Black Enterprise articles from December 2006

Black Enterprise archives from December 2006

'Tis better to give--strategically.(publisher's page)
December 1, 2006... African Americans are charitable by nature, ever mindful of the trials we've endured to get to where we are, grateful that we've overcome, and eager to make our path to a better life just a little easier for others to follow. Not surprisingly,...

Now's the time for Black Hollywood to rise.(About This Issue)
December 1, 2006... This is the time of year when theaters are flooded with Oscar contenders. Only a handful of films that will receive consideration have a black lead actor; even fewer were produced or directed by African Americans. So why hasn't Hollywood...

Running a model business.(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2006... Thank you so much for featuring the cover story, "Models Inc.," in your September 2006 issue. You just don't know how inspiring it was to see Tyra and Iman on the cover of your magazine. I have been wanting to write to you about my vision and...

A personal professional touch.(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2006... I WAS SHOCKED AND SURPRISED THAT THE VICE PRESIDENT of Merrill Lynch personally and promptly returned my phone call. The article featuring Jacqueline Rhinehart ("The Right Match," Moneywise, September 2006) inspired me to contact her financial...

Persevering for success.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2006... I AM A STUDENT STUDYING BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, and I enjoy and appreciate your magazine's informative articles on the business world, especially the insights into the African American business world. You have such great reads each month! ...

Corrections.(Letters)(Correction notice)
December 1, 2006... * In "Step Into My Office" (Enterprise, September 2006), we inadvertently implied that the business practices of Tara Long Scott's former colleague were unethical. BLACK ENTERPRISE regrets the implication and apologizes for any misunderstanding...

B.E. benefiting undergrads.(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2006... Some months ago, I started receiving BE at my workplace. I had never seen the magazine before and still don't know why I started receiving it, but I'm very glad that I decided to look through it during some downtime. I have used at least one...

Enlightened and informed.(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2006... BACK IN 2005, I MET AN AFRICAN American missionary serving in Uganda and wondered aloud whether there were any enterprising African Americans outside of the entertainment and sports fields. My biggest question was, are there any African...

Powerful resource.(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2006... I HAVE BEEN AN AVID AND LONGTIME FAN AND SUPPORTER OF BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine. You provide exceptional and resourceful information that is vital to our communities. Having experience in public speaking and entertainment production has made me...

A new attitude.(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2006... BEFORE READING BLACK ENTERPRISE, I WASN'T EVEN CONSIDERING BUYING A home and never thought twice about throwing thousands of dollars away renting. Over the past year, I must say I have a new perspective when it comes to building personal wealth...

The joy of homeownership.
December 1, 2006... I am a 28-year-old, African American female subscriber to BLACK ENTERPRISE. I have a moderate income and recently became a first-time homeowner. The home buying process was very enjoyable for me. Thanks to your magazine and the CDCLI (Community...

Black and proud.(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2006... I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE ARTICLE "THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE TO Being Black" in the September 2006 issue (Powerplay). The companies that tout their diversity programs are usually the opposite of what they claim. They view diversity as another...

Coca-Cola bottler up for sale: CEO J. Bruce Llewellyn seeks retirement.(B.E. 100s)(chief executive officer)
December 1, 2006... AFTER 21 YEARS IN THE BOTTLING BUSINESS, J. BRUCE Llewellyn, 79, will be leaving "The Coke Side of Life" behind. Llewellyn's firm, Brucephil Inc., the parent company of the Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Co. (No. 5 on the BE INDUSTRIAL/SERVICE...

Lebron James makes a smart business play: agency building a brand and a neighborhood one goal at a time.(SPORTSBIZ)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... AT AGE 21, CLEVELAND CAVALIER LEBRON JAMES has done the impossible. He's lived up to the King James hype on and off the court. Now James wants to prove himself in the boardroom as a founder of a newly formed sports marketing agency, LRMR...

Is Bush stemming ad dollars to black media? Kerry condemns Bush administration's failure to adhere to 2000 executive order.
December 1, 2006... Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) criticized the Bush administration for falling to ensure that minority-owned businesses receive a fair share of the more than $1.5 billion in advertising contracts the federal government awarded between 2003 and 2005....

World wide technology expands.(B.E. 100s)(opens new technology center)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Approaching the $2 billion revenue mark in 2006, World Wide Technology Inc. (No. 1 on the BE INDUSTRIAL/SERVICE 100 list) opened its 12,000-square-foot Integration Technology Center near corporate headquarters in St. Louis. Robert Olwig, vice...

Hot kicks, cool price.(Starbury One)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... New York Knicks star Stephon Marbury created a buzz in the athletic sneaker industry when his new basketball shoe, the Starbury One, hit stores in August for the amazingly affordable retail price of $14.98. The shoe is sold exclusively at...

Kevin Johnson builds St. Hope to help our kids: K-12 charter schools turn neighborhood around.(AROUND THE NATION)(interview)(Interview)
December 1, 2006... Former NBA all-star and Oak Park California, native Kevin Johnson started St. Hope in 1989 with the desire to revitalize his hometown community. It started in a portable classroom at Sacramento High School as an after-school program named St....

Godfather of Soul suing to the judge.(AROUND THE NATION)(David Pullman v. James Brown)(breach of contract case)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... James Brown's investment banker says the "Godfather of Soul," has to pay to be the boss of his royalties. David Pullman of New York-based Pullman Group L.L.C. is suing Brown in New York state court for breach of contract. Brown is countersuing....

CBC and Chrysler strike deal.(BUSINESS NEWS)(Chrysler Financial and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation )(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Chrysler Financial and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation have formed a three-year partnership to provide financial education to college students at historically black colleges and universities. "We're excited because this...

House passes bill requiring I.D.: Will this legislation reduce fraud or suppress votes?(WASHINGTON REPORT)(identification)(Legislation)
December 1, 2006... People are required to provide photo identification in many situations. Banking; credit card transactions; and purchases of liquor, tobacco, and marriage licenses are just a few. Should voting be another? According to Republican lawmakers...

Omniplex on the case.(Omniplex World Services Corp. gets contract from Office of Personnel Management)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Omniplex World Services Corp. (No. 47 on the BE INDUSTRIAL/SERVICE 100 list with $85 million in sales) was recently awarded a service contract with the Office of Personnel Management in Washington, D.C. The Chantilly, Virginia-based company...

Finally recognized: beloved Negro Leaguer rewrites history.(National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum honors Buck O'Neil)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... A ONE-TIME BATTING CHAMPION OF THE NEGRO LEAGUES managed one more home run before his passing in October. Buck O'Neil, who died from complications of congestive heart failure, was able to get 17 legends from the Negro Baseball League and...

A black plague: despite a slight decline, African Americans still represent almost half the AIDS cases in the U.S.(FACTS & FIGURES)(Statistical data)
December 1, 2006... DESPITE A 5% AVERAGE ANNUAL DECLINE IN THE RATE OF HIV DIAGNOSIS AMONG African Americans from 2001 to 2004, the magnitude of the AIDS epidemic among this group remains severe, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease...

Real deals: how to use equity to build a portfolio of real estate assets.(HOMEOWNERSHIP)(Yolanda Holmes)
December 1, 2006... YOLANDA HOLMES HAS WORKED FOR MORE THAN 20 years as a marketing executive. Although she has a steady job and earns a good salary, Holmes, 45, believes that it's her real estate investments that will make her wealthy--not working a 9-to-5. "I...

Defensive moves: uncertain times call for a diversified portfolio that reduces risk.(stock picks)(Dawn Alston Paige's predictions of stock performance of companies)
December 1, 2006... Dawn Alston Paige has a clear-cut philosophy for managing assets in uncertain times: go on the defensive. The co-founder of Durham, North Carolina-based Piedmont Investment Advisors which manages $1 billion in assets, has developed a diverse...

Betting on Canada: despite a few shortfalls, Ken Kammal is still bullish on these maple leaf companies.
December 1, 2006... One year after selecting five Canadian stocks for BLACK ENTERPRISE readers, Ken Kammal, chief investment officer of BASE Investment Management Co. in Cleveland, is still bullish on our neighbor to the north. He maintains that Canadian companies...

Beware of deceptive financial advisers: choose wisely when hiring planners.
December 1, 2006... There's a good reason to check out a financial planner before you sign on for his or her services. In fact, Melanie Senter Lubin can point to a few hundred of them. Lubin, a commissioner in the securities division for the Maryland attorney...

Year-end tax tips: as 2006 winds down, here's how to best minimize next year's tax jolt.(money management)
December 1, 2006... End the year on the right financial track by making smart money moves before Dec. 31. Here are a few tips to help you lower your tax bill while you keep your portfolio and checkbook intact: Accelerate your mortgage payment. "You might get...

Getting out of an IRS mess.(installment agreement with Internal Revenue Service)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Q I owe more than $20,000 in back taxes. I have been looking to do an installment agreement, but I also wanted to know if I could do an offer in compromise. What's the best way to go? --Anonymous Via the Internet A First pay as...

When the boss is away: army reservist Vergil Chames makes personal sacrifices to manage his business from Iraq.(conversation with cheif executive officer of Chames Group Inc.)(Interview)
December 1, 2006... IN WAR-TORN IRAQ, THE 56K INTERNET SPEED IS SLOW and unreliable, the satellite phone service is sketchy at best, and the region's volatility can wreak havoc on one's "normal" day-to-day activities. In fact, on the day we interviewed Vergil...

Marketing your family history: Lou-Sans' old-fashioned tea cakes turns an heirloom recipe into a profit.(LouSan Bed & Breakfast L.L.C.'s Louis and Sandra Langston's management of their business)(Company overview)
December 1, 2006... Since opening LouSan Bed & Breakfast L.L.C. based in Castro Valley, California, in 2003, Louis and Sandra Langston could not help noticing that all the rage among the patrons was the old-fashioned tea cakes served at breakfast and at weekly...

Talking heads: ready to be a radio or TV talk show guest? Here's how to increase your chances of being invited.(management advice)
December 1, 2006... It's no secret that becoming a sought-after expert in the media can work wonders for promoting your business. But before you consider approaching Oprah, you need to prepare yourself to get booked on a local radio or TV talk show first. Whether...

Too much information?(managing African American business enterprises)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Q We are African American women business owners. When soliciting new customers, generally financial institutions, is it appropriate to inform them that we are black? My business partner thinks it sends the wrong message. What's the savvy...

Tech toys: our 10 gift choices are to make everyone on your shopping list happy!(holiday gifts)(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2006... DO YOU WANT TO IMPRESS YOUR FAMILY AND friends this holiday season? Choosing from our list of cool tech toys is bound to make you everyone's favorite gift-giver. From the newest generation of video game consoles to the latest MP3 players, our...

His brother's keeper: a mentor learns the true meaning of leadership.(conversation with Keith R. Wyche of Pitney Bowes Management Services)(Interview)
December 1, 2006... BE: What's the difference between a mentor and a sponsor? KW: A mentor will typically function as a sounding board--offering advice and counsel on issues from how to prepare for an interview to how to deal with difficult bosses. A mentor...

Negotiating tips.(ACTION PLAN)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Sekou Kaalund, Citigroup Securities & Fund Services' head of strategy, mergers & acquisitions, and planning, says Hostage at the Table: How Leaders Can Overcome Conflict, Influence Others, and Raise Performance by George Kohlrieser...

Part-time assignments.(interim management)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Interim management is an employment model that uses senior-level executives to manage a specific business function or special project on a temporary basis, particularly during critical change initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions,...

Executive training.(Wharton School of Business offers management training services)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Last fall, Roy N. Gundy Jr. prepared to roll out a new strategic plan within his division. "I knew that what I was executing wouldn't matter as much as how I executed it," says Gundy director of Standards, Strategies & Emerging Technology...

Up against the ropes: a professional coach may help.
December 1, 2006... In his book The Art of War, General Sun Tzu taught great leaders to "Plan an advantage by listening. Adjust to situations. Get assistance from the outside (and) influence events." Clearly this ancient wisdom is being applied today as evidenced...

No fast cash class.(SINCE YOU ASKED)(financial planner)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Q I am interested in becoming a certified financial planner. I'm trying to acquire the necessary qualifications for this job without going to college; I don't want to spend four years in classes if there is a way I can get right into this...

Walter Allen.(ON THE MOVE)(promoted as general manager of ZNYX Networks International)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... New Position: General manager Organization: ZNYX Networks International Location: Shenzhen, China Responsibilities: Overseeing all sales and operations and expansion into the Asia Pacific market Former Position: Vice president...

DeRoy Bryant.(ON THE MOVE)(appoints Bausch & Lomb)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... New Position: Vice president of Global Sourcing and Procurement Organization: Bausch & Lomb Location: Rochester, NY Responsibilities: Managing all sourcing and procurement needs globally within Bausch & Lomb Former Position:...

Marva Smalls.(ON THE MOVE)(joins MTV Networks)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... New Position: Executive vice president of Global Inclusion Strategy Organization: MTV Networks Location: New York, NY Responsibilities: Strengthening a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive work force Current Position: Retains...

Carole H. Berotte Joseph.(ON THE MOVE)(joins Massachusetts Bay Community College)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... New Position: President Organization: Massachusetts Bay Community College Location: Wellesley Hills, MA Responsibilities: The first Haitian American to head a U.S. college, Joseph will provide academic leadership Former...

Mel Parker.(ON THE MOVE)(joins Corporate Express North America)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... New Position: Vice president of commercial sales Organization: Corporate Express North America Location: Broomfield, CO Responsibilities: Supervising U.S. commercial office products sales Former Position: Region vice president...

Convention calendar.
December 1, 2006... National Black Caucus of State Legislatures 30th Annual Legislative Conference Nov. 29-Dec. 3; Jackson, MI; www.nbcsl.com 100 Black Men of America Inc. Leadership Summit Nov 30-Dec 3; Miami; 800-71-DORAL; www.100blackmen.org NAACP...

Sowing seeds for financial freedom: our experts helped financial fitness contest winners grow their assets.(financial planning)
December 1, 2006... Diligently tending to your finances can yield big rewards even in a abort period of time. That's a lesson that BLACK ENTERPRISE'S 2005 and 2006 Financial Fitness Contest winners quickly discovered. Even though a few of our contest winners may...

Wake up! To sleepers stocks: they may not be grabbing headlines, but these well-kept secrets could lead to lively returns in 2007 and beyond.
December 1, 2006... CHASING HEADLINES--BUYING AND selling shares based on company, industry, or market news--is a strategy that many investors successfully employed when stocks were flying high. But in today's uncertain climate, going under the radar can also reap...

The great escape: often trendy and hip, day spas are part of a booming industry. But the proper preparation is a must to succeed in this competitive area.
December 1, 2006... Day spas serve as a respite from the often overwhelming stress and hectic pace that accompanies modern-day living. From the moment you enter this perfect retreat, you'll be embraced by the tranquil atmosphere. Trained practitioners will massage...

Living the millionaire life: there are no magic formulas to gaining material wealth. In her new book, The Money Coach's Guide to Your First Million, Lynnette Khalfani offers 10 proven methods to building an investment portfolio on your terms.(BOOK EXCERPT)(Excerpt)
December 1, 2006... I'M GOING TO LET YOU IN ON SOMETHING that millionaire stock investors like Charles Schwab know. The vast majority of them don't spend a whole lot of time researching complicated companies whose businesses they don't understand. They don't make...

Reel prophets: these industry mavericks are finding creative ways to parlay their diverse talents into Tinseltown success.
December 1, 2006... IN HOLLYWOOD, SO MANY DREAM OF red carpets, camera flashes, and hobnobbing with movie stars. But a slew of talented African Americans are turning the once-elusive reverie into attainable and lucrative careers. Although the powerful gatekeepers...

Black film festival.(American Black Film Festival)
December 1, 2006... When Jesse Jackson called for a boycott of the 68th annual Academy Awards in 1996, Jeff Friday thought that shunning the Oscars would accomplish very little. "We need to create a Sundance [film festival] for black films," he said. "Instead of...

A stress-free holiday season: here are seven tips to get things underway.
December 1, 2006... DOES THE THOUGHT OF SHOPPING, COOKING, CLEANING, and entertaining in the coming months have you worried? It makes sense, especially since millions of Americans spend thousands of dollars in preparation for the holiday season. This year, we've...

Redefining womanhood: program helps girls develop mastery in manners and money management.(EVERYDAY HERO)
December 1, 2006... When Tara Jackson was growing up in Fairfield, Alabama, she learned about proper etiquette through formal classes in school and church. Today, Jackson, now 37, is convinced that such lessons were instrumental to her development as a young woman...

Which way do you go?(career developement)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Q I'm a recent college graduate. Although I attended school to pursue a career as a federal law enforcement officer, I have begun mentoring and taking steps toward working in social services. In addition, I wish to create a development center...

Fun, fantastic gifts: for $200 or less, these are great buys at the right price!(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2006... 'TIS THE SEASON FOR GOOD FOOD, FAMILY GATHERINGS, and gift giving. From a stylish tote to the latest game, this year's guide offers affordable items for everyone on your list. It's full of gifts that are fun yet practical. What's more, they're...

No longer a mystery: Lisa Jones Johnson makes time for her true calling.(A Dead Man Speaks )(Book review)
December 1, 2006... The biggest mystery behind Lisa Jones Johnson's debut novel, A Dead Man Speaks (Genesis/Kensington Publishing; $12), the story of how a "fabulously wealthy" black investment banker comes back from the dead to find his killer, is how she wrote...

Giving the very best: it's the level of thought that really counts.(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2006... 1 Tobacco Smooth With its robust taste and fine draw, the Fuente Fuente OpusX consistently ranks among the most sought-after cigars in the world. High demand and limited supply have forced many retailers to limit orders to two cigars at a...

The shape you're in: Jeanette Jenkins' star treatment is for everyone.(executive fitness)
December 1, 2006... Jeanette Jenkins began her personal fitness business in 1990 wanting to do more than just get bodies in shape; she wanted to provide clients the information they'd need to make lasting changes. In 2002, she launched the Hollywood Trainer...

A look back at this year's event: if you missed it, you missed a lot!(Black Enterprise Events organizes Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge )(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... More than 1,200 attendees gathered in sunny Southern California to enjoy the 13th annual Black Enterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge at the luxurious La Costa Resort & Spa. In addition to playing golf on the resort's two championship...

Backtalk with Shandra Wilson.(interview)(Interview)
December 1, 2006... Shandra Wilson isn't a doctor; she just plays one on TV. From Tony-nominated Broadway plays the silver and small screens, the actress forges ahead without missing a cardiovascular beat. Her supporting role on ABC's hit drama Grey's Anatomy...