Services Carter Insurance 704-542-7500 Emma Allen Enterprises www.emmasallen.com Financial Crisis Prevention 704-919-3434, 704-806-0655 www.financialcrisispreventionusa.com First Legacy Community Bank 704-375-5781 www.firstlegacyfcu.org

Gifts A Fruit Basket and The Southern Blossom 704-375-7706 www.southernblossom.com House of Africa 704-376-6160 Lamb Baskets and Invitations 704-497-3470

Graphic Designers

Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness 704-543-2325 www.medicineandwellness.com Central Care Clinic 704-567-8218 Charlotte Primary Care 704-342-8115 Crown Clinic 704-527-5522 www.crownclinicpa.com Jenny Thao Ngo OB/GYN Certified Nurse Midwife 704-536-7233

Mechanics & Farmers 704-332-2121 www.mfbonline.com

Kineta Corp. 704-752-9094 www.kinetacorp.com

Rose & Associates Southeast 704-896-0094 www.roseassociates.com

Moonlight Creative Group 704-358-3777 www.moonlightcreative.com

US Financial Alliance Consultants 704-887-9710 www.usfacllc.com

SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.SPARKpublications.com

PrimeCare Medical Center 704-335-0806 www.primecaremed.org

Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuri-creative.com

Sharon Tam, DC 704-841-3833

Wealth Builders 704-890-2522, 877-279-9922 www.wealthbuildersnc.com

Fitness/Wellness Core Elevation Fitness & Wellness 980-355-4502 www.ce-fit.net Fit4Life 704-491-2216 www.tiffanysfit4life.com MLB Mobile Fitness 336-669-7120 www.powerpresskits.com/PPKs/ indexC.aspx?PPK=7863 N’shape with ’N 704-334-4848 www.nshapewithn.com Pure Wellness Medical Spa 803-802-7100 www.purewellnessspas.com Shabaka Body of Your Dreams Studio 704-449-1476 www.bodyofyourdreamsstudio.com

Food Service FDY, Inc. 704-523-6605 www.fdyinc.com

Formal Wear The Formal Touch 704-593-1961 www.theformaltouchonline.com

Garage/Overhead Doors All American Overhead Door 704-597-1002 www.mydoorpro.com

Hair Salons/Spas A Total Experience Salon & Spa 704-377-0383 Modern Salon & Spa 704-339-0909 www.modernsalonandspa.com

JP Chiropractic & Posture 704-841-1701 Nguyen TA Pediatrics 704-554-8880

Starks Pediatrics 704-717-2826 www.starkspediatrics.com

Heating and Air Conditioning AT’s Heating & A/C 704-568-3147

My Day Spa 704-875-7744

Climate Control of Charlotte 704-588-2066 www.climatecontrolcharlotte.com

Salon Untouchable 704-921-0161 (barbers) 704-921-0182 (stylists)

Mckenney’s Mechanical 704-357-1200 www.mckenneys.com

Shear Illusions 704-522-6484

Superior Mechanical Systems 704-335-1942 www.superiormsinc.com

Studio East Styling Salon 704-569-4553 The Relaxer Experts 704-309-0648 www.therelaxerexperts.com Tracy Riggs Salon 704-759-6258 www.tracyriggsinc.com

Health Care/Medical Advantage Vision Center 704-375-3935 www.advantagevisioncenter.net Americare Health 704-941-2080 Arboretum Obstetrics & Gynecology 704-341-1103, 704-841-7225 www.arboretumobgyn.com Carolinas Eye Center 704-510-3100 www.carolinaseyecenter.com Centers for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research 704-895-9355 www.drbuttar.com

Home Care/Nursing HomeCare for the Carolinas 704-335-8488 www.homecareforthecarolinas.com Home Health Enterprise 704-529-2682 www.homehealthenterprisesinc.com Unlimited Possibilities Family Care Homes 704-249-7718 www.upfamilycarehome.com

Hotel Management SREE Hotels 704-364-6008

Human Resources/ Executive Search AccruePartners Inc. 704-632-9955 www.accruepartners.com Allegiance Staffing 704-556-1770 www.allegiancestaffing.com www.charlotteresourceguide.com

Bergman Brothers Environmental Staffing 704-537-1230 www.bergmanbrother.com

F eature

Burnett Resources Inc. 888-273-4108 www.burnettresources.com Career Match Solutions 888-570-8837, 813-412-6560 www.careermatchsolutions.com CEO Inc. 704-372-4701 www.ceohr.com Deborah J. Walker Consulting Deborah J. Walker, Ph.D. 704-553-2603, 704-724-7469 djwalkerconsulting@bellsouth.net DMD Consulting 704-728-3996 www.dmdhr.com Jennifer P. Davis & Associates 704-864-5211 www.jpdavisonline.com K&P Consulting 704-341-4340 www.KandPconsult.com Symphony Management Consulting 704-556-2288 www.symphony-consulting.com

Image Consultants Harris & Barnes Image 704-540-0989 www.harris-barnes.com

Information Technology ❖ Fortress Systems

International 704-405-5000 www.fsiinc.com

The Anstad Group 704-208-8304 www.anstad.com

AC Cleaning 704-605-7899 All Things Professional 704-345-3976 www.allthingsprofessional.net Big Don’s Cleaning Services 704-491-3859 Burgess Cleaning Service 704-890-4613 Clean-Rite Janitorial 704-907-2073 DDM House Cleaning 704-488-1520 Frick & Frack Cleaning Services 704- 532-1484 H&M Cleaning and Maintenance Service 704-563-0135 Jani-King/Richard Jr. Enterprise 704-782-5464 www.janiking.com The Johnson Group 704-522-3544 www.aejohnsongroup.com La Biep Services 704-641-8892 Pelzer Group Construction Clean-Up and Trash Out 704-712-7899 Peak Cleaning Services 704-421-1469 R and D Cleaning Services/ Maid Services 704-605-4346 rdcleaningservice@yahoo.com R&R All American Cleaning Contractors 704-503-3882 Success Xpress Cleaning Service 704-840-4792

Landscaping/Fences

Webneed 704-470-4058 www.webneed.com

Accurate Cut Lawncare 704-574-1147

Yorel 704-594-9870 www.yorel.com

704-392-7078

Interior Design/Upfitting BeauxHome 704-321-5409 www.beauxhome.com ❖ Tyler 2 Construction Inc.

704-527-3031 www.tyler2constrution.com

Janitorial/Cleaning ❖ Aerocare

704-502-9292 www.aerocarespecialist.com

❖ Affordable Fence & Tree

American Fence & Supply 704-523-4936 www.americanfenceandsupply.com Braun Land Management 704-332-3462

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Heritage Meadows 704-780-0036 Leisure Time Lawn Care 704-392-5299 www.leisuretimelawncarellc.com Martin Landscaping 704-379-0076 New Beginning Landscape 704-400-4930 Perry’s Lawn & Landscaping Services 704-299-5483

Marketing/Public Relations Cohesion Marketing & PR 704.980-2932 www.cohesiondelivers.com Digital Divas 201-304-2933 www.digitaldivasevents.com IT Factor 310-910-1837 www.theitfactormedia.com 721im Interactive Marketing 704-749-6483 http://721im.com The Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerly.com Pride Public Relations 704-375-9553 www.pridepr.net ❖ Rojo Hispanic Marketing

704-227-0700 www.rojomarketing.com

Talk of the Town Marketing & PR 980-225-1021 http://talkofthetown.vpweb.com Millennia Solutions 704-395-4706 RED F 704-227-0701 www.redf.com Zumbazo.com 704-650-7411, 704-916-9862 (English only) www.zumbazo.com

Masons

Breburks Landscaping 704-493-5822

Leigh Concrete Services 704-341-8750 www.lehighcement.com

Carolina Cut-N-Edge 704-315-8547 www.carolinaacutnedge.com

S&D Masonry & Construction 704-496-4590

Carolina Wetland Service 704-527-1177 www.cws-inc.net Green Touch Tree & Turf 704-549-4484 Greenprint Horticulture 704-924-8269

Groundworks Studio 704-375-2785 www.groundworksstudio.us

Massage Celestial Soul Premier Massage 704-962-6400 www.celestialsoul.com

Massage & Go 704-900-5173 www.massagegonoda.com Oasis Day Spa 704-333-8777 www.oasischarlotte.com Pure Body Salon and Spa 704-393-1019 www.purebodysalon.com

Media/Magazines, Newspapers and Websites Asian Herald 704-334-3450 aherald2004@yahoo.com

Multimedia All-Star Communications 704-377-9393 www.allstarscomm.com Norsan Multimedia 704-957-5291 norsanmultimedia.com Eastonsweb Multimedia 704-607-0941 www.eastonsweb.com

Office Supplies & Services Aaron Rents www.aaronrents.com

Corestaff Services 704-554-1960 www.corestaff.com Elite Resources 704-504-2299 www.eliteresources.net Executive Dreams 810-373-2690 www.executivedreams.net Express Employment Professionals 704-752-1988 www.expresspros.com

Charlotte Parent 704-344-1980 www.charlotteparent.com

❖ Advanced Imaging Systems

Integra Staffing 704-527-9191 www.integrastaffing.com

CJ Ramirez 704-377-5987 www.cjramirez.com

❖ American Product Distributors

Link Staffing Services 704-525-4555 www.linkstaffing.com

La Noticia 704-568-6966 www.lanoticia.com

❖ Carolina Marking Devices

Netview Inc. 866-369-3006 www.netviewstaffing.com

❖ Debriants Office Service

Premier Resources 704-543-9200 www.premierresourcesnc.com

Lake Norman Currents 704-749-8788 www.lncurrents.com Lake Norman Woman 704-895-6168 www.lakenormanwoman.com Mi Gente 704-319-5044 migenteweb.com Pride Communications/ Pride Magazine 704-375-9553 www.pridemagazine.net Qcitymetro.com 704-442-1565 Qcitymetro.com Qué Pasa Media 704-319-5044 www.quepasamedia.com The Charlotte Post 704 376-0498 www.thecharlottepost.com The Latin Focus 704-909-7945 www.thelatinfocus.com Today’s Charlotte Woman 704-677-9159 www.todayscharlottewoman.com

Medical Supply Parish Dental & Medical Supply 704-649-2335

Mental Health Life Enhancement Services 704-342-9595 www.lifeenhancementservices.org Me’lange Health Solutions 704-567-8690 www.melangehs.com

800-332-6793 www.advancedimaging.net

704-522-9411 www.americanproduct.com

770-525-7600 www.caromark.com 704-527-7600 www.debriants.com

Paramount Professional Resource Group 704-325-5301 paramountprg.com

Painting/Wallpapering An Eimaj Painting 980-253-4013, 704-806-7045 Bobby’s Painting 704-394-5124 www.bobbyspaintingcompany.com Building Bethel Construction 704-607-5540 Corporate Painting 704-521-6083

Sappenfield Staffing 704-332-4710 www.sappenfieldstaffing.com Team Technology 704-849-0266 www.teamt.com Technology Project Management Inc. 704-347-2447 704-333-8878 www.technologypm.com W2 Financial Staffing 704-665-8555 www.w2financial.com

Pharmacists

JP Group Construction 704-890-4748 www.thejpgroup.com

Carolina Compounding and Nutrition Pharmacy 704-540-4330 www.ccnprx.com

Scott’s Painting and Decorating 704-399-6567 www.scottspaintingllc.com

Family Care Specialty Pharmacy 704-688-5330

United Painting Services 800-961-5927 www.unitedpaintingservices.com

Parking Management E-Z Parking 704-376-5559 www.e-zparking.net

Personnel/Staffing/ Head Hunters Bergman Brothers Environmental Staffing 704-537-1230 www.bergmanbrothers.com

Physical Therapy Sports and Spine Physical Therapy 704-394-6677 www.sportsspine.com

Plumbers Agua Source 704-831-8311 www.aguasourcellc.com Burris Plumbing 704-510-2123

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

Heyworth Plumbing 704-523-2696 www.heyworthplumbing.com

Trade Street Realty 704-375-3082 www.tradestreetrealty.com

New Millennium Plumbing 704-309-9565

Von Pettis Realty 704-536-9801 www.vonpettis.com

F eature

Reed’s Plumbing 704-399-7785

Printers Allegra Print & Imaging 704-708-5818 www.allegracharlotte.com Belk Printing Technologies 704-588-4433 www.belkprinting.com Copy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte Inc. 704-529-6606 www.copycatsouth.com

Publishing/Editorial Services SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.SPARKpublications.com

Radio Stations LaRaza — 106.1FM 704-957-5291 www.larazalaraza.com Radio One — My92.7FM, Praise 100.9FM 704-548-7800 www.my927charlotte.com WGIV — 103.3FM, 1370 AM 704-553-1370 www.wgiv.net

Real Estate Alford & Associates 704-890-9672 www.alfordappraisals.com ❖ The Benfield Group

Real Estate Appraisers 704-333-0774

Binaco Real Estate 704-333-2462 www.binacoinvestments.com Blackberry Realty Associates 704-537-9091 www.blackberryrealty.com Hendrix Mitchener Properties 704-552-9292 www.hmproperties.com Lake Realty of Charlotte 704-892-6350 www.mymooresvillehomes.com Mountain Island Realty 704-971-6021 Rayford Smith Realty 704-494-4704 www.rayfordsmith.com Savvy + Co. Real Estate 704-330-8326 www.savvyandcompany.com 56

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Refugee Services Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency www.carolinarefugee.org Refugee Support Services of the Carolinas www.refugeesupportservices.org

Restaurants Asian 88 China Bistro 1620 E. 4th St. 704-335-0288 Ben Thánh Vietnamese Restaurant 4900 Central Ave. 704-566-1088 Cuisine Malaya 1411 Elizabeth Ave. 704-372-0766 www.cuisinemalaya.com Dim Sum 2920 Central Ave. 704-569-1128 DragonFly 5110 Park Road 704-527-3868 Fujo Uptown Bistro 301 S. College St. 704-954-0087 Golden Taipei 8511 Davis Lake Parkway 704-494-8688 www.goldentaipeinc.com HoHo China Bistro 2001 E. 7th St. 704-376-0807 House of Leng 704-510-5081 www.houseofleng.com Lang Van Vietnamese 3019 Shamrock Drive 704-531-9525 Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1300 South Blvd. 704-370-0100 www.nikkosushibar.net Soho Bistro 214 N. Tryon St. 704-333-5882 www.sohobistro2go.com Shun Lee Palace, Inc. 4340 Colwick Road 704-366-2025 Ishi Restaurant 8205 University City Blvd. 704-509-9090

Tin Tin 10215 Park Road 704-341-2293 Caribbean Anntony’s Caribbean 704-608-9031 www.anntonys.com Indian Copper Cuisine of India 311 East Boulevard 704-333-0063 www.copperrestaurant.com Jaipur Indian Restaurant 5909 South Boulevard 704-643-1421 www.jaipur-indian.com Maharani Indian Cuisine 904 South Kings Drive 704-370-2455 www.maharaniindia ncuisine.com Saffron Indian Restaurant 2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd. 980-297-7722 Latino LaTorre’s Latin Inspired Cuisine 704-377-4448 Machu Picchu 4715 E. Independence Blvd. 704-909-7104 Monterrey 1001 East WT Harris Blvd. 704-593-0167 9623 E. Independence Blvd. 704-841-8068 Mexican Azteca Mexican Restaurant 116 E. Woodlawn Road 704-525-5110 www.aztecamex.com Cantina 1511 1511 East Blvd. 704-331-9222 www.cantina1511restaurant.com Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant 5317 E. Independence Blvd. 704-535-4383 Fiesta Maya 3507 David Cox Road 704-509-9402 La Casa de Las Enchiladas 2917 Central Ave. 704-536-1851 Organic/Vegan Luna’s Living Kitchen 704-333-0008 lunaslivingkitchen@gmail.com

Southern/Soul Food

Security Services

Coffee Cup 2909 N. Davidson St. 704-909-7096

Professional Security Services 704-442-9499, 704-449-8962 www.pssprotection.com

Chicken Box 3726 N. Tryon St. 704-566-6000

Touch Attention Protective Services (TAPS) 323-691-7937 www.touchattentionprotective services.com

Deltas Restaurant 525 N. Tryon St. 704-612-2633 www.deltasrestaurant.com Grandma’s Country Kitchen 6615 N. Tryon St. 704-598-1221 La’wan’s Soul Food Restaurant 7705 S. Tryon St. 704-665-7225 Mert’s Heart & Soul 214 N. College St. 704-342-4222 www.mertsuptown.com Price’s Chicken Coop 1614 Camden Road 704-333-9866 www.priceschickencoop.com Simmons Soul Food 516 N. Graham St. 704-334-6640 Thai Monsoon Thai Cuisine 2801 South Blvd. 704-523-6778 Thai House 230 East WT Harris Blvd. 704-717-8006 8705 Pineville-Matthews Road 704-542-6300 www.thaihouse.us.com Thai Orchid 4223 Providence Road 704-364-1134 www.thaiorchidcharlotte.com Thai Taste 324 East Blvd. 704-332-0001 www.thaitastecharlotte.com Other Los Paisas (Colombian) 8318 Pineville-Matthews Road 704-542-5477 www.lospaisasrestaurant.com Malabar Spanish Cuisine 214 N. Tryon St. 704-344-8878 www.conterestaurantgroup.com Meskerem (Ethiopian) 601 S. Kings Drive 704-335-1197 meskeremincharlotte.com

Shredding/ Junk Removal/Recycling Junk King 800-995-5865 http://charlotte.junk-king.com Mar’s Recycling & Shedding 704-549-8409

Speech Therapy Speechworks Therapy Services 704-573-6608 speechworkstx@aol.com

Sports Carolina Panthers 704-358-7000 www.panthers.com Charlotte Bobcats 704-688-8600 www.bobcats.com Charlotte Checkers 704-344-4423 www.gocheckers.com Charlotte Knights 704-357-8071 www.CharlotteKnights.com

Stamps/Marking Devices Carolina Marking Devices 704-525-7600 www.caromark.com

Telecommunications Omega Communications 704-665-9545 www.omega-comm.com Webneed 704-492-0354 www.webneed.com

D.W. Rowland Hauling 704-263-2806 Glaze Independent Trucking 704-391-7321 Load ’Em Down Trucking 704-363-5682 ❖ Mile Marker Logistics

704-904-9516 www.milemarkerlogistics.com R. Broome Jr. Trucking 980-721-2393 RC Hauling 704-786-1067 RLD Trucking 704-568-5030 Solano’s Trucking 704-557-5558 Thore Enterprises 704-875-9407

Urban Planning/ Commercial Development Ryan Harris 704-644-7726 www.ryan-harris.com The Littlejohn Group 704-377-2262 www.thelittlejohngroup.com

Web Design 721im Interactive Marketing 704-749-6483 http://721im.com Cohesion Marketing & PR 704-980-2932 www.cohesiondelivers.com Eastonsweb Multimedia 704-607-0941 www.eastonweb.com Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuri-creative.com

Wildlife Management The Goose Busters! Border Collie Patrol 704-365-2497 www.gogeese.com

Translators/Language Services Avantgarde Translations 704-496-2736 www.avantgardetranslations.com Into Spanish 800-351-4686 www.intospanishltd.net

Transportation/Trucking

www.Facebook.com/ NCPrideMagazine

Chambers Express Trucking 704-292-2916

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

At Carolinas HealthCare System, our people are engaged and make a difference in our communities. We are intentional in our actions as we strive to stay relevant and be impactful in everything we do. Through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, weâ€™re leading change in quality healthcare for you.

www.carolinashealthcare.org

Del Editor

Charlotte se perfila como una metrópoli multicultural Por Dee Dixon Traducido por Jose M. Perez

ola y bienvenidos a la quinta guía de recursos multiculturales de Charlotte. Si usted es un visitante a la (Queen City) Ciudad Reina, o si acaba de recoger esta revista por vez primera, este es nuestro objetivo: Pride Communications creo esta guía como vehículo de apoyo a la diversidad e inclusión, empleando la comunicación y conexión - uniendo a las organizaciones y la comunidad por medio de la etnicidad y construyendo capital social como agente clave en esta consolidación. Esta es una celebración de la diversidad, y un testimonio de la fuerza y autenticidad de nuestra ciudad. Considero que la celebración de nuestra creciente metrópolis se nutre de tres cosas: la evolución demográfica (como se revela en el Censo del 2010), el crecimiento y la importancia de la pequeña empresa; el LIDERAZGO sin precedente de empresas y particular con respecto a la diversidad. En caso de no saberlo o si lo ha olvidado, fíjese en cómo las cifras se desglosan para Charlotte en el 2010. Tenga presente que la población de nuestra ciudad continúa creciendo (éramos menos de 550.000 en el año 2000). La Cámara de Comercio de Charlotte calcula que el total de la población ahora se acerca a 772,627, y a unos 2.5 millones de habitantes en el área metro.

Populación total de Charlotte 2010 731,424 Afroamericanos 256,241 (35%) Hispano/Latino 95,000 (13.1%) Asiáticos 36,403 (5%) Amerindio 3,483 (0.5%) Indio Americano/Pacífico 581 (0.1%) Se acabaron las especulaciones - las minorías SON la mayoría en Charlotte. La explosión de las pequeñas empresas con propietarios minoritarios nos confirman como metrópolis multicultural. ¿Sabía usted que investigaciones recientes realizadas por la Cámara de Comercio de Charlotte, la revista Pride y UNC Charlotte revelan que hay 27,456 empresas propiedades de mujeres y 13.873 de personas de color, 4.242 de hispanos, 4054 de asiáticos en el condado de Mecklenburg? Esta representación coloca a Charlotte en una posición de crecimiento fuerte, a la vez que las comunidades de color avanzan en sentido socioeconómico y político, Un fuerte liderazgo ha ayudado a crear las condiciones adecuadas para esto. La iniciativa estratégica establecida por el “Consejo para el desarrollo económico de las minorías de las Carolinas” y la 60

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Cámara de Comercio de Charlotte llamado CMEDI, se ha unido a las empresas con propietarios de las minorías y empresas patrocinadoras para eliminar las disparidades con respecto a oportunidades comerciales. (Lea el artículo completo que comienza en la página 16). Lo que es más, un grupo de empresas, tales como Compass Group, Siemens, Wells Fargo y Synder’s-Lance, tienen programas de diversidad activos y crecientes que intencionalmente tienen la meta de mantener una fuerza laboral multicultural. Estas empresas predican con el ejemplo. Hablando de liderazgo, el programa de diversidad de proveedores de Wells Fargo esta entre los primeros de Charlotte; y continúa creando numerosas oportunidades para las empresas con propietarios de las minorías e incluye el patrocinio de esta Guía de Recursos. Las vidas que Wells Fargo ha tocado, las empresas que ha ayudado y la diferencia que ha hecho en nuestra ciudad son demasiados para mencionarlos aquí. Pero, por favor, únanse a mí en darles un rotundo “¡GRACIAS!”. Festival de Jazz Coca-Cola Sunset el 8 de septiembre. Por favor únase a Pride Magazine, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Wells Fargo (¿ven lo que quiero decir de Wells?), Synder’s-Lance, WBTV, V101.9 y Bojangles’ para el vigésimo primer Festival Anual de Jazz Sunset. Después de dos años, estamos muy contentos de volver al Symphony Park en South Park para escuchar un sábado por la tarde de buena música. Todos están invitados - de hecho, nos encantaría contar con algunos de nuestros invitados DNC; queremos que se queden y disfruten de las fiestas con nosotros. Este año el festival se realiza en colaboración con la promoción del “Día de la Familia” de Coca-Cola, en el cual las familias pueden ganar cuatro pases para el cine, palomitas de maíz para cuatro, cuatro Coca Colas grandes y cuatro pases VIP para el Festival de Jazz. Al escribir este artículo no hemos precisado los conjuntos de jazz. Así que permanezcan atentos, y conéctense a www.charlottesunsetjazzfestival.com para comprobar actualizaciones. (Pssst! Pensamos traer un grupo de renombre nacional.) Puede ayudarnos al contestar la siguiente pregunta en nuestra página de Facebook (www.Facebook.com/NCPrideMagazine): ¿Qué grupos locales les gustaría ver actuar? Ahora, tengo que irme. Les veré en el Festival de Jazz. (Y, no olviden los vigésimos premios Premios Anuales Lowes Pride el sábado, 12 de enero 2013).

R eportaje

Desde Perú a la televisión pública Por Michaela Duckett Traducido por José M. Pérez

Elsie Garner

Tony Zeiss

a carrera televisiva de Elsie Garner, presidente de WTVI, se extiende por casi 40 años. Su pasión por la radio y televisión estalla cuando aun siendo niña, creciendo en Trujillo, Perú, ve la televisión por primera vez. Ella recuerda: “Me preguntaba cómo colocaban la imagen dentro de la cajita.” Cuando tenía 12 años, Garner se mudó con su madre canadiense y padre estadounidense a los Estados Unidos. Sus padres querían que tuviera mejores oportunidades educativas

y profesionales. Poco después de graduarse de la Universidad del Sur de Florida, Garner fue contratada por WEDU-TV en Tampa. Trabajando arduamente, comenzó haciendo investigación y redactando comunicados de prensa y ascendió a los puestos de vicepresidente superior y director de operaciones. Durante su último año con la estación, sirvió como presidente interino y los condujo de un déficit de $350.000 a un balance positivo de $1, 000,000. Garner no dijo, “Esta tarea me preparo mentalmente para hacerle frente a los desafíos que enfrentaría en WTVI”. En 2003, ella tomó el timón de WTVI.

Pero desde el 2008, la estación de servicios de difusión pública ha experimentado una importante mengua de fondos públicos. El verano pasado, WTVI reporto un déficit presupuestario de $300,000; esto fue la primera vez que ocurre en sus casi 50 años de historia. Una fusión con el Central Piedmont Community College la pasada primavera, impidió que la estación, que Garner describe como, “un tesoro de la comunidad,” se quedara sin señal. En informes noticieros Garner indico que era de suma importancia conservar la licencia de la estación para el vigésimo quinto mercado del país. Jeff Lowrance, portavoz del CPCC, dijo que la supervivencia de WTVI es de suma importancia para la región, ya que la estación juega un papel clave en hacer que la comunidad sea un buen lugar para trabajar y vivir al proveer una programación multicultural para el creciente conglomerado internacional. El indica que, “Charlotte cuenta con una gran diversidad”. “CPCC siempre ha abrazado y valorado esta diversidad. Continuaremos reflejando este mismo espíritu a la vez que desarrollamos la programación de WTVI”. Lowrance dijo que, “WTVI seguirá ofreciendo a los televidentes locales la programación PBS que tanto les gusta”. Tony Zeiss, presidente de CPCC, indica que la fusión es un éxito ya que la estación permanece en el aire y que el CPCC tiene acceso a las instalaciones de radio y televisión. Los programas que en la actualidad se ven en CPCC-TV se añadirán a la programación WTVI. CMRG www.charlotteresourceguide.net

R eportaje

CMEDIDesarrolla Empresas Empresas minoritarias se benefician de la experiencia de mentores Por Angela Lindsay Traducido por Jose M. Perez

Front row – Edison McCrea, Substation Maintenance Services; Jennifer Ballard, Titan Commercial Services; Linda Alexander, NuLevel Strategic Solutions; Keith Brent, BrandRPM; and Erwin Carter, Newbold Services. Back row – David Willis, CMSDC Consultant; Edgar Ruth, Environmental Service Systems; Tiffanie Hoey, Miriam Davis Cleaning; Garry Stevenson, Metro Transportation Services; Tyler Thomas, Metcon, Inc.; and Tyrone Harmon, RJ Leeper Construction.

s un hecho indiscutible: las minorías se han convertido en la mayoría en Charlotte. Sin embargo, las empresas con propietarios que provienen de las minorías representan menos del 25 por ciento de los negocios realizados en la región. Afortunadamente, esta cuestión se está examinando. Las grandes corporaciones están tutelando a empresas con propietarios de las minorías para incrementar los referidos, contactos y contratos, lo que resulta en la creación de nuevos puestos de trabajo. Compartir prácticas idóneas Una alianza estratégica entre las Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC siglas en inglés para el consejo para el desarrollo de proveedores minoritarios de las Carolinas) y la Cámara de Comercio de Charlotte Evette Beckett-Tuggle dio a luz el pasado verano a la Charlotte Minority Economic Development Initiative (CMEDI siglas en ingles de iniciativa para el desarrollo económico de las minorías de Charlotte). Evette Beckett Tuggle, presidente de la CMSDC, 62

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dice que la iniciativa fue el resultado de conversaciones sobre la diferencia entre la representación de la comunidad minoritaria comparándola con el total de la población y la participación proporcional de oportunidades de negocio con impacto económico en las empresas de negocios de minorías. CMEDI arrancó en julio del 2011, al asociarse empresas de minorías (empresas MBE) con empresas patrocinadoras. El objetivo tiene tres vertientes: 1.) fortalecer los programas corporativos de diversidad de proveedores mediante capacitación e intercambio de mejores prácticas, 2) fortalecer las empresas de negocios de minorías (MBE) a través de sesiones de capacitación en grupo, y 3) proporcionar en profundidad evaluaciones individuales que redunden en desarrollo y crecimiento empresarial eficaz. Ella añade que CMEDI, está logrando un cambio. Beckett, Tuggle dijo, “La oportunidad para el desarrollo y el compromiso de las empresas de negocios de minorías con las entidades empresariales y el gobierno se ve como fuente de ventaja competitiva, crecimiento económico y creación de empleo”. La prueba está en los números de la clase de julio del 2011 a marzo del 2012: participaron 11 corporaciones y 17 empresas de minorías (MBE),

que resulto en 56 referidos o presentaciones, 31 RFP (siglas en inglés para solicitud de propuestas) - RFQ (siglas en inglés para petición de presupuesto), se concedieron 24 contratos valorados en más de tres millones de dólares y se crearon 125 nuevos puestos de trabajo. Durante este Derek Cantey período de nueve meses, los participantes MBE (empresas de minorías) recibieron capacitación en planificación estratégica, mercadeo, impuestos y planificación fiscal, desarrollo de negocios y empresas conjuntas y alianzas estratégicas. La segunda fase CMEDI ha iniciado con 14 corporaciones y 18 participantes MBE (empresas de minorías). La participación de Wells Fargo como mentor empresarial, es una extensión de los esfuerzos de inclusión que la empresa ya tiene en lugar, dice Derek Cantey, vicepresidente superior y gerente superior de diversidad de proveedores con Wells Fargo. “Nuestra participación va más allá del compromiso financiero”, explica Cantey. “La participación y compromiso no sólo con nuestros socios corporativos y pares, sino con las pequeñas empresas también, nos ayudan a entender cuáles son los problemas de actualidad y lo que las pequeñas empresas en esta comunidad ven como algunos de sus problemas y retos.” Cantey Wells añade que está utilizando la información y opiniones para fortalecer su programa de diversidad de proveedores, y garantizar que el banco está ofreciendo oportunidades de manera justa, basándose en el entorno existente. Aprender, mejorar: fomenta el negocio Mentores corporativos también están realizando evaluaciones internas para asegurar que están ayudando a las empresas más pequeñas de la mejor manera posible. “Creo que algunas de las cosas que realmente hacen que este programa destaque por encima de otros programas, es que hicimos una encuesta con los dueños de negocios y se buscó las necesidades de las empresas que iban a participar”, dijo Steve Keckeis, vicepresidente y líder regional en Charlotte de la Compañía de Construcción Messer. “Comparamos los resultados y en relación con otros programas, les comprendimos. ... Volvimos a consultarles y le preguntamos, ¿Estamos en el buen camino? Con la información obtenida, hicimos una autoevaluación. Volvimos a preguntarles, “¿Estamos cumpliendo con lo prometido?” Responsabilizándonos, hubo un par de cosas que ajustamos; ya que pensamos que al dar ese paso intermedio se podían mejorar. Messer, una compañía nacional para la construcción de complejos comerciales, con un historial de 80 años, especializado en proyectos de gran envergadura, tales como centros de salud y edificios de estudios superiores, es mentor de Construcciones R.J. Leeper en

Charlotte, un contratista general de servicios completos y empresa de gestión de proyectos y construcción, con 20 años de experiencia en la industria. Keckeis indica que el cometido de Messer es ayudar a Leeper identificar áreas donde puede mejorar y compartir sus experiencias. “Los objetivos de nuestra empresa al unirnos a CMEDI eran ayudar a Charlotte empleando experiencias previas, aportando las mejores prácticas donde ya habíamos hecho esto. Ayudar a la comunidad, siendo una parte integral de la comunidad...y llegar a entender y conocer a la gente”. Continua diciendo, “No es un secreto que somos nuevos en Charlotte y esta es una buena forma de conocer a los que mueven los hilos y los jugadores en la región de Charlotte, a la vez que aportamos nuestro granito de arena.” Messer y Leeper se reunieron con otras empresas mentor-aprendiz, una vez al mes durante 18-24 meses, y analizaron la mejor manera de desarrollar el negocio. Messer and Leeper también se reunieron dos veces al mes, por separado, en sesiones adicionales de planificación estratégica “Hasta ahora mi experiencia ha sido excelente”, dice Tyrone Harmon, director de desarrollo de negocios para Leeper. “Construcciones Messer ha permitido nuestro acceso a sus procesos internos y herramientas de capacitación, para usarla como guía en nuestro desarrollo. El programa CMEDI ha expuesto a nuestra empresa a las mejores prácticas y estrategias que podemos aplicar inmediatamente a nuestra firma y así mejorarla. Lo que tomaría años aprender y experimentar a través de ensayo y error; estamos ganando acceso a este conocimiento ahora.” Keckeis indica que los beneficios son mutuos. “Lo que estoy aprendiendo de ellos es la cultura de Charlotte; conociendo los sub-contratistas de Charlotte y me están ayudando a entender como trabajar mejor en Charlotte - por lo que no tenemos que reinventar esa rueda. Una vez se establezcan las bases para CMEDI, Beckett-Tuggle dice que se invitaran a mas corporaciones para que participen y ayuden a establecer metas e informar actividades y negocios con los MBE, La Cámara de Comercio y CMSDC también se comprometen a abogar enérgicamente por el crecimiento y desarrollo tanto de empresas propiedad de minorías como de pequeñas empresas para que sean un componente integral de la estrategia del desarrollo económico de Charlotte “A medida que Charlotte crezca, necesitamos fortalecer la capacidad de nuestros proveedores diversos a acceder a las oportunidades disponibles en la ciudad”, coincide Cantey. “Ese es el primer beneficio para cualquier empresa - ser parte de esta iniciativa y ayudar a crear esa capacidad. En segundo lugar, las oportunidades para crear redes de contacto no sólo amplían el crecimiento y misión de la empresa, sino que también amplía el alcance de la compañía dentro de la comunidad de Charlotte”. CMRG www.charlotteresourceguide.net

Wells Fargo partnership spotlight 100 Black Men of America Greater Charlotte Chapter Partnerships are a key part of Charlotte’s multicultural community. Wells Fargo Corporate Supplier Diversity understands the importance of both community and partnerships through opportunities provided by its Leaders of Change program. Sonya Dukes, senior Sonya Dukes vice president and director for Wells Fargo Corporate Supplier Diversity, recently spoke with Brian Willis, president of the 100 Black Men of America Greater Charlotte chapter, as well as members Tony Perez and Louis Young. Q. How did the 100 become a part of the Emerging Entrepreneur program of Leaders of Change? Brian Willis: Wells Fargo and the 100 Black Men of America have had a relationship for many years. Our local Charlotte chapter is proud to have several Brian Willis executives of Wells Fargo as active members. Wells is also the sponsor for two of our key programs started last year, Pathways to Success and The Robotics Program. Our Pathways initiative aligns with the Leaders of Change Emerging Entrepreneur component. Q. What percentage of the membership are business owners/entrepreneurs? How do their experiences and perspectives influence the organization? Brian Willis: In the Charlotte chapter, about 30 percent of our members are business owners. We have a wide range of entrepreneurial success stories. We are able to identify a wide range of opportunities for the young men in the program because of the experience and involvement of both entrepreneurial and corporate members of our chapter. It also allows you to be more hands on and personal with the sponsors, parents and mentees, which is always most effective. Q. Can you share an overview of the Pathways to Success and The Robotics programs and how having Wells Fargo’s involvement impacts the community? Tony Perez: Our objective is to provide a robust training program for the collegiate chapters that support Wells Fargo’s and 100 Tony Perez 64

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Black Men of America’s commitment to outreach, education and inclusion. That objective will be accomplished by providing and reinforcing workforce readiness and encouraging entrepreneurship within our 100 collegiate chapters — in short, prepare our young brothers to start a corporate career or a business. This program will positively impact the community by providing a more ready and capable supply of talent for local corporations and increase new business start ups in the region. Louis Young: The Robotics Program provides opportunities for our mentees and students from CMS exposure to gain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. The key learning components that are a direct result of Wells Fargo’s support include team-building skills, communication, critical thinking, time management and cost analysis. These are important skills in leadership in the workforce, as well as in entrepreneurship. Q. How will the 100 continue to be relevant to Charlotte’s multicultural community, and what future plans and programs will ensure its legacy? Brian Willis: The way we will stay relevant is to grow our existing programs and continue to create programs that reflect the need of the community. This year, we adopted Ranson Middle School, which allowed us to mentor both girls and boys in need. Thus far we have grown our school-age program from 30 to 74 mentees. We are currently in the discovery phase of a project that will allow us to open a school here in the city of Charlotte. We are also growing our college chapters with the help of Wells Fargo. This year, we mentored young men at Johnson C. Smith University, Queens University and UNC Charlotte. Next year, we will have chapters at Davidson College and Livingstone. We have more than 100 college students in the combined college chapters, and the Wellssponsored Pathways to Success. Q. Any final comments? Brian Willis: Since my presidency began in 2010, the chapter has grown in membership, mentees and community support, and that would not have happened without such wonderful partnerships. The representatives at Wells have been very hands on with their time and guidance in helping us grow. To read the complete partnership spotlight about 100 Black Men, visit www.charlotteresourceguide.net.

Strong businesses rely on stronger partnerships

Wells Fargo strives to build relationships with growing companies in Charlotteâ€™s multicultural community. Doing so boosts our competitive advantage in the marketplace and allows us to help diverse suppliers expand and enhance their businesses. These partnerships also contribute to the economic vigor and cultural vibrancy of the Charlotte region. So our communities benefit most of all. For more information, contact the Wells Fargo Corporate Supplier Diversity team at corporatesupplierdiversity@wellsfargo.com.

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