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The Ebony Cactus is Growing
Enter Nxt Horizon
Enter Feb. 2007 Ebony Cactus
New Magazines for a new day!
Greetings. Thanks to your support the Ebony Cactus family is growing. What was one is now two. Our award winning business
reporting will continue at our new site, NxT Horizon (www.NxTHorizon.com). Starting with our April Edition, Ebony Cactus
will now focus on the finer things of Culture, Cuisine and Couture.
The first edition of our new business magazine NxT Horizon is now on line. This edition (March/April 2007) we focus on the
Sports and Entertainment Industry with exclusive interviews of the Phoenix Jazz Festival and the new Phoenix Flame
basketball team. Just click on the NxT Horizon image above to enter the site. To continue to read the February 2007 edition of
the Ebony Cactus, Click on the cactus image above or use your right arrow key.
www.TheEbonyCactus.com
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www.TheEbonyCactus.com Vol. 6 No. 1 January/February 2007
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Table of Contents
Event:ASU Noontime Lectures.
In This Edition: V.6 No. 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 25
Harnessing the Synergy of Diversity
Page 5
Staff
Contributing writers
Opinion:Beyond the Box
Page 26
If there be any good thing.
by: Simon “Mac” McNeil
Index of Advertisers
Page 7
Prologue (Op-Eds)
Page 8
Video Viewing Instructions
Page 10
Moving Up
Page 12
News
Page 14
Snapshot Black Chamber Banquet
Page 15
Podcast
Page 18
On The Air with City of Phoenix
Equal Opportunity Dept. Director
Carole Coles Henry: How to do
Business with the City of Phoenix Pt. 3
Podcast
Page 27
BizTips: Life Lessons :
The Balancing Act
Page 28
by: Shirley Lytle
BizTips: Are you overlooking a tax
benefit:
Page 29
by: Mary Ellen Dunn
Chillin Q&A with Carol Ray and
Nick Colionne
Page 30
by: Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr.
Travel Awesome Places
Page 19
Driving the Dream: Vision to Reality
Ed Beasley Glendale City Manager
Transformation From Now to NxT
Snapshot Diversity Leadership
Alliance
Cover Story:A New Breed of
Developer
Page 22
Page 34
by: Adam Abraham
Page 37
by: Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr.
Announcing NxT Horizon Magazine
Marketplace
5
Page 43
Staff
The Ebony Cactus magazine is
published by Ebony Cactus magazine Inc.,
Angela Brooks CEO and Publisher
George B. Brooks, Jr. , Ph.D
COO and Editor
PR/Marketing
Life Strategies Consulting
Sales
Rickey Johnson
Advertising Sales Executive
Graphics/ Art
Magazine:
Dr. George Brooks Jr.
WEB Master
Karl Rothweiler
Proofing
Staff
Photography
Angela Brooks
Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr.
T. J. Leake
Laurence Tanner
Adam Abraham
The Ebony Cactus magazine
is published monthly through the
Internet by Ebony Cactus
magazine Inc. There is no
subscription cost.
All Rights Reserved.
Contributing Writers
With his move to Arizona in 2004, Adam
Abraham entered what he now terms
"The Next Phase" of his life. He is a
videographer of the relevant, author of
the timeless I Am My Body, NOT!, and
publisher of the timely, Transdermal
Magnesium Therapy. Plans are also in the
works for a radio show, appropriate
called, Talk With Adam. Contact him at
adam@phaelos.com.
Mary Ellen Dunn is the owner of Dunn
Insurance Services, LLC which
specializes in long-term care insurance.
The company represents 11 companies
and provides businesses and individuals
with expert advice, choice and service.
Dunn Insurance Services, an awardwinning agency, has been assisting
people in the greater Phoenix area with
their long-term care insurance since
1993.She was one of the top 50
producers of long-term care insurance in the United States for
2004 & 2005.
med@dunninsuranceservices.org 1 866-380-2169 toll free
Simon “Mac” McNeil is a Branch
Manager/Assistant Vice President for Chase
Bank in Mesa, AZ. He is happily married, with
four children, and lives in Chandler, AZ. He
holds a Master’s Degree in Business
Administration from the University of Phoenix,
and a Bachelor’s Degree (Summa Cum Laude)
in Business Administration from Pfeiffer
University in Charlotte, NC. He is a licensed
Investment Representative for Chase
Investment Services, and is licensed by the
State of Arizona in Life and Health Insurance. He is also a member of
the 100 Black Men of Phoenix, Inc. Mac can be reached at 704-8779573 or maccynth@cox.net.
Shirley Lytle and her husband Darryl
have been marriage ministry leaders for
over 20 years. Their journey started as
teachers of a marriage class where they
found themselves counseling married
couples on a regular basis. Feeling that
God was leading them to minister in this
area, they became active in marriage
ministry work. Over the years they have
developed, enhanced, and started
marriage ministries at several churches
in the U.S., assisting thousands of couples. They are considered
“Ministers of Marriage,” providing counseling and coaching
support to enrich married couples’ lives. They may be reached at
http://www.DSLministries.org
6
To Reach Us
Mail: P.O. Box 24982
Tempe, AZ 85285-4982
Phone: (602) 821-8191
Fax:(602) 437-8852
Publisher:
Publisher@theebonycactus.com
Editor:
Editor@theebonycactus.com
Sales and Advertising:
Sales@theebonycactus.com
Public Relations:
PR@theebonycactus.com
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message:
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All editions
http://www.theebonycactus.com
Index of Advertisers
A Blessed Design
Amanda Miller Catering
Arizona’s Children Association
Ebony Cactus magazine
Juniques Marketing
Shirley Lytle
Marketplace
Home
6
44
16
11 & 46
7
20
43
Arabella’s Total Skin Care
Assurance Staffing
Cardenas Interiors
Dirt Busters
Kori y Ana Floreria y Plantas
Kristal’s Healing Center
Lisa Albinger (the art of)
R & D Pro Tec
NxT Horizon Magazine
Phaelos Books and MediaWerks
Phoenix Jazz Festival
WSSJ 100 FM Savanna GA
Juniques Marketing
3
42
17
4
www.jusmcc.com
Juniques Marketing
Business Support Services
P.O. Box 8247 Phoenix, AZ. 85066
juniques@gmail.com
7
Angienuity
Living in America
By Angela Brooks: Co-Publisher & CEO
By Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr.: Co-Publisher & Editor
TRUE GAINS
THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY!
This year marks the 5th year of our existence- online. Recently, we had the
pleasure of receiving the Minority Media Cornerstone Award for the state of
Arizona. In the recent past, I was nominated for a Martin Luther King Award
presented by the City of Phoenix. George ran for election to retain his seat
as the only scientist on the Board of Directors of the Central Arizona
Project (CAP), which is the entity that manages Central Arizona’s allotment
of the Colorado River water. He did not win, but made history in receiving
the most votes of any African American in the states history.
Happy New Year and welcome to the January/February 2007 edition of the
Ebony Cactus magazine. If you have ever wondered, the name of this
column was taking from the song of the same name by the immortal Soul
Brother Number One, James Brown. It was meant to symbolize what was to
me the ultimate goal of this magazine, success within the American dream.
Rest in Pease James.
We’ve discussed policy with Governors and dined with Senators and
Congressmen. I figure this ain’t so bad of a life for a former rural Mississippi
girl and a shy black aquaculture scientist whose individual dreams seem to
match effortlessly as a team dream. Then I flinched. Just at that moment,
I began to hold my hands together. My eyes rolled back. You see, over the
years I’ve developed Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Please allow me to be
real if I may. Here goes.
We were all put on this earth for a distinct purpose. Part of that purpose is
to better ourselves and the lives of others. I firmly believe that it is never
too late to ascertain one’s purpose and by that go forth with developing
windows of opportunity. One of the most painful things you or I can ever do
is to place ourselves into unfamiliar territory explicitly for the purpose of
change. It doesn’t matter if the purpose of the change is for business,
employment, political position, or lifestyle enhancement. I’m often asked
how does opportunity occur? I’ve come to realize that true opportunities in
life occur from positioning.
Thus, we‘ve positioned ourselves through a necessity to reflect a
revamped the Ebony Cactus magazine in an effort to meet the needs of a
growing west, southwest demographic. TEC will focus on Culture, Cuisine
and Couture in the west/southwest. NxT Horizon, our latest endeavor will
be dedication to business over the horizon. I’d like to hear your comments
about our changes, which we hope will present to you New Windows of
Opportunities.
8
As Angela elucidated in her editorial, we are ready to take our publishing
dreams to the NxT Step. Over the past 5 years of writing The Ebony Cactus I
have looked at this question of what will it take for minority business to
“cross the nxt horizon” long and hard and to the realization that “inclusion is
only one half of the solution.” We can no longer afford to let the world
economy passes us by so we are constantly playing catch up. We all too
often follow instead of taking a place in leadership. Today however, this need
not be so! The West today is at one of those rare tipping points when forces
convene and one last small occurrence can cause a sudden great change.
As in the film “The Matrix” the future of minority business in the West depends
on the how we respond to the following question: do we take the red pill or the
blue one? Do we lead, do we follow or for that matter, just get out of the way?
If your choice is to lead, then continue to read the column.
Arizona is becoming a Majority Minority state and California has been that
way for some time. The synthesis of the rich intellectual, economic and
cultural resources caused by this demographic change is creating the
greatest potential for innovation, economic development and quality of life
improvement the United States has seen in decades. Launching in March of
2007, our new magazine NxT Horizon will showcase the successes of those
who learned to read the tea leaves, understood how to capture the resources
and are making things happen today. It will present knowledge of the past so
you may understand the present and be ready for the future. NxT Horizon is a
place where Knowledge and Opportunity meet. It is a place of dreams, hopes,
desires and wisdom. It may be the most important new magazine you read
this year. Are you ready to cross to the NxT Horizon? Then if so, take the red
pill and get out of the Matrix. Enough for now, On with the show. TEC
The Ebony Cactus magazine is honored to
receive the 2006 Media Cornerstone Award
from the Minority Business Enterprise
Center. We wish to congratulate the
following corporations and individuals who
also were honored this year.
•
Minority Construction Firm of the Year - RBG
Construction Company,LLC. owner: Ray Gonzalez Sr.
•
Minority Technology Firm of the Year - Hoque &
Associates, Inc., owner: Enamul Hoque,
•
Minority Corporate Advocate Award - JP Morgan Chase
Bank, contact: Ms. Lupe Barto, Director of Supplier
Diversity
•
Minority Service Firm of the Year - American Janitorial
Services, LLC., owner: Ron Busby,
•
Minority Manufacturer of the Year - Wintech Industries
owner: Alan Premraj
•
Minority Business Advocate of the Year - Ron Williams,
President/CEO of the Grand Canyon Minority Supplier
Development Council,
•
Minority Retailer of the Year - Real Tacos, LLC, Owners:
Ricardo Mora & Arnulfo Ortega
•
Minority Supplier/Distributor of the Year - Classico
Distributor, LLC., owners: Consuelo & Dario Soldan,
To read the full story and see the Med Week videos
click here. (Note: takes 2 minutes to load)
See the next page for instruction on how to view
videos
To see the Ebony Cactus Med Week video click
here.
9
Instructions to view
MED Week Videos
and TEC Video
Podcasts
To view the MED Week Videos and
future video podcasts we have
chosen the mp4 format. This way
you can view the videos from your
browser or use the rss update
feature in your podcatcher like
iTunes to receive the video podcasts
as soon as they are available.
To view our mp4s we recommend
QuickTime and/or iTunes. Both
download and install quickly and
easily into Windows or Mac 0SX.
To begin, go to:
http://www.quicktime.com
10
Save your place in this exciting new cultural magazine.
Email to: Publisher@TheEbonyCactus.com for details
11
Moving Up
Kenny Harris, P.E., has been appointed as Public Works
Director/County Engineer for Maricopa County Arizona. Mr. Harris
comes to the county with over 27 years of professional
engineering, capital construction and management experience.
For the past five years, Mr. Harris has worked as Vice President for
Facilities with the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA).
In this capacity, he served as the owner´s representative for all
design and construction matters related to the completion of the
$455 million University of Phoenix Stadium.
Prior to working for the AZSTA, Mr. Harris was employed with the
City of Phoenix where he held a number of positions, including
Development Services Director, City Engineer, and Deputy City
Engineer. During his career with the city, he completed a $1 billion
Capital Improvement Program including many unique and complex
facilities such as City Hall, Science Museum, History Museum, Art
Museum, Courts Building, Central Library, the Phoenix Suns
Arena, fire stations, airport terminals, water treatments plants, and
baseball spring training facilities for the Oakland A´s and Milwaukee
Brewers. He was also responsible for the delivery of a number of
major street, airport, and parkway projects.
Mr. Harris´ tentative start date is January 8, 2007.TEC
Photo Caption: Kenny Harris (Right) and Robert Aylesworth, Jr., VP Hunt construction on the cover
of the July 2006 Ebony Cactus magazine
To read the full article on Kenny Harris and the new Cardinal’s
Stadium, Click here.
Kenny Harris
Named Public Works Director/County Engineer for Maricopa County Arizona
12
Moving Up
"I plan to continue to execute President Crow's vision of building the campus, which I
embrace fully and is currently being implemented," said McHenry. "My goal is to help
move programs and facilities forward and involve Mesa and the entire East Valley
community with the campus and its development plans."
Before leading the Polytechnic campus, McHenry was Dean of the College of
Science and Technology at ASU for nearly 10 years. A major component of his
university life has focused on the building of access and academic success for
students through a $9,000,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's
Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate program.
During his tenure as Dean, enrollment in the college increased nearly 55 percent. His
college has grown from four academic units to six, with the implementation of a new
engineering department and a computing studies division. As part of the campus's
five-year plan, he lead the transformation of the college, bringing together all of the
engineering, technology and science programs offered at the Polytechnic campus
under the College of Science and Technology.
Dr. Al McHenry
Named Executive Vice Provost for Arizona State University
Polytechnic
MESA, Ariz. - Arizona State University announces the appointment of
Albert McHenry as the new Vice President and Executive Vice Provost of
ASU's Polytechnic campus, effective immediately. McHenry was serving
in an interim role, guiding the Polytechnic campus since July 1, 2006.
As Executive Vice Provost, McHenry will oversee campus operations in
coordination with university-wide officers, as well as ensure that all
programs and activities are aligned with the mission and identity of the
campus.
McHenry has spent 30 years with ASU, where he has held administrative and
professor positions. Prior to being named dean of the college, he was the director of
the School of Technology at ASU for three years, and chair of the Department of
Electronics and Engineering Technology for 11 years.
He has held memberships in the American Society for Engineering Education
(ASEE) and has received numerous society awards. McHenry has served as the chair
of the Engineering Technology Council and as a member of the 1997-98 board of
directors. McHenry currently serves as Vice President for Public Affairs and is a
member of the Board of Directors of the Society. McHenry was also awarded the
membership rank of Fellow at the 2001 ASEE Annual Conference.
He received his Ph.D. and master's degrees from Arizona State University and his
bachelor's degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La
To read full article on Al McHenry in the July 2006 Ebony Cactus please click here.
TEC
13
News
ARIZONA AFRICAN AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE DAYS
February 8th and 9th, 2007: Arizona State Capitol
Photo inset: State Senator Leah Landrum Taylor and State Representative Cloves
Campbell Jr.
There are aspects of the American way of
government that are just as important as
voting. However, these are beneficial only if
you know how to use them. Growing out of
Delta Sigma Theta “Delta Days,” the African
American Legislative Days at the State
Capitol February 8th & 9th, 2007, is an
opportunity to bring Arizonans of Color into
the Legislative process.
Under the leadership of State Senator Leah
Landrum-Taylor and State Representative
Cloves Campbell Jr, hundreds will attend this fifth annual event which includes
a session in the House of Representative with the Governor, as well as
workshops on how the process works, the law, health and wellness and
economic development. Professional Development Hours will be available for
those attending.
The Legislative process is a constant one where bills are passed or passed over
daily that effect the lives of minorities. If minorities expect to affect the directions
Arizona takes, they must first get involved. The theme this year is Preserving
Our Heritage: Creating An African American Commission. Within this framework
there will be workshops on Education, Economic Development, Health and
more. For full information, call Senator Landrum-Taylor at 602-926-5864.
14
An historic photograph at the December 12, 2006 Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of
Commerce Banquet. Left to Right: Chamber Chairman of the Board, Ron Busby, Ebony
Cactus Editor George B. Brooks, Jr., Keynote Speaker Thomas N. Todd (background),
Ebony Cactus Publisher Angela Brooks, Az Black Pages Publisher Desmond Peartree,
Arizona Informant Newspaper Publisher and State Representative the Honorable Cloves
Campbell Jr. Cody Williams, Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce President
and CEO.
www.TheEbonyCactus.com Vol. 6 No. 1 January 2007
15
ASU MORRISON INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIP
STUDENT SUMMER CAMP - MENTORING & ENRICHMENT
SEMINAR IN ENGINEERING TRAINING (MESET)
Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy, in partnership with The
Arizona Republic and Tucson Citizen, is pleased to provide a distinctive scholarship
program - the Young Steward of Public Policy. This program provides the opportunity for
Arizona high school seniors to earn a scholarship award and be published in both The
Arizona Republic and Tucson Citizen newspapers. The first place award recipient will
receive a $1,500 scholarship to ASU; the second place award recipient will receive a
$1,000 scholarship to ASU.
This is an opportunity for 11th grade students to attend a FREE engineering camp at the
University of Houston from June 3 - 15, 2007. African-American student participation is
very much needed. Please have your student to fill out the application and mail it to the
address listed on the brochure. If you need further information please contact John
Matthews, 713-743-4226.
The sponsors of the Young Steward program are Salt River Project (SRP), General
Dynamics C4 Systems, Arizona Public Service (APS), The Arizona Republic and
Tucson Citizen.
Students that participate in this camp have been known to gain summer jobs. This
camp helps students to develop good study habits and learn about engineering
careers. Currently MESET need at least 15 more students to apply. The deadline is
April 15, 2007
This prestigious scholarship is designed to encourage Arizona high school seniors to
think about public policy issues in Arizona and to promote the concept of "stewardship"
- public leadership committed to doing what is best for Arizona and its residents,
regardless of political philosophy or personal gain.
Students are encouraged to apply from anywhere in the United States. Transportation is
not provided. However, the camp is free. As a courtesy, staff members will pick up and
return out of town students to the bus station, train station or airport for free.
http://www.egr.uh.edu/promes/?e=camps
http://www.egr.uh.edu/promes/pubs/meset2006.pdf
Young Steward of Public Policy awards will be based on an essay about a public issue
of critical importance to the state of Arizona. Essays must analyze a specific public
issue affecting the state and its residents and include specific recommendation(s) for
Arizona policy makers on how the issue should be addressed.
For information on how to apply, Arizona high school seniors should visit
http://www.morrisoninstitute.org and click the link entitled "Scholarship Award"
or call Morrison Institute at 602-496-0900 and request to be mailed the application for
this scholarship program. The application process requires submitting an essay
following specific guidelines (two-pages maximum). The application deadline is March
15, 2007.
NOTE: The Award recipients must attend Arizona State University.
This special program was established by Elaine and Richard Morrison of Gilbert, Arizona
to commemorate the impact of Morrison Institute's now more than 20 years of public
service and policy research. Information about prior award recipients can be viewed at
http://www.morrisoninstitute.org.
Morrison Institute for Public Policy is an Arizona State University resource for objective
public policy research and analysis. A part of the School of Public Affairs in the College
of Public Programs, Morrison Institute brings university scholarship and public policy
development together for the benefit of Arizonans. Contact Morrison Institute at 602496-0900 or http://www.morrisoninstitute.org.
16
coming october 2007
www.PhoenixJazzFest.com
17
On the Air Podcast
September 2006
Click Here to Listen to Pt1
Click Here to Listen to Pt2
How to do business with the City of
Phoenix Pt3
Host:
Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr. Co-Publisher &
Editor The Ebony Cactus magazine.
Guests:
Carole Coles Henry (photo standing
right) Director City of Phoenix Equal
Opportunity Department.
Jackie Johnson (Photo standing left)
Equal Opportunity Department
H. Anthony Hatcher (Photo standing
center) Finance Department
Carolyn Gall (Photo seated left)
Equal Opportunity Division Deputy
Director
Mark Escobedo (Photo seated center)
Engineering and Architectural Services
S
ince December of 2005, The Ebony Cactus magazine has been pleased to work
with the City of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department to develop a series of 3
Podcasts detailing how Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprises
(M/W/SBE) can do business with the City of Phoenix. Our principal guest in these
broadcasts has been Carole Coles Henry, Director of the City of Phoenix Equal
Opportunity Department, and speakers have ranged from the City Engineer to the
Deputy Director of the Phoenix’s Finance Department. Subjects include a history of the
City’s program, how to use it and the importance of certification. The information is
detailed, straight forward and very useful. (Note: you do not need an iPod to listen. Any
computer with sound will do.) The podcasts are free. To listen, go to
http://www.TheEbonyCactus.com. Click on the podcast links and your computer
will do the rest.
Podcast number 1 (click here to listen) introduces the City of Phoenix
M/W/SBE program and provided an overview and history of the program. It also
discusses how the program had been changed in 2005 and the City of Phoenix’s
continued commitment to minority business.
Podcast number 2 (click here to listen) details how the new program works
from the viewpoint of a number of city departments.
The information in podcasts 1 and 2 elicited a number of questions and concerns from
the listeners. These issues are addressed in Podcast number 3 (pts. 1 &
2)(Click links at the top of page to listen). Subjects range from modifications
to the M/W/SBE computer search program, to how minority businesses can continue to
compete within the new sometimes colorblind framework. TEC
18
On The Air Podcast:
December 12, 2006 Phoenix-Am Ed Beasley, Glendale City Manager
Arizona State University Downtown - Phoenix Am Lecture co-sponsored by The Ebony Cactus magazine
Driving the Dream: Vision to Reality
As part of the Arizona State University at the Downtown Campus Phoenix AM Lecture
series, Mr. Ed Beasley, Glendale city manager, discussed how our suburban
community has become an international destination through the strategic plan and
organizational philosophy that led to the development of Glendale’s Sports and
Family Entertainment District.
In his remarks Mr. Beasley outlined the practical
components of preparation, strategic planning, partnerships, and community
relationships involved in their success. In addition, Mr. Beasley provided the step-bystep plan for achieving your own goals and dreams.
About the Speaker - Ed Beasley has more than 20 years of experience serving public
organizations and has provided the critical vision and leadership that has been the
catalyst for Glendale’s growth and development. In addition to his exceptional vision
and drive for securing the future financial success of the city, Mr. Beasley has also
placed a great emphasis on the development of staff within the organization, through
team building, diversity, education, and professional development.
This unifying
approach has created a synergy in Glendale like in no other city.
To hear the Audio podcast of Mr. Beasley’s remarks click HERE
(Will open in separate window. High speed internet connection recommended)
To download the PDF Companion piece to Mr. Beasley's lecture,
Vision to Reality click HERE
Podcast Development
Information on Audio of Video Podcast development by Ebony Cactus
may be found in the media kit. For a copy, please click here.
19
advertorial
Shirley Lytle releases Marriage and the Trifling Things We Do: Living
and Loving God’s Way
Shirley Lytle knows marriage like Bo knows football. For over
20 years, she, along with her husband Darryl, have
counseled thousands of couples on managing their
marriages according to God’s blueprint.
In her new book, Marriage and the Trifling Things We Do,
Shirley presents 29 common scenarios in which couples will
use manipulation or domination to manage a relationship,
rather than the Word of God.
Relationship hot buttons like infidelity, weight, abuse,
lovemaking and respect are all given face time here – each
with humor, a deep understanding of the Bible, and some
very helpful hints.
Shirley takes her message seriously, using real-life examples
from her years of counseling to illustrate her points. Meant
for anyone in a relationship – not just marrieds alone –
Lytle’s book promise to provide inspiration, guidance,
strength, love and support for marriages and relationships.
20
About
Shirley Lytle
Shirley Lytle and her husband Darryl have been marriage ministry leaders for
over 20 years. Their journey started as teachers of a marriage class where
they found themselves counseling married couples on a regular basis. Feeling
that God was leading them to minister in this area, they became active in
marriage ministry work.
Over the years they have developed, enhanced, and started marriage
ministries at several churches in the U.S., assisting thousands of couples.
They are considered “Ministers of Marriage,” providing counseling and
coaching support to enrich married couples’ lives.
The Lytles are excited to introduce Marriage and the Trifling Things We Do as a
coaching tool to help inspire married couples and challenge single people to
make practical applications in their relationships. Shirley holds a degree in
Business Management and is pursuing her Masters of Divinity in Family and
Marriage Counseling. The Lytles have been married 25 years and have one
son who is pursuing a law degree. The Lytles are the Directors of Marriage and
Family Enrichment of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship for the State of
Arizona.
Contact:
Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
WEB:
Skraiber Publishing Services
4960 E. Gilbert Road, Suite 1-466
Chandler, AZ 85249-5214
480-248-7612
480-248-7781
publisher@skraiberpublishing.com
http://www.DSLministries.org
Click here to listen to an audio invitation to read Marriage And
The Trifling Things We Do.
Meet the Author at Borders Books
Borders Books Chandler Pavilions
February 24, 2007
11 am to 3pm
870 N. 54Th Street (Ray Rd and 54 St East of I10)
Chandler Arizona
480-961-4915
21
The Evolution of the Ebony Cactus:
Moving from Now to NxT
22
A NEW MAGAZINE
FOR A
NEW DAY; WELCOME
TO THE
NxT Horizon
by Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr. Co-Publisher and Editor
D
FOR AMERICA AND
AMERICANS TO PROSPER IN
THE GLOBAL ECONOMY OF
21ST CENTURY WE MUST
“OUT THINK” THE REST OF
THE WORLD. BY
HARNESSING THE SYNERGY
OF DIVERSITY, AMERICA’S
UNDER-REPRESENTED
MAJORITY WILL LEAD THE
CHARGE.
THE
rawn from the pages
of the award winning
E bo ny
Cac tus
magazine (Click here to
video features. The magazine will also present between
publication events singly and in collaboration with educational
institutions, businesses, chambers of commerce and others.
see the Ebony 2006
MED Week award video
(Quicktime
needed
Click Here to download quicktime) Note: give 2
minutes to start. High Speed Internet Connection
Needed) and the result of 5 years research comes a New
Scope: NxT Horizon is focused on business in Arizona,
Southern California and Nevada.
Magazine for a New Day, NxT Horizon! With a focus on
Leadership, Diversity and Innovation, NxT Horizon is the
first magazine to showcase how the rich intellectual,
economic and cultural resources of the southwest is
creating the greatest potential for innovation, economic
development the United States has seen in decades. It will
showcase the successes of those who learned to read the
tea leaves, understood how to capture the resources and
are making things happen today. It will present knowledge
of the past so you may understand the present and be
ready for the future. NxT Horizon is a place where
Knowledge and Opportunity meet. It is a place of dreams,
hopes, desires and wisdom. It may be the most important
new magazine you read this year.
N x T H o r i z o n Overview:
Inaugural Publication Date: March 1st 2007 (Every
other month after that)
Mission: The mission of NxT Horizon magazine is to
promote Proactive Engagement and Leadership in the
Issues and Industries that move the State, Region and
Nation through Diversity, Synergy, Empowerment,
Ingenuity and Innovation.
Content: Published on the Internet only, NxT Horizon will
present insightful and inspirational articles written by experts
in industry, education, science and government with a focus
on business, professional development and quality of life
options. Using “Horizon Scanning,” NxT will also focus on
how diverse social and economic conditions may be
synergized to create a new climate for innovation that may
benefit all residents of Arizona, California, Nevada and the
nation.
Guiding Principles:
Horizon Scanning - Synergy - Diversity - Transformational
Leadership - Innovation - Ingenuity - Empowerment Proactive Engagement
General Information:
Staff: George B. Brooks, Jr. Ph.D. Co-Publisher &
Editor/ Graphics
Angela R. Brooks Co-Publisher/ Marketing and
PR
Karl Rothweiler
Webmaster
Rickey Johnson
Sales
T. J. Leake
Photography
WEB Sites:
http://www.TheEbonyCactus.com
http://www.nxthorizon.com
(under construction)
Format: NxT Horizon is a fully internet interactive PDF
magazine supported by mp3 and mp4 podcacts, audio and
23
Projected Readership: 500,000
Demographics: Annual family
incomes range from
$80K to $400K+
90% have earned a
BS/BA degree or
better.
50% African
American, 30%
Latino, 20%
Caucasian and other
55% Women,
45% Men
Brand Extension:
•
•
•
•
Video and Audio Podcasts (Click here for sample
podcast)
Seminars, Workshops and Conferences
Multiple Media Outreach
Cooperative ventures with Educational Institutions,
Chambers of Commerce and others.
P ROACTIVE ENGAGEMENT : MOVING
FROM INTEGRATION
TO I NNOVATION : To be effective, it is critical to be engaged in the
issues that are moving society and the economy. Within the California,
Arizona and Nevada there are a number of key industries that support the
region. As identified by the Business Journal of Phoenix and other
resources they include but are not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Biotech (all forms)
Retail
Residential real estate
Banking
Aviation
Health and Medicine
Technology
Energy & Natural Resources
Commercial real estate
Aerospace
Tourism
Sports & Entertainment
24
To be proactive implies that opportunities are sought, not
waited for. Over the next few months we will be
examining these industries and looking at the nuances of
how these industries work, what opportunities many be
present and at the new leadership that is creating new
products, possibilities and innovations. We begin this
process with this edition of Ebony Cactus’s focus on a
new leader in the Residential Real Estate market DelMonte Edwards and on the Synergy between Music and
Business Innovators Carol Ray and Nick Colionne.
FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD
All said, the ultimate goal of NxT Horizon is to give you
the knowledge to change the world and some ideas how
to use it. We live in a unique place in history where
synergies created by constantly shifting growing
amounts of information are creating tipping points where
those with vision and chutzpah can use that knowledge
to great effect. Because of this there is a simmering
feeling of anticipation in the country today. A feeling of
great hope for what could happen next. Next Horizon is
your herald of opportunities to come and how to harness
their energy. To ride this next wave however will not be
an enterprise for the faint of heart. Remember however,
fortune favors the bold.TEC
Ref:
(http://www.hsl.gov.uk/capabilities/horizon_scanning.htm)
Ex Varietas Prosperitas!
(Out of Diversity Comes Prosperity!)
NxT Horizon Event:
February 21st, 2007 George B. Brooks, Jr.
Arizona State University Downton - Noon Lecture
Harnessing the Synergy of Diversity: Moving beyond Integration Toward Innovation
The United States has done well on the world stage largely
because of the ingenious nature of its people. The country’s
unique
ethnically
and
culturally
diverse
population
promulgates a variety of ideas focused on solving problems
and identifying opportunities. This “Synergy of Diversity”
allows for an active contest of ideas where the best solution is
accepted.
In a globalized society where the mantra “innovate or die” is
quite real, not engaging the intellects of Arizona’s rapidly
growing minority population would significantly reduce the
chances of developing economically and socially important
innovations, making us much less competitive. However, the
process that leads to significant innovation remains closed to
all but a few.
Come and participate in this lecture to learn from the African
American perspective the methods, means, and solutions
required for addressing this daunting challenge. Lecture
participants are encourage to offer their views on how to better
to create “synergies of diversity” to enhance our state’s ability
to be both inclusive and competitive on the world stage.
Click below for full details on the ASU Noontime lecture series,
RSVP, parking and driving instructions.
http://www.asu.edu/xed/lectures/feb07.html
Dr. Brooks is available for speaking engagements on the
subjects of water, diversity, synergy and business. He may be
reached at editor@TheEbonyCactus.com.
25
Beyond the Box
If There Be Any Good Thing
Commentary By: Simon “Mac” McNeil (see bio on page 8)
I just received an email that… (how can I say this and still
remain verbally savvy?...) pissed me off. The email was
titled, “Who is truly embarrassing our America?” and listed
fifty-nine different African-Americans who are supposedly
an embarrassment to “Black America.” It was written as if
the writer was an African American expressing their opinion
of why these people have been an embarrassment to our
race. First of all, who within our race has been voted to
speak on behalf of our entire race on any issue? To my
knowledge, not even Oprah. Secondly, and most
importantly, today is the day that we start to speak positively
about ourselves. Yes, we have some issues that need to
be addressed, but simply calling people out individually, as
we have commonly done in the past, is barbaric,
pessimistic, and reeks of irresponsible journalism.
I have instituted a new policy in my own life called, “If there
be any good thing.” Actually, this is not a new concept. It’s
Biblical (Philippians 3:8). I’m just claiming it as my own.
Before I decide to write, speak, or think negatively
pertaining to a situation or person, I will first look for any
good thing pertaining to the issue to concentrate on. I am
consciously making a decision to be a man of “good
report.”
I had the great pleasure of meeting and spending time with
Mr. Bob Harrison (http://www.increase.org/) who
drilled this lesson home for me. Mr. Harrison is a very
successful business man and international speaker who
has gone beyond the standard “positive thinking”
message that is so popular with many conference speakers
of today. He actually lives in a manner in which he
purposely chooses to seek out the positive, even in the
face of obvious negativity. His message immediately
resounded in my mind when I began to read the negative
26
email pertaining to African-Americans. Sure, many
of the facts listed on the email were correct, but
what about the positive things that many of those
listed had contributed to our race?
Believe it or not, some of the names listed were
Condoleezza Rice, Jesse Jackson, Sean “P Diddy”
Combs, Diana Ross, and Wesley Snipes. I do not
have enough room to write all of the positive things
that come to mind when I think of these people (Dr.
Brooks only allows me so much space in the
magazine…can a brotha get another page?), but
these flawed humans, as we all are, have effectively
utilized the pathway of opportunities given to them
by previous generations to make marks on the
world that will be here much longer than any
negative remarks made about them.
If we can all agree to first seek out any good thing,
and I do mean any good thing, before we speak out
about our plight, I truly believe that the next
generation will begin to believe the positives about
themselves instead of the negatives that they
constantly hear from the media, teachers, other
races, and unfortunately, our own. Yes, they wear
baggy pants, but at least they’re not bell-bottoms.
Yes, the boys wear braided hair, but at least it is not
a four-foot Afro. And yes, they wear four-foot
Afros, but man isn’t it shaped well?
Please try; and if you do see that email come your
way, chastise the fool who sent it to you, and then
tell them what a wonderful job they did in
coordinating their efforts to reach such a mass
audience. Remember, any good thing.TEC
Diversity Leadership Alliance
holds 2007 Annual Meeting
Lead by Christine French of American Express and Marion Kelley of
Mayo Clinic (see photo inset), the Diversity Leadership Alliance DLA
held its annual meeting this past January 7, 2007 at Rio Salado
Community College in Phoenix Arizona. The Mission Vision and
Strategy of this alliance of major corporate and government partners
is to “be an inclusive community where each person is
equally respected and empowered. Guide leaders in
the transformation of culture to build an inclusive
community. Provide resources, tools, and forums, to
mutually benefit member organizations and the
community at large. “
Click here for more information on the DLA and on their
annual conference.
Click here to listen to a 2004 podcast interview with
Christine French regarding the history and purpose of
the DLA
27
Life Lessons: The Balancing Act - by Shirley Lytle See bio page 6
alance: the stability resulting from the equalization of opposing forces. Try explaining this definition to your manager
while tipping out of a business meeting to meet your wife for dinner! The opposing forces for this exercise are work
and family. Specifically, what is a couple to do who has to manage career advancement and relationship security in a
marriage? Today’s corporations are “right” sizing, which means more work with less people, which has resulted in the
average employee works more than a 40 hour work week. Adversely, depending on which statistic you evaluate, 50% of
marriages are ending in divorce. You are beginning to wonder if there is such a thing as work and family balance. Few
companies actually take family issues into account when developing strategic business goals. Clearly, intervention is
necessary in order to equalize two life long endeavors that many individuals consider success – a gratifying marriage and
a fulfilling job. Do not blame your employer. Equilibrium can be found in the things you consider most important in life.
B
As you evaluate your goals for 2007, include the resolution to balance enriching your marriage and pursuing your career.
Here are a few suggestions to get your efforts off to a great start.
A
Delegate in order to regulate. Companies are moving to project teams to meet time sensitive deadlines. Use
your resources in the work place to get the job done. This will result in you being a team player and effective
organizer. Now flip the script to your home life. Children should learn to hold down their share of the chores at
home. Dual income families have resulted in both parents getting home at about the same time. Establish a
weekly task list for each member in the family. In 2007 everyone takes out the trash, washes the dishes or starts
dinner.
B
Schedule what you can and manage the fire drills. Have a family meeting at the beginning of the year to discuss
the focus and goals, which should include vacation time. Don’t forget to schedule weekly date nights with your
spouse. The same things it took to get that incredible person you married, will take just as much if not more to
keep them. When you have demonstrated that your spouse is the most important priority in your life, work fire
drills will not seem nearly has intrusive to your spouse.
C
Write a mission/vision statement for your family. Then communicate your plan to everyone including your
spouse. Every year you can expect an annual review which provides feedback regarding your performance. This
is your opportunity to communicate to management your ambitions and the best course of action to get the next
level within the company. Likewise, spend at least 30 minutes per day discussing your goals and ambitions with
your spouse. The more information shared between a husband and wife the greater the emotional connection
and validation to help one another succeed.
The moral of this story is clear; your marriage should not have to compete with your career. This is not to say, that
establishing and maintaining this balance will not take work and intestinal fortitude (guts)….because it will take a lot of
both. Yet, the rewards will be lasting and rewarding.
28
BizTip
domestic partner as an exit strategy.
A long-term care insurance
policy can implement a 10 Pay payment option. This means that an
increased premium for the owner and domestic partner will be paid
annually for ten years. At the end of this period, the owner and
domestic partner have paid-up long-term care insurance policies for
the rest of their lives that were fully or significantly written off through
the business.
bio on page 6
“Are You Overlooking a
Tax Benefit”?
Many people in the GLBT community are unaware that this benefit
exists that protects their current cash flow and their retirement plan
for themselves and their domestic partners.
Be sure when looking
into long-term care insurance that you work with a professional who
knows the companies that give full marital discounts for domestic
partners.
by Mary Ellen Dunn—MA, CLTC
Whether a self-employed/ sole proprietor, sub-chapter S-corp/
Partnership/LLC, or C-corp, the term eligible premiums needs to be
defined. Tax-deductible eligible premiums are published each year by
the IRS. These eligible premiums are based on age and are increased
each year as a result of inflation (IRC sec. 213 [d][10]).
Are you a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
or Transgender business owner or
self-employed professional who has
overlooked a tax benefit this year?
Long-term
care
insurance
premiums use pre-tax dollars that
can pay for all or a significant part
of
the
insurance
premiums
depending on how a business is
organized.
Long-term
care
insurance premiums are considered
in the Internal Revenue Code as
accident and health insurance
For the self-employed/sole proprietor, the owner can deduct 100% of
the eligible premium from the business. The eligible premium for the
domestic partner is also deductible.
In a sub-chapter S-corp, partnership, or LLC organization, the
company can deduct the premium for the owners who own more or less
than 2%. This premium is considered a guaranteed payment to the
business partner who owns more than 2%. This partner can then
deduct the eligible premium as a pre-tax deduction.
The eligible
premium for the domestic partner is also deductible. For the less than
2% partner, this is not considered a guaranteed payment and is not
included as income.
premiums (IRC sec. 7702B [a][1])
Why should GLBT business owners and self-employed professionals,
regardless of the organization of the company, consider long-term
care insurance as a benefit for their business? First of all, it is a risk
management strategy for the owner’s current cash flow and personal
retirement plan. Should a serious physical event occur due to an
accident or health, this could severely impact the current cash flow
and unravel their retirement plan if both are unprotected by long-term
care insurance.
For companies that are organized as C-corp, the company can deduct
all of the premiums for shareholders and domestic partners regardless
of the per cent of ownership.
This is possible as long as the
shareholder is an employee of the company and a resolution is in
place that cites that person or position as being eligible for companypaid long-term care insurance.
Implementing long-term care
insurance is also a useful strategy for reducing retained earnings that
the C-corp may have.
Putting long-term care insurance in place can also be a supplement to
long-term disability income insurance. Costs to pay for the owner’s
and/or partner’s care, should a disability occur, can be paid for by the
long-term care insurance policy and not by the owner.
In all questions regarding taxes, seek the advice of your CPA or tax
advisor regarding your particular situation.
Another benefit for business owners and professionals is to put a
long-term care insurance policy in place for themselves and their
29
With
Synergy: The Business of Jazz
Words by: Dr. B. Photos by Brotha’ Love
On the Edge Productions
Jazz@.nickcolionne.com
847-359-9941
www.nickcolionne.com
Jazz is perhaps America’s greatest contribution to the arts in the 20 century. A
unique combination of improvisation, innovation and ingenuity. A form of art
that not only renews it self over time but moment by moment as the artist seeks
to paint a new canvas of sound in the air with every performance. However,
artists must eat, so jazz is also a business. To understand a bit more about the
Business of Jazz and thanks to Brotha’ Love our regular contributor to the arts,
we were pleased to sit down once again with Nick Colionne and Carol Ray
when they recently returned to town to do a show.
30
Dr. B from TEC: I am here with the
guitar master supreme Nick Colionne
and his manager and business partner
Carol Ray. We are talking today about
the Business of Jazz. First, what is On
the Edge Production?
Carol Ray: It was named for Nick’s musical style which is
where we consider our selves to be pretty much at all times.
Nick’s music is always on the edge of the norm. To be
successful in mainstream jazz these days, there are
certain formulaic things you have to do for radio and to sell
records. Nick pushes the envelope and is always on the
edge of what is acceptable. We don’t do things the “normal
way.” I don’t manage him the “normal way’. Everything we
do is a little outside the box.
Dr. B: I thought Jazz was suppose to be
improvisational and innovative? So you
have to be on the edge to move the art
forward.
Dr. B: Nick, you were a rocker at one
time?
Nick Colionne: Yes. I played rock, blues, R&B and heavy
metal. I’ve run the spectrum and came back to what was in my
heart, jazz. But I’ve learned from all the things I’ve played.
What I’ve tried to do is incorporate all the things I’ve done into
my style. That is what defines my style is that I’ve played
different types of music that I have incorporated into my jazz.
The most important thing that I learned from playing rock and
R&B is to push all the time.
Dr. B: What would be the definition of
the Nick Colionne sound?
Nick: A jazzy R&B sound, with a real funky edge and a pure
tone. I don’t do effects on the guitar. I believe that the guitar
should sound good.
Carol: He also has a complete mastery of he instrument.
There is no mistake that Nick is a guitar master. There is no
denying the fact that man can play the guitar. He fast and his
figure work is amazing so he can express himself any way he
chooses. There are no limits to what he can say.
Carol: Commercially that is not necessarily true. From the
artist's point of view you are correct. This is what people
who truly understand jazz expect. But the vast general
population does not necessarily understand the nuances of
jazz. It is a very integrate and sophisticated music form.
Not easily understood by everyone. Music like Dave
Brubeck’s “Take Five” has been remade from 7/8th time to
3/4 time so that it is not so jarring to people. Commercial
/smooth/contemporary jazz is different the Miles Davis or
Ornette Coleman type of music, but is still jazz.
Nick: You learn to speak with the instrument. I did not grow up
being a singer, I grew up being an instrumentalist. It like my
mom use to say, “you have got to say what you got to say.”
Even though there are no words with instrumental music, there
is still a story that must be told. This is why many people don’t
listen to jazz because there don’t hear the story.
Where I think this art form shines is when you can put
something on your CD that is edgy, beyond the norm. That
you go somewhere with the music that people recognize.
When Nick puts it out there the reviews always mention that
he pushes out beyond what is expected or safe. As with
most other contemporary jazz artists, when Nick is live, he
really shines for there are few restrictions.
Carol: When we started out, Nick was not pursing a solo
career. I met him when I was a sales manager for Motorola
Semi-conductor though some mutual friends who were also
artists. The band he was with was the Bud Lite Jazz Band of
Chicago and they worked sometimes two or three gigs a day.
31
Dr. B: In your business model, how do tell
the story and get people to buy the story?
When Nick was a teenager he wrote music for Johnny Mathis, Paul
Anka and Natalie Cole, but now with the band he had little time to write
because he worked so much. However one day the singer in the band
took sick for two months which gave Nick some time to write some
tunes.. It was kind of a telling moment for me because he wrote some
great music.
It was clear to me that Nick had the goods and that he could really
write and say something. So I jumped on the “you should have a solo
career bandwagon” with a lot of other folks. He said ok, if I would be
his manager. I’ve never managed a jazz artist before. But like any
good sales person I went though the process and I thought I have a
product and I can sell anything, so can I make money. To leave a
successful band to go out on his own, he was going to take a
considerable financial risk. So I realized it was going to be a building
process, but I had the time so why not? My father was a jazz musician
with his own band beyond being an electrical engineer. So jazz was in
my house so with Nick I had come full circle.
Together we developed a unique business model based on how Nick
stands out from the crown. We slowly built him as a solo artist. Always
I felt that he should not be common as grass. He should be a unique
artist with a unique style. From day one we decided that when Nick
played somewhere it was an event, that he was a “destination” artist.
That if you wanted to see Nick, you had better plan for it for he was
not always going to be around.
Dr. B: Was this strategy successful?
Carol: Yes. There was a financial costs and it was a building process
but it was successful. We were careful to make pricing consistent and
with his performances and the buzz started getting out there. We self
financed is first CD and put it out on our own label, On the Edge
Production. Fate is a funny thing. The engineer at the studio we were
mixing at, his best friends mother had retired from WNUA in Chicago.
The engineer’s friend brought home the demo to his mother. She loved
it and sent it to the general manager at WNUA. He listened to it, and
bumped it down to the program manager. Next thing we knew they had
invited Nick down for a meeting. He was sick as a dog but he went. As
a result, they added two songs to the play list and that was our
beginning.
On of the things that is really important to put things
into context is, “if you don’t know what you can’t do,
you can do it.” There are so many things that we have
accomplished in our 14 years that were not suppose
to do. For example you were not suppose to be able to
make it without major label support. Also we are not
based out of California or New York as are the vast
majority of contemporary jazz artists.
Dr. B: How have you made
“thinking different” work?
Carol: Well I have a tremendous product. A great
artist who sells himself every time he goes out there. I
don’t if we wold have been successful without that.
Its persistence and its belief. A lot of it has to do with
your own personal integrity. We don’t do things that
don’t feel right. We treat everyone with respect and
dignity.
Dr. B: How did this go from being a
managerial relationship to a business
partnership.
Carol: Basically profit sharing. A lot of the early
investment was mine. However, I was asking this man
to take a tremendous pay cut to follow this plan I
devised. His investment in it was the talent, his time
and his willingness to do pretty much we decided. It is
good that we agree on so many things. When we
dialog, we very much think along the same paths.
On of the things that
is really important to
put things into context
is, “if you don’t know
what you can’t do, you
can do it.” There are so
many things that we
have accomplished in
our 14 years that were
not suppose to do.
Dr. B: An now you have a label?
Carol: Yes, we have a label but we don’t use it at the
moment. We are on the Narada Jazz/Blue Note label
now. The production company, On the Edge
Production” is shared between us. We do production
work or anything we fold it into On The Edge. On the
edge could be described as a production/
management company.
32
Nick: We are expanding On The Edge into taking on the management of other artists.
Hopefully in the next couple of years we will have a two or three of artists that we are
producing and managing their careers for them. You can only do one thing at a time.
Instead of putting a whole lot of stuff in the pot, lets cook the meat first and then ad
stuff to it. Once we get this launched. Then once we get established, we can bring other
people in who are looking for a manager or production company.
Carol: Yes. Its kind of funny. I am a White kid from suburbia and he is a Black kid from
the hood and there is not an iota of difference in our brains.
Dr. B: Last question, what is next?
Carol: A Grammy for him.
Dr. B: I know that one your major focuses is to mentor
children? Is this also part of the On The Edge Business
Plan?
Nick:That would be nice (laughter)
Carol: I have been approached over the years with request to manage other artists.
But I what to complete my actions with Nick first, get him to where he needs to go. The
more successful Nick becomes the greater our ability to track new talent and the
greater our credibility. Our plan is working. In 2006 Nick made top 10 on everything
there is to make top in. The buzz on his performance is outstanding and he has great
bookings for next year. He is the jam session host on the Brian Culberson All Star
Smooth Jazz Cruise with major ranging artists from George Benson, Marion Meadows,
Boney James and many others.
Nick: That is true. The ultimate goal that we talked about in the beginning is eventually
having a school for the under-privileged children where they can come and learn music
with out having to pay. I like mentoring in the schools because everybody can not afford
to have a music teacher. For example I have a guitar endorsement with Epiphone
Gibson USA. So I went to them and said “I have kids who want to play but have no
instruments.” So Jim Rosenberg the president of the company said “what do you need?”
I asked for 12 guitars and some amps and he said “sure, they are on their way.” They
made a contribution and I expect to keep doing things like that with more schools. There
is another school in the inner city of Chicago, Florence B. Price that I also work with.
Nick has gotten to the point where I can let go a little because he have gotten
momentum. We have got a great 28 year old booking agent who synergizes with us
perfectly. He thinks the way we think. He does the booking for Nick so I can turn over
that aspect of things that for years I had to do myself. So we are at the point were we
can move forward. TEC
Carol: Florence B. Price is in a historic jazz center of Chicago. All the greats played in
a local clubs back in the 1930’s, 40’s and early 50’s including Louis Armstrong and
Benny Goodman. It is a school of the performing arts where we came in and did a six
month program that I wrote. We brought artists in to talk to the kids about careers in
music. Not just performance, but producing, law and etc. It cumulated in a talent show
that the kids produced themselves. It was so rewarding because a lot of these kids
don’t get a lot of attention. It is a tough neighborhood and the there is a lot of peer
pressure to do the wrong thing. The program had rules. If your grades were not up, you
could not participate. If you act up once, you get put out. You act up twice and you get
removed from the program. No one acts up twice.
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We saw a low of involvement with the program by parents beyond what they normally do.
One father took off work to see his children in the show. It was almost a test of what we
want to do which is ultimately create a foundation that we fund out of our profits one
day.
DR. B: : Would you say there is a great deal of synergy
between you two?
Nick:Yes. Most definitely. We always seem to be on the same plane. We have that
synergy where we can almost read each other's mind.
33
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36
Del-Monte Edward’s high-end development to leverage an affordable dream
By: Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr
I live in a quiet neighborhood in
Phoenix Arizona known as South
Mountain Village. When I was born
here all too many years ago, it was
called South Phoenix, a land of
citrus orchards and Japanese flower
gardens. However, in the mid 1990’s
thanks to the visionary leadership of
many including then Phoenix City
Councilman and South Mountain
native Cody Williams, things began
to change. Today development is
booming in the corridor along
Baseline Road and home prices are
soaring. So begins our story.
37
college at the University of Cincinnati where I studied Politics and
Economics. However, I was always looking at getting a real estate
degree. The other stuff was back up just in case. It was a good plan. I
got my Property Management License as soon as I could and started
my own company back in Ohio managing apartment building and selling
them. There I learned that if I was to compete with people doing larger
deals I needed more background. So I went into CCIM (Certified
Commercial Investment Member) to become a recognized expert in the
disciplines of commercial and investment real estate. After achieving
the certification, I was simultaneously proud and dismayed to find I
was one of only 5 African Americans members to have achieved this
goal. That encouraged me to recommend to others that they get this
designation as well for it opens up doors on the commercial side. I
think the number today is around 45.
TEC: What is AME Reality Services?
DME:
AS IT TURNS OUT, THE
WORLD IS SMALL FOR
THIS WAS VERY THE
DEVELOPMENT
I HAD
BEEN WATCHING ALL
THESE MONTHS.
THE
FOLLOWING IS THE
STORY OF A UNIQUE
INDIVIDUAL AND THAT
UNIQUE PROJECT.
My company AME Reality Services is an offshoot of a
company I had in Ohio call Real Pro. I had 14 agents mostly
specializing in investment properties. We were working with a financial
planning outfit. We would be the real estate arm for them when their
clients needed commercial property for tax right-offs or other reasons,
we would be the arm that would help them buy it, management for them
and we would also function as the selling agent for them. We were a
one stop shop. We were working with a couple of athletes at the time.
A
round the corner from my house a new sub-division
was going in. I watched its progress as I would do my
morning constitutional to the corner store for a
newspaper. Over Christmas my wife and I were invited to a
party by an old friend, Judy Berry, who business is real
estate. She told us that she was learning the development
business from a Mr. Del-Monte Edwards who was building
homes at 15th Street and Baseline. As it turns out, the world
is very small for this was the venture I had been watching all
these months. Needless to say proper introductions were
made and the following is the story of a unique individual and
a unique project.
TEC: Who is Del-Monte Edwards?
Del-Monte Edwards:
I was born raised and
educated in Cincinnati Ohio. For most of my life I felt I was
going to be in real estate. I use the tell people as I got older
that I was the neighborhood champion of Monopoly. I went to
38
My wife (Tonsa) got a Job offer at Dial in Scottsdale and so my family
and I moved to Phoenix in 1996. I decided that what I do I can do
anywhere in the country, it was just a matter of being relicensed. I
worked for a small company that specialized in commercial and
properly management for a couple of years. I was asked to serve on
the Board of Tanner Properties at the time when their executive
director left so I became by default their consultant for the board level
to help run the company while they searched for an new executive
director.
Six months later Tanner asked if I wanted the directors job. I decided
that I could bring my property management experiences to the position
and I believed that they had a great opportunity to grow. Tanner had
been around for thirty years doing development. I felt they could be
doing more. Regrettably, during my tenure Tanner had to close a 30
year old nursing home that they had founded. However, it lead to the
development of a 110 unit apartment building for seniors on the same
site. This was spring board for Tanner to grow beyond where they were.
Part of my vision for Tanner was to branch out into single
family affordable housing. Rather than trying to force
Tanner into something they were not comfortable with, I
decided to start my own company to do affordable housing
on the side. I incorporated and built a couple of infill
houses to get my feet wet in this industry. One day a
friend of mine who had been bird-dogging land for me, told
be about some land on Baseline road in Phoenix. This was
a golden opportunity to buy a property from a person who
in the midst of a housing boom never the less wanted to
get out. I talked it over with the bank and they said it was a
great deal and the funding was already available. And that
is how AME came about. Here is an opportunity the Lord
put in front of me so you don’t wait for it.
TEC: Tell us about your new
subdivision Casitas Grande.
DME: This was an opportunity to put together housing
that is geared to the market the land is sitting in, and use it
as a springboard to take me back to affordable housing. It
will allow my contractor George Sutherland and I the
opportunity to do other deals. It is a 34 home subdivision
with a european Tuscan feel. We wanted to get a fell of a
little bit of Europe that you get in Scottsdale and other
parts of town. We have incorporated a lot of the upgrades
already. They (the upgrades) reduce the need for people
to go somewhere and pick out colors, styles and interiors.
We have created almost a turnkey house product. We
have since learned that a lot of people like what we have
done. One innovation we added was to change the soffit
(see photo) Normally you get an overhang of up to a foot.
We got rid of that and created an angle from the wall. It
gave a richer look to the house. I have a mantra from my
time with Tanner “Build it and design it like it looks like it
belongs in Scottsdale (an upscale suburb of Phoenix).
People ask if these are custom homes for that is the feel
that they get. We increased insulation up to R38. We have
let people design their front yards. We have changed our
windows to low e-glass insulated glass and super packed
around the windows to reduce air loss. We changed our
doors from wood to fiberglass that has less maintenance
for the owner. All of the homes are prewired for cable and
satellite.
TEC: Details?
DME: F our floor plans and 12 different elevations. Prices
range from $300,000 to $355,000 single story and two story.
Livable square footage ranges from 1,747 to 1,996. We are
right on the target with our prices. I am very aware of where the
market is and where it is going. I seek the market as being
relatively flat for the next year. Lot size ranges from 5,200 up
to 9,100 square feet.
TEC: Who is George Sutherland and
GDS, LLC?
DME: A unique gentleman, part Mexican and part Irish. My
training he is an engineer who has tried to develop alternative
building strategies. I met George because I was trying to get
away from the stick and mortar building and was interested in
doing a SIPS (insulated concrete foam block) type of
construction as an alternative. It is a better construction in
terms of insulation and is faster to construct. It provides the
same appearance as stick built with stucco except the home
owner gets better insulation and noise factors. The quality of
construction is similar and once it goes on you don’t know what
material are inside the wall. You can alter floor plans quickly.
That was George’s dream and I believed in him for it would help
provide a better cost situation for affordable housing.
Regrettably the marketing and the industry was not ready for it.
TEC: Why was the industry not ready
for new construction materials? It is
your money?
DME:
Because you still have regulatory approval. You still
must go through a process and the city is not accustomed yet
to analyzing the construction of a concrete foam built house.
So there are some restraints in the systems though this is
beginning go change. Various building departments are
starting to look at different materials, not making brick or
concrete block the only materials one can use beyond stucco.
We still talk about it. George has a side company where he can
suspend a styrofoam bead inside of concrete making it just as
strong but lighter to work with.
39
At some point in the future this is where the building
industry going to go. The National Association of
Homebuilders has been analyzing alternative materials
for the past couple of years. It is also a “green” product
as well. If a house must be raised the materials can be
crushed and reused.
TEC: Within rules and regulations,
what innovations were you able
to apply to Casitas Grande.
DME: Not many. Too many conflicts so we decided to
go with stick build this time. In our next project we want
to go green.
TEC: How did Judy Berry come
into the project?
DME:
A member of my church Judy has often
spoken with me about getting into the
development business. I invited her to come down
and be a co broker with me and the agent on site.
This way I was be able to show her how it works and
she will be able to see and hear the challenges.
She has a strong background in sales so I was
looking for someone who wold compliment what
we are doing and Judy brings much to the table.
TEC: You have indicated that you
wish to use Green building
materials for your affordable
housing projects in the future.
Considering city regulations and a
lack of understanding of the
40
process and potential benefits,
how do you move to use these
new materials?
DME: Education, Education, Education. The
builder who wishes to bring in new materials and
methods must educate the city officials on the
benefits and that these new materials will stand up
just as good as the old if not better. They must
know it is going to be affordable, easy and less
expensive to maintain, without killing trees. There is
also a need to change density, allowing more lots
per acre if the projects are going to stand up
financially.
TEC: What about water?
TEC: Closing Comments?
DME:We have to change the way we look at water if we are going to double in
DME: When I started this project, people said oh, you are a minority doing
development. That is a nice conversation piece, but when I look at my business
model I have to compete with every body else. So at the end of the day, my
product has to stand up if it is to sell regardless of the color the person is behind
the deal. If I come up as an example to say “I did not know that a development
like this could be done by a minority” that’s great. But when I go to the bank I
don’t ask for minority set aside. I don’t go to the city as a minority and ask for a
piece of the pie. I don’t want a piece of the pie, I want to eat with every body
else. I don’t like that whole conversation that we gave him a break because he is
a minority.
size by the year 2020. It is going to force development from the outskirts back
toward to core. In this development we have low flush toilets, controlling factors
on our showers and in the kitchens. No grass in the front yards and low
maintenance plants as well. We have tried to talk to the city about doing some
other things. For example we had talked about installing instant water heaters.
This would save money and water would no longer be wasted waiting for the
shower to warm up. The City however, was not amenable to this suggestion.
We had many more ideas but we just could not capture them on this project.
41
For more information on Casitas Grande contact:
Casitas Grande Sales Ofice:
7714 S. 15Th St, Phoenix Arizona
Del-Monte Edwards: AME Realty Services, LLC
16748 W. 108Th St, Scottsdale Az 85225
602-502-3136
George A. Sutherland: GDS, LLC
4175 N. Goldwater Blvd. Scottsdale, Az 85251
480-941-8762
Judy Berry: The JL Berry Company
P.O. Box 50550, Phoenix Arizona 85076-0550
602-380-5171
Albert Einstein:
Great spirits have always found violent opposition from
mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a
man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary
prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his
intelligence.
James Kouzes and Barry Posner:
There's nothing more demoralizing than a leader who
can't clearly articulate why we're doing what we're
doing.
42
Marketplace
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43
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