Charlotte Multiculture Resource Guide 2010

Summer 2010

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

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o n n e c t i n g

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Wells Fargo deepens its commitment to supplier diversity

In partnership with

Published by

Leaders of Change Supporting our communities through outreach and innovation

by Edward Cates

G

rowing and succeeding in business can be challenging for companies of all sizes.

Wells Fargo’s Corporate Supplier Diversity team is proactively addressing challenges facing minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises through its outreach initiative called Leaders of Change. Wells Fargo expands the efforts of their internal team of supplier diversity professionals through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations and suppliers that deliver consultation expertise and subject matter experts.

“Leaders of Change is an innovative developmental program for MWDBEs that afford them the opportunity to gain invaluable development, support, coaching and guidance to take their business to the next level,” explains Tonia Woodbury, vice president and business manager for Wells Fargo Corporate Supplier Diversity. “Supplier Development Initiative, Coaching and Mentoring and Emerging Entrepreneur are the three primary components of the program. It is my responsibility to ensure the program has measurable outcomes; invested participants; and capable partners providing expertise in supplier development. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and manage this program. I see this work as a great way to impact change and support and assist MWDBEs in reaching their optimal potential.”

Each program component provides valuable tools for learning and growth.The Supplier Development Initiative component is delivered in various ways including classroom training and one-on-one consultation. Wells Fargo partners with nonprofit organizations to present supplier development academies and training seminars aligned with Leaders of Change goals and objectives. Coaching and Mentoring provides manufacturing, sales, distribution, operational excellence and communications consultation to diverse suppliers. With an eye on the next generation of diverse business owners, Leaders of Change’s Emerging Entrepreneur component provides mentoring and programming 2

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

“Leaders of Change is an innovative developmental program for MWDBEs that afford them the opportunity to gain invaluable development, support, coaching and guidance to take their business to the next level.”

— Tonia Woodbury for high school and college students interested in entrepreneurship.

“These three areas are important in impacting the community and supporting the holistic view of supplier diversity at Wells Fargo,” adds Woodbury.

Success measured in higher sales, lower costs The “hands on” approach of Wells Fargo’s Leaders of Change program is creating measurable results for diverse businesses. In Charlotte, Wells Fargo selected a minority-owned general contracting firm for the Coaching and Mentoring program. The company was partnered with a team of consultants focused on enhancing their organizational capacity. Organizational results year to date from their participation assisted in creating a 30 percent increase in employee engagement, 25 percent increase in sales, 3 percent decrease in costs and a 6 percent increase in gross profit for the company.

Corporate Supplier Diversity

We support the spirit of entrepreneurship

Wells Fargo is proud to be part of the Charlotte community and recognizes that even the smallest businesses play an important role.

By establishing and supporting partnerships with the diverse business community, Wells Fargo increases opportunities for minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs) to participate as partners and suppliers. We recognize that these diverse firms enhance our competitive advantage in the marketplace and contribute to the sustainability of the communities we serve.

For more information, contact the Wells Fargo Corporate Supplier Diversity team at supplierdiversity@wellsfargo.com.

wellsfargo.com Š 2010 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

Member FDIC. ECG-263205

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION Our Diversity of skills, knowledge, abilities, and life experiences are leveraged through creating an Inclusive environment.

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Summer 2010

Charlotte Multicultural

Table of Contents

Resource Guide

Departments 8 Publisher’s letter 49 C ommunity and business directory

Business spotlights 14 Multicultural meeting place 26 Authentic attire 30 Immigrant advocate 32 Latin American ally

28

Features 2 Leaders of change 12 Multicultural matrimony 16 Hairy situations

12

22 Commitment to inclusion 28 Paddles up!

34 Crowd pleasers 38 ‘Open for everybody’

34

40 Extra advantage 42 S ong, dance and so much more 46 Boosting benefits and profits

42

72 Wells Fargo supplier spotlight

Sección en Español 67 Marcando la diferencia 68 Comprometidos con la inclusión 70 Ventaja adicional The economy’s toll: Recession slows immigrants’ arrival and hastens others’ departure. Please read this story online at www.charlotteresourceguide.com.

38 “Abierto para todo el mundo”: Plaza Fiesta atrae a las tiendas, los compradores de diversos grupos étnicos. Por favor, lea esta historia en línea www.charlotteresourceguide.com. www.charlotteresourceguide.com

6 7

Making a huge difference

by Dee Dixon

H

i there. We are pleased to welcome you to the second annual Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide. I must tell you in advance, this issue truly rocks! So join me in thanking Sonya Dukes, director and senior vice president of supplier diversity, Casondra Devine, senior vice president of supplier diversity, and the entire Wells Fargo team for sponsoring this venture once again. I am in awe of them and their company’s commitment to doing business with diverse minority vendors as well as their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Wells Fargo continues to make a huge difference in Charlotte’s multicultural arena and this magazine is just one powerful example of that. (You’ll find other extraordinary examples as you read their article in this issue.)

Pride Magazine’s 2009 MarCom Gold Award for design and content.

Our vision prevails In case you’re experiencing CMRG for the first time, our vision is for it to be a vehicle for supporting diversity and inclusion through communication and connection — bringing organizations and people together in a way that is useful. With race and building social capital as key operatives, it is designed as a hybrid that provides corporations, small businesses/vendors and the community at large with features of cultural interest along with valuable vendor and organizational listings. (By the way, the first CMRG won a MarCom Gold Award in 2009 for its creative design and content! And the publication was/is so popular, we are going to publish a winter edition. Watch for it in February 2011.)

A reflection of cultural diversity There’s a lot of cultural diversity in the 8

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Queen City and this edition of CMRG reflects the changing demographics in business and beyond.

Remember the old CrossRoads Mall off I-77 at Exit 90? It is now Plaza Fiesta, a 200-store retail space catering to a multicultural clientele. Read about it on page 38. Then, there’s the Diversity Den Café in Concord. Where else can you order an Oreo Diverse Latte? Or do you need some genuine Kuba raffia cloth from the Congo? No worries. African Clothing Liberty Services and Fabrics is your exclusive supplier. We just have a great mix of stories this time around and we think you’ll find them quite compelling: from Native American powwows and afros to how minority certifications can boost your bottom line.

Mark your calendars The 19th Annual Pride Sunset Jazz Festival is set to embrace all cultures with top-notch music, so plan to bring the family and enjoy. The two-day affair is planned for Sept. 24 (indoor concert) and Sept. 25. Also, you can travel with Pride to Egypt on Sept. 14, 2010. Log on to www.pridemagazine.net for details on both or call (704) 375-9553 for details.

CMRG board being formed Be sure to read the full version of the articles by visiting the CMRG Web site at www.charlotteresourceguide.com. While you are there, please post your comments and story ideas. We’d love to hear from you. In addition, we are in the process of forming our CMRG advisory board. If you’d like to be considered, let us know who you are, why you want to be involved and what you can bring to the table.

In addition to Wells Fargo, many others helped make the July 2010 edition of CMRG possible, including writers, editors, creative designers, advertisers and translators. It takes a team of diverse individuals to create a product of such diverse intensity. Because of you, we hit the bull’s eye. Thank you.

Best regards,

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Summer 2010

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Comprehensive Ear, Nose and Throat Care

Publisher Dee Dixon

Voice and Hearing Disorders

Editor

Constance Holloway

Editorial Assistant/Writer Angela Lindsay Hilst

Contributors

Louise Barden Edward Cates Robyn Hamilton Jose M. Perez Linh Quach Lee Rhodes

Creative Director Fabi Preslar

Office Manager Ricci Pullum

Public Relations

Nepherterra Estrada

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www.charlotteresourceguide.com

Subscribe to Pride

$13.25. Please subscribe online at www.pridemagazine.net or mail to P.O. Box 30113, Charlotte, NC 28230

Letters to the Editor

Please e-mail to editor@pridecommunications.net, fax to (704) 375-9550 or mail to Pride Magazine 312 W. Trade St., Suite 702 Charlotte, NC 28202

www.pridemagazine.net

On the Cover Wells Fargo employees: Front row: Julie Logan, Jerri Irby, Molly Fowler, Kristina Osores-Evans.

Back row: Jay Everett, Leigh Gannon, Demond Richardson.

Photo courtesy of Wells Fargo Vol. 18 No. 4 Summer 2010 All rights reserved for PRIDE Communications Inc.

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F eature

Multicultural matrimony Couple’s union represents a growing trend across the country

by Angela Lindsay Hilst

O

n May 16, 2009, Vatsla Kohli Watkins, who was raised in Chandigarh, India, and her husband, Curtis, a Charlotte native, celebrated their union with a mix of Indian and American cultures. The wedding was a conservative, Christian church ceremony.

The reception, however, took on an Indian flair.

They wore Indian garb instead of traditional wedding attire. Guests ate chicken tikka masala, rice pulao, saag paneer and naan bread; DJs played a mix of Indian and popular songs; and the couple performed moves from a Bhangra dance.

Guess who’s coming to dinner Vatsla says she “(doesn’t) believe in the word race.”

“I never see people as white or black,” she remarks. “I just see them as human.”

Says Curtis, “I always just looked at Vatsla, and it didn’t even really strike us until maybe a year into our relationship that we were in an interracial relationship.”

Fortunately for them, their families felt the same way. However, Curtis says they have encountered questionable reactions from strangers.

The couple recall going to a local luxury car dealership to have Vatsla’s car serviced. In the past, Vatsla had visited the business by herself and had been able to get a loaner car without 12

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Photo by Jonathan Strayhorn

Love at first click Vatsla, 31, a software engineer at IBM, turned to the dating Web site Match.com. She found her match on just her eighth date.

Curtis, 32, a senior project manager in Duke Energy’s Global Technology Group, says he chose Match.com after growing weary of the uptown club scene. That led to an intercultural marriage filled with celebrations and revelations. According to the Census Bureau, 310,000 interracial marriages were registered by 1970. By 2000, that number had ballooned to more than 3 million.

Curtis and Vatsla Watkins

According to the Census Bureau, 310,000 interracial marriages were registered by 1970. By 2000, that number had ballooned to more than 3 million.

Photos by Kate Ashbrook

The Watkinses’ wedding

The Watkinses at their reception

any problems. This time, Vatsla says they were denied a loaner, given a rental car instead and were treated rudely by employees. The two concluded that reactions such as this were probably due to their being an interracial couple.

married,” Vatsla explains. “We both had our own journey . . .”

They decided to start exploring their spiritual beliefs at the same time, knowing that they might end up in different places — a “scary” prospect for them. A year later, both had found their way to Christianity.

While Vatsla feels that people tend to marry those of the same culture, she thinks that intercultural unions provide “twice as many things to celebrate.” And she offers another possible outcome: “If people keep intermarrying, there will be no such thing as a race.”

To read the full version of this article, visit www.charlotteresourceguide.com. CMRG

A spiritual connection Curtis, a product of Catholic schooling and “a very strong Christian mother,” admits he had gotten away from the church. Conversely, Vatsla was raised in a Hindu household. She has, however, been a Christian for two years, and they both now attend Grace Covenant, a nondenominational, Bible-based church.

“It wasn’t something we decided together, or it wasn’t something we did because we were getting

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

12 13

B usiness S potlight

Multicultural meeting place Concord coffee shop embraces the theme of diversity

by Angela Lindsay Hilst photos by Jonathan Strayhorn

Joyce SaintCyr’s Diversity Den Café is in Concord.

Inside The Diversity Den Café.

W

hen your parents are Haitian immigrants, your uncle was adopted by an orthodox Jewish family, your brother is married to a Puerto Rican woman and your son is married to a woman from Bangladesh, diversity is a way of life for you. That is the story of Joyce Saint-Cyr and why she has made diversity the focus of her Concord coffee shop, The Diversity Den Café.

“Diversity is the core of my life. . . Diversity Den Café’s mission is to bring people together from different cultural backgrounds,” says the Brooklyn native. “I would like to break the barriers that have the potential to keep us apart and allow us to learn from each other and embrace

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

our differences. Bringing Diversity Den Café to Concord, and surrounding areas allows our community to be exposed to something new that normally they would not be exposed to.”

The theme of diversity runs through everything at The Diversity Den Café. Libations range from Peppermint Explosion Latte and Oreo Diverse Latte to chai and herbal teas. Saint-Cyr also has her liquor license and provides alcoholic beverages. The shop features performances ranging from jazz to Christian rock to comedy to belly-dancing.

Known for more than a good cup of joe, this coffee shop literally offers something for everyone. CMRG

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F eature

Hairy situations In corporate America, afros, dreadlocks and other styles still raise eyebrows

by Angela Lindsay Hilst photos by Jonathan Strayhorn

A

Caucasian former associate editor at Glamour magazine infamously ignited a firestorm of controversy when she told a roomful of female attorneys during a “Dos and Don’ts of Corporate Dress” presentation that afros are a real “no-no,” and said about dreadlocks, “How truly dreadful!” She went on to say, “It was shocking that some people still think it appropriate to wear those hairstyles at the office. No offense . . . but those political hairstyles really have to go.” The year was 2007. Despite the progress African-Americans have made in the corporate arena, ethnic hairstyles are still an issue in the workplace.

Straight talk from female peers It took getting stuck in London for three weeks for Atlanta native Angela Morris to go natural.

After returning to Minnesota, she cut her hair and wore it natural for about six years with no resistance from her employer. That changed when she moved to Charlotte but found herself unemployed after 9-11. Morris says it wasn’t until she wore a wig to an interview that she was finally hired. She permed her hair again after getting the position. However, after a year and a half, she slowly started growing it out naturally, a move she was “encouraged” to change by, ironically, an

More ethnic hairstyles are visible in corporate settings.

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Angela Morris

African-American female superior.

“No one I worked with told me, ‘You need to perm your hair,’ but what I heard from our senior executive African­-American women there who were leaders (was), ‘You don’t look professional.

If you want to succeed, you may want to consider

“As the years pass and natural hair is proven not to be just a trend but a way of life, my hope is that it will become more understood and accepted.”

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doing this.’ Just those kind of comments . . . They basically made it very clear that this is about as far as you can go . . . ” Morris says.

Six years ago, Morris started her current role as a diversity and inclusion client manager with a major financial institution. She says colleagues there accept the natural “two-strand twists” she now wears.

Nappily ever after “I think it’s just being more accepting that we

are a global nation, and that we all don’t have to look alike, talk alike, dress alike, walk alike,” Morris feels. “It is really accepting diverse backgrounds and people of diversity and accepting them for who they are and not how they look.”

Hairstylist LaTika Fene’ Harris agrees. “As the years pass and natural hair is proven not to be just a trend but a way of life, my hope is that it will become more understood and accepted.”

To read the full version of this article, visit www.charlotteresourceguide.com. CMRG

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

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L

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

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Charlotte has a lot

African-American mayor, the facility relocates 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 featuring modern works new to a North American audience, the Knight

Photos courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Theater hosting regional and national performing arts groups and a new facility for the Mint MuseumUptown (opening October 2010).

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 Crown City Guides, Charlotte Tours and Charlotte NC Tours, all Queen City experts that provide insightful excursions.

For foodies, the region may be known for stickto-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 will 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.

Find out more about Charlotte by calling (800) 231-4636 or visiting www.charlottesgotalot.com. CMRG

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. www.charlotteresourceguide.com

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F eature

Commitment to inclusion Wells Fargo works to ensure its supplier base is diverse

by Edward Cates photos courtesy of Wells Fargo

A

chieving progress in supplier diversity and development requires a shared vision and coordinated effort across multiple teams. Wells Fargo is executing an integrated approach toward including minority, women and disadvantaged businesses (diverse suppliers) into its supply chain by developing suppliers and impacting communities with the help of internal champions across enterprise business units.

“We have internal leaders who are committed, who want to know how they can play an active role supporting supplier diversity and want to do more,” says Sonya Dukes, Wells Fargo’s senior vice president and director of Corporate Supplier Diversity.

“Our internal partners are where our bidding and sourcing opportunities are initiated. They define the scope of opportunities and ultimately make the final decision. Our local market leaders are significant because they experience the performance of the supplier and are key to long-term relationship building.”

In a challenging economy, a number of corporations are scaling back their commitment 22

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

by downsizing or in some cases eliminating entire supplier diversity teams.

Conversely, Wells Fargo is evolving its commitment to supplier diversity by engaging both internal and external advocates to achieve the vision and goals of the company related to diverse supplier inclusion and development.

Sonya Dukes

Gabriela Spindola

“As a Hispanic woman, I value companies that embrace diversity, in its culture, business model and overall sponsorship. I’m excited that Wells Fargo shares that vision and focus.”

— Gabriela Spindola

Collaboration helps sustain focus on suppliers “It’s critical, especially during this global economic downturn, to integrate U.S.based MWDBE entities into the Wells Fargo Supply Chain Management business model,” adds Gabriela Spindola, implementation consultant for Wells Fargo Supply Chain Management.

In her role, Spindola champions integrating supplier diversity into Supply Chain Management by providing leadership for high impact and enterprise-wide initiatives keeping supplier diversity at the forefront. “It’s important to continue the collaboration between Corporate Supplier Diversity and Supply Chain Management. Supplier diversity enhances our competitive advantage within the market place.”

Spindola’s commitment toward integration of supplier diversity is underscored by her personal passion for inclusion.

“As a Hispanic woman, I value companies that embrace diversity, in its culture, business model and overall sponsorship. I’m excited that Wells Fargo shares that vision and focus.”

Martin Davis is executive vice president and head of technology integration for Wells Fargo and a key leader in making sure diverse suppliers supporting technology gain access to contract and growth opportunities. “I have been actively supporting the diversity of our suppliers for close to two decades inside the company. I’ve done that by building very close relationships with various suppliers and by opening doors for them to different lines of businesses or executives they may not have a relationship with.

I’ve also given them feedback when they may be missing the mark.”

Wells Fargo focuses on both regional and commoditybased integration of supplier diversity from coast to coast.

Davis’ leadership and synergy with the Corporate Supplier Diversity team helped Wells Fargo implement diverse spending goals in technologyrelated projects to ensure diverse suppliers would be included in direct and indirect contract opportunities.

“I’ve been very open and out front that we have targets and we are trying to ensure that we’re spending 10 percent with diverse suppliers. Our customers are diverse. It makes great business sense and we get great quality products and services from diverse suppliers. As the team gets exposed to more diverse suppliers they see supplier diversity creates a competitive landscape providing better

quality goods and services.”

Martin adds, “The activity (supplier diversity) to some degree sells itself. A lot of the time it’s about building the relationships and providing the exposure.”

Jenise Tate

Bill Augerot

Martin Davis

“Our customers are diverse. It makes great business sense and we get great quality products and services from diverse suppliers.”

— Martin Davis

Results seen across the country Wells Fargo has 6,629 banking stores in 39 states and the District of Columbia, (Wells Fargo and Wachovia), representing a significant real estate portfolio. Engaging diverse suppliers within the Corporate Properties Group at Wells Fargo is a focus yielding measurable results and success.

“It is a priority at Wells Fargo to have our suppliers reflect the diversity of our customer base. If that doesn’t happen we’re not successful,” says Bill Augerot, senior vice president and Corporate Properties Group Project Management office leader. Augerot is responsible for transaction management, design and construction in retail and administrative portfolios for Wells Fargo nationwide.

Beyond his functional title and responsibilities, he is a senior leader actively working to source, engage and develop diverse suppliers specializing in construction and real estate related services.

Augerot defines what makes suppliers successful at Wells Fargo, adding, “We want suppliers that can get the job done. We want quality of service and cost of service to be in line. At Wells Fargo we have a real commitment to excellence. We want to produce excellence for our internal customers and create the best overall results.”

Corporate Supplier Diversity partners with Business Banking to deliver a holistic approach toward developing sustainable businesses.

Jenise Tate is a business banking www.charlotteresourceguide.com

22 23

relationship manager responsible for working with clients with revenue between $2 million and $20 million and is an internal champion for supplier diversity at Wells Fargo. “I manage a portfolio of clients providing a variety of financial solutions ranging from cash management, borrowing needs, 401(k), succession planning and wealth building for businesses,” says Tate.

As an internal ally to Corporate Supplier Diversity, Tate has consulted with community and trade organizations supporting diverse businesses to discuss their banking needs. “I recently talked with a woman-owned business client that provides copy services and has done work with Wells Fargo in the past. During the course of our relationship, we have provided equipment financing and now we are helping her with succession, legal and estate planning.

Through our talk she immediately saw the

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

value of the expanded services we provide.”

Through the collaboration of a crossfunctional team with a shared commitment and vision, Wells Fargo is positioned well for continued progress in supplier diversity.

Uniquely, Wells Fargo’s Corporate Supplier Diversity team is aligned within Social Responsibility, a business unit responsible for issues impacting the environment, philanthropy and community development. Sonya Dukes believes this alignment enhances Wells Fargo’s reach and continuity in its approach. “We are able to have more intentional opportunities around the environment and the work that we have to do in the community,” she notes.

“Supplier diversity is becoming more holistic.

Our team understands that the business owners we are working with are the ones that can directly affect change within their community.” CMRG

B usiness S potlight

Authentic attire Ghana native’s clothing store provides a glimpse into West African culture

by Angela Lindsay Hilst photos by George Harrison

Judith F. Osei Tutu

J

udith F. Osei Tutu has brought the culture of her Ghana, West Africa homeland to her American home. She moved to Charlotte in 2001 and parlayed her background in banking into a check-cashing business in 2004. However, after being routinely complimented on and receiving requests for the African attire she wore, she switched her business to African Clothing Liberty Services & Fabrics in 2005.

Do not be surprised if Tutu greets you with “Akwaaba!” It means “welcome” in her native language of Akan and is the overriding sentiment of her business.

“It’s big for us, especially when we meet

26

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

strangers,” she explains. “We want to welcome them. We want them to feel at home . . . We try to be very inviting.”

Tutu sells African clothing, fabrics, jewelry, masks and shea butter, among other things. A big seller is the kente cloth, which Tutu says, in Africa, is only available in her birth city of Kumasi. She says her store is also the only place in Charlotte to find genuine Kuba raffia cloth, which is native to the Congo region.

Tutu shares her culture with the community as the Kumasi chairwoman for Charlotte Sister Cities and a board member of the Mayor’s International Cabinet. CMRG

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

26 27

F eature

Paddles up!

Dragonboat festival celebrates competition, Asian culture and history

by Linh Quach photos courtesy of Boat People SOS

A

nxious paddlers stretch in unison on the warm, green grass while excited spectators patiently cheer them on. For Dragonboat teams, weeks of Saturday or Sunday morning practices culminated at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius on May 15. Here, festivalgoers enjoyed ethnic food, entertainment, cultural pageantry, arts/crafts, and dragonboat races.

The annual Dragonboat/Asian Festival is co-sponsored by the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, and the Charlotte Dragonboat Association. It showcases Charlotte’s growing cultural diversity while promoting racial harmony and cultural understanding.

As the races got under way at 9:30 a.m., team members high-fived each other, wished each other well and prepared to get into the water. Paddlers

Dating back more than 2,000 years, dragonboat festivals commemorate the life and death of Qu Yuan, a respected poet and political leader in ancient China.

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Team Wachovia

Scales and Tales

Food Lion Roar

Organized Chaos

were young and old, male and female, and Asian and non-Asian. Marshalling to the dock, teams were photographed together before the first boat race began. While there are serious competitors, most crews at dragonboat festivals compete for fun once a year.

Dating back more than 2,000 years, dragonboat festivals commemorate the life and death of Qu Yuan, a respected poet and political leader in ancient China. Legend tells of how he lost the trust of the king and eventually saw his home state fall into the hands of inept officials amid a looming invasion by powerful neighbors. In despair, Qu drowned himself in the Mi-Lo River. The people paddled frantically in vain to rescue him, and marked the event with annual boat races.

Chinese Dragons

Dragonboat racing takes place primarily in Chinese communities around the world. The event celebrates tradition while promoting teamwork, enthusiasm and strategy. Dragonboating was considered an international sport in Hong Kong in 1976. During competitions, the boats are decorated with colorful Chinese dragon heads and tails. A dragon boat is 40 feet long and 4 feet wide, and weighs approximately 500 pounds. Without any motor, it is powered by 20 paddlers, guided by a drummer and a steer person. The drummer sits at the head of the boat and plays the drum in rhythmic patterns as the boat glides across 250and 500-meter distances.

For more information about dragonboating, visit www.charlottedragonboat.com. CMRG

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29

B usiness S potlight

Immigrant advocate Hispanic background helps law firm’s co-founder connect with clients

by Angela Lindsay Hilst photo by George Harrison

Victoria Gonzalez

T

he daughter of a man from Puerto Rico and a woman from Ecuador, attorney Victoria Gonzalez is no stranger to the plight of Hispanic people. In 1994, she and a colleague established Gonzalez and Associates, the first Hispanic law firm in Charlotte, and since then, Gonzalez has guided many Latinos through the process of her firm’s main focus: immigration.

“There was definitely a need for those types of services at the time and still now. …” she says.

Gonzalez started out practicing criminal law, but says she primarily helps clients navigate the complicated immigration process and understand their citizenship rights.

“I think with me being bilingual, they (clients) 30

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

may have felt more comfortable,” she says. “I think there’s more of a connection. I think I understand their situation more: one, because of the time I’ve been practice immigration law but, secondly, because I am Hispanic, and I don’t see them like other people. They’re part of my culture and my life so they’re not foreigners to me.

They’re just people.”

The Bridgeport, Conn., native graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Latin American studies and, later, her law degree.

A Seventh-day Adventist, she is involved with her church and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Hispanic Bar Association. CMRG

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B usiness S potlight

Latin American ally Among coalition’s objectives: Building unity and demolishing barriers

by Angela Lindsay Hilst photo by George Harrison

C

elebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Latin American Coalition has named a new executive director. Syracuse, N.Y. native Jess George assumed the position in April but has worked with the agency for six years, most recently as interim executive director since July 2009.

“The opportunity to be an ally in an extraordinary cause was something I continue to be humbled and amazed by,” says George, who has spent her entire career in the nonprofit sector, including stints with the United Way, Easter Seals and Computer Empowerment, where she helped create a technology center with bilingual computer classes in Eastland Mall.

“I’m invited and engaged in a movement that’s

Jess George

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

so much bigger than myself, and it’s about equity and justice for people who are marginalized and disengaged from your mainstream community,” she says.

The LAC is Charlotte’s oldest and largest Hispanic service agency and works to seek justice, build unity and promote full Hispanic participation in the Charlotte community while helping dismantle language, cultural, economic and discrimination barriers. Services include a resource center, job bank, workforce development classes, legal immigration services, English-as-asecond-language classes, citizenship workshops, first-time homebuyers program, small business development, leadership development, civic engagement initiatives and cultural festivals. CMRG

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

32 33

F eature

Crowd pleasers Diverse entertainment options broaden Charlotte’s mainstream arts scene

by Angela Lindsay Hilst

O

dancing has evolved through the years, the basics of Irish dancing remain the same. Unlike any other dance form, we dance from the waist down, not moving any part of our upper body.”

Students, who range from age 4 through adulthood, start by learning the basics, then advance to more intricate moves in soft shoe and hard shoe. Kelley says she begins by teaching the student’s solo dancing; later, they can participate in group dances.

Kelley says WKS dancers have been well-received during performances at the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the Charlotte Philharmonic on opening night at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and during halftime at Charlotte Bobcats games.

Happy feet Dancers at the Walsh Kelley School of Irish Dance execute moves with precision and passion. Aine Walsh Kelley founded the school in 1999. A native of Cork, Ireland, she moved to Charlotte in 1994. Before that she danced competitively in Ireland for 12 ½ years and later became a dance teacher there.

“I feel Irish dancing is unique because there is so much history that has been passed on through the generations,” she explains. “While Irish

Photo by Shawn Kelley

ne aspect of life that we all share, regardless of our cultural backgrounds, is the arts. As Charlotte’s population expands in diversity, so have the offerings by the city’s arts and entertainment community.

Aine Walsh

Photo by Susan McDowell

Walsh Kelley dancers perform in Charlotte.

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Lights. Camera. Arysley Kenny Mahtani, a Mumbai, India native, is passionate about movies.

“Ever since I was young, I have been an avid fan of films, and I do this because I love Indian cinema, and I love bringing it to the people over here in the Charlotte community,” he says.

Moving to Gastonia in the early 1980s, he opened a video rental store for Indian movies much like the one he owned when he lived in Buffalo, N.Y. Mahtani also played Bollywood films at a theater in Buffalo and brought that concept to Charlotte. In 1990, he began showing Indian films in Tryon Mall Theater and Stonecrest Regal. In 2006, he moved his operation to Arysley Theaters, where he shows Bollywood movies each week from Friday to Thursday.

The Bollywood films have subtitles, which Mahtani says tend to attract Americans. However, he also plays regional South Indian movies called Teleugu and Tamil, which do not have subtitles and are shown on the weekends.

As with Hollywood films, turnout for the Indian

Photo by Tye Photo courtesy of AshFotos.com

Kenny Mahtani began showing Indian films in Charlotte in 1990.

movies hinges on the genre and its stars.

In addition to film, Mahtani also presents Indian stage shows with musical groups and Bollywood actors and actresses who come to America for tours. He has conducted these performances over the last 10 to 15 years at venues such as Ovens Auditorium, Blumenthal and CPCC’s Halton Arena.

Dances of India event at Central Piedmont Community College.

To read the full version of this article, visit www.charlotteresourceguide.com.

CMRG

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F eature

‘Open for everybody’ Plaza Fiesta attracts stores, shoppers from various ethnic groups

by Angela Lindsay Hilst photos by George Harrison

W

hat was once CrossRoads Mall, a shopping center at I-77’s Exit 90, has blossomed into a 200-store retail space catering to a multicultural clientele.

Despite its name, Plaza Fiesta of the Carolinas boasts a diverse roster of vendors, customers and merchandise.

“The idea behind the concept is to share and promote diversity in this country,” says Arturo Adonay, managing partner of Plaza Fiesta.

A native of Mexico City, Adonay moved to the United States 13 years ago and to Charlotte three years ago. He opened Plaza Fiesta in 2007.

“The Plaza is open for everybody,” Adonay insists. “I always get disappointed when people say, ‘Well, it’s only for Latinos. It’s not only for Latinos.

It’s for everybody. We want to share our culture.

We want to show that we are here, and we want to be part of the community.”

While the mall houses larger retailers such as Bass Shoe Outlet and Black and Decker, most vendors in the mall are local entrepreneurs like Pedro Zuniga, who has operated La Poblanita Enterprises, a convenience store and Mexican restaurant for three years.

Zuniga notes other states that have areas created by and for racial groups, such as Chinatown in New York, and says Latinos in Charlotte needed a similar area. While he feels Plaza Fiesta fills that void, he points out that other cultures benefit from it as well.

“You have not only Latino, you have also AngloAmerican stores here, as well as Greek, Chinese and many, many others from other countries,” he observes.

One place in the mall where the different cultures converge is the food court.

“In the food court, we try to do it more Arturo Adonay 38

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Plaza Fiesta’s jungle gym attracts lots of families.

“The Plaza is open for everybody ... it’s not only for Latinos. It’s for everybody.

We want to share our culture. We want to show that we are here, and we want to be part of the community.”

— Arturo Adonay

Pedro Zuniga in front of his store.

international in a way that people can have an experience,” Adonay explains. “We have food from Peru, from Colombia, from Mexico, from Ecuador, from China, from Italy. We have a small Italian restaurant and a Greek restaurant.

It gives a different kind of taste, a different option to the community.”

Plaza Fiesta has become a place where families can stay all day.

Adonay says the jungle gym at Plaza Fiesta is the largest in the region. The 1,500-square-

foot indoor playground is equipped to hold 600 children at once and is possibly the most important element at the mall.

At $3 per session, it is also affordable, something most people from any background can appreciate.

Adonay looks forward to bringing more projects to the Charlotte area, especially since the city has been so accommodating.

To read the full version of this article, visit www.charlotteresourceguide.com. CMRG

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38 39

F eature

Extra advantage Minority business certification may help boost profits, visibility

by Robyn Hamilton

A

minority business enterprise certification provides proof that a company is 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by one or more minorities. However, before you run out and get numerous certifications, you need to know why you should.

Please understand that you do not have to be certified to do business with anyone.

However, an MBE certification can typically provide value to clients or a customer who has established supplier diversity initiatives. This might be at a local government, state government, federal government or a national private sector level.

So the question is which certification should an MBE get?

It depends. Based on a businesses marketing strategy, the certification to pursue is the one that provides Robyn Hamilton the greatest value to your current or potential customer. For example, if you are interested in selling to a state government agency, then consider a state MBE certification.

But if you want to sell to various large corporations then you should consider nationally recognized certification.

No guarantees, but effort may pay off Why would having these certifications increase your success in obtaining business from the government and corporate America? Because many state and local government agencies, as well as large corporations that receive government funding, are required or strongly encouraged to award a certain percentage of their contracts to minority-owned businesses. Furthermore, while the federal government does not have specific projects set aside for minorities, it does try to award a specific percentage of contracts to minorities.

Certifications can also substantially increase a minority-owned business’ visibility. Once 40

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

certified, an MBE is listed in a directory provided to companies doing business with the government, or that corporation’s buyers that rely on this directory in finding qualified MBE companies to meet utilization goals, which are often listed in a contract.

Yes, it takes extra effort to obtain your certification, each governmental entity has a different MBE certification application and few reputable organizations offer a national certification. The National Minority Supplier Development Council’s standardized procedure assures consistent and identical review for the certification of minority-owned businesses. These businesses are certified by one of the 37 NMSDC’s affiliates near the MBE’s headquarters.

Certifications will not guarantee an MBE a contract. The bottom line is that you should first carefully consider the ideal customers for your products or services. You then need to identify the level of certification that will best increase your chances of obtaining them as customers. One critical factor many don’t consider when choosing a certification is determining if the certifying entity will work on your behalf to get you access to those potential clients.

Be sure to use the minority business organization or entity that certified you, and make sure you are getting critical information about opportunities, as well as getting access to those who would value the certification you have. Finally, like any other investment, measure the return. The measurement is not necessarily about whether you received a contract, but whether you are getting access to opportunities and building relationships with key individuals that could be value to you.

Robyn Hamilton is president and CEO of the Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council. CMRG

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41

F eature

Song, dance and so much more At powwows in the region, Native Americans celebrate and promote their culture

by Lee Rhodes photos courtesy of The Catawba Cultural Preservation Project

Catawba Indian dancer performs at the first Annual Catawba Indian Pow Wow.

T

here are more than 10,000 Native Americans in the Charlotte area, which is fitting, given the group’s rich heritage in this region. To preserve and protect this heritage, local organizations host festivals — known as powwows — aimed at promoting Native American culture.

The Metrolina Native American Association is hosting the 27th annual Native American Festival Sept. 24-26 in Concord. The festival is an intertribal powwow that draws participants from across the country. The event moved from Indian Trail to Charlotte Motor Speedway last year. “There is a significance to the location,” says Kara Jones, executive director of MNAA. “Highway 29 is an old Indian trade route, and it’s traditional and customary for our people to travel back to their

42

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

homelands for ceremonies and gatherings.”

As the festival Flier from the Metrolina Native opens, Earl Carter, American Association. the fire keeper for the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, blesses the ground.

There is an opening ceremony, followed by a grand entry involving flags, chiefs, dignitaries, princesses and dancers from the various tribes. More than 60 dancers compete, demonstrating particular styles of dance while educating the public about Native American regalia. The public can also enjoy singing, storytelling and demonstrations of traditional Native American arts such as carving and beading. Vendors will sell Native American food, and there will be concerts featuring Native American recording artists.

“We’re proud to be able to host this here with all the historical ties in Charlotte,” says Jones.

The Catawba Indians just celebrated the success of the first annual Catawba powwow in April at Winthrop Coliseum Ronnie Beck in Rock Hill, S.C. Ronnie Beck, exhibits coordinator and powwow coordinator for the Catawba Cultural Preservation Project, says, “This is something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time, and we think the event was very successful. It’s great for the economy and tourism.”

Similar to the Native American Festival, the Catawba powwow incorporated singing, dancing, drumming and feasting, with Indian tacos, venison stew, corn-on-the-cob, pumpkin bread, squash bread and sunflower soup. Native Americans from as far away as Canada and the West Coast traveled to the powwow, and Beck says his organization has already begun planning for next year. “We want to make it an annual event and hope it gets bigger and better each year,” he says.

For a listing of all Native American gatherings across the state, visit the Commission of Indian Affairs’ Web site at www.doa.state.nc.us/cia. CMRG

Above and below: Performers at the Catawba Indian Pow Wow.

Below: Reggie Brewer, a traditional dancer, entertains the crowd at the powwow.

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F eature

Boosting benefits and profits A growing portion of the population influences the region’s economic strength

by Louise Barden

A

fter former Charlotte Bobcats owner Bob Johnson called the city’s business environment “incestuous” and “arrogant” in March, Robyn Hamilton, felt compelled to publicly reply. “All business is based on relationships,” Hamilton says. “People do business with people they know.”

As president and chief executive of the Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council, Hamilton has the facts that back her assertion that all business owners, minority or not, should be working to make those relationships happen.

That, she explains, is the right way to benefit the entire region’s economy by making minority-owned businesses part of the greater business community.

She points out that non-whites (including Hispanics, Asians, AfricanAmericans and others) make up Keva Walton almost 32 percent of the region’s population, and that number is rapidly growing.

Impact of Hispanics and blacks Other business leaders agree that major corporations can significantly broaden their base of suppliers when they include minority-owned businesses on their lists. Moreover, with the region’s minorities forming an increasing percentage of the population, there are rapidly

Ki-Hyun Chun

Census figures indicate in the next 40 years, 62 percent of this country’s children will be minorities and that by 2039, 50 percent of the nation’s working-age people will be minorities.

46

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

expanding opportunities to strengthen the region’s sales, jobs and total economic base.

Charlotte Chamber Senior Vice President Keva Walton cites studies by James H. Johnson Jr. of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business that predicted this year AfricanAmericans will produce a $60 billion impact on the state’s economy, provide 581,200 jobs and deliver $3 billion in taxes to the state, while Hispanics will produce about another $18 billion in economic benefits. In Mecklenburg County, the economic impact of African-Americans is $6.4 billion, while Latin Americans account for $1.36 billion.

Walton also notes Census figures that indicate in the next 40 years, 62 percent of this country’s children will be minorities and that by 2039, 50 percent of the nation’s working-age people will be minorities.

Asians and other minorities growing Ki-Hyun Chun, founder of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce and publisher of the Asian Herald, recently told radio commentator Mike Collins on WFAE’s “Charlotte Talks” program that there are about 700 Asian-owned businesses in Charlotte. Those businesses contribute $248 million annually to the local economy.

That level of growth in the Charlotte region is the reason Hamilton is speaking out for more interaction among all types of business owners. When minority business owners and major corporate employers do more to build relationships, they increase the probability of doing business with each other. The result, Hamilton proclaims, will generate more business, greater returns and a stronger economy for everyone. CMRG

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

46 47

Summer 2010 CMRG

Community

& Business Directory Table of Contents MWBE Consulting Training and Support. . . . . . . . . . . . p. 50 Organizations Certifying MWBEs. . . . . p. 50 Charlotte/Mecklenburg. . . . . . . . . . . . p. 50 Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 51 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 51-52 Nonprofits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 52-53 Corporate Supplier Diversity Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 53 Businesses Accountants/Bookkeepers . . . . . pp. 53-54 Acupunture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 54 Advertising/Promotional Products. . . . p. 54 Architects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 54 Attorneys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 54 Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 54 Blinds/Window Treatments. . . . . . . . . p. 54 Boxes/Packaging Supplies. . . . . . . . . p. 54 Business Consultants. . . . . . . . . pp. 54-55 Caterers/Bakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 55 Cleaners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 55 Clothier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 55 Clothing/Apparel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 55 Coffeehouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 55 Compliance/Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 55 Computers/Printers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 55 Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 55-56 Copier Supplies & Services. . . . . . . . . p. 56 Counselors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 56 Day Cares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 56 Decorating/Visual Art/ Plantscapes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 55 Dentists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 56-57 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 57 Electricians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 57 Engineers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 57 Ethnic Festivals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 57 Grocery Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 57-58 Events/Party Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 58 Maintenance/Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . p. 58 Financial Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 58 Fitness/Wellness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 58 Food Service Management. . . . . . . . . p. 58 Formal Wear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 58 Garage Doors/Overhead Doors. . . . . . p. 58 Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 58 Graphic Designers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 58 Hairstylists/Salons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 58 Health Care/Medical. . . . . . . . . . pp. 58-59 Heating and Air Conditioning. . . . . . . . p. 59 Home Care/Nursing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 59 Hotels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 59 Human Resources/ Executive Search. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 59

Image Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 59 Information Packaging and Design/Marketing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 59 Interior Design/Upfitting. . . . . . . . . . . . p. 59 Information Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . p. 59 Janitorial/Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 59-60 Landscaping/Fences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 60 Marketing/Advertising/PR . . . . . . . . . . p. 60 Masons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 60 Massage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 60-61 Media/Magazine/Newspaper. . . . . . . . p. 61 Medical Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 61 Mental Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 61 Multimedia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 61 Networking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 61 Office Supplies & Services. . . . . . . . . . p. 61 Painting/Wallpapering. . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 61 Parking Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 61 Personnel/Staffing/Headhunter. . pp. 61-62 Pharmacists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 62 Physical Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 62 Plumbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 62 Printer Accessories/Supplies. . . . . . . . p. 62 Printers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 62 Publishing/Editorial Services. . . . . . . . p. 62 Radio Stations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 62 Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 62 Refugee Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 62 Restaurants Asian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 62-63 Indian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 63 Latino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 63 Mexican . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 63 Southern/Soul Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 63 Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 63 Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 63 Retail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 63 Shipping/Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 64 Shredding/Recycling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 64 Small Business Resources . . . . . . . . . p. 64 Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 64 Speech Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 64 Sports and Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . p. 64 Stamps/Marking Devices. . . . . . . . . . p. 64 Telecommunications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 64 Towing/Emergency Roadside Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . p. 64 Translation Language Services . . . . . . p. 64 Transportation/Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 64 Urban Planning/ Commercial Development . . . . . . . . p. 64 Web Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 64 Wildlife Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 64

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

48 49

MWBE Consulting, Training and Support

Carolina Minority Supplier Development Council 704-549-1000 info@carolinasmsdc.org

Minority Business Development Agency Minority Business Enterprise Center 888-324-1551 www.mbda.gov

* N.C. Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses Sheryl Cromedy Certification Specialist sheryl.cromedy@doa.nc.gov or huboffice.doa@doa.nc.gov 919-807-2330 (main) 919-807-2339 (direct) www.doa.state.nc.us/hub

North Carolina Coordinators’ Network P.O. Box 1856 Raleigh, NC 27602 www.mwbenetwork.org

North Carolina Procurement Technical Assistance Center Small Business and Technology Development Center Archibald D. Black Procurement Counselor 704-548-1090, ext. 3346 ablack@sbtdc.org www.sbtdc.org

N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development 919-956-8889 info@ncimed.com www.ncimed.com North Carolina Procurement Technical Assistance Center Small Business and Technology Development Center Archibald D. Black Procurement Counselor 704-548-1090, ext. 3346 ablack@sbtdc.org www.sbtdc.org

Charlotte/Mecklenburg City-County Resources

Supplier Diversity Works!

1200 Wych Lane Charlotte, NC 28273 888-550-8881 info@supplierdiversityworks.com www.supplierdiversityworks.com United Minority Contractors of North Carolina 5 W. Hargett St., Ste. 309 Raleigh, NC 27601 919-834-1211 www.umcnc.org Women’s Business Center N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development 919-956-8889 info@ncimed.com www.ncimed.com

Organizations Certifying MWBEs Statewide Uniform Certification Program Nancy Rosado, Neighborhood and Business Services 704-336-2116 nrosado@ci.charlotte.nc.us

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

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 704-336-2673 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 www.huntersville.org Matthews-Town Hall 704-847-4411 www.matthewsnc.com Mint Hill-Town Hall 705-545-9726 www.minthill.com Pineville-Town Hall 704-889-2291 www.pinevillenc.net

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.charmeck.org/departments/airport

* Note: The North Carolina Office for Historically Underutilized Business will institute a Statewide Uniform Certification Program effective July 1, 2009. This program will replace all minority/woman owned business enterprise certifications offered through local municipalities. The SWUC Program will allow 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. The city’s Small Business Opportunity Program has partnered with NC HUB to assist all city-certified MWBE firms with the transition to the SWUC. ❖ Certified MWBE Business ♦ Certified Wells Fargo Supplier Diversity Vendor 50

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

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 866-709-0380 www.twcnc.com Windstream Communications 800-843-9214 www.windstream.com

Government Governor’s Office

Gov. Bev Purdue 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

U.S. Representatives

Larry Kissell (D) 8th District 512 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-3715 325 McGill Ave. #500 Concord, NC 28025 704-786-1612 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 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 704-344-9950

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 Nick Mackey (D) District 99 LOB 403 919-733-5606 nick.mackey@nc.leg.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

N.C. Senate

Jim Gulley (R) District 103 LB 313 919-733-5800 jim.gulley@ncleg.net

Legislative Office Building 300 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925

Ruth Samuelson (R) District 104 LOB 418B 919-715-3009 ruth.samuelson@ncleg.net

Legislative Building 16 W. Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096

W. Edward “Eddie” Goodall Jr. (R) District 35 LB 1414 919-733-7659 eddie.goodall@ncleg.net 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, DDS, (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

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.

16 W. Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

51

F eature

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 701 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28202 980-343-3000 www.cms.k12.nc.us Under the direction of Superintendent Peter C. Gorman, CMS serves more than 134,000 students in 172 schools.

Some 160 countries are represented by students, and 140 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

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 704-846-6886 www.altrusa.com American Business Women’s Association Charlotte Charter Chapter 704-953-6169 www.abacharlottechapter.org Association for Sickle Cell Disease for Charlotte/Metrolina 704-332-4184

Kings College 704-372-0266 www.kingscollegecharlotte.edu

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

New Horizons Computer Learning 704-522-9747 www.newhorizons.com

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

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

Nonprofits Chambers of Commerce Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce www.caacc.com Charlotte Chamber 704-378-1300 www.charlottechamber.com

52

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce 704-378-1364 www.cmbcc.org

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Carolinas Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs Inc. 704-333-1690 Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists www.caabj.com Democratic Women’s Club of Mecklenburg County 704-525-5843 www.mecklenburgdemocrat.org Charlotte Association of Urban Bankers www.cncaub.org Charlotte International Cabinet 704-336-2174 www.charlotteinternational.org Chinese-American Association 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, 704-650-5439 Lake Norman, 704-947-8476 www.ewomennetwork.com Filipino-American Community 704-366-4401 ninibautista@aol.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 Internal Revenue Service-Charlotte 704-548-4100 www.irs.gov Korean Association 704-591-4872 www.charlottekoreans.com 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 704-334-3136 www.goleaguego.org Metrolina Minority Contractors Association 704-332-5746

Millions More Movement-Charlotte 704-333-1690 www.mmmcharlottenc.org MWBE (Minority and Women Business Enterprise) www.mwbe.com North Carolina Indian Economic Development Initiative Inc. 910-486-6555 www.ncindian.com N.C. SBA (Small Business Administration) 704-344-0563 www.sba.gov/localresources/ district/nc National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club-Charlotte 704-392-9547 Republican Women’s Club Charlotte-Mecklenburg 704-553-9392 National Hispanic Entrepreneur’s Organization Inc. 704-807-6848 www.NHEO.org SCORE 704-344-6576 www.charlottescore.org Urban Financial Services Coalition 800-996-8335 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 980-939-1645 Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services 704-336-3150 www.charmeck.org

Harris Teeter Ted Harrington Manager of Diversity 704-844-3565 tharrington@harristeeter.com www.harristeeter.com Lance Inc. Annalisa Miranda 704-557-8031 amiranda@lance.com www.lancesnacks.com Lowe’s Home Improvement www.lowes.com/supplierdiversity

United Way of Central Carolinas Inc. 211 (information and referral services) 704-372-7170 www.uwcentralcarolinas.org

Novant Health Care/ Presbyterian Hospital Kevin Price Manager 704-384-7456 kjprice@novanthealth.org

Urban Ministry Center 704-347-0278 www.urbanministrycenter.org

Nucor Corp.

Betsy Lieberman 704-366-7000

YMCA of Greater Charlotte 704-716-6200 www.ymcacharlotte.org

Piedmont Natural Gas Mike Morrow Manager of Supply Chain 704-731-4104 mike.morrow@piedmontng.com

Corporate Supplier Diversity Listings Balfour Beatty Construction Calvin Stevens Director of Community Relations and Diversity 704-319-4000 emergingcontractors@ balfourbeattyus.com www.balfourbeattyus.com Bank of America Jeff Jones 757-728-3711 jeff.jones@bankofamerica.com Belk Inc. Jim Harvey Executive Vice President 704-426-1843 james_harvey@belk.com 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

Time Warner Cable-Carolina Region Michelle Hankston Regional Buyer Analyst 704-731-1911 michelle.hankston@twcable.com www.timewarnercable.com Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club Theresa Barrera Vice President Supplier Diversity and Management 479-277-0650 genia.hight@wal-mart.com Wells Fargo Bank Sonya Dukes Senior Vice President of Corporate Supplier Diversity 704-383-7323 sonya.dukes@wellsfargo.com www.wellsfargo.com/supplierdiversity

Businesses Accountants/Bookkeepers Absolute Business Connections Inc. 704-537-0010 absolutebusinessconnections.com Boyd’s AccTax Consulting 704-322-3630 mlboyd@carolina.rr.com Chan Pauline, CPA 704-540-0027 www.charlotteresourceguide.com

52 53

Chun, Ki-Hyun, Ph.D.LLD, CPA 704-332-5656

F eature

Elizabeth Leonard, CPA 704-655-2648 Lee, Jung Sook, CPA 704-364-3667 Patrick A. Beach, CPA, PC 704-688-3075 www.beachfinancialsvcs.com Regina H. Rudolph, CPA 704-944-5547 www.reginarudolph.com Robinson Tax Services 704-658-8248 Stacey E. Tucker, CPA, PC 704-847-0021 www.staceytuckercpa.com Zee, Sylvester L., CPA 704-467-1965

Acupuncture Hu Jiang, L. Ac English-Chinese-Korean 3065-A Senna Drive Matthews, NC 28105 Lauren Leung, L. Ac 5200 Park Road, Suite 227 Charlotte, NC 28209 704-605-2602 Jeffrey Wang and Mary Ren, L. Ac English-Chinese 7810 Ballantyne Commons Parkway Suite 300 Charlotte, NC

Advertising/ Promotional Products Ad Concepts Inc. 704-366-6201 www.goadconcepts.com Alliance Document Solutions Inc. 704-679-9931 www.adocument.net Bantra Corp.

704-372-3400 Bonnie B. Thyer Specialties Co. 704-331-0645 www.sales@bonniebpromomall.com Carolina Corporate Wear Inc. 704-540-4613 www.carolinacorporatewear.com Charlotte Hotel TV 704-806-5692 www.charlottehoteltv.com

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

FES Inc. 704-398-0436 www.fleminges.com

Gary Henderson 704-599-4577 www.ghendersonlawoffice.com

The Logo Loft Inc. 704-596-9622 www.thelogoloftinc.com

James Ferguson 704-375-8461 www.fergusonstein.com

Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerlyagency.com

Li, Benjamin M. 704-527-0878

Orbimedia Communications/ Radio Lider 704-665-9337 julian@orbimedia.com

Kim, Douglas H. 704-504-0962 Paul Suhr 919-876-4707

Digital Divas 201-304-2933 digitaldivasinc@aol.com

Smart Solutions 704-807-4184 www.yourlifeeventslegalplan.com

Zuri Creative Services 704-496-2695 www.zuri-creative.com

T. Michael Todd PLLC 704-343-9700 tmtedellaw@aol.com

Architects A.L.R. Architecture 704-348-2699 Gantt Huberman 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 Chang, Kristen Aekyung 336-855-5700 Chun, Lisa 919-619-1280 Denise L. Presley, Esq. 704-676-4622 Eric Montgomery 704-909-2765

Tamela T. Wallace PA 704-371-4212 www.tamelatwallace.com Tin Nguyen 704-461-1527

Automotive Ben’s Automotive Center 704-333-1200 Parrish Tire Co. 704-583-5883 www.parrishtire.com Victory Lane Automotive Mobile Services 704-493-3340

Blinds/Window Treatments Croteau Window Coverings 704-367-9905 www.croteauwindowcoverings.com

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

Business Consultants

Business Link Technologies 704-248-8068 www.businesslinktech.com The Coman Co. 704-366-9060 www.comancompany.com DBS Consulting LLC 704-947-9437 www.dbsconsultingllc.com GoldenCrest Executive Consulting LLC 704-408-9606 www.goldencrestexecutive.com

Harris Krueger Consulting Inc. 704-896-5678 www.harriskruegerconsulting.com Kreative Group Inc. 704-966-6016 www.thekreativegroup.com Lil Associates II Inc. 704-372-3331 www.lilassociates.com Lockman-Brooks Marketing Services LLC 704-944-3188 www.lockmanbrooks.com

Sadie’s Soulful Southern Experience 704-532-5570

Cleaners Birkdale Cleaners 16600 Birkdale Commons Parkway Huntersville 704-987-2232

Clothier DW Design 704-332-1896 www.dwdesign.biz

Clothing/Apparel

POSTNET 704-541-0490 www.postnet.com/nc135

DW Clothing Design 704-332-1896 www.dwdesigns.biz

**Project Managers Inc. 704-332-6611 www,projectmgrs.com

The First Lady Apparel 704-302-6429 704-394-4121 www.thefirstladyapparel.com

Red F Marketing LLC 704-227-0700 www.redf.com Supplier Diversity Works!

704-583-0278 www.supplierdiversityworks.com * Visioncor 704-366-7979 www.visioncor.com

Caterers/Bakers Cake and Craft Creations 704-577-4400 www.info@cakeandcraft.com Caribbean Hut 704-593-0030 www.caribbean-hut.com 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.heavensentcatering.net Just 4 U Personal Chefs 704-619-6870 www.jus4upersonalchefs.com Nona’s Sweets 704-717-6144 www.nonassweets.com Oh Taste and See 704-469-8459

The Knott Shoppe 704-819-0839 Sew Up by Sung 704-900-6579

Coffeehouse KokoMo’s Coffehouse 704-378-1000 www.kokomoscoffeehouse.com Diversity Den Coffeehouse 704-792-2233 www.diversityden.com

Compliance/Safety Compliance Centre Inc. 704-557-9027 www.compliancecentre.net

Computers/Printers

Actionthree Computer Services LLC 704-537-1312 www.actionthreecomputers.com Applied Data Technologies 704-847-300 www.applieddatatech.com Carolina Cartridge & Supplies Inc. 704-347-2447 www.ccs-ink.com Carolina Computer Partners 704-503-3890 www.ccpteam.com

CPI Training Solutions Inc. 704-358-3383 www.solutionsrus.com Esource Systems and Integration Inc. 704-895-3520 www.esandi.com Fizza Group LLC 336-499-2616 http://fizzagroup.com Frontline Consulting Services 704-510-2265 www.fcs-inc.com Global Networkers 704-343-0094 www.globalnetworkers.com Kinetic IT Systems Inc. 704-340-7662 www.kineticits.com

Network Cabling Systems Inc. 704-523-8606 www.networkcablingsystems.com Newton IT Services 704-561-7099 www.newtonits.com Webfuzion.com 704-607-7127 www.webfuzion.com

Construction

8 Star Construction Inc. 980-297-7266 A Anthony Corp.

704-358-4747 www.aanthonycorp.com Akhter Builders Inc. 704-847-5976 Alvacor Inc. 704-544-8211 www.alvacor.com American Eastern Builders Inc. 704-342-1968 www.americaneastern.net Aztek General Contractor Inc. 704-770-5389 Bana Corp.

704-408-5777 Baucom Group & Associates LLC 704-926-1509 www.baucomgrp.com

Carolina IT Consulting Inc. 704-577-0687 www.citconline.com

Bolton’s Custom Contracting Inc. 704-399-5010

CG Technology 704-887-3986 www.cgtechnology.com

Bruce R. Jenkins & Associates 704-373-9094

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C&J Supply Inc. 704-399-4722

F eature

C.C. Smith Construction Inc. 704-890-1909 Camps Construction Co. 704-321-1492 www.campsconstruction.com Carolina Cajun Concrete Inc. 704-545-8626 Chartia Construction Co., Inc. 704-509-5542 Chief Cornerstone Builders Inc. www.chiefcornerstonebuilders.com Conmat Construction Inc. 704-713-3685 Conmat Development Inc. 704-597-7844 D.E. Walker Construction Co. 704-597-8911 Diversified Construction Management 704-596-5014 www.dcmgroup.us Do It All Interiors Remodeling & Renovations 980-721-6391 DOT Construction Inc. 704-634-3790 Econ International Corp.

704-688-3709 www.econconstruction.net Emerald Green Construction Inc. 704-875-0557 Fernandez Construction Corp.

704-394-7173 G.W. Liles Construction Co., Inc. 704-786-3450 www.lilesconstruction.com Hemar Concrete Inc. 704-932-5581 **Heartland Contracting 704-882-3004 Highland Construction Group 980-322-7584 www.highlandcontractors.com Horus Construction Services 877-898-6879 www.horus-cs.com Jamar Properties Inc. 704-720-7659 www.jamarhouses.com

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

King of Kings Construction LLC 704-281-7297 www.kingofkingsnc.com Kirkman Construction Inc. 704-987-2050 www.kirkmaninc.com Latta Light Construction 704-728-2597 Lee Morgan Inc. 704-348-1460 www.leemorganinc.com Legacy Construction Inc. 704-968-1918 Lil Associates II Inc. 704-372-3331 www.lilassociates.com Linda Construction Co., Inc. 704-333-7120 www.lindaconstruction.com Lopez Construction Services 704-605-9871 Mansel Contractors LLC 704-547-9006 Marand Builders Inc. 704-544-8211 www.marandbuilders.com Raydal Construction LLC 704-900-1952 www.raydalconstruction.com R.J. Leeper Construction Co., Inc. 704-522-8700 www.rjleeperco.com Schotte 1 Construction Inc. 704-401-8945 Structural Creations Inc. 704-728-6543 www.structuralcreations.com Stuart Page Co. Inc. 704-545-0695 www.stuartpagecompany.com

Counselors Angel Gabriel Co. 704-281-8416 www.angelgabriel.org Michael E. Hall, Ph.D. 704-858-2984 Trinity Counseling Services LLC 704-921-9600

Day Cares Dixon Academy 704-391-9875 www.dixonacademy.com Fran’s Kids Daycare 704-376-2655 Kids Town Child Enhancement 704-527-0423 www.kidstownchildcare.com Mrs. Chris Play & Learn 704-393-1472 Nana’s Place Learning Center 704-568-3899 Step by Step 704-568-1214 Toddletown Kidz 704-567-1797 www.toddletownkidz.com

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

Dentists

Dasling Dentistry 704-594-9250 www.daslingdentistry.com Dr. Derek C. Barnes, DMD 704-849-6700 www.drderekbarnes.com

Tyler Construction 704-527-3031 www.tyler2construction.com

Felecia Burridge, DDS 704-536-0811

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

Carmel Commons Dental & Imaging 704-540-2443 www.carmelcommonsdental.net

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

Carolina Copier Services 704-375-9099 www.carolinacopyservices.com

Centro Dental Comunitario 704-494-7990 Dr. Xin Chen English-Chinese 8170-C S. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28273 704-405-5690

Friendly Neighborhood Dental Center 800-766-7472 Steven Ghim, DDS 704-541-8600 Regina Henderson 704-503-0202 www.charlottecosmeticdentist.com Luoug-Huy Le, DDS English-Vietnamese 2614-A E. Seventh St. Dr. U. Phillip Igbinadolor & Associates PA 704-494-8484 Orthodontic Care of Carolina PA 704-509-4999 www.drcooperortho.com

Japanese Language School 704-333-8099 Timothy School 704-591-4872

Electricians

Alternate Power Services Inc. 980-235-9045 www.alternatepowerservices.net A&W Electric Inc. 704-333-4986 www.aandwelectric.com

Carolinas Electrical Supply & Service LLC 704-562-0923 COED Electrical Inc. 704-395-3622 DEW Electric LLC 704-335-0891

Smile Family Dentistry 704-549-1199 www.smile4ucharlotte.com

E. Moore & Son Electric Inc. 704-358-8828 www.emooreelectric.com

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

Elm Engineering Inc. 704-335-0396 www.elmengr.com

Dr. Minh Oai Vo 704-364-6666

International Electrical Solutions Inc. 704-777-5626

Webber Dentistry 704-332-5848 or 704-392-9357 www.webberdentistry.com Young & Polite Children’s Dentistry PLLC 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 School 704-243-2515 Charlotte Chinese Art School 980-939-9408 cltchineseartschool@yahoo.com Chinese Language Tutor 980-939-9408

Engineers

Charlotte Dragonboat/ Asian Festival 704-540-6808 Ramsey Creek Park, Cornelius May

Grocery Stores

A&A International Food 704-531-1151 Ann Doa Sakura Oriental Market 704-525-9840 Asia Oriental Grocery 704-375-1215 Asian Grocery 704-540-4201 Bharat Bazaar 704-494-4845 www.bharatbazaarcharlotte.com Central Oriental Market 704-532-9888 Cilnecerea 704-569-0132 Compare Foods 704-716-1280, 704-596-3495 and 704-716-1170 www.comparesupermarkets.com Eang-Hong Grocery & Fresh Seafood 704-566-1272

Capstone Civil Group PA 704-567-0769 www.capstonecivilgroup.com

Han’s Oriental Food 704-597-8817

Engineering Design Collaborative 704-971-1660

International Super Market 704-509-1799

H&H Engineering PLLC 704-897-8328 www.hhengineering.net

Jin’s Market 704-341-1112

MA Engineering Consultants Inc. 704-896-5250 www.maec.com Zapata Inc. 704-358-8240 zapatainc.com

Ethnic Festivals

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival South Tryon Street March The Carolinas Latin Dance Company 704-872-4988 Spirit Square McGlohon Theatre April Dances of India 704-330-6534 Central Piedmont Community College April

LaBella Estrella 704-569-1899 La Bonita Mexican Grocery Store 704-527-8564 Los DOS Hermanos II 704-921-6424 Lotte Grocery 704-527-8949 Lucky Oriental Grocery 704-568-8666 New Asian Market 704-393-5831 New Century 704-921-1716

Ole Mexican Foods 704-587-1763 www.charlotteresourceguide.com

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Overseas Oriental Food 704-522-9111

F eature

Payal Indian Grocery 704-521-9680 Rajbhog Sweets and Snacks 704-909-7783 www.rajbhog.com The South African Food Shop 704-849-2660 www.southafricanfoodshop.com Sunuvkriti the Indian Store 704-567-5916 WooRi Market 704-375-1215 Zen International Market 704-464-6985

Events/Party Planning Creative Catering 704-373-2900 http://creativecateringinc.net Events & Celebrations Inc. 980-939-1645 www.eventscelebrations.com It’s My Affair 704-394-4928 www.itsmyaffair.com 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 Building Maintenance/Windows Bright & Shine Services Inc. 704-650-6773 www.brightandshineservices.com Joffie Contracting Services Inc. 704-392-4442 www.joffie.com

Financial Services Carter Insurance 704-542-7500

Cosmos Financials 704-890-6000 www.cosmosfinancials.com

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Emma Allen Enterprises 704-892-0214 www.emmasallen.com First Legacy Community Bank 704-375-5781 www.firstlegacyfcu.org Mechanics & Farmers 704-247-3400 www.mfbonline.com Rose & Associates Southeast Inc. 704-896-0094 www.roseassociates.com SW Financial & Mortgage 704-372-1364 www.swgroupnc.com US Financial Alliance Consultants LLC 704-887-9710 www.usfacllc.com Wealth Builders Inc. 704-890-2522 www.wealthbuildersnc.com

Fitness/Wellness Fit4Life 704-491-2216 www.tiffanysfit4life.com N’shape with ’N 704-334-4848 www.nshapewithn.com Pure Wellness Medical Spa 980-297-7873 www.purewellnessspas.com Shabaka Body of Your Dreams Studio 704-449-1476 www.bodyofyourdreamsstudio.com Travel Fitness Concierge 866-963-4828

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

Formal Wear

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

Garage Doors/ Overhead Doors

All American Overhead Door LLC 704-597-1002 www.allamericanohd.com

Gifts

A Fruit Basket & The Southern Blossom 704-375-7706 www.southernblossom.com

Lamb Baskets and Invitations 704-497-3470

Graphic Designers Kineta Corp.

704-752-7994 www.kinetacorp.com

Moonlight Creative Group Inc. 704-358-3777 www.moonlightcreativegroup.com Red Pepper Graphics Inc. 704-373-1020 www.redperppergraphics.com SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.SPARKpublications.com Sumcad Graphic Design 704-549-9620 The Maxim Agency LLC 704-339-0099 www.themaximagency.com

Hairstylists/Salons

A Total Experience Salon & Spa 704-377-0383 Bana African Hair Braiding 704-921-2727 Hair Infiniti Wellness Salon 704-596-2166 www.hairinfiniti.net Lockstar Natural Hair Salon 704-334-6624 www.lockstarsalon.com Milano Hair Salon 704-542-5565 www.milanohair.com Salon Untouchable 704-921-0161 (barbers) 704-921-0182 (stylists) Studio East Styling Salon 704-569-4553 www.studioeaststylingsalon.com The Relaxer Experts 704-535-6978

Health Care/Medical

Advantage Vision Center 704-375-3935 www.advantagevisioncenter.net Americare Health 704-941-2080 Arboretum Obstetrics & Gynecology 704-341-1103 and 704-841-7225 www.arboretumobgyn.com Carolinas Eye Center 704-510-3100 www.carolinaseyecenter.com

Centers for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research/ Dr. Rashid Buttar Advanced Concepts In Medicine 704-895-9355 Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness 704-264-1402 www.medicineandwellness.com Crown Clinic PA 704-527-5522 www.crownclinicpa.com JP Chiropractic & Posture 704-841-1701 Sheena Kapadia Internal Medicine 704-342-8115 Mi Gento Saludable 704-536-6740 www.migentosaludable.com Jeongpil Park, DC Chiropractor 704-841-1701 Prime Care Medical Center 704-335-0806 www.primemedical.org Starks Pediatrics 704-717-2826 www.starkspediatrics.com Nang T. Ta, MD Central Care Clinic 704-567-8218 Nguyen Ta, MD Pediatrics 704-554-8880 Sharon Tam, DC 704-377-0800 Jenny Thao Ngo, CNM Obstetrics Gynecology 704-536-7233 Do Thuan My Optometrist 704-777-9047

Heating and Air Conditioning AT’s Heating & A/C 704-568-3147 Champion Heating & Cooling Inc. 704-391-2077 Controlled Climate Technology Inc. 704-535-9192 www.controlledclimatetechnology. com

McKenney’s Mechanical/ Superior Mechanical Systems 704-335-1942 www.superiormsinc.com Superior Mechanical Systems Inc. 704-335-1942 www.superiormsinc.com

Home Care/Nursing Advantage Rehabilitation Services 704-302-1210 Crimson Home Care LLC 704-342-4681 www.crimsonhomecare.com HomeCare for the Carolinas LLC 704-335-8488 www.homecareforthecarolinas.com Home Health Enterprise Inc. 704-529-2682 www.homehealthenterprisesinc.com Unlimited Possibilities Family Care Homes 704-453-6753 www.upfamilycarehome.com

Hotels

SREE Hotels 704-364-6008 www.sree.com

Human Resources/ Executive Search

AccruePartners Inc. 704-632-9955 www.accruepartners.com Allegiance Staffing 704-556-1770 www.allegiancestaffing.com Baker Human Resources Consulting Inc. 704-395-2813 www.bhrc-partner.com Bergman Brothers Staffing & Consulting 704-537-1230 www.bergmanbrothers.com Burnett Resources Inc. 888-237-4108 www.burnettresources.com Career Match Solutions 866-225-2747 www.careermatchsolutions.com CEO Inc. 704-372-470 www.ceohr.com DMD Consulting LLC 704-728-3996 www.dmdhr.com Jennifer P. Davis & Associates LLC 704-864-5211 www.jpdavisonline.com

K&P Consulting Inc. 704-341-4340 www.kandPconsult.com Symphony Management Consulting 704-556-2288 www.symphony-consulting.com

Image Consultants

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

Information Packaging and Design/Marketing Cook Information Packaging & Design Inc. 704-376-6324 www.cookinfopkg.com

Interior Design/Upfitting BeauxHome 704-752-1733 www.beauxhome.com Business Interiors 704-342-0000 www.businessinteriors.info Tyler 2 Construction Inc. 704-527-3031 www.tyler2construction.com

Information Technology The Anstad Group 704-208-8304 www.anstad.com Executive Technical Solutions 704-712-3870 www.executivetechnicalsolutions.com **Fortress Systems International 704-405-5000 www.fsiinc.com Webneed 704-470-4058 www.webneed.com Yorel 704-594-9870 www.yorel.com

Janitorial/Cleaning A&D Janitorial 704-320-2582 AC Cleaning 704-605-7899 **Aerocare Inc. 704-502-9292 www.aerocarespecialist.com All Things Professional 704-345-3976 www.allthingsprofessional.net

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AML Cleaning 704-605-6629 www.amlcleaning.com Big Don’s Cleaning Services 704-491-3859

R and D Cleaning Services 704-605-4346

R&R All American Cleaning Contractors 704-503-3882

Burgess Cleaning Service Inc. 704-890-4613

Success Xpress Cleaning Service 704-840-4792

Clean-Rite Janitorial 704-907-2073 DDM House Cleaning 704-488-1520 Doing It Big Cleaning 704-971-3336 Faith Cleaning Services Inc. 704-605-0245 Family Health & Home of the Carolinas 704-595-1869 Frick & Frack Cleaning Services 704-619-5471 G&J Office Solutions 704-921-4771 H&M Cleaning and Maintenance Service Inc. 704-563-0135 J&M Office Cleaning 704-449-3771

Accurate Cut Lawncare 704-574-1147 Affordable Fence & Tree 704-392-7078 American Fence & Supply Co. 704-523-4936 www.americanfenceandsupply.com Braun Land Management Inc. 704-332-3462 Breburks Landscaping 704-493-5822 Carolina Cut-N-Edge LLC 704-315-8547 www.carolinacutnedge.com

Cohesion Marketing & PR 704-296-2174 www.cohesionmarketing.net Digital Divas 201-304-2933 www.digitaldivasevents.com IT Factor 919-247-5973 www.theitfactormedia.com HTD Network 704-249-3723 www.htdnetwork.com The Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerlyagency.com

Talk of the Town 704-488-3998

Fussell’s Turf Management LLC 704-708-8166 Gamuso Services Inc. 704-207-6978 Green Touch Tree & Turf Inc. 704-549-4484 Green World Landscaping 704-699-7956 Greenprint Horticulture 704-567-8858

La Biep Services 704-641-8892

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

Miriam Davis Cleaning 704-201-6111

Heritage Meadows LLC 704-780-0036

Morris One LLC 704-712-7899

Lee’s Landscaping 704-493-0981

Peak Cleaning Services Inc. 704-421-1469

Leisure Time Lawn Care LLC 704-392-5299

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Marketing/Advertising/PR

Carolina Wetland Services Inc. 704-527-1177 www.cws-inc.net

Jani-King/Richard Jr. Enterprise 704-780-5558 www.janiking.com

Justrite Professional Cleaning Service 704-258-8180 www.justriteprofessional.com

Perry’s Lawn & Landscaping Services 704-299-5483

*Rojo Hispanic Marketing 704-227-0700 www.rojomarketing.com

Frady Tree Care 336-479-6143 www.fradytreeservice.com

Judy’s Cleaning Services 704-344-8441

New Beginning Landscape LLC 704-400-4930

Carolina Green Landscape Co. 704-394-3152

J&R Janitorial Service 704-506-9269

The Johnson Group 704-522-3544 www.aejohnsongroup.com

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Landscaping/Fences

Martin Landscaping Co., Inc. 704-379-0076

Millennia Solutions 704-395-4706 Zumbazo.com 704-650-7411 www.zumbazo.com

Masons A&J Masonry Inc. 704-536-2603 www.ajmasonry.com JB Smith Concrete Specialist LLP 704-942-4606 JJJ Concrete Inc. 704-791-4624 Leigh Concrete Services 704-628-6809 S&D Masonry & Construction LLC 704-496-4590

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.oasis-dayspa.net Phalanges Spa LLC 704-532-6444 Pure Body Salon and Spa 704-393-1019 www.purebodysalon.com Why Knot Massage 704-529-2400 www.whyknot-massage.com

Media/Magazine/Newspaper The Asian Herald 704-334-3450 China Star 704-364-8887 The Charlotte Post Publishing Co., Inc. 704-376-0496 www.thecharlottepost.com CJ Ramirez 704-895-3315 www.cjramirez.com La Noticia 704-568-6966 www.lanoticia.com Lake Norman Woman 704-895-6168 www.lakenormanwoman.com Latino Communications 704-319-5044 www.quepasamedia.com The Korean Christian Times 770-986-8220 The Latin Focus 704-909-7945 www.thelatinfocus.com Mi Gente 704-531-6070 www.migenteweb.com Qcitymetro.com 704-442-1565 www.qcitymetro.com Pride Communications/ Pride Magazine 704-375-9553 www.pridemagazine.net Today’s Charlotte Woman 704-521-6872 www.todayscharlottewoman.com

Viva Carolina!

704-909-7945 www.vivcarolina.com

World Journal 770-451-4509 Working Charlotte 704-992-1211 www.workingcharlotte.com

Medical Supply Parish Dental & Medical Supply 704-649-2385

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

Multimedia

All-Star Communications 704-579-9715 www.allstarscomm.com Norsan Multimedia 704-405-3172 norsanmultimedia.com Eastonsweb Multimedia 704-607-0941 www.eastonsweb.com Viva Carolina 704-909-7945 www.vivacarolina.com

Networking

Black Serious Singles 888-500-1507 www.blackserioussingles.com

Office Supplies & Services **Advanced Imaging Systems 704-525-5392 www.advancedimaging.net *American Product Distributors Inc. 704-522-9411 www.americanproduct.com Aaron Rents Inc. 704-527-0300 www.aaronrents.com ** Carolina Marking Devices 704-525-7600 www.caromark.com **Debriants Office Service Inc. 704-527-7600 www.debriants.com **Fixed Office Assets 704-599-1887 NYNCO LLC 704-577-2365 www.nyncoproduct.com

Professional Resource Group Inc. 704-771-9637 www.professionalresourcegroup.net

Painting/Wallpapering ADS Painting Co., Inc. 704-634-0070 ariel@adspainting.com

Affordable Painting 704-900-0731 affordable-painting1.com An Eimaj Painting Co. 980-253-4013 www.aneimajpaintingco.com Bobby’s Painting Co., Inc. 704-394-5124 Building Bethel Construction Co. 704-607-5540 Carolina Paint & More LLC 704-583-1430 Cautmica LLC 704-699-8968 C-III Paint Inc. 704-506-8164 Commercial Coatings Inc. 704-527-9161 Corporate Painting Inc. 704-521-6083 JP Group Construction Inc. 704-890-4748 www.thejgroup.com Laney Brothers Specialty Contracting Inc. 704-875-1261 Millennium CCF and DJF LLC 704-200-4463 Scott’s Painting and Decorating 704-649-1473 SD Paint Made Easy 704-606-7050 The AZ Group Contractors Inc. 704-532-1400 United Painting Services Inc. 704-962-0563 www.unitedpaintingservices.com

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

Personnel/Staffing/ Head Hunter

Bergman Brothers Staffing & Consulting 704-537-1230 www.bergmanbrothers.com www.charlotteresourceguide.com

60 61

Corestaff Services 704-554-1960 www.corestaff.com Elite Resources Inc. 704-504-2299 www.eliteresources.net Express Personnel Services 704-971-3270 www.expresspersonnel.com Integra Staffing LLC 704-527-9191 www.integrastaffing.com Link Staffing Services 704-525-4555 www.linkstaffing.com Netview Inc. 704-837-7500 www.netviewstaffing.com Premier Resources 704-543-9200 www.premierresourcesnc.com Project Intern 704-332-9383 www.projectintern.com Sappenfield Staffing Inc. 704-332-4710 www.sappenfieldstaffin.com

Plumbers

**The Benfield Group (Real estate appraisers) 704-333-0774

Burris Plumbing Inc. 704-510-2123

Binaco Real Estate 704-333-2462 www.binacoinvestments.com

Heyworth Plumbing Co., Inc. 704-523-2696 www.heyworthplumbing.com New Millennium Plumbing LLC 704-309-9565 Reed’s Plumbing Co., Inc. 704-399-7785

Printer Accessories/Supplies Dat-A-Syst Inc. 704-523-3548 www.datasyst.net

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

♦Technology Project Management Inc. 704-347-2447 www.technologypm.com

Overflow Printing Inc. 704-333-3553 www.overflowprinting.com

Working Charlotte 704-992-1211 www.workingcharlotte.com

Pharmacists Carolina Compounding and Nutrition Pharmacy 704-540-4330 www.ccnprx.com Family Care Specialty Pharmacy 704-688-5330 Medicine & More 704-537-0191

Physical Therapy

Sports and Spine Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Lake Realty of Charlotte 866-439-1025 www.mymooresvillehomes.com

Agua Source LLC 704-831-8311 www.aguasourcellc.com

Team Technology Inc. 704-849-0266 www.teamt.com

Unlimited Inc. 704-532-2599 www.personnelunlimitedinc.com

W2 Financial Staffing 704-665-8555 www.w2financial.com

62

Physical Therapy 704-394-6677

Publishing/Editorial Services Final Edit 704-549-8886 www.finaledit.net SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.SPARKpublications.com

Radio Stations LaRaza (106.1) www.larazalaraza.com Radio One (My92.7 and Praise 100.9) 704-548-7800 www.my927charlotte.com WGIV (103.3 FM and 1370 AM) 704-553-1370 www.wgiv.net

Real Estate

Alford & Associates Inc. 704-566-3100 www.alpodaappralsals.com

Blackberry Realty Associates 740-537-9091 www.blackberryrealty.com Headline Realty 704-547-1700 www.headlinerealty.com Hendrix Mitchener Properties LLC 704-552-9292 www.hmproperties.com Mountain Island Realty LLC 704-347-0025 Rayford Smith Realty LLC 704-494-4704 www.rayfordsmith.com Savvy + Co. Real Estate 704-330-8326 www.savvyandcompany.com Von Pettis Realty 704-536-9801

Refugee Services

Boat People SOS Inc. (Vietnamese) 704-596-2157 www.bpsos.org

Restaurants Asian

88 China Bistro 1620 E. Fourth St. 704-335-0288 Ben Thành Vietnamese Restaurant 4900 Central Ave. 704-566-1088 Chen’s Bistro 230 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.

704-510-9889 www.chensbistro.com Copper 704-333-0063 www.copperrestaurant.com Cuisine Malaya 1411 Elizabeth Ave. 704-372-0766 www.cuisine-malaya.com Dim Sum Chinese Restaurant 2920 Central Ave. 704-569-1128

DragonFly 5110 Park Road 704-527-3868 Fujo Uptown Bistro 301 S. College St. 704-954-9016 Golden Taipei 8511 Davis Lake Parkway 704-494-8688 www.goldentaipei.com HoHo China Bistro 1742 Lombardy Circle 704-376-0807 House of Leng 704-510-5081 www.houseofleng.com Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1300-F 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 Taiyo Pacific and Sushi Bar 8205 University City Blvd.

704-509-9090 Tin Tin 10215 Park Road 704-341-2293 Tropical Escape 803-366-3888

Indian

Bombay Cuisine 230 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.

704-503-5558 www.bombaycuisinenc.com Copper Cuisine of India 311 East Blvd.

704-333-0063 www.copperrestaurant.com Jaipur Indian Restaurant 5909 South Blvd.

704-643-1421 www.jaipur-indian.com

Saffron Indian Restaurant 2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd.

980-297-7722

Latino

5 De Mayo 10009 Weddington Road Extension Concord, NC 28027 704-979-8709 Carnitas Guanajuato 1702 Walkup Ave. Monroe, NC 704-238-9726 LaTorre’s Latin Inspired Cuisine 704-377-4448 www.latorresrestaurant.com Machu Picchu 4715 E. Independence Blvd.

704-449-0130 Red Pic Café 1480 Concord Parkway N. Suite 305 Concord, NC 28205 704-793-6305 Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina 704-643-0950 www.salsaritas.com Monterrey 1001 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28213 704-593-0167 1007 W. Roosevelt Blvd.

Monroe, NC 704-289-1320 9629 E. Independence Blvd.

Matthews, NC 28105 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

Southern/Soul Food Chicken Box 3726 N. Tryon St. 704-332-2636 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 Sadie’s Soul Food 704-532-5570 Simmons Soul Food 704-334-6640 www.simmonsoulfoodrestaurant.com

Thai Monsoon 704-533-6778 Thai House Highway 51 704-542-6300 Thai House, University 704-717-8006 Thai Orchid 704-364-1134 Thai Taste East Boulevard 704-332-0001

Other Los Paisas (Colombian) 5033 South Blvd.

704-527-5553 Meskerem (Ethiopian) 601 S. Kings Drive 704-335-1197 meskeremethiopianrestaurant.com

Retail Head First Millinery 704-562-9985

Estadio Azteca 2600 Central Ave. 704-348-1414

Hola Baby 704-737-1622 www.holababyshop.com

Maharani Indian Cuisine 901 S. Kings Drive 704-370-2455 www.maharaniindiancuisine.com

Fiesta Maya 3507 David Cox Road 704-509-9402 www.fiestmayagrill.com

D.J. Cologne and Parfume 704-509-6852

Namaste India 4508 E. Independence Blvd.

704-568-7979 www.namasteindia.cc

La Casa de Las Enchiladas 2917 Central Ave. 704-536-1851

Shipping/Packaging

**Ferguson Supply & Box Co. 800-821-1023 www.fergusonbox.com

www.charlotteresourceguide.com

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Shredding/Recycling Mar’s Recycling & Shredding Inc. 704-549-8409 www.marsrecyclingandshredding.com

Small Business Resources Nu Level Solutions 704-756-4888 www.nulevelsolutions.com Smart Solutions 704-807-4184 www.yourlifeeventslegalplan.com

Spa Modern Salon & Spa 704-339-0909 www.modernsalonandspa.com My Day Spa (nails and tanning) 704-875-7744

Speech Therapy Speechworks Therapy Services Inc. 704-973-0149 speechworkstx@aol.com

Sports and Entertainment Charlotte Bobcats 704-688-8600 www.bobcats.com

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

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

Towing/Emergency Roadside Assistance DLT Towing & Recovery 704-628-1181

Translators/ Language Services

Avantgarde Translations Inc. 704-362-3757 www.avantgardetranslations.com Barcelona Translations Inc. 704-837-1049 www.barcelonatranslations.com Into Spanish Ltd. 704-770-1961 www.intospanishltd.net

Transportation/Delivery

Allied Resources USA Ltd. 704-947-7502 www.alliedresourcesusa.com

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Bulldog Hauling of the Carolinas Inc. 704-766-2767 www.bulldoghaul.com Chambers Express Trucking Inc. 704-292-2916 D.W. Rowland Hauling 704-263-2806 Glaze Independent Trucking 704-345-5984 H&H Hauling Inc. 704-315-4191 Howdel Trucking Inc. 704-780-1834 Load ’Em Down Trucking 704-492-0633 **Mile Marker Logistics Inc. 704-393-3636 www.milemarkerlogistics.com Pana Trucking 704-944-3691 R. Broome Jr. Trucking 980-721-2393 RC Hauling Inc. 704-786-1067 RLD Trucking 704-264-9821 Roberta A. Jones Hauling 704-200-1896 Solano’s Trucking 704-557-5558 Streeter Trucking 704-400-4112 Thore Enterprises Inc. 704-875-9407 Whitley & Son Trucking Inc. 704-573-3848 www.whitleyandsons.com

Urban Planning/ Commercial Development Ryan Harris LLC 704-644-7726 www.ryan-harris.com

The Littlejohn Group LLC 704-377-2262 www.thelittlejohngroup.com

Web Design

Cohesion Marketing & PR 704-296-2174 www.cohesionmarketing.net Eastonsweb Multimedia 704-607-0941 HTD Network 704-249-3723 www.htdnetwork.com

IZHE Web Design 980-875-0093 izhedesign.com Zuri Creative Services 704-496-2695

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

Presbyterian Healthcare exists to

IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF COMMUNITIES, one person at a time That’s our mission. And only by embracing the value of diversity can we live our mission.

We recognize that every person is different, each shaped by unique life experiences.

This enables us to better understand one another and our customers.

We’ve turned these words into action. The national Joint Commission has twice awarded our employees the prestigious Ernest A. Codman award for improving the quality and safety of care we provide to our patients. We’re ranked as one of the top 20 most integrated healthcare systems in the country. And Professional Research Consultants awarded Presbyterian Healthcare with the national President’s Award for commitment to service excellence to patients, physicians and our employees. These achievements were made possible by utilizing the talents of all 10,000 Presbyterian Healthcare staff members.

To learn more about our not-for-profit health system, career opportunites and vendor diversity, visit www.presbyterian.org.

Presbyterian Hospital • Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville • Presbyterian Hospital Matthews Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital • Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital • Presbyterian Novant Medical Group

, s p i h n s R elatio

s i e i t n u r t o p Opandd evelopme nt an

De

• Lively Business Networking Luncheons and Tapas After Hours • Educational Opportunities and Entrepreneurial Development • Informational, Training Seminars and Workshops • Hosting of International Business and Governmental Guests

www.lacccharlotte.com 66

Latin American Chamber of Commerce 1112 Charlottetowne Ave., Ste 205 - Charlotte, NC 28204 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Sección en Español

por Dee Dixon

Marcando la diferencia

¡Hola! Les queremos dar la bienvenida a la guía de Charlotte de recursos multiculturales, (Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide). ¡Quiero adelantarles que este ejemplar es verdaderamente sobresaliente! Por eso unamos nuestras voces para darles las gracias a Sonya Dukes, vicepresidenta mayor de proveedores Diversos, Casondra Devine, Vicepresidenta de proveedores diversos y al entero equipo de Wells Fargo, por patrocinar una vez más esta iniciativa. Estoy llena de admiración tanto por ellos como por el compromiso de su compañía de negociar con proveedores diversos, así como por su compromiso hacia la diversidad e inclusión en el lugar de trabajo. Wells Fargo continua marcando la diferencia en el ruedo multicultural de Charlotte, y esta revista es un poderoso ejemplo de esto. (Podrá ver otros ejemplos sobresalientes mientras lee su artículo en esta revista.)

Nuestra visión prevalece En caso que esta sea su primera experiencia con CMRG, nuestra visión es que éste llegue a ser un vehículo para apoyar la diversidad e inclusión, empleando la comunicación y conexión - uniendo organizaciones y a individuos de manera útil.

Empleando la raza y la edificación de capital social como operativos claves, esta revista se ha diseñado de forma híbrida, proveyendo a las corporaciones, las empresas, los proveedores pequeños y la comunidad con rasgos de interés cultural, unido a un directorio de gran valor de proveedores y organizaciones. (A propósito, ¡la primera CMRG gano la medalla de oro MarCom del 2009 por su diseño y contenido! La publicación fue y es tan popular que publicaremos una edición en el invierno. Este pendiente de su divulgación en febrero del 2011.)

Un reflejo de diversidad cultural Hay mucha diversidad cultural en la Ciudad Reina y esta edición de CMRG refleja y trasciende los cambiantes perfiles demográficos en las empresas. ¿Recuerda el antiguo centro comercial CrossRoads situado en la autovía I-77 Salida 90? Se ha convertido en Plaza Fiesta, un recinto comercial que cuenta con unas 200 tiendas que le prestan servicio a una clientela multicultural y variada. Lea el artículo

dedicado a ella en la página 38. Luego, esta el café Diversity Den Café en Concord. ¿En que otro lugar se puede pedir un Latte Oreo Diverso? ¿Necesita usted tela genuina Kuba Raffia traída del Congo? No hay porque preocuparse. African Clothing Liberty Services and Fabrics es su proveedor exclusivo.

Tenemos una gran variedad de historias y pensamos que las encontraran atrayentes e irresistibles.

Desde los powwows de los nativos norteamericanos (ceremonia que celebran las tribus nativas de los E.E.U.U.A.) y los afros hasta como al obtener certificación como proveedor minoritario puede ayudar aumentar la rentabilidad de su negocio.

Anote la fecha en su calendario El 19th Annual Pride Sunset Jazz Festival (décimo noveno festival de jazz anual Sunset), esta listo para abrazar todas las culturas con música de primera; por eso haga arreglos para traer a su familia y disfrute. Se esta organizando un acontecimiento de dos días para el 24 y 25 de septiembre (concierto bajo techo). También puede viajar con Pride a Egipto el 14 de septiembre del 2010, entre en la pagina Web www.pridemagazine.net para mas detalles sobre ambos acontecimientos o llame al (704) 375-9553.

Se esta organizando una junta CMRG Por favor lea la versión integra del articulo, por medio de visitar la pagina Web CMRG www.charlotteresourceguide.com. Mientras nos visita, por favor registre sus comentarios e ideas para futuras historias. Nos encantara recibir noticias suyas. Además, estamos en el proceso de formar una junta de consejeros CMRG. Si quiere formar parte, preséntese e indiquemos porque quiere participar y déjenos saber lo que usted puede aportar.

Aparte de Wells Fargo, hay muchos otros que han hecho posible la edición de Julio del 2010 de CMRG; esto incluye escritores, editores, diseñadores creativos y traductores. Hace falta un equipo diverso de personas para crear un producto con tanta intensidad de diversidad. Gracias a ustedes, hemos dado en la diana. Muchas gracias.

Atentamente, www.charlotteresourceguide.com

66 67

R eportaje E special

Comprometidos con la inclusión Wells Fargo es fuerza por tener una base de proveedores diversos por Edward Cates traducido por José M. Pérez

P

ara avanzar en la diversificación y desarrollo de proveedores, se requiere tener un criterio unificado junto con una coordinación de esfuerzos de múltiples equipos.

Wells Fargo esta realizando un enfoque de integración hacia la inclusión de minorías, mujeres y empresas de proveedores diversos (diversidad de proveedores) a su cadena de proveedores, por medio del desarrollo de estos e impactando las comunidades con la ayuda de campeones internos, a través de las diferentes unidades empresariales.

Sonya Dukes, vice presidenta mayor y directora del Departamento De Proveedores Diversos dijo, “Contamos con lideres comprometidos dentro de la empresa, que quieren desempeñar un papel activo en apoyar la diversificación de proveedores, que sencillamente quieren hacer mas.” “Nuestros socios internos son la fuente y origen de los proveedores de bienes y servicios que pujan por ofrecer sus servicios.”

Ellos definen el alcance de oportunidades disponibles y en última instancia tienen la última palabra. Nuestros lideres de mercado proveen una ayuda muy significativa o relevante en este proceso, ya que ellos experimentan en primera instancia el rendimiento de los proveedores y son claves en desarrollar una relación a largo plazo.”

En esta economía difícil, un número de empresas están realizando una reducción en áreas estratégicas y en algunos casos están eliminando recursos de equipos de proveedores diversos. En contraste, Wells Fargo esta incrementando su compromiso con la

“Es de suma importancia, especialmente durante esta desaceleración económica mundial, integrar entidades estadounidenses MWDBE en el modelo Wells Fargo de Gestión de Cadenas de Proveedores.” — Gabriela Spindola 68

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

diversificación de sus proveedores por medio de involucrar voceros tanto internos como externos para lograr la visión y metas de la compañía, relacionado con la inclusión y desarrollo de sus proveedores diversos.

La colaboración ayuda a mantener el enfoque en los proveedores Gabriela Spindola, consultora de ejecución de la Gerencia de la Cadena de Proveedores de Wells Fargo indico que,”Es de suma importancia, especialmente durante esta desaceleración económica mundial, integrar entidades estadounidenses MWDBE en el modelo Wells Fargo de Gestión de Cadenas de Proveedores.”

Al desempeñar su papel, Spindola aboga por la integración de proveedores diversos en la Cadena de Gestión de Proveedores. Esto lo hace por medio de proveer un liderazgo de alto impacto y fomentar una amplia gama de iniciativas; así manteniendo la diversidad de proveedores en la vanguardia. “Es de suma importancia continuar la colaboración entre Proveedores de Diversidad Corporativa y la Cadena de Gestión de Proveedores.” La diversidad de proveedores aumenta nuestra competitividad dentro del mercado.”

El compromiso de Spindola por la integración de proveedores diversos adquiere relevancia por su pasión por la inclusión. “Como mujer Hispana, valoro a las compañías que integran la diversidad en su cultura, su modelo de negocios y patrocinio global. Me entusiasma ver que Wells Fargo comparte esta visión y enfoque.”

Martin Davis es vice presidente ejecutivo y encabeza la tecnología de integración de Wells Fargo y es un líder clave en asegurarse que los proveedores diversos que apoyan la tecnología puedan acceder a la contratación y tengan oportunidad de crecimiento. “Durante las ultimas dos décadas he apoyado activamente a la diversidad de nuestros proveedores dentro de la compañía. Esto lo he hecho por medio de desarrollar buenas relaciones con varios

proveedores y abrirles puertas a diferentes líneas de negocios o a ejecutivos con quien normalmente no tienen contactos. También les he encausado cuando no atinan su meta.”

Wells Fargo se enfoca en la integración de proveedores diversos de productos y servicios básicos regionales o de costa a costa. El liderazgo de Davis y su colaboración con el equipo de Proveedores Corporativos de Diversidad ayudo a Wells Fargo en ejecutar las metas en proyectos relacionados con la tecnología, así asegurándose que los proveedores diversos serian incluidos en las oportunidades que surgen de contratación directa o indirecta.

“Siempre he sido franco al exponer nuestras metas e intentamos asegurarnos que empleamos el diez por ciento de nuestros recursos en proveedores diversos.” Nuestra clientela es diversa y variada. Tiene sentido que obtengamos productos y servicios de calidad de proveedores diversos. Al exponer el equipo a proveedores diversos, ven como estos proveedores crean un panorama de competitividad a la vez que proveen productos y servicios de calidad.” Martin añade que, “La actividad (de los proveedores diversos) hasta cierto grado se auto promueve”. Gran parte del tiempo se trata de edificar buenas relaciones y proveer una cobertura mas amplia.”

Resultados a través del país Well Fargo cuenta con 6,629 entidades bancarias situadas en 39 estados y en el Distrito de Colombia, ( Wells Fargo y Wachovia); esto representa una cartera inmobiliaria de relevancia. Un enfoque que esta produciendo buenos resultados y éxito es contratar Proveedores Diversos dentro del Grupo de Propiedades Corporativas.

“Algo a que le damos prioridad en Wells Fargo es contar con proveedores que reflejen la misma diversidad encontrada en nuestra base de clientes. Si esto no lo logramos, sencillamente no estamos alcanzando el éxito,” dijo Bill Augerot, Vicepresidente Mayor y líder en la Gerencia del Proyecto del Grupo de Propiedades Corporativas.

Augerot es responsable a escala nacional de la dirección de transacción, de diseño y construcción comercial y carteras administrativas para Wells Fargo. Trascendiendo las funciones y responsabilidades que conllevan su cargo en la

“Algo a que le damos prioridad en Wells Fargo es contar con proveedores que reflejen la misma diversidad encontrada en nuestra base de clientes. Si esto no lo logramos, sencillamente no estamos alcanzando el éxito,” — Bill Augerot

empresa, el es un líder que activamente labora en proveer, contratar y desarrollar proveedores diversos que se especializan en la construcción y servicios de bienes y raíces.

Al definir lo que hace que un proveedor tenga éxito en Wells Fargo, Augerot añade, “Queremos proveedores que realicen sus trabajos. Queremos servicios de calidad y que el costo esté en línea con nuestros presupuestos. Wells Fargo esta comprometido con la excelencia. Queremos producir excelencia para nuestros clientes internos a la ves que creamos resultados globales óptimos.”

Los Proveedores Corporativos Diversos se unen a la Banca Empresarial para proveer un acercamiento integral hacia el desarrollo sostenible de empresas. Jenise Tate, Gerente de Relaciones Banca Empresarial, es responsable de trabajar con clientes con ingresos entre $2 a $20 millones de dólares, y es un paladín interno de diversidad de proveedores en Wells Fargo. “Administro una cartera de clientes, proveyéndoles soluciones financieras que abarcan desde manejo de dinero en efectivo, prestamos, 401K, planificación del orden de sucesión, generación de riquezas para empresas,” dijo Tate.

Como aliado interno de la Diversidad de Proveedores Corporativos, Tate ha consultado con la comunidad y organizaciones comerciales que apoyan empresas diversas para hablar de sus necesidades bancarias. “Recientemente hable con una propietaria de empresa que provee servicios de fotocopiado e impresión y que ha trabajado con Wells Fargo en el pasado. Durante el curso de nuestra relación comercial, le hemos provisto financiación de equipos y ahora le estamos ayudando con la planificación de su sucesión, planificación legal y planificación de patrimonio.

Por medio de nuestras conversaciones ella ha visto el valor de los amplios servicios que proveemos.”

Por medio de la colaboración de un equipo multi-funcional, con compromiso y visión compartida, Wells Fargo se ha posicionado bien para sostener un progreso continuo en proveer diversidad. El equipo Proveedor Diverso Corporativo esta extraordinariamente alineado con responsabilidades sociales; es una unidad empresarial responsable de asuntos que impactan el medio ambiente, la filantropía y el desarrollo de la comunidad.

Sonya Dukes cree que esta alineación realza el alcance de Wells Fargo y la continuidad de su enfoque. Ella resalta: “Podemos crear mas oportunidades enfocadas hacia el medio ambiente y el trabajo que realizamos en la comunidad.” “La diversidad en los proveedores va en aumento.

Nuestro equipo entiende que los propietarios de negocios con quien trabajamos son los que directamente afectaran al cambio dentro de sus comunidades.” CMRG www.charlotteresourceguide.com

68 69

R eportaje

Ventaja adicional El adquirir certificación como empresa minoritaria podría impulsar sus ganancias e incrementar la visibilidad de su empresa por Angela Lindsay Hilst traducido por José M. pérez

L

a certificación como empresa minoritaria certifica que una compañía es propiedad, manejada y controlada por un 51 por ciento de una o más minorías. Sin embargo, antes de salir y obtener numerosas certificaciones, necesita saber porque hacerlo.

Necesita entender que usted no tiene que estar certificado como empresa minoritaria para hacer negocios con alguien. Sin embargo, una certificación MBE (siglas en ingles para Empresa de Proveedor Minoritario) le da seguridad a empresas o clientes que han establecido iniciativas de trabajar con empresas minoritarias. Estos podrían ser gobiernos locales, estatales o gobierno federal o a nivel nacional, empresas del sector privado.

Por eso la pregunta que tenemos que hacernos es, ¿cual es la certificación como MBE (siglas en ingles para empresa de propietario minoritario) que debo obtener? ¡Depende! Basándonos en una estrategia de mercadeo de empresas, debería conseguir una certificación que le aporte mayor valor y seguridad a su clientela presente o clientela en potencia. Por ejemplo, si quiere vender a una agencia del gobierno estatal, considere una certificación MBE estatal. Pero si lo que quiere hacer es venderle a varias empresas grandes entonces considere una certificación de reconocimiento nacional.

No hay garantías, pero el esfuerzo podría serle rentable. ¿Por que aumentaría esta certificación la posibilidad de obtener negocio y o trabajo con el gobierno o la América corporativa? Porque a muchas agencias de gobiernos locales o estatales y grandes corporaciones que reciben fondos del gobierno, se les requiere o sugiere que aparten cierto porcentaje de sus contratos para empresas de propietarios de las minorías.

Además, aunque el gobierno federal no aparta proyectos específicos para las minorías, si intenta dar un porcentaje especifico de los contratos a estas.

Las certificaciones podría aumentar bastante la visibilidad de una empresa minoritaria. Una vez obtenida la certificación, se registrara el MBE en un 70

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directorio facilitado a las empresas que tienen tratos con el gobierno, o a corporaciones que dependen de estos directorios para conseguir empresas MBE cualificadas. Estas empresas minoritarias certificadas pueden ayudarles alcanzar metas de utilización que con frecuencia se reflejan en un contrato.

No cabe duda que el obtener su certificación requiere un esfuerzo adicional; cada entidad gubernamental tiene una solicitud de certificación MBE diferente y solo unas cuantas organizaciones acreditadas ofrecen certificación a nivel nacional. Los procesos estandarizados del Consejo Para El Desarrollo Nacional De Proveedores Minoritarios, aseguran consistencia en la convalidación de la certificación de empresas minoritarias. Estas empresas son certificadas por uno de las 37 NMSDC afiliadas cerca de la cede de los MBE. Tener la certificación como proveedor minoritario no le garantiza al MBE contratos y trabajo. En resumidas cuentas debería considerar con cuidado, cual es su cliente ideal, para los productos o servicios que usted ofrece. Luego considere el nivel de certificación que mejor le sirva sus intereses en incrementar su clientela. Un factor de gran importancia que muchos no consideran al seleccionar una certificación es: determinar si la entidad que lo certifica trabajara a su favor en conseguirle acceso a posibles clientes.

Asegurese emplear los servicios de la organización o entidad de empresas minoritarias que le certificaron, y asegurese que le den información vital sobre oportunidades que surjan a la vez que le ayuden a acceder a empresas que valoran la certificación que usted tiene. Finalmente, como cualquier otra inversión que haga, mida los resultados. Base el juicio que haga no en si recibe o no contratos, sino en si le ayudan a acceder a oportunidades y le ayudan a relacionarse con individuos claves que le sean útiles en su negocio.

Robyn Hamilton es presidente y CEO (siglas en ingles para gerente de operaciones) del Consejo Para El Desarrollo de Proveedores Minoritarios de las Carolinas. CMRG

The day we have all been waiting for... has arrived and it’s time to experience Recycle It!, Charlotte’s improved residential recycling program.

The program features: A new, green recycling cart.

Your recycling cart should be placed at the curb, not on the sidewalk. The cart should be no more than 2 feet from the curb and at least 3 feet from the garbage cart, yard waste and other obstacles such as mailboxes, telephone poles, automobiles, bulky items, etc.

More materials.

Recycle It! allows you to recycle more than before. You can now recycle all plastics except number 6, empty aerosol cans, wax-coated milk and orange juice cartons and juice boxes (not the silver pouches).

A new collection schedule.

Remember you only have to put your recyclables at the curb every-other-week on your scheduled collection day. You should have received information in the mail regarding your scheduled recycling collection week and your collection day.

You can check your collection week and schedule online at http://recycleit.charlottenc.gov or by calling CharMeck 311.

Keep up with the latest news on Recycle It! by logging on to: http://recycleit.charlottenc.gov.

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Wells Fargo supplier spotlight Superior Mechanical Systems Inc.

T

onia Woodbury of Wells Fargo Corporate Supplier Diversity recently spoke with Leonard Burch, president of Superior Mechanical Systems Inc., of Charlotte.

Superior Mechanical Systems specializes in the installation of commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in and around the Charlotte area. They have been a valuable partner for Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company, for more than 15 years. Burch discusses this relationship, the keys to partnership sustainability and his Company’s future with Wachovia/Wells Fargo.

by Tonia Woodbury

TW: How did your relationship with Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company, begin?

LB: When I first started SMS, Katie Tyler with Tyler 2 Construction contracted me to provide HVAC service for several construction projects she was working on.

The SMS and Tyler 2 relationship and other opportunities that followed provided exposure to key individuals at First Union and Wachovia (prior to the First Union merger). SMS was awarded the opportunity to work on projects for both banks, such as small up-fits for the old operations center on David Taylor Road. Being able to perform well on smaller jobs and meeting with key people in the industry led to bigger opportunities with the bank.

TW: What has your organization done to be a successful supplier for Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company? How have you maintained sustainability, especially during this challenging economy?

LB: Our success can be attributed to consistent performance, a great CPA, being bondable and a good relationship with my banker. We have a great formula of onethird components: one-third into our company to build working capital, one-third for good incentive programs for employees and one-third to ownership (shareholders).

That has allowed us to retain earnings, which has actually helped us to remain stable in these economic times.

We are one of the few minority-owned companies that is fully bondable — we have been bonded with Willis of the Carolinas for 18 years. The relationship with Willis has given us the opportunity to acquire larger business. I have a great banking relationship with my Wells Fargo commercial banker. My CPA and I sit down with our banker once a year and go through our financials. Letting the bank know that you as a company are solid gives your banker the comfort level to support you and your company.

TW: With all the success you have had as a supplier, were there any challenges along the way? How did you resolve any issues or concerns from those challenges?

LB: I try not to dwell on the challenges or issues that may arise. My grandfather told me a long time ago to know what you know and do what you say you are going to do.

Your word is your bond. I know there will be mistakes along the way and that every project is different, but if we make mistakes, we take ownership and make it right.

TW: What do you see for your partnership with Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company in the future?

Leonard Burch

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LB: We have been able to maintain a moderate growth level with the work we have done for Wells Fargo. We are currently involved in some of the merger integration work and will have a lot more opportunities with the expanded footprint. In the banking industry there are a lot of risks, but with excellent performance and great partnerships, the rewards can be very fruitful.

For more information, please visit www.wellsfargo.com/supplierdiversity

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide

Corporate Supplier Diversity

Let’s Talk

By establishing and supporting partnerships with the diverse business community, Wells Fargo increases opportunities for minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs) to participate as partners and suppliers. We recognize that these diverse firms enhance our competitive advantage in the marketplace and contribute to the sustainability of the communities we serve.

For more information, contact the Wells Fargo Corporate Supplier Diversity team at supplierdiversity@wellsfargo.com.

wellsfargo.com Š 2010 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

Member FDIC. ECG-279606

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

Urgent Care Internal Medicine

Walk-ins Welcome

Pediatrics

No Appointment Needed

Family Practice

Open Monday-Friday 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-3pm (Hablamos Espanol)

Immunizations

We acce pt all for ms of payment including Medicaid, Medicare and the Militar y TriCare/Champus Prog rams

Family Medical Center 905 N. Pearl Street Pageland, SC 29728 843-672-3100

Minor Trauma Industrial Medicine Full Lab Services X-Ray Echocardiogram Physical Therapy

Anson Medical Center 608 Salisbury Street Wadesboro, NC 28170 704-695-9200

Hypertension

Marshville Health Center 7204 E. Marshville Blvd.

Marshville, NC 28103 704-624-9200

Allergy Testing

On The Plaza

Diabetes Bone Density

Sleep Study Fidelis U. Edosomwan, MD Medical Director and CEO

Sugar Creek Medical Center

At The Park

Nobody knows the Neighborhood like...

Supermarkets

Quality, attention and service for you

Unbelievable Prices 4300 North Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28213 704.596.3495

818 E. Arrowood Road Charlotte, NC 28217 704.716.1170

3600 N. Sharon Amity Rd. Charlotte, NC 28205 704.536.3176 5610 Independence Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28215 704.716.1280

3112 Milton Road Charlotte, NC 28215 704.716.1009

1807 Cherry Road Rock Hill, SC 29732 803. 328.322

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SUMMER 2010

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