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Charlotteâ€™s Multicultural Resource Magazine 2016-2017

Hissho

SUSHI How Philip Maung created an empire

ANNUAL BUSINESS AND SERVICES DIRECTORY STARTING ON PAGE 47

RAISING OUR

STANDARDS

WITHOUT

RAISING OUR

PRICES HOW

REFRESHING

At Food Lion, supporting the community is important to us. That’s why we’re committed to always providing you with fresh foods at affordable prices. Thank you for choosing our home to feed your home.

Introducing the Affordable Loan Solution mortgage TM

This new home loan option may help lower your down payment By Glenda Gabriel

Neighborhood Lending Executive, Bank of America If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may be able to reduce the amount needed for your down payment with Bank of America’s new Affordable Loan Solution mortgage.1 This fixed-rate loan for low- and moderate-income borrowers offers a competitive rate and a down payment as low as 3% to help make buying a home more affordable. It may be a good responsible loan option for qualified homebuyers who don’t have enough savings for a larger down payment. Here are some highlights of the program:

Find a loan that’s right for you Meet with a Bank of America mortgage specialist who can: • Assess your eligibility for a loan based on income, credit history and other requirements • Prequalify you to see how much you can borrow2 • Determine if the Affordable Loan Solution mortgage is a good option for you • Discuss down payment and closing cost requirements

Search for down payment and cost savings programs

• Competitive rates with a down payment as low as 3% (Applicants cannot own additional properties at closing)

Learn how you may be able to lower your down payment even more:

• Mortgage insurance is not required

• Bank of America connects borrowers to programs that are offered by city, county and state agencies

• Homebuyer education may be required for first-time buyers through a HUD-approved counseling provider or Connect to Own,® Bank of America’s nationwide network of counselors1 • Maximum income and loan amount limits apply (varies by location)

Get personal guidance from a dedicated mortgage specialist Buying a home is an important financial decision. A Bank of America mortgage specialist can help guide you through the process so you’ll feel confident every step of the way. Contact us today to talk about whether an Affordable Loan Solution mortgage would be right for you.

• You may qualify to use these programs in combination with a low-down-payment mortgage to help make buying a home more affordable3 • To see what may be available in your area, visit the Bank of America Down Payment Resource Center at bankofamerica.com/ downpaymentcenter

Get started today. Visit mortgage.bankofamerica.com. Available for fixed-rate purchase loans with terms of 25 or 30 years and on primary residences only. Certain property types are ineligible. Borrower(s) must not have an individual or joint ownership interest in any other residential property at time of closing. Maximum purchase loan-to-value is 97% and maximum combined purchase loan-to-value is 103%. For loan-to-values > 95%, any secondary financing must be from an approved Community Second Program; ask for details. Homebuyer education required prior to closing when all borrowers on the loan are first-time homebuyers. Restrictions apply regarding co-borrowers. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply. 2 Prequalification is neither preapproval nor a commitment to lend; borrower must submit additional information for review and approval. 3 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. ©2016 Bank of America Corporation. AR47T4PJ AD-04-16-1288 04-2016 1

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*Patients must be physically located in North Carolina at the time of the Virtual Visit.

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.

25 Years

July-August 2016

Departments 10 From the Editor 43 FYI News & Notes 44 Calendar of Events 45 Seen and Scene 47 Annual Business

Directory

Features 12 Making It Count:

Young Life Bringing ministry to the masses

issho Sushi H CEO Philip Maung On sushi and success

FS Intercultural A Programs USA Crossing Classrooms, Crossing Culture

ride P Business Summit The Success in failure

Features 26

rtist Showcase A Charles Williams and Rocio lLusca

thnic Cuisine E A Taste of Africa in the Queen City

International Organizations You Should Know 3 Embracing other cultures

C&M Group A Marketing agency offers the cutting edge on cultural diversity

enerational Differences G Understanding each other in the workplace

outheast Asia S Trip abroad brings welcomed surprise

ow to Fund A Business H Tips from a real life

Charlotteâ€™s Multicultural Resource Magazine 2016-2017

Hissho

SUSHI How Philip Maung created an empire

ANNUAL BUSINESS AND SERVICES DIRECTORY STARTING ON PAGE 47

On the Cover Philip Maung, CEO of Hissho Sushi shot on location at Hissho Sushi headquarters in Charlotte, NC. Photo by Jonathan Cooper.

July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

Make the dream of home ownership a reality With BNC Affordable Mortgage a fixed rate loan with low to no down payment · 30 year fixed rate product offering options of 0% to 3% down payment* · Owner Occupied properties only

· Purchase and rate and term refinance · Sellers concessions up to 6% · No PMI

· Qualifying income must be at or below 100% of HUD median Income · Homebuyer education and home inspection required

* A mortgage of $150,000 with a 3% down payment at an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 4.112% with 0% points, no origination fee and a credit score of 620 would result in 360 monthly payments of $716.12. This is a representative example. Interest rates and APRs are based on current market rate and are for informational purposes only. Rates are subject to change without notice and may be subject to increase based on property type, loan amount, loan-to-value, credit score and other variables. The proposed example does not include tax payments or payments for flood or hazard insurance which will cause the payment to be higher. Maximum loan amount is currently $417,000.00 as of date of publication. Borrower may not have ownership in another home at the time of closing, must not have late payments in the last 6 months and must have a minimum of 12 months rental history. Borrower must contribute a minimum of $500 and have two months of principal, interest, taxes and insurance in reserve. Escrow is required as applicable. Offer is subject to credit approval based on credit history, income and property appraisal. Minimum credit scores and maximum debt to income ratios apply. Structural and mechanical systems (such as roof, flooring, heating, etc.) must have a remaining life of at least 3 years or must be replaced prior to closing. 0% down payment will result in no property equity until such time the loan principal is paid down through regular mortgage payments and/or the property value appreciates. If property values decline borrower could owe more than the property’s value. Interest on portion of loan that exceeds the value of the dwelling may not be tax deductible and borrower should consult a tax advisor. HUD median income varies by area and is the amount at which half of area incomes are above and half of area incomes are below that amount. Seller concessions allow the seller to pay up to 6% of the purchase price toward the home buyer’s closing costs including loan origination fees, discount points, title search fees and prepaid items such as taxes, insurance and inspections. If combined loan to value (CLTV) is greater than 100% borrower must use eligible down payment assistance program (such as FHLBA, City’s DAP, NCHFA, USDA, etc.).

For a complete listing of banking offices throughout the Carolinas and Virginia, please visit our website.

bankofnc.com 1.800.262.7175

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 Genna Baugh

Distribution Watchdog Entertainment

Account Executive Nikelle Fesperman

Public Relations Nepherterra Estrada

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$13.25. Please subscribe online at www.pridemagazineonline.com, 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 402 W. Trade St., Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28202 www.pridemagazineonline.com

July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

FromTheEditor

Expand Your World Right Here

hew! I recently got back from another trip to The Netherlands and Belgium. I love collecting new travel experiences every chance I get. As we began putting this issue together, I realized how much I take Charlotte for granted by seeking culture elsewhere. Our city is rich with multicultural experiences and people even if you don’t travel outside of the country. Although I didn’t start traveling abroad until five years ago, there are opportunities for local students to expand their cultural horizons. Our feature on the AFS Intercultural Programs USA (page 19) is a solid example of the positive impact intercultural learning and global travel can have on youth. It’s a great read. Speaking of the younger generation, have you ever wondered why millennials behave the way they do?

Our feature on generational differences (page 37) will break it all down for you. Honestly, the article blew me away. I’ve been using the information as a tool to help me interact with everyone. Our cover feature on Hissho Sushi founder Philip Maung (page 14) is inspiring. Maung learned to value his employees over his bottom line and as a result his company is more successful than ever. Five minutes in Maung’s presence makes you feel energized and ready to take on the world! Pridemagazineoline.com is in full swing with interesting tidbits I think you’ll enjoy from lifestyle to mustattend events in Charlotte each week. Be sure to check it out regularly and share our stories with your friends. We want to hear what you have to say. Be sure to leave a comment. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

We tasted and loved every bite of sushi these franchisees made.

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Food and fun with Hissho Sushi CEO, Philip Maung. (Yes, we ate the sushi on his chopsticks!)

Run toward your life,

Lashawnda K. Becoats Lashawnda Becoats

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MakingItCount

Young Life: Bringing Ministry to the Masses By Tiffany Bell Photos courtesy of Young Life

here was a time when children were safe in schools. Unfortunately, a story that we are far too familiar with is piped into our living rooms via our television sets on an almost nightly basis. Evening news reports are consistently peppered with stories of public and personal safety challenges in high schools and, in some cases, middle schools. What was once considered a safe haven is now causing parents, faculty and school administrators to beg the question: What if preventive actions were taken in these situations instead of reactive measures? Thankfully, for students and parents alike, the Young Life organization is on a mission to do just that. Each day, young adult leaders take up the mantle to provide

a much-needed positive alternative, which could not only deter violence, but also make a life-altering impact in students’ lives that could benefit them far beyond their high school years. Their mission, according to Tiara Moore, a 25-year-old Young Life leader at Zebulon B. Vance High School, is “to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.” Young Life was started 75 years ago, in 1941, in Gainesville, Texas by Jim Rayburn. It is located in all 50 states. Young Life leaders are in public high schools, private schools, charter schools and middle schools. The objective is to go beyond the walls of the church to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to children. Outreach ministries bring services or information to people. The success of this ministry is built on leaders’ ability to use a unique approach to build a rapport with students. “To be Young Life (YL) leaders,

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people must undergo screening. They have usually been at the school from three to 10 years and spend 20-25 hours per week working with students, spending time with them daily, earning the right to be heard,” says Moore. Leaders eat lunch with students, hang out with them after school and interact with the students’ families. “We are a Christian ministry providing outreach to non-Christian kids. We go to where the youth are, meet them on their turf, on their Students from Vance high school at Young Life’s fall weekend camp this past November. Camps are held twice a year in a beautiful, adventurous environment where they can process God in terms they understand.

level and, through these relationships, we are building trust,” continues Moore. Each week, the ‘Young Life Club’ event takes place at the schools from 7-8 p.m. This gives students the opportunity to enjoy a live band, play games and participate in skits. At the end of the event, there is a 10-minute talk from the Young Life Leader in terms that are easy for the kids to understand. According to 15-year-old Dulce Jarquin, “It’s a really fun experience, and at the end, Tiara explains a Bible Scripture to us…It’s something that relates to your life or her life.” Parents of the student participants sing the ministry’s praises, saying how happy they are with its positive impact on their children’s lives. Moore continues, “My goal is to have parents say that they want Young Life in schools because they’ve seen or heard about how it changes students’ lives for the better. Ten years from now, I want Vance [High School] to be a place where parents want their kids to attend school, because Young Life is there.” CMRM For more information about the Young Life organization, visit https://charlotte.younglife.org.

Tiara Moore giving a talk after a Young Life Club event. The “talks” are about Jesus using stories and the Bible in a manner that teenagers can relate to.

Your extraordinary child deserves an extraordinary education. Visit us today to see how Charlotte’s #1 LD and ADHD school can create opportunities from challenges and success from frustration.

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July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

SUSHI

MADE PHILIP MAUNG MONEY Feature

...VALUES

Photo courtesy of Hissho Sushi

MADE HIM SUCCESSFUL

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

By Tonya Jameson Photos by Jonathan Cooper

even sushi chefs spread rice, tuna, cucumber and other accompaniments onto sheets of seaweed inside of Hissho Sushi’s prep kitchen. A watchful corporate trainer watches to make sure each roll is perfect. Every aspect of making a sushi roll, from the ingredients to how items are sliced and placed on trays, is controlled at Hissho Sushi. As the chefs prepare roll after roll, Hissho Sushi owner and CEO Philip Maung walks into the kitchen clapping. “I have to taste the sushi,” Maung says with a smile. In the last 18 years, Maung has tasted a lot of sushi in his test kitchen. Maung and his fiancé, Kristina launched Hissho Sushi in their Charlotte home in 1998. Today, Hissho is a multimillion dollar food service and distribution company. Hissho manages and operates more than 875 sushi and pan Asian hot bars in grocery stores, airports, hospitals and universities in 39 states across the country. Locally, Hissho Sushi is available at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport,

Dean & DeLuca, Soul Gastropub and Earth Fare. “Philip has been a great example for everybody, especially for international community and minority community,” says Eileen Cai, vice president of economic and Asian development at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. “He also helped the community here and encourages everybody that as long as you work hard, you have faith, you can be successful.” Maung’s life is a true rags-to-riches tale of an immigrant who believed in the American dream. He left Burma his senior year of college to finish his college education in America in 1989. Business books and the school of hard knocks taught him how to survive and thrive in America. He had $13 and determination. Eventually, Maung made his way to Charlotte from Los Angeles. A stint as a sushi chef at Harris Teeter in SouthPark sparked an idea that would lead to Maung’s sushi career. The early years were hard. Banks wouldn’t loan him any money. Maung maxed out his credit cards, tapped his savings, borrowed money from family and launched Hissho, which he says means “Certain Victory” in Japanese. “As an immigrant, coming to a new country

Photo courtesy of Hissho Sushi

"He also helped the community here and encourages everybody that as long as you work hard, you have faith, you can be successful." — Eileen Cai, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

is a challenge,” he says. “You have limited resources, no connections, no money. Starting from scratch is very tough, especially when you want to do business. I knocked on every door in town and no one was willing to talk to you because you have no background and no success story.” Today, everyone wants to talk to Maung. In 2011, he was President Barack Obama’s guest during Obama’s speech to Congress about the economy and jobs. In 2012, Maung was featured as a small business success story during the Democratic National Convention. Hissho’s headquarters on Steele Creek Road has a media wall full of magazine covers showing Maung’s face. Hissho’s success garners headlines, but Maung is more proud of the values that guide the company. In the early years at Hissho, the company was growing, but employee morale was withering. “I was so tired. I looked around and lots of my people were so tired,” he says. May Vang, director of finance, was so tired that she left. She started with Hissho as a receptionist in the early 2000s. She stuck around for eight years, but eventually grew tired of the work-work-work atmosphere. “It was very corporate style,” she says. “I didn’t get the sense that there was a lot of teamwork and communication.” Vang wasn’t the only employee to leave. Turnover was high. Maung knew something had to change. He credits the book “Good To Great” with inspiring him to change his office culture. He never finished college, but he is an avid reader. After reading “Good To Great,” Maung realized that working himself

Hissho Sushi franchisees learn how to roll the Hissho way.

Photo courtesy of Hissho Sushi

"You need to live it and practice it from the top down. People need to see that you believe it. People will follow." — Philip Maung on his company's core values and his employees to death wouldn’t lead to long-term success. He changed the corporate feel of the office. His cubicle is a tiki bar with a mini‑refrigerator full of sake and wine. Other cubicles have Asian kites and lanterns, and one is made to look like a wild jungle. Every office employee’s birthday is celebrated. There are afternoon workouts featuring yoga and weight training. There’s a heavy bag for boxing in the conference training room.

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Hissho fielded teams in the annual Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival. The Hissho Family Tree, a giant brown paper tree, climbs one office wall. Its branches spread above the whiteboard containing the company’s latest projects. The leaves are paper hand cutouts with the names of employees and their family members. “It was one of my proudest moments,” says Maung, regarding the culture shift. He’s also a proud family man. He and Kristina eventually married and have two sons, Colin, 12, and Ryan, 14. Hissho Sushi is a turnkey operation, which means everything for its locations throughout the country is distributed from the Hissho headquarters in Charlotte. Part of the culture change meant Maung stopped micromanaging day-to-day operations. He learned to trust his staff. Maung and his staff created 11 core values such as “generate fun” as guiding principles. The values emphasize quality of life over business. “We just don’t want the culture on the wall. We want to make sure it’s a culture that we can live in every day of your life,” says Maung, who is wearing his business attire: a T-shirt and running shoes. “You need to live it and practice it from the top down. People need to see that you believe in it. People will follow.” Vang watched her former company on Facebook. Photos showed ice cream parties and games. continued on page 18

Igniting curious minds. Where your child is known & loved. Instilling honor & respect for others. Building leadership from K to 8th grade. Growing kind students with servant hearts. Teaching & Learning in Uptown for 16 years.

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July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

"We meaure our success with how well our people are doing. It's important."

Photo courtesy of Hissho Sushi

— Philip Maung

Hissho Sushi fanchisees from throughout the country spend two weeks training at the Charlotte headquarters.

continued from page 16

“I seemed to see a lot of change; in a lot of pictures, a lot of the people were happy,” she says. “It just seemed like a fun place to work.” After four years away, Vang returned to Hissho and became director of finance. She’s

also on the Hissho Foundation Committee, which coordinates activities to garner donations for local charities. “I love working here. It’s one of those jobs you definitely wake up every morning and you want to get here,” she says. “The environment here, the people here-- I actually enjoy coming every morning.” Maung says his biggest mistake was that

he didn’t understand the importance of creating a positive work environment sooner. Now he does. “We measure our success with how well our people are doing. It’s more important,” he says. “How we can make our people’s lives better is more important to us.” Couple that with making tasty sushi, and that’s a recipe for success. CMRM

DR. JOHN T. CRAWFORD RENAISSANCE CENTER The Renaissance Dr. John T. Crawford Renaissance Center is part of Phase II of The Renaissance, Charlotte Housing Authority and Laurel Street Residential’s redevelopment of a 40-acre former public housing site. The facility houses a leasing/management office, a large multi-purpose room and an educational center including administrative offices and a computer classroom. It has achieved LEED NC® certification, and serves as the development’s flagship LEED® building. neighboringconcepts.com 18

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Feature

AFS INTERCULTURAL PROGRAMS USA

CROSSING CLASSROOMS,

Crossing Cultures L By Angela Lindsay

earning doesn’t always happen in a single classroom. In fact, some of the most important lessons are learned in different and unexpected environments. AFS Intercultural Programs USA (formerly the American Field Service) gives students the opportunity to not only expand their academic knowledge; it also provides intercultural learning experiences that bring global cultures together by helping students connect, transforming the lives of thousands of students, families and individuals every year. AFS, a 501(c)3 organization, is the nation’s oldest and largest student exchange program. With affiliates in 40 countries around the world and more than 4,000 volunteers in the United States and 40,000 volunteers worldwide, the program welcomes approximately 2,500 foreign students from 60 countries to the

United States and sends more than 1,000 American students abroad each year. “A study-abroad experience helps students to become globally competent,” says Marlene Cox, a retired human resources professional and a volunteer with the AFS Charlotte chapter. “A full immersion experience leads to language fluency and toward full cultural fluency—living with another family that becomes your own (parents and siblings); experiencing their traditions, attending school, and developing lifelong friendships. It helps them to expand their worldview. They come home forever changed.” The experience certainly changed 17-year-old Julia Maria Mata. The Olympic High School student of Dominican/Costa Rican descent always loved learning languages and, at the age of 13, began teaching herself Japanese by buying books, watching

July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

Marlene Cox, host Mom to Layal from Lebanon. Also pictured is PJ from Italy.

YouTube videos, listening to Japanese music and watching TV. She soon fell in love with the culture and was eventually accepted to travel to Japan after completing one year of high school, an AFS Japan requirement. “I wanted to participate, because I wanted the opportunity to be able to live in Japan for a year almost if I was natively born there (and) going to school. I also continued to participate in my local AFS chapter because it allowed me to meet many people from all around the world, almost like travelling without leaving home,” she says. Mata was placed in a home in Miyanosawa with a host family of three—a dad, mom and sister. She remained there for only a month during the summer, but nearly a year later, she is still in touch with her Japanese family. Favorite memories, she recalls, were eating dinner with the family together every day and the

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

host family helping her with homework. The next time, she hopes to stay for a year during college. “The most important thing that I have learned is how big this world really is . . . ” says Mata. “It isn’t until we step out of (our) small lives and realize how big this world really is (that) we get to see how we are connected to seven billion lives on earth . . . By seeing how big the world is, then we see all the possibilities there are and how to cherish every moment more as we remember it is once in a lifetime. As Japan says, ‘one time, one meeting’.” AFS offers a variety of experiences for students to consider, and there are scholarship opportunities available, as well. Options include two-, four- or sixweek summer programs and semester or full school year programs for high school students; the Gap Year program for college students; and Faces of America, which provides high-achieving high school students from low-income families a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to study abroad. “Because we are a global society, just imagine the impact on a college student’s resume that says they have studied abroad in France, or Brigitta Bellion from Indonesia with Spain, or Thailand,” Cox says. her host brother from the Ruiz By partnering with community‑based family at the International Prom.

:)smile AFS Intercultural Programs USA students having fun.

organizations in underrepresented communities, Faces of America has awarded scholarships to more than 1,100 teenagers. Another initiative, AFS NEXT, offers volunteer internships and college credit programs abroad for students ages 18 and up, and there are also programs for educators, as well as cultural immersion trips for student and adult groups. In Charlotte, the local AFS chapter has enjoyed a “solid relationship” with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for more than 25 years. During the 2015-16 school year, 26 foreign students were hosted by families in the Charlotte region—13 in CMS schools; one student at N.C. School for the Deaf; four students in Union Country, four students in Concord, two students in Cabarrus County, one student in Fort Mill, S.C.; and two students in Clover, S.C. Last school year, 13 CMS students went abroad, and 11 CMS students so far are scheduled to go abroad next school year. The AFS mission is driven in principle and in practice by a commitment to diversity and inclusivity among participants, staff, host families and volunteers. Cox says the organization attempts to diversify the student and host family’s experience as much as possible. For example, a Malaysian student is currently being hosted by a Latino family and an African-American single mom is hosting a student from Germany. There is also a totally deaf student being hosted in a hearing family. This past year, Cox served on an AFS national committee, the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group and its Facing Our Biases project, which is dedicated to furthering the organization’s diversity and inclusions efforts. She hopes to be able to add more African-American and Latino students and families to AFS Charlotte and the AFS Intercultural Experience. The possibilities can open them up to whole new worlds of cultures, exciting memories and lifelong relationships. Says Cox, “You come away learning something more about their culture and how they choose to live in this world, and it expands your knowledge and appreciation of this whole human experience.” CMRM

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July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

THE SUCCESS IN FAILURE Feature

Pride Business Summit

(L-R) Panelist Aaron Caldwell, Wells Fargo, Amish Shah, SierraMaya360, Camisha Farris, Anointed Flooring, Inc., Justin Gaither, eCampus Ventures and moderator Fabi Preslar, SPARK Publications offered insight on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. By Abby Flanders

nnovate. Accelerate. Dominate. That is the mantra that stirred the entrepreneurial spirit of business owners at the Sixth Annual Small Business Summit sponsored by Pride Magazine and Wells Fargo, at Wake Forest University in uptown Charlotte. The crowded room was filled with ambient sounds of networking, from startup companies to experienced business owners, exchanging questions and examining creative solutions to establish greater stability within their growing companies. Each year, Pride Magazine commits to giving back to the community by presenting a small business summit that features the expertise of the area’s most influential and prominent financial and entrepreneurial forces, to assist in the growth and prosperity of area businesses. This free summit offers businesses an opportunity

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

to learn innovative methods of establishing and accelerating their products and services within their competitive corporate communities. Keynote speaker Timothy Elleby, the market president and business banking manager for Wells Fargo Bank, offered sage advice to the entrepreneurs hungry for his smorgasbord of points regarding reasons for the failure as well as the success of businesses. “In order to determine how to succeed in business, you must first examine why businesses fail, then turn that around to your advantage,” Elleby said. “You must first secure professionals before starting your business:; attorneys, insurance agents, and accountants (CPAs),” he suggested firmly. The other more apparent reasons he cited continued on page 24

TIMOTHY ELLEBY: The 5 Cs of Business Keynote speaker Timothy Elleby understands the value of experience. He has spent nearly 25 years in the banking industry. He began his career at First Union Bank and was then promoted to banking manager in Lexington. He then became assistance vice president over several offices in WinstonSalem, and later managed offices in Virginia and Washington, D.C. before coming to Charlotte. As the market president and business banking manager for Wells Fargo Bank, he has seen a high volume of potential business owners who want to start businesses and have submitted applications for loans. “Experience and collateral are factors that enhance your ability to get a loan,” he says. According to Elleby, to make the grade in business, you need followthe 5 Cs. “You must have decent Credit. It is important to have the Capacity to borrow money. Collateral is imperative, because assets are valuable. The right Condition to borrow is essential to success, and it takes Capital to start and sustain any business,” he said. As the representative of a major business financial resource, Elleby’s report card is an instructor’s manual on how to turn the double-edge sword of failure into the rewarding advantage for future success. “I must hear the passion and see the vision from the potential entrepreneur. What makes you investable is you!” he said.

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

Timothy Elleby

July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

OPPORTUNITIES THRIVE HERE. Urban League of Central Carolinas’ mission is to empower to economic and social mobility through education, training and placement. In the past year, generous donations from members have allowed ULCC graduates to earn a record $34 million in earned income to support their families. With your continued support, together we can increase the number of families moving out of poverty and earning a living wage. Join the Urban League in our mission for mobility by becoming a member.

continued from page 24

To learn more and get involved, visit: www.urbanleaguecc.org

EDUCATION + TRAINING + PLACEMENT

DIGNITY

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for tumbling businesses ignited some inner perspective for the listeners. “Lack of experience, insufficient capital, poor location, poor credit arrangement and poor inventory are other major causes of business collapse.” Successful business owners cited their anecdotes on their innovative starts. One young panelist relayed the story of how he discovered a need for matching college roommates for the sake of compatibility, and started an online business that has accelerated into a new dimension. His challenges in one aspect of the business became the catalyst for his success in its next incarnation. Other businesses owners discussed how they have learned from the mistakes they make daily. “I fail every day. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it takes heart,” said Fabi Preslar, president of SPARK Publications. The culmination of the session brought new insight into the idea and definition of success, and the benefits of mistakes and what could be deemed as failure. Each appear to be a separate side of the same coin, which can turn indiscriminately, based on the degree of innovation, acceleration and domination that is injected into a new or thriving business. CMRM

Feature

ARTIST SHOWCASE By Edward Henderson

Self-portrait shows Willams coming to terms with his fears. The Big Gulp and floaties are utilized to have fun with his journey towards learning to swim.

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Williams paints images of the ocean from several different perspectives to personify the fear his is overcoming.

Charles Williams Uses Painting to Overcome His Greatest Fear Most people run from their fears, not toward them. Artist Charles Williams, equipped with a paintbrush, floaties, swimming goggles and a big soda, is transmuting his fear of the water into a beautiful expression of triumph on canvas. The Georgetown, S.C. native was encouraged to pursue the arts at an early age. It was around this time that Williams began to have the fear that would later inspire his best work. The young artist never learned how to swim, and as a result suffered through three traumatic experiences with the water. “From those incidences, I figured out my purpose. There’s no reason for me to be saved three times and not be an inspiration for others,” said Williams. “I want my work and the exhibitions I do to be an example of how to not let fear define you and [your] progress as an individual.” His latest collection, “Continuum/Day,” is currently featured at The New Gallery of Modern Art located in the Ratcliffe on the Green. The collection features self-portraits of Williams and his journey working through his fear of the water, along with gripping depictions of the water itself. Gallery director Irina Toshkova is a fan of his fearless approach to a vulnerable area in his life. “Charles’ work is very universal,” Toshkova said. “Through his paintings, he is able to share his own insecurities in a relatable way with the hopes of coming together despite differences.”

Rocio lLusca Blends Emotion and Love for Charlotte In Her Art The myriad of emotions humans experience fills life with color and meaning. Rocio Llusca has tapped into her innermost thoughts and feelings to transform herself into a mixed media artist on the rise in the Charlotte area. A native of Quito, Ecuador, Llusca moved to the Queen City in 2003 in search of better opportunities

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Art Pop selected Llusca’s work as a winner of their 2015 campaign to promote local artists with billboard and promotional space around the city. Llusca’s’s ‘Feelings’ collection features paintings inspired by the feelings and emotions she experiences every day.

and personal growth for her family. The seed of artistic affinity was planted in Llusca as a teacher for special needs children in Ecuador. “I used to create fun activities using paint and different materials, to teach the kids different colors. We had so much fun and created great memories,” Llusca said. This passion continued during her time in Charlotte, and the artist received her first big break when Llusca’s was chosen as one of the winners of Art Pop 2015. The program promotes local artists’ work through available billboard space. Llusca’s painting depicts the Charlotte skyline drenched in pastel coloring and gently nestled between ethnic hands, as if being praised for its welcoming spirit and opportunity for new beginnings.

“My artwork is inspired by my family, work and the new and old experiences in my life,” she said. “The city of Charlotte is my inspiration, because it is a city of multicultural and economic development. I am happy to live here.” The winning piece was part of her Feelings and Sentimientos collection, which features elongated faces reflecting the various moods Llusca was inspired by. She was recently selected as one of nine artists to create unique and quality artwork for Community Supported Art (CSA), a program through The Arts & Science Council. Her featured work will include paper, wood, cold porcelain and a variety of other media. “What I love about art is that I can create and mix different media in my painting, such as recycled material with the use of bright colors, and express my emotions,” Llusca said. “The emotions I express in my art change in each painting. It is a beautiful fusion.” CMRM

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a taste of

AFRICA Feature

in the Queen City By Jimese Orange

Photos courtesy of Ajbani Moroccan Cuisine

y first experience with African food was through Ethiopian cuisine. As I tore into the spongy flat bread called injera, using it simultaneously as food and a utensil to soak up the spicy assortment of stews, vivid memories of my maternal grandmother were invoked. Corn bread was her preferred utensil for scooping up greens, peas and beans and anything else that was on her plate. She had no use for a fork or spoon. As a kid, I wondered, “Why is grandma eating with her hands?”

That first experience with Ethiopian cuisine answered that simple question. From my Southern grandmother’s use of cornbread, to injera for Ethiopians and Eritreans and fufu for West Africans, traditions surrounding food from across the continent connect generations. Thankfully, some talented and passionate cooks from Charlotte’s African immigrant community have ventured into restaurant ownership. Authentic offerings from North Africa to West Africa can be savored right here in our diverse city.

Braised beef with caramelized onions, topped with honeyed prunes and toasted almonds from Ajbani.

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Nubian Queens Restaurant 413 Eastway Dr.

www.charlottenubianqueens.com Nubian Queens Restaurant, tucked away off the beaten path on Eastway Drive, will transport you to Liberia with the pleasantly pungent aromas wafting from the kitchen. The owner, Cymbaline Banks, originally from Monrovia, Liberia, has been a resident of Charlotte for more than 20 years. With gregarious energy, Banks says, “This is tasty Liberian home cooking, just like if you were a guest in my home. Nubian Queens is an extension of that.” Most Liberian entrees are stew-based, incorporating chicken, fish, shellfish or pork, served with rice or fufu, a dumpling-style form of cassava that soaks up the flavorful stew gravy. One of the most

Photos of Nubian Queens Restaurant by Winston Robinson

Left, Palm Butter Chicken with white rice and hot pepper sauce. Right, Nubian Queens Restaurant owner Cymbaline Banks prepping fresh cassava leaves.

authentic and popular dishes on the menu is the Palm Butter Chicken. Palm butter is a widely used ingredient throughout West Africa. Palm nuts are pounded and transformed into a palm oil butter that

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meats are stewed in to make a rich base. A side of house-made hot pepper sauce allows you to turn up the heat to your liking. Emmanuel Banks, Cymbaline’s brother, proclaims with a big grin, “They really

Ajbani Moroccan Cuisine 2903 Central Ave.

www.ajbanirestaurant.com

Venture down Central Avenue for a taste of North Africa at Ajbani Moroccan Cuisine. The aromatics from Moroccan spices such as saffron, turmeric, ginger, paprika and cumin permeate the air of this take-out eatery with a handful of colorful mosaic tables for dining in. For the most authentic Moroccan flavors, Hamza Seqqat, the co-owner and visionary behind Ajbani with his brother-in-law Younes Deroich, imports spices from his home country. “As far as the flavors go, we went bold, we went authentic,” says Seqqat. Ajbani was born out of a passion for Moroccan food and missing the tastes of home after Seqqat moved to Charlotte in 2007. The menu is filled with a variety of traditional Moroccan soups, salads and appetizers. Couscous entrees, such as the Berber Chicken in a creamy sauce of saffron, cinnamon and garlic, atop a mound of fluffy couscous flavored with house-made vegetable broth, are popular. Moroccan cuisine naturally lends itself to being healthy, as meals generally revolve around vegetables. The menu includes several marked vegetarian and gluten-free options. Seqqat proudly exclaims, “Everything is fresh, no cans, no frozen, no preservatives. We try to use local farms as much as we can. We use a lot of organic ingredients. We cook 100 percent in olive oils.” Hearty Moroccan comfort food is prominent on the menu, as well. Tajines, which are labor- intensive stews cooked in the Berber tradition of braising meats over low heat in clay pots for 4-6+ hours, bring classic dishes such as Spicy Lamb, Beef with Prunes and Almonds and Seqqat’s personal favorite, Chicken with Preserved Lemon, to the forefront. Even nontraditional items on the menu, such as

Couscous entree with traditional vegetables, including zucchini, carrots, acorn squash and chickpeas.

Photos courtesy of Ajbani Moroccan Cuisine

love the spice!”, when talking about the customers, who from all over the Carolinas to satisfy their West African food cravings. Vegetables such as cassava leaves and sweet potato greens, which are the young leaves of these tuber plants, are classics in Liberian cooking, served with fufu or rice for a satisfying meal that feels like the original inspiration for soul food-style greens. Authentic dishes from other West African countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast are often featured on the specials menu, as well. The food and space are so inviting that Banks’ next venture into hosting events with West African flavor should go over well with the community.

baklava, have a Moroccan twist, with orange blossom syrup and rose water for a sweet floral essence. After a year in business, the need to expand hours to include both lunch and dinner shows that customers are enjoying this taste of Morocco.

May you be inspired to venture beyond the usual suspects of restaurants and neighborhoods for a uniquely African culinary experience. Support these local entrepreneurs and treat your palate to something new. CMRM

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Wells Fargo Presents First Group of Graduates from CEO Academy Supplier Development Program helps Diverse Suppliers Thrive On June 13, 2016, six minority business owners will be graduating from Wells Fargo’s first CEO Academy. Created as a formal supplier development program, the CEO Academy is helping minority-owned businesses with more than $3 million in annual revenues reach new heights. Throughout the years, Wells Fargo has actively supported the development of its minority business suppliers through mentorship, opportunity identification and value chain analysis. This commitment to grow diverse suppliers is supported through the CEO Academy. “Minority suppliers bring innovation, nimbleness and cost-effectiveness. The fact that we are able to provide our suppliers with formal development training through a program like the CEO Academy makes me very proud,” Regina O. Heyward, Senior Vice President and Head of Supplier Diversity said. “The goal of this program is to establish and grow stable, successful, competitive suppliers in the Wells Fargo Supply Chain who are prepared to meet current and future company demands. Our goal is to help minority suppliers create capacity and scale.” As one of the largest banks in the U.S., Wells Fargo is also working diligently to be a leader when it comes to supplier diversity. On April 21, Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf announced the company’s 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment, which includes an integrated, company-wide strategy to address global social, economic, and environmental challenges over the next five years. Specifically in the area of Supplier Diversity, Wells Fargo is committing to spend 15 percent of its procurement dollars with certified diverse suppliers and building capacity through diverse supplier development. Wells Fargo’s new supplier diversity goals build on the company’s longstanding commitment to deliver practical solutions

(L to R) - CaSondra Devine, Surendra Vemegunta, Kenneth Canty, Stewart Varela, Ana Sai, Regina Heyward, Melissa Nixon, Kevin Thomas, Phillip Moore, Ryan Burkett

for customers while becoming an integral part of the economic vitality of the communities it serves. In 2015, Wells Fargo spent more than $1.2 billion with diverse suppliers, representing more than 12 percent of its total procurement. Wells Fargo’s Supplier Diversity team is committed to accomplishing this mission by integrating supplier diversity into the company’s strategic sourcing and procurement processes, and the CEO Academy is part of this commitment. Once a firm is selected to the program, the businessowners submit a success-plan comprised of three goals: 1) Leadership Development; 2) Business Development; and 3) Strategic Readiness. Over the past 12 months, participants in the CEO Academy have benefited from one-on-one leadership coaching, business development strategies, peer-to-peer mentoring and a series of leadership roundtables with Corporate and MBE leaders. For this CEO Academy, Wells Fargo partnered with the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Diversity Development Council (CVMSDC) to administer the program. “The success

of the CEO Academy is due in large part to the active involvement of Wells Fargo Supplier Diversity team and the MBE owners’ commitment to growing their businesses,” commented Eric Watson, President and CEO of the CVMSDC. “The CEO Academy and our Coach Melissa Nixon, propelled my growth and development as a leader. The program honed in on my leadership skills, assisting me to connect the dots, a connection that is happening through my one-on-one strategy calls with my coach and the class discussion with my CEO classmates. This transformation has had both direct and indirect impact on the growth of the business. I am grateful to Wells Fargo and CVMSC for this opportunity,” said Ana Sai, CEO of ComNet Group, and one of the business‑owners that will be graduating from the program. In 2016, additional CEO Academies are being kicked off in Minnesota, Texas, California, and New York.

For additional information about the Wells Fargo Supplier Diversity program, please visit: wellsfargo.com/about/diversity/supplier-diversity Below you will find the list of participants that were part of the first CEO Academy: • Ryan Burkett, Stratagon, Inc. • Phillip Moore, Lewaro Construction • Kevin L. Thomas, Thomas Enterprises of Greensboro Inc. • Kenneth Canty, Freeland Construction Company, Inc. • Archana “Ana” Sai, COMNet Group • Surendra Vemugunta, Refulgent Technologies • Melissa Nixon, Courageous Life Academy – CEO Academy Facilitator & Executive Coach

(L to R) - Melissa Nixon, Ana Sai, Surendra Vemegunta, Kenneth Canty, Leslie Kelson, Kevin Thomas, Phillip Moore Ryan Burkett, Lana Hunter

3 YOU SHOULD KNOW

Feature

International Organizations

By Charles Kelleher Harris

s Charlotte’s population continues to climb, a large pool of immigrants in this area continues to grow. From South Africa to China, Australia and Greece, immigrants are continuing to find a niche in Charlotte’s diverse setting. Many internationals have set up clubs that celebrate their native lands while embracing the American spirit. Here are just a few to keep on your radar.

Alliance Francaise of Charlotte

The Charlotte French Alliance is a member of a worldwide organization that is dedicated to the education of the French language and French culture. The Alliance Francaise hosts various cultural and social programs throughout the region that help develop an appreciation and understanding of French living. French classes are offered to adults, including beginner’s courses and conversational French courses. The Alliance Francaise offers membership to anyone, regardless of his or her native language or ethnic background. The group offers a platform for anyone who has a love for French culture. For more information about Alliance Francaise of Charlotte, visit afcharlotte.org.

Language Resource Center

Language Resource Center (LRC) is one of the largest interpretation and translation services providers in the country. “We provide a complete portfolio of services in over 230 languages, including American Sign Language, to all industries,” says CEO Abdullahi Sheikh. Besides translation services, LRC offers workshops on cultural competence, interpretation and translation. “Our services are provided to a wide range of clients, from refugees to business professionals. We are committed to providing clients and their consumers linguistically and culturally competent services that meet all their language needs,” Sheikh explains.

Sheikh also says that LRC is dedicated to the belief that cultural gaps can be successfully bridged. LRC offers interpretation and translation to government, health care and educational institutions. Interpretation services are provided in person, via video conferencing and over the telephone. Translation services from simple posters to complex research papers is also provided. “(LRC’s goal) is to assist services providers communicate through interpreters who are competent and able to bridge linguistic barriers,” explains Sheikh. To learn more about the Language Resource Center, visit languagerc.net.

Friends of Scandinavia, Piedmont Lodge

Founded in 1995, the Friends of Scandinavia is comprised of members from Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. “Our group was started originally to allow people from the Scandinavian countries to get together for special occasions, share the foods that are native to their countries and celebrate their customs,” says member Dee Hoskins. Two of the festivities held each year

include Midsummer and God Jul. God Jul is a Christmas celebration. “One of these times is Midsummer, celebrated very similarly in these five countries, with a wonderful big maypole, completely covered in flowers and greens,” explains Hoskins. “Dancing around in a circle, in native dress, is a beautiful sight to behold.” Friends of Scandinavia, which has about 30 active members, meets monthly at IKEA,

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the popular Swedish department store. Anyone interested in Scandinavian culture is welcome to attend. Traditional Scandinavian foods include almond sugar cookies, blue cheese, grape and gem lettuce salad, Swedish meatballs and fresh salmon. For more information about the Friends of Scandinavia, Piedmont Lodge, call 704-766-0185. CMRM

Feature Photo courtesy of AC&M

AC&M Group founders (left to right) Alfredo Amparon, Jaime Cardenas and Pacino Mancillas.

Marketing Agency Offers the Cutting Edge on Cultural Diversity By Charles Kelleher Harris

hat started as a college class assignment has flourished into a successful marketing agency. Jaime Cardenas and Alfredo Amparon originally built the business plan for AC&M Group as a part of an incubator program in 2004 at Wake Forest University. AC&M Group began developing culturally relevant campaigns for various brands. As the clientele began to grow, Cardenas and Amparon decided to move the business to Charlotte, which has a larger market and more resources than the Triangle area of the state. In 2006, they had brought in a third partner, Pacino Mancillas.

The team has successfully designed various campaigns that appealed to minorities in the U.S. market. “The idea was to take full advantage of the consumer data, to help connect relevant products and services with Hispanic residents,” Mancillas says. “Over the years, our brand has flourished and our expertise has expanded beyond research to include media planning and buying, creative development, sponsorship activation, strategy, branding and research and marketing intelligence.” To date, AC&M has developed marketing campaigns for Lowes, Bojangles, Sherwin-Williams, New Balance and Family Dollar, among others.

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Photo by Charles Kelleher Harris

AC&M Director of Brand Integration Pacino Mancillas (seated), Vice President of Strategic Planning Gail Cox (center) and Public Relations Director Natalia Flores (right) work together to connect big brands with the growing pool of minority consumers.

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“All of our growth [in the US market] is coming from multiethnic races,” says Gail Cox AC&M’s vice president of Strategic Planning. AC&M now employs 25 people representing 11 different countries and has satellite offices in Miami and Los Angeles, both cities with a high ratio of Hispanic consumers. According to AC&M, Hispanics currently make up one of three adults ages 18 to 65, but they make up one out of two minors ages 18 and below. It is projected that by 2050, some 50 percent of the U.S. population will be Hispanic. “The Hispanic population is here to stay,” says Cox. “The influx is not going to stop.” Among many, there is a common misconception about Hispanics. “Many people believe that the Hispanic communities are largely comprised of unauthorized citizens, ”says Cox. Not so, says Cox, who cites a recent Reuters poll showing that of the 55 million Hispanics in the United States, only about nine million are undocumented aliens. “Eighty percent of the Hispanic growth comes from those born in America,” Cox points out. Still, many businesses market only to middle-class whites. “Big businesses haven’t figured out where the growth is,” says Cox. But with the help of AC&M, some local business are monitoring the trend. According to a Nielsen poll, Charlotte has one of the fastest‑growing Hispanic populations in the country. Between 2000 and 2013, the Queen City saw an increase of 168 percent in Hispanic residents. And some of Charlotte’s big financial institutions, such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America, are keeping up with the growth, as well. In 2009, financial institutions and credit card companies spent $38 million on Spanish-language advertising. In 2014, that number jumped to $113 million. Much of this growth is because a company like AC&M is making big brands aware of the growing consumer base. “We connect [businesses] with cultural insight,” Mancillas says. “Diversity is the edge we are looking for.” CMRM

Understanding Generational Differences in the Workplace Feature

WHAT TRADITIONALS WANT Coaches/Mentors Respect their experiences (not their age) and use them accordingly for all generations.

Credible leaders If you supervise them, give weight to their opinions and listen well.

Delegate Traditionals expect leaders to delegate. If you supervise them, define tasks clearly.

Training Offer them training in their fields and in computer skills.

Communication One-on-one communication; using the telephone or memos.

WHAT BABY BOOMERS WANT Change Agents Let them know they can make a difference, they’ll get credit, and will be respected for their accomplishments. Keep them informed about coming changes. Understand they are the “keepers of the institutional memory.”

Coaches/Mentors Ask boomers to act as coaches for the Gen Xers and millennials.

Career Planning Ask what they want to achieve in their remaining work years.

Training Offer them training in leadership skills as well as flextime and work-life balance; training in new technology.

Communication One-on-one communication; use the telephone; call anytime; use diplomacy.

By Deborah Walker

illennials comprise the fastestgrowing segment of today’s workforce, one that was designed by baby boomers and now often is managed by Gen Xers. Each generation has different goals, motivators and preferences. At work, generational differences can affect everything, including recruiting, building teams, dealing with change, motivating, managing and maintaining and increasing productivity. Research indicates that people are influenced by their generational backgrounds, as well as their backgrounds based on race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status and other cultural differences. Each generation develops an outlook on life, shaped by society’s overarching cultural values and by the common and different experiences of each generation’s members. The lifestyles and values each embraces often stand in stark contrast to those of the previous generation, as each seeks to distinguish itself from the generation before it. This is the first time in American history that we have had four different generations working side by side in the workplace. So it is critical to understand the unique contributions each group brings, identify their workplace needs and identify strategies that help leverage their cross-generational differences. Leveraging these differences will help ensure that an organization’s culture is one that allows each generation to do its best work and to contribute to the organization’s bottom line.

Generations 1, 2 and 3

Traditionals were born between 1900 and 1945, faced major hassles caused by economic chaos and world war. They value history, traditions and family. Traditionals are loyal and stable and believe in paying their dues. They tend to be frustrated by what they see as a lack of discipline, respect, logic and structure, especially if the workplace is relaxed or spontaneous. Traditionals tend to be motivated by money, responsibility and opportunities to lead. “I learned my work ethic from my parents, who had limited educations. They taught us that we each had a responsibility to the family and we each had an important role in sustaining it and ourselves,” says Dr. John Vickers, professor emeritus, Alabama A & M University, educational consultant and entrepreneur. “They taught us to be the best at whatever job we did, and provided the road map for how we should live and work.” Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964, baby boomers are optimist and, like traditionals, have a strong work ethic. They grew up believing their lives could be even more fulfilling than their parents’. Boomers were driven to compete and gain material rewards. While traditionals believed it important to save, save and save, many boomers believed it was OK to TRADITIONALS spend now and worry later. “Work is an Like millennials, obligation…duty boomers care before fun.” deeply and want to make a

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difference. They are willing to “go the BABY extra mile,” both at BOOMERS work and on social “I live to work. justice issues. The I don’t mind Cold War, Civil working a 60-hour Rights Movement work week. I am and Vietnam War a workaholic.” greatly influenced them. While they grew up in an era of great social unrest, conflict and change, it is the technological changes that are creating current workplace challenges. Despite their entrance into a technological world, boomers still value “people and process” and want to be recognized for their unique and important contributions to the team. “I get to work in an environment in which I interact often across all the generations, and there are many millennials and Gen-X’ers in my work environment, including one that I currently report to,” says Dr. Gwen High, vice president of community relations, Aramark K-12 Education. “It is great to work with smart, confident and creative people, while contributing to the company’s bottom line and to social justice concerns. I have the best of both worlds.” Gen Xers were born between 1965 and 1980, grew up more socially, culturally and technologically diverse than previous generations. They also grew up with skepticism about the safety and predictability of the world. Gen Xers were the first latchkey kids and came of age when the United States was losing its status as the most powerful and prosperous nation in the world. In this environment, Gen Xers learned to be adaptable, pragmatic, resultsdriven, creative, media savvy and GEN XERS not intimidated by “I work to live. My authority. While family and work/ their boomer parents life balance are lived to work, Gen more important Xers work to live to me.” —work became a means to an end. An entrepreneurial spirit and freedom to do it their way motivates this generation. “My generation is keenly aware of where we add value and are working to maximize opportunities in this increasingly technological environment,” says Adrian Woolcock, managing principal at ProSidian Consulting. “From my perspective, everyone is a business owner. My world is the whole world.”

The New Generation

Millennials were born between 1981 and 2002 and are digital natives. Purpose, development and balance drive them, not a

paycheck. They are smart, realistic, confident and the best -educated generation. Growing up more protected than any other generation influenced them to want to be the next “great generation” who turns around all the “wrongs” they have seen in the world. “Those in my generation are hungry to make MILLENNIALS an impact, and we “I work as a work hard to figure means to an out what [it is] and end…When it’s how to do that. We 5:00 p.m., I’m out also are trying to of here!” balance the desire to make an impact and wanting to be a part of the American Dream,” says Maggie Wittman, project manager, Read Charlotte.

Managing the Generations

Recent Gallup Poll research on “How Millennials Want to Work and Live” confirmed that millennials will change the world decisively more than any other generation and that they will continue to disrupt how the world communicates—how we read and write and relate. The research also confirmed that millennials struggle to find good jobs that engage them. They have the highest rate of unemployment and underemployment in the United States and only 29 percent of millennials are engaged at work. The poll also noted that more than ever in the history of corporate culture, employees are asking, “Does this organization value my strengths and my contribution? Does this organization give me the chance to do what I do best every day?” Traditionals and baby boomers were taught to follow the Golden Rule, “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” The new rule is the Platinum Rule, “Learn how others want to be treated, and develop contracts and agreements with them to do just that.” The Platinum Rule acknowledges generational differences and the new rule for the new game. The strength of the workplace and the marketplace depends on what the millennial generation can accomplish. It also depends on how well each generation is able to adapt to these changes. While there are similarities among the generations, it is the social, cultural and technological differences within generations that have to be leveraged to ensure success. CMRM Deborah J. Walker, PhD (Deborah J. Walker Consulting, LLC) is a multicultural and organizational development consultant with more than 25 years’ experience providing consultation and training on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

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WHAT GEN XERS WANT Freedom The greatest reward you can give them is the freedom to work independently. Don’t micromanage. Gen Xers are not likely to do what you say without asking questions.

Control Gen Xers want greater control over their time and greater work-life balance.

Training Offer them the option of leadership training and people skills development.

Communication Give them direct and immediate feedback. Tie your message to the “results.” Use computers and cell phones and emails. Call them only at work.

WHAT MILLENNIALS WANT Work Environment They want to work around bright people and given opportunities to learn and grow.

Coaches They were raised to feel valued. They are the first generation to have had schedules as kids. They expect to be treated respectfully. Provide a rationale for the work you’ve asked them to do and tell them the value it adds. Their questions signify interest, not disrespect. Be impressed with their decisions. They want IMMEDIATE feedback.

Training Offer them training in professional protocol, people skills—listening to others, leadership and problem-solving. They are motivated by learning new skills.

Communication They use social media and text messaging. Use email, text messages or picture phones to reach them.

Feature From left, clockwise, Angkor Wat sculptures; Entrance to Angkor Wat; A Cambodian Buddhist Temple; The beautiful faces of the children of Vietnam.

Trip to

Southeast Asia Brings Welcomed Surprise By Roni Fishkin

will admit the idea of traveling almost 9,000 miles was daunting. Even for an avid traveler, the thought of flying to Southeast Asia was a deterrent and, as a result, I had pushed this destination to the bottom of my bucket list. Until this year. An opportunity to experience both Vietnam and Cambodia while sailing on a Mekong River Cruise was too wonderful to pass up. As I prepared for my trip, I busied myself feasting on Pho at various Vietnamese restaurants around Charlotte and read “In The Shadow

of The Banyan,” a novel describing the atrocities of the Cambodian Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. I was ready. Or so I thought. I really had no idea that I would find the people, the history and the culture so fascinating – and wonder when I could return. My first stop was the Cambodian city of Siem Reap and a visit to the UNESCO heritage site Angkor Wat. Known as the largest religious site in the world, the structure does not disappoint visitors with its sprawling acreage of ancient temples. Supposedly hidden in the jungle until it was unearthed in the 1800s, Angkor Wat is a must-see destination for any traveler. Despite the intense heat and miserable humidity, it’s a location you want to spend an entire day exploring.

July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

A ride in an Oxcart in Vietnam.

Siem Reap, the city that has developed because of its proximity to this popular tourist destination, is an interesting mix of old and new, with beautiful luxury hotels along the main street where traditional rickshaw drivers transport tourists. A young and bustling Pub Street boasts fun restaurants and shops with very affordable eating, drinking and shopping! Cambodians are lovely people that all have a personal story to tell about the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime, the Cambodian

genocide that started in 1975 and lasted for four years. The country will clearly take many more years to recover from the devastation that took place during that time, and tourism is an industry they are counting on to help build their tiny country’s economy. When we left Siem Reap, we headed to our ship – the AMAWATERWAYS Amadara that sails the Mekong from Cambodia to Vietnam. The river is a busy one and we got a glimpse into the fascinating life along its banks. The floating villages are common, and yet, to us they looked like movie sets with an unimaginable lifestyle. Our cruise brought us to isolated villages that dot the river’s coastline. Here, we were greeted by children swarming around us, selling the handicrafts created in their homes: silver jewelry in one small town, silk in another. While the cruise brought us to these smaller villages, we also visited the larger cities and tourist attractions the region is known for. No trip to Cambodia is complete without a visit to the Killing Fields – one of apparently hundreds of areas throughout the country in which they have excavated the remains of those murdered by the atrocious crimes of the Khmer Rouge regime. This raw and disturbing reminder is hard to absorb. We also visited large monasteries and learned about Buddhism and Cambodian culture. We toured the beautiful Royal Palace and impressive Silver Pagoda and also spent a day in the large and bustling city of Phnom Penh – a city that has both old and crumbling elements juxtaposed with a new and hipper, younger vibe. Vietnam, while similar to Cambodia in many ways, is years ahead of its neighbor and you can feel the difference as you drive through the countryside. Here, too, you are always aware of a people and country torn apart by war. Our visit to the area that was once a Viet Cong stronghold in the jungle was a strong reminder of how this country was shaped by the war.

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Sunrise over Angkor Wat.

A Vietnamese cooking lesson onboard the AMAWaterways river cruise.

Here, just as we did in Cambodia, we visited small towns and walked through markets with stalls overflowing with produce, live chickens and fish and exotic fruits. But it is perhaps the mounds of bugs and insects you can eat that is the most fascinating. I was too squeamish to try these – even though I’m told they are an excellent source of protein! The sights and smells and sounds of these markets are strong, and the best glimpse into the world we were visiting. We ended our tour in Ho Chi Minh City,…the bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. It is a huge city with no apparent traffic rules and thousands of scooters coming at you from every direction. And while I enjoyed visiting this metropolitan capital, it is really the sights and sounds of the countryside marketplace, of the children and of the small, unique towns and floating villages, that will remain most memorable and make me want to return. CMRM

July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

Feature

5 Ways to Fund a Business By Justin Gaither

s an entrepreneur, I’m often asked how I went from an idea to building and running a profitable venture. Having a great idea is exciting, but reality hits when you realize all the things you may need to get going: a website or mobile app, money for advertising and marketing, a team and maybe some financial and legal advice along the way. All of these components will probably require money, so unless you’ve been a huge success in a previous venture or line of work, you will have to raise some capital. Here are some ways you can start and fund your new business.

Bootstrapping

I started my first company in college, helping students maximize the space in their dorm rooms by installing bed lofts. Our company generated a quarter million in sales before spending much money or even delivering a product. We didn’t go and buy all the materials needed to build the lofts before we had sales. We presold our product by posting a before and after picture of a lofted dorm room juxtaposed to an un-lofted room. We built a simple website that cost us $400 so that students could place orders. This is a great example of what’s called “bootstrapping,” where you can fund a business with your own money and from your customers before making big investments.

Friends and Family Money

Maybe your business idea is more complex than my college dorm room business, and you’ll need more money to get

going. Friends and family may be a part of the funding equation, as these people know your character and talents best. They might not be able to finance your entire project, but they may be impressed enough to put in a couple of grand to get you started. The key with friends and family is to have a solid plan illustrating how your business will make money and a clear request. Are you asking for a loan, equity investment or a gift? If it is a loan or equity investment, be up-front about what they can expect back and when.

CrowdFunding

Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a venture by raising money from a large number of people. This is often done through crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter and IndieGogo. This can be a good way to get started if you have a hightech consumer product that would appeal to early adopters of new technologies. The great thing about crowdfunding is that, in many cases, investors don’t have to be accredited to back your business and you don’t have to rely on a relatively small pool of high-net worth individuals for funding. It levels the playing field for businesses that can get the support of consumers and early adopters, but may not attract traditional investment dollars.

Consider Loans from Banks If you can demonstrate that your business has gained traction, is making money and that a loan would help you earn even more, you may qualify for a traditional loan from a bank. Many banks have increased their commitment to funding small businesses, so this is an

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

option that should be considered for raising growth capital. This probably is not an option if you are just starting off and have limited traction.

Angel Investors

If you have a high growth start-up, then angel investment might be for you. Angels will invest in big ideas that have the potential for large returns on their investments, and typically invest $10,000 to a couple of million. Sites such as AngelList allow you to connect with angels all over the world. You will need to demonstrate a big vision to angels and show some form of traction, be it revenue or user growth, large contract commitments or some competitive advantage that demonstrates an ability to successfully execute and build a large business.

Accelerators and Incubators

Accelerators and incubators can be a great resource for high-growth companies, because they will help you accelerate growth by connecting you with the right advisors and capital sources. Some programs even provide some early funding to help teams validate their ideas. There are programs all over the country with different sector focuses, so it’s important to do your research and find a program that best fits your business needs. CMRM Justin Gaither lives in Charlotte. He is an entrepreneur and co-founder of eCampus Ventures and Managing Partner at Investead Real Estate.

PrideBusiness FYI

By Edward Henderson

Charlotte’s Cake-Making Sisters Garner National Attention

Cake Makin’ Sisters, a Harrisburg bakery, was recently featured on the “Steve Harvey Show.” Tori Fabregas and Mia LaBoo, sisters and co-owners of the bakery, appeared on the national talk show for a “Boss Ladies” segment. The sisters received advice for growing their business and a $5,000 gift card to assist with business expenses. Since the show aired, the bakery has received more than 500 new orders for cakes from all over the United States. Also, since the Cake Makin’ Sisters appeared on the show, a video of Steve Harvey tasting a “Banana Pudding Cupcake” has gone viral. The video has been viewed more than 166,000 times on Facebook and 90,000 times on Steve Harvey’s Instagram page.

Community Leader Susan Patterson to Collaborate with Library The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is creating a Community Fellow program to build on its recent successful community engagement efforts. This is a oneyear leadership role, to be filled by a community leader who is volunteering his or her time to deepen the library’s engagement with the community. Susan Patterson, the Knight Foundation’s former Charlotte-based program director, will serve as the library’s inaugural Community Fellow. Patterson will assist the library’s ongoing community engagement activities, serve as a thought leader, coordinate community-oriented projects and share her skills, knowledge and experience. She will begin her residency in June.

Wanda Foy-Burroughs Joins JCSU as Director of Alumni Relations

After a nationwide search, Johnson C. Smith University announces the appointment of Wanda Foy-Burroughs as director of alumni relations. The Selkirk, N.Y., native was active in the New Jersey alumni chapter and is currently second vice president of the JCSU National Alumni Association. She brings nearly 40 years of experience in education to her new position. As the point person for alumni relations at JCSU, FoyBurroughs will oversee alumni involvement and participation at the university. Her passion for higher education advancement, combined with her communications and community-building skills, will help the university expand its presence in the community and increase alumni engagement. She will start at JCSU on July 1.

Student Entrepreneur Wins $2,500 in Pitch Contest

Johnson C. Smith University student-entrepreneurs recently pitched their business proposals to an audience of Charlotte’s entrepreneurial community. Potential investors, community members and judges listened as entrants outlined ideas from a range of disciplines, including robotics in disaster relief, an on-campus car wash and a mentorship camp for youth. The students competed for a grand prize of $2,500, sponsored by Wells Fargo’s Supplier Diversity program, to develop the winning business. Judges were particularly moved by winner Joshua Fernandez’s pitch for Print My Piece, a printing service that allows artists to employ a nimble time strategy to their work. Fernandez, a communication arts major in his junior year, impressed judges with his research and business plan, as well as the fact that his business is already up and running. He plans to use the prize money to optimize his website and provide more customized options for clients.

Novant Health Offers New Service for Independent Physicians Novant Health recently announced its re-branding of ChoiceHealth operations as AXIA Physician Solutions. With the re-branding comes an expanded portfolio of services that will better help independent physician groups with resources and required infrastructure, which are necessary to successfully meet the challenges of health care reform. AXIA Physician Solutions will offer support in four key areas: revenue cycle services, operations optimization, clinical and quality management solutions and virtual practice administrations. Novant Health has provided support to independent physicians through a membership program called ChoiceHealth, which helped physicians with managed care contracting, credentialing, strategic sourcing and other services. ChoiceHealth currently serves more than 2,200 providers and will still be offered under the umbrella of AXIA Physician Solutions.

July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

EventsCalendar

Mark Your Calendar By Shawn Allison

It’s time to fire up the grill, get your seersuckers and sundresses pressed and let that top down on your ride, because summertime is in full swing. Here’s a cool list of exciting events to enjoy while you’re having fun in the sun. July 10 Enjoy Sunday afternoon at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for AfricanAmerican Arts + Culture as Classic Black Cinema Series presents the 1966 classic, “A Man Called Adam.” It’s a compelling tale of Adam, a trumpeter whose social life is near decimation and who also deals with failing health, racism, short temperaments and guilt after the death of beloved family members. Starring Sammy Davis, Jr. Cicely Tyson, Ossie Davis, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Lola Falana, Ossie Davis and Johnny Brown, this film is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. 2 p.m., 551 S. Tryon St. (704) 375-3700

July 11-15

and 8:15 p.m. “The Jazz Room” will be held at the Stage Door Theatre @ Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. E. 5th St. and N. College St.. (704)‑372-1000 Join The Knock Brothers and Reggae Central as they present “Reggae and Lover’s” Rock legend, Beres Hammond, for a one-night performance at Amos’ South End. Relax and feel the rhythm, melody and groove with one of Jamaica’s most heralded and beloved musical figures. Also performing is DJ Inferno, Ashanti Selassie, Cayenne the Lion King and the Harmony House Band. Tickets are on sale at www.ticketfly. com or call (704)‑377‑2782. Doors open at 9 p.m.

Your child’s mind is a precious gift, and education is a key to success. This July, bring your school-aged children (K-12) out to UNCC Center City for the Kids N’ Technology Summer Camp. From STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts, robotics, computer hardware engineering, game designs and much more, this is certain to enrich your child’s intellectual curiosity. Additional info and registration can be found at www.kidsntechnology. net. Workshops will be July 11-15 and July 18-22. 320 E. 9th St.

July 23 Beat the summer heat with a threeday weekend full of cool music from some of the greatest names in contemporary R&B and jazz. The second Annual QC Summerfest is sure to fill your ears and hearts with joy as you enjoy tunes from Boney James, Loose Ends, Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown, Rick Braun, Lonnie Liston Smith, Tom Browne and many more! The event will take place from Friday, July 23 to Sunday, July 31 at various venues in the uptown area. (704)-372-1000 Tickets can be purchased at www.carolinatix.org.

August 3-8 Take a short trip up north to WinstonSalem for the 2016 National Black Theatre Festival. This event draws thousands of attendees for a week full of short films, workshops, networking, awards ceremonies, spoken word and visual art showcases and children’s activities, all for the love of Black cinema. Also, some longstanding Black actors, actresses, producers and filmmakers will be in attendance. The festival runs August 3-8. 610 Coliseum Dr., Winston-Salem (336)-723-2266 www.nbtf.org

August 6

July 15

July 17

The Jazz Arts Initiative (JAI) has been on a hot streak this year with its critically-acclaimed series, “The Jazz Room.” Come gear your ears towards the stage as JAI proudly presents Grammy Award-winning ivory tickler Victor Atkins, who will be channeling the classic melodies of the late and legendary Horace Miller. Tickets can be purchased at: www.carolinatix.org. The show is scheduled on Friday, July 15, with two performances, at 6 p.m.

If you love true soul music, come out to the NeighborHood Café every third Sunday of the summer months for “Soul Clap: The Sunday Cool-Down.” The JETA Team’s DJ Aking Allah and DJ Justice will be laying down all of the serious funk, soul, rare grooves and R&B of yesteryear. Bring your crew out and reminisce about the days when music was music. Free admission. July 17, August 21. 6 p.m. 1635 W. Trade St.

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

It’s summertime, and that means you should not be inside. If you love House Music, come to Park Road Park for “House Therapy: Da’ Cookout!” There will be an assortment of hot DJs rockin’ the turntables, spinning the best of Downtempo, Deep House and Soulful House, delicious food, volleyball and tons of fellowship! Admission is free. 10 a.m. Park Road Park, 6215 Park Rd.

August 19 If your audible canals desire to be engorged with some lucid, liquid and lush lyricism, come to the McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square

for the SlamCharlotte Poetry Slam! SlamCharlotte is an artistic organization that strives to promote poetic growth and performance enhancement and increase fellowship among fellow linguists and the community through slam competitions. Whether you are a connoisseur or an artist, come on down to witness greatness from some truly talented individuals. 8 p.m. $10 admission, 345 N. College St. Get your children involved with the organic side of life as local garden, farm and market “Sow Much Good” host their SMG Summer Camp. Your children (third grade and up) will be able to learn many elements in the field of healthy, homegrown nourishment such as food canning, ecosystem protection, basic planting techniques, soil identification and much more. Camps will run from late June to early August. (704)-947-6842. 3432 Sunset Rd. All additional information, registration and camp pricing listed at www.sowmuchgood.org.

August 20 The Queen City Lowcountry Group brings its flair and flavor to Park Road Park as it hosts the “2016 Taste of the Lowcountry.” Bring the entire tribe out for an afternoon full of fellowship, philanthropy and several Lowcountry entrees. This is an annual back-to-school fundraiser for students and families. Students up to 12th grade are admitted for free. For more information email: QCLowcountry@ gmail.com. 2 p.m. 6220 Park Rd. Join local health activist group Different Roads Home for an intimate evening with Broadway legend and powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Holliday. Her lush and soulful vocals have been pleasing audiences for many years, and you have a chance to witness her musical glory. 7 p.m., McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. (704) 372-1000 www.blumenthalarts.org

SceneandSeen

Event speakers and guests of the 2nd Annual Premier Diverse Supplier Networking Event (L to R) Bob Bertges, Shenard Byrd, Gigi Dixon, Jon Campbell, Jimmie Paschall, Titi Cole, Regina Heyward, Demond Richardson and Ramone Givens.

Wells Fargo Championship Premier Diverse Supplier Networking Event at Quail Hollow Club

July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

We Thank...

...all of our Multicultural Resource Magazine sponsors for supporting this important publication, as well as for all they do to help sustain MBE's and other small business owners.

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 diverse suppliers. In 2015, we spent $1.2B with certified diverse suppliers. We believe that, together with our diverse suppliers, we can contribute to the long-term economic sustainability of our communities.

Regina O. Heyward

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & HEAD OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

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.

Eric Watson

PRESIDENT & CEO

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.

Jim Olsen

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MATERIALS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

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.

Norris Raper VICE PRESIDENT STRATEGIC SOURCING AND SUPPLIER DIVERSITY Compass Group USA was 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.

Raj Pragasam

CHIEF INCLUSION OFFICER & SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Novant Health is committed to creating a culture that supports and encourages diversity and inclusion among our patients, teammates and suppliers. We are committed to being a world class leader in the development of successful relationships with diverse suppliers by incorporating them into the everyday process of category reviews and product or service bids. We believe supplier diversity enhances the procurement process by increasing competition and access to quality products and services, ultimately improving patient care.

Kevin J. Price, MBA, MHA

DIRECTOR, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY & PERFORMANCE

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

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.theinstitutenc.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 919-715-7272 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 CCertified 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.” Belk, Inc. Norris Raper VP, Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Diversity 704-357-1000 supplierdiversity@belk.com www.belk.com

Compass Group/Foodbuy Tina Bausman Supplier Diversity Manager 704-328-6091 supplierrelations@compass-usa.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 Community Relations 704-758-4762 James.r.frison@lowes.com www.lowes.com/community Novant Health Kevin J. Price, MBA, MHA Director, Supplier Diversity & Performance 704-384-3543 kjprice@novanthealth.org www.novanthealth.org/supplierdiversity Piedmont Natural Gas David Britsky 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/CPO 704-731-3261 David.wiehagen@twcable.com www.timewarnercable.com Walmart Stores, Inc Michael Byron Senior Director of Supplier Diversity 479-277-5458 SupplierDiversity@wal-mart.com http://corporate.walmart.com/ suppliers/supplier-diversity Wells Fargo Regina O. Heyward Head of Supplier Diversity 704-715-2877 regina.o.heyward@wellsfargo.com www.wellsfargo.com/supplierdiversity

Businesses Administrative Services Cybertary Charlotte 704-256-4717 www.charlotte.cybertary.com CThe Marjon Corporation JP Hamilton Business and Administrative Services 704-248-6924 www.jp-hamilton.com ✥Simply Virtual 704-719-2202 www.simply-virtual.com

Advertising Agencies/ Promotional Products 3 Keys Marketing Products 704-249-5572 www.3keysmarketingproducts.com The Plaid Penguin 704-919-1726 www.theplaidpenguin.com AC&M Group 704-697-4400 www.acmconnect.com Ad Concepts, Inc. 704-366-1616 www.goadconcepts.com

CCreative Marketing Ideas 704.684.5543 www.creativemkg.com CEquine Marketing Group 704-663-4487 CKS Image Solutions, LLC 704-786-7763 www.ksimagesolutions.com CLogo’d Gear 704-334-9333 www.logodgear.com Logo Pros 704-545-7408 www.logopros.us Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerly.com Main Street Mobile Billboards 888-788-7492 www.mainstreetmobilebillboards.com CMedia Mark.US 803-329-7942 www.mediamark.us CMedia Power Advertising, Inc. 704-567-1000 www.mediapoweradvertising.com

CAd Consortium 704-341-0789

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brand Equity Marketing, LLC 704-372-3982 www.brandequitymarketing.com BrandRPM 704-225-1800 www.brandrpm.com CGR Creative 704-926-9933 www.cgrcreative.com Carolina Corporate Wear, Inc. 704-540-4613 www.carolinacorporatewear.com Charlotte Hotel TV 704-806-5692 www.charlottehoteltv.com Classic Achievements, Inc. 980-819-9176 www.classicachievements.com Cook Information & Packaging 704-376-6324

ResourceListings

Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov

Carolinas HealthCare System Donnie Moore Manager of Supplier Diversity 704-512-7772 donald.moore@carolinashealthcare.org www.carolinashealthcare.org

Quality Media Group www.qualitymediagroup.com Robinson Thinks www.robinsonthinks.com Rutherford Media Group, LLC 704-373-2522 www.rutherfordmedia.com Spark Strategic Ideas, LLC 704-995-1787 www.sparksi.com CThe Agency Marketing Group 704-333-0667 www.gettheagency.com Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuricreative.com Yellow Duck Marketing, LLC 704-271-9555 www.yellowduckmarketing.com

July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Attorneys CA.Gray Bonds 704-347-2545 www.agraybonding.com

ResourceListings

Williams & Exum, P.A. 704-332-5583 www.jjexumlaw.com CMickle & Bass Law Firm 803-929-0029 www.mickleandbass.com CBarbara L. White 704-375-9411 www.barbaralwhite.com Benjamin M. Li 704-527-0878 CBrady & Kosofsky, PA 704-849-8008 www.bandklaw.com Cheryl R. Watkins 704-552-3993 www.crwatkinslaw.com CDenise L. Presley 704-676-4622 www.presleylawpllc.com ✥Douglas H. Kim Law Firm 704-504-0962 www.douglaskimlawfirm.com Douglas K. Simmons and Associates, PLLC 704-269-4223 www.dsimmons.com Gardner Skelton, PLLC 704-335-0350 www.gardnerskelton.com Hoard Law, P.C. 704-954-8094 www.hoardlaw.com Houston Law Office 704-595-9146

CWatson Law Firm 704-333-4663

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

CEchols Purser & Glenn, PLLC 704-540-2550

CLaw Offices of Michelle Vereckey 704-283-5555 www.vereckey.com CLisa Andrew Dubs 828-323-1926 CMorris York Williams Surles & Barringer, LLP 704-375-4480

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

Book Stores Book Buyers 704-344-8611 CLillian’s Library Antiques 704-636-4671 CMain Street Books 704-892-6841

✥Rachel Pickard 704-867-5341

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

CRamsay Law Firm, P.A. 704-376-1616 www.ramsaylawfirm.com

Communications/MediaRelated Services

CShapack & Shapack, PA 704-375-7500

CAdvanced Imaging Systems 704-525-4392

CCollins Family Law Group 704-289-3250 www.collinsfamilylaw.com

CAquent 704-338-9119 www.aquent.com

CStarrett Law Firm, PLLC 704-887-4944 www.starrettlawfirm.com

CAtlantic Communication Products, Inc. 704-676-5880 www.goacp.com

CStone Bennett, PC 704-612-0077 CSusan D. Brotherton 704-873-7529 CLaw Offices of Michael Todd 704-343-9700

The Montgomery Law Firm, PLLC 704-749-3135 www.themlawfirm.com CFerguson Chambers & Sumter, P.A. 704-375-8461 www.fergusonsumter.com

✥Bishop, Dulaney, Joyner, Abner, P.A. 704-945-9850

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

CYoung Law Firm, PC 803-980-2765

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

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

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

CKimberly Poe Law Office 704-489-8182

Central Law Group, PLLC 704-248-0949 CThe Justice Firm, LLC 704-377-4747 www.thejusticefirm.com

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

CThe Law Offices of Javá O. Warren 704-594-4144 www.charlottenorthcarolinalawyer.com

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

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

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

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

Computers/Printers/Web AIC Technology Group 704-200-9770 www.aictechnologygroup.com Allegra Marketing, Print, and Mail 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 800-745-3263 www.carlisleandgallagher.com Carolina Cartridge & Supplies 704-347-2447 www.ccsinside.com

CBrand Equity Marketing 704-372-3982 www.brandequitymarketing.com

Carolina IT Consulting 704-339-2200 www.citonline.com

CGR Creative (704) 334-2232 www.cgrcreative.com

Classic Graphics 704-597-9015 www.knowclassic.com

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

CComputech Consulting, LLC 704-499-8967 www.computech-consulting.net

CExpert Services International, LLC 704-969-9200

CThe Best Computer Fixers 704-333-2827 www.cfcomputerstore.com

CIASO Sport Center 704-201-7791

CComputer House Calls 704-549-4334

CKarin Lukas Technical Writing, LLC 704-756-0458

Computel Systems 704-541-8659

CKineta Corporation 704-752-9094 www.kinetacorp.com

Copy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte 704-529-6606 www.copycatsouth.com

Media Power Advertising 704-567-1000 www.mediapoweradvertising.com

CCPI Training Solutions Inc. 704-593-8999 www.solutionsrus.com

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

CDat-A-Syst, Inc. 704-523-3548 www.datasyst.net

We believe in the power of diversity. Carolinas HealthCare System is

committed to economic opportunity for diverse suppliers in our community.

CHAMPIONING THE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE.

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications Experienced Recruiting Partners LLC 518-598-6300 www.experiencedrecruitingpartners.com

ResourceListings

Geek Choice 704-331-0739 CBC Forward 317-493-2000 www.bcforward.com

CSMS Tech Solutions, LLC 704-545-5603 www.smstechsolutions.com CSynergy Network Concepts 704-333-1996

CHardison Cartridge, LLC 704-334-5844 www.hardisoncartridge.com

Virtual Information Systems Consulting 704-659-0665 www.visc750.com

CIrvin Networks, LLC 888-775-1115 www.irvin-networks.com

Visual Risk IQ, LLC 704-353-7000 www.visualriskiq.com

CJCMR Technology, Inc. 704-707-3333 www.jcmr.net

CXtramile Soft, LLC 704-699-9912 www.xtramilesoft.com

CLaury Controls & Design 704-785-6788 www.laurycontrols.com

CZenmonics, Inc. 704-971-7315 www.zenmonics.com

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

Dentists/Orthodontists

Lorven Group, Inc. 704-899-5200 www.lorvengroupinc.com MPG Consulting Services LLC 704-807-6376 www.mpgcs.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 818-264-4256 www.limelightwebdevelopment.com Neteffect Technologies 704-504-9040 www.ne-t.com âœĽPaperless Digital Solutions, LLC 704-357-8881 www.usascanning.com Rush Computer Rentals 800-343-7368 www.rushcomputer.com

CSirian Technologies, Inc. 704-607-9097 www.siriantec.com

AAA Dental Office 704-364-6666 CCarlos A. Sanchez, DDS 704-938-7505 Carmel Commons Dental & Imaging 704-540-2443 www.carmelcommonsdental.com Dasling Dentistry 704-594-9250 www.daslingdentistry.com Derek C. Barnes, DDS 704-849-6700 www.drderekbarnes.com CDiane E. Haberl, DDS 704-663-3001 Friendly Dental of Ballantyne 704-494-7990 www.friendlydentalballantyne.com CJackson Orthodontics 704-464-0696 www.drjacksonsmiles.com CKathleen Boyd, DDS, MS, PA 704-637-3636 Eastover General Dentistry 704-295-0151

CVo Minh Oai, DDS 704-364-6666 CMountain Island Pediatric Dentistry 704-971-7272 Orthodontic Care 704-509-4999 www.drcooperortho.com CPalmieri Dentistry 704-662-6020 www.palmieridentistry.com CRenda L. Welch, DDS 704-786-9123 Rolle Oral & Facial Surgery 704-892-9500 www.rolleoralfacialsurgery.com

IRV Plumbing & Electric 704-544-0200 www.irvplumbing.com Jim Dickerson Co. 704-331-0544 www.jim-dickerson.com Jenkins Electric, Inc. 800-438-3003 www.jenkinselectric.com John Roper Electric Company 704-365-5648 www.johnroperelectric.com

CSandy Stovall, DDS 704-549-5600

J. Wesley Electric Company Inc. 704-609-0050 www.commercialelectrici anincharlottenc.com

SouthEnd Dentistry 704-335-8266 www.southenddentistry.com

Major Contractors, Inc. 704-392-3133 www.majorcontractors.com

A Smile 4 U Family Dentistry 704-549-1199 www.Smile4ucharlotte.com

McNaughton-McKay Electric Co. 800-521-0917 www.mc-mc.com

CSusan M. Collins, DMD 803-324-3277 Steven Ghim, DDS 704-293-0213 CUniversity Pediatric Dentistry 704-688-1664 www.universitypediatricdentistrync.com

U. Phillip Igbinadolor & Associates 704-494-8484 www.upidental.com S.W. Webber Jr., DDS 704-392-9357 Xin Chen, DDS English-Chinese 704-405-5690 Young & Polite Childrenâ€™s Dentistry 980-245-3451 www.charlottencchildrensdentistry.com

Electrical Services Adams Electric Company 704-940-6080 www.adams-electric.com

CLynne Murchison Cadieu, DDS 704-365-6505

Beam Electric Company, Inc. 704-333-9094 www.beamelectric.com

The Regal Group 704-882-9061 www.theregalgroup.com

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

Gaylor Electric, Inc. 800-878-0577 www.gaylor.com

The Network Team, Inc. 980-263--2856 www.thenetworkteam.co

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

Qwest Electric, LLC 704-662-3900 www.qwestelectricllc.com

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Interstate Electric Company, Inc. 704-333-7149 www.interstateelectriccompany.com

Pike Corporation, Inc. 800-424-PIKE www.pike.com Simpson Electric Company, Inc. 704-821-5200 www.simpsonelectricnc.com Starr Electric Company, Inc. 704-568-6600 www.starrelectric.net Summit Air and Electric 704-597-0940 www.summitairandelectric.com WB Moore Company of Charlotte 704-331-9300 www.wbmoore.com White Electric Company 704-858-1090 www.whiteelectriccompany.com

Ethnic Food Items/ Grocery Stores A&A International Food 704-531-1151 CA1 Stop Food Store 704-347-1747 CAnderson Deli 803-325-2977 Ann Doa Sakura Oriental Market 704-525-9840 CCarolina Smoothies 704-358-0006 Central Market 704-567-2071

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications Central Oriental Market 704-532-9888 Compare Foods 704-596-3495 www.comparesupermarkets.com

Divine Pies Bakery 704-372-7202 www.divinepiesonline.com Ella’s Celestial Cakes 980-237-9793 www.ellascelestialcakes.com Eloquent Creations Catering & Design Services, LLC 704-200-6883 www.eloquentcreationcscatering.com Holm-Made Cookies 704-733-9372 www.holmmadecookies.com Honey Butter Bakery 704-421-1390 www.honeybutterbakery.com

Smiley Engineering, Inc. 704-408-1698 www.smileyengineering.com

Beacon Wealth Advisors 704-947-8444 www.mybeaconwealth.com

Extravangaanza Events & Props 704-343-9200 www.extravaganzaevents.com

System WorCx, PLLC 704-900-2694 www.systemworcx.com

CWorth Financial Advisory Group 704-731-0121 www.worthadvisors.com

CIt’s My Affair 704-394-4928 www.itsmyaffair.com

Watson Electric Company, Inc. 252-237-7511 www.watsonelec.com

Fitness/Wellness

Occasions Catering and Event Planning 704-333-1060 www.occasionscater.com

Wescott Structures, P.A. 704-921-0504 www.wescottstructures.com

CThe Main Event 704-332-5819 www.themaineventnc.com Tribble Creative Group 704-376-1943 www.tribblecreativegroup.com CWadsworth Estate 704-332-3050

Engineering

Lucky Oriental Grocery 704-568-8666

Advanced Enclosure Consulting 704-361-8664 www.aeconsulting-usa.com

Mr. Jim’s Pizza 704-376-5467 www.mrjims.pizza

Atom Engineering, PLLC 704-687-6019 www.atomengineers.com

New Century Grocery & Food 704-921-1716 Ole Mexican Foods 704-587-1763 www.olemexicanfoods.com

C2 Engineering Solutions, PLLC 540-314-1578 www.rcengineering.net

COrganic Marketplace 704-864-0605 www.organicmarketplacenc.com COriental Food Market, Inc. 704-537-4281 Overseas Oriental Food 704-522-9111 CPlaza Sundries (704) 333-1410 Sweet It Is! Bakery 704-351-4668 www.sweetitis.net Tropical Nut & Fruit, Co 704-588-0400 www.tropicalfoods.com Uptown Catering Company 704-332-5521 www.uptowncateringco.com

Events/Party Planning

Christian Engineering, Inc. 704-369-0974 www.christianengineering.com DiCon Consulting 980-202-2011 www.diconconsulting.com Elm Engineering, Inc. 704-335-0396 www.elmengr.com EWRES-Group, PLLC 704-264-6213 www.ewres-group.com High Performance Building Solutions, Inc. 704-299-1698 www.hpb-solutions.com Hinde Engineering, Inc. 704-814-4407 www.hindeengineering.com Jones Civil Design, P.C. 704-412-8523 www.jonescivildesign.com

✥Blessed Occasion Event Planner 980-236-7023

Laurene, Rickher & Sorrell 704-522-0495 www.lrspc.net

CBotanica Lights, LLC 704-737-0962 www.botanicalights.com

Shultz Engineering Group 704-334-7363 www.shultzeg.com

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

Financial Services

Club Fitness 704-295-7900 www.goclubfitness.com

CAnderson & Associates 704-347-0090 www.andersonexecsearch.com

Core Elevation Fitness & Wellness www.coreelevationfitness.com

ATG Accounts & Advisors 877-658-0356 www.atgadvisors.com

Energy Sports and Fitness 704-321-3488

Carter Insurance 704-542-7500 www.agents.allstate.com/luthercarter-jr-charlotte-nc.html Cornerstone Wealth Planning Matthews: 704-849-0123 | Highpoint: 336-887-9390 www.cornerstone4planning.com First Legacy Community Credit Union 704-375-5781 www.firstlegacyccu.org CeRates Mortgage 855-693-7283 www.eratesmortgage.com Freedom Financial Advantage, LLC 704-905-9867 www.freedomfinancialadvantage.com GM Financial 704-719-3570 www.gmfinancial.com M&F Bank 704-332-2121 www.mfbonline.com AloStar Bank of Commerce 877-738-6391 www.alostarbank.com Ocean Advisors 704-523-6914 www.oceanadvisors.com Rose & Associates Southeast 704-896-0094 www.roseassoc.com CShear Expressions, Inc. 704-847-8571 Tucker Boynton Company 704-366-5085 www.tbfinancial.com US Financial Services 704-531-9999

ResourceListings

CCorner Store 2 803-366-3116

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

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 PlantFitGym 704-449-1476 www.plantfitgym.com Total Life Changes 980-349-5747 www.totallifechanges/discoveryourfigure Toushea Body Boutique 980-354-1145 www.tousheabodyboutique.com CThe Yoga Center 704-372-4289 Ultimate CrossFit 704-650-5956 www.ultimatecrossfit.com

Food/Catering/ Food Trucks A. Oronde Culinary Services 704-819-3251 Big “L” Enterprises 704-392-8717 Cake and Craft Creations 704-577-4400 www.cakeandcraft.com Cakes By Bela 704-506-3771 Catering By Tara 704-492-3791 www.cateringbytara.com July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications Courtney Paul Chocolates 704-629-8824 www.courtneypaulchocolates.com

Moonlight Creative Group 704-332-9918 www.moonlightcreative.com

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

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

Essie’s Catering 803-329-2228 www.essiescatering.com FDY, Inc. 704-523-6605 www.fdyinc.com Heaven Sent Catering 704-399-0088 www.heavensentcatering.net

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

Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry 704-377-3687 www.cltpediatricdentistry.com

CAME Consulting Engineers, PC 704-295-4263 www.ame-pc.com

CSteele Creek Printing & Design, Inc. 704-583-0600

Charlotte Primary Care 704-342-8115

CBarrett & Garrett Heating & Air 704-391-2077

Crown Clinic 704-527-5522 www.crownclinicpa.com

CATAWBA Mechnical Services, Inc. 704-399-8786 www.catawbamechnical.com

CCynthia Busher 704-522-8300 www.cynthiabusher.com

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

HomeCare for the Carolinas, LLC 704-335-8488 www.homecareforthcarolinas.com

Commercial Controls, Inc. 704-535-1281 www.ccihvac.com

JP Chiropractic & Posture 704-841-1701 www.jpchiropractic.com

CCost Effective Maintenance, Inc. 704-332-9711

CTC Design Solutions, Inc. 704-971-7854 www.tcdesignsolutions.net

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

CVistec Graphx, Inc. 704-377-6626 ww.vistecmarketing.com

Las Delicias 704-568-2120 www.lasdeliciasbakerync.com

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

SouthernCakeQueen 704-287-8314 www.southerncakequeen.com

Health Care/Medical Advantage Vision Center 704-375-3935 www.advantagevisioncenter.net Americare Health 704-941-2080

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

Arboretum Obstetrics & Gynecology 704-341-1103, 704-841-7225 www.arboretumobgyn.com

Wingzza 704-737-1040 www.wingzzatruck.com

CBarbara G Green Physical Therapy 704-377-0020

Zippy Ice Inc 980-355-9851 www.zippyicecompany.com

www.barbaragreenphysicaltherapy.com

✥Lancaster One Medical 803-286-5700 www.lancasteronemed.com ✥M.D. Laser Studio 704-664-4247 www.mdlaserstudio.com ✥Mount Holly Eye Clinic, Inc. 704-822-0099 www.mounthollyeyeclinic.com Thuanh Nah Nguyen, MD, PA Internal Medicine & Pediatrics 704-554-8880 CPlanned Parenthood 704-536-7233

Carolinas Eye Center & MedSpa 704-510-3100 www.carolinaseyecenter.com

CPrimary Health-Care of Charlotte, PA 704-347-1172 www.getwellnesscare.com

CBrinkley Design, Inc. 704-372-8666

Carolina Family Healthcare 704-847-4000 www.carolinafamilyhealthcare.com

Speechworks Therapy Services 980-237-6226 www.speechworkstherapy.com

Classic Graphics 704-5979015, 800-368-1056 www.knowclassic.com

Carolina Pediatric Therapy Cooperative 803-980-4900

Starks Pediatrics 704-717-2826 www.starkspediatrics.com ✥Massage by Lindsay 704-720-7354

Graphic Design

Cynthia Frank Design 704-562-2616 JM Graphics 704-375-1147 www.jmgraphicsnc.com

Ally Engineering, Inc. 704-965-8130 www.allyengineering.com

✥Virtual Illustrations 704-287-7023 www.virtualillustrations.com

Sadie’s Café 704-532-5570

Air Diagnostics, Inc. 888-611-3011 www.airdiagnostics.net

Central Care Clinic 704-567-8218

Howard & Howard Event Management and Catering 888-609-2350, 980-349-5750 www.howardandhowardevents.com

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

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

Centers for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research 704-895-9355 www.drbuttar.com

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

Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness 704-543-2325 www.medicineandwellness.com

CLinda K Blake 704-408-8865 www.blakeweddinginvitations.com

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

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Heating and Air Conditioning

Ecos Engineering, Inc. 980-272-1326 www.ecosengineering.com CEnvironmental Controls & Mechanical 704-910-2692 Environmental Heating and Air of NC, Inc. 919-535-8422 www.enviro-nc.com CGordon’s Heating & A/C 704-370-7789 Mckenney’s Inc. 704-357-1200 www.mckenneys.com CNative Air & Heat 704-824-0380 CRefresco, PLLC www.refresco-pllc.com 704-293-8011 CSuperior Mechanical Systems, Inc. 704-335-1942 www.superiormsinc.com

Homecare Services Advanced Roofing & Exteriors, LLC 704-999-4130 www.advancedroofingandexteriors.com

A-1 Quality Insulating Service 704-331-9294

American Fence and Supply Co., Inc. 704-523-4936 www.americanfenceandsupply.com

AeroRaq Engineering Inc. 704-469-8463 www.aeroraq.com

A Devine Lock and Key 704-579-4799 www.adevinelockandkey.com

Good for our customers.

Good for business.

Become a Minority or Women-Owned Business Supplier for Belk

supplier diversity

Connect. Include. Innovate. To apply and register, please visit: belk.com/diversity http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BelkSupplierDiversity

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications B & N Painting, LLC 843-576-4036 www.bandpainting.com

Kim’s Professional Painting 704-349-1810 www.kimsprofessionalpainting.com

CEthel Harris, Inc. 704-377-8600 www.ethelharris.com

CFirstPoint, Inc. 888-725-4456 www.firstpointresources.com

Bullseye Construction, Inc. 704-889-2855 www.bullseyeconstructioninc.com

Style Leitmotif Interiors 704-877-6010 www.styleleitmotif.com

CQCentric Consultants (800) 260-5728 www.qcentricconsultants.com

Carolina Custom Installations, Inc. 704-568-7277 www.cci-floors.com

Treadaway & Sons Painting & Wallcovering, Inc. 704-332-6557 www.treadawayandsonspainting.com

CInsurance Professional Search, LLC 704-362-5638 www.insuranceprofessionalsearch. com Integra Staffing 704-527-9191 www.integrastaffing.com

Refulgent Technologies Inc. 704-405-4238 www.refulgent-tech.com

CJ.W. Smith and Associates, LLC 919-649-4055 www.jwsmithconsulting.com

Sappenfield Staffing, Inc. 704-332-4710

Camden Roofing and Construction, LLC 704-858-2141 www.camdenroofingnc.com Carolina Hydroplanting, LLC 704-913-1113 www.carolinahydroplanting.com

Human Resources/ Executive Search

Carolina Lawn Service 919-964-LAWN www.carolinalawn.com

CAccruePartners, Inc. 704-632-9955 www.accruepartners.com

Queen City Master Services 800-326-5540 www.queencitymasterservices.com

CAdvantage Personnel Solutions, LLC 704-891-1580 www.advantageaps.com

Certapro Painters of North Charlotte 704-743-4468 north-charlotte.certapro.com

Advocations, LLC 704-960-1783 www.advocations.org

Charlotte Plantscapes, Inc 704-529-1399 www.charlotteplantscapes.com

CAllegiance Staffing 704-556-1770 www.allegiancestaffing.com

Bless Hurr Soil 484-714-2819 www.blesshurrsoil.com

CAlpha Labor Contractors, Inc. 704-398-2741 www.alphalaborcontractors.com

Cook’s Pest Control LLC 704-399-8919 www.cookspestcharlotte.com

CBefore You Hire, Inc. 704-878-3600 www.beforeyouhireinc.com

DLS Landscape 704-583-0777 www.dlslandscape.com Carolina Door Specialties, LLC 704-391-7133 www.carolinadoorspecialties.com Floortex Integrated 2.0, LLC 910-297-1809 www.floortexintegrated.com Fresh Bright Corp. 704-526-6922 www.freshandbrightcorp.com Genesis Construction of the Carolinas 704-266-3737 www.genesiscoc.com Get The Lead Out, LLC 704-376-3594 www.gettheleadout.biz Gomez Painting Inc. 704-201-7784 www.gomezpaintinginc.net Jiron’s Construction, Inc. 800.555.6789 www.jironconstruction.com 54

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

CBergman Brothers Staffing, Inc. 704-537-1230 www.bergmanbrothers.com

CJennifer Temps, Inc. 704-510-1556 www.jennifertemps.com CKavaliro Staffing Services 704-525-3457 www.kavaliro.com Kelly Services 704-510-0900 www.kellyservices.com Language Resource Center Inc 877-322-1244 www.languagerc.net LeadAdvantage, Inc 704-577-7891 www.leadadvantageinc.com CLink Staffing 704-525-4555 www.linkstaffing.com Logical Advantage, LLC 704-377-5066 www.logicaladvantage.com

Burnett Resources, Inc. 888-273-4108 www.burnettresources.com

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

BPN Healthcare Concepts 866-623-8880 www.bpnhealthcareconcepts.com

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

Career Match Solutions 813-412-6560 www.careermatchsolutions.com

Modis 704-334-8303

CCEO, Inc. 704-372-4701 www.ceohr.com

OnShoreNation, LLC 704-579-0898 www.onshorenation.com

CCompass Career Management Solutions 704-849-2500 www.compasscareer.com

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

CCorestaff Services 704-248-3453 www.corestaff.com

CPrideStaff 704-727-2020 www.pridestaff.com

Dental Staffing of the Carolinas 704-535-2272

ProLogistix 704-522-9166

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

CQuality Personnel 704-332-2527

Simply Virtual 704-719-2202 www.simply-virtual.com SourceAbility, Incorporated 704-837-8200 www.sourceabilityinc.com CSolutions Staffing 704-503-1090 www.solutionsstaffing.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 CTrinity Strategic Consulting, Inc. 704-957-0620 www.trinitystrategicconsulting.com USTT, Inc. 704-676-0990 www.usttusa.com VisionCor, Inc. 704-366-7979 www.visioncor.com CRG Workforce 704-665-9555 www.getcrg.com CGreene Group 704-896-3110 www.greene-group.com

Insurance Services Allstate Insurance: Bob White 704-377-3330 www.allstate.com/bobwhite2 CAltmann & Porter Insurance 704-795-9001 www.bcbsnc.com

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications CCarolina Insurance School, Inc. 704-489-9440 www.carolinainsuranceschool.com

Joffie Contracting Services, Inc. 704-392-4442 www.joffie.com

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

Miriam Davis Cleaning, LLC 704-201-6111 www.miriamdaviscleaning.com

CDawn Johnson Agency 803-980-1414 CGroup Insurance Solutions, Inc. 704-543-9314 www.groupinsurancesolutions.com

Mr. Clean Maintenance Company 980-339-5399 www.mrcleanservices.com

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

Perfect Finish Cleaning Service, Inc. 704-540-7260 www.perfectfinishcleaning.com

CZxiva Insurance 980-236-1548 www.zxivaa.com CLandmark Insurance Agency 704-633-7283 CPreferred Solutions, Inc. 704-529-1017 www.preferred-adjusters.com CPrestige Insurance Agency, Inc. 704-321-3900 www.prestigeinsagency.com

Squeaky Completely Clean 910-797-4683 www.scclean.net Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Co. 803-315-7932 www.sparkleandshinecleaningcompany.com

Top Pro Cleaners 704-241-6206 www.topprocleaners.com

Latin American Chamber Charlotte

Elite Touch Cleaning Services, Inc. 704-266-0623 www.elitetouchcleaningservices.com Green’s Commercial Cleaning, Inc. 704-233-1482 www.gccpride.com Integral Facility Services 980-339-5399 www.integralfacilityservices.com JAC Janitorial Services 980-201-9099 www.jacjanitorialservice.com JC Services Unlimited 980-253-7256 www.jcservicesunlimited.com

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

Fast Signs 704-531-8000 www.fastsigns.com Fiesta Maya Mexican Restaurant 704-509-9402 www.fiestamaya.com

Bonilla Brothers, LLC 704-737-7124 www.bonillaroofingnc.com

Ganetti, Inc. 704-804-2003

Borealis Language Academy 704-281-1656 www.borealislanguageacademy.com

Heits Building Services 919-361-5555 ww.heitsofcentralcarolina.com

Cambio Coaching LLC 704-497-2340 www.cambiocoach.com

HPS, Inc. 704-552-8077

Carnitas Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant 704-563-1651 www.carnitasmexican.com Celia Estrada Realtors 704-335-4400

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

3sisters creations 704-622-0375 www.3sisterscreationsnc.com

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

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

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

ColombiaCharlotte.com 704-890-6099

LaCa Projects 704-837-1688

Commercial Equipment Repairs, Inc. 704-622-8762 www.commequiprepair.com

Las Delicias Bakery, Inc. 704-568-2120 www.lasdeliciasbakeryclt.com

Concepcion Barajas Painting 704-557-5072

Latorre Insurance Group 704-566-8181 www.latorreinsurance.com

Janitorial/Custodial

Bucket, Mop, and Broom Cleaning Service LLC 877-784-0781 www.bucketmopandbroom.com

Baruu Advertising Group LLC 888-841-0179 www.baruu.com

Exotic Landscapes 704-537-0842 www.exotic-landscapes.com

Kubota Music Productions 803-810-0343

1900 Mexican Grill 704-334-4677 www.1900mexicangrill.com

ATL & C Cleans, LLC 704-635-8480 www.atlccleans.com

AVON Products Myriam Gladney 704-814-7318

Elite Touch Cleaning Services, Inc. 704-606-3509 www.elitetouchcleaning.com

Centro Medico Latino, PC 704-333-0465 www.centromedicolatino.com

CRankin Insurance Group, Inc. 704-896-9393 www.rankininsurancegroup.com

AAA All In A Call 704-975-9765 www.aaaallinacall.com

MOLLY MAID of South Charlotte / Matthews 704-714-1150 www.mollymaid.com

AVON Products Cynthia Garcia 704-999-5581

AFC Custom Granite 704-598-1647 www.afccustomgranite.com Allstate-Alvarado Insurance Agency, LLC 704-846-9700 www.agents.allstate.com/j-calvarado-charlotte-nc1.html America’s Real Estate Group, Inc 704-540-4646 www.americasre.com

CSB Promo 704-708-5088 www.csbpromo.com Daniela Melendez State Farm 704-733-9022

Law Offices of Stefan R. Latorre, PA 704-344-0004 www.latorrelaw.com Linzac Corporation, Inc. 704-307-0551

Amway - Miriam/Jorge 954-805-8061 www.amway.com/miribel

DécorLee, LLC 704-400-3332 www.décorlee.com

Apex Exterminating, Inc. 704-573-1197 www.apexexterminatinginc.com

Dentist Salud 704-771-2268 www.dentistsalud.com

Neighboring Concepts 704-374-0916 www.neighboringconcepts.com

Arlette Guerra de Hurtado 704-591-0359

El Progreso Hispano Newspaper 704-529-6624 www.progresohispanonews.com

Optimum Income Property 888-294-9998 www.optimumincomeproperty.com

El Soplon Deportivo 704-238-0260

Parks Insurance Group 704-831-6677

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

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Mundo Uniforms, LLC 704-287-1527

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications Pio Pio Peruvian 704-379-1911 Precise Translating, LLC 704-488-5584

Puente Media Solutions 704-576-4492 www.puentemediasolutions.com Punta Cana Grill 704-529-3599 www.puntacanagrill.com Que Pasa Mi Gente Newspaper 704-319-5044 www.quepasamedia.com RentMeUSA 980-355-9696 www.rentameusa.com Rooster Communications 336-210-3806 Sign Connection 704-868-4500 The Artistic Gourmet/Gelitas 704-877-2464 www.gelitascharlotte.com USTT, Inc. 704-676-0990 Windsor Jewelers 704-556-7747 www.windsor-jewelers.com

Marketing/Public Relations CAC & M Group 704-697-4400 www.acmconnect.com CApple Rock Displays 1-800-478-2324 www.applerock.com ASKI Services Company US LLC 855-439-2220 www.askiserviceus.com CCGR Creative (704) 334-2232 www.cgrcreative.com Compass Career Management Solutions 704-849-2500 www.compasscareer.com

www.dreambuilderscommunication.com

CEaddy, Perry & Associates, Inc. 704-965-6956 www.eaddyperry.com Fast Signs Matthews/ Ballantyne 704-841-4033 www.fastsigns.com Finishing Partners, Inc. 704-583-7322 www.finishingpartners.com G & S Communications and Technical Services, Inc. 704-573-1515 www.g-scommtechsvc.com CHDS Manufactures Representatives 704-504-1032 www.hdsreps.com IT Factor 310-910-1837 Image Solutions 704-619-1539 International Minute Press 704-782-2020 www.concordimp.com Jervay Agency, LLC 704-780-7004 www.thejervayagency.com KS Image Solutions, LLC 704-786-7763 www.ksimagesolutions.com CLockman-Brooks Marketing Services 704-944-3188 www.lockmanbrooks.com The Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerly.com Mythic Advertising & Marketing 704-227-0700 Pride Public Relations 704-375-9553 www.pridepr.net

Media/Magazines/ Newspapers/Radio

Lake Norman Currents 704-749-8788 www.lncurrents.com Lake Norman Woman 704-895-6168 www.lakenormanwoman.com LaRaza — 106.1FM 800-975-0760 www.larazalaraza.com Breiding Electronics, Inc. 704-362-5333 www.breidingelectronics.com

Office Supplies/Services Aaron’s 877-607-9999 www.aarons.com CAdvanced Imaging Solutions 800-332-6793 www.advancedimaging.net CAmerican Product Distributors, Inc. 800-849-5842 www.americanproduct.com

CNorsan Media 1(800) 975-0760 www.norsanmedia.com

CBeardsley Office Solutions, LLC 704-395-3081 www.bosrepair.com

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

CCarolina Marking Devices 800-888-7196 www.caromark.com

Qué Pasa Media 704-319-5044 www.quepasamedia.com

Shred-It, Inc. 888.750.6450 www.shredit.com

Pride Communications/ Pride Magazine 704-375-9553 www.pridemagazine.net

Optometrists

Radio One — Old School 105.3, Praise 100.9FM 704-548-7800 www.oldschool1053.com www.praisecharlotte.com SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.sparkpublications.com The Charlotte Post 704-376-0496 www.thecharlottepost.com WGIV —103.3FM, 1370 AM 877-342-7770 www.wgivcharlotte.com

Mental Health Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions 980.938.4200 www.cardinalinnovations.org Essential Assessments & Behavioral Health 980-939-5099 www.essentialhealthnc.com

ResourceListings

Premier Home Healthcare Services 704-521-4901 www.premierhomehealthcare.com

Dream Builders Communication, Inc, 704-896-7336

CAdvantage Vision Center 704-375-3935 www.advantagevisioncenter.com CFort Mill Vision Center 803-547-5547 www.fortmillvision.com

Photography/Aerial/ Commercial Accutech Surveying & Mapping, LLP. 704-784-3286 www.accutechsurveying.com CAvioimage Mapping Services, Inc. 704-573-7080 www.avioimage.com Advanced Imaging Systems 800-365-1038 www.aisimc.com Boyle Consulting Engineers, PLLC 704-676-0778 www.boyleconsulting.com CMoments by Donna 704-364-1215 www.momentsbydonna.com

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

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

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

Delargy’s Print Solutions 704-597-1422 www.delargysop.com

CAM Talent Agency 614-488-1122 www.camtalent.com

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

Digital Divas 201-304-2933 www.digitaldivasevents.com

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

Life Enhancement Services 980-265-1064 www.lifeenhancementservices.org Pride in North Carolina 704-567-8690 www.pridenc.com

CJB Long Photography 803-517-7159 www.jblongphotography.com July-August 2016 | Pride Magazine

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications CJoanna Dehart Photography 704-545-5850 www.joannadehartphotography.com Kim Brattain Media 704-562-9161 www.kimbrattain.com

ResourceListings

CLisa Adams Photography 704-334-3231 www.lisaadamsphotography.com Media Arts Collectives, LLC 704-771-9927 www.mediaartscollective.com Origin Land Surveying and Mapping, Inc. 704.852.9453 www.originlandsurveying.com CPPT Photography 704-293-7459 www.pptphotography.com CRob Armstrong Photography 704-904-3466 www.robarmstrongphotography.com CSanborn 704-347-4552 www.sanborn.com CTimeless Arts, LLC 803-493-7086 www.timelessartsonline.com

Plumbers CAgua Source 704-831-8311 www.aguasourcellc.com

CRainbow Printing Co. 704-861-1820

CAction Graphics 704-332-1164 www.actionprints.com

CRicha Graphics 704-331-9744 www.richa.com

CAllegra Marketing, Print, and Mail 704-708-5818 www.allegracharlotte.com CAmerican Labels & Printing 704-798-0638 Fast Signs Matthews/ Ballantyne 704-841-4033 www.fastsigns.com

CPay Less Plumbing 704-393-9032 CQuality Drain Cleaning & Plumbing Repair 704-231-1531

88 China Bistro 704-335-0288 www.88chinabistro.com Ben Thánh Vietnamese Restaurant 704-566-1088

Dim Sum 704-569-1128

CCarolina Cartridge & Supplies, Inc. 704-347-2447 www.ccsinside.com

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

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

The Charlotte Post Publishing Co. Inc. 704-376-0496 www.thecharlottepost.com

Recycling/Junk Removal/Shredding

Golden Taipei 704-494-8688 www.goldentaipeinc.com

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

House of Leng 980-207-3518 704-510-5081 www.houseofleng.com

Classic Graphics 704-5979015, 800-368-1056 www.knowclassic.com CCopy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte, Inc. 704-529-6606

CImageMark 704-554-1188 www.imagemarkonline.com

CNeely Brothers Construction Plumbing, LLC 803-322-1065

CVision Print Solutions 704-392-9090 www.visionenvelope.com

Asian

Publishing/SelfPublishing Books

CBEC Car Printing Co., Inc. 704-873-1911 www.beccarprinting.com

Heyworth Plumbing Company, Inc. 704-523-2696 www.heyworthplumbing.com

National Plumbing Solutions 704-309-9565

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

Restaurants

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

CDependable Plumbing 704-982-6938

CMRL Plumbing, LLC 803-980-7180 www.mrlplumbingllc.com

CSqueegee Tees & More, Inc. 704-888-0336

CToddCo Builders, Inc. 704-277-6338 www.toddcobuilders.com

CVision Forms & Supplies, LLC 704-940-0741

✥Delargy’s Office Supply, Inc. 704-597-1422 www.delargysop.com

Tew Equipment Solutions, Inc, 704-573-5476 www.tewequipment.com

Printers

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 CPerfect Image Printing, Inc. 704-841-2464 www.perfectimagemktg.com

CReed’s Plumbing Company 704-399-7785

CProforma Impressions Group 704-575-2743 www.proforma.com/ impressionsgroup

CRooter Man 704-647-0105 ww.rooterman.com

CPyramid Printing & Graphics, Inc. 704-536-9027 www.pyramidprintingink.com

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

✥Carolina Recycles 704-376-4295 www.carolinarecycles.com Junk King 704-469-4815 www.charlotte.junk-king.com Shred-It, Inc. 888.750.6450 www.shredit.com All Points Waste Service Inc. 704-821+-5424 www.allpointswasteservice.com

Remodeling All-Pro Builders & Restorations, LLC 877-369-2793 www.allprobuildersinc.com Anointed Flooring, Inc. 704-510-8906 www.anointedflooring.com Bolton Contracting Company, Inc. 704-399-5010 www.boltoncontracting.com

Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 704-370-0100 www.nikkosushibar.net Soho Bistro 704-333-5189 www.sohobistro2go.com Shun Lee Palace, Inc. 704-366-2025 www.shunleepalacecharlotte.com Ishi Restaurant 704-921-9219 www.allmenus.com/nc/ charlotte/44319-ishi/menu

Caribbean Anntony’s Caribbean - University 704-598-6863 Copper Cuisine of India 704-333-0063 www.copperrestaurant.com

CFree Agent Electric 704-502-4677

Maharani Indian Cuisine 704-370-2455 www.maharaniindiancuisine.com

CJubilee Diversified Services 980-253-3219 www.jubileediversifiedservices.com

Saffron Indian Restaurant 980-297-7722 www.saffron-cuisine.com

Mister Sparky 704-341-2270 www.mistersparky.com

Azteca Mexican Restaurant 704-525-5110 www.aztecarestaurantcharlotte.com

Working together for our community We are proud to partner with diverse suppliers to improve the health of our community. Collaborations like this make a significant impact on the lives of those around us, providing individuals with the tools they need to get better and stay healthy.

Making healthcare remarkable ÂŠ Novant Health, Inc. 2016 5/16 â€˘ GCM-56694

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications Cantina 1511 704-331-9222 www.cantina15eleven.com

JP Government Investigations 877-990-2111 www.jpgovernmentinvestigations.com

CRutherford Media Group, Inc. 704-373-2522 www.rutherfordmedia.com

Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant 704-921-2414 www.donpedrorestaurant.com

Landmark Security, Inc. 704-527-7756 www.landmarksecurityinc.com

CSign Innovations 704-375-2338 www.signinnovations.com

Three Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina 704-536-1851 www.threeamigoscharlotte.com

✥LifeGuard Protective Services, Inc. 704-319-3180 www.lifeguardprotective.com

CSigns, ETC of Charlotte 704-522-8860 www.signsetcofcharlotte.com

Monterrey 704-593-0167 www.monterreyuncc.com

✥Opsec International, LLC 704-930-6778 www.opsecintl.com

CSigns by Tomorrow of Rock Hill, SC 803-981-9400 www.signsbytomorrow.com

Luna’s Living Kitchen 704-333-0008 www.lunaslivingkitchen.com

Professional Protection, Inc. 704-523-1660 www.ppi-inc.net

Bobbee O’s BBQ 704-509-6902 www.bobbeeosbbq.com

Professional Security Services 704-442-9499 www.pssprotection.com

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

CSAF Technologies, Inc. 704-844-0955 www.saftechnologies.com

La’wan’s Soul Food Restaurant 704-665-7225 www.lawans.com

CSecurity Solutions Group & Investigative Services 540-220-0052 www.ssgis.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

1st Choice Transportation Services, Inc. 704-537-1819 www.1stchoicetsps.com CA & S Taxi 704-938-5440 VIP Transportation Services 704-200-2347 www.ondutylimo.com CCrown Cab Company, Inc. 704-334-6666 www.crowncabinc.com

Street Sweeping/ Parking Lots

CLuxury Transportation 704-458-9126

CA + Power Sweepers & Pressure Washing 704-921-6732

CPrestige Wheelchair Transportation 704-332-3939

CSupreme Sweepers, LLC 888-698-9996 www.supremesweepers.com

Video Production

Tax Return Preparation

Apollo Video Productions 704-814-8899 www.apollovideoclt.com

CABC Tax Services 704-735-7900

Civilized Films, Inc. 310-435-2125 www.civilizedfilms.com

CAccounting Associates 704-864-0284

Story Street Studio 404-405-1229 www.storystreetstudio.com

Touch Attention Protective Services (TAPS) 704-493-5740

CAccounting Payroll & Taxes, Inc. 704-482-1722

Signs

CBurchett Financial Services 704-549-9401 www.burchettfinancial.com

CRutherford Media Group 704-373-2522

CBustle Tax Service 704-873-3946

SL Media Productions 704-451-3566

CH&R Block 803-222-7468

The Inertia Group 704-301-2551 www.inertia-group.com

CLiberty Tax Service 704-373-1343 www.libertytax.com

Web Design

Thai House 704-717-8006 www.thaihouse.us.com

✥Bunn Barber Specialties 704-650-2242 www.bbunnspecialties.com

Thai Orchid 704-469-4465 www.thaiorchidrestaurantcharlotte.com

CCreative Enterprising 803-283-4688 www.creative-enterprising.com

Thai Taste 704-332-0001 www.thaitastecharlotte.com

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

Los Paisas (Colombian) 704-542-5477 www.lospaisasrestaurant.com

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

Meskerem (Ethiopian) www.meskeremincharlotte.com

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

Security Alarms and Services

✥Southeastern Public Safety Group 704-394-1500 www.secpd.com

Taxis

CMcCallum Sales, Inc. 704-377-2367 www.mccallumsales.com

Alpha Alarm Systems, Inc. 704-467-2370 www.alphasecurity.us

CPetrie Sign Installation 704-599-6977

Firestop Carolinas, Inc. 704-662-7720 www.firestopcarolinas.com

CPronto Signs 704-890-4554 www.prontosigns.biz

CKeyper Systems 704-455-9400 www.keypersystems.com

CQuality Neon, Inc. 704-598-2256 www.qualityneoninc.com

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

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

Kim Brattain Media 704-562-9161 www.kimbrattain.com

The Agency Marketing Group 704-333-0667 www.gettheagency.com Cohesion Marketing & Consulting 704-980-2932 www.cohesionmrktg.com Creation Studios 980-292-1059 New Creations Enterprises 704-971-7854 Yellow Cape Communications 980-254-6281 www.yellowcapecommunications.com Neonsky Creative Media 704-377-4820 www.neonsky.com

Going above and beyond.

Real progress starts with people who are inspired to make a difference. At Duke Energy, inspiration is our fuel. Itâ€™s what drives us to generate the power of innovation. Hereâ€™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

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications CSTP Ventures, LLC 704-470-4121 www.stpventures.com

The Diversity Forum 704-405-0607 www.thediversityforum.org

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

eWomen Network 704-208-9561 www.ewomennetwork.com

Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuricreative.com

Filipino-American Community www.facc.us

Nonprofits

German Language and Culture Foundation 704-372-2172 x 202 www.germanfoundation.com

Chambers of Commerce ✥Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce 866-937-2742 www.caacc.com

Hispanic Contractors Association of the Carolinas 704-583-4184 www.hcacarolinas.org

Charlotte Business Guild (LGBT Community) 704-750-5224

Hmong Community 828-327-6137 www.hmongcarolinas.com

Charlotte Chamber 704-378-1300 www.charlottechamber.com

Indonesian American Association of the Carolina 704-458-8532

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce 704-212-2032 www.cmbcc.org

India Association 704-547-9555

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

Internal Revenue Service-Charlotte 704-548-4100 www.irs.gov Korean Association www.charlottekoreans.com Lao American Association www.lasga.org

Altrusa International of Charlotte 704-321-2902 www.altrusaofcharlotte.org

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

Metropolitan Business & Professional Women www.mbpw.org info@mbpw.org

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

Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County 704-525-5843

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

Office of International Relations 704-336-2174 www.charlotteinternational.org

✥InnerVision, Inc. 704-377-5042 www.innervisionnc.org

Metrolina Minority Contractors Association www.mmcaofcharlotte.org

Chinese-American Association of Charlotte 704-877-6759 704-651-3964 www.charlottechinese.com

N.C. Indian Economic Development Initiative, Inc. 910-486-6555 www.ncindian.com

Diversity Council of the Carolinas 704-338-1888 www.ndccarolinas.org

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

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club-Charlotte 704-595-9473 www.nanbpwc.org National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Charlotte 704-900-3067 www.nawbocharlotte.org ✥National Black MBA Association — Charlotte Chapter 877-732-0314 www.nbmbaacharlotte.org ✥National Hispanic Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Inc. 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 704-903-6037 www.cmrw.org SCORE 704-344-6576 www.charlottescore.org Urban LeagueCentral Carolinas 704-373-2256 www.urbanleaguecc.org Vietnamese Association http://vietcharlotte.wix. com/vietcharlotte Women’s InterCultural Exchange 980-355-7000 www.wi-ce.net

Community Services A Child’s Place 704-343-3790 www.achildsplace.org All We Want Is Love www.allwewantislove.org Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency 704-535-8803 www.carolinarefugee.com Center of Hope/ Salvation Army (Shelter for women and children) 704-348-2560 www.salvationarmycarolinas. org/charlotte/home/

Children and Family Services Center 704-943-9400 www.childrenfamily.org Community Link 704-943-9490 www.communitylinknc.org Crisis Assistance Ministry 704-371-3001 www.crisisassistance.org ✥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

When we work together, we grow together

Learn more about Wells Fargo Supplier Diversity. You believe in your business — and why not? You’re making big plans and hitting exciting goals. We’d like to hear more about it. We work to build relationships with innovative and growing companies owned by members of the business community. It’s a win-win. We gain strong suppliers, and they enjoy new opportunities to expand and enhance their businesses. These partnerships also contribute to the economic vigor and cultural vibrancy of the places where we live and work. So our communities benefit most of all. For more information, please contact the Wells Fargo Supplier Diversity team at supplierdiversity@wellsfargo.com.

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Our experienced loan officers will help find the right loan program to fit your individual needs. Buying a home is one of the largest investments and most important decisions youâ€™ll ever make. Let one of our experienced loan officers help make your decisions a little easier. We offer a variety of financing options1, and you can count on us for flexible solutions and exceptional personal service.

Find a local mortgage loan officer and apply online today.

(800) 277-2175 | SouthStateBank.com/Mortgage Member FDIC

1. All loans are subject to credit approval. South State Bank NMLS ID# 401262.