Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine 2015-2016

Charlotte’s Multicultural Resource Magazine 2015-2016

ANNUAL BUSINESS AND SERVICES DIRECTORY STARTING ON PAGE 49

Easy, fresh, affordable Visit your favorite, local Food Lion for all of your meal and essential needs.

From the freshest produce and meat to the most convenient, low prices.

foodlion.com

Bank of America is pleased to be the lead sponsor of Pride’s 2015 Resource Magazine

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t Bank of America, we’re proud of the 230,000 + employees who are committed to bringing the best financial solutions to customers and clients across the world. We’re proud to offer the most innovative banking products that meet our customers’ growing needs and we’re proud to invest in our communities by engaging in community partnerships across the United States and encouraging our employees to volunteer through our Volunteer Network.

But that is not all that we are proud of. We are also extremely proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Supplier Diversity and Development program. We are committed to the economic development of the communities that Bank of America serves across the country. And, we know that by supporting and partnering with diverse businesses, we are making an impact, one relationship at a time.

Within this Resource Magazine, you will find several diverse businesses based in the Charlotte community that we encourage you to evaluate for your own use, as we collectively strive to enhance the community in which we live and work.

Tiffany Eubanks Saunders Bank of America Global Support Services and Supplier Diversity and Development Executive

Let’s talk business. Yours.

You’re the expert on your business. Bank of America Small Business Bankers are the experts in finding the financial solutions that help make running your business easier.

Let’s meet and get started.

To find out how a local Small Business Banker can help you, contact Ofelia Amador at 704.607.0935 or visit bankofamerica.com/smallbusinessbanker

For information on fees and other costs related to business products and services, please visit bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. © 2015 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. ARKT3CMC

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine July-August 2015

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Departments 8

From the CEO

46 FYI News & Notes 47 Calendar of Events 49 Annual Business Directory

Features 10 Bank of America leads in Supplier

Diversity Twenty-five years of history

On the

Web: More than 3,000 listings of minority and women-owned businesses in the Charlotte region.

14 The Language of Learning

Weekly conversations at International House

16 Supplier Diversity

Resources at your fingertips

18 Businesses Boom at Summit

Entrepreneurs learn keys to success

30 Lessons from Cuba

Exploring a new culture

32 Giving the Southeast

Asian Community a Voice Organization empowers youth

20 New Gallery of Modern Art

34 Making It Count

24 Creating Diversity in the Clouds

36 Foreign Visitors, Familiar Vision

26 Taking Your Business International

40 Watermelon is for Everyone

28 Nourishing Body and Soul

42 STEM Role Model

Gallery expands Charlotte’s art scene Company bridges cultural gaps Tips and facts

Center serves a diverse community

On the Cover Bank of America leads the way in supplier diversity.

Carolinas Outreach to Haiti Charlotte expands international footprint More than just a summertime treat Meet Dan Ta

44 Ethnic Cuisine

Two restaurants to try

48 Elizabeth Street Capital

Initiative creates resources for women www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com

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®

RAYMOND LUKE JR. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS. ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY ANDREW ECCLES. MOTOWN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF UMG RECORDINGS, INC

GET READY , ‘CAUSE HERE WE COME.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! SELECT THE TUESDAY, SEPT. 1, PERFORMANCE OF MOTOWN AND ENJOY A FREE POST-SHOW TALKBACK WITH THE CAST, COURTESY OF PRIDE MAGAZINE.

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704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org Group Sales: 704.348.5752 • BlumenthalArts.org/Groups

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Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon

Editor-in-Chief Lashawnda Becoats

Copy Editor Polly Paddock

Lead Writer Angela Lindsay

Design & Production SPARK Publications www.SPARKpublications.com

Creative Director Larry Preslar

Lead Designer Merissa Jones

Distribution/Web Site Liason Watchdog Entertainment www.watchdog-ent.com

Account Executive Nikelle Fesperman

Public Relations Nepherterra Estrada

Intern

Patresha Williams

Subscribe to Pride

$13.25. Please subscribe online at www.pridemagazine.net, mail to P.O. Box 30113, Charlotte, NC 28230 or call 704- 375-9553

Letters to the Editor Please send an e-mail to info@pridemagazine.net fax to 704-375-9550 or mail to Pride Magazine 312 W. Trade St., Suite 600, Charlotte, NC 28202 www.pridemagazine.net

Copyright© 2015 Pride Magazine All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited.

Pride Magazine prints with soy ink.

Vol. 23 No. 4 July-August 2015 All rights reserved for PRIDE Communications Inc. Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/NCPrideMagazine www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com

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FromTheCEO

Upward Mobility Via Entrepreneurship

By Dee Dixon

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n case you haven’t heard, Charlotte has a big problem related to the poor.

It has to do with upward mobility, or the ability to advance economically and socially. Here’s the deal: Among the 50th largest metropolitan regions in a Harvard-Berkeley study, Charlotte came in dead last. This “bottom of the totem pole” revelation has fueled a fire in which our leaders are determined to find ways to help the poor out of poverty. This is a good thing, even if the motivation comes from embarrassment, yes? Yes, of course it is.

(The Bible tells us the poor will always be with us and we need to help. It seems now we might finally “get it.”)

Now, listen, this is not just a “black” problem, either. Upward mobility is a multicultural issue. Of course, minorities are already in the majority here, but did you know the census predicts most children in America will be nonwhite in about five years? And in 20 years, most Americans, too? My point, then, is this: We need to come up with some REAL solutions regarding our daunting mobility issue here in Charlotte, not just more talk, and soon. Existing research points to geography, single-parent households, quality of schools, systemic racism and lack of business ownership as some key barriers that need to be addressed in our quest to take concrete action.

As a small, minority business, we at Pride believe entrepreneurship is tantamount to addressing our upward mobility concerns. That’s one of the main reasons we introduced this multicultural edition of the magazine. There are thousands of minority-owned businesses in our region that are helping build our communities, providing jobs and moving themselves out of poverty. We wanted to create a platform to showcase them.

In addition, we wanted to salute major corporations who are instrumental in nurturing minority-owned businesses here, such as those on page 49. We are so grateful

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

Our annual small business seminar was a huge success with 80 eager participants.

to Bank of America, our lead sponsor this year, along with Wells Fargo, CarolinasVirginia Minority Supplier Development Council, Carolinas Healthcare, Belk, Compass Group and Premier, Inc. As testament to our belief in entrepreneurship, Pride Public Relations produced its fifth annual small business summit in May. Thanks to the Wells Fargo diversity team, it was a huge success. Its sponsorship allowed us to bring in Rodney Sampson, the consummate entrepreneur, who was absolutely sensational! He had 80 small business owners on the edge of their seats as he discussed the need to close the income gap via entrepreneurship.

He admonished us to “dream bigger.”

Something I really need to do. Read more on page 18.

Sunset Jazz Festival Will Take a Break

Yep. To the dismay of many, the Pride Sunset Jazz Festival will take a hiatus this year. Plainly speaking, we are not going to have it in 2015. So sorry. Reason? We have a lot going on with new projects, moving to a new location and just needing some time to breathe.

So, please enjoy your summer and get ready for Pride Night at Motown The Musical. We are going to have a blast. And finally, please remember, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” P Take care.

ADVERTISEMENT

Thinking about buying a home?

Down payment and cost savings programs may help make home buying more affordable

By Glenda Gabriel Neighborhood Lending Executive Bank of America

If you’d like to buy a home, but you’re not sure you can afford the up-front costs, we have good news. Bank of America participates in many down payment and cost savings programs that can make buying a home more affordable. For eligible homebuyers, these programs can help pay for up-front expenses such as the down payment or closing costs.

Here are some resources to explore: The America’s Home Grant Program If you earn less than $100,000 per year, you may be eligible for the America’s Home Grant Program, offered by Bank of America.1 With this program, eligible homebuyers in the Charlotte area can receive up to $2,500 toward nonrecurring closing costs, such as title insurance and recording fees.

The Bank of America Down Payment Resource Center This online tool makes it easy to find out about federal, state and local down payment and cost savings programs.2 Just visit bankofamerica.com/downpaymentcenter and answer a few simple questions to see what programs you may qualify for.

Your local mortgage specialist If you’d like to know more about these programs, talk to a Bank of America mortgage specialist near you. Your specialist can give you more information, discuss your next steps and be there to help you every step of the way.

Get started today.

Visit mortgage.bankofamerica.com or call 800.344.9403.

Qualified borrowers must meet eligibility requirements including, but not limited to, being owner-occupants, meeting certain qualifying income limitations and purchasing a home within a certain geographical area. Homebuyer education will be required if all borrowers on an eligible loan are first-time homebuyers. The America’s Home Grant Program is a lender credit and is not eligible to be used for down payment, escrowed taxes or homeowner’s insurance. No cash back to borrower. Completed loan applications must be received by September 30, 2016. America’s Home Grant Program is available for properties in the following counties: North Carolina – Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union; South Carolina – Chester, Lancaster and York. The maximum borrower/ co-borrower annual qualifying income limit is $52,400 for properties not located in a low- to moderate-income census tract (LMICT). Qualifying income of $52,400 is 80% of Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) Area Median Income and subject to change without notice. For properties in eligible counties and located within a LMICT, the maximum borrower/co-borrower annual qualifying income limit is $100,000. The home loan must fund with Bank of America. America’s Home Grant Program is only available with conforming conventional, FHA and VA first mortgage loan products. Bank of America may change or discontinue the America’s Home Grant Program or any portion of it without notice. Please ask for additional details.

2 Down payment and/or closing cost assistance programs may not be available in your area. Down payment and/or closing cost assistance amount may be due upon sale, refinance, transfer, or repayment of the loan, or if the senior mortgage is assumed during the term of the loan. Some programs require repayment with interest, and borrowers should become fully informed prior to closing. Not all applicants will qualify. Minimum credit scores may apply. Sales price restrictions and income requirements may apply. Homebuyer education may be required. Owner-occupied properties only. Maximum loan amounts may apply.

Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ©2015 Bank of America Corporation. ARGXMY9V 05-2015 AD-04-15-1243 1

Feature

How Bank of America Became the Leader in Supplier Diversity Efforts

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n 1990, Bank of America’s President and CEO, Hugh McColl, met with one of his employees regarding an opportunity with the bank’s procurement supplier program. The employee, Dorothy B. Brothers, had spoken with a number of contacts inside and outside of the company, and wanted

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McColl to consider a program that would be the first of its kind in the industry.

She recommended that the bank offer targeted programs that helped minority-owned businesses develop their competency, with the goal of more effectively competing with some of the larger, more established suppliers

with which the bank was doing most of its business. She argued that growing these businesses would provide Bank of America with a competitive marketplace of suppliers, as well as help deliver incremental jobs to communities and create potential customers down the road. McColl liked this proposal, and so

the Supplier Diversity and Development program at Bank of America was born.

Twenty-five years later, not much has changed about the company’s diverse supplier philosophy. Bank of America continues to drive diverse business inclusion and create opportunities for supplier growth and sustainability through education, technical assistance and mentorship. Many have recognized the company for its consistent leadership in the industry, most recently demonstrated by being the first financial services institution to achieve membership in the Billion Dollar Roundtable (BDR). The BDR recognizes and celebrates corporations that spend at least $1 billion directly with minority and woman-owned suppliers. During 2014, Bank of America became the 19th of only

20 corporations in the United States to make this distinguished achievement.

“Our recent membership into the Billion Dollar Roundtable was really an outstanding accomplishment for a financial services company,” said Vonshe Jenkins, Bank of America’s current director of supplier diversity and development. “Companies that provide services have much less opportunity to work with qualified minority vendors in the commodities we outsource. For that reason, we’ve really had to focus our program on growing the suppliers we’ve found, and I think that has been good on many fronts. It is certainly rewarding for our team to see such success amongst these great business owners. It helps strengthen the communities where these suppliers live and ultimately helps our customers.”

Bank of America Supplier Diversity and Development program is comprised of four key components:

Development – Addressing diverse suppliers’ development gaps with educational opportunities through proprietary Bank of America capacity building programs, as well as the Bank of America Diverse and Small Business Education Scholarship Fund.

Internal Business Requirements – Requiring the inclusion of diverse suppliers in competitive procurement bid processes for all commodities that

Bank of America purchases.

Analytic Analysis – Working with Bank of America buyers and potential suppliers to identify opportunities and provide innovative business matches.

Advocacy– Actively engaging diverse and small businesses through support of advocacy, networking events and opportunity fairs, both locally and across a variety of national organizations, to source new potential suppliers.

Importance of Certification and Partnerships “Many business owners who approach us at events don’t understand the steps they need to go through to join our supplier list,” says Bank of America Senior Supplier Development Manager Jaymie Mitchell.

“While we are very actively seeking new businesses to partner with, the barriers to entry into our business are high, because we are a highly regulated industry. Our team spends a lot of time with potential suppliers, guiding them through these steps. These higher standards do make our accomplishments that much more meaningful for our team, though, because this work is not as easy within our industry.”

A national and/or regional certification from an agency such as National Minority Supplier Development Council or Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the first stop for any diverse business who would like to work with Bank of

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America. To ensure the integrity of the Bank of America program, suppliers must hold a diverse supplier certification that shows they are 51percent owned, operated and controlled by an Minority Business Enterprise Women’s Business Enterprise, veteran-owned, disabled veteran-owned, disabled-owned or LGBT-owned business.

Mitchell confirms: “We not only depend on these organizations to educate, support, certify and connect us to diverse businesses across industries, through the United States. But we also count on them to create a pipeline of high-potential vendors that can deliver the products and services we need, while meeting the robust and challenging contract requirements that are necessary to service a company our scope, size and complexity.”

Additionally, internal partnerships are just as important to maximizing the

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

company’s Supplier Diversity program. Bank of America supplier diversity professionals spend significant time working with internal teams to identify opportunities within the company for diverse supplier inclusion. The team also manages and monitors detailed supplier diversity policies to minimize variation in how they engage diverse suppliers and maximize opportunities to do so.

A Focus on Development In addition to the bank’s efforts to ensure that diverse suppliers are identified for their pipeline, there is a focus on developing suppliers so they can do more business both with the bank and with other corporations. Through programs such as the Bank of America Small Business Institute, small/diverse business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are trained to assess the key areas where they can build capacity

for their business – business strategy, technology, marketing and finance.

Through the Bank of America Mentoring Program, diverse business owners have the opportunity to engage in a custom-tailored mentorship to create a plan that is focused on their company’s specific growth goals.

Companies are assigned a Bank of America executive who provides candid feedback and coaching that allows the company to develop the capacity for increasing contracting opportunities. Most participants are business owners with high potential and who are “ready now” for a corporate contract. They are currently doing business with mediumto large-sized corporations or will be ready to do so in 18-24 months.

The bank also sponsors a special scholarship program available to diverse businesses with active certification status and meeting certain criteria.

The scholarship amounts vary, and are awarded to business owners to pursue educational programs and training that further enhance operations within their companies and better position them for increased business. The scholarships are offered at various times of the year, in partnership with certifying councils.

“We are so very proud to have a 25-year legacy in supplier diversity and development at our company,” said Jenkins. “Because we understand that the operating and economic environment for diverse businesses can be challenging, Bank of America is committed to delivering a world-class program, and we look forward to helping even more businesses grow in this space.” CMRM

PROUD TO GIVE BUSINESSES A LIFT CATS is proud to provide opportunities for businesses to create local jobs through the advancement of transit projects. CATS also seeks to create an environment that gives small and socially or economically challenged local businesses the opportunity to compete for publicly funded contracts by participating in the Small Business Opportunity (SBO) and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs.

To date, 100 DBE firms have been awarded contracts of $76 million to help build the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail Extension.

As the major provider of public transportation to Charlotte and the surrounding region, CATS relies on the communities we serve to build and operate the service every day. By working together on these new opportunities, we can all keep our communities moving in the right direction.

For more information, visit ridetransit.org.

CATS. YOUR RIDE IS HERE.

Feature

The Language of Learning

By Angela Lindsay Photo courtesy of International House

O

n any given day, Room 202 at International House is like walking into another country where a hearty “Bonsoir!”

“Konnichiwa!” or “Bienvenido!” may greet you at the door. The cozy little room with a comfy couch and cushy chairs scattered around the perimeter—a coffee table and rug in the center—feels more like a living room than a classroom. That’s the point, after all, of the Language Conversation Hour, where participants can come together like family and chat.

On different nights of the week, participants practice and celebrate various languages and cultures. Several age groups, races and backgrounds are represented, but the one thing participants have in common is a love of language. Each conversation hour is presided over by a volunteer moderator who is a native speaker of that language.

He or she sets the tone and regulates the conversation. This particular night, the language is French. The topic: music. After introductions, the moderator challenges participants to learn an uncommon word, asking first whether it is masculine or feminine and then requesting a definition, explains one attendee. Several participants get stumped when responding, but the atmosphere here isn’t stressful.

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For 60 minutes, native speakers sit relaxed and casual with each other as well as with those who wish to learn the new language and just converse. This format immerses attendees in an open and free-flowing dialogue like any regular conversation. There is no syllabus and no requirements. Anyone can just show up.

For fluent speakers and immigrants, it is a way to stay connected to their cultures and native tongues. For the curious, it is another way to embrace the everdiversifying fabric of this city.

International House has been open 30 years, and the conversation hour started around the same time. Since then, it has grown “exponentially,” says Johnelle Causwell, citizen diplomacy program director at International House. There are currently 15 different languages available, including Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, German, English and newer additions such as Farsi, Arabic and Mandarin—added due to public demand.

Its most popular class, the French hour, is regularly attended by about 20 people.

“With a language, if you don’t use it, you lose it,” Causwell says.

The program exists so that people who speak a certain language in Charlotte can come into a very open educational environment to keep their language, she adds. It is also there to help individuals

in Charlotte who don’t know anything about a certain language to be able to try to pick it up. So, the benefit is not just for those who speak the language fluently but for the community as a whole.

“I am a firm believer that every single person should be exposed to a culture other than their own,” Causwell says. “I think that tolerance and acceptance of different cultures and nationalities would be much easier if everyone had the opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes. I think these conversation hours—everything the International House does—adds to the cultural diversity in Charlotte.”

Knowledge of the classes has spread mostly via word of mouth throughout the numerous multicultural communities in the city; although plenty of information is available on International House’s website. How ever the word gets out, Causwell is thrilled the program has sparked so much interest.

So, if you have ever wanted to learn a new language, submerge yourself in another culture or perhaps just make a new friend, International House’s conversation hour offers an engaging and exciting place to start. CMRM For more information visit http://www.ihclt.org.

Going above and beyond.

Real progress starts with people who are inspired to make a difference.

At Duke Energy, inspiration is our fuel. It’s what drives us to generate the power of innovation. Here’s to those who look at things differently.

Those who set the example. Those who inspire and serve others.

And with that, Duke Energy is proud to support the Charlotte Multicultural Resource Guide.

www.duke-energy.com

Feature

Supplier Diversity & Resources at Your Fingertips

By Lee McCracken

I

nnovation drives economic growth … but keeping a competitive edge and staying abreast of all that’s new in the business world can be a full-time job. Busy executives already put in 60+-hour weeks growing their companies and/or managing their teams.

How is it possible to keep an eye on the ever-changing business landscape?

There are millions of business books in print and thousands of websites offering information about best practices in supplier diversity and what’s new in the Minority Women-owned Business Enterprise global marketplace.

Here’s a list of digital resources to help you stay on top of what’s out there.

Blogs

1.

CMV Solutions blog —CVM Solutions, a subsidiary of Kroll, works with corporations in establishing best practices and defining the future of supplier management. http://blog. connxus.com

2.

ConnXus blog — ConnXus helps grow small, woman- and minorityowned businesses by connecting them to Fortune 2000 corporations. http:// blog.connxus.com

5.

Minority Business Entrepreneur —This online magazine is published bimonthly and provides coverage of crucial issues affecting the growth and survival of minority- and woman-owned businesses. http://mbemag.com

6.

“The Leadership Handbook: 26 Critical Lessons Every Leader Needs” by John C. Maxwell (Thomas Nelson, February 2015; Kindle $10.99). This latest book from Maxwell, revered as one of the most influential leadership experts around, is reminiscent of the classics of Napoleon Hill and Dale Carnegie. It delves into tested strategies for overcoming failure and knowing which risks to take.

3.

4.

Diversity Plus Magazine — This online publication connects innovative women-owned and diverse companies to corporate America and the government through supplier diversity. diversityplus.com

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(CVM Solutions blog, Feb. 25, 2015)

Books on Kindle

Online Magazines Diversity Inc. —This online magazine is the dominant diversity publication, with more Web traffic and social media reach than “Black Enterprise,” “Hispanic Business” and “Diversity Executive.”

BestPractices.DiversityInc.com the host website, is a by-subscription management website, offering informative articles and webinars. http:// bestpractices.diversityinc.com/topic/ supplier-diversity

“Supplier Diversity is about a mentality of innovation, inclusion and imagination,” says J.P. Keating, ConAgra Foods’ procurement manager.

7.

“Entrepreneurship: The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers”

by Ben Horowitz (HarperBusiness, 2014; Kindle $14.99). This book is listed on Amazon’s Best Books of 2014, Business Insider’s Best Business Books of 2014 and Entrepreneur’s 25 Amazing Business Books from 2014.

Ben Horowitz analyzes the problems that confront leaders every day, sharing

the insights he’s gained developing, managing, selling, buying, investing in and supervising technology companies.

A lifelong rap fanatic, he amplifies business lessons with lyrics from his favorite songs. Reviewers report the book is invaluable for veteran entrepreneurs, as well as those aspiring to their own new ventures.

8.

“This Business of Supplier Diversity” by A. Wayne Gill (Iron Pillar Media Group, 2013; Kindle $5.99). The book is written in three parts and expands on the principles that aid minorities and corporate America doing business together. Part one is a tongue-in-cheek fable about the interaction between supplier diversity directors and the minority groups they interact with. Parts two and three lay out principles for corporate businesses and minority business enterprises. CMRM

INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE ELEVATING THE BRAND + ELEVATING EACH OTHER

= TRANSFORMATIVE RESULTS

Taking your business to the next level requires more than a good business with a dedicated management team and an industry to be served.

It requires solid partnerships with an organization that has the ability to elevate how we think about doing business, the way in which we are perceived, and create new and innovative pathways to the business opportunities we desire.

The Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. is just that partner!

Come and be Elevated: www.cvmsdc.org

Thank you for supporting workforce development by providing summer internships for our students: • Beacon Partners • Belk, Inc. • Carolinas Aviation Museum • Charlotte Ballet • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (funding) • Firm Foundations • Food Lion • WTVI • YMCA of Greater Charlotte Y Achievers is a high school career and college readiness program for students at Garinger, Vance, West Charlotte and West Mecklenburg High Schools.

To learn how to get involved visit, ymcacharlotte.org/yachievers YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Ask about My Y Pricing - making the YMCA available to all.

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Feature

Businesses Boom at Pride Business Summit

By Abby Flanders Photos by Jon Strayhorn

W

ith the backdrop of bustling uptown Charlotte, Wake Forest University’s branch here was filled with the presence of entrepreneurs brimming with desire for tools to become savvy business moguls at the fifth annual Pride Charlotte Business Summit, held in May. The all-day business forum, sponsored by Pride Communications, created an ambience of anticipation filled by entrepreneur hopefuls hungry for professional guidance from local and national experts.

The seminar was designed to create a networking environment that encouraged, supported and inspired new and existing business people. There was also a “Perfect Pitch” award for the most enterprising and innovative business concept. This year’s nationally-known keynote speaker was Rodney Sampson, author of four inspiring books, including “Kingonomics: Twelve Innovative Currencies for Transforming Your Business & Life, Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” Sampson engaged the crowd with his philosophy and facts regarding wealth, poverty and the disparity between cultural and social classes. “There is an urgency to close the gap between cultural incomes,” he said. “Mind-set is the key to approaching entrepreneurship.”

A panel discussion regarding the small business certification process provided insight into the importance of certification and its impact on the acceleration and recognition of budding companies. Julie Logan, vice president and business manager for supplier diversity at Wells Fargo;, Nancy Rosado, overseer of the Charlotte Business Inclusion office, and Eric Watson, president and CEO of the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Council, offered solid advice to the group. “Certification does

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Panelist (L-R)) Nancy Rosado, overseer of the Charlotte Business Inclusion office, Eric Watson, president and CEO of the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Council and Julie Logan, vice president and business manager for supplier diversity at Wells Fargo, offered solid advice to the group.

“Perfect Pitch” winner Shauntae Jordan. Jordan’s concept — Bowfidence is designed to empower black male youth.

Rodney Sampson:

‘Dream Bigger and Do Not Give Up Quickly’ Rodney Sampson’s message proves that he literally swims with the sharks, at least some of those who have turned a drop of ambition into an ocean of success. Sampson, like many human entrepreneurial predators initiates opportunities through investments for dream-filled novices with business ideas. “I don’t invest in companies that don’t dream big enough, quit too soon, cannot handle rejection, and are not cultural,” says the investor, author, entrepreneur and advisor. He offers advice to eager and blossoming entrepreneurs at $2,000 per hour. Sampson’s expertise is exorbitant for a reason.

A prolific entrepreneur who serves as the advisor to elevated startups such as Digit, Sampson is integral in the advancement of companies like Mark Burnett Productions, producer of such highly rated television shows as ABC’s Shark Tank, Celebrity Apprentice, and Survivor. He rides the professional tides of success with names like sportswear guru, Daymond John. Success in his illustrious world of competition is built on creating a team of great minds with varying skill sets. “You must build an equitable co-founding team of experts who have strengths that compensate for your weaknesses,” Sampson says. The incentive for such a team is equity in the business. “Give them a percentage of the company.”

According to Sampson, there is a seven step process to determine if a business has the strength to survive in this competitive marketplace.

1. Identify a problem.

2. Develop resources for solutions.

3. Listen to consumers.

4. Determine the cost of production.

5. Investigate the competition.

6. Create a business plan.

7. Execute the business plan.

“Dream bigger and do not give up quickly,” he said.

Pride Magazine publisher Dee Dixon poses with (L-R) Nepherterra Estrada, Pride Public Relations; keynote speaker Rodney Sampson and CaSondra Devine; Wells Fargo.

not assure loans, but it does validate the business,” Watson said.

After the workshops -- “Start Smart-Everything You Need to Know to Launch Your Business” and “Managing Credit for Business Success,” sponsored by Wells Fargo -- the event ended with the “Perfect Pitch” award presented to Shauntae Jordan. Jordan’s concept -- designed to empower black male youth and called Bowfidence -- includes affirmations connected to bow ties sold to parents of young boys. The colorful neckwear includes handwritten inspirational declarations such as, “I am powerful.” Jordan is starting the business on behalf of her 5-five year-old son, Harrison, whom she is training to become a successful entrepreneur. “We will ultimately have webinars, seminars and all-male leadership conferences to enrich the business lives of males,” she said.

Entrepreneurs and dreamers exited the forum with a renewed state of mind; many with the mantra of the day indelibly marked on their inner business consciences; “Dream bigger.” CMRM

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Feature

Gallery Expands Charlotte’s Aesthetic and Spirit

Striking a Pose, metal sculpture

by Rainer Lagemann.

By Edward Henderson Photos courtesy of the New Gallery of Modern Art

A

Irina Toshkova

rt has a beautiful way of starting conversations. Bold colors, layered brush strokes and captivating sculptures can illuminate the connection among us all and evoke a spirit of community. The New Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) and its director, Irina Toshkova, aim to expose Charlotte to groundbreaking artwork that can inspire a cultural renaissance.

From Bulgaria to the Queen City Every art gallery is a reflection of its director. Toshkova, 31, was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, and developed her love for the arts from her grandfather. “I remember being a little girl and looking through his art albums with him for hours … That was just the most fascinating pastime to me,” Toshkova says. This passion brought her all the way to Winston Salem to attend Salem College.

She graduated with a duel degree in art history and art management. An internship at the former Josie Lassiter Gallery brought Toshkova to the Queen City. She continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, getting her master’s in public administration with an arts focus.

Equipped with her extensive knowledge and valuable internship experience, Toshkova was ready to put her fingerprints in the art world.

While visiting New York, Toshkova met Ted Vassilev, a high-end art dealer who also happened to be from Bulgaria. He saw her potential and entrusted her with directing one of Sofia’s most prominent galleries.

Toshkova’s journey in the arts seemed to come full circle; however, personal tragedy brought her back to Charlotte a year later. Her husband, who had remained in Charlotte, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and later passed away. Toshkova was able to transform her grief into a fresh start and partnered with Vassilev to create NGMA.

Picasso Meets ‘The Green’ Uptown Charlotte proved to be the perfect location for NGMA. The intimate space is nestled in The Green, adjacent to the Levine Center of the Arts. The gallery’s featured artists range from emerging local talent to contemporary modern masters, all the way to Pablo Picasso. Sister locations in New York, Palm Beach and Boston provide Pinsel Putti by Maja Godlewska

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

a pipeline of exclusive art to Charlotte that other galleries may not have access to. NGMA also hosts artist talks to connect featured artists to the community and explain the inspirations for their work.

Toshkova hopes to continue inspiring young professionals to fall in love with the art world and begin their own collections.

She also plans to fuse elements of live poetry and musical performances to create an attractive energy into the gallery. “It’s all about creative spirits pouring out their hearts and their minds … I think it will bring new people in here, introduce them to the art and also be a gathering spot for new creative things and ideas.” CMRM Visit newgalleryofmodernart.com to see upcoming exhibits and programming.

WE ARE DIVERSITY.

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Supplier Diversity

Working and growing together for better business communities.

In 2014, Wells Fargo took Supplier Diversity to the next level. We grew spend with certified diverse suppliers by $200MM and exceeded our stated goal of 10% controllable spend with diverse suppliers. This accomplishment was a result of a focused supplier diversity strategy that was supported by our CEO, line of business leaders, supply chain management group, and supplier diversity team. Wells Fargo’s significant supplier diversity growth is evidence of our commitment to the financial success of the communities we serve. We know that we can only be as successful as those communities.

This commitment to supplier diversity is reflected at every level of the organization, and is best summed up by a statement from our Chairman and CEO, John Stumpf: “Wells Fargo is committed to ensuring supplier diversity is integrated into our strategic sourcing and procurement processes to generate efficiency, innovation, and increased opportunities for first- and second-tier diverse suppliers.

We’re committed to accomplishing this mission by establishing and supporting partnerships with the diverse business community, developing these businesses for growth, and engaging with community organizations that share our commitment.”

As a corporation, Wells Fargo includes minority, woman, LGBT, disabled, veteran, and small business owned enterprises in our supplier diversity scope. We have a multifaceted supplier diversity growth strategy that includes spend growth, internal alignment, and effective management. We also set aggressive growth goals through industry benchmarking, and hold leaders accountable by including supplier diversity in performance objectives and compensation awards. To ensure the enterprise is engaged in supplier diversity spend performance, we develop and distribute monthly and quarterly supplier diversity spend reports that detail first and second tier spend, top diverse supplier relationships, pipeline sourcing activities and awards, and recognitions. Over the past ten years, Wells Fargo has spent more than $9 billion with diverse suppliers.

wellsfargo.com © 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

Member FDIC. ECG-1256781

Wells Fargo Supplier Diversity Team L to R, standing: Demond Richardson, CaSondra Devine, Regina Edwards, Derek Cantey.

L to R, sitting: Julie Logan, Tonia Woodbury (not pictured, Peter G. Lee)

However, 2014 represented a year of transformative supplier diversity growth.

Any successful strategy must be led by a strong and capable team. In 2014, Wells Fargo hired a new executive, Regina Edwards, to serve as Senior Vice President and head of Supplier Diversity. Regina and her team developed targeted line-of-business and category-spend growth plans with input from multiple stakeholders within the business.

Senior leaders developed resource teams – including business operations, finance, supply chain, and supplier diversity – to execute the growth plans. Results of this internal alignment were seen in increased spend across procurement categories. For example, in the Temporary Labor category, the mix of diverse suppliers was increased to 50% following a competitive bid that included supplier diversity as a key selection criterion. In the corporate properties area, targeted minority construction growth programs were implemented in the Los Angeles/Orange county region which resulted in $5MM incremental spend with diverse suppliers.

In North Carolina, Wells Fargo partnered with the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) and the State of North Carolina to deliver the first Contractors College targeted toward supplier development within the construction category. In Charlotte, we invested in specific supplier development by assisting construction Tyrone Harmon contractors like RJ Leeper to improve their marketing and branding. “Wells Fargo suggested the idea of hiring a marketing consulting firm to help us improve our company proposals. It was a great idea that I had not considered; a most impactful investment with immediate results and improvements to our company brand and bottom line. The enhancement to our contractor proposals made such a difference that we were selected for the first project using the new format,” says Tyrone Harmon, Vice President, R. J. Leeper Construction, LLC. In 2014, Wells Fargo also revamped our focus on supplier development to ensure we were investing in all diverse segments. We were awarded Top Corporation of the Year by the U.S. Business Leadership Network for funding scholarships for six disabled suppliers to attend Supplier

Center: Focuss competition winners: Aleesa Carrington (winner), Charlie Wilkes IV (winner).

Development programs through Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. “Wells Fargo also received the Advocate of the Year Award from the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council for our contract awards and supplier development support,” says Edwards.

In addition, Wells Fargo has relationships with the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, national and local diverse Chambers of Commerce, and community development organizations throughout the country.

Wells Fargo’s internal Technology and Operations Group partnered with Supplier Diversity to sponsor a business case competition called Framework for Opportunity Convergence and Utilization of Sustainable Solutions (FOCUSS) with North Carolina A&T State University to drive entrepreneurial thinking down to the collegiate level.

“Competitions like FOCUSS are wonderful ways for the students to get a glimpse into the challenges they may face in the professional world. They are also great opportunities for Wells Fargo to identify new and innovative ideas from what will hopefully be the next generation of Wells Fargo customers and employees,” says Sharon Murphy, Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations Group/Enterprise Information Technology at Wells Fargo.

Participants of the FOCUSS competition

Feature

Creating Diversity in the Clouds

By Tonya Jameson

F

riends often ask Pat Martinez: “What are you doing now?”

The job title and the company names may change, but the answer is always the same – connecting.

These days, Martinez is connecting through her new company, Leadership in the Clouds, a consulting company that works with corporations and privately-owned businesses in leadership development.

Martinez is most known for her work at the nonprofit National Hispanic Corporate Council, which helps corporations maximize opportunities in the Hispanic market. As the president and CEO, Martinez spent six years traveling – a lot – to turn the Atlanta-based organization into a Southeastern presence.

“Her vision was amazing,” said former employee and mentee Harold Lockheimer, of Miami. “Pat is an excellent servant leader.”

In 2013, Martinez launched Leadership in the Clouds. She envisioned a company that helps other companies navigate today’s virtual business place, in which employees can be scattered in different states and countries. Martinez helps companies grapple with how to engage their employees in a global environment.

She doesn’t do it alone. Her son Luis is the marketing coordinator, and daughter Brigette is a writer. Luis, her husband, is “my rock,” Martinez says.

“It’s great to have a family-owned business where I can be innovative and creative, but more so teach my children if you dream it you can make it.”

Martinez is also teaching her children her passion for diversity. Leadership in the

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Clouds also addresses how companies can be culturally diverse in a virtual workplace.

“Sometimes, we are not only talking to each other in different cities and different states, we’re talking to people in different countries and still trying to move forward,” she said.

To help bridge these cultural gaps, Leadership in the Clouds launched Cloud Chats this summer. It’s a virtual talk similar to TEDTalks, but more interactive, she said. Cloud Chats target millennials.

Featured speakers will share stories, ideas and information. The lineup includes Rick Najera, a CBS executive, discussing how to increase Latinos awareness in Hollywood, and former San Antonio mayor Julian Castro speaking about how his mother is the driving force in his life.

“It’s a great idea,” said scheduled Cloud Chat speaker Patrick Graham, Urban League CEO. “It also allows us to meet that generation where they are. This is one of the ways in which they communicate. It allows us to not only talk to them, but to hear them.”

Cloud Chats reflect Martinez’s work in Charlotte. She’s spearheading the creation of a Cesar Chavez breakfast here. It will be in September this year, and features Chavez’ brother Paul. She describes it as a contemplation breakfast with ancillary activities.

Graham has worked with Martinez on a variety of diversity projects. He credits her with helping the Urban League connect to Latin media outlets.

“She symbolizes that diversity is more than just about communicating with each other,” he said. “The world is changing and she is recognizing that.

Pat Martinez

“It’s great to have a family-owned business where I can be innovative and creative, but more so teach my children if you dream it you can make it.”

“I applaud Pat for being in her generation, but [for] also understanding the need to listen to the younger generation and to actually take the time to find the best way to facilitate some of those discussions with them. I wish more and more of our leadership would model that behavior.”

Martinez is a model for Charlotte community leaders, but most importantly to her, a model for her children. CMRM

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25

Taking Your Business International Feature

By Bea Quirk

M

any – if not most – small businesses think exporting is too exotic, too complex and too expensive.

But, says Greg Sizemore, that attitude means you’re missing out on a vast potential for growth: The United States accounts for only 5 percent% of the world trade market.

He is director of the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Export Assistance Centers in North Carolina.

“You’re walking away from money if you don’t consider exporting,” he says.

Sizemore’s office provides support services at every step of the exporting process, from initial research to getting paid for your orders. Before you do anything else, visit its website (www.export.gov) for a guide that covers every aspect of exporting.

Says Travis Dowell, director of international sales with Otto Environmental Services, which recently entered the Mexican market, “The U.S. Commerce experts helped guide us in the right direction and made sure we properly went about selling globally. They are extremely knowledgeable and resourceful, and helped us vet certain customers, provided us with key local area contacts and shared their know-how.”

Nevertheless, international trade is not something to enter into lightly. Here are some tips: Qualify your company. Are your products easily exportable, or are they highly regulated or perhaps too bulky to ship overseas economically? Are they needed overseas? Do you have the capacity to expand your geographic base?

Conduct research to identify and select your target markets. Sizemore suggests starting with Canada: “It has similar distribution networks, it’s easy to get there and the culture is similar.”

Nail down your value proposition.

Why should someone buy your product over a locally-made one or one from another foreign vendor? “American products are generally more expensive because of the cost of shipping, insurance and trade duties,” Sizemore says. “But

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U.S. products are often preferred because of their practicality and quality.”

Traveling will help you find specific buyers. Foreign buyers often attend domestic trade shows. Or go on trade missions sponsored by the U.S. Commerce Department or other organizations. They can provide extensive assistance, and traveling with other like-mined people can be helpful.

If you prefer to travel on your own, call on the commerce department. It has 120 offices overseas dedicated to helping American companies do business abroad.

Find out how you’ll be paid. Once you have found customers and are ready to sign a contract, find out how you are going to be paid. Talk to your banker about wire transfers, letters of credit and credit insurance.

Educate yourself about the exporting process. Download the book, “The Basic Guide to Exporting” from the commerce department website.

Learn about the culture where you are going to export. The norms of doing business differ all over the world.

Utilize the myriad of resources available. In addition to the federal government, the Small Business & Technology Development Center, the Small Business Center at Central Piedmont Community College and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina are also excellent sources. The U.S. Small Business Administration and Import Export Bank can help you with funding and financial matters.

Don’t forget about networking.

Attend events sponsored by such groups as the Charlotte World Trade Association, the Charlotte World Affairs Council and local international groups such as the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce.

The Charlotte International Cabinet keeps an excellent calendar of such events.

Be prepared to work at it. “The resources are out there, but you need to do your homework,” says Mary Romano, a counselor in international business development at the Small Business & Technology Development Center. “We’ll help you, but you must do the work.” CMRM

International Business Facts • Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers nonstop service to 142 destinations, including Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Munich, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Toronto, the Caribbean and several Mexican cities.

• There are more than 958 foreignowned firms in the Charlotte region that represent 45 countries and employ more than 69,000 workers, giving it the largest concentration of international firms in the Carolinas • Germany is the most-represented country among foreign-owned businesses here, with 194; 59 of them are U.S. headquarters.

Rounding out the top five are the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and France.

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg is home to the honorary consuls of Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, Moldova, Nicaragua and Switzerland.

• Foreign Trade Zone 57 has locations around the Charlotte region.

• The City of Charlotte’s Office of International Relations (charmck. org) is a resource for promoting international business and communities. The office maintains multiple resources to help the world connect with Charlotte and the people of Charlotte to build connections abroad.

Sources: Charlotte Chamber, Charlotte Regional Partnership, City of Charlotte

TOGETHER FOR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

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Together as One.

Nourishing Body and Soul

By Charles Kelleher Harris Photos courtesy of Camino Community Center

Feature

L

uiz gently rubs her swollen belly as she watches her four-year-old daughter, Joselin, playing with a hand puppet in the waiting room at the Bethesda Clinic. She is five months pregnant, but this baby will be different. The new baby will be born on American soil, making her a legal U.S. citizen. Luiz and Joselin are undocumented immigrants from El Salvador.

“Without proper documentation, they can’t sign up for Medicaid or welfare, so where are they supposed to go?” says Wendy Pascual. It was this need that lead Pascual and her husband Eliseo, along with Pastor Rusty Price, of The Camino Church at The Way in Concord to open the Camino Community Center in 2004. The center includes the Bethesda clinic, a thrift store, and food pantry. “[Many] people who come here are undocumented,” says Pascual, who is executive director.

Pascual, a Dominican native, is tall and broad-shouldered. She maintains a balanced and eloquent carriage, but her brow betrays a near-constant state of concern.

Although those served are predominantly undocumented immigrants, the clinic is also frequented by American-born blacks and whites. To date, Bethesda has provided some 8,500 doctor’s visits. The Camino Community Center as a whole has offered services to more than 25,000 people, 3.15 percent of Charlotte’s population.

The pantry provides groceries to needy families once a month. Last year, the pantry fed some 11,600 people.

This afternoon, Anna is waiting for the food pantry to open. Her pregnant belly bulges from her tiny frame. Anna is not a foreigner; she is white and born in America.

Anna explains that she is unable to provide for her family despite government assistance.

“I try not to come more than I need to,” Anna says, “I like that we pray together before we go into the pantry,” she says, tears brimming her eyes, “And you can put in prayer requests.”

Tucking a wisp of blonde hair from her face, she smiles, “They immerse you in their family,” she says.

In conjunction with the pantry, classes are provided on how to properly prepare healthy meals for families. There are also health fairs and events conducted throughout the year.

On July 25, the CCC will offer its annual

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back-to-school event, which provides school supplies for needy families. Last year, the center provided 1,000 backpacks to students.

Every other Saturday the pantry prepares hot meals for about 100 homeless people.

The thrift store offers clothes, toys and used furniture for affordable prices and proceeds are funneled back into the center.

Back in the clinic, Donna Lacey, a physician’s assistant, PA is using volunteer Julio Ruiz as an interpreter. Lacey is a volunteer staff member. At one time, Lacey ran her own volunteer clinic, but in 2010 her funding was cut. In an effort to continue helping, she looked to longtime friend Pascual.

“Somebody has to do this,” Lacey says.

“Nobody does it like us and we don’t have a lot of the resources that other free clinics have.”

But there are still challenges.

“Ask anybody what a bad day is for me,” Lacey says, looking across her desk at Pascual and smiling, “What is a bad day for me, Wendy?”

“When she can’t help her patient,” Pascual replies.

“I get so frustrated when I can’t provide what my patient needs,” Lacey adds, “I’m in here shouting and throwing stuff around.”

The clinic has its own lab and EKG machine, but obtaining medication is a difficult.

Pascual says many patients are able to afford generic prescriptions through a special program at Walmart and Target pharmacies.

But for others, the clinic must pay drug companies directly for medications.

Ruiz, the young medical assistant and interpreter, says he enjoys work at Camino.

“I feel like these patients are much more appreciative [than most],” Ruiz observes, “It is a different community.”

Ten people are employed by Camino.

Those who aren’t volunteers work for up to 50 percent less than what they’d make at a typical medical facility.

The Camino Community Center is funded by a county grant, church donations and the volunteer employees.

Pascual says that the CCC is not simply one-stop shopping for those in need.

“We don’t just offer a place of help,” she says. “We want to give people the hope to move forward. We help with obtaining citizenship and work. We help to equip them for a more productive life. And at the end of the day, I want these people to know that God loves them; that is most important.” CMRM

Some of the staff at the Camino Community Center (Left to Right): Back row: Julio Ruiz, Wendy Pascual and Emilio Yarber. Front row: Stephany Garcia, Melissa Ramirez and Donna Lacey.

The Camino Community Center Thrift Store not only helps generate income for the center but also offers affordable clothing, furniture and housewares for shoppers.

Donna Lacey, P.A. and Camino Community Center Executive Director Wendy Pascual meet to assess the most pressing needs at Bethesda Clinic.

Donna Lacey, P.A., seen here examining a patient.

For more information about the Camino Community Center, call 704-596-5606 or visit the center at 133 Stetson Dr. Charlotte, NC 28262

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Feature

The travel group with tour guide Tatiana Rodriguez in Cuba.

Lessons from Cuba

By Eric Watson Photos by Ray Edwards

M

y five-day trip to Cuba in December of 2014 with the Harvey B. Gantt Center was one of the most rewarding and educational experiences I have ever had.

Our theme, “Exploring African Influence in Havana,” taught me a lot about myself through the people, art and music. The Afro-Cuban culture and heritage is fascinating. My exposure to Afro-Cuban music, art, dance, religion and history were all wonderful opportunities that helped me grow and develop by increasing my cultural competence through observation and experiencing the people and their culture.

While in Havana, I discovered people there are not solely focused on how many people they know, but who they know.

Cubans seemed to look at the quality of relationships versus the quantity. I found the people to be real and extraordinarily friendly. They were also extremely happy to see us, which made me feel very welcomed.

There were 18 of us who traveled together on the trip. We bonded very well, sharing opportunities, learning from one another’s experiences, based on each of our personal perspectives. Our tour guide was informative and engaging, but her most valuable asset to us was her personable approach. She was open and willing to share her own background and insights as a Cuban native. Cuba’s history of surviving

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

wars and threats over many years was unbelievable. Some of the history I knew, but most of it, I did not.

We were told something that I continue to think about: “Life is complicated and complex.” Interestingly, Cubans acknowledged this, where it appears to me that Americans tend to avoid complexity and complications. Cubans see life as a process, while not seeking silver bullets to solve uncertainties and problems. Thus, they seem happier and more comfortable with their status in life.

As in some other countries, they do not discuss race, but recognize that discrimination does exist. The people we talked to were excited about recent changes in the relationship with the United States.

I would also say that they are cautiously optimistic about their preparedness and fragility, relative to the pace and size of change that may occur. This change includes two things: Will minorities have opportunities and will big businesses monopolize the economy?

I am thankful, blessed and privileged to be an American, and having spent most of my business career in the areas of diversity and inclusion, I found this to be a life-changing and memorable experience.

I have no doubt travel to Cuba will increase, and I encourage people to have this experience. CMRM

TM

Giving the Southeast Asian Community a Voice Feature

By Eren Simpson Photos courtesy of SEAC

T

he Southeast Asian Coalition was founded in 2011 by Cat Bao Le, who moved to Charlotte from California and saw firsthand the lack of resources available for members of this community.

Bao Le, who is from Vietnam, was sent to Charlotte by an Asian civil rights organization based in Los Angeles to create a three-month project that would provide the Vietnamese community with citizenship services. But upon her arrival, she quickly realized there was a large community of Southeast Asians-- including those from Cambodia, Burma and Laos-- - and she saw how few resources were available to them. So when the opportunity arose to negotiate for funding to create an organization that could help this community, Bao Le stepped up to the plate.

“I started in this position because someone needed to sign on the dotted line,” Bao Le says. She said she’s always been more of a front-line activist and that being an executive director is not really her cup of tea, but she’s grown into the role.

While the Southeast Asian Coalition (SEAC) started out providing mainly citizenship services, the organization has blossomed to include much more.

“For Charlotte, SEAC is different, because while we do provide services, we also work to create a voice for the Southeast Asian population in the city,” Bao Le says. “We take up causes like immigration, police brutality and deportation, which impacts Southeast Asians at a disproportionate rate, but a lot of people don’t know about it.”

Bao Le says SEAC also tries to help members of the community understand the democratic process, and holds forums where they can meet local political candidates, and also provides volunteers who can translate for them at the polls.

Bao Le has also added a youth component to SEAC.

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Some of the Southeast Asian Coalition’s youth members work on a banner for a parade earlier this year.

“I wanted to grow the leadership pipeline,” Bao Le says.

One night a week, at-risk high school students are mentored by volunteers from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Davidson College with similar backgrounds.

“The kids in the program aren’t all Southeast Asians; they come from the community … all are welcome,” Bao Le says.

As part of the youth program, SEAC mentors and volunteers work not just with the kids, but with their families as well, to address any underlying issues.

SEAC also focuses a lot on advocacy and inclusion-- - making sure the Southeast Asian community is part of the greater community around it.

“We really put that out there when immigration reform was an option,” Bao Le says.

The organization has made sure to participate in Charlotte’s annual Pride parade, the Martin Luther King Day parade and other community events.

Since its inception, SEAC has helped thousands of people through its citizenship and youth programs.

“It keeps growing,” she says about the organization and its reach.

While SEAC started in Charlotte, the organization’s leadership now travels to Greensboro, High Point, Albemarle and other communities.

“People come to us because we speak the languages, we’re accountable and they see us in the community, at their churches, etc.,” Bao Le says.

Bao Le says the most important thing to her about SEAC is that the organization is all-inclusive and won’t turn anyone away who needs help navigating citizenship or needs help figuring out other resources.

Members of the Southeast Asian Coalition’s youth group hold banners during a parade earlier this year.

“It’s the only way we can do work within our community and be a part of a larger movement in North Carolina,” Bao Le says. “We’ll always be anchored in the Southeast Asian community as long as there’s a need, but we have an opendoor policy; everyone is welcome.” CMRM To learn how to support SEAC or learn more about its upcoming programs, visit www.seacnc.org.

www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com

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MakingItCount

Carolinas Outreach to Haiti

By Eren Simpson Photos courtesy of Carolinas Outreach to Haiti

O

ne year after the earthquake that destroyed most of Haiti, one Charlotte couple created a nonprofit group that for four years has brought health care and educational opportunities to eight southern rural villages in Haiti.

Samuel and Claudette Danjoint, along with friend William Teter, founded Carolinas Outreach to Haiti in 2011 in an effort to give back to Samuel’s native country and pick up where other aid organizations left off.

“I’ve heard people say, ‘So much money has gone to Haiti,’ but unfortunately, the money and resources don’t always go to the villages,” Claudette says. “Haiti continues to be the poorest country in our hemisphere…

Why wouldn’t we want to assist our neighbors? We can’t help everyone, but we can help somebody and help improve their standard of living.”

Organization members make an annual trip in July and hold a medical clinic in a church where, with the help of two Haitian doctors and dozens of volunteers, they see about 800 patients in one week. The organization also has a small building in which it holds a medical clinic one day a month with one doctor and one nurse, in addition to the annual clinic.

Carolinas Outreach to Haiti has also dug six wells to provide clean water, and created a micro-finance program to help villagers start their own businesses with just $300 each. So far it has financed six villagers, one who started the village’s only grocery store; another is raising livestock to sell the offspring.

In addition to those programs, the organization gives donors the opportunity to sponsor a child’s education for just $150 a year. The cost covers textbooks and uniforms; so far, donors have sponsored 35 children.

One of the children is 14-year-old Angeline, who is sponsored by Cheryl Connolly, who joined Carolinas Outreach to Haiti in 2013.

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Carolinas Outreach to Haiti volunteer Cheryl Connolly walks with Angeline, the 14-year-old girl whose education she sponsors.

Carolinas Outreach to Haiti co-founder Claudette Danjoint, left, holds an infant as patients wait to be seen at the one-week medical clinic.

Carolinas Outreach to Haiti volunteer Cheryl Connolly takes villagers’ blood pressures during the one-week medical clinic the organization provides to more than 800 villagers.

When Connolly, a medical professional for more than 30 years, arrived in Haiti, she worked taking patients’ blood pressure, temperatures and weight. On her second day, she met Angeline.

“I watched her with the younger children and she’s just so caring,” Connolly said. “If I gave her a bottle of water, she would have a sip and then share it with the children around her. She did that with food, too.”

Haitian villagers line up to fill their buckets with fresh, clean water, provided by the wells installed by Carolinas Outreach to Haiti volunteers.

So when Connolly learned she could sponsor a child, she asked Samuel about sponsoring Angeline.

“When I got back from the 2013 trip, I learned her mom and dad died when she was five, so it was like we were destined to cross paths,” Connolly said. “I really feel God brought us together.”

Connolly has sent Christmas presents to Angeline, and raised $350 to help her grandparents patch the roof and floor of their home. Connelly’s church also donated $500 to purchase antibiotics, prenatal vitamins and more for the villagers.

Connolly made a second visit to Haiti in 2014 and plans to visit again this July. CMRM Because Carolinas Outreach to Haiti is all-volunteer, 100 percent of donations go directly to Haiti. To learn more about volunteer or fundraising opportunities with Carolinas Outreach to Haiti, visit www.co2haiti.org.

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Foreign Visitors, Familiar Vision:

Charlotte’s Expanding International Footprint Feature

By Angela Lindsay Photos courtesy of International House

Zambian and Zimbabwean professionals from the Professional Fellows program meeting at International House.

L

eaders from Zambia and Zimbabwe recently visited Charlotte through the Professional Fellows Program under the U.S. Department of State, in conjunction with Meridian International, one of seven national programming agencies with the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) at Charlotte’s International House. The IVLP facilitates the training and development of current and rising international leaders through professional exchange opportunities with Charlotte businesses, community organizations and governing entities. Participants were selected by the U.S. Embassy overseas due to their excellent records of achievement in entrepreneurship and business development in their countries.

“These are people who are pioneers, who are paving the way forward,” explains Johnelle Causwell, program director of citizen diplomacy at International House.

“These are people that the Department of State expects will make extremely large contributions to their societies over the next to five to 10 years.”

While here, the foreign visitors met with Charlotte counterparts in their respective fields for three-week mentorships. Charlotte participants included Dan Roselli, co-founder of Packard Place; Devin Collins, assistant director of business and entrepreneurial development at UNC Charlotte’s Charlotte

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Research Institute; Dr. Rixon Campbell, director of multicultural (international) student affairs at Johnson C. Smith University; and Anna Thompson, an urban horticulturalist with Lila’s Gardens. These mentors made a “significant impact” on the international fellows who studied under them Causwell says. In fact, Rinesh Desai, a professional fellow who mentored with Roselli, started a technology incubator in Zimbabwe and is building up a technology business support system there for startups in that industry. Another fellow, Samuelle Dimairho, worked on digitizing of the Zimbabwean stock exchange.

Charlotte and Denver were chosen to host two people from Zambia and Zimbabwe, one in May and one in October. The international visitors then nominated people who made their visits here exceptional to represent the United States in their countries. The chosen representatives spent two weeks in Zambia and Zimbabwe learning about entrepreneurship and business development.

It was a “tremendous experience,” Causwell says, for the Charlotteans who were given the opportunity to make presentations on topics in which they were experts, to appear on the radio and in newspapers, and to make highlevel contacts in business and trade.

Causwell’s department works very closely with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the Charlotte Regional Partnership and other organizations “to help promote

Charlotte to our visiting delegation, because this is definitely the kind of exposure that our city needs,” she says.

Her job, she explains, is to market Charlotte to make the best case that this city has the resources to make the United States be seen in the best light possible by visiting groups, and to determine who best presents Charlotte as a community that could properly host the groups and to share knowledge in their fields. It is a weighty task, since Causwell says many would-be visitors have never heard of Charlotte.

“It puts us on the map because 99 percent of the time when I welcome international leaders to Charlotte, they’ve never heard of Charlotte, they don’t know what Charlotte is, they don’t know what to expect,” she says.

“When I show them the infrastructure that is in Charlotte for their particular field—when they see the type of city, the type of growth, the kind of diversity that Charlotte has, the kind of business opportunities that Charlotte has—invariably by the time it is time for them to go, they all want to purchase property in Charlotte; they’re so impressed.”

Currently, Causwell is submitting a proposal to have the European professional fellows come to Charlotte next. Competition is fierce, because there are two other cities competing, as well. But the challenge is necessary for the city to maximize its global impact and “make our community more diverse and inherently stronger,” Causwell says. CMRM

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Main 310 North Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202 704.416.0100

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ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center 300 East Seventh Street Charlotte, NC 28202 704.416.4600

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Mountain Island 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way Charlotte, NC 28214 704.416.5600

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South County Regional 5801 Rea Road Charlotte, NC 28277 704.416.6600

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Beatties Ford Road Regional 2412 Beatties Ford Road Charlotte, NC 28216 704.416.3000

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Independence Regional 6000 Conference Drive Charlotte NC 28212 704-416-4800

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Myers Park 1361 Queens Road Charlotte, NC 28207 704.416.5800

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Steele Creek 13620 Steele Creek Road Charlotte, NC 28273 704.416.6800

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Cornelius 21105 Catawba Avenue Cornelius, NC 28031 704.416.3800

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Matthews 230 Matthews Station Street Matthews, NC 28105 704.416.5000

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North County Regional 16500 Holly Crest Lane Huntersville, NC 28078 704.416.6000

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Sugar Creek 4045 North Tryon Street, Suite A Charlotte, NC 28206 704.416.7000

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Davidson 119 South Main Street Davidson, NC 28036 704.416.4000

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Mint Hill 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road Charlotte, NC 28227 704.416.5200 16

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Plaza Midwood 1623 Central Avenue Charlotte, NC 28205 704.416.6200

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University City Regional 301 East W.T. Harris Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28262 704.416.7200

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Hickory Grove 5935 Hickory Grove Road Charlotte, NC 28215 704.416.4400

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Morrison Regional 7015 Morrison Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28211 704.416.5400

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Scaleybark 101 Scaleybark Road Charlotte, NC 28209 704.416.6400

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West Boulevard 2157 West Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28208 704.416.7400

Watermelon is for Everyone Feature

By Jimese Orange Photos courtesy of Watermelon.org

S

ightings of watermelons at the market and at produce stands are synonymous with summertime. It’s commonly known that watermelons are mostly water – about 92 percent.

These melons are much more than just sugar and water, though. Every juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6, C, lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids.

What does all of that mean for your health?

Great things. Find unique newness in watermelon knowledge with these fun, healthful benefits.

Heal Faster This amazing fruit is packed with citrulline, an amino acid that the body converts to L-arginine, which speeds the delivery of white blood cells to sites of injury and spurs the growth of new skin tissue. That makes for faster-healing wounds and less scar tissue.

Nature’s Viagra Speaking of citrulline, when the body converts it to L-arginine, this also helps relax blood vessels, including those supplying blood to the penis. Citrulline supplementation has been found to improve erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction.

Skin Health Fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and other signs of getting older are caused by free radicals in the body. Watermelon is a rich source of antioxidants such as lycopene and vitamins A and C that help reduce free radicals and their aging effects. Watermelon can be applied on the skin topically and consumed for the best results.

Improve Sleep Watermelon is rich in vitamin B6, which helps in the production of dopamine and serotonin. Increased levels of these neurotransmitters make the brain less sensitive to disruptive stimuli such as noise during sleep. Eating watermelon a few hours before going to bed can extend stages of deep sleep.

Protect Your Skin Research has shown that watermelon cuts the risk of sun-related skin damage. This superpower comes from watermelon being nature’s richest source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that scavenges damaging free radicals that cause sunburn and wrinkling brought on by ultraviolet sun rays.

TIPS Get the most out of every part of that watermelon.

•L ong-term refrigeration can lessen flavor and juiciness.

For the tastiest and juiciest watermelon, give it a quick chill. Put it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing it; that way, more juice stays in the fruit instead of on the cutting board.

•L oad up on citrulline, the star nutrient behind some of the most unique benefits of watermelon, by puréeing the rind with lime juice, pickling or preserving it. Citrulline is concentrated most in the rind.

RECIPES Now that you’re probably craving more watermelon in your life, try these recipes that go beyond the usual. (Courtesy of www.watermelon.org) Veggie Debloat Watermelon Cocktail This fresh take on a virgin Bloody Mary cocktail will elevate summer brunches.

above ingredients. Serve plain or over ice.

Servings Makes about 2 1/2 cups or two servings.*

Ingredients 1/3 peeled medium cucumber 3 medium carrots, washed 2 celery stalks 1/2 red pepper, washed and seeded 1/4 cup fresh parsley 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro 2 cups watermelon dash horseradish

Nutrition Serving size: 1 1/4 cups Calories per serving: 116 Fat per serving: 1g Saturated fat per serving: 0g Fiber per serving: 0g *Fiber per serving (if blended): 5.5g Protein per serving: 10 percent Carbohydrates per serving: 83 percent

Instructions In a juicer, extract the juice from all of the

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Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

Servings Makes four servings.

Red Hot Beet and Watermelon Stacked Salad This salad will complement and lighten up breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Ingredients 1 pound beets, with stems and tails removed 2 teaspoons olive oil dash red pepper flakes dash salt and pepper to taste (optional) 2 cups watermelon puree (place watermelon in blender and liquify)) 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon cooking sherry dash salt (optional) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 5 cups baby lettuce 1/4 watermelon, thinly sliced and cut into triangles 1/4 cup low-fat crumbled blue cheese Instructions 1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Peel beets if desired. Otherwise, slice into 1/2 inch pieces and toss with 2 teaspoons olive oil, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper. Place on a cookie sheet and roast until firm, but slightly tender when pierced with a folk, approximately 25 minutes. Remove from oven to cool.

3. While beets are roasting, place watermelon juice in a medium saucepan and simmer until reduced to 2/3 cup and mixture has a slight syrupy consistency.

Add lemon juice, vinegar, sherry and salt and return to a simmer for three minutes. Remove from heat, cool slightly and add olive oil. Adjust seasonings.

4. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of dressing over beets and toss. Place lettuce and 1 cup watermelon in a large mixing bowl and toss with remaining dressing until thoroughly coated. Transfer greens and watermelon to four plates, top with beets and remaining watermelon chunks, then sprinkle blue cheese over the top.

Nutrition Serving size: 1 salad Calories per serving: 224 Fat per serving: 12g Saturated fat per serving: 2.6g Folate per serving: 210mcg Fiber per serving: 5.4g Vitamin C per serving: 36mg Calcium per serving: 104mg Iron per serving: 2.2mg Magnesium per serving: 64mg Potassium per serving: 822mg Sodium per serving: 198mg

Unwarranted stereotypes aside, watermelon is good and it is for everyone.

This time of year, watermelon is plentiful, inexpensive and just about everywhere.

Support local growers at farmers markets and neighborhood produce stands. The reasons to make watermelon a staple on your grocery list are endless and delicious. Enjoy! CMRM

Sources: ₁ USDA Agricultural Research, http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2007/070321.htm ₂ National Center for Biotechnology Information, Urology. 2011 Jan;77(1):119-22. ₃ Medical News Today, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266886.php ₄ HealthMeUp.com, http://healthmeup.com/news-healthy-living/health-benefits-of-the-giant-watermelon/21975 ₅ Dr. Frank Lipman, http://www.drfranklipman.com/natural-sun-protection/

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Feature

STEM Role Model

By Tonya Jameson

D

an Ta is 16 and he’s under a lot of self-induced pressure. He is a straight-A student and plans to enter the medical profession, working with kids. Dan’s career aspirations aren’t causing the pressure.

It’s his little brothers.

Dan has two younger brothers.

He takes the role of being a big brother seriously.

“I have to be good role model for my little brothers, so they have somebody they can look up to,” he said. “I want (my parents) to look at me and be like, ‘This is the guy my son has become’.”

So far, so good. Dan wants to be a pediatrician or family practitioner.

Dan is in the Project Lead The Way program, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum track, at South Mecklenburg High School. He’s a straight-A student taking five AP classes.

AP biology is killing him. The class is 90 percent seniors. Dan is a junior. He also takes AP calculus.

“It’s a lot of work,” he said.

Matthew Rice taught Dan honors biology and has watched him grow.

“He is such a good student,” said Rice.

“He’s not studying for the next test. He’s really trying to learn as much as he can, because he sees the information as the foundation of his career in a way that is uncommon among high school students.”

Dan doesn’t just bury his head in the books. He used to, but not anymore. In middle school, he ran track and started making more friends. He enjoyed his newfound popularity, but, according to Rice, Dan was still a little shy.

This year, Dan joined the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), and he’s really blossomed, according to Rice.

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Dan Ta, straight A student at South Mecklenburg High School.

“I’ve got an ambitious side. Whenever I join something, I want to be the best or one of the top.”

– Dan Ta “I’ve got an ambitious side,” Dan said.

“Whenever I join something, I want to be the best or one of the top.”

He’s president of HOSA for 2015-2016, district officer and a district representative for the state, which means he represents different counties. His position means he gets to lobby Congress and help plan regional and state leadership development conferences.

The program has helped him talk to people more and develop his character, he said.

“I just want to have an impact on what I do,” Dan said. “Staying inside studying all of the time, you don’t have an impact on the world if you do that. The grades, the motivation, with all of those activities you can grow up and have an impact on the world later in life.” CMRM

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Feature

Authentic Ethnic Cuisine in Unexpected Places

Woodland: Indo-Chinese rice noodle dish, seasoned with Indian spice known as “Hakka Noodles” tossed with finely chopped fresh vegetables.

By Jimese Orange Photos of Woodlands Pure Vegetarian by Jonathan Cooper.

Photos courtesy of Doan’s.

F

ew things allow you to experience a culture the way food does. In a bite, you can taste layers of history and influences. The access that Charlotte’s diverse multicultural community gives to authentic ethnic cuisine from all over the world is a gift. Charlotte foodies tend to have short attention spans as shiny, new restaurants stay in the fast-moving spotlight.

“New” is exciting foodie territory, but it’s worth exploring some gems that are off the beaten path and have stood the test of time.

Our Asian and Indian neighbors in the eastern hemisphere customarily prepare flavorful, healthy food deliciously by using fresh herbs and spices infuse their cuisine. Want to take a culinary trip to South India? A drive down Albemarle Road to Woodlands Pure Vegetarian Indian Cuisine will transport your palate there. Since 2001, Woodlands has earned a reputation for authentic and fresh vegetarian Indian food that people drive from all over town to enjoy. Quality ingredients are sourced as local as the owner and chef Leslie Lobo’s garden and as far as India for authentic spices. “Everything here is fresh,” says Lobo. “Nothing is made from frozen [ingredients].”

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Leslie has created a vegetarian menu featuring more than 100 Indian and IndoChinese fusion dishes. “[We feed] all kinds of people [with] all kinds of choices. Nobody’s sad. Everyone is welcome,” says Lobo, who is originally from Bombay, India (now known as Mumbai). He speaks with exuberance, love and pride about the restaurant and the community that has supported his passion all these years. That passion and love is palpable in the food and presentation. A signature dish such as the “Paper Masala Dosa” is plated like a sculptural work of edible art. You almost don’t want to break the large rice and lentil crepe filled with Indian spiced peas and potatoes. The aromas from the dosa accompaniments of vegetable and lentil soup, coconut sauce and potato masala beg you to dive right in, though. The “Chana Batura” is another delicious and visually impressive dish of chickpea curry seasoned with cumin and fennel seeds, black pepper and an array of Indian spices, served alongside a large hollow sphere of tasty puffy bread. Lobo’s family has been in the restaurant and catering business for more than 30 years under the name Woodlands.

You can taste that experience and history in the food.

Woodlands Pure Vegetarian Indian Cuisine is located at 7128-A Albemarle Road. www.woodlandsusa.com Another culture that makes healthy eating delicious is Vietnamese. Thanks to the popularity of pho – a Vietnamese rice noodle soup dish with thinly sliced beef or chicken in a rich beef or chicken broth simmered with herbs and Asian spices – Vietnamese restaurants are flourishing in Charlotte. Superior freshness and authenticity are at the forefront of Doan’s, located on South Boulevard, tucked away in an unassuming shopping plaza. The atmosphere is cozy, clean and inviting. Popular dishes such as pho and Singapore noodles are delicious, but expand your authentic experience with signature dishes such as the spicy lemongrass shrimp, beef or chicken. The stir-fried curry shrimp, beef and chicken dishes are favorites of Andy Pham, the owner’s son and restaurant manager. Andy works the front of the house while the owner; his father, Hai Pham, cooks up authentic Vietnamese specialties in the kitchen. Their popular fresh summer rolls

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Doan: Spicy lemongrass shrimp, tossed with bell peppers, onions and carrots, served with white rice.

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Doan: Stir-fried chicken curry, tossed with broccoli, cauliflower, celery, carrot, onion and baby corn, served with white rice.

are prepared by his mother, Nga Thai. She triple-washes all the produce for maximum vibrancy, since fresh cilantro, basil, mint, lettuce, cucumbers, bean sprouts and carrots are staple accompaniments of many Vietnamese dishes. The family has been dedicated to serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine since its restaurant’s doors opened in 2010. “Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is exactly what we put out for our customer. I eat the food here every day and the reason why is to make sure it stays consistent,” says Andy who is originally from Vietnam.

Doan’s is located at 5937 South Boulevard, (704) 773-9077.

Don’t let the fact that both of these gems are tucked away in unexpected places keep you away. The Grade-A cleanliness of their cozy interiors and reasonable prices for authentic and fresh food more than make up for the lack of fancy décor and ambience. CMRM

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PrideBusiness FYI

By Patresha Williams

CPCC and two partner colleges receive $1.5-million National Science Foundation grant

C

entral Piedmont Community College, along with Davidson County Community College and Guilford Technical Community College, has secured a $1.5-million grant from the National Science Foundation that runs until January 2018. The goal is to develop programs that will increase the number of high school students and underrepresented, often underprivileged, minority students enrolled in community college associate-degree STEM(science, technology, engineering and math) programs by 50 percent, and ultimately to see those students continue their studies in bachelor-degree STEM programs. The grant will also fund STEM -focused mentoring, additional academic support, career-centered and proactive academic advising and financial support. Says Bruce Johnson, CPCC associate dean of STEM: “The NSF-funded initiative positions us to expand the impact of existing successful projects, while further promoting growth to students in need of enhanced support. The skills gap seen in our region demands more college graduates in STEM-related fields.

Ultimately, our communities will benefit as we improve the ability of our students to contribute to advances in the STEM arena.”

Sarah Baldwin Breaks Barriers Recently, Hawk Ridge Elementary in south Charlotte put on a production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Sarah Baldwin, who is African American, played the lead role as Princess Belle. Baldwin is the first African American to play the lead role in the history of the school’s productions. Says Baldwin: “It felt better than great. I was really honored and it felt wonderful to achieve this goal. It was a very memorable moment, a milestone. I felt like I was on top of the world. I am like Belle. She loves books, she’s polite and proper and she loves to help people. When I was onstage, I felt just like Belle. I did not think black or white. I just felt like a princess.”

Baldwin is not new to the acting and modeling scene. She appeared on the Pride Entrepreneur Education Program (PEEP) brochure as a nurse at age 3. “I have been in drama since the third grade at Hawk Ridge [and] each year I did my best, I always hoped that if I kept doing my best that I would get a major role and be an inspiration to other kids like me,” says Baldwin. The actress has plans to be on Broadway or TV one day, but for now, she is focusing on making straight As, staying active with cheering and gymnastics and striving to continue to inspire others to make their dreams a reality.

Hope Haven’s “Dancing for Hope Gala 2015” Hope Haven held its 12th gala event and fund-raiser, “Dancing for Hope Gala,” recently at The Park Expo and Conference Center.

Friends and leaders from the Charlotte area came out to show their support and enjoyed an evening of dancing, food and live music. The event featured the music of Skate Rink Jukebox, a silent auction, dance demonstrations, food catered by Hope Haven’s award-winning Taste of Hope Catering and a spotlight dance featuring Charlotte mayoral candidate Jennifer Roberts.

Hope Haven’s CEO, Alice Harrison, was honored for the impact she has made on the organization. Stick Williams, one of this year’s gala host committee members says:, “Over the last 25 years, the vision, ideas and results Alice brought and continues to bring to Hope Haven can only be summed up as ‘transformative,” not only for the individuals whose lives Hope Haven [has] touched, but [for] the effect Hope Haven has had on the community as a whole.”

Harrison expressed her gratitude, saying, “It has always been a great night of entertainment, bringing in the many friends and leaders from the community that have supported Hope Haven over the years. We moved to a larger venue to accommodate a growing number of attendees who want to be there.” Event proceeds benefit Hope Haven residents. CMRM

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EventsCalendar

By Patresha Williams

July 4-5 Waterfront Festival Enjoy live music and breathtaking views on Lake Norman as lights shows and fireworks light up the sky. Queens Landing. 1459 River Highway. Visit website for times and ticket prices.

Email Fernwehfestvial.nc@ gmail.com for more information. morethanfireworks.eventbrite.com

July 7 Vans Warped Tour Presented By Journeys More than 70 artists will be performing on the much-anticipated summer tour.

PNC Music Pavilion. 707 Pavilion Blvd.

11 a.m. Tickets start at $48. 704-5495555. vanswarpedtour.com July 9 The Temptations and the Four Tops Two of Motown’s most legendary bands will be performing here. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. 130 N. Tryon St. 7:30 p.m.

Tickets Start at $20. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org

July 10 Floerty: The Reunion Tour “The Songstress,” Marsha Ambrosius, and “The Floacist,” Natalie Stewart, grace the stage for their long-awaited reunion tour. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts. 430 S. Tryon St. 8 p.m. Tickets are from $44.95-$69.95.

704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org July 10-11 DUB Car Show-LFTD&LVLD OffRoad Showcase: Ultimate Off-Road Experience The DUB Car Show is making its way to Charlotte. Come check out some of the world’s best custom cars, trucks and motorcycles. Charlotte Speedway.

5555 Concord Pkwy S. Visit website for ticket prices and show times. (562) 2281737. dubshowtour.com July 14-19 ‘Annie’ The classic tale of little orphan Annie is coming to a stage near you. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. 130 N. Tryon St. See website for show times. Tickets start at $20.

704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org July17-26 Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week Take part of the 10-day extravaganza.

Choose from more than 100 restaurants in the Charlotte metro area.

View website for restaurant locations and times. $30 per person, reservations are strongly recommended. Visit website for additional information.

Charlotterestaurantweek.com

July 17-19 Hoshicon The three day Japanese culture, animation and video game event will be coming to town. Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel. 3315 Scott Futrell Dr. Tickets are from $25-$50.

704-392-1200. hoshicon.org July 18 Sam Smith English Grammy Award-winning artist Sam Smith will begin his month-long tour here. Time Warner Cable Arena.

333 E. Trade Street. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $63.16. Show Starts at 8 p.m. 704-688-9000. timewarnercablearena.com

July 19 Conexiones: Exchanges Across Cultures with Music Celebrate the culture of Latin America through music and dance. Levine Museum of the New South. 200 E. 7th St. 2:30 p.m. Free, register online. 704333-1887. museumofthenewsouth.org July 21 Ariana Grande On the second leg of her North American tour, “The Honeymoon Tour,” the Grammy nominated artist will be gracing the stage. Time Warner Cable Arena. 333 E. Trade Street. 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $45.34. 704-688-9000 timewarnercablearena.com

July 25 QC Summerfest Midday Concert Four80East and Saxophonist Andre Delano will be performing. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. 2 p.m. $25. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org

July 28 Anjelah Johnson Presents Bon Qui Qui Bon Qui Qui is coming to Charlotte.

The rapper will be hitting the stage on her intimate, 14-city tour. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts. 430 S. Tryon St. 8 p.m. Tickets range from $28-$48. 704-372-000.

August 16 Conexiones: Exchanges Across Cultures with Art View the art of Latin America as local artists demonstrate their work.

Learn popular techniques in Latin American art. Levine Museum of the New South. 200 E. 7th St. 2:30 p.m.

Free register online. 704-333-1887.

August 4 Nicki Minaj: The Pink Print Tour with Special Guests Meek Mill, Rae Sremmurd, Tinashe and Dej Loaf Following her last album, “The Pink Print,”The Pink Print, Nicki Minaj will be making a stop, along with some of hip-hop and R&B’s greatest acts. PNC Music Pavilion. 707 Pavilion Blvd.

7 p.m. Tickets start at $33.85. 704549-5555. mypinkfriday.com

August 23 Melissa Etheridge The Grammy Award-winning artist will perform songs from her new album, “This is M.E.,”This is M.E., along with some of her greatest hits. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts.

430 S. Tryon St. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org

blumenthalarts.org

museumofthenewsouth.org

August 6 Circle K Back-to-School Monster Truck Bash Come out and enjoy five-ton, crushingmetal, big machine fun. Charlotte Motor Speedway. 5555 Concord Parkway South. 6 p.m. $30. 704-4553200. charlottemotorspeedway.com August 12 J. Cole: Forest Hills Drive Tour with Special Guests Big Sean, YG and Jeremih Following his last album, 2014’s “Forest Hills Drive,”Forest Hills Drive, J. Cole, along with some of hiphop and R&B’s biggest acts, will be performing in Charlotte. PNC Music Pavilion. 707 Pavilion Blvd. 6:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $39. 704-549-5555.

August 25- September 6 Motown The Musical Come out and view the story behind Motown founder and music mogul Berry Gordy. The musical will feature more than 40 songs from legendary acts such as Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and tThe Temptations. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

130 N. Tryon St. View website for show times. Tickets start at $20. 704372-1000. blumenthalarts.org August 27-30 Charlotte Bachata & Salsa Fest 2015 The fourth annual Charlotte Bachata & Salsa festival is returning to the Carolinas. Enjoy three fun-filled days of non-stop music, dance, & partying.

View website for prices and show times. 980-205-2349

concerts.livenation.com

July 25 QC Summerfest, Uptown The Uptown Charlotte Jazz Festival has moved indoors. Nick Colionne will be hosting and jazz greats such as Sax Man Najee, Pianist Keiko Matsui and more will be performing. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

130 N. Tryon St. 6 p.m. $39.50 - $69.50.

704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org

August 13-16 Huggy Lowdown Known for his segment on the nationally syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” funny man Huggy Lowdown will be performing in Charlotte. The Comedy ZoneCharlotte. 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., Suite B3. Tickets start at $20.

Visit website for show times. 980-3214702. cltcomedyzone.com

July 26 The Hair Games Third Annual Hair Competition and Fashion Show Join Charlotte’s premier stylists and industry leaders for an elegant evening showcasing the latest trends in fashion and cosmetology presented by Dillard’s and visit the best local names in business in our vendor village before gathering for a fashion show, live music and entertainment and hair competition.

Charlotte Convention Center. Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.

Tickets start at $30. For additional information, visit www.thehairgames. com or call 704-733-0412.

August 15 Repticon Charlotte Reptile and Exotic Animal Show Come out to view, buy and learn about reptiles and exotic pets from top breeders, experts and educators.

Cabarrus Arena and Events Center.

4751 Highway 49 North *Note some GPS devices require the following alternate address for the Cabarrus Arena: 4551 Old Airport Rd. Saturday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m. (VIP Entry at 9 a.m.); Sunday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (No VIP early entry). Adults - $10, children (5-12) - $5, under 5 – Free. 704-9203976. repticon.com

CharlotteBachata.com

August 28-30 Southern Women’s Show Enjoy three fabulous days of shopping, fashion, food, pampering and nonstop fun. Charlotte Convention Center. 501 S. College St. Friday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Adults: $12 at the door; advance tickets online: $10; groups (10 or more; advance only): $7; youth: $6 (ages 6-12); children under 6 free with paying adult. 704-376-6594. southernshows.com

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www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com

47

Feature

Elizabeth Street Capital Initiative Creates Resources for Women Business Owners

O

ver the last 40 years, womenowned businesses have become an increasingly important part of the U.S. economy, growing from 5 percent to 30 percent of all businesses.

These enterprises generate trillions of dollars in economic activity and revitalize communities by providing tens of millions of jobs, yet women entrepreneurs still face significant obstacles, including equitable access to capital and business networks.

Established out of a recognition of the opportunity that exists to support women entrepreneurs and advance local economic growth, Bank of America and the Tory Burch Foundation (TBF) launched the Elizabeth Street Capital Initiative, dedicated to ensuring that women business owners have access to the resources they need to grow successful businesses.

The initiative launched with an investment of $10 million in low-cost capital from Bank of America and additional funds for operating expenses, shared by the Tory Burch Foundation and Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

Loans are administered through local community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that provide credit and financial services to underserved markets and populations, including women entrepreneurs.

Since the launch, CDFI partners have disbursed affordable loans to women entrepreneurs across the country in a range of industries, from hospitality and

48

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

home improvement to fashion and beauty.

After launching in six markets, the program has continued to expand to additional areas across the nation, including Los Angeles and throughout Texas, Illinois and Missouri.

Ultimately, the goal is to increase the number and size of businesses owned and led by women, and to make an impact beyond the individual program participants by creating networks of women entrepreneurs and promoting stronger local economies. CMRM

To learn more about the partnership, visit www. toryburchfoundation.org and or review the frequently asked questions. To join the conversation and see how we’re connecting women to economic empowerment worldwide, visit us here and on Twitter at @BofA_Community.

WE THANK...

...Bank of America and all of our Multicultural Resource Magazine sponsors for all they do to help MBE’s and other small business owners thrive!

Vonshe Jenkins Senior Vice President Director of Supplier Diversity & Development Bank of America is committed to the inclusion of diverse businesses within our supply chain. We have supported diverse suppliers for over 25 years and will continue to provide education, drive usage internally and identify opportunities for growth of minority-owned businesses.

Regina Edwards

Norris Raper

Head of Supplier Diversity Supply Chain Management

Vice President Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Diversity

Wells Fargo is committed to ensuring supplier diversity is integrated into our strategic sourcing and procurement processes to generate efficiency and innovation and increased opportunities for first- and second-tier diverse suppliers. We provide all suppliers equal access to procurement opportunities and encourage team members to use a supplier base that reflects the diversity of our team members, customers, and communities.

Eric Watson

President & CEO At Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council, our focus is economic inclusion in partnership with our corporate members, MBE’s and strategic partners. Our vision is to Innovate our work, Elevate our brand and Transform our model. We Certify to provide access, Develop to create wealth, Connect for strategic partnerships and Advocate to strengthen empowerment.

Jim Olsen Senior Vice President, Materials Resource Management Supplier Diversity is important to Carolinas HealthCare System because it integrates suppliers into the execution of our corporate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The creativity and flexibility these suppliers provide contribute to our supply chain excellence and strengthens our commitment to economic development in the communities we serve.

Supplier Diversity at Belk is a strategic initiative that aligns well with our corporate focus on diversity and inclusion. We strive to work with qualified minority and women-owned businesses that give us a competitive advantage and access to innovative solutions through their products and services. Our Supplier Diversity initiative also enables us to be a good steward in our communities by stimulating economic development, and it helps our business by strengthening our brand.

Raj Pragasam Chief Inclusion Officer & Senior Vice President of Human Resources Compass Group USA was just named one of America’s 500 Best Employers by Forbes. "Growing great people and building great companies is what we do. We appreciate the power of diversity and inclusion, and our company’s business model demonstrates that." - Gary Green, CEO.

Deborah Williams, MSM Sr. Director, Supplier Diversity Supplier diversity is more than a concept at Premier, a leading healthcare improvement company. It is fully integrated into our sourcing process, and it is an important part of every contracting decision. Premier has a strong history of contracting with diverse suppliers who supply more than 200 product categories in our contract portfolio.

We understand the value of a diverse supplier network.

At Bank of America, our supplier network reflects our commitment to diversity.

Diversity and inclusion benefits our customers, our communities and economies around the world. We help make opportunity possible by working directly with thousands of businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, the LGBT community and people with disabilities to obtain quality products and services; or indirectly through companies who share our commitment to diversity.

Not only is it the right thing to do, it makes us a better company and a better partner in the community.

Š 2013 Bank of America Corporation. AD-04-13-1593.A | AR03B95D

Resource directory presented by Bank of America Supplier Diversity & Development

Minority and Womenowned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Training and Support

N.C. Coordinators’ Network www.mwbenetwork.org N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development 919-956-8889 www.ncimed.com United Minority Contractors of North Carolina www.umcnc.org

MWBE Certification Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council 704-549-1000 www.cvmsdc.org info@cvmsdc.org City of Charlotte Small Business Opportunity Program Nancy Rosado Neighborhood and Business Services 704-336-2116 N.C. Small Business and Technology Development Center 704-687-0440 www.sbtdc.org Statewide Uniform Certification Program (SWUC) *N.C. Dept. of Administration Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses 919-807-2330 www.doa.nc.gov/hub Women Wrule Women, Minority and Small Business Certification Assistance and Government Contracting 803-517-4030 www.womenwrule.com *Certified MWBE Business

Corporate Supplier Diversity Balfour Beatty Construction Calvin Stevens Director of Business Development and Diversity 919-233-5137 cstevens@balfourbeattyus.com www.balfourbeattyus.com Bank of America www.about.bankofamerica.com Visit “Our Story, How We Work, Supplier Diversity.”

Carolinas HealthCare System Donnie Moore Manager of Supplier Diversity 704-512-7772 donald.moore@carolinashealthcare.org www.carolinashealthcare.org Compass Group/Foodbuy Tina Bausman Supplier Diversity Manager 704-328-6091 tbausman@foodbuy.com www.cgnad.com Duke Energy Andrew Grier Supplier Diversity Executive 704-382-7690 andrewgrier@duke-energy.com www.duke-energy.com/ suppliers/default.asp Harris Teeter Kim Powers Director of Diversity 704-844-3100 kpowers@harristeeter.com www.harristeeter.com Lowe’s Home Improvement James Frison Director of Supplier Diversity 704-758-4762 james.r.frison@lowes.com www.lowes.com/supplierdiversity Novant Health Kevin J. Price, MBA, MHA Director, Supplier Diversity & Performance 704-384-3543 kjprice@novanthealth.org www.novanthealth.org/supplierdiversity Piedmont Natural Gas Summer Nichols Senior Diversity Sourcing Specialist 704-731-4116 supplierdiversity@piedmontng.com www.piedmontng.com/ about/supplier-diversity Time Warner Cable – Carolina Region David Wiehagen Vice President, Strategic Procurement 704-731-3261 david.wiehagen@twcable.com www.timewarnercable.com Wal-Mart Michael Byron Senior Director of Supplier Diversity 479-277-1439 supplierdiversity@wal-mart.com www.walmart.com Wells Fargo Regina Edwards Head of Supplier Diversity 704-383-6445 regina.o.edwards@wellsfargo.com www.wellsfargo.com/supplierdiversity

Businesses

FES, Inc. 704-398-0436

Administrative Services

CImage Solutions 704-847-1329

Cybertary 704-256-4717 www.charlotte.cybertary.com

CKS Image Solutions, LLC 704-786-7763 www.ksimagesolutions.com

CThe Marjon Corporation JP Hamilton Business and Administrative Services 704-248-6924

ResourceListings

Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov

Belk, Inc. Norris Raper VP, Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Diversity 704-357-1000 supplierdiversity@belk.com www.belk.com

Lippi & Co Advertising 704-376-2001 www.lippibfoundbchosen.com

✥Simply Virtual 704-719-2202 www.simply-virtual.com

CLogo’d Gear 704-334-9333 www.logodgear.com

Advertising Agencies/ Promotional Products

CLogo Pros 704-545-7408

3PM Creative Group 704-919-1726

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

AC&M Group 704-697-4400 www.acmconnect.com

CMarketing and Media Resource 704-334-3322

CAd Consortium 704-341-0789

CMedia Mark US 704-504-1256 www.mediamark.us

CAdSpark Promos 704-781-8790 www.adsparkpromos.com

CMedia Power Advertising, Inc. 704-567-1000 www.mediapoweradvertising.com

Alliance Document Solutions, Inc. 704-583-3409 www.adocument.net

Nice & Intelligent Business Solutions 704-953-8379 www.niceandintelligent.com

Bantra Corp.

704-372-3400 www.bantracorp.com

CPhoenix Rising Group 704-618-0105

CBluePeppper Public Relations 704-625-6564 www.bluepepperpr.com

PIA International 704-593-1256 www.piapromo.com

Bonnie B. Thyer Specialties Co. 704-331-0645 www.bonniebpromomall.com

CPiedmont Marketing Concepts, Inc. 704-347-0202

BrandRPM 704-225-1800 www.brandrpm.com

CPride Communications, Inc. 704-375-9553 www.pridemagazine.net

CGR Creative 704-926-9933 www.cgrcreative.com

CQCityMetro.com 704-442-1565 www.qcitymetro.com

Carolina Corporate Wear, Inc. 704-540-4613 www.carolinacorporatewear.com

CSelect Media Partners, Inc. 704-552-8131 www.selectmediapartners.com

Charlotte Hotel TV 704-806-5692 www.charlottehoteltv.com www.fitcitytv.com

CThe Agency Marketing Group 704-333-0667 www.gettheagency.com

Cook Information & Packaging 704-376-6324 CCreative Marketing Ideas 800-500-3223 www.cohenmkg.com CDream Media Studios 704-777-5898 CEquine Marketing Group 704-663-4487

CTropical Concepts 704-342-4575 Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuricreative.com

Attorneys CA. Gray Bonds 704-347-2545 www.graybail.com www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com

51

Resource directory presented by Bank of America Supplier Diversity & Development Williams & Exum, P.A. 704-332-5583 CMickle & Bass Law Firm 803-980-0083

ResourceListings

CAnthony G. Young, PA 704-334-2488 CBallantyne Settlement Services, Inc. 704-752-0010 CBarbara L. White 704-375-9411 www.barbaralwhite.com Benjamin M. Li 704-527-0878 CBrady & Kosofsky, PA 704-849-8008 www.bandklaw.com CCalvin L. Brown 704-376-1521 Cheryl R. Watkins 704-552-3993 www.crwatkinslaw.com CDavid A. Concha 704-525-8824 www.conchalawyer.com CDenise L. Presley 704-676-4622 www.presleylawpllc.com ✥Douglas H. Kim Law Firm 704-504-0962 www.douglaskimlawfirm.com

CLaw Offices of Michelle Vereck 704-283-5555 www.vereckey.com Law Office of Marcia Burton 704-342-5009

Zamora Law 704-892-4925 www.zamora-law.com

CLisa Andrew Dubs 828-323-1926

Book Stores

CMaxwell Law Firm, PLLC 704-780-4286

Book Buyers 704-344-8611

CMorris York Williams Surles & Barringer, LLP 704-375-4480

CLillian’s Library Antiques 704-636-4671

Paul Suhr 919-876-4707 www.paulsuhrlaw.com

CMain Street Books 704-892-6841

✥Rachel Pickard 704-867-5341 CRamsay Law Firm, P.A. 704-376-1616 www.ramsaylawfirm.com CShapack & Shapack, PA 704-375-7500 CShawna Davis Collins 704-289-3250 www.shawnacollins.com CStarrett Law Firm, PLLC 704-887-4944 www.starrettlawfirm.com CStone Bennett, PC 704-612-0077

Eric Montgomery 704-749-3135 www.themlawfirm.com

CSusan D. Brotherton 704-873-7529

CFerguson Stein Chambers Gresham & Sumter 704-375-8461 www.fergusonsumter.com

CSynergy Legal Staffing 704-366-4540

CGardner Skelton, PLLC 704-335-0350 www.gardnerskelton.com Gary Henderson 704-599-4577 www.ghendersonlawoffice.com

Law Offices of Michael A. Demayo 704-333-1000 www.demayolaw.com 52

CAquent 704-338-9119 www.aquent.com CAtlantic Communication Products, Inc. 704-676-5880 www.goacp.com CBrand Equity Marketing, LLC 704-372-3982 www.brandequitymarketing.com

CCITI, LLC 704-969-2484 www.citi-llc.com

✥The Klauk Law Firm 704-258-7973 www.klauklaw.com

CExpert Services International, LLC 704-969-9200

CThe Justice Firm, LLC 704-377-4747 www.thejusticefirm.com

CKimberly Poe Law Office 704-489-8182

CAdvanced Imaging Systems 704-525-4392

Tamela T. Wallace 704-371-4212 www.tamelatwallace.com

CJanice V. Coulter 704-334-1811

CKimberly E. Fox, PLLC 704-439-2720 www.kimfoxlaw.com

Communications/ Media-Related Services

CGR Creative 704-926-9933 www.cgrcreative.com

Tin Nguyen 704-461-1527

Ken Harris & Associates 704-343-2620 www.kenharrisassoc.com

CThe Book Rack 704-544-8006 www.thebookrack.com

CT. Michael Todd 704-343-9700

CHands Law Office, PLLC 704-248-7976 www.handslawonline.com

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

CYoung Law Firm, PC 803-980-2765

The Law Office of Amrita K Dhaliwal 704-333-0056 CThe Law Offices of Javá O. Warren 704-568-8439 www.jwarrenlawfirm.com

CIASO Sport Center 704-201-7791 CKarin Lukas Technical Writing, LLC 704-756-0458 CKineta Corporation 704-752-9094 www.kinetacorp.com Media Power Advertising 704-567-1000 www.mediapoweradvertising.com

CThe Wright Law Firm 704-332-2274 www.wright4justice.com

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

CYellow Duck Marketing, LLC 704-271-9555 www.yellowduckmarketing.com

Computers/Printers/Web CAdaptquest Consulting 704-968-1136 Allegra Print & Imaging 704-708-5818 www.allegracharlotte.com CApplication Consultants, Inc. 704-573-7677 www.appconsultinc.com CApplied Data Technologies 704-847-3000 www.applieddatatech.com CAutomation Business Concepts 704-279-2535 CBlueline Technologies 704-542-1514 www.bluelti.com CBusiness Policy Solutions, LLC 704-921-9556 www.bpolicysolutions.com Carlisle & Gallagher Consulting Group 704-936-1600 www.carliseandgallagher.com CCIT Consulting 704-577-0687 www.citconline.com Carolina Cartridge & Supplies 704-347-2447 www.ccsinside.com Carolina IT Consulting 704-339-2200 www.citonline.com Classic Graphics 704-597-9015 www.knowclassic.com CComputech Consulting, LLC 866-631-2194 www.computech-consulting.us CComputer Functions, LLC 704-333-2827 www.cfcomputerstore.com CComputer House Calls 704-549-4334 Computel Systems 704-541-8659 Copy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte 704-529-6606 www.copycatsouth.com

CWatson Law Firm 704-333-4663 CWilliam R. Echols, PLLC 704-540-2550

CNetwork Cabling Systems, Inc. 704-523-8606 www.networkcablingsystems.com

See ALL 3,000+ listings online at www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com

CCPI Training Solutions Inc. 704-358-3373 www.solutionsrus.com

Good for our customers.

Good for business.

Become a minority or women-owned business supplier for Belk.

We recognize that having a diverse supplier base supports Belk’s mission to build an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, and helps us be the best of the best in the communities where we live, work and play. We’re making that happen by aligning ourselves with qualified minority and women-owned business enterprises that provide Belk with innovative ways to meet our professional goals.

Interested in working with us? Contact supplierdiversity@belk.com, or visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BelkSupplierDiversity

or scan the QR code with your smartphone

Connect with us for special offers and promotions at Belk.com/getconnected

Resource directory presented by Bank of America Supplier Diversity & Development

ResourceListings

CDat-A-Syst, Inc. 704-523-3548 www.datasyst.net ESoucre Systems and Integration 704-895-3520 www.esandi.com Frontline Consulting Services 704-510-1998 www.fcs-inc.com Geek Choice 704-331-0739 CGlobal Networkers 704-343-0094 www.globalnetworkers.com CHardison Cartridge, LLC 704-334-5844 www.hardisoncartridge.com CI.T.E., LLC 704-568-6863 CIrvin Networks, LLC 888-775-1115 www.irvin-networks.com CJCMR Technology, Inc. 704-707-3333 www.jcmr.net CLaury Controls & Design 704-785-6788 www.laurycontrols.com

CPK Technical Services, LLC 980-236-0911

CLynne Murchison Cadieu, DDS 704-365-6505

CProvish Consulting, Inc. 980-297-4855 www.provish.com

CMatthews Periodontics 704-847-5657 www.matthewsperio.com

Rush Computer Rentals 704-527-0193 www.rushcomputer.com The Regal Group 704-882-9061 www.theregalgroup.com CSirian Technologies, Inc. 704-607-9097 www.siriantec.com CSMS Tech Solutions, LLC 704-545-5603 www.smstechsolutions.com CSynergy Network Concepts 704-333-1996 CXtramile Soft, LLC 704-699-9912 www.xtramilesoft.com CZenmonics, Inc. 704-971-7315 www.zenmonics.com

Dentists/Orthodontists AAA Dental Office 704-364-6666

CLogical Advantage, LLC 704-377-5066 www.logicaladvantage.com

CCarlos A. Sanchez, DDS 704-938-7505

Network Cabling Systems 704-523-8606 www.networkcablingsystems.com

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

Neteffect Technologies 704-504-9040 www.ne-t.com CMetalogix, Inc. 704-543-1616 www.metalogixinc.com CMetrolina Printing & Promotional, LLC 704-262-3939 www.metrolinaprintpromo.com CJJ Computer Services 704-542-6254 www.jjcomputerservice.com CLimelight Web Development 704-644-3737 www.limelightwebdevelopment.com Neteffect Technologies 704-504-9040 www.ne-t.com âœĽPaperless Digital Solutions, LLC 704-357-8881 www.usascanning.com 54

Dasling Dentistry 704-594-9250 www.daslingdentistry.com

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

Ethnic Food Items/ Grocery Stores A&A International Food 704-531-1151 CA1 Express Mart 704-735-8621

CVo Minh Oai, DDS 704-364-6666

CA1 Stop Food Store 704-347-1747

CMonique D. McEachern DDS, PLL 704-971-7272

CAnderson Deli 803-325-2977

CNguyen Nguyen, DDS 704-910-4720 Orthodontic Care 704-509-4999 www.drcooperortho.com CPompeii Dentistry 704-662-6020 Regina Henderson, DDS 704-503-0202 CRenda L. Welch, DDS 704-786-9123 Rolle Oral & Facial Surgery 704-892-9500 www.rolleoralfacialsurgery.com CSandra Merrill, MD 704-684-0195 CSandy Stovall, DDS 704-549-5600 SouthEnd Dentistry 704-335-8266 www.southenddentistry.com A Smile 4 U Family Dentistry 704-549-1199 www.Smile4ucharlotte.com

Ann Doa Sakura Oriental Market 704-525-9840 Asian Grocery 704-540-4201 Bharat Bazaar 704-494-4845 CCarolina Smoothies 704-358-0006 Central Market 704-567-2071 Central Oriental Market 704-532-9888 Cilnecerea 704-569-0132 Compare Foods 704-817-7074 www.comparesupermarkets.com CCorner Store 2 803-366-3116 Eang-Hong Grocery & Fresh Seafood 704-566-1272 International SuperMarket 704-509-1799

CSusan M. Collins, DMD 803-324-3277

LaBella Estrella 704-569-1899

Derek C. Barnes, DDS 704-849-6700 www.drderekbarnes.com

Steven Ghim, DDS 704-293-0213

Lucky Oriental Grocery 704-568-8666

CDiane E. Haberl, DDS 704-663-3001

CUniversity Pediatric Dentistry 704-688-1664 www.universitypediatricdentistrync.com

New Century Grocery & Food 704-921-1716

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

Felecia Burridge, DDS 704-536-0811 Friendly Dental of Ballantyne 704-494-7990 www.friendlydentalballantyne.com CJackson Orthodontics 704-464-0696 www.drjacksonsmiles.com CKathleen Boyd, DDS, MS, DDS, PA 704-637-3636 Eastover General Dentistry 704-295-0151

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

U. Phillip Igbinadolor & Associates 704-494-8484 www.upidental.com Webber Dentistry 704-332-5848, 704-392-9357 www.webberdentistry.com Xin Chen, DDS English-Chinese 704-405-5690 Young & Polite Children’s Dentistry 980-245-3451 www.charlottencchildrendentistry.com

COrganic Marketplace 704-864-0605 www.organic-marketplace.com COriental Food Market, Inc. 704-537-4281 Overseas Oriental Food 704-522-9111 CPassmore Grocery 803-328-1541 CPlaza Sundries 704-333-2652

Resource directory presented by Bank of America Supplier Diversity & Development CJ. Mattier & Associates 704-919-0507

Events/Party Planning

CLex, Inc. 704-503-7412

✥Blessed Occasion Event Planner 704-697-8200

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

CBotanica Lights, LLC 704-737-0962 www.botanicalights.com Creative Catering 704-373-2900 www.creativecateringinc.net Extravangaanza Events & Props 704-343-9200 www.extravaganzaevents.com CIt’s My Affair 704-394-4928 www.itsmyaffair.com Occasions Catering and Event Planning 704-333-1060 www.occasionscater.com CPersonal Dynamics 704-366-9555 CThe Main Event 704-332-5819 www.themaineventnc.com Tribble Creative Group 704-376-1943 www.tribblecreativegroup.com CWadsworth Estate 704-332-3050

Financial Services CAnderson, Campbell, & Associates 704-347-0090 www.acassociates.us

Nexity Financial Services 704-553-8333 www.alostarbank.com Ocean Advisors 704-523-6914 www.oceanadvisors.com Rose & Associates Southeast 704-896-0094 www.roseassociates.com CShear Expressions, Inc. 704-847-8571 Tucker Boynton Company 704-366-5085 www.tbfinancial.com US Financial Services 704-531-9999 Wade Financial Service 704-332-2270 Wealth Builders 704-947-8444 www.wealthbuildersradio.com Whitley Financial 704-808-4764 www.whitleyfinancial.com CWorth Financial Advisory Group 704-731-0121 www.worthadvisors.com

Carter Insurance 704-542-7500 www.agents.allstate.com/luthercarter-jr-charlotte-nc.html

Fitness/Wellness

Consolidated Planning 803-933-0605 www.cplanning.com

CBetter Bodies 4 Us, LLC 980-721-1866 www.betterbodies4us.com

Cornerstone Financial Planners 704-906-2919 www.cornerstone4planning.com First Legacy Community Credit Union 704-375-5781 www.firstlegacyccu.org CFirst Personal Financial Services, Inc. 866-506-9090 www.eratesmortgage.com Freedom Financial Advantage, LLC 704-905-9867 www.freedomfinancialadvantage.com GM Financial 704-719-3570 www.gmfinancial.com

C4 Your Body, Inc. 704-200-6846

Club Fitness 704-295-7900 www.goclubfitness.com Core Elevation Fitness & Wellness 980-355-4502 Energy Sports and Fitness 704-321-3488 Energyve Fitness 704-763-6556 www.energyve.com First in Flight Gym 704-866-0040 My Gym 704-522-6966

N’Shape with ’N 704-334-4848 www.nshapewithn.com

CJewell Treats 980-202-2530 www.jewelltreats.com

Shabaka Body of Your Dreams Studio 704-449-1476 www.bodyofyourdreamsstudio.com

Kai’s Kookies & More 980-819-8256 www.kaiskookies.com Las Delicias 704-568-2120 www.lasdeliciasbakeryclt.com

CThe Yoga Center 704-372-4289

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

Ultimate CrossFit 704-650-5956 www.ultimatecrossfit.com

Sadie’s Soulful Southern Experience 704-532-5570

Food/Catering/ Food Trucks

SouthernCakeQueen 704-287-8314 www.southerncakequeen.com

A. Oronde Culinary Services 704-819 3251 www.aoronde.com

The Southern Gourmet 704-849-SOGO (7646) www.thesoutherngourmet.net

Big “L” Enterprises 704-392-8717

Wingzza 704-737-1040 www.wingzzatruck.com

CBushelle Seasonings, Inc. 704-947-0056 www.bushelleseasonings.com

Graphic Design

Cake and Craft Creations 704-577-4400 www.cakeandcraft.com

CBrinkley Design, Inc. 704-372-8666

Cakes By Bela 704-506-3771

Classic Graphics 800-368-1056 www.knowclassic.com

Catering By Tara 704-492-3791 www.cateringbytara.com

Cynthia Frank Design 704-562-2616

Charleston House Catering 704-837-6187 www.herbin.com/charlestonhouse.html

JM Graphics 704-375-1147 www.jmgraphics.espwebsite.com

Courtney Paul Chocolates 704-629-8824 www.courtneypaulchocolates.com

Kineta Corp.

704-752-9094 www.kinetacorp.com

Creative Catering 704-373-2900 www.creativecateringinc.net

CLkblake Graphic Design 704-408-8865 www.blakeweddinginvitations.com

Essie’s Catering 803-329-2228 www.essiescatering.com

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

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

CMoore Creative Ink, Inc. 704-726-6007 www.moorecreativeink.com

Heaven Sent Catering 704-399-0088 www.heavensentcatering.net

CSPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.sparkpublications.com

Howard & Howard Event Planning and Chef Services 704-332-5777, 888-609-2350 www.howardandhowardevents.com

ResourceListings

CThe Corner Store 704-888-4046

CSteele Creek Printing & Design, Inc. 704-583-0600 CTC Design Solutions, Inc. 704-971-7854 www.tcdesignsolutions.net ✥Virtual Illustrations 704-287-7023 www.virtualillustrations.com

See ALL 3,000+ listings online at www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com CVistec Graphx, Inc. 704-377-6626 www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com

55

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Bank of America Supplier Diversity & Development CWyatt Design, Inc. 866-214-5331

JP Chiropractic & Posture 704-841-1701

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

✥Lancaster One Medical 803-286-5700 www.lancasteronemed.com

Health Care/Medical

✥Laser Studio, PA 704-664-4247 www.mdlaserstudio.com

Advantage Vision Center 704-375-3935 www.advantagevisioncenter.net

✥Mount Holly Eye Clinic, Inc. 704-822-0099 www.mounthollyeyeclinic.com

Americare Health 704-941-2080

Nguyen TA Pediatrics 704-554-8880

CPWP Contractor Services 704-829-7972 www.pwpcsi.com

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

CRefresco, PLLC www.refresco-pllc.com 704-293-8011 CSuperior Mechanical Systems, Inc. 704-335-1942 www.superiormsinc.com

Arboretum Obstetrics & Gynecology 704-341-1103, 704-841-7225 www.arboretumobgyn.com CBarbara G Green Physical Therapy 704-377-0020 www.barbaragreenphysicaltherapy.com Carolinas Eye Center 704-510-3100 www.carolinaseyecenter.com Carol Zoret, MD 704-543-4058 Carolina Family Healthcare 704-847-4000 www.carolinafamilyhealthcare.com Carolina Pediatric Therapy Cooperative 803-980-4900 Centers for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research 704-895-9355 www.drbuttar.com Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness 704-543-2325 www.medicineandwellness.com

CPlanned Parenthood 704-536-7233 CPrimary Health-Care of Charlotte, PA 704-347-1172 www.getwellnesscare.com Starks Pediatrics 704-717-2826 www.starkspediatrics.com ✥Total Touch Therapeutic Massage 704-720-7354

Heating and Air Conditioning CAME Consulting Engineers, PC 704-295-4263 www.ame-pc.com Alpine Heating/AC Service, Inc. 704-821-6702 www.alpine-heat-ac.com AT’s Heating & A/C 704-568-3147

CCenter for Personal Growth 704-655-2828 www.center-for-growth.com

CChampion Heating & Cooling, Inc. 704-391-2077

CCenter for Speech Excellence, Inc. 704-375-5231 www.speechexcellence.com

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

Central Care Clinic 704-567-8218 Charlotte Premiere Health Care, PLLC 704-510-4366 www.carolrupemd.com Charlotte Primary Care 704-342-8115 Crown Clinic 704-527-5522 www.crownclinicpa.com CCynthia Busher 704-522-8300 www.cynthiabusher.com

56

Commercial Controls, Inc. 704-535-1281 www.ccihvac.com CCost Effective Maintenance, Inc. 704-332-9711 CCrawford Heating And Cooling 704-919-0340

CNative Air Heating & Air Condition, LLC 704-824-0380 CNorcor Tech. Corp.

704-309-4101 www.norcortechnologies.com CVector Supply Group, LLC 704-892-9347 CPatterson Heating & Air 803-285-4454

Human Resources/ Executive Search CAbsolute Business Connections, Inc. 704-537-0010 www.absolutebusinessconnections. com CAccruePartners, Inc. 704-632-9955 www.accruepartners.com CAdvantage Personnel Solutions, LLC 704-891-1580 www.advantageaps.com CAllegiance Staffing 704-556-1770 www.allegiancestaffing.com CAlpha Labor Contractors, Inc. 704-398-2741 www.alphalaborcontractors.com CBefore You Hire, Inc. 704-878-3600 Bergman Brothers Environmental Staffing 704-537-1230 www.bergmanbrothers.com CBergman Brothers Staffing, Inc. 704-537-1230 www.bergmanbrothers.com Burnett Resources, Inc. 888-237-4108 www.burnettresources.com CC.T. & Associates 704-372-4046

CGordon’s Heating & A/C 704-370-7789

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

Career Match Solutions 888-570-8837, 813-412-6560 www.careermatchsolutions.com Carolina Employment Opportunities 704-945-9251 CCEO, Inc. 704-372-4701 www.ceohr.com CCompass Career Management Solutions 704-849-2500 www.compasscareer.com CCorestaff Services 704-554-1960 www.corestaff.com Dental Staffing of the Carolinas 704-535-2272 www.dentalstaff.com CEPIC Placement Services 704-502-5232 www.epicplacementservices.com CEthel Harris, Inc. 704-377-8600 www.ethelharris.com CExecquest, Inc. 704-871-1036 www.execquest.com CGlobus Consulting 704-335-0182 www.globusci.com CInsurance Professional Search, Inc. 704-362-5638 www.insuranceprofessionalsearch.com Integra Staffing 704-527-9191 Integrity Solutions 704-377-3330 CJ.W. Smith and Associates, LLC 919-649-4055 www.jwsmithconsulting.com CJennifer Temps, Inc. 704-510-1556 www.jennifertemps.com CKavaliro Staffing Services 704-525-3457 www.kavaliro.com Kelly Services 704-510-0900 CKmapp Solutions, LLC 704-847-8006 CLink Staffing Services 704-525-4555 www.linkstaffing.com

CEnvironmental Heating and Air 704-910-2692

McKenney’s Mechanical 704-357-1616 www.mckenneys.com

CCato’s EEO Consulting 704-537-1014

CMagic Touch, Inc. 704-363-0781 See ALL 3,000+ listings online at www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com

Manpower 704-332-2522

Resource directory presented by Bank of America Supplier Diversity & Development CTru Solutions, Inc. DBA Express Personnel Services 704-971-3270 www.expresspersonnel.com

CMetro Staffing 704-535-3559 www.metrostaffingservice.com

W2 Executive Search Group 704-665-9555 www.crgworkforce.com

CMP International Service, Inc. 704-634-4201

CWorkforce Integration, Inc. 704-896-3110

Modis 704-334-8303

Fig’s Auto Repair 704-399-5808 www.figsautorepair.com

Allstate-Alvarado Insurance Agency, LLC 704-846-9700 www.agents.allstate.com/j-calvarado-charlotte-nc1.html

Ganetti, Inc. 704-804-2003

Apex Exterminating, Inc. 803-979-7556

Heits Building Services 919-249-6840

Arronte Law Firm, PLLC 704-774-6292 www.arronte.com

House of Bartlett, PA 704-375-6101

Insurance Services

AVON Products - Cynthia Garcia 704-999-5581

CAltmann & Porter Insurance 704-795-9001 www.bcbsnc.com

AVON Products Myriam Gladney 704-814-7318

CPatriot Services, Inc. 704-846-0887 www.patriotservicestriad.com

CCarolina Insurance School, Inc. 704-489-9440 www.carolinainsuranceschool.com

Beauty & Body Rituals 704-568-5458 www.bbrituals.com

CPerformance Staffing Solutions, Inc. 704-927-1477 www.performss.com

CCarolyn Green, Lutcf 704-504-0564 www.allstateagencies.com/ carolyngreen/welcome

CPrideStaff 704-817-3980 www.pridestaff.com

CDawn Johnson Agency 803-980-1414

CMultilingual Placement Service 704-788-2558 COn Site Testing 704-521-5390

ProLogistix 704-522-9166 CPublic Data Works, Inc. 888-725-4456 www.publicdataworks.com CQCentric Consultants 336-324-5591 www.qcentricconsultants.com CQuality Personnel 704-332-2527 CReliance One, Inc. 704-625-0060 www.reliance-one.com CResources Employment Services, Inc. 704-596-0338 www.resourceemployment.com CSign World, Inc. 704-529-4440 www.signworldnc.com Staffmark 704-588-1745 www.staffmark.com CStaff Xperts 980-333-4113 www.staffxperts.com CStower’s Professionals 704-222-3344 CTouch, Inc. 704-596-6036 CTransamerica Staffing Service, Inc. 704-586-0777 CTrinity Strategic Consulting, Inc. 704-788-6468 www.trinitystrategicconsulting.com

HPS, Inc. 704-552-8077 Into Languages Global 704-408-3132 www.intolanguagesglobal.com JDC Construction 980-721-2882 Johamar, Tires/Wheels 704-651-3671

Bon Maison Properties 704-541-2500

Juanita’s Bakery 704-523-0020

Carnitas Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant 704-563-1651 www.carnitasmexican.com

Kubota Music Productions 803-810-0343

Celia Estrada Realtors 704-335-4400

La Noticia, The SpanishLanguage Newspaper 704-568-6966 www.lanoticia.com

Cloud 9 Confections & Bakery 704-334-7554 www.cloud9confections.com

La Patisserie Bakery, Cafe and Catering 704-779-1631

CHayes Insurance Agency 704-545-3337 www.hayesinsuranceagent.com

ColombiaCharlotte.com 704-890-6099 www.colombiacharlotte.com

LaCa Projects 704-837-1688

CKotka Group, Inc. 704-366-7043

Concepcion Barajas Painting 704-557-5072

CLandmark Insurance Agency 704-633-7283

Criss Cross Mangosauce, LLC 888-448-6762 www.ccmangosauce.com

CLinda Vibbert Insurance, Inc. 704-545-2454 www.healthdentalinsurancecharlotte.com

CSB Promo 704-708-5088 www.csbpromo.com

New York Insurance 704-332-1221

Design and Decorations Lee 704-400-3332

CPreferred Adjusters of the Carolinas, Inc. 704-529-1017 www.preferred-adjusters.com

East Coast Realty Group 704-287-2969

CGroup Insurance Solutions, Inc. 704-543-9314 www.groupinsurancesolutions.com

CPrestige Insurance Agency, Inc. 704-321-3900 www.prestigeinsagency.com CRankin Insurance Group, Inc. 704-896-9393 www.rankininsurancegroup.com

Latin American Chamber Charlotte 1900 Mexican Grill 704-678-7070 A&C Stone Masonry 704-588-3481

Las Delicias Bakery, Inc. 704-568-2120 Latorre Insurance Group 704-566-8181 www.latorreinsurance.com LaTorres Disco 704-377-4448 www.latorresdisco.com Law Offices of Stefan R. Latorre, PA 704-344-0004 www.latorrelaw.com Linzac Corporation, Inc. 704-307-0551

Eden Flowers 704-905-6313

Mundo Uniforms, LLC 704-287-1527

El Progreso Hispano Newspaper 704-529-6624 El Soplon Deportivo 704-238-0260 Elite Touch Cleaning Services, Inc. 704-606-3509 Esperanza Es Vida 704-449-6960 Fast Signs 704-531-8000 www.fastsigns.com Fiesta Maya Mexican Restaurant 704-509-9402

ResourceListings

CMedical Administrative Solutions 704-548-1111 www.mascodingsolutions.com

Neighboring Concepts 704-374-0916 www.neighboringconcepts.com Optimum Income Property 888-294-9998 www.optimumincomeproperty.com Parks Insurance Group 704-831-6677 Pio Pio Peruvian 704-541-4235 Precise Translating, LLC 704-488-5584 Premier Home Healthcare Services 704-521-4901

www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com

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Resource directory presented by Bank of America Supplier Diversity & Development Puente Media Solutions 704-576-4492 www.puentemediasolutions.com

ResourceListings

Punta Cana Grill 704-529-3599

CGolden Crest Executive Consulting, LLC 704-408-9606 www.goldencrestexecutive.com

Que Pasa Mi Gente Newspaper 704-319-5044 www.quepasamedia.com

CHDS Manufactures Representatives 704-504-1032 www.hdsreps.com

Rent@meUSA 980-355-9696 www.rentameusa.com

IT Factor 310-910-1837 www.theitfactormedia.com

Rooster Communications 336-210-3806

✥LDR Marketing 704-615-6893

Royal Roofing, LLC 704-634-4622 www.royalroofingusa.com

CLockman-Brooks Marketing Services 704-944-3188 www.lockmanbrooks.com

Sign Connection 704-868-4500 Talent Hired, LLC 704-525-3137 The Artistic Gourmet/Gelitas 704-877-2464 USTT, Inc. 704-676-0990 Why Not Pizza 704-536-0891 Windsor Jewelers 704-556-7747 www.windsor-jewelers.com Yamada Dobby America 801-787-4164

Marketing/Public Relations 721im Interactive Marketing 704-759-6483 www.721im.com CAC & M Group 704-697-4400 www.acmconnect.com CApple Rock Displays 704-598-4920 www.applerock.com CBrand Central 704-614-2786 www.brandcentralpromotions.com CCatch Creative 980-322-3418 www.catchnc.com CCGR Creative 704-334-2232 www.cgrcreative.com CCohesion Marketing & PR 704-296-2174 www.cohesionmrktg.com Digital Divas 201-304-2933 www.digitaldivasevents.com CEaddy, Perry & Associates, Inc. 704-965-6956 www.eaddyperry.com 58

The Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerly.com CMansion-Hughes Enterprises, Inc. 704-335-0770 Mythic Advertising & Marketing 704-227-0700 MC3 Sports & Entertainment 704-395-4706 COverflow Printing, Inc. 704-333-3553 www.overflowprinting.com Pride Public Relations 704-375-9553 www.pridepr.net ✥Queen & Associates 704-345-7021 Trueblue Management Group 864-406-9881 www.truebluemanagementgroup.com CUnlimited Vision Promotional, Inc. 704-846-9122

LaRaza — 106.1FM 800-975-0760 www.larazalaraza.com Mi Gente 704-319-5044 www.migenteweb.com CNorsan Media 704-537-5973 www.norsanmedia.com Qcitymetro.com 704-442-1565 www.qcitymetro.com Qué Pasa Media 704-319-5044 www.quepasamedia.com Pride Communications/ Pride Magazine 704-375-9553 www.pridemagazine.net

CAmerican Product Distributors, Inc. 800-849-5842 www.americanproduct.com CBeardsley Office Solutions, LLC 704-395-3081 www.bosrepair.com CCarolina Marking Devices 800-888-7196 www.caromark.com CDebriants Office Service 704-527-7600 www.debriants.com

Optometrists CAdvantage Vision Center 704-375-3935 www.advantagevisioncenter.com

Radio One — Old School 105.3, Praise 100.9FM 704-548-7800 www.oldschool1053.com www.praisecharlotte.com

CFort Mill Vision Center 803-547-5547 www.fortmillvision.com

The Charlotte Post 704-376-0496 www.thecharlottepost.com

Photography/Aerial/ Commercial

The Latin Focus 704-909-7945 www.thelatinfocus.com

CAvioimage Mapping Services, Inc. 704-573-7080 www.avioimage.com

Today’s Charlotte Woman 704-677-9159 www.todayscharlottewoman.com

CAlex Newton Photography 704-491-8338

WGIV —103.3FM, 1370 AM 980-297-7256 www.wgivcharlotte.com

CDonna Jernigan Photography, Inc. 704-364-1215 www.jerniganphoto.com

Mental Health

CEdison’s Photographics 704-333-0123 www.edisonsphotographics.com

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions 980.938.4200 www.cardinalinnovations.org

Indigo Photography 704-335-0948 www.indigocharlotte.com

CUnique Investments, Inc. 704-665-8231

Essential Assessments & Behavioral Health 980-939-5099 www.essentialhealthnc.com

Media/Magazines/ Newspapers/Radio

✥The FMRT Group 866-761-0764 www.fmrt.com

JP Media and Sound 704-942-1324 www.jpmediaandsound.com

Asian Library 704-334-3450 www.chungroup.org

Life Enhancement Services 704-342-9595 www.lifeenhancementservices.org

Me’lange Health Solutions 704-567-8690 www.melangehs.com

CJoanna Dehart Photography 704-545-5850 www.joannadehartphotography.com

CJ Ramirez 614-488-1122 www.cjramirez.com La Noticia 704-568-6966 www.lanoticia.com Lake Norman Currents 704-749-8788 www.lncurrents.com Lake Norman Woman 704-895-6168 www.lakenormanwoman.com

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

Office Supplies/Services Aaron Rents 877-607-9999 www.aaronrents.com CAdvanced Imaging Systems 800-332-6793 www.advancedimaging.net

CJB Long Photography 803-517-7159 www.jblongphotography.com

CLisa Adams Photography 704-334-3231 www.lisaadamsphotography.com Media Arts Collectives, LLC 704-771-9927 www.mediaartscollective.com COn Demand Photography 704-391-7361 www.ondemandphotography.com CPhotographic Elegance, Inc. 704-598-9099 www.photographicelegance.net

We’re all heading in the same direction.

When it comes to diversity, I have a saying: gumbo is the best-tasting soup. The diversity of ingredients makes it so delicious. Why should it be any different in the workplace? Compass Group evaluates you by your performance and commitment, not your nationality or ethnicity. No matter where any of us comes from, we’re all heading in the same direction – up!

Charles Senior Patient Service Manager, Morrison Father

•

Football Fan

•

Coach

www.compass-usa.com

Resource directory presented by Bank of America Supplier Diversity & Development CPhotography By Annell 704-847-8281 www.photographybyannell.com

ResourceListings

CPPT Photography 704-293-7459 www.pptphotography.net CRob Armstrong Photography 704-904-3466 www.robarmstrongphotography.com CThe Sanborn Map Company, Inc. 704-347-4552 www.sanborn.com CTimeless Arts, LLC 803-493-7086 www.timelessartsonline.com

Plumbers CAgua Source 704-831-8311 www.aguasourcellc.com CBurris Plumbing 704-510-2123 CDependable Plumbing 704-982-6938 Heyworth Plumbing 704-523-2696 www.heyworthplumbing.com CK-MAR Plumbing Company 704-241-7908 CMRL Plumbing, LLC 803-980-7180 www.mrlplumbingllc.com National Plumbing Solutions 704-309-9565 CNeely Brothers Construction Plumbing, LLC 803-322-1065 CNew Millennium Plumbing, LLC 704-309-9565 CPay Less Plumbing 704-393-9032 CPurity Systems 800-99-PURITY CQuality Drain Cleaning & Plumbing Repair 704-231-1531 CReed’s Plumbing Company 704-399-7785 CRooter Man 704-647-0105

Printers

CAmerican Labels & Printing 704-798-0638 CBantra Corporation 704-372-3400 CBEC Car Printing Co., Inc. 704-873-1911 www.beccarprinting.com CCarolina Cartridge & Supplies, Inc. 704-347-2447 www.ccsinside.com Classic Graphics 704-597-9015 www.knowclassic.com CCopy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte, Inc. 704-529-6606 ✥Delargy’s Office Office Supply, Inc. 704-597-1422 www.wb007.britlink.com CImperial Printing Products Co., Inc. 704-554-1188 www.imperialprinting.com CLake Printing and Design 704-895-3878 www.lakeprinting.biz CMarie’s Print Shop, Inc. 704-633-1125 CMetrographics 704-375-2474 www.metrographicsprinters.com CMid-Carolina Reprographics, LLC 704-529-0612 www.mid-carolinareprographics.com CPrecision Printing & Signs 704-372-8218 www.precision-prints.com CPerfect Image Printing, Inc. 704-841-2464 www.perfectimagemktg.com CProforma Impressions Group 704-575-2743 www.proforma.com/impressionsgroup CPyramid Printing & Graphics, Inc. 704-536-9027 www.pyramidprintingink.com CRainbow Printing Co. 704-861-1820 CRicha Graphics 704-331-9744 www.richa.com CSqueegee Tees & More, Inc. 704-888-0336

60

Cuisine Malaya 704-372-0766 www.cuisinemalaya.com

CVision Envelope 704-392-9090

Dim Sum 704-569-1128

CVision Forms & Supplies, LLC 704-940-0741

DragonFly 704-527-3868

Publishing/SelfPublishing Books SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.sparkpublications.com

Recycling/Junk Removal/Shredding

Golden Taipei 704-494-8688 www.goldentaipeinc.com House of Leng 980-207-3518 704-510-5081 www.houseofleng.com Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 704-370-0100 www.nikkosushibar.net

✥Hawk Sanitation & Recycling, Inc. 704-376-4295 www.hawksanitation.com

Soho Bistro 704-333-5189 www.sohobistro2go.com

Junk King 704-469-4815 www.charlotte.junk-king.com Mar’s Recycling & Shredding 704-549-8409 CMid-Atlantic Environmental, Inc. 704-489-6709

Remodeling CDo It All Interiors Remodeling & Renovations 704-492-9741 www.doitallinteriors.webs.com CFree Agent Electric 704-502-4677 CJubilee Diversified Services 980-253-3219 www.jubileediversifiedservices.com Mister Sparky 704-341-2270 www.mistersparky.com CSkyeline Construction, LLC 704-890-2222 CSree Construction, Inc. 704-364-6008 CToddCo Builders, Inc. 704-277-6338 www.todcobuilders.com

Restaurants 88 China Bistro 704-335-0288 www.88chinabistro.com

See ALL 3,000+ listings online at Ben Thánh Vietnamese www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com Restaurant 704-566-1088

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

Fujo Uptown Bistro 704-954-0087 www.fujobistro.com

CC & M Recycling, Inc. 704-599-1771 www.gotsomeconcret.com

Asian

CAction Graphics 704-332-1164 www.actionprints.com CAllegra Marketing & Print 704-708-5818 www.allegracharlotte.com

Tower Guys, Inc. 704-845-1004 www.towerguysinc.com

Shun Lee Palace, Inc. 704-366-2025 www.shunleepalacecharlotte.com Ishi Restaurant 704-921-9219 www.allmenus.com/nc/ charlotte/44319-ishi/menu Tin Tin Park Road 704-341-2293

Caribbean Anntony’s Caribbean 704-598-6863 www.anntonys.com Copper Cuisine of India 704-333-0063 www.copperrestaurant.com Jaipur Indian Restaurant 704-643-1421 www.jaipur-indian.com Maharani Indian Cuisine 704-370-2455 www.maharaniindiancuisine.com Saffron Indian Restaurant 980-297-7722 www.saffron-cuisine.com Azteca Mexican Restaurant 704-525-5110 www.aztecarestaurantcharlotte.com Cantina 1511 704-331-9222 www.cantina1511restaurant.com Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant 704-921-2414 www.donpedrorestaurant.com Three Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina 704-536-1851 www.threeamigoscharlotte.com Monterrey 704-593-0167 www.monterreyuncc.com

Resource directory presented by Bank of America Supplier Diversity & Development Luna’s Living Kitchen 704-333-0008 www.lunaslivingkitchen.com Bobbee O’s BBQ 704-509-6902 www.bobbeeosbbq.com

La’wan’s Soul Food Restaurant 704-665-7225 www.lawans.com Mert’s Heart & Soul 704-342-4222 www.mertscharlotte.com Nana’s Soul Food Kitchen 704-357-3700 www.nanassoulfoodkitchen.com Price’s Chicken Coop 704-333-9866 www.priceschickencoop.com Thai House 704-717-8006 704-542-6300 www.thaihouse.us.com Thai Orchid 704-469-4465 www.thaiorchidrestaurantcharlotte.com Thai Taste 704-332-0001 www.thaitastecharlotte.com Los Paisas (Colombian) 704-542-5477 www.lospaisasrestaurant.com Meskerem (Ethiopian) 704-335-1197 www.meskeremincharlotte.com

✥Opsec International, LLC 704-222-1920 www.opsecintl.com Professional Protection, Inc. 704-523-1660 www.ppi-inc.net Professional Security Services 704-442-9499 www.pssprotection.com CSAF Technologies, Inc. 704-844-0955 www.saftechnologies.com Security Plus Protective Services, Inc. 704-201-9724 CSecurity Solutions Group & Investigative Services 336-306-5545 www.ssgis.com ✥Southeastern Company Police, Inc. 704-394-1500 www.secpd.com Touch Attention Protective Services (TAPS) 704-493-5740

Signs ✥Bunn Barber Specialties 704-650-2242 www.bbunnspecialties.com CCreative Enterprising 803-283-4688 www.creative-enterprising.com

CSign of The Times, Inc. 704-536-9229 CSigns, ETC of Charlotte 704-522-8860 www.signsetcofcharlotte.com CSigns by Tomorrow of Rock Hill, SC 803-981-9400 www.signsbytomorrow.com CSignz, Inc. 704-824-7446 www.signsnow.com

Street Sweeping/ Parking Lots CA + Power Sweepers & Pressure Washing 704-921-6732 CSupreme Sweepers, LLC 888-698-9996 www.supremesweepers.com

Tax Return Preparation CABC Tax Services 704-735-7900 CAccounting Associates 704-864-0284 CAccounting Payroll & Taxes, Inc. 704-482-1722 CAngel E Guadalupe & Assoc.

704-531-3090 CBurchett Financial Services 704-549-9401 www.burchettfinancial.com CBustle Tax Service 704-873-3946

Security Alarms and Services

CDAWA, Inc. 704-322-3094 www.dawainc.com

CADM Security Systems, Inc. 704-363-5179

CFastSigns - S. Tryon 704-527-9102 www.fastsigns.com/176

CH&R Block 803-222-7468

CGraphical Creations, Inc. 704-888-8870 www.graphi-cal.com

✥Liberty Tax Service 704-948-1646 704-373-1343 704-779-4376 www.libertytax.com

Alpha Alarm Systems, Inc. 704-598-5829 www.alphasecurity.us CCreative Enhancements 704-728-5921 www.creativeenhancements.net vHarrisburg Security, Inc. 704-789-3535 www.harrisburgsecurity.com CInnovative Security Solutions 704-634-7360 CKeyper Systems 704-455-9400 www.keypersystems.com CKodiak Special Police and Security, LLC 980-230-4171 www.kodaikspecialpolice.com Landmark Security, Inc. 704-527-7756 www.landmarksecurityinc.com

CMcCallum Sales, Inc. 704-377-2367 www.mccallumsales.com CPetrie Sign Installation 704-599-6977 CPronto Signs 704-890-4554 www.prontosignsus.com CQuality Neon, Inc. 704-598-2256 www.qualityneoninc.com CRutherford Media Group, Inc. 704-373-2522 www.rutherfordmedia.com CSign Innovations 704-375-2338 www.signinnovations.com

CD.W. Tax Service 704-847-9313

CLucas Tax & Energy Consulting 704-968-5506 www.lucastaxandenergy.com CMarilynn Allred (H&R Block) 704-827-5761 CStorey’s Tax Bookkeeping & Secretarial 704-865-0210 www.storeystaxservice.com CTaxPro 1000 Instant Tax Centers 704-596-3400 www.taxpro1000.com CVillage Tax Service 704-695-1201

Taxis C1st Choice Transportation Services, Inc. 704-537-1819 www.1stchoicetsps.com CA & S Taxi 704-938-5440

ResourceListings

Chicken Box 704-566-6000 www.thechickenboxsoulfood.com

✥LifeGuard Protective Services, Inc. 704-201-9724 www.lifeguardprotective.com

CA Plus Taxi 704-829-0017 CCrown Cab Company, Inc. 704-334-6666 www.crowncabinc.com CLuxury Transportation 704-458-9126 COmera Benson 704-449-8506 CPrestige Wheelchair Transportation 704-332-3939

Video Production Apollo Video Productions 704-814-8899 www.apollovideoclt.com Civilized Films, Inc. 704-904-6368 www.civilizedfilms.com CDigital Oasis, LLC 704-348-4412 CKinloch Productions, Inc. 704-455-6836 www.kinloch-tv.com M.G.R. Productions, Inc. 704-948-6597 Phase2Productions 704-562-9161 www.kimbrattain.com CRutherford Media Group 704-373-2522 CSL Media Productions 704-451-3566 Story Street Studio 404-405-1229 www.storystreetstudio.com The Inertia Group 704-301-2551 www.inertia-group.com

Web Design 721im Interactive Marketing 704-759-6483 www.721im.com CASKI Services Company US, LLC 704-597-2419 www.askimore.biz Cohesion Marketing & Consulting 704- 980-2932 www.cohesiondelivers.com Creation Studios 980-292-1059 www.charlotteresourcemagazine.com

61

Resource directory presented by Bank of America Supplier Diversity & Development CCT Technology 704-563-9905

ResourceListings

Design Solutions, Inc. 704-971-7854

Business and Professional Women’s Club-Metrolina Chapter www.mbpw.org info@mbpw.org

Latin American Coalition 704-531-3848 www.latinamericancoalition.org

Eastonsweb Multimedia 704-607-0941 www.eastonsweb.com

Carolinas Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs, Inc. 704-333-1690

Latin American Women’s Association 704-552-1003 www.lawanc.org

George Web Consulting 704-625-3801 www.georgewebconsulting.com

Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County 704-525-5843

League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg 704-556-4600 www.goleaguego.org

Neonsky Creative Media 704-377-4820 www.neonsky.com

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

CSTP Ventures, LLC 704-305-6217 www.stpventures.com

Charlotte International Women’s Club 704-246-7619

CThe Anstad Group 704-208-8304 www.anstad.com Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuri-creative.com

Nonprofits Chambers of Commerce ✥Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce 866-937-2742 www.caacc.com Charlotte Business Guild (LGBT Community) 704-750-5224 www.charlottebusinessguild.org Charlotte Chamber 704-378-1300 www.charlottechamber.com Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce 704-212-2032 www.cmbcc.org Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte 704-343-2525 www.lacccharlotte.com

Business & Civic Organizations 100 Black Men of Charlotte 704-375-7300 www.100blackmenofcharlotte.org Altrusa International of Charlotte 980-229-3110 www.altrusa.com American Business Women’s Association Charlotte Charter Chapter 704-953-6169 Black Women’s Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg 704-336-7118 62

Chinese-American Association of Charlotte 704-877-6759 704-307-5866 www.charlottechinese.com Crossroads Charlotte 704-973-4577 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 704-560-6788 www.ewomennetwork.com Filipino-American Community www.facc-charlotte.com German Language and Culture Foundation 704-372-2172 x 202 www.germanfoundation.com Hispanic Contractors Association of the Carolinas 704-583-4184 www.hcacarolinas.org Hmong Community 828-327-6137 www.hmongcarolinas.com Indonesian American Association of the Carolina 704-458-8532 India Association 704-545-3727 ✥InnerVision, Inc. 704-377-5042 www.innervisionnc.org Internal Revenue Service-Charlotte 704-548-4100 www.irs.gov

Lesbian & Gay Community Center of Charlotte 704-333-0144 www.lgbtcharlotte.org Metrolina Minority Contractors Association www.mmcaofcharlotte.org

Community Services A Child’s Place 704-343-3790 www.achildsplace.org All We Want Is Love 704-625-6263 www.allwewantislove.org Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency www.carolinarefugee.com 704-535-8803

N.C. Indian Economic Development Initiative, Inc. 919-232-9414 www.ncindian.com

Center of Hope/ Salvation Army (Shelter for women and children) 704-348-2560 www.salvationarmycarolinas. org/charlotte/home/

N.C. Small Business Administration (SBA) 704-344-6563 www.sba.gov/localresources/district/nc

Children and Family Services Center 704-943-9400 www.childrenfamily.org

National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club-Charlotte 704-595-9473 www.nanbpwc.org

Community Link 704-943-9490 www.communitylinknc.org

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Charlotte 704- 367-3454 www.nawbocharlotte.org ✥National Black MBA Association — Charlotte Chapter 877-732-0314 www.nbmbaacharlotte.org ✥National Hispanic Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Inc. 704-909-7945 www.nheo.org Neighborhood Good Samaritan Center 704-605-6723 704-531-9989 www.ngscenter.org Pride Entrepreneur Education Program (PEEP) 704-375-9553 www.peepcharlotte.org Charlotte-Mecklenburg Republican Women www.cmrw.org SCORE 704-344-6576 www.charlottescore.org Urban Financial Services Coalition 202-289-8335 www.ufsc-charlotte.org

Korean Association 704-214-0860 www.charlottekoreans.com

Urban LeagueCentral Carolinas 704-373-2256 www.urbanleaguecc.org

Lao American Association www.laoamericanassociation.webs.com

Vietnamese Association www.vietcharlotte.org

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine

Women’s InterCultural Exchange 980-355-7000 www.wi-ce.org

Crisis Assistance Ministry 704-371-3001 www.crisisassistance.org ✥Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. 704-335-5885 www.girltalkfoundationinc.com ✥Hope Haven, Inc. 704-372-8809 www.hopehaveninc.org Kicking for a Dream www.kickingforadream.org Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services 704-336-3150 www.charmeck.org/ mecklenburg/county/dss Refugee Support Services www.refugeesupportservices.org Safe Alliance 704-332-9034 www.safealliance.org Supportive Housing Communities 704-335-9380 www.supportivehousingcommunities.org United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc. 211 (information and referral services) 704-372-7170 www.uwcentralcarolinas.org Urban Ministry Center 704-347-0278 www.urbanministrycenter.org YMCA of Greater Charlotte 704-716-6200 www.ymcacharlotte.org

At Premier, our name personifies our culture and our brand. We have an all-out attitude to transform America’s healthcare. It is at the core of the business intelligence we provide, the software we design, and the supply chain services we deliver. That is why our organization values diversity and the colleagues and suppliers who help us achieve our goals.

A RICH VARIETY OF PERSPECTIVES MAKES OUR COMPANY BETTER. It makes our communities better. And it will make the healthcare of our nation better.

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L E A R N M O R E AT W W W. P R E M I E R I N C . C O M

MIRACLE WORKER CHAMPIONS STRENGTHEN

CARE INFORM INFINITE INTERVENE

PARTNER

SUPPORT

SHARE

RECOVER

SHIFT HEAL

PROMOTE CHANGE ENVISION

CARING COMMUNITIES ARE INFORMED COMMUNITIES

COLLABORATE EMPOWER

ENERGIZE TRUST

LISTEN

EDUCATE

INNOVATE

CREATE

ADAPT

CHALLENGE PLAN

BELIEVE

IMPACT

INVEST

IMAGINE INSPIRE

TRANSLATE

NAVIGATE

ADVOCATE

ENCOURAGE

CELEBRATE

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions believes in strong ties to the local community.

That’s why we work closely with our members, their families and community stakeholders to build lasting partnerships that enhance knowledge and build awareness of mental health, intellectual/developmental disability and substance use conditions.

We strive to coordinate care that is both comprehensive and personal for all individuals who need services.

To learn more about our partnerships with organizations such as MHA and NAMI, as well as training opportunities and individual support, contact the Mecklenburg Community Office at 980-938-4200.

mhacentralcarolinas.org

nami-charlotte.org

IN CRISIS? CALL 1-800-939-5911 cardinalinnovations.org