Black Enterprise articles from November 2004

Black Enterprise archives from November 2004

He's back.(Web Features)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Log on for a weekly analysis of the hit reality show The Apprentice by our Editor in-Chief Alfred A. Edmond Jr. Last season, blackenterprise.com readers enjoyed Edmond's candid reviews so much that they became one of our most popular online...

Election 2004.(blackenterprise.com: your online guide to wealth building)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... As voters head to the polls Nov. 2, visit blackenternprise.com for complete coverage of the election, the debates, and The aftermath. www.blackenterprise.com/election04

Franchise Finder: www.blackenterprise.com/franchisefinder.(Web Tools)
November 1, 2004... Select from franchises that suit your interests And open your dream business today!

Get $25 when you invest: www.blackenterprises.com/bemoney.(Web tools)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Sharebuilder and blackenterprise.com allow you to invest online through automatic, Recurring dollar-based investments.

Resource line.(Web Columns)
November 1, 2004... Whatever your professional or entrepreneurial needs, you can find advice at blackenterprise,com. Interactive Media Editor Latif Lewis' column provides useful resources for business owners, corporate executives, and budding investors....

Web highlights.(blackenterprise.com: your online guide to wealth building)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... JOB SEARCH Give yourself a free career makeover using our online job search. B.E. NOW ON TV AND RADIO Look for streaming video and audio clips from our latest business news ventures. HOMEOWNERSHIP Find out the steps you need to take to...

We must vote because ...(publisher's page)
November 1, 2004... The importance of the 2004 presidential election to the security, quality of life, and wealth building potential of African Americans cannot be overestimated. We need a president who can lead with credibility as well as courage, with integrity...

Making your vote count.(About This Issues)
November 1, 2004... I fever a lesson was learned from the 2000 presidential election, it was to take the voting process seriously. Everyone's vote counts. It is our duty as citizens to go to the election booth and cast our vote for not only the president, but in...

Getting into the game.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... I just received my August Issue of SLACK ENTERPRISE and I went straight to "Getting the Corner Office." I agree wholeheartedly with the advice. I would always sit back and day "they" [whites] always get the good jobs. I realized that the...

Soul satisfaction.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... LET ME SAY THAT YOUR PUBLICATION HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY phenomenal for my personal, spiritual, and professional growth! I sit here with tears running down my cheeks, thinking, "Is it me? Am I crazy?" Then I take a break to read the August 2004...

Not for women only.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... AFTER A LONG AND FRUSTRATING Monday at work, the cover story of the August issue of BE, ["Getting the Corner Office"] was exactly what I needed. I am a 21-year-old black man who recently graduated from college and I have started my first job...

More time for the same crime?(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... I was sorely disappointed with "Wall Street Rogues" [August 2004]. It was irresponsible to dismiss Orlando Joseph Jett's claim of racism and different standards of law in sentencing for black and white white-collar criminals. Be should...

The clinical exception.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... KEISHA-GAYE ANDERSON'S ARTICLE IN THE AUGUST 2004 ISSUE ON depression in African Americans ["Not Just Singing the Blues"] was, first, an important one in the mental health field's overall effort to educate the public on this often misunderstood...

Getting help for the blues.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... AS a CULTURAL COMPETENCE PROfessional who has worked on issues of mental health, I have seen the terrible effects of depression in the African American community ["Not Just Singing the Blues," August 2004]. Depression is a health issue as...

Goal: financial freedom.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... I recently picked up the August issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE, it was absolutely the best magazine I've ever purchased. What caught my eye right away was the topic of managing rental properties. I was able to get some great tips from this story....

Criminal minded.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... I'M "WRITING IN REGARD TO ALAN HUGHES' ARTICLE "WALL STREET Rogues" in the August 2004 issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE. Although the subject is depressing and in no way represents the countless number of African American pioneers of the past and...

Golf myth?(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... AFTER READING YOUR AUGUST 2004 FEATURE "Getting the Corner Office," I'm disappointed that Ms. Gamble regrets not learning to play golf because she thinks it would have helped her close more deals. Maureen Jenkins concludes that the golf...

Solid choices.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... YOUR ARTICLES RELATED TO FINANCIAL health are wonderful and very helpful. They inspire me to take time and really think about my financial decisions and how these impact me, not only in the short-term, but down the road. We can only live each...

Former mayor indicted for fraud: Bill Campbell charged with corruption during his mayoral term.(National News)
November 1, 2004... A federal grand jury has indicted former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, charging him with racketeering, corruption, bribery, and tax fraud for allegedly accepting thousands of dollars from business owners in exchange for lucrative city contracts...

Clarence Otis named CEO of Darden Restaurants.(Newsmaker)
November 1, 2004... Clarence Otis Jr., 48, has served up successful strategies for nine years at Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE: DRI), parent company of Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill, and Seasons 52 restaurants. In December...

Powerhouse tech companies merge.(B.E. 100s)
November 1, 2004... Top black banks and advertising agencies have achieved growth by acquiring one another, but buyouts between BE 100s industrial/service companies are less common. Two veteran Alexandria, Virginia-based high-tech firms, however, have joined...

CSFB repositions top exec.(Business News)(Credit Suisse First Boston L.L.C)
November 1, 2004... A management shake-up at Credit Suisse First Boston, one of the nation's biggest investment banking firms, resulted in the shifting of a top executive to a newly created position away from money management. Adebayo "Bayo" Ogunlesi, 50, a...

Learning from the past.(National News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A reverence for its past is revitalizing a very needy downtown Cincinnati. In August, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center opened on the banks of the Ohio River, once the dividing line between the slaveholding South and the free...

Atlanta Life to manage MetLife assets.(B.E. 100s)
November 1, 2004... The nation's largest African American-owned, privately-held stock insurance company and one of the nation's foremost insurance groups have formed a strategic alliance, and it spells success. In early July, Atlanta Life investment Advisors...

Romar Group newest NASCAR licensee.(B.E. 100s)(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Romar Group Inc,, one of the country's largest black-owned apparel company, has received a promotional licensee deal from NASCAR, America's fastest-growing major sports association. Romar (No. 38 on the BE INDUSTRIAL/SERVICE 100 list with...

Bartech and Nucon win staffing deals.(B.E. 100s)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... After a competitive bidding process, Bartech Workforce Management, a division of The Bartech Group (No, 17 on the BE INDUSTRIAL/SERVICE 100 list with $190 million in sales), won a multiyear contract with Eaton Corp, Through the deal, BWM will...

Home improvement: black homeownership is up, but at what cost?(Facts & Figures)
November 1, 2004... Mortgage lending to African Americans is on the rise, up 15% in 2003 from 2002, according to July data from the Consumer Bankers Association. CBA President Joe Belew says for new homes. "lending to blacks surpassed lending to whites by 36%" ...

Is a condo right for you? A home doesn't have to be a house--it can be an apartment, too.(Real Estate Strategies)
November 1, 2004... These days, many renters have decided to purchase residences of their own. But with the price of single-family homes soaring in many markets, a number of people are exploring another option--condominiums. In fact, in recent months, condo sales...

Credit use strangles wealth: African American debt is increasing taster than income.(Special Report)
November 1, 2004... America is a nation propped up on credit card debt, and data collected by the Federal Reserve shows that minorities are most at risk of damaging their financial futures due to poor credit card management. African American households, in...

Small caps, big value: Henry Jackson of Banneker Capital Management relies on the strength of undervalued small firms.(Private Screening)(Banneker Capital Management)
November 1, 2004... Henry O. Jackson's minority-owned firm, Banneker Capital Management, is right where he wants it to be. The newly minted asset management firm in Owings Mills, Maryland, opened its doors in early 2003 and invests in small and mid-cap growth...

Tech stock knockout: Anthony Johnson's technology-focused selections need an upgrade.(Stock Update)
November 1, 2004... In spite of what continues to be a slowdown in the technology sector, Anthony K. Johnson, CIO for the $4 billion Philadelphia Public Employee Retirement System, says he still has faith in the tech stocks that his investment management team...

Delightful dividends: funds that focus on companies that share profits with shareholders are smart investments.(Mutual Fund Focus)
November 1, 2004... This past summer, Alan Greenspan set off a rise in interest rates that many experts believe is only the start of a steady increase. If you are invested in stocks and equity mutual funds, this could well signal a period of low or no returns...

First-time investor: where should you put your money straight out of college?(B.E. Basics)(Derrick Thomas)
November 1, 2004... Derrick Thomas, a 22-year-old senior at Florida A&M University, has been contemplating with money he earned during a summer internship at the Environmental Protection Agency. Ultimately, he decided to invest. "I'm young and this gives me time...

Invest for college in college?(Ask B.E.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... QA I am a 19-year-old, male college freshman and I wonder if should invest in the stock market to increase my funding for school, Any suggestions? R. Williams Greensboro, NC Since you've just started college, it is probably too...

Raising the roof: Cincinnati realtor undaunted by race riots.(Making It)(Roosevelt Barnes)(Barnes Real Estate Group)
November 1, 2004... When executive Roosevelt Barnes launched his real estate business three years ago, Cincinnati residents were reeling from race riots that plagued the city several months earlier. After the questionable police shooting of an African American...

Hiring the right people to rep your products: here are some tips on finding the best salesperson or distributor for your business.(Management Advice)
November 1, 2004... You have just entered the market with a great new product to offer. But how do you get into the hands of the people who want and need it? That all depends on the kind of sales entity you intend to use. In essence, you have three choices: hire...

Family ties: father and sons create flooring enterprise.(Making It)
November 1, 2004... Franklin Shanklin Sr. has always dreamed of starting a family-owned business. So it came as no surprise when his sons, Frank Jr. and H. Dwayne, partnered with him to create a family legacy to pass down for generations to come. Today, the father...

Going the extra mile: companies focus on the very reason they're in business--their customers.(Business Management)(Rubynesque)
November 1, 2004... Cheryl Hudson-Jackson believes many women dread buying intimate apparel, particularly those with full-figured bodies. A curvaceous size 18 herself, the president and co-founder of Schaumburg, Illinois-based Rubynesque has made a business out of...

Microloans face budgetary ax: SBA's micro lending program to lose federal funding in 2005.(Small Business News)(Small Business Association)
November 1, 2004... When Pearlie Green of Chicago wanted to open a catering business in 1992, she applied for loan after loan. "Every bank though I was joke," she says. "You can't get a conventional loan with your credit not being up to par and no collateral, so I...

Feast or famine.(Savvy Solutions)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Q I produce T-shirts by creating heat transfer designs, and the business has taken off. The problem is either I have more work than I can handle or nothing at all. I work full time, so when large orders come in, I need help. But it's hard to...

Hands-on experience: tech exec rolls up his sleeves to tackle homeland security.(Black Digerati)
November 1, 2004... From his office window, Darryl B. Moody has a clear view of the Pentagon. The vista serves as a constant reminder of 9-11, when events changed not only his country but also his career. On his desk is another reminder of the events that took...

It's alive! New software you play Dr. Frankenstein.(On The Shelf)(Book Review)
November 1, 2004... Peter Plantec has come one step closer to mastering artificial intelligence. His book, Virtual Humans: Creating the Illusion Personality (AMA-COM; $34.95), is the leader in commercially marketed virtual human design. Ideal for graphic...

In a snap! Fuji offers new photo options.(B.E. Reviews)(Fujitsu)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Whether you're a one-man shop or a BE 100s firm, you likely share one singular complaint: too much paper. Fujitsu's ScanSnap promises to eliminate this headache. The device features a small footprint (so it won't crowd your desk space) and...

Keeping it together: Maryland family's home is a hub of tech activity.(Networked Living)
November 1, 2004... Hollins and Diana Riley and their three children may not stand on the steps of a spaceship wearing silver suits and sipping Tang, but their wireless home network in Annapolis. Maryland, has taken them quite far over the past three years. The...

Broadband deluxe: high-speed firms take the stress out of networking.(Tech News)
November 1, 2004... This might be the year the technologically timid have been waiting for. Broadband providers are not only encouraging customers to share connections over a home network, but some firms will even install and manage home networks for customers who...

Head of the class: multitasking made easy.(B.E. Reviews)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... All-in-one desktop solutions have come a long way since the days of large, clunky, black and white fax/ printer/copiers. And Carton's MultiPass MP390 color inkjet provides more than simple functionality. In addition to the usual fare (copy,...

Suspended animation: new technology lets you take your PC anywhere--virtually.(Tech News)
November 1, 2004... Sometime in the near future you may be able to leave your computer at home but make the state of your computer--including its operating system, programs, and data appear on any other computer connected to the Internet--right down to the spot...

Let it burn.(Cyberwise)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Q I want to burn DVDs, but my computer did not come with a burner. And I have to admit, I'm confused by all the offers out there. What should I look for in choosing one? --R. Miller Washington, DC A Good question. Finding the right...

A guardian of history: this archivist's job is steeped in black genealogy.(Career At A Glance)
November 1, 2004... When Brenda S. Banks applied for an assistant archivist position at the Georgia Archives, her application created a frenzied buzz in the institution because "this black woman had applied. This was 1972," she recalls. "Even though most of...

Sending the right messages: how to make staff meetings more effective.(In Box)
November 1, 2004... Every first Tuesday at 9 a.m., Maria Tajil Battle, senior vice president of public affairs and marketing for Keystone Mercy Health Plan, a managed care organization in Philadelphia, meets with her top managers. Battle sees these meetings...

One final note: why your last impression is as important as your first.(Making Connections)
November 1, 2004... You made a favorable first impression by following all the rules: being punctual, prepared impeccably dressed. But an aspect of professional interaction too often ignored is the final impression. "The most recent interaction that you've had...

Not really ready for his close-up.(Since You Asked)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Q With an undergraduate degree in film and a concentration in film production, I haven't found any work since graduating in May 2003. I want to work in a film studio or production company as a creative executive and then produce films. I have...

Nationwide Strategic Investments.(On The Move)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... 1 Donna James has been named president of Nationwide Strategic Investments. She is the first African American woman to hold this position. James is responsible for overseeing Gates McDonald, Nationwide Advantage Mortgage, Nationwide Health...

Starcom The Americas.(On The Move)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... 2 Renetta McCann has been promoted to chief executive of Starcom The Americas, a division of Starcom Media Vest Group. She was previously chief executive of Starcom North America, McCann will supervise the United States, Canada, and Latin...

Spelman College Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement.(On The Move)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... 3 Jane E. Smith has been appointed the executive director of Spelman College Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement. Smith's focus is on developing programs and fostering partnerships that will further the goal of the organization, which is...

Land System.(On The Move)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... 4 Gregory Newbold has been named general manager of Land Systems. He was the manager of mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning for Space, Land and Sea. The Land Systems is a new focus for the company and will use "space heritage"...

Federated Department Stores Inc.(On The Move)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... 5 Felicia Williams has been appointed vice president of internal audit for Federated Department Stores Inc., the nation's largest operator of leading department stores such as Bloomingdale's and Macy's. Williams is the first African American to...

Convention calendar.(Powerplay)(Calendar)
November 1, 2004... Association of Black Cardiologists Inc. ABC 9th Conference on the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases in African Americans Nov. 6, 2004; New Orleans; 678-302-4222; www.abcardio.org i2i Networking Series: View From the Top Series Hudson...

Connections for business: through his professional network, Hamet Watt strengthens his business and helps others along the way.(Black Wealth Initiative)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2004... HAMET WATT HAS ALWAYS HAD A passion for entrepreneurship. He has held down a job since the age of 14 and has always pursued entrepreneurial activities. As an undergraduate at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, Watt formed a company...

Reassessing risk: Virna Dolmo is learning to invest more aggressively to reach her financial goals.(Financial Fitness Contest Winner No. 53)
November 1, 2004... VIRNA DOLMO CAN RECALL ATTENDING New York's Lehman College in the mid-1990s and being bombarded with credit card offers. She ended up with 14 cards--mostly from department stores. It wasn't long before she ran into trouble. "I had collection...

The black vote where should it go?(Election 2004)
November 1, 2004... WHEN AFRICAN AMERICAN VOTERS--AND THE REST OF the electorate--go to the polls on Nov. 2, they will not merely engage in the quadrennial ritual of selecting the next president. They will be making the most crucial decision of the year--one that...

Network marketing or pyramid scheme? Often considered a road to riches, direct selling can lead to financial disaster without the proper research. Consider these tips before you sign up.(Business Opportunities)
November 1, 2004... WHEN HE SIGNED UP TO BE AN INDEpendent associate for Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc., Cameron Brickey thought network marketing was an easy way to make a buck. Several weeks and $800 later, he thought otherwise. Brickey heard of Pre-Paid...

Anatomy of a startup: how top technology exec Ken Coleman developed a novel software product and used his business network to launch a revolutionary enterprise in Silicon Valley.(Business Of Technology)
November 1, 2004... Ken Coleman is a man with nothing to prove. The former executive vice president of Silicon Graphics Inc. made his mark in the technology world, running global sales, services, and marketing for the $2.3 billion computer systems giant and...

Inn vogue: running a bed & breakfast is a tough business, but one that can succeed with the right plan.(Dream Business)
November 1, 2004... It's only dawn, but Monique Greenwood and her husband, Glenn Pogue, are already up and at it. In the hours ahead, Greenwood will nurse someone's sunburn, cook breakfast for 10, and spread out refreshments for the same horde a few hours later....

Perfect score: taking the mystery out of building A-1 credit.(Consumer Life)
November 1, 2004... LIKE MANY, LISA NDIAYE FILLED OUT an application for her first Visa credit card in college. Unlike most, she paid her bills on time, kept the balances few, and 20 years later, she still has the account. While this may seem like common sense,...

A cure for health concerns: long-term care insurance provides valuable protection for your family's wealth.(Insurance)
November 1, 2004... They're not like many thirty-somethings, but Vickie Seabon-Moore and her husband, Kenneth, saw the tight three years ago when they decided to sign up for long-term care insurance. They signed up shortly after Seabon-Moore's mother died, after...

Saving for a brighter day: with less discretionary income, many Americans are wondering how to set aside cash for emergencies. Here are a few tips on how to squeeze the most value out of the money you make.(Book Excerpt)
November 1, 2004... A LOT OF MONEY PASSES THROUGH your hands each month. If you earn and spend $2,000 a month, that amounts to more than a million dollars during your lifetime! Wouldn't you like to set some of that money aside for long-term goals rather than...

A driving attraction: if you truly love cars, then these are the events you don't want to miss.(Winter Auto Guide)
November 1, 2004... AT THE START OF THE NEW YEAR, upward of 32 auto shows will be staged in two dozen U.S. cities--and that's just a warm-up. For car enthusiasts nationwide, the coming months will be a time to check out the latest in hot rides. For the auto...

Minority suppliers: breakthrough thinking to succeed.(Special Advertising Section)
November 1, 2004... "Work smarter and harder" That is the mantra for minority-owned enterprises (MBEs) today. In a purchasing environment where size and scope are so important, it's critical for business owners to put on their innovation thinking cap whenever it...

Rising to the top: Donald Riley doesn't allow physical limitations to stop his aspirations.(Guts & Glory)
November 1, 2004... Donald "DJ" Biley was a teen when he had to stop using crutches and start using a wheelchair as his primary mode of transportation. A debilitating genetic birth defect called Morquio syndrome, which affects muscle development, forced him and...

Life after death: despite losing her son, Clementina Chery built a foundation of love and hope.(Everyday Hero)
November 1, 2004... In Dec. 19, 1993, Clementina Chery was a stay-at-home mom raising three children in Boston. The next day, the life Chery had known ended abruptly when her 15-year-old son, Louis David Brown, was fatally caught in the crossfire of gang violence....

Back in the day: living in the past could stunt your future.(Peak Performance)
November 1, 2004... Were you the star athlete in high school and college and maybe you even made it to the pros? Or perhaps you were always the smartest kid in the classroom, received all the accolades, and were the envy of all of your peers? Now you're all grown...

Knocked down by life? It's time to get up again.(Pep Talk)(Book Review)
November 1, 2004... It's true that when life knocks you down, you've got to get back up, but that's certainly easier said than done, especially if your head and your heart aren't in a place to receive the blessing that comes with adversity. Although Michelle...

New me.(Help Yourself)(Brief Article)(Column)
November 1, 2004... QA I was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 16 years and now I'm retired. I have always loved fashion designing and would like to design uniforms for large corporations such as the Postal Service. I investigated it while I was an employee,...

The business traveler: taking advantage of bargains on the road.(Consumer Life)
November 1, 2004... Many professionals who routinely travel for their jobs (five or more times a year) would prefer not to do so at all. "It is something you have to do to get your job done," offers Norm Jenkins, vice president of owner and franchise services...

To haggle or not to haggle? Tips on negotiating at the car dealership.(Buying Power)
November 1, 2004... Last month, we talked about information that you should know when considering a car purchase (see "Car Buying 101," Shopsmart, October 2004), such as where to get pricing data and dealer invoice prices. Now, it's time to utilize your knowledge...

On defense: driving classes could lower your insurance rates.(Consumer Life)(defensive driving course)
November 1, 2004... It's Friday afternoon. You have the whole weekend ahead of you, so you're anxious to get home. In the rearview mirror, you spot a police car's flashing lights. The siren is wailing, signaling you to pull over. The officer leaves you with a $95...

Bad car deal.(Q A)(Brief Article)(Column)
November 1, 2004... I recently purchased a new 2004 Nissan Xterra. I put $400 down, plus my trade-in. When I went to the dealer to [settle] the balance of $600, [the situation grew out of control:]. They told me to see another financial officer, who said my...

Ride out: Derek Reed pushes the limits on a Harley.(Personal Passions)(Brief Article)(Column)
November 1, 2004... Derek Reed maintains a four-point blueprint for a successful business: make a plan, commit to it, focus on your mission, and take the necessary steps to execute. Reed vice president of sales for Internet security company SecureWorks in Atlanta....

Southern state of mind: Georgia offers a warm greeting and cultural treasures.(Travelogue)(Column)
November 1, 2004... When discovering why Georgia is so hard to shake from the mind, it's best to think beyond peach trees and that classic song. I came with an image of the Deep South, where Northerners are still called "Yankees" and where the legacy of slavery...

Make it Milwaukee: Mark Thomas offers more than a good brew.(City Profile)
November 1, 2004... Mention the city of Milwaukee thoughts often turn to beer. But there's more flowing in this Midwestern metropolis than just suds. The largest city in Wisconsin, Milwaukee is a major element of the state's economic, political, and social fabric...

For the shirt savvy: Angie Ridgeway demonstrates a perfect fit.(In Fashion)
November 1, 2004... The dress shirt is the staple of every man's wardrobe. It's the foundation for his suit and distinguishing accessories That's why comfort and fit are so important to overall dress. And once you discover how well a fine dress shirt shapes your...

Books to treasure: Kerrie Cotton Williams celebrates a literary history.(The Enthusiast)
November 1, 2004... What inspired African American authors to write in the 20th century is the one question Kerrie Cotton Williams intends her budding collection of children's books, novels, and fiction to answer decades from now. An archivist at the Auburn Avenue...

Go tell it on the mountain.(Ski Challenge)(Vail Cascade Resort & Spa)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The hottest ticket in town is to the coolest event of the season: the Black Enterprise/AXA Advisors Ski Challenge, which will be held Presidents' Day weekend, Feb. 16-21, 2005. The venue is one of Colorado's most luxurious resorts--the Vail...