january 2006 houston business connections newspaper

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

Al and Tanyel Bennett with their two children.

Houston

Published By Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. Proudly Serving The Houston Community Since 1998 • Email: [email protected] • JANUARY 2006

HoustonBUSINESS CONNECTIONSCommunity News & Business ReportsCommunity News & Business Reports

TWO MORE YEARS

INDEXPublisher’s Message.............................................2

NABA presents second installment of $60,000pledge to Howard University’s Center forAccounting Education...........................................4

PBS series to trace Black family trees throughgenealogy, DNA analysis, to premier in Feb. .......5

It’s Getting Lonelier At The Top ............................7

Thomas, Thomas & Thomas, P.C. NamedEmerging 10 Winner .............................................8

Seven Ways to Get a Jump Start on YourTaxes...................................................................12

Bennett, Edwards,and Miles’ “Feature Race” pollresults and see what people are saying ............14

Headlineswww.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Star Jones Reynolds is comingto Houston Sunday, Feb. 19

A book signing with Star Jones Reynolds isscheduled to take place on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006at 4:00p.m. at the Shrine of theBlack Madonna CulturalCenter & Bookstore located at5309 Martin Luther King Blvdin Houston, Texas.

Star Jones Reynolds hasdone it all: College on schol-arship, law school on loans,life by faith. She has achieveda prestigious career as alawyer and prosecutor. Sheprovided much needed calm and insight whilereporting the Rodney King and O.J. Simpson tri-als on television, and landed a spot co-hosting oneof America’s most popular daytime televisionshows – The View. SEE PAGE, 18

Businessman Alfred H. Bennett recentlyannounced he is a “Serious Candidate” for StateRepresentative, District 146 – the seat current-ly held by Al Edwards. Bennett from hisLaw Offices located in Houston’s historicThird Ward area, told Houston Business

Get to know Alfred “Al” BennettDistrict 146 may be up

for grabs as well-knownFather, Husband, and localbusinessman seeks to takeover seat held by Edwards.

Please see BENNETT, P.20

If you ride METRO routes 5Kashmere Gardens/Southmore or 77Liberty/MLK, chances aregood that you have metchampion bus operatorCharlie Kennedy.

A METRO operator for15 years, Kennedy tooksecond place in this year’sInternational Bus Roadeoin Dallas – beating out 68other top-notch operatorsfrom around the countryand Canada. To get to Dallas,Kennedy won first place in the localcompetition. This is the second timeKennedy has stood on the winner’spodium at the international level having

taken first place in 2003 in Las Vegas.To honor Kennedy’s accomplish-

ment METRO has assignedhim his own bus, which bearshis signature and a sign on theside of the vehicle.

METRO’s President andCEO Frank Wilsonacknowledged Kennedy’smost recent accoladerecently at a meeting of theBoard of Directors and pre-sented him with a certificate

signed by Houston Mayor Bill White.While most of us were busy prepar-

Champion Operator Honored At Recent Metro Board Meeting

METRO bus operator Charlie Kennedy is seen here holding his certifi-cate signed by recently re-elected Houston Mayor Bill White.

Please see KENNEDY, P.3

Wilson

FPA Houston Offers Tips to Break thePaycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Page, 11

HOUSTON – The Port ofHouston Authority (PHA) com-mission approved several recom-mendations involving contractawards, bids and proposals, pro-fessional services and generaladministrative and operationalmatters during its public meeting

held recently at the Lou LawlerInternational Seafarers Center.Chairman Jim Edmonds presidedover the meeting with ViceChairman Kase Lawal,Commissioner Steve Phelps,Commissioner Jim Fonteno,Commissioner Jimmy Burke,

Commissioner Cheryl Thompson-Draper, and CommissionerJaniece Longoria.

BAYPORT MATTERS

(Agenda item G2) The commis-sion authorized the PHA to award

an estimated $1.9 million profes-sional services contract toDannenbaum EngineeringCorporation for Bayport Phase 1wharf and dredging design.

Dannenbaum is expected todesign approximately 1,000 feetof additional

wharf, including associateddredging and material disposal onthe site.

(Agenda item G6) Thecommission evaluated, ranked

PHA Commission Delivers Bayport Matters, Inter-Governmental, Service, Partnership Agreements

Please see PORT, P.2

DeLay to seek 12th term in U.S. Congress

(Houston)-U.S.Representative TomDelay will make a go ofit despite legal chal-lenges. Recently DeLaymade his election bidintentions known bypetitioning directly tothe GOP. The embattledDeLay will likely face

Tom Campbell, Michael Fjetland, andPat Baig in the March RepublicanPrimary. Most pundits feel the Novemberelection will feature a showdownbetween DeLay and Nick Lampson forthe 22nd Congressional District inNovember 2006.

State Rep. Dora OlivoFiles For Reelection ToThe 27 District of Texas

(Fort Bend)-StateRepresentative DoraOlivo, Democrat fromFort Bend County,announced she has filedfor reelection to theTexas House ofRepresentatives. Rep.Olivo has served the cit-izens of District 27,

which includes nearly half of Fort BendCounty, since 1997. ‘Serving the people

City Inauguration CeremonyHeld Recently Downtown

(Houston)-Mayor Bill White, ControllerAnnise D. Parker, and the 14 members of CityCouncil were sworn in at the Houston PoliceOfficer Memorial recently. The first meeting ofthe 2006-2008 City Council began shortly there-after, in City Council Chambers.

JonesDeLay

Olivo

Please see OLIVO, P.18

REMARKABLE RECORD

recently received and invitationfrom the Atlanta Tribune to attend aDiversity Roundtable taking placein Atlanta, Georgia on Jan. 25. The

event is being hosted by the AtlantaTribune and the Atlanta Hawks and is anannual roundtable discussion being heldbefore the Hawks vs. Cleveland gameand will take place in the Philips Arena,1 Philips Drive. This year’s discussionoffers perspectives from top corporatediversity leaders on what has - and has-n’t - worked in corporate diversity.Panelists include: Frank McCloskey,vice president of diversity and corporaterelations for Georgia Power; ArthurTriche, vice president of the AtlantaHawks; Kevin Clayton, vice president ofdiversity for Russell Corporation; AlfredElder, diversity manager for City ofAtlanta; Valencia Adams, vice presidentand chief diversity officer for BellSouthCorporation; and Geri Thomas, seniorvice president of corporate diversity forBank of America.

I am honored to have been invited to thisevent. While I won’t be attending thisyear, I do look forward to attending inthe future. It’s because of your support,these types of invitations are becomingcommon place for us.

qualifications and authorized thePHA to negotiate a potential pro-fessional services contract withHFP Acoustical Consultants, Incfor acoustical consulting relatedto the sound monitoring systemfor Bayport at the Bayport termi-nal construction project at anestimated cost range of $140,000to $180,000.

(Agenda item G7) Thecommission authorized the PHA

to execute a $48,000 creditchange order to ZachryConstruction Corporation for theBayport Phase 1A container yard.Zachry will receive the credit toits $37.9 million container yardcontract because the PHA hasdetermined that 1,600 linear feetof water line for the temporarygate facilities are no longer needed.

(Agenda item G8) Thecommission also authorized the

PHA to execute an estimated$1.5 million credit change orderto Zachry for Bayport Phase 1Awharf and dredging.

INTER-GOVERNMENTALAGREEMENT

(Agenda item M1) Thecommission authorized the PHA

to enter into an inter-governmen-tal agreement with the city ofLaPorte to provide ambulanceservices at Barbours CutTerminal. The city is expected toprovide the services for a nine-month period beginning January1, 2006, at a total cost of$19,575, payable in monthly

installments of $2,175.

PARTNERSHIP AND SERVICEAGREEMENTS

(Agenda item M5) Thecommission approved a contribu-tion of $100,000 to the Galveston

BUSINESS PORT OF HOUSTON MATTERS/Publisher’s Page

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The Publisher’s Desk

Aubrey R. Taylor, president and CEO ofHouston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C., pub-lisher of Houston Business Connections.

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2 • JANUARY • Houston Business Connections Monthly • www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

I

Please see PORT, P.4

Edmonds Fonteno Longoria DraperBurkeLawal

PHA Commission DeliversBayport, Security, CapitalImprovement Matterscontinued from P.1

Houston Business Connections Monthly • www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735 • JANUARY • 3

Please see LISTING, P.5

NEWS BRIEFS & INFORMATION

Acres Home CitizenChamber Of Commerce(713) 692-70036130 Wheatley StHouston, TX 77091

Arab U.S. Chamber Of Commerce(281) 447-2563525 N Sam Houston Pkwy EHouston, TX 77060

Arab-us Chamber National(713) 963-46201330 Post Oak BlvdHouston, TX 77056

Asian Chamber OfCommerce(713) 782-72227457 Harwin DrHouston, TX 77036

Australian AmericanChamber Of Commerce(713) 467-214611935 Cobblestone DrHouston, TX 77024

C I S American ChamberOf Commerce(713) 464-48008707 Katy FwyHouston, TX 77024

Caribbean Chamber Of Commerce(713) 977-83087171 Harwin DrHouston, TX 77036

Chamber Of Commerce North(281) 872-870016825 Northchase DrHouston, TX 77060

Chamber Of CommerceNorth Channel Area(713) 450-3600P 9759 Ste Ste 100Houston, TX 77213

Clear Lake Area EconomicDevelopment Foundation(281) 486-55352525 Bay Area BlvdApollo, TX 77058

Clear Lake ShoresChamber Of Commerce(281) 488-76761201 Nasa Rd 1Apollo, TX 77058

Cy-fair Houston Chamber Of Commerce(281) 955-110011050 Fm 1960 Rd WHouston, TX 77065

Cy-fair Houston Chamber Of Commerce(281) 765-888811050 Fm 1960 Rd WHouston, TX 77065

French American Chamber Of Commerce5373 West Alabama, #209Houston, TX 77056(713) 960-0575

German AmericanChamber Of Commerce(713) 877-11145599 San Felipe StHouston, TX 77056

The following is a comprehensivelist of Houston area Chambers of Commerce--------------------------

ing for Hurricane Rita, Charlie was in route toDallas to become a hero,” said Wilson.

The American Public TransportationAssociation’s (APTA) International Bus

Roadeo took place September 22 – 25. TheRoadeo competition is designed to test safebus operating skills. To win the challengingevent, Kennedy drove his METRO bus thruseveral obstacle courses. One of them is setup with two lines of tennis balls only inchesapart, and the operator must drive the rearwheels between them. Obstacle courses alsoaddress routine operations like the simulated

bus stop, where the operator who comes clos-est to the curb without actually touching itgets the highest rank.

“I learned everything about bus drivinghere in METRO,” said the 15-year veteranoperator. Asked about how he honed all hissafe driving skills, Kennedy humbly replied:“I have to give all the credit to our trainingdepartment.”

PrioritiesIncrease state funding for public educationProvide affordable prescriptions for senior citizensIncrease children’s healthcare benefitsCreate economic development through partnerships with private businesses

ExperienceAttorney, Law Office of Alfred H. BennettAdjunct Professor, Thurgood Marshall School of LawFirst Vice-President, Parkwood Drive Civic ClubBoard Member, East Downtown Management DistrictBoard Member, University of Texas School of Law Alumni AssociationFormer President, Houston Lawyers’ AssociationFormer Associate, Fulbright and Jaworski, LLPFormer Intern, Mickey Leland UH/TSU Internship Program

EducationBachelor of Science, University of HoustonJurisprudence Doctorate, University of Texas School of Law

Al and Tanyel Bennett with their two children

New Voice. New Priorities.New Voice. New Priorities.

We need representation that is focusedon the real needs of District 146.

www.AlBennettForStateRep.comPol i t ica l adv. pa id by Al Bennet t for State Rep. Campaign, Gregory L. Phi l l ips , Treasurer

To offer support or for additional information contactthe Al Bennett for State Rep. Campaign, P.O. Box

88051, Houston, TX 77288, (713)529-9630

Alfred H. Bennett

“I pledge to work harder and smarter to address the

needs of District 146.”

Champion BusOperator Honored continued from P.1

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Candidates Who Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

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Bay Foundation (GBF) Working Capital Fund to sup-port GBF’s efforts to foster and protect the aquaticresources of Galveston Bay.

(Agenda item M6) The commission alsorenewed its one-year subscription service agreementwith the Houston International Seafarers Center at atotal cost of $100,000 for the following services on anon-discriminatory basis to seafarers from all com-mercial vessels that call at Houston’s public and pri-vate port terminals: operation of two seafarers cen-ters, transportation services, safety instructions, com-munications, banking, emergency accommodations,recreational facilities, commissary facilities, restau-rant facilities, mail and courier services, counselingservices and other necessary services.

(Agenda item M7) The com-mission authorized the PHA toenter into a $150,000 con-tract with the GreaterHouston Port Bureau forassistance with newbusiness development,operational efficiency,educational outreach,and regulatory and secu-rity compliance.

MEDIA CAMPAIGN(Agenda item M10)

The commission approved atotal not to exceed $1.12 million tocover the costs included in 14 media advertis-ing partnership contracts to continue “The PortDelivers the Goods” branding and public awarenesscampaign in 2006. The PHA will execute contracts inexcess of $25,000 each with the following mediacompanies:

• T&F Informa UK Ltd.• Clear Channel Radio Houston (KPRC-AM

and KTRH-AM)• Houston Chronicle• Journal of Commerce Shipper Group• KHOU Channel 11 (CBS)• KRIV Fox 26 (FOX)• KTMD Channel 47 (Telemundo)• KTRK Channel 13 (ABC)• Metro Networks• Semana Newspaper (Newspan Media Corporation)• PrimeZone Media Network• KMJQ-FM Majic 102 (Radio One)• Time Warner Cable• KLAT-AM (Univision Radio)

The campaign also is expected to include part-nerships with several other diverse media

companies whose contracts will total lessthan $25,000 each. The total 2006

budget for the campaign is morethan $1.7 million. "The PortDelivers the Goods" campaign isaimed at building local andnational awareness of the port’smaritime shipping capabilitiesand connection to consumer

needs.

INSURANCE MATTERS(Agenda item L1) The commis-

sion authorized the PHA to advertise forand receive proposals to provide property and

casualty insurance coverage for three years at an esti-mated annual cost of $4.8 million. The PHA will seekproposals from qualified vendors that are interestedin and capable of providing primary and excessinsurance coverage for workers’ compensation, gen-eral liability, automobile liability, marine propertyand equipment, legal liability, real and personal prop-erty, public official liability, and electronic equip-ment protection beginning March 1, 2006.

PHA Commission Delivers Bayport,Security, Capital Improvement Matterscontinued from P.2

Greenbelt, MD(BlackNews.com) - TheNational Association ofBlack Accountants (NABA),a leading association dedi-cated to advancing people ofcolor in the accounting andfinance industries, recentlypresented the second install-ment of its $60,000 pledge toHoward University's Centerfor Accounting Education(CAE).

The CAE, located onHoward's Washington, D.C.campus, offers a range ofprograms to support highlytalented African-Americanaccounting graduates as theybegin their careers. Dr.Hubert D. Glover, CMA,CIA, CPA, chair of Howard'sSchool of BusinessAccounting Department, andFrank Ross, NABA foundingpresident and director of theCAE, were on hand toreceive a $20,000 checkfrom Johnetta BosemanHardy, NABA's deputy exec-utive director, and Darryl R.Matthews, Sr., executivedirector and COO of NABA.

“Accountants are inhigh demand, and it isimportant that programs likeours continue to flourish andoffer the best accountingeducation available to peopleof color,” Glover said.“NABA's contribution willgo towards our goal ofincreasing the actual numberof Howard students enteringinto the accounting profes-sion and enhancing theirfuture in the field.”

“Because the accountingindustry will continue to bescrutinized, NABA recog-nizes the need to increase thepool of qualified black CPAsto lead compliant finance

departments,” NABA’sMatthews said. “By support-ing programs such as theCAE, we are taking proac-tive measures to make surethat the accounting field willbe rich with diversity in thefuture.”

The CAE partnership isjust one of many initiativesNABA has embarked on tosupport the advancement ofpeople of color in accountingand finance. Last summer,NABA and its Division ofFirms (DOF) participated inthe CAE’s inaugural week-long Leadership SkillsDevelopment program,where several senior auditand tax leaders from Deloitteand the DOF led participantsthrough a series of coursesfocused on professionaldevelopment as well aspreparation for the CPAexam. NABA also joinedforces with Becker CPAReview and GleimAccounting Publications tooffer high-quality, career-boosting CPA exam reviewworkshops at its 34th AnnualNational Convention andDiversity Recruitment Expolast year in Detroit. NABAwill partner with theseorganizations again and pro-vide similar offerings at the35th Annual NationalConvention and DiversityRecruitment Expo at TheWestin Diplomat in Hollywood,Fla., June 13-17, 2006.

NABA, Inc. is one of thepremier professional organi-zations in the nation. NABArepresents the interests ofmore than 100,000 people ofcolor in the furtherance oftheir educational, profession-al and career goals in therelated fields of accounting.

(From left to right): Dr. Hubert D. Glover, CMA, CIA,CPA Chair, Howard University School of BusinessAccounting Department; Frank Ross, NABA foundingpresident and director of the CAE; Johnetta BosemanHardy, NABA deputy executive director; and Darryl R.Matthews, Sr., NABA executive director and COO.

COMMITTED TO PLEDGE

NABA presents secondinstallment of $60,000pledge to HowardUniversity’s Center forAccounting Education


Houston Hispanic Chambers Of Commerce(713) 644-72152900 Woodridge DrHouston, TX 77087

Houston NorthwestChamber Of Commerce(281) 440-347614511 Falling Creek DrBammel, TX 77014

Houston NorthwestChamber Of Commerce(281) 440-416014511 Falling Creek DrHouston, TX 77014

Houston West Chamber Of Commerce(713) 785-492210777 Westheimer RdHouston, TX 77042

Houston West Chamber Of Commerce SpringBranch Division(713) 467-93308400 Long Point RdHouston, TX 77055

Indo American ChamberOf Commerce OfGreater Houston(713) 850-11441990 Post Oak BlvdHouston, TX 77056

Interamerican Chamber Of Commerce(713) 975-6171510 Bering DrHouston, TX 77057

Italy-america Chamber OfCommerce Of Texas Inc.(713) 626-93034605 Post Oak Place DrHouston, TX 77027

Japan Business Association Of Houston(281) 493-151214133 Memorial DrHouston, TX 77079

League City Chamber of Commerce(281) 554-5595 P.O. Box 977League City, Texas 77574

National U.S. Arab Chamber Of Commerce(713) 963-46201330 Post Oak BlvdHouston, TX 77056

North Chamber OfCommerce(281) 872-870016825 Northchase DrHouston, TX 77060

North Channel AreaChamber Of Commerce(713) 450-360013301 E FwyHouston, TX 77015

North Houston Greenspoint Chamber Of Commerce(281) 872-870016825 Northchase DrHouston, TX 77060

Seabrook Chamber Of Commerce(281) 488-76761201 Nasa Rd 1Apollo, TX 77058

Listingcontinued from P.3

Please see LISTING, P.18

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

NEWS BRIEFS & INFORMATION

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281.477.6767

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Renowned Scholar Henry Louis Gates,Jr. To Host Four-Hour Series Dr. BenCarson, Whoopi Goldberg, Bishop T.D.Jakes, Dr. Mae Jemison, Quincy Jones,Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, Chris TuckerAnd Oprah Winfrey Participate InIlluminating Journey Of Discovery

An unprecedented four-part PBS series,AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES takes Alex

Haley's Roots saga to a whole new levelthrough moving stories of personal discov-ery. Using genealogy, oral history, familystories, and DNA analysis to trace lineagesthrough American history and back toAfrica, the series provides a life-changingjourney for a diverse group of highly accom-

plished African Americans: a neurosurgeon,a TV pioneer/philanthropist, an astronaut, amusic entrepreneur, a sociologist, a moviestar, a minister and a comedian. Dr. Henry

Thirteen/WNET New York Presents African American Lives

PBS series to traceBlack family trees throughgenealogy, DNA analysis,to premier in February

Whoopi Jakes Jemison JonesCarson

Please see PBS SERIES, P.9

NEWS BRIEFS & ANNOUNCEMENTS


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Candidates Who Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

Judge, 308th District Court

Pol. Adv. Pd. for by the Georgia Dempster Campaign In compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. P.O. Box 236, 5315 FM 1960 West, Houston, TX 77069.

Re-Elect

Primary Election DateMarch 7, 2006 First Day of Early VotingFebruary 21, 2006Last Day of Early VotingMarch 3, 2006

Vote For Georgia Dempster!

Judge Georgia Dempster. Efficient, Respectful, Compassionate and Fair.

Efficient, Respectful, Compassionate, and Fair.

PROFESSIONALQUALIFICATIONS

& EXPERIENCE

Judge, 308th State District Court, January 1, 1995 to date *Practicing attorneyfor ten years - family law and domestic relations *Certified mediator in the stateof Texas, with specialized family law training *Juris Doctorate from SouthTexas College of Law and Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah*Licensed to practice in Texas, U.S. District Court for the Southern District ofTexas and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals *Appointed by the Texas SupremeCourt to a nine-member state Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law*Member of the College of the State Bar *Founding member of Ad Litem TaskForce, now Childrens Friend in Court *Member of The Council on DomesticViolence *Member of the Harris County Juvenile Board and the Juvenile JusticeAlternative Education Program *Liaison between the Family Law judiciary, theAttorney General's Office and the IV D Masters *Member, CommunityAdvisory Board of the Junior League of North Harris County

PROFESSIONALAFFILIATIONS

Admitted to the Texas State Bar in 1984 *Member of the American BarAssociation, Texas Bar Association, Houston Bar Association, HoustonNorthwest Bar Association*Member of the International Association of Familyand Conciliation Courts *Member of the Garland Walker Inn of Court *Fellow,Texas Bar Foundation, Houston Bar Foundation * Member, American JudgesAssociation & Foundation *Member, National Association of Women Judges*Member, Texas Association of State Judges *Member Junior League of NorthHarris County* Member of the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce *Member,Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce

Danielle Ashley Communications, Walgreens, UNCF and HBCUsCelebrate Unveiling of limited Collector’s Edition 2006 HBCU Calendar

Tracey Alston (seated, center), of Chicago advertising agency Danielle Ashley Communications, is joined by other sup-porters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in displaying the new Limited Collector's Edition 2006 HBCUCalendar. The calendar was unveiled today in a special event hosted by the Walgreen Corporation, the exclusive vendorfor the 2006 HBCU calendar. Proceeds from the sale of the calendar will be contributed to participating HBCUs and theUnited Negro College Fund. The calendar can be purchased at participating Walgreensstores or online at hbcucalen-dar.net or Walgreens.com.Joining Ms. Alston are (standing, l. to r.) Vanessa Coombs, Vice President for UniversityRelations at Virginia Union University; Dr. James McClean, Vice President for institutional Advancement, Edward WatersUniversity; Dr. H. Melvin Witten, Director of Marketing, University of the District of Columbia; Michael B. Hill, Vice Presidentfor Development and External Relations, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania; Jann Honore, UNCF Development Director;John Gremer, Director of Community Affairs, Walgreens; and (seated, l. to r.) Dr. David Beckley, President, Rust College;and Dr. Oscar L. Prater, President, Talladega University.

First-of-Its-Kind Program isApplauded By Historically BlackColleges and Universities; A Portionof Sales Revenues To Be Donated ToHBCUs and the UNCF

CHICAGO - Chicago-based agency DanielleAshley Communications and the WalgreenCorporation teamed up today in a show of support foreducation and the legacy of Historically BlackColleges and Universities (HBCU) with the unveilingof the Limited Collector's Edition 2006 HBCUCalendar.

Representatives from the HBCUs and the UnitedNegro College Fund, as wellas officials from the office of Chicago Mayor RichardM. Daley, were on hand to take part in a national pro-gram to raise awareness and financial support forHBCUs.

“The 2006 HBCU calendar is truly a labor oflove on our part,” said TraceyAlston, president of Danielle Ashley

Please see WALGREENS, P.7


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

Communications. “I’m so proud thatthrough this calendar we are making itpossible for everyone to celebrateBlack History every month and supportBlack education every day.”

“One of our most enduring plat-forms at Walgreens is education,” saidJohn Gremer, Director of CommunityAffairs for the Walgreen Corporation.“We understand the importance ofhighlighting these terrific schools anddoing our part in continuing their lega-cy for the next generation. Walgreens isproud to be the exclusive vendor for the2006 HBCU calendar.”

Participating in the calendarunveiling included the following:Vanessa Coombs, Vice President forUniversity Relations at Virginia UnionUniversity; Dr. James McClean, VicePresident for Institutional Advancement,Edward Waters University; Dr. H.Melvin Witten, Director of Marketing,University of the District of Columbia;Michael B. Hill, Vice President forDevelopment and External Relations,Lincoln University of Pennsylvania;Jann Honore, UNCF DevelopmentDirector; John Gremer, Director ofCommunity Affairs, Walgreens; Dr.David Beckley, President, Rust College;and Dr. Oscar L. Prater, President,Talladega University.

Featuring 12 of the country’s firstAfrican-American academic institu-tions, the 2006 HBCU calendar cap-tures the rich culture and historical sig-nificance of these storied institutions.

A portion of the proceeds from thesale of the calendar will go to each fea-tured institution as well as to theUNCF. In addition, the pages of thecalendar are filled with little knownfacts about African-American firsts,and dynamic revelations of the multi-faceted contributions and achievementsby Blacks that have helped to shapeAmerica.

The 2006 HBCU calendar pro-vides compelling and revealing infor-mation beginning with CheyneyUniversity, the oldest of the HBCUs,and ending with Talladega College.Each month a different school is pro-filed with narrative and images thathighlight its proud history.

The calendar is available at partic-ipating Walgreens or on the Web athbcucalendar.net or Walgreens.com.

Danielle Ashley Communicationsspecializes in developing effective pub-lic relations, advertising, and integratedmarketing strategies and programs toreach the urban market.

Danielle AshleyCommunications,Walgreens, UNCFand HBCUs CelebrateUnveiling of limitedCollector’s Edition2006 HBCU Calendarcontinued from P.6

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Survey:Company LeadersSay They FaceGreater JobDemands ThanFive Years Ago

MENLO PARK, CA -- Pressure onthe job may be growing for corporateexecutives, according to a new survey.An overwhelming majority (89 percent)

of senior executives polled said theybelieve it’s more challenging to be a com-pany leader in today’s business environ-ment than five years ago.

The survey was developed by RobertHalf Management Resources, the world’spremier provider of senior-level account-ing and finance professionals on a projectand interim basis. The national poll wasconducted by an independent researchfirm and includes responses from 150senior executives -- including those fromhuman resources, finance and marketingdepartments -- with the nation’s 1,000

IT'S GETTING LONELIER AT THE TOP

Please see SURVEY, P.11

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NEWS ANNOUNCEMENTS

HOUSTON, TX – Thomas, Thomas,& Thomas, P.C., a tax consulting firmwhich provides regional and nationalclients with expert tax recovery and taxreduction services, has received the 2005Emerging 10 (E-10) award awarded by theHouston Minority Business Council. Theprestigious E-10 award recognizesHouston area minority-owned enterprisesthat are setting trends and embracingtomorrow's business realities. Companiesreceiving this award have establishedthemselves for their innovative approach-es, community involvement, expertise andexcellent customer service.

Barbara Thomas, President andFounder, is a certified public accountantwho began her career in state taxation in1983 as an auditor for the State of TexasOffice of the Comptroller of PublicAccounts. In 1997, she was appointed byGovernor George W. Bush to serve on theTexas State Board of Public Accountancyand this appointment allowed her to be thefirst mother to sign as a State Board mem-ber on her children’s certification as public

accountants. Barbara earned a Bachelor ofBusiness Administration degree with aconcentration in accounting from the

University of Houston. Stephanie Thomas, Vice President, is

also a certified public accountant and

joined the firm in 1998. An honors gradu-ate of The University of Houston, she alsoholds a Bachelor of BusinessAdministration degree with a concentra-tion in accounting and was a member ofthe Accounting Society.

Mary Thomas, Corporate Secretary, isalso a certified public accountant, graduat-ing magna cum laude from Bauer Collegeof Business with a Bachelor of BusinessAdministration with a concentration inaccounting. In addition, she obtained aDoctor of Jurisprudence from TheUniversity of Texas at Austin. During hercareer at the University of Houston, Marywas inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta-Phi Eta Sigma (freshman honorsociety)and served as the Vice President ofSocial Development in Beta Alpha Psi(accounting fraternity).

Barbara, Stephanie and Mary havewritten numerous industry articles andhave developed tax seminars for entrepre-neurs. In addition, the firm has written abook entitled “Texas Taxes for theHospitality Industry.”

Thomas, Thomas & Thomas, P.C.Named Emerging 10 WinnerMother and Two Daughter CPA Team Recognized by

Houston Minority Business Council

CONGRATULATIONS

(From Left-Right) Mary Thomas, Barbara Thomas and Stephanie Thomas.

Louis Gates, Jr., W.E.B. Du Boisprofessor of the Humanities andchair of African and AfricanAmerican Studies at HarvardUniversity, is the series host,revealing the participants' uniquefamily histories while research-ing his own as well.

AFRICAN AMERICANLIVES will premiereWednesdays February 1 and 8 at9 p.m. (ET) on PBS. The seriesis a co-pr co-production ofThirteen/WNET New York andKunhardt Productions Inc.Major funding is provided byThe Coca-Cola Company andthe following brands by theProcter & Gamble Company:Pringles®, Folgers®, Bounty®,Charmin®, Tide®, Downy®,Pampers®, Crest®. Additionalfunding for outreach activities isprovided by the Corporation forPublic Broadcasting.

AFRICAN AMERICANLIVES works to restore its par-ticipants' lineages in reversechronological order. Startingwith the oral histories of the indi-viduals' families, and drawing onphotographs, film clips, musicand early personal records, Dr.Gates begins to trace their fami-ly trees back through the 20thcentury. Noted historians andexpert genealogists aroundAmerica help fill in missingbranches, in the process explain-ing how such major events asJim Crow segregation and thepost-World War I “GreatMigration” from the South to theNorth helped shape AfricanAmerican families.

“This is one of the mostexciting projects in which I havebeen involved,” said Dr. Gates.“AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVESis about African American history,of course, but on a deeply person-al level. Slavery deprived AfricanAmericans of their historical andfamilial memory, and this series isan attempt to restore that memoryon both sides of the Atlantic.”

Dr. Gates’ genealogicalresearch becomes increasinglydifficult as he proceeds backthrough the Reconstruction Era,Civil War, the Colonial and earlyslave trade periods in Americanhistory. When the genealogicalroad comes to an end, he turns tosome of the country’s leadingscientists involved in cutting-edge work using DNA samplesto trace ancestral roots back toAfrica. Finally, Dr. Gates joinsone series participant in the lastleg of the journey, across theAtlantic to the western coast ofAfrica. There, they visit an areawhere genetic, historical and

anthropological evidence sug-gests that the participant's ances-tors once lived.

In an era when ever-increas-ing numbers of Americans areinvestigating their genealogy,AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVESprovides a timely and powerfuldemonstration of how meaning-ful reclaiming one's past can beas well as an understanding likenever before of AfricanAmerican history.

It is the first television seriesto explore black roots in bothAmerica and Africa using notonly genealogy but also DNA,including fascinating stories ofancestors that were free duringthe time of slavery. And by spot-

lighting African American rolemodels, the series hopes toinspire millions to consider theirown heritage, and underscore forall Americans the importance ofknowing their past, in order to

unlock the future.“In addition to its poignant

personal stories,” continued Dr.Gates, “AFRICAN AMERICANLIVES will be a great way tointroduce young people to the

marvels of archival and scientif-ic research and their practicalapplications. I hope that thisproject will encourage them andall Americans, especially thoseof African descent to exploretheir roots.”

For some Americans, theessential question “Where do Icome from?” cannot beanswered; their history has beenlost or stolen. But through itsgenealogical research andgroundbreaking DNA analysis,AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVESwill not only provide a transfor-mational discovery for several


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Thirteen/WNET New York Presents African American LivesPBS series to

trace Black familytrees throughgenealogy, DNAanalysis, to premierin Februarycontinued from P.5

Winfrey Tucker

Please see PBS SERIES, P.13

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NATIONAL BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENT



Los Angeles, CA(BlackNews.com) - CarnivoUnlimited, LLC, is an importerand marketer of alcohol bever-ages. Headquartered in LosAngeles California, the companywill launch its signature brandCarnivo XO in January 2006.

Carnivo XO (neon-green)is a tantalizing mix of awardwinning Menuet XO Cognac,silky smooth French vodka,and a proprietary tropical berryflavor mix.

The flavor profile isdesigned to maintain its consis-tency over ice, and the aroma isdesigned to be highly distinctive.Its marriage of quality ingredi-ents renders Carnivo XO as aremarkably luxurious andsmooth creation. The union ofthese ingredients supports

Carnivo XO as truly being A cel-ebration in every sip, a party inevery bottle.

Carnivo Unlimited is theexclusive importer of MenuetCognac in the Americas andMexico. This historic occasion isa result of the diligent and per-sistent efforts of the founders andCo-CEOs, Robert Pierce andKelvin Love.

Carnivo Unlimited is thefirst African American com-pany to exclusively importCognac into the United Statesand is the developer and ownerof Carnivo XO.

Carnivo Unlimited has suc-cessfully test marketed its prod-ucts and is now ready to enter themarketplace. Maurice Moore,who has 30 years of liquor expe-rience with Seagrams, is

President and Darius Farrelly,who has extensive experience ingrassroots promotional pro-grams, is Vice PresidentMarketing will assist with salesand marketing efforts.

The Menuet family hasbeen producing Cognac for over150 years with a portfolio thatincludes XO, VSOP, VS and HorD'Age. The company proudlypoints out that Menuet Cognacsare among the few cognacs mar-keted in the U.S., in which all ofits marques are made from 100%Grande Champagne Region 1stCru grapes.

The Cordial category of theUS spirits market is showingsubstantial growth, increasing3.9% in 2004, and surpassing the20 million case mark. Thegrowth is driven by new product

launches that feature innovativeflavors, through line extensionsof existing products, and today'spervasive cocktail culture. Thecategory is projected to grow by3.3% per annum over the nextfive years. Carnivo XO offersexactly what consumers desire indistilled spirits - flavor, variety,and mix ability.

Cognac is part of theBrandy and Cognac category,which has grown every yearsince 1994. Cognac's recentgains can be attributed to itsmulti-cultural appeal, particular-ly in the hip-hop and African-American communities who con-sume over 85% of Cognac withan increasing number of Asiansand Hispanics enthusiasticallyenjoying the drink.

African-American SpiritsCompany Launches Its Signature

Liqueur Carnivo XO


FPA HoustonOffers Tips toBreak thePaycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle

Houston, TX – The number of households living pay-check to paycheck is staggering. Nearly 60 percent of thehouseholds in America with children under age 18 and overhalf of those nearing retirement depend on their latest pay-check to met expenses reports MetLife in a recent survey.

The problem is not just for the nation’s poorest. Thesame survey found that one-third of workers earning$75,000 or more a year live from one paycheck to the next.

“Families that live paycheck to paycheck are one finan-cial emergency away from financial crisis,” said Les Vicain,president, Financial Planning Association of Houston. “Anunexpected car repair, illness or job loss would put thesefamilies at the very least in debt and at the worst cause finan-cial ruin.”

To help break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, FPA ofHouston offers the following tips:

Start with a plan. You can’t get where you want to goif you don’t know where you are going. A spending plan is amap to help you get control of your expenses and decidewhere your money goes. Keep track of your expenses forone month including all cash purchases for coffee or lunch-es out. This can be somewhat tedious but is worth the effort.Many people find they are spending hundreds of dollarseach month on things they did not realize and that are notthat important to them.

Prioritize and trim expenses. Your spending plangives you back control because you now know exactly whatyou owe, when it is due and can begin to prioritize your bills.Mortgage or rent, utilities, transportation, insurance andhealthcare expenses should be at the top of the list. Nextcome the items that you have more control over how muchyou spend each month. A family of four can live on $600 amonth in food expenses if you plan ahead and shop smart.However, many families spend twice that much on foodunnecessarily. Look at your food, clothing and entertainmentexpenses and try to cut them by 20 percent at least.

Provide a cushion for a crash. An emergency savingsfund should be your first priority once you have establishedyour spending plan and trimmed expenses. With a tightbudget it is difficult to save, but even a small amount willadd up in time. Commit to saving as much as you can eachmonth and increase the amount, as you are able. Your goal isto save three to six months of living expenses in an accountthat you do not use for any reason other than a financialemergency.

Stop charging. The only way to stop the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle is to live below your means. In other words,spend less than your income. Any purchases made with cred-it cards that are not paid off at the end of the month areextending your income with the often-high additional cost offinance charges. If you cannot pay the balance when the billcomes in, do not charge it.

Look to the future. It is important to set financialgoals, both short and long term. If you pay for holiday pur-chases every year with credit, one goal may be to saveenough to pay cash for those expenses. A summer vacationis a great short-term goal and a good motivator to savethe money necessary to make that goal a reality. Somecommon long-term goals include college tuition expens-es and retirement.

Breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle is not easy,but most households can do it with smart planning and a lit-tle will power.------------------------------------------------------------------------Financial Planning Association of Houston is a nonprofitmembership organization of Certified Financial Planningprofessionals located in Houston. FPA of Houston assistsmembers in professional development and serves as a sourceof information and education to the public regarding finan-cial planning. A secure future begins here... For more infor-mation about the FPA, and Planner Search, visit www.fpa-houston.org

In business, there are no guarantees.There is simply no way to eliminate allthe risks associated with starting a smallbusiness - but you can improve yourchances of success with good planning,preparation, and insight. Start by evaluat-ing your strengths and weaknesses as apotential owner and manager of a smallbusiness. Carefully consider each of thefollowing questions.

Are you a self-starter? It will beentirely up to you to develop projects,organize your time, and follow throughon details.

How well do you get along withdifferent personalities? Business own-ers need to develop working relationshipswith a variety of people including cus-tomers, vendors, staff, bankers, and pro-fessionals such as lawyers, accountants orconsultants. Can you deal with a demand-ing client, an unreliable vendor, or acranky receptionist if your business inter-ests demand it?

How good are you at making deci-sions? Small business owners arerequired to make decisions constantly -often quickly, independently, and underpressure.

Do you have the physical and emo-

tional stamina to run a business?Business ownership can be exciting, butit's also a lot of work. Can you face six orseven 12--hour work days every week?

How well do you plan and organ-ize? Research indicates that poor plan-ning is responsible for most business fail-ures. Good organization - of financials,inventory, schedules, and production -can help you avoid many pitfalls.

Is your drive strong enough?Running a business can wear you downemotionally. Some business owners burnout quickly from having to carry all theresponsibility for the success of theirbusiness on their own shoulders. Strongmotivation will help you survive slow-downs and periods of burnout.

How will the business affect yourfamily? The first few years of businessstart-up can be hard on family life. It’simportant for family members to knowwhat to expect and for you to be able totrust that they will support you duringthis time. There also may be financial dif-ficulties until the business becomes prof-itable, which could take months or years.You may have to adjust to a lower stan-dard of living or put family assets at riskin the short-term.

Are you ready?Is Entrepreneurship For You?

KNOW YOURSELFNot everyone is cut out to be an

entrepreneur. It takes a special talent.Some owners of small businesses have itand some don’t. Before you invest time,energy, money and a piece of your heart,it's important to do some serious self-analysis. To answer such questions as:Am I prepared to work hard and makesacrifices? Am I self-disciplined? Do Ihave management ability? Am I experi-enced enough in this field? What do Iwant out of life? Are my goals realisticand attainable?

Studies have shown that entre-preneurs are persevering and not eas-ily defeated. They thrive in a challeng-ing environment and have a tremendousneed to be in control. They turn diversi-ty into opportunity. They are risk takers.They welcome responsibility, and theyare willing and able to make decisions.

Moreover, successful entrepreneursare patient and able to wait out thesometimes slow beginnings of a busi-

ness. They also are able to learn fromtheir mistakes, trust their own judgmentand have an optimistic outlook.

Take a good look. Do those traitsdescribe you? “Know yourself and bewilling to work 60 hours a week.Starting a business is one of life'sbiggest commitments,” advises RoyNordman, director of EmergingBusiness Services Practice for the SanFrancisco office of Coopers & Lybrand.

Small business owner NancyWansick, of Wansick Graphics, echoesthose sentiments: “My business hasbecome my whole life. Day becomesnight and work has become play.”

It’s obvious: you have to love yourwork. And if you choose a business thatmeshes with your personality (theanswers to the above questions shouldtell you about your personality), thoseextra hours spent won’t be as difficult.The key is to identify what you enjoydoing the most and then find a businessopportunity that makes use of your skillsand interests.

Seven Ways toGet a Jump Starton Your Taxes

Earlier is better when it comesto working on your taxes.Taxpayers are encouraged to get ahead start on tax preparation, espe-cially since early filers avoid thelast minute rush and get theirrefunds sooner.

Here are seven easy ways toget a good jump on your taxes longbefore the April deadline is here:

1. Gather your records inadvance. Make sure you have allthe records you need, including W-2s and 1099s. Don’t forget to save acopy for your files.

2. Get the right forms.They’re available around the clockon the IRS Web site, IRS.gov.

3. Take your time. Don’t for-get to leave room for a coffee breakwhen filling out your tax return asrushing can mean making a mistake.

4. Double-check your mathand verify all Social Securitynumbers. These are among themost common errors found on taxreturns. Taking care will reduce yourchance of hearing from the IRS andspeed up your refund.

5. Get the fastest refund.When you file early, you receiveyour refund faster. When you choosedirect deposit, you receive your refundsooner than waiting for a check

6. E-filing is easy. E-filingcatches math problems, providesconfirmation your return has beenreceived and gives you a fasterrefund.

7. Don’t panic. If you have aproblem or a question, rememberthe IRS is there to help. Try theIRS Web site at IRS.gov or call theIRS customer service number at 1-800-829-1040.


Business

Reverend Robert L. Thomas, Jr., Pastor

3115 Lyons Avenue • Houston, TX 77020

SUNDAY: Morning Worship—11:00A.M. TUESDAY: Bible Study—7:30 P.M.

(713)224-1515

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largest companies.Executives were asked, “Do you

think it’s more or less challenging to bea company leader in today’s businessenvironment versus five years ago?”Their responses:

Significantly more challenging 54%Somewhat more challenging 35%No change 9%Much less challenging 1%Don't know 1%

TOTAL 100%

“Companies today face levels of gov-ernment, shareholder and public scrutinythat didn’t exist five years ago,” said PaulMcDonald, executive director of RobertHalf Management Resources. “Seniormanagement is held more directly account-able for ensuring the integrity and financialstability of the company and spearheadinggrowth in a competitive global market.”

McDonald added that businesses areoperating at an accelerated pace to meet

customer demands and grow market share.“Corporate leaders are expected to accom-plish more in less time but are confrontedwith key challenges, including drivingshareholder value, retaining talent, estab-lishing a strong technology infrastructure,and assessing merger or acquisition oppor-tunities. The most successful executivesdevelop and implement long-term strate-gies for their organizations, manage busi-ness risk to enhance performance and moti-vate employees to achieve their best.”---------------------------------------------------

Robert Half Management Resources hasmore than 100 offices throughout NorthAmerica, Europe and Australia, and offersonline job search services atwww.rhmr.com.

Survey: CompanyLeaders Say TheyFace Greater JobDemands Than FiveYears Agocontinued from P.7

Tax TipsFrom The Internal Revenue Service



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prominent African Americans, but alsoserve as an example for all Americans ofthe empowerment derived from knowingtheir heritage.

To reconstruct the family trees of itsparticipants, AFRICA AMERICANLIVES is working in conjunction with

Ancestry.com, a leading Internet-basedgenealogy firm with one of the largestonline collections of family historyrecords. Among the scientists involved inthe series’ DNA analysis is Dr. PeterForster, a Fellow and Praelector at theUniversity of Cambridge who has usedDNA for genealogical, archeological andforensic casework; Dr. Fatimah Jackson,professor of Applied BiologicalAnthropology at the University ofMaryland and co-founder of the firsthuman DNA bank in Africa; Dr. RickKittles, co-founder of the ancestry-tracingfirm African Ancestry, Inc., whose data-base contains over 20,000 lineages frommore than 389 indigenous African popula-

tions; and Dr. Mark Shriver, associate pro-fessor of Anthropology & Genetics atPenn State University. Innovative newanalytical techniques are also being devel-oped for the project in conjunction withthe Santa Clara-based biotechnology firmAffymetrix.

AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES willbe accompanied by a far-reaching educa-tional component. Working in coopera-tion with seven public television stationsin key markets across the country,Thirteen's teacher-training initiative willprovide direct, hands-on training to morethan 1,000 K-through- 12 educators, guid-ing them in the use of the broadcast pro-gram, Web site, and print materials in

standards-based classroom instruction.Extensive outreach is also being plannedwith the Boys & Girls Clubs of America,as well as historical organizations andmuseums nationwide, to engage childrenand families of all ages in an explorationof their family origins. AFRICAN AMER-ICAN LIVES' vibrant companion Website will feature a beginner's guide to trac-ing one's own family tree, giving visitorsstep-by-step guidance in how to researchtheir own past. The online componentwill also provide background on the sci-ence and scholarship featured in theseries, extended interviews with seriesguests, and interactive learning tools thatwill appeal to all age levels.

Thirteen/WNET New York Presents African American LivesPBS series to trace

Black family treesthrough genealogy, DNA analysis, to premier in Februarycontinued from P.9


--------------------------------------------------------------------Posted By: Samuel T.Posted On: Sunday, January 1, 2006Views: 257 Edwards Will Win!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The people will not be fooled in the coming election. Rep. Al Edwards willwin the March Primary by a large margin. His track record of service to theblack community will speak for him.

--------------------------------------------------------------------Posted By: Eugene ThomasPosted On: Saturday, December 31, 2005Views: 317 Who can beat Al?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I feel Borris is the best person to take Al's place. Al should be thinking alongthese lines also. Borris is in a good position,financially independent, and hasproven his commitment to the community having years ago moved his mainoffice within and becoming more hands on in assisting it's citizens. He willdo the better job of representing those who have supported Al for so long.He has more commitment and less ego.

--------------------------------------------------------------------Posted By: Charee GrocePosted On: Wednesday, December 28, 2005Views: 432 Al Bennett Best All Around--------------------------------------------------------------------As voters, we have to take a close look at who is representing us. Are theyup on the issues? Do they care about the needs? Do they understand whatit takes to propose and pass a law? Are they morally responsible and willtheir colleagues at the Capital respect them?

If you look at those questions, I think you will see that Al Bennett is the onlycandidate that gets a yes answer to each question.

Al Edwards- Has been in position for 20+ years and spent time on worryingabout cheerleaders instead of while some of our students in the district don'thave recent text books. Also Texas Monthly Magazine named him one of theworst legislators in Texas.

Boris Miles- First of all he can be cited on quite a few moral issues, won't gothere. But also, does he really understand the job and laws? Or does he justwant to beat Al Edwards to spite him and for a popularity contest?

BUSINESS CONNECTIONSHouston

Published By Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. Proudly Serving The Houston Community Since 1998 • Email: [email protected] • JANUARY 2006

HoustonBUSINESS CONNECTIONSCommunity News & Business ReportsCommunity News & Business Reports

EYE ON HOUSTONPolls, Politics, Headlines & News Information

COMMENT ON HOT BUTTON ISSUES: www.eyeonhouston.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Politics

Yes, he can and I think Borris L. Miles Can Do It.ABOUT BORRIS L. MILES: He is a lifelong resi-dent of the district who grew up in Sunnyside. A

former law enforcement officer, Miles left a corpo-rate career to launch his own insurance agency. Hestarted as a one-man operation in his garage apart-ment, and today his company - Borris L. MilesInsurance - writes more than $12 million dollars ininsurance premiums annually according to his cam-paign website.

Yes, he can and I think Al Bennett can do it. ABOUTAl BENNETT: He is a fourth generation Texan andhas lived in Houston for 22 years. He grew up in

Ennis, where he attended public schools. He cameto Houston in 1983 to attend the University of Houston,earning a Bachelor of Science degree in PoliticalScience in 1988. After graduating from UT Law School,Al went to work as an Associate at the law firm ofFulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P., in Houston. He laterworked as an Associate at the firm Solar & Fernandes,L.L.P., also in Houston. In 1998, Al set up his own lawpractice, opening the Law Offices of Alfred H. Bennett,where he is a sole practitioner and specializes in com-plex commercial and tort litigation matters.

No, Rep. Al Edwards Will Not Lose.

While there will be many heated races in theupcoming 2006 March Primary, the race for StateRepresentative of District 146 will no doubt beof the most interest to Blacks. Houston HighlightPublishing, L.L.C., the publisher of HoustonBusiness Connections and “Eye On Houston” haschosen this race as the feature race of the 2006March Primary. You can take part along with ourreaders in answering our current poll question aswell as comment on the candidates in this race.

The QuestionIn Your Opinion Can Rep.Al Edwards Be Defeated?

To Vote Or Offer Your Opinion On Any Of The Questions On This Page Visit: www.eyeonhouston.houstonbusinessconnections.com

Edwards Bennett Miles

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE RACE!

This page our website nor anyinformation herein is sponsoredby or underwritten in any way orform by any candidate in any racein the upcoming 2006 MarchPrimary. Direct any questionsconcerns or correspondence to:832.212.8735.

Giving Houstonians A Voice In The Happenings Around The City & Across The State

What City Leaderdo you think will

accomplish the most for the people of Houston in generaland their constituentsin particular during 2006?

Aubrey R. TaylorPresident

www.eyeonhouston.houstonbusinessconnections.com

“We welcome you to offer yourcomments on our online poll beingconducted on our website.”

Results At Time Of Printing

BennettEdwardsMiles 21%

46%33%

Poll is non-scientific and reflects the opinions of only the participants.

Visit www.eyeonhouston.houstonbusinessconnections.com


VISIT: WWW.EYEONHOUSTON.HOUSTONBUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE IN THE MARCH 2006 PRIMARY ELECTION ON MARCH 7, 2006

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DID

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U.S. SENATERepublican: Kay Bailey Hutchison (i)Democrat: Darrel Reece Hunter;

Gene Kelly; Barbara Ann RadnofskyLibertarian: Ray Salinas; Timothy Wade;

Scott Lanier Jameson------------------------------------------------------------------------U.S. HOUSE 2ND DISTRICTRepublican: Ted Poe (i)Democrat: Gary E. BinderimLibertarian: Justo Perez------------------------------------------------------------------------7TH DISTRICTRepublican: John Culberson (i)Democrat: Jim Hanley, David MurffLibertian: Drew Parks------------------------------------------------------------------------9TH DISTRICTDemocrat: Al Green (i)------------------------------------------------------------------------10TH DISTRICTRepublican: Michael McCaul (i)Democrat: Ted ankrum; Paul Foreman;

Kyle Kincaid; Pat Mynatt; Sid SmithLibertarian: Michael Badnarik------------------------------------------------------------------------18TH DISTRICTRepublican: Ahmad HassanDemocrat: Shelia Jackson Lee (i)------------------------------------------------------------------------22ND DISTRICTRepublican: Tom DeLay (i); Tom Campbell;

Michael Fjetland; Pat BaigDemocrat: Nick LampsonLibertarian: Stan Norred; Bob Smither------------------------------------------------------------------------GOVERNORRepublican: Rick Perry (i); Larry Kilgore;

Star Locke; Rhett SmithDemocrat: Felix Alvarado; Chris Bell;

Bob Gammage; Rashad JaferLibertarian: James WarnerIndependent: Kinky Friedman;

Carole Keeton Strayhorn------------------------------------------------------------------------LIEUTENANT GOVERNORRepublican: David Dewhurst (i); Tom KellyDemocrat: Benjamin Grant; Adrian De Leon;

Maria Luisa AlvaradoLibertarian: Judy Baker------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATTORNEY GENERALRepublican: Greg Abbott (i)Democrat: David Van OsLibertarian: Jon Roland------------------------------------------------------------------------COMPTROLLERRepublican: Susan CombsDemocrat: Fred HeadLibertarian: Mike Burris------------------------------------------------------------------------LAND COMMISSIONERRepublican: Jerry patterson (i)Democrat: VaLinda Hathcox------------------------------------------------------------------------AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONERRepublican: Todd StaplesDemocrat: Hank Gilbert; Koecadee Melton Jr.Libertarian: Clay Woolam------------------------------------------------------------------------RAILROAD COMMISSIONERRepublican: Elizabeth Ames Jones (i);

Major Buck WernerDemocrat: Dale HenryLibertarian: Tabitha Serrano------------------------------------------------------------------------TEXAS SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICERepublican: Wallace Jefferson (i)Democrat: Tom OxfordPLACE 2Republican: Don Willett (i); Steve SmithDemocrat: William E. “Bill” MoodyPLACE 4Republican: David Medina (i)PLACE 6Republican: Nathan Hecht (i)PLACE 8Republican: Phil Johnson (i)------------------------------------------------------------------------COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALSPRESIDING JUDGERepublican: Sharon Keller (i); Tom PriceDemocrat: J.R. MolinaPLACE 7Republican: Barbara Parker Hervey (i)PLACE 8Republican: Robert Francia;

Charles Holcomb; Terry Keel------------------------------------------------------------------------

STATE SENATE (Harris County)DISTRICT 7

Republican: Mark Ellis; Peggy Hamrick; Joe Nixon; Dan Patrick

Democrat: F. Michael KuboshDISTRICT 13Democrat: Rodney Ellis (i)DISTRICT 15Democrat: John Whitmire (i)DISTRICT 17Republican: Kyle Janek (i)----------------------------------------------------------------------STATE HOUSE (Harris County)DISTRICT 126Republican: John Devine; Patricia HarlessDemocrat: Chad KhanDISTRICT 127Republican: Joe Crabb (i); Joe StunjaDemocrat: Diane TrautmanDISTRICT 129Republican: John E. Davis (i)Democrat: Sherrie MatulaDISTRICT 130Republican: Corbin Van Arsdale (i)DISTRICT 131Democrat: Alma Allen (i)DISTRICT 132Republican: Bill Callegari (i)DISTRICT 133Republican: Barabara Larson; Jim Murphy;

Mike SchofieldDemocrat: Kristi ThibaultDISTRICT 134Republican: Martha WongDemocrat: Ellen CohenDISTRICT 135Republican: Gary Elkins (i)DISTRICT 136Republican: Beverly Woolley (i)Democrat: Scott BrannDISTRICT 137Republican: Sylvia SpiveyDemocrat: Scott Hochberg (i)DISTRICT 138Republican: Dwayne Bohac (i)Democrat: Mark McDavidDISTRICT 139Democrat: Sylvester Turner (i)DISTRICT 140Democrat: Keven Bailey; John ReyesDISTRICT 141Democrat: Senfronia Thompson (i)DISTRICT 142Democrat: Harold V. Dutton (i)DISTRICT 143Republican: Charles George; Dorothy Olmos;

Gilbert PenaDemocrat: Ana E. Hernandez (i)DISTRICT 144Republican: Robert E. Talton (i)Democrat: Janette Padilla SextonDISTRICT 145Democrat: Rick NoriegaDISTRICT 146Democrat: Al Edwards (i); Borris L. Miles;

Alfred “Al” BennettDISTRICT 147Democrat: Garnet Coleman (i);

Cheryl Armitige; Herschel SmithDISTRICT 148Democrat: Jessica Farrar (i)DISTRICT 149Republican: Talmadge HeflinDemocrat: Hubert Vo (i)DISTRICT 150Republican: Debbie Riddle (i)Democrat: Dot Nelson-Turnier-----------------------------------------------------------------------1ST COURT OF APPEALSPLACE 2: Republican: Jane Bland (i)PLACE 6: Republican: George C. Hanks Jr. (i)PLACE 7: Republican: Terry Gennings (i)PLACE 8: Republican: Tim Taft (i)PLACE 9: Republican: Elsa Alcala (i)-----------------------------------------------------------------------14TH COURT OF APPEALSPLACE 3: Republican: John Anderson (i)PLACE 4: Republican: Harvey Hudson (i)PLACE 5: Republican: Wanda McKee Fowler (i)PLACE 6: Republican: Richard Edelman (i)

Democrat: Leora KahnPLACE 8: Republican: Charles Seymore (i)-----------------------------------------------------------------------DISTRICT COURTS55TH: Republican: Jeff Brown (i)

113TH: Republican: Patricia Hancock (i)157TH: Republican: Randy Wilson (i)180TH: Republican: Debbie Mantooth Stricklin (i)182ND: Republican: Jeannine Barr (i)183RD: Republican: Vanessa Valasquez (i);

Lloyd Wayne OliverDemocrat: Robert Voigt

184TH: Republican: Jan Krocker (i)185TH: Republican: Susan Brown (i)

Democrat:Randall Kallinen189TH: Republican: Bill Burke (i)

Democrat: Chuck Silverman190TH: Republican: Jennifer Walker Elrod (i)208TH: Republican: Denise Collins (i)209TH: Republican: Michael McSpadden (i)228TH: Republican: Marc Carter (i)230TH: Republican: Belinda Hill (i)232ND: Republican: Mary Lou Keel (i)

Democrat: Herb Ritchie234TH: Republican: Reece Rondon (i)245TH: Republican: Annette Galik (i);

Sherl Y. DeanDemocrat: Mary Kay Green

246TH: Republican: Jim York (i)247TH: Republican: Bonnie Hellums (i)248TH: Republican: Joan Campbell (i)

Democrat: Lydia Clay-Jackson257TH: Republican: Judy Warne (i)262ND: Republican: Mike Anderson (i)263RD: Republican: Jim Wallace (i)269TH: Republican: John T. Wooldridge (i)270TH: Republican: Brent Gamble (i)280TH: Republican: Tony Lindsay (i)281ST: Republican: David Bernal (i)295TH: Republican: Tracy Christopher (i)308TH: Republican: Georgia Dempster (i)309TH: Republican: Frank Rynd (i)310TH: Republican: Lisa Mlliard (i)311TH: Republican: Doug Warne (i)312TH: Republican: Jim Squier (i)313TH: Republican: Pat Shelton (i)314TH: Republican: John Phillips (i)315TH: Republican: Beverly Malazzo;

Mike Schneider Jr.Democrat: D: Bill Connolly

------------------------------------------------------------------------COUNTY COURTS-AT LAWNO. 1: Republican: R. Jack Cable (i)NO. 2: Republican: Gary Block (i);

Jacqueline Lucci SmithNO. 3: Republican: Lyn Bradshaw-Hull (i);

Linda StoryNO. 4: Republican: Roberta Lloyd (i)

COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTSNO. 1: Republican: Reagan Helm (i)

Democrat: Joan NwullNO. 2: Republican: Michael Peters (i);

Bill HarmonNO. 3: Republican: Don Jackson (i)NO. 4: Republican: James Anderson (i)NO. 5: Republican: Margaret Harris (i)NO. 6: Republican: Larry Standley (i)NO. 7: Republican: Pam Derbyshire (i)NO. 8: Republican: Jay Karahan (i)

Democrat: Alfred “Bud” ValdezNO. 9: Republican: Analia Wilkerson (i)

Democrat: Randy E. Roll (i)NO. 10: Republican: Sherman Ross (i)NO. 11: Republican: Diane Bull (i)

Democrat: Ira ChenkinNO. 12: Republican: Robin Brown (i)NO. 13: Republican: Mark Atkinson (i)NO. 14: Republican: Mike Fields (i)NO. 15: Republican: Jean Hughes (i)------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBATE COURTSNO. 1: Republican: Russell Austin (i)NO. 2: Republican: Mike Wood (i)NO. 3: Republican: Rory Olsen (i)NO. 4: Republican: Bill McCulloch (i);

Georgia Akers------------------------------------------------------------------------DISTRICT CLERKRepublican: Charles Bacarisse (i)Democrat: John Shike------------------------------------------------------------------------COUNTY CLERKRepublican: Beverly Kaufman (i)Democrat: James G. Pierre------------------------------------------------------------------------COUNTY TREASURERRepublican: Jack Cato (i); Orlando SanchezDemocrat: Richard Garcia------------------------------------------------------------------------COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT 2Democrat: Sylvia Garcia (i)------------------------------------------------------------------------COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT 4Republican: Jerry Eversole (i)------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Information for this page obtained from Harris CountyDemocratic Party, the Texas Republican Party,Libertarian Party, Harris County Republican Party web-site and other sources.

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BUSINESS SHOWCASE & Something To Think About

PURCHASE • REFINANCING

Thelma MooreSenior Loan Officer

(713)664-6761

“We’re With YouAll The Way”

2600 South Loop West, Suite #620Houston, Texas 77054

MYRNA L.SLACK-WILSONAttorney at Law

(713)721-9600(713)721-9605 Fax

Family Law • Personal Injury • Probate

5322 West Bellfort, Ste. 106 Houston, Texas 77035

UNNITEDNATIONALINSURANCEAGENCY

I n s u r i n g Y o u I n T h e 2 1 s t C e n t u r y

2201 CAROLINE • HOUSTON, TEXAS • 77002

Authorized Agent for Progressive, CNA and other“A-rated” Insurance Companies

Tel: 713-655-0335 Fax: 713-655-0338

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Phone: (713)227-1169

1416 Nagle, Houston TexasLocated in Midtown (Downtown Houston)

UNITED HOME MORTGAGE

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713-223-80713618 Lyons Ave. • Houston, Texas 77020

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Codwell FamilyFoot Center

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MAXIMUM CARE PHARMACY

BDALAW OFFICE OFBeverly D. ArmstrongA PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION

Licensed by the Texas Supreme CourtNOT CERTIFIED BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

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713.942.9202

LEGAL PROBLEMS? PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS

9660 Hillcroft Suite #435 • Houston, Texas 77096Bank of America Building Near Braeswood

NOT CERTIFIED BY THE TEXASBOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

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A t t o r n e y s a t L a w , P . C .

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PIAProtector’s Insurance Agency

Commercial • Auto • Home Worker’s Comp. • Life & Health

713.660-8899

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BUSINESS SHOWCASE is a monthly inspirational platform sponsored by the businesses showcased. All advertisements are accepted at the discretion ofthe publisher. Although Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. makes every effort to check the authenticity of our advertisements, we accept no responsi-bility or liability for the contents therein. The advertiser assures that advertisements will not contain any matter that is libelous or violates any person's rightof privacy or constitutes copyright infringement or is otherwise contrary to law. The advertiser assumes all responsibility in connection with the advertise-ment placed in this publication. Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. shall be held harmless from any claim, loss, damage (including reasonable attorneys'fees) that may be incurred or suffered for any reason including but not limited to a breach of any kind associated with advertisers included in this section. To include your business in this section call 832.212.8735 or email your request to: [email protected]


Of all base passions, fear is most accursed. —William Shakespeare

What a new face courage puts on everything! —Ralph Waldo Emerson

A good disposition is a virtue in itself, and it is lasting. — Avid

Codwell FamilyFoot Center

Accounting,Finance StartingSalaries ToIncrease 3.1Percent in 2006

Rise inCompensation LevelsCorrelates withDemand forAccounting Talent

MENLO PARK, CA —Heightened competition foraccounting and finance profes-sionals will lead to increases inbase compensation next year,according to the just-released2006 Salary Guide fromRobert Half International Inc.Starting salaries in accountingand finance are projected torise an average of 3.1 percentin 2006. Research shows thatstarting salaries for personnelinvolved with corporate gover-nance initiatives — such asinternal auditors, informationtechnology (IT) auditors andpublic accountants — are expect-ed to see the strongest growth.

Robert Half InternationalInc. is the world’s first andlargest specialized consultingand staffing services firm. Thecompany’s financial staffingdivisions include Robert Half®Finance & Accounting,Accountemps® and RobertHalf® Management Resources,for full-time, temporary and sen-ior-level project professionals,respectively. The 2006 SalaryGuide is based on an analysisof the thousands of job place-ments managed by the compa-ny’s U.S. offices.

“Organizations are activelyrecruiting accounting and financestaff to support business expan-sion initiatives and corporategovernance efforts,” said MaxMessmer, chairman and CEOof Robert Half International.“To attract and retain skilledfinancial professionals, firmsare reassessing their hiring prac-tices and enhancing compensa-tion packages for current staff.”

Auditing Remains Strongin Corporate Accounting

For the second consecu-tive year, corporate auditorscan expect to see the strongestsalary growth. IT auditorscan expect the largest percent-age increase in base compen-sation of any position in 2006,

Please see SURVEY, P.17

From: Max MessmerChairman & CEO, Robert Half International

Theodore Sims Jr.Complete Insurance

Home Insurance • Flood Coverage •

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Worry is aform of fear, andall forms of fearproduce fatigue. A man who haslearned not to feel fear will find the fatigue of daily life enormouslydiminished.

— Bertrand Russell

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Columbia Personnel Services

Nothing Is More Valuable Than A Valuable Employee....6601 Savoy Suite #212 • Houston, Tx 77036

LINDA D. POPE, M.D.COSMETIC EYE SURGERYSurgery and Diseases of the Eye

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ANDRE L. LIGON

ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR

Not Certified By TheTexas Board Of LegalSpecialization

713.662.2500Phone

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BENTLEYBENTLEY HOUSTONView our Fine Selection of

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changes weekly.

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God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds in a day. Have you used one to say “thank you”?—William Arthur Ward

The finest test of character is seen in the amount and the power of gratitude we have. — Thoughts of wisdom from Milo H. Gates

Thanksgiving is a sure index of spiritual health. —Maurice Dametz

No one keeps up his enthusiasm automati-cally. Enthusiasm must be nourished with newactions, new aspirations, new efforts, new vision.It is one’s own fault if his enthusiasm is gone; hehas failed to feed it. —Papyrus

with average starting salaries fore-cast to rise 11.2 percent, tobetween $67,000 and $94,250annually. Entry-level internalauditors at small companies (up to$25 million in sales) will see aver-age starting salaries increase 9 per-cent, to $35,500 to $43,250 per year.

Public Accounting Outlook

Public accounting firms areraising salaries across the board asthey compete with companies inprivate industry for top accountingstaff. Average starting salaries forentry-level accounting profession-als at small firms are projected toclimb 6.5 percent, to between$35,500 and $42,500. Seniormanagers/directors at large firms($250 million+ in sales) can antic-ipate a 4.2 percent increase inaverage starting salaries, to$85,500 to $130,000 annually.Senior accountants at midsize firms($25 million to $250 million insales) will see base compensationrise to $50,000 to $70,000 — anincrease of 8.8 percent from 2005.

Other key findings reported inthe 2006 Salary Guide:

* Tax managers at midsizecompanies will see average start-ing salaries of $57,750 to $74,000— up 4.6 percent over 2005 levels.

* Bookkeepers can anticipatea 6.8 percent rise in base compen-sation in the year ahead.

* Entry-level accountants atmidsize companies will see start-ing salaries rise 4.1 percent, to$32,000 to $38,250 annually.

* Mutual fund accountantscan anticipate a 4.7 percent gain inbase compensation, to the range of$38,000 to $51,250 annually.

*Accounts receivable/accountspayable managers at small compa-nies will see starting salaries climb5.2 percent, to the range of$33,750 to $41,500.

Nationally, demand foraccounting and finance profes-sionals is expected to be particu-larly strong in the manufacturing,real estate and construction indus-tries. (All salaries listed arenational averages. However, hir-ing activity and compensationvary significantly by geographicmarket. A regional analysis ofhiring trends and compensationvariances for select U.S. marketsis included in the Salary Guide.)

Information in the SalaryGuide is based on the thousands ofjob searches, negotiations andplacements managed each year bythe company’s staffing andrecruiting managers. Continuingor ongoing salaries are not report-ed because many external factors— such as seniority, work ethic,job performance and training —impact the salaries of full-timeprofessionals as work historiesdevelop. For decades, companiesnationwide have consulted RobertHalf International’s Salary Guideto determine appropriate compen-sation for all levels of accountingand finance professionals. Inaddition, the U.S. Department ofLabor’s Bureau of Labor Statisticsreferences the guide in the prepa-ration of its comprehensiveOccupational Outlook Handbook.

Surveycontinued from P.16


“We Take Care of Business”www.WeTCB.com

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Lloyd George EnterprisesLloyd George English, GRI, ABR, SRES

USPAP Certified Appraisal Instructor, CREI, MRA, CREA, CVCReal Estate In & Out • Sales ~ Appraisals ~ Loans ~ Education

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Tax Deductible!Donations needed:

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Rescue, Inc.(501c3 nonprofit)

713-560-4201www.TexasRescue.org

When we accept tough jobs as a challenge to ourability and wadeinto them with joyand enthusiasm,miracles can hap-pen. When we do our workwith a dynamic,conquering spirit,we get things done. —Arland Gilbert

Energy, even like the Biblical grain of a mustard seed, will move mountains—John Muir

South Belt Ellington ChamberOf Commerce(281) 481-551611555 Beamer RdHouston, TX 77089

Swedish American Chamber OfCommerce(281) 990-99444130 Pine Crest TrlApollo, TX 77059

Swedish American Chamber OfCommerce(713) 914-0015Houston, TX 77052

Taylor Lake Village ChamberOf Commerce(281) 488-76761201 Nasa Rd 1Apollo, TX 77058

Texas Israel Chamber Of Commerce Inc(713) 785-88552425 Fountain View DrHouston, TX 77057

Tomball Chamber ofCommerce281.351.7222

Women’s Chamber OfCommerce Of Texas In Houston(713) 665-1637Houston, TX 77052

Listingcontinued from P.5

713.432.02672600 South Loop West, Ste. 315

Houston, Texas 77054

NOT CERTIFIED BY TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

• WILLS & TRUST• PROBATE & GUARDIANSHIP• CRIMINAL MISDEMEANORS• REAL ESTATE• PERSONAL INJURY• ELDER LAW• FAMILY LAW

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• Modifications

Call Linda Dunson Today!


Areas of Specialization

Houston Business Connections ShowcaseTo Place Your Advertisement In This Section Of Houston Business Connections Call 832.212.8735

If you’re not selling your product...don’t blame the product!

When you reach for the s tars you may not make i t , but you won’ t come up wi th a handfu l o f mud e i ther. —Leo Burnet t

Then why was she feeling sodown? It all began when Star took aclose look at herself and her life andrealized she was not happy withwhat she saw: obesity precluded herfrom crossing her legs, she neededan asthma inhaler, she couldn’t fas-ten her own necklace, and worst ofall, she got too tired to shop – a dis-aster because Star Jones Reynolds isa seriously committed shopper.

Then she realized somethingelse: with all her extraordinaryaccomplishments, none of it mat-tered without true love.

Star JonesReynolds comingto HoustonSunday, Feb. 19 continued from P.1

of District 27 and all of Fort BendCounty has been an honor and a privi-lege,” Olivo said. “Together, wehave made significant progress, butwe must continue our work on educa-tion, childcare, economic develop-ment, mental health, senior citizen,workforce, and job training issues tomake Fort Bend County better for ustoday and for future generations.”

State Rep. DoraOlivo Files ForReelection To The27 District of Texascontinued from P.1

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Connections, “I am completely confident that my cam-paign will emerge triumphantly when this is all over.”The following is information on Alfred H. Bennett that hewould like the Houston community to know about him,his campaign, and the family—he so deeply cares about.

What Bennett Plans To Do As State Representative

As State Representative, Al Bennett’s priorities willinclude increasing state funding for public education, pro-viding affordable prescriptions for senior citizens,increasing children’s healthcare benefits, and creatingeconomic development through partnerships with privatebusinesses.

Bennett’s Official ElectionAnnouncement

“I am very proud to announce that I am seeking theMarch 2006 Democratic nomination for StateRepresentative District 146. The time for a new voice andnew priorities for our district has arrived,” Bennett stated.

Bennett on His Priorities

“We need a public school finance bill that will ensurethat all students, regardless of economic status, willreceive the best education possible. We need a publichealth care system that allows all of our senior citizens toafford their prescription medication and all of our chil-dren to receive the proper preventative healthcare. Andfinally, we need partnerships between our governmentand private businesses to spur economic developmentwhere none or little has existed before. All of this can beaccomplished. It is simply a matter of priorities.”

Bennett,His Experience, and His Family

Al Bennett is an attorney in Houston. He is anAdjunct Professor at the Thurgood Marshall School ofLaw and has his own law firm, the Law Offices of AlfredH. Bennett. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree fromthe University of Houston and a Jurisprudence Doctoratefrom the University of Texas School of Law.

Al is First Vice President of the Parkwood DriveCivic Club, a Board Member of the East DowntownManagement District, and a Board Member of theUniversity of Texas School of Law Alumni Association.He is a former President of the Houston Lawyers’

Association, former Associate at the law firm of Fulbrightand Jaworski, LLP, and former intern of the MickeyLeland UH/TSU Internship Program.

Al and his wife, Tanyel, have been married for 11years. Tanyel is a native Houstonian and graduate ofBellaire High School, the University of Houston, and TexasTech University Law School. Al and Tanyel reside withtheir two sons in the Riverside Terrace neighborhood.

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Visit www.AlBennettForStateRep.ComThis information/Advertorial made possible by the Al Bennett for State Representative Campaign, P.O. Box88051, Houston, Texas 77288, (713)529-9630. To contact the campaign or visit the website located at:www.AlBennettForStateRep.com. Gregory L. Phillips, Treasurer.

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Real Estate...At The Speed Of Life

20 • JANUARY • Houston Business Connections Monthly • PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

Get to know Alfred "Al" BennettDistrict 146 may be up for

grabs as well-known Father,Husband, and local businessman seeks to take over seat held by Edwards.continued from P.1

News BriefsHouston Business Connections Reports

Lay, Skilling want nopart of having Enron trial in Houston

Recently Jeff Skilling’s attor-ney, Daniel Petrocelli requested achange of venue for Skilling sit-ing, “No one has heard a singlepiece of evidence, but everyone inHouston as made up their minds.”Petrocelli went on to say, “Wewant to go anywhere besideshere,” According to publishedreports. Jury questionnaires forthe upcoming Enron trial haveKen Lay and Jeffery Skilling bothpushing for a change of venue.

Enron was once consideredthe largest energy trader in theworld, tumbled back to earth andfailed amid disclosures of secretpartnerships and hidden debt. ItsDecember of 2001 when the once

energy giant filed bankruptcy it was then the largest suchfiling in U.S. history. Since then books and movies havechronicled the company's downward spiral, includingtales of executive greed and alleged fraud.

Lay

Skilling

january 2006 houston business connections newspaper

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