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SISTER MAGAZINE - ISSN: SISTER 1542-4103 MAGAZINE - ISSN: 1542-4103 0 74820 090053 8 Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ QUICK REFERENCE

Position your business...... 5

Top 10 Marketing Tips ...... 4

Stock market today...... 7

Career building so you were fired...... 8

Atlanta Entertainment...... 8

Electric cars at detroit show...... 25

African American -- Buying Power...... 12

Niche electric car makers challenge majors ...... 29

What Is Better Business? ...... 20

BlackStats Frequently Requested African American

Consumers Black Buying Power,

$656 Billion Black U.S. Population:

38.3 Million ...... 16

Classified Directory

Travel Airlines...... 9

Classified Directory ...... 9

Need a business logo? ...... 13

BlackStats Frequently Requested African .18 There's always something going on in Georgia Civil War Sites, Historical Sites, Nightclubs/Live Music and Festivals ...... 20 Ad Spooner Jenkins Design ......

Black Experience Magazine ......

SPA Dental ...... Glam Event Solutions ...... Nationwide Insurance ...... Rowe, Rowe & Thomas ...... Johnson, Coleman, & Stephenson, LLC ...... EXIT & OPTEUM ...... Millionaires Travels......

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Black Experience Magazine, LLC 1740 CHARMETH ROAD LITHONIA, GA 30058-5503 PHONE: 770-823-7231 FAX: 1-209-391-3588 sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ Marketing Tips Top 10 Marketing Tips Contents Vol. 4, No. 3 - Summer By William jenkins

Despite confusion about what marketing is, without it no business can succeed. The best definition of marketing is anything you do to get OR Features 5 keep a customer. This means the most important forms of marketing are customer service and referrals, according to Dr. Rick Crandall, author of 1001 Ways to Market Your Services: Even If You Hate to 4 ...... Russell Simmonsa Sell. That's why in his six books on marketing he focuses on how to build relationships with customers and potential customers. He says "You can build relationships in person or online. 7 ...... Stock Market Today Even your advertising and brochures can help build relationships." Having recently collected almost 2000 ways that real companies and ...... Magazine For The People By The People individuals have marketed successfully, we asked him to name the ten best methods. He replied, "Of course, the best methods will differ depending on your personal style, your industry, and your budget. f Despite the increasing impact of technology on marketing, most of the 8 ...... Career Building So You Were Fired key things you can do are still aimed at standing out in your market and building relationships. If I had to pick the top ten approaches they would be these." 16...... More Than 800,000 U.S. 1. Make your advantages easy to understand. For instance, Computer Resources International AS originally sold consulting, for which they Businesses Owned by African (Black) used proprietary software. Only when they started selling the software first, and then customization and consulting as extras did their Americans business take off. Buying software was easier to understand than the more intangible consulting. LifeUSA insurance, and many other businesses, focus on speed in every aspect of their business. They 25...... Electric Cars at Detroit Show make fun of the slower industry standards and provide a simple advantage clients understand. Other ways to set yourself apart are through great service or association with worthy causes.

2. Don't try to be everything to everyone. Just as customers screen you, you should decide who you want to serve. Printing Resources 29...Niche Electric Car Makers Challenge Majors originally took any printing business that walked in the door. When they realized which kinds of customers they worked with best, they were able to cut down their marketing costs and make more money. Some computer consulting firms only work with one customer per industry so they will have no conflicts of interest. You can bet they select customers carefully, and that customers are flattered by the Departments partnership approach. Consider creating a checklist of who shouldn't hire you! It will help you focus, and may impress the right customers 9 ...... TRAVEL AIRLINES 11 if you share it with them.

3. Work for referrals. Word of mouth is the least expensive, most bus, train & car rentals effective way to get new business. Barry Farber has new customers write on the back of their business cards why they bought. These become mini-testimonials. Bob Brassard calls at least one client a day 9 ...... Classified Directory just to keep in touch. This builds the relationship by showing he doesn't just care about them when he wants something, allows him to update files, and generates referrals. One upscale dentist put up a Web 9 ...... Meet Our Advertisers page. He got about six extra referrals a month because his clients thought it was "cool" that their dentist had a Web page.

4. Use online marketing. You don't have to have a Web site like 13 ...... Need a business logo? Eastern Mortgage Services to do business online. You can send personalized e-mail like Michael Swartz of DNA Software. You can 18 BlackStats Frequently Requested African pay only for the leads generated for you by advertising on many sites. .... You can research potential clients for better presentations. You can gather customer input inexpensively as Ritchey Design does. Or you 20 . There's always something going on in can post free ads in discussion groups.

5. Don't sell, help people buy. When you truly put the client's interests above your own, you will become a consultant, a team member, and a partner for your client. When you've earned trusted advisor status, 25 doing business is no problem. For instance, computer consultant, Georgia Civil War Sites, Historical Amadaeus Consulting Group, helps its customers make more money by using computers to help their clients sell more. Of course, the extra business comes around as the client grows. A small accountant's client felt they needed a "Big 5" firm to handle their audit because they News wanted to go public. Instead of resisting, the accountant helped the client select a Big 5 firm, thus maintaining and extending the relationship with the client. Conrad International added warehousing 12 ...... African American -- Buying Power services near overseas clients so they could afford to buy in bulk for a lower price. When you put the customer first, you earn long-term loyalty that is more profitable than a larger quick sale. 21 ...... What is SBA? 6. Partner with other companies reaching your market. This might be neighborhood merchants cooperating on a sidewalk sale, or Digital Equipment partnering with Infinite Technologies to better serve the 22 ...... What Is Better Business? Bank of New York. Or it could be you partnering with a charity to create a fund raising event that brings attention to both of you, like Service Merchandise and Goodwill did. 23 ...... Tax Tips 7 7. Shift the risk to yourself and you will profit. A believable guarantee makes it safe for prospects to give you a try. Very few people will exploit a generous guarantee compared to the extra business it generates. YoyoDine is one of many companies that guarantee you results from their online advertising. Even Kaiser, the big HMO, found a money-back guarantee to be successful. SUPPORTERS OF ALL MODELS ALL USED PURPOSES FOR ONLY. ILLUSTRATIVE Call 770-823-7231 For All your Advertise Need 5 cover Feature be in the market for goods and services and why should it not be your business that picks them up? Gets your message out to them citing that you can and will service their needs as well as cite that your business is not going anywhere? Regardless of the market, people and businesses will still need goods and services and they will still continue to buy. The question becomes, who will they buy from? Your answer should be “you!” Number 2: As your competitors downsize or close their doors, the talent pool for your industry increases. This is a great time to pick up new, recently laid-off employees that have both superior talent and skills as well as knowledge about your industry and local markets. This is like having your cake and eating it to. First, you get employees who know your industry inside and out and, second, you don’t have to realize huge training costs while ramping them up. These employees Position Your Business Today For window – over and over again. On the would hit the ground running and could Success Tomorrow – 5 simple other side of the window, the fly can see possibly help with acquiring new ways his goal – freedom. But, it can’t figure out how to obtain it. So, it keeps flying into customers (as outlined above in number 1) as they already know and have established While there appear to be signs that our the window. Eventually, the fly will tire as relationships with these new, targeted economy is making the turn back into its resources run low, then falter and die. customers. positive territory, we are just not there yet Now, had the fly simply turned around, it Number 3: Renegotiate costs and trim the and still have much work to do in the would have seen an open door on the other fat. Do not just cut costs for the sake of coming months and years ahead. However, side of the room; an unabated path to the cutting costs. Cut costs to better position unlike market declines or crashes that freedom it so desperately sought. your business for the future. This is a great seem to take us by surprise, market The same is true for business. There are time to renegotiate service contracts with recoveries can be predicted and tracked. opportunities in every market and in every your vendors and suppliers. Go through This provides business owners with circumstance. You just have to set your your income statement item by item to see tremendous foresight on how to position mind to look for these growth opportunities. if there are costs that can be restructured. their businesses to take advantage of the Thus, turn around and keep looking in all Start inside your business – i.e. your opportunities that recovering markets directions. All businesses are different and phone and internet services, office present. each will face their own paths to success. supplies, rent, equipment leases, dues and So, the question becomes, what can a But, the following lists five tasks subscriptions, etc, etc, etc. Look for ways business do now, in a down economy, to businesses can do in starting to look for to not just reduce these, but to position prepare itself for the opportunities that growth opportunities. them more favorably for your firm (e.g. will materialize as our economy begins to The goal here is not to become an overnight get more for the same costs). strengthen again? success but to better position your business Then look outside your company. Your It all begins with how you think about for the new and exciting times that lay marketing and advertising, inventory your business and its place in the future ahead. purchases or trade goods and service economy. Number 1: Some of your competitors will purchases, shipping or any and all overhead (Keep in mind that as we move into a be downsizing or closing their doors if cost items. Look to renegotiate with these recovery, the economy, its major players, they have not done so already. Some will vendors and suppliers. They are also its dominating industries and the way not make the economic turn even though feeling the pinch in this economy and I businesses interact with it, will look we can now see the light at the end of the can guarantee you that they would rather nothing like the economy we just left or tunnel. Further, some will just not fit the keep your business at a lower rate than had prior to the market decline). A friend new economy and will lack the mental lose you all together. Should one of these of mine, who just happens to own and run ability to adapt to it and its nuances. Think partners not want to renegotiate, then this a very successful business, once told me; about ways that your business can pick up is a great time to shop around for a new “Imagine a fly continuously flying into a their customers. Their customers will still Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ vendor who is willing to help you as you help them (a true big businesses or customers watch who their competitions are partnership – what business should be about). using to service their needs. Lastly, think long-term. When you renegotiate try to create the Number 5: Not sure if you can pay for any of this? First, think best deal with the longest term possible. Not only will you get a about the cost savings you can achieve by renegotiating with better deal but this will shows your new partner that you are in your vendors and suppliers. Use these savings to grow your this for the long haul. Now, who does not want to work with a business. Second, keep in mind, that if you want to cultivate your business like that? business as the economy begins to grow again, you just simply The goal here is to position your business to be lean and mean as have to find a way to finance that growth. A little risk now will we enter this recovery. There will be tremendous opportunities as pay off in huge dividends – this is what defines an entrepreneur. we emerge and only those prepared will be in a position to Just like the fly, instead of continuously seeking out the same capitalize. Think about a professional football player. He does financing vehicles, many that just do not fit your business, turn not just show up for the first game of the season and play to his around and look for new funding opportunities; like asset based full potential. He spends the entire off season preparing for the financing, customer financing, sale- lease or buy back programs season to begin. Think about this current market decline as your or even non-bank or non-financial institution products and off season and get prepared. services. The bottom line is to change your mentality and quit Number 4: Go after the clients or jobs that you avoided before; focusing on survival, quit flying into the window and start to look be it from a lack of funds, a lack of scale, or just plain fear. Go for the growth opportunities that will abound as the economy after these jobs or clients with gusto. Show them that you are the begins to make positive strides. Look for opportunities that grow company that will not fail and that can and will meet their needs, your business today and that will also position you at the head of timely and cost effectively. The goal here is not to just get more, the class when the market turns around. If you do not position bigger business, but to potentially steal clients away from your business today for what is coming tomorrow you will struggling competitors; competitors whose customers may simply miss out (meaning one of your remaining competitors already be worried about their long-term viability. The idea is to will fill that void and reap the benefits). If you think you can wait get the customers you could not get in the past and to do it before until we are actually in a full blown recovery, then think again. someone else does. You will only spend your time and energy trying to catch up and Thus, show that you can both do the job today and that you will not take advantage. The recovery will come and those that are be here tomorrow to continue servicing them. Then, as the preparing today to position themselves within it will be the ones economy begins to pick up, you are already their go to company. that lead our new economy. The question: will your business be Having these customers in your pocket can further leverage a future leader or follower? more, bigger business when the recovery hits full swing. Most Call 770-823-7231 For All your Advertise Need 7 Stock Market Today Right now, the New York the grocery store and ask for computers on the floor, then Stock Exchange has billions of The 1900s brought the Indus- a dozen shares of McDonalds. reports to his colleagues back dollars changing hands every trial Revolution, and along Not exactly, but close. You at the brokerage house that he day, with thousands of compa- with it, a boom in Wall Street. don't go to a grocery store, bought the stock. The broker nies being traded, and millions Everybody wanted a piece but rather you call a broker. A keeps a record that you own of people being affected. If of the action, and Wall Street brokerage house is your super- that stock, rather than send- we trace the roots of the New grew. The New York Stock Ex- market of stocks. You call up ing you the actual paper stock York Stock Exchange to its be- change was not the only way to any broker and say, "Charles, certificates. If you ever want to ginning, we would find that it buy stocks at that time. Many I've got 250 dollars, and want sell them, your broker will sell started out as dirt path in front stocks that were deemed not to buy as much McDonalds as them, deduct his commission, of Trinity Church in East Man- good enough for the NYSE, I can." and then give you the money. hattan 200 years ago. At that were traded outside on the Charles in return tells you, Got all that? Well if you did time, there was no paper mon- curbs. This so called "curb "Let's see, a share of McDon- not, here it is again using a ey changing hands, or even the trading," has now become the alds costs 20 dollars (Not the simplified example. When you idea of stocks. Rather, they American Stock Exchange actual price), and I am go- want a stock, you call a broker. traded silver for papers saying (AMEX). ing to charge you 50 dollars The broker calls a person on they owned shares in cargo, Today, the New York and the for my services, so you can the floor (usually an employee that was coming in on ships ev- American Stock Exchanges, buy 10 shares of McDonalds. of the broker). This person ery day. The trade flourished. have been joined by the NAS- " You then give Charles the runs to the space that is allot- During the American Revolu- DAQ, and hundreds of local money, and you get the stock. ted to this stock. He then buys tion, the Colonial Government and international Stock Ex- (They usually don't give you the amount of stock from the needed money to fund its war- changes, that all play a part in the paper stock certificates, but specialists, or companies, that time operations. One way they the national and global econo- they transfer ownership over are there to sell and buy on a did this was by selling bonds. my. to you.) Voila, you have just regular basis. He then tells the Bonds are pieces of paper a How It work? bought stock in a company! firm he bought it, and then you person buys for a set price, Lets say you hear a tip that Mc- Sounds simple enough, right? have your stock. knowing that after a certain pe- Donalds is coming out with a Actually it is not if you look Mutual Funds riod of time, they can exchange brand new product that is sup- at it from the broker's point of Well it was pretty easy to buy a their bonds for a profit. Along posed to double their business. view. When you told the bro- few shares of McDonalds, but with bonds, the first of the na- You think to yourself, "Darn, I ker you wanted those 10 shares what if you are not sure about tion's banks started to sell parts wish I owned that company." of stocks, he did not magically which stock you should buy? or shares of their own compa- Well you can. McDonalds, buy them for you, or already Maybe you would rather let a nies to people in order to raise along with thousands of other own them. Rather, he sent a professional choose the stocks money. In essence they sold off companies, lets the public buy message to another person who for you. Well, you are not part of the company to whom- part of its company. It does is working down on the floor of alone. Millions of people turn ever wanted to buy it, which is this through selling shares. A the New York Stock Exchange over control of their finances the essence of the modern day share is simply a piece of pa- (or any other stock exchange). to professionals by buying stock market. per that says you own part of He tells this person to buy these Mutual Funds. There are two Wall Street was becoming a a company. This part is usually stocks for you. This person is types of mutual funds, open major center of these transac- extremely small, perhaps thou- called a "Floor Broker." and closed. sandths of a percent of the total tions, and in 1792 twenty-four Open mutual funds, such as men signed an agreement that company, but, hey, it is a be- Now this person goes to the ginning. You decide you want part of the Stock Exchange Fidelity Magellan, let people started the New York Stock Ex- put their money in them, just change (NYSE). They agreed to buy part of McDonalds. You that is allotted to this particu- run home, and count up all of lar stock. Here there are com- like a bank. The difference is to sell shares or parts of com- that banks take your money panies between themselves and the money you have been sav- panies that specialize in this ing, and find out you have 250 stock. This means that they and lend it out, and then pay charge people commissions, or you interest on the money you fees, to buy and sell for them. dollars. Well you are not go- will usually, if not always, buy ing to be able to buy the whole and sell from people at the gave it. This is static, in that it They found a home at 40 Wall does not change. When you put Street in New York City. As company, but it is a start. normal price. The floor broker then buys your ten shares from your money in, the bank usu- they grew they later moved into You've got the money, you ally says we will give you 3 what is currently the New York know what stock you want to one of these people, reports his trade through the hundreds of percent interest. When you put Stock Exchange Building. buy, now what? Do you go to your money in a mutual fund, Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/

SOCareer YOU WERE FIRED Building illness or disability) you may want to let your company know the hardships this termination may cause. Remember, money is not the only thing at stake. Consider how long you will continue to be covered under company health and life insurance and the status of any earned -- or close to being earned -- bonuses, commissions, vacation time and vesting in 401(k), pension and profit sharing accounts. You also may want outplacement services or an agreed-upon letter of reference. Also think about getting your severance payment as salary continuation rather than a lump sum agreement. Salary continuation often allows for a continuation of disability benefits and also lets you answer yes when asked if you're still employed. Excerpted from "Career Building: Your Q: Should I try to negotiate a better Q: What's the best course of action for Total Handbook for Finding a Job and severance package? finding a new job? Making It Work" A: By all means, yes. According to the A: Take a day or so to process what has the Editors at CareerBuilder.com National Employee Rights Institute happened and vent to your spouse or best Here's the bottom line: You have to get a (NERI), employees have more bargaining friend. Then, after shoring yourself up by job, you have to go to work and someday, power than they realize. Don't be pressured reviewing your strengths and you'll probably have to change jobs. into signing anything on the spot. Tell accomplishments, start calling people in "CAREER BUILDING: Your Total your employer you need to review the your network who can be helpful to you, Handbook for Finding a Job and Making proposed agreement with your legal and including former co-workers, suppliers It Work" (Collins Business) is a one-stop financial advisers. Then, check the and customers. Letting a colleague, vendor guide for navigating all those times in company policy manual to find out what or client know that you'll no longer be your career. is standard practice for employees in your working with them is not only a courtesy, It can happen to anyone at anytime. A situation. If you can, talk to others whom but can prove a valuable source of leads. softened economy forces your employer the company has terminated. You can Then, work on your rÈsumÈ and start an to make cuts; your company merges with argue your case on merits such as length all-points attack that, in addition to another and staffing changes; your of service, specific accomplishments and networking, includes contacting recruiters, department is restructured; a new boss amount of time required to find comparable conducting industry research, cleans house; or you simply didn't perform employment in today's labor market. Be to your manager's expectations. Whatever sure to document your achievements, and the reason, anytime is now. Here's what if your family has special needs (due to you can do to stay afloat: Q: Is it better to pre-empt a firing by resigning instead? A: In most cases, no. Out of pride, many people fall into this trap and wind up waiving claim to severance pay, benefits, earned bonuses and commissions and unemployment compensation. With so many victims of downsizings and reorganizations, being "let go" doesn't carry the stigma it once did -- in fact most prospective employers won't even bat an eye! Call 770-823-7231 For All your Advertise Need 9 ATLANTA ENTERTAINMENT Atlanta Entertainment AIRLINES

TRAVEL b u s , t r a i n & c a r r e n t a l s Guide & Resort Directory Vacation Accommodations and More

RealAdventures - Life's An Adventure, Live It! Accommodations, Vacations, Rentals, Adventure Travel, Tours, Hotels & Getaways Established in 1978 we offer horseback riding by the hour, day or week. Pack trips to Devil's Head Mtn., 2 day ranch stays, whitewater rafting combos, lodge ride, hourly rides, company barbeques, rustic cabin accommodation and more. Contact Information RealAdventures.com Cedora, Inc. 50 Franklin St., Suite 403 Boston, MA 02110 USA Phone: (617) 338-1020* Skype: RealAdventures

Oahu Nature Tours Oahu eco-tours specialize in viewing Hawaiis unique native bird and plant species. These high-quality tours include visits to waterfalls, tropical jungles and spectacular panoramic views, as well as detailed information about Oahus geology, archaeology, mythology and history.

Diamond Head Crater Sunrise Adventure. A professional guide takes you on an educational walk to the summit of the most famous crater on earth. From the top you will have an incredible 360 degree view of Waikiki and the turquoise blue Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you will learn about the craters fascinating geology, history, archaeology, flora and fauna.

For more information on services for business travel, contact THERESA PAN HOSLEY at [email protected] or phone 253-572-4566

Florida Keys Fishing. FL Keys Fishing Vacations Fishing Charters, Fishing Reports, Flats & Backcountry, Light Tackle, Offshore, Party Boats, Services & Supplies, Specialty, Tournaments

Florida Keys Fishing Information The Florida Keys run southwest along a single roadway called US1 also known as The Overseas Highway.

The gulf side of the Florida Keys is also called the Florida Bay and is connected to Gulf of Mexico. This is referred to as the “back country“. The Atlantic side is called the Straits of Florida with Cuba being the next land mass before entering the Atlantic Ocean. Just past the Florida Keys Reef is the Gulf Stream and is a legendary area of spectacular sport fishing.

Las Vegas Casinos

The Fountains, which are synchronized to music and light, are one of Las Vegas' most prominent attractions and have been featured in movies, such as "Ocean's Eleven." The Bellagio is also renowned for its poker room, which is commonly frequented by professional poker players. The Bellagio has hosted several tournaments of the World Poker Tour. The Bellagio is owned by MGM Mirage, which also owns Excalibur, Luxor, MGM Grand, the Mirage, and the Monte Carlo Hotel in Las Vegas, as well as several other casinos outside Las Vegas. Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ Classified Directory Attorneys Insurance Real Estate - Restaurants Keith Eady & Associates, LLC State Farm COLDWELL BANKER Marshall Joe, 2663 Panola Rd...... 770-981-7500 2785-B Clairmont Rd NE ...... 404-633-1997 Leonard John, 1789 Clairmont Rd...... 404-320-3488 Rockdale County ...... 770-483-3939 Campbell Richard A McGregor Phill, 3295-C Snapfinger Rd...... 404-633-1997 Century 21 - Mary Hooper, Broker 4851 Jimmy Carter Blvd NW ...... 770-564-2600 Raymound J Evans, 202 S Main St...... 770-475-9561 4812-B Redan road, Stone Mountain..... 404-292-1150, X-01 Alex E Brown, 2900 Chamblee-Tucker Rd .... 770-457-3717 Delisa Williams PC, Attorneys at Law Dana Shivalier, 1874 Piedmont Rd NE ...... 404-892-0101 WILLY’S Mexicana Grill 1718 Peachtree St., Suite 592 ...... 404-419-0983 Valerie Primas, 2798 Lakewood Ave SW...... 404-765-0376 2074 N. Decatur Rd...... 404-321-6060 Bail Bonds Security Better Banding Inc. Janitor Every Last Detail Cleaning Service 1166 Jefferson St. NW ...... 404-817-8363 Colt Security...... 404-294-1220 ...... 678-760-7530 Free At Last Ball Bonds Guard Dog Co. 4717 Memorial Dr...... 404-294-1366 All Metro Janitor Maid Pimto ...... 770-964-8977 302 Camelot Dr...... 404-761-1311 Freedom Rings Bail Bonds, Inc. Shield Security Systerms Office Maids 233 Peachtree St. SW Suite 3 ...... 404-522-3279 Atlanta GA...... 404-284-0464 www.officemaids.net...... 770-303-0266 Carpet Kitchen Tax Express Tax Service D & M Carpet Cleaning Better Built Cabinets 2374 S Stone Mountain Lithonia Rd ...... 678-526-0072 2372 S. Stone Mountain, Lithonia...... 770-945-0072 Atlanta ...... 404-752-8447

Oxy-Dry Cartpet Cleaning Kitchen of Altanta H & R Block 1994 Patterson Ct. Lrcvl ...... 678-520-7291 650 Miami Cir. NE ...... 404-231-0145 537 Hwy. 78 Stone Mountain ...... 770-469-6567

Mariam’s Fine Rugs Inc. AAA Reglazing S&B Tax Service 240 Peachtree St. NW ...... 404-223-5568 5171 Hwy. 20 Suger Hill ...... 770-945-0072 3857 Main Street...... 404-559-7731

Dancing Upholsterers Atlanta Festival Ballet Lawn Easy Care lawn Services 416 Eagles landing Pkwy...... 770-507-2775 Atlanat Craftsmen Interiors 3423 bouldercrest Rd...... 404-244-6586 1735 Defoor Pl NW ...... 404-352-4400 Ballethnic Danc Company & Academy 2587 Cheney St...... 404-762-1416 Lilburn landscape Co. Freestyle Auto Trim And Upholsterers Trucker ...... 404-422-6586 6584 Memorial Dr. Stone Mountain ...... 404-633-1997 Dance Shoes of Atlanta 718 Ketchem Dr. NE ...... 770-428-9439 North Atlanta Lawn Maintenance ...... 404-992-7322 Oscar’s Upholsterers Escort 5891 New Peachtree Road...... 770-452-8100 Marketing-Marriage Black Tie Escort Video BuckHead ...... 404-255-0966 Ryan Partnership 3575 Piedmont Rd. NE ...... 404-237-2012 Camera Repair Japan Jennifer’s Friends 3435 Breckinridge Blvd...... 770-849-0555 All Areas ...... 404-257-9788 Taco Market 3304 Buford Hwy. NE...... 404-636-6463 Anytime Escort CY Games 240 E. Bells Isle Rd. NE ...... 404-252-6707 Center for Human Relations 2801 Candler Road ...... 404-212-8899 5 Concourse PKWY...... 678-560-3434 Fence Film And Video...... 678-468-8135 Cascade Fence Company Nail-Nanny 1055 Fairburn Rd SW ...... 404-691-1020 My Nails Warehouses Johnny Griffith 8000 Mall Pkwy. Lithonia...... 770-484-6544 4745 College St., Forest Park ...... 404-366-6846 Colonial Storage Center USA Nails 4141 Snapfinger Woods Dr...... 404-284-8242 Oakview Landscape Construction 7301 Stonecrest Concouse, Lithonia ...... 770-484-5933 931 Monroe Dr., Atlanta ...... 404-966-8292 Public Storage Center 5038 covington Hwy...... 404-284-8339 Optical-Optometrists Glass U-Store-It Atlanta Suburban Glass Allison’s Opticans 3345 Medlock Bridge, Norcross ...... 770-729-8500 8024 Covington Hwy...... 770-482-8701 1937 Peachtree Rd., NE ...... 404-352-4263

B-Rite Glass Balanchard Terry LDO Yoga 5705 Old National Hwy...... 404-766-1993 328 Howell Mill Rd ...... 404-352-1300 Kashi Atlanta Inc. Hot Spot Tinting Eye And lasik Center 1681 McLendon Ave. NE...... 404-687-3353 2330 Windy Hill Rd. SE ...... 404-675-9044 4946 Bill Gardoner PKWY...... 770-957-9814 Peachtree Yogo Center 6050 sandy Springs Cir. NW...... 404-847-9642 Hair African Hair Braiding By Mariama Plumbing Snack Stop 2841 Greenbriar PKWY. SW ...... 404-349-8707 844 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd. SW ...... 404-753-8080 B&B Contracting...... 404-787-3980

Fatima Hair Braiding Mr. Rooter Plumbing 2810 Camp Creek Pkwy...... 404-305-0210 Zoo Metro Atlanta Area ...... 770-638-438 Chestatee Wildlife Preserve R&M Beauty Supply Roto-Rooter Plumbing 469 Old Dahlonega Hwy Dahlonega ...... 706-864-9411 1898 Rock Chapel Rd. Lithonia ...... 678-323-8395 Residential & Commercial Service ...... 678-526-1212 beliefs, attitudes, values, and career career and your values, upon attitudes, dependent beliefs, is working, of to make, and do make during your lifetime want you that money of amount the Thus, Potential LifetimeIncome YourDetermine YourChoices and money.sufficient make you when that play into goals, come work, people why these customers, define of All pleasing achievement. success, an a feeling important, making friends, gaining sharing love, making you tasks doing mission, important about contribution, become difference, then work can on, live to money sufficient With style. life chosen you however sufficientdefine your support to – income – income sufficient have you when money only the Workabout not money. becomes the about is Work TaxForms YourPotential Income Lifetime Money More Make to How your life, and pursue hobbies and interests in want you items purchase travel, to you about allows Money passionate. are causes you which philanthropic support to and raise you to allows Money children. your educate and needs basic family’s your for provide to you enables Money you pursue. to choose living of standard the attain to you the and pains a allows that tool a your simply is It world’sills. it of is all nor for evil panacea all of root the neither is Money person. business self-employed a as yourself pay you salary the is money and job accomplish goals for an employer. a Or, do Income to paid are you what is Increase Money to Potential Money About should they that thinks everyone Almost time. over make you money the and decisions career your with happy be to expect and year, per $40,000 pays that million choice career a a make year, making a dollars of goal a set cannot you But, fine. is choice your paid, are you what than important more are values your career.as your long of As course the over in need, you can people anticipate a particular salary helping value you If choices. hne o o Think You How Change money.more make to the on first step you need to take agree I and He strategies. his follow to you help have the money you need to Financial tips writing these I’m to Freedom. Path the You Truths on Set Can That Nine Wealthy: tells you: How to Become Kennon Joshua About’s From YourEmployer?. Expect You Pay Can Raise What Salary Increases: on Scoop The in: is discussed factors of employer dependant upon a number your of money you are paid by amount the But do. they than money more make organization offers you. offersorganization your what for "settling" are you raise, a confident person. most Yet, ifyouneveraskfor the even of courage the daunt can raise a for manager your asking example, an As money. more earn to ability your enhance will choices that career the your throughout make to prepared Be leap. mind a quite a is $100,000 $30,000 employee, year a as yourself of think you If that whatever you can earn, you are set worth. mind the have to need do you you make, your money of define amount the to by character want don't you While Potential Income Increase Change How You Think About Yourself all to is income, right. lifetime higher a and thus, salary higher a pay will that career current employer is your right. Choosing a your from pay in increase an Requesting expected. is jobs change you when salary choose. you plans you have for your life. Asking the for a higher to fundamental it’s if okay; just day not is money more getting Consequently, some to you retire allows Money you. engage that Degrees and Credentialsand Degrees Requisitethe Obtain for potential jobs. salary you lifetime help out even figure will Calculator Salary Institute Research Economic The careers. figure out your income potential in various to calculators salary these at look a Take you. to up is career work your during own your start business. Again, the money you will make or freelance, job, time part second a work moonlight, also can Youchoice. your do of career the good in to money make have to will extraordinary you something that realize Or, earn. to want you what you pay will that career a select you, to important is money If others. than more pay just jobs Some Potential Income for Wisely YourPick Career

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ALL MODELS USED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ African American Stock Market Buying Power African-Americans increase in number and purchasing power, their share of the U.S. consumer market draws more and more attention from producers and retailers alike. The black buying power estimates presented here suggest that one general advertisement or product geared for all consumers misses many potentially profitable market opportunities. As the consumer market becomes more diverse, advertising, products, and media must be TODAY tailored to each market segment. With this in mind, entrepreneurs, marketing specialists, they take that money, along with that of millions of other economic development organizations, and area chambers of commerce all have sought estimates of black buying power. Going beyond the intuitive approaches often used, such people who are investing, and buy stocks and bonds with estimates provide a timely, cost-efficient, and quantitative way to assess the size of it. They then take out part of the profits for themselves, a national, state, and for Georgia, sub-state African-American markets. commission, and give you your share. Simply defined, black buying power is the total personal income of black residents that is available, after taxes, for spending on goods and services—the disposable personal income Closed end mutual funds, are similar to their open coun- of the black residents of a specified geographic area. Unfortunately, geographically precise terparts in that you turn over control of your money to data reflecting annual expenditure and income surveys of African-Americans are unavailable, and even estimates of black buying power are difficult to find, especially for professionals but, rather than putting money in them like individual states. a bank, you buy shares like a stock. This means that a closed end mutual fund acts just like any other stock on This article approaches the problem by providing estimates of black buying power for the nation, the states (including the District of Columbia), and Georgia’s eight MSAs and 159 the Stock Exchange, they have Ticker Symbols, and are counties. The estimates are reported in current dollars (not adjusted for inflation) and traded. The difference is that these mutual funds, instead profile African-American consumers’ spending power during the 1990s. The data may be of making burgers, or creating airplanes, take the money used to: (1) indicate the economic power of the black community; (2) measure the relative they have, invest it, and return the profits to the share vitality of geographic markets; (3) assess the opportunity for the entry of new businesses or the expansion of existing ones; (4) gauge a business’s annual sales growth against holders. potential market increases; (5) indicate the market potential of new and existing products; and (6) guide audience-specific advertising campaigns. RULES The estimates for 1990-1997 supersede those published in the March-April 1997 issue of Well, we have now learned how to hand over money to Georgia Business and Economic Conditions. The revised data for those years, as well as people, in exchange for stocks, but what is to stop them the preliminary estimates for 1998-1999, should be considered only as the first step toward from cheating you, or from running off to Mexico with a more comprehensive analysis of the market. An entrepreneur considering the investment of substantial capital in a new enterprise, a new product line, or a new advertising campaign your hard earned 250 dollars that was supposed to go to will need extensive feasibility analysis to determine market opportunities more precisely. McDonalds? Well to keep brokers honest, the govern- ment has put into place many commissions, and orga- METHODOLOGY nizations. Of these organizations the major player is the Because a direct measure of black buying power does not exist, the estimates reported here Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). were calculated using national and regional econometric models, univariate forecasting techniques, and data from various U.S. government sources. In general, the estimation process can be divided into two parts: estimating disposable personal income and allocating The SEC is a government agency whose purpose is to that estimate by race or ethnicity. regulate the securities industry (the stock markets). It The Selig Center’s most recent estimates of disposable personal income (total buying was created after the Great Depression when Congress power) were reported in the March-April 1998 issue of Georgia Business and Economic passed the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This agency Conditions. For 1990-1996, data on disposable personal income for the nation, the fifty decides what is legal, and prosecutes those who break states, and the District of Columbia were provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis. The Selig Center prepared corresponding projections of the rules, along with setting many standards for brokers total buying power for 1997-1999, as well as estimates for all of Georgia’s metropolitan and investors alike. All companies traded on the many statistical areas (MSAs) and counties. stock exchanges across America have to be registered Defined as the share of total personal income that is available for personal consumption with the SEC. Each must follow rules about what they expenditures, personal interest payments, and savings, disposable personal income can do with their stock, how they can advertise, and provides a measure of the total buying power of an area. Approximately 93 percent of much more. disposable personal income is used to purchase goods and services; the remaining 7 percent represents interest paid by persons, personal saving, or personal transfers to others (net). Most of the rules placed on companies are to prevent the Because the Selig Center’s estimates are based on disposable personal income data obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce, rather than money income values for the owners and employees from using insider information. U.S. as a whole issued by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the result is significantly higher Insider information is information that a person obtains estimates of black buying power. Census data are gathered through a nationwide sample of about a company that is not available to the rest of the households. In such surveys, respondents tend to underreport their income, which probably public, that can be used to their advantage while buying accounts for much of the discrepancy. The Bureau of Economic Analysis adjusts income tax return information to cope with legal but misreported income to deal with just this stocks. For example, lets say you are the CEO of compa- problem. ny XYZ, and company ABC is now in negotiations with you to merge, and create a much larger company called The Selig Center’s disposable personal income estimates for Georgia’s 159 counties and eight MSAs were prepared using univariate forecasting techniques. Disposable personal GHI Inc. Now, usually mergers cause stock prices to go income estimates for the state served as a control total for the county and MSA estimates. up, so if you, knowing that a merger is going to take place, go out and buy a lot of stock from both company Allocation of total buying power in 1990-1999 to black and nonblack populations relied ABC, and XYZ, you are using insider information, and upon racial distributions provided by the Census Bureau’s report: Estimates of the are breaking the law. Call 770-823-7231 For All your Advertise Need 13 How to Make More Money Your Lifetime Income Potential People with degrees tend to make more stay with that employer, you may not your years of working, seriously impact money working in their field than people maximize your income potential. The job your income potential. who do not have degrees. The lifetime choices you make can also affect your gain in income can be significant. As an income. Spend time in line management Negotiate a potential new employer's example, a person with a bachelors degree and manage the work of others to grow initial offer. You may find the offer is not in business will earn an additional your income potential. Or, develop a negotiable, but there is little harm in $349,028 and an engineering degree can technical skill set that makes you a valued trying - once. You will alienate the bring an employee an extra $500,000. The individual achiever. employer if you engage in a series of associates degree brings a huge bump negotiations that escalate your demands Ultimately, though, you may need to over a high school diploma. as the employer improves your offer. Only change departments or employers to earn about 20 percent of employees negotiate Need convincing? At MSN Money, Liz the highest income. I read recently that an their salary offers or benefits packages. Pulliam Weston offers convincing employee who switches companies Be one of them to improve lifetime income information from census records that expects minimally a ten percent increase potential. lifetime income increases with degrees. In in salary. Becoming a wanted quantity ups addition, according to: The Benefits of the value of your bargaining chips with Ask for raises regularly from your manager Graduate Education, "The lifetime income your current employer, too. while you work. Track your differentials are magnified when computed accomplishments. Measure the before and over a 40-year career (from ages 25 to 64). Take Action to after of projects you complete. Demonstrate Master's degree recipients will earn $2.5 and point out the value you add to the million in their lifetime. Lifetime earnings Improve Your company's bottom line. Recognize that, of holders of professional degrees, at over despite your best efforts, your employer $4.4 million, are well above that for any Lifetime Income may have a salary band outside of which other group." (Source: Educational he cannot negotiate. Your employer may Attainment in the United States, U.S. Potential also have a policy to review salaries Census Bureau, Current Population If you are a quiet, good, hardworking annually at a specific time. But, it doesn't Survey, May 2004.) employee who waits for salary increases hurt to ask; just don't pester. Develop Your Career Path With Care for to be offered by management, you are Express your career ambitions and the Income Potential To earn the best salary, if limiting your lifetime income potential. contributions to the company's success you take a job with one employer, and Actions that you take at work, and over you hope to make. Obtain your supervisor's

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™ Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ African American -- Buying Power Population of States by Age, Sex, Race and Hispanic Origin: 1990 to 1996 difference in 1997. The same report indicated that only about 13 percent of (released on December 18, 1997). The population estimates for 1997-1999 were African-Americans are college graduates, compared to 25 percent for whites and prepared by the Selig Center, and are based on Census data. A relative income 42 percent for Asians, however. Advances in educational attainment will give adjustment factor also compensated for the variation in per capita personal income blacks the credentials and the skills needed to enter occupations and fill jobs where (and by extension, in disposable personal income) that is accounted for by race. earnings are higher. The increasing number of blacks who are successfully starting These factors were calculated from the local area per capita money income data by and expanding their own businesses also contributes to the gains in buying power. race gathered during the 1990 Census of Population and Housing. Long-term Favorable demographic trends are reinforcing these positive economic forces, as trends in per capita money income suggest that relative ratios in per capita income the black population continues to grow more rapidly than the total population. In between the races change quite slowly. The ratios in this study, however, were 1999, the nation’s share of total buying power that is black will be 8.2, up from 7.4 adjusted to account for trends in the median household income, by race, reported percent in 1990. The group’s year-to-year gains in buying power vary somewhat, in the Census Bureau’s Current Population Reports for the nation. The absence of but remain substantial for each period. Annual gains ranged from 5.1 percent in current detailed data at the state and county levels clearly makes the black buying 1991 to a peak of 8.3 percent in 1995, and are expected to rise slightly in 1999 (6.1 power estimates less precise because it increases their statistical error. percent) compared to 1998 (5.7 percent). In each year, the percentage gain in black buying power has or will exceed the rate of growth in buying power for all BLACK BUYING POWER IN THE U.S. AND THE STATES consumers as a whole. Estimates of the absolute size and rate of growth of black The Selig Center projects that the nation’s black buying power will rise from $308 markets are two firm indications of market potential. In 1999, the ten states with billion in 1990 to $533 billion in 1999, up by 72.9 percent in nine years—a the largest African-American markets, in order, will be New York, California, compound annual rate of growth of 6.3 percent. This percentage gain far outstrips Texas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, and both the 56.7 percent increase projected for total buying power, the 55.3 percent Michigan. In order, the top ten states ranked by the rate of growth of black buying increase projected for nominal GDP, and the 14 percent increase projected in the power over 1990-1999 will be Idaho, South Dakota, Vermont, North Dakota, Utah, African-American population. The U.S. Consumer Price Index will increase 28.7 Nevada, Minnesota, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico. All of these states have percent during this same period, but black buying power will grow more than two small but flourishing markets. No state appears on both top ten lists, but Florida and one half times as fast as inflation. Substantially above-average growth in black and Georgia are among the nation’s largest markets and, according to rates of buying power demonstrates the growing importance of black consumers and growth, ranked fourteenth and eighteenth, respectively. The combination of size should create tremendous opportunities for businesses that pay attention to their and growth rate makes these two states particularly attractive and dynamic needs. Because of differences in per capita income, wealth, demographics, and markets. Georgia surpasses Florida in a third measure of market potential, the culture the spending habits of African-Americans as a group are not the same as concentration of black markets. The market share claimed by black consumers is those of the average U.S. consumer. The most recent Consumer Expenditure important because the higher their market share, the lower the average cost of Survey carried out by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (based on data from reaching a potential buyer in the group. It is obviously more difficult to target the 1995) indicates that black households spent only about 74 percent as much as the black consumer in diffuse markets, although selective media or zip code mailings average U.S. household and spent a higher proportion of their after-tax income on can lower the cost per individual. In order, the ten states (including the District of goods and services. The values are based on money income, which differs Columbia) with the largest shares of total buying power that is black are the somewhat from total buying power, but nonetheless offers some insights into District of Columbia, Mississippi, Maryland, Louisiana, South Carolina, Georgia, spending by black consumers. Despite their lower average income levels, African- Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, and Delaware. Nationally, black consumers’ American households spent more on apparel, telephone services, and natural gas share of the market will increase from 7.4 percent in 1990 to 8.2 percent in 1999, than average U.S. households. African-Americans also spent a higher proportion a 0.8 percentage point gain. Although the share of buying power controlled by of their after-tax income on housing, electricity, transportation, and food eaten at black consumers will rise in every state, Maryland, Louisiana, Delaware, Georgia, home. They spent a lower percentage of their income on personal insurance and Mississippi, Virginia, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Alabama will experience pensions, eating out, health care, and household furnishings. The Consumer the largest increases in market share. Measuring from the lowest rate, the ten states Expenditure Survey indicates that 56 percent of black households are renters, with the slowest growth of black buying power over 1990-1999 will be the District compared to 36 percent of all households. Blacks spend about the same proportion of Columbia, Alaska, California, West Virginia, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, of their incomes as the overall population on many goods and services, including Oklahoma, Kansas, and Michigan. The list is not surprising, since total buying household operations, housekeeping supplies, alcoholic beverages, tobacco power also is growing slowly in many of these states. The ten states with the products, personal care products, and cash contributions. Combined with the smallest black markets, basically a result of their small black populations, are relatively rapid growth of black buying power, such differences and similarities Montana, Vermont, North Dakota, Wyoming, Maine, South Dakota, Idaho, New should provide many marketing opportunities to those targeting the black Hampshire, Utah, and Alaska. The spending power of black consumers nevertheless consumer. Among the diverse forces supporting the substantial and continued is blossoming in six of these markets: Idaho, South Dakota, Vermont, North growth of black buying power, perhaps the most important is the increased number Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. of jobs across the nation. Employment opportunities have improved for everyone, including African-Americans. The Census Bureau indicates that, in the past BLACK BUYING POWER IN GEORGIA decade, the gap in high-school completions between blacks and whites in the 25- to By 1999, Georgiaís black buying power is expected to equal $30.4 billion, or 17.9 29-year-old age group narrowed to the point where there was no statistical percent of the state’s total buying power of $170.2 billion. Statewide black buying Call 770-823-7231 For All your Advertise Need 15 The Fox Theatre Georgia Dome Chastain Amphitheatre

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Professional designers often give you the final product in more than one format so you Philip’s Arena; One Philip’s Drive, Atlanta have one for web use, one for printing on letter Marietta St. & Centennial Olympic Park Dr. heads etc. 404-878-3000 Ticket Information • Price... You could pay thousands, but there's no Hawks: 404-827-DUNK (3865) need. Anything above $500 dollars is too much. Thrashers: 404-584-PUCK (7825) • Speed... You should not have to wait more than www.philipsarena.com or www. 72 hours for your first draft. hawks.com PRE-DESIGNED LOGOS SCAM WARNING Be careful when ordering pre-designed logos. 1. Permits and Licenses Some design companies create template logos (the same logo is sold to different companies) and call 2. Forms of business: them "pre-designed logos". Real pre-designed Sole Proprietorship logos are unique, original designs sold only once. 3. Forms of business: Partnership There are of course fantastic benefits to buying a REAL pre-designed logo: 4. Forms of business: C-Corporation 1. You see exactly what you get before you pay. 5. Forms of business: S-Corporation 2. You can have it much faster than custom logos. 6. Business Insurance 3. Because they save the design company time, they're usually cheaper than custom 7. About business logos logo designs. 4. If you order it from the right design company, you get a unique, original logo and the full rights to it. ALL MODELS ALL USED PURPOSES FOR ONLY. ILLUSTRATIVE Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ January: (404) 264-0020 Georgia's Stone Mountain Park Last Monday in May Memorial Day King Week and the Martin Luther King Jr. U.S. Hwy. 78 east to Stone Mountain Park exit July 4 Independence Day National Holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Center National Black Family Reunion Celebration (770) 498-5702 1st Monday in September Labor Day for Nonviolent Social Change, 449 Auburn Ave. Grant Park and Atlanta Marriott Marquis 2nd Monday in October Columbus Day N.E (404) 526-8900 (404) 524-6269 Latin American Film Festival Nov 11 Veterans' Day Rich Auditorium of Woodruff Art Center 4th Thursday in November Thanksgiving February: Arts Festival of Atlanta, Centennial Park, 1280 Peachtree Rd. (404) 733-4570 Woodruff Park and other venuses. Friday after Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Holiday African-American History Dec 24 Christmas Eve, Dec 25 Christmas Day (404) 589-8777 November: Month Atlanta, the center of the Civil Rights Holidays occurring on a Sunday are moved to movement for years, marks African-American Lighting of Rich's Great Tree Atlanta Virtuosi's Hispanic Festival of the Arts, a Monday History Month with numerous educational and Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St. Atlanta Cuban Club, 5797 New Peachtree Rd., entertainment events. For specific dates and (770) 913-5551 Doraville (770) 938-8611 Emergency: 911 times, call (404) 730-1976. Holiday Celebration Business: 9-5 July: Southeastern Flower Show Georgia's Stone Mountain Park Fantastic Fourth Celebration Georgia's Stone How to get around: Public Transportation: City Hall Exhibition Center, City Hall East U.S. Hwy. 78 east to Stone Mountain Park exit Mountain Park, U.S. Hwy. 78 east to Stone MARTA Call for schedules: (404)848-4711 640 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E. (770) 498-5702 Mountain Park exit, (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is (404) 888-5638 one of the most advanced rapid transit systems (770) 498-5702 December: in the United States. All buses and train March: The Atlanta Ballet-The Nutcracker Independence Day, Various Locations stations accept the MARTA Trans card. For a Atlanta Passion Play, Atlanta Civic Center, The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E. 200,000 spectators line Peachtree Street at flat weekly or monthly fee, patrons have 395 Piedmont Ave. N.E. (404) 347-8400 (404) 873-5811 dawn to watch 50,000 runners compete in the unlimited use of the entire system. Cards are Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival annual Peachtree Road. Midday there's Atlanta Botanical Garden Country Christmas sold at RideStore locations at the airport and International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial WSB-TV's Salute 2 America Parade with 1345 Piedmont Ave., at The Prado major stations and in many grocery and Olympic Pkwy., Conyers (770) 918-2169 bands, balloons and celebrities; it's the largest (404) 876-5859 convenience stores. With the card, transfers Independence Day parade in the nation. are not needed. Children three and under ride Baby & Kid Expo, Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta History Center Candlelight Tours free. 2 Galleria Pkwy. N.W. (770) 395-7900 The Southeast's largest fireworks display is at 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., N.W. Lenox Square, 3393 Peachtree Road, (404) 814-4000 Trains run every 4 minutes on weekdays April: (404) 233-6767 between 5am and 7pm. From 7pm-1am they Easter Sunrise Services Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concerts run every 10 minutes. On Saturday and Georgia's Stone Mountain Park, U.S. Hwy. Braves fans see a fireworks display at Turner Symphony Hall, Woodruff Arts Center Sunday they run every 10 or 15 minutes until 78 east to Stone Mountain Park exit. Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive, following the ball 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. (404) 733-5000 1am on Sunday morning and 12:30am on (770) 498-5702 game, call (404) 522-7630. Monday morning. Buses follow the same Christmas at Callanwolde schedule. Sheep to Shawl Day, Atlanta History Center, National Black Arts Festival 236 Forsyth St. 980 Briarcliff Rd. N.E. (404) 872-5338 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. (404) 814-4000 S.W. (404) 730-7315 The National Black Arts TAXIS: Festival is presented biannually in early July. Egleston Children's Christmas Parade Atlanta's 2000+ cabs operate under a limited Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Piedmont Park, Downtown Atlanta streets. (404) 264-9348 flat rate structure by zones. The fare from the September: 10th St. and Piedmont Ave. (404) 875-7275 airport to the downtown business district is Montreaux Atlanta International Music Festival Festival of Trees, Festival of Lights about $20. for one passenger. Sales tax is Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour, Piedmont Park, 1085 Piedmont Ave. Georgia World Congress Center extra, as is baggage. Various Druid Hills Homes (404) 817-6815 285 International Blvd. (404) 325-NOEL (404) 524-TOUR AAA Yellow Cab - (404) 255-3333 Tour D'Town Peach Bowl Parade Rapid Taxi Co - (404) 222-9888 Inman Park Festival, Edgewood and Bolling Wy. and E. Paces Ferry Rd. Downtown Atlanta streets (404) 586-8500 Yellow Cab Dunwoody (770) 394-9999 Euclid Aves. and other Inman Park (404) 841-0700 Firstnight Atlanta streets (770) 242-4895 Airport: Hartsfield Atlanta Midtown streets (404) 881-0400 U.S. 10K Classic and Family Sports Festival International WalkAmerica, Various metro Atlanta streets The Cobb Galleria Centre Tel: (404) 530-6600 Fax: (404) 530-6803 (404) 352-WALK I-285 and Cobb Pkwy. (770) 432-0100 Atlanta Rings in the New Year Underground Atlanta Distance from city: 10 miles (16km) Georgia Renaissance Festival Yellow Daisy Festival 50 Upper Alabama St. (404) 523-2311 Airport Code: ATL I-85 at Exit 12, Fairburn (770) 964-8575 Georgia's Stone Mountain Park Transportation between Hartsfield and the U.S. Hwy. 78 east to Stone Mountain Park exit Atlanta, Georgia City Information Metro Atlanta area: Buses run from 5 a.m. to May: (770) 498-5702 Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone ( GMT -4) 1:30 a.m. Monday through Friday & from 5:30 Lasershow Georgia's Stone Mountain Park, Weather: Average Temperatures (in a.m. to 12:30 a.m. weekends & holidays. U.S. Hwy. 78 east to Stone Mountain Park exit. Olde English Festival Fahrenheit): High Low (770) 498-5690 St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church January - March 63˚, 36˚ MARTA's rail system operates from 5 a.m. to 1790 LaVista Rd. (404) 634-3336 April - June 87˚, 50˚ 1 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 6 a.m. Springfest and the Corporate Garage Sale July - September 88˚, 63˚ to 12:30 a.m. weekends and holidays. Rail Georgia's Stone Mountain Park Street of Dreams Locations vary annually October - December 74˚, 35˚ cars run every four minutes between the airport U.S. Hwy. 78 east to Stone Mountain Park exit (770) 614-7841 and Lindbergh Center Station. Fares: (770) 498-5690 Pleasant temperatures in the summer and mild Approximate fares: 1 person - $ 1.50; 2 people Alpenfest, Georgia's Stone Mountain Park winters make Atlanta a pleasure to visit year - 3.00; 3 people - 4.50 (or buy a Trans Pass Bed and Breakfast Tour Edgewood and Euclid U.S. Hwy. 78 east to Stone Mountain Park exit round. Dress appropriately Jan.-March. and use it throughout your stay). Aves. and other Inman Park streets (770) 498-5702 (404) 876-2041 CHURCH SERVICES: Metro Area Shuttles: Reservations required. Ansley Park Home Tour Various homes, Catholic: Check with dispatcher at Airport Shuttle desk. National Historic Preservation Week (404) 872-TOUR All Saints Catholic Church Various Locations (404) 876-2040 2443 Mount Vernon Rd Hartsfield Airport is the size of a small city and Atlanta Greek Festival Greek Orthodox Atlanta, GA 30338-3099 employs 35,000 people. The Atrium, a 225,000 Atlanta Celtic Festival Cathedral of the Annunciation Phone: (770) 393-3255 sq. ft. 4 story structure, topped with a 60 ft. Oglethorpe University 4484 Peachtree Rd. 2500 Clairmont Rd. (404) 633-5870 wide skylight connects the north and south (404) 261-1441 Cathedral Of Christ The King The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Barbecue Fest terminals. It contains over 40 restaurants and 2699 Peachtree Rd Ne Midtown Music Festival Gwinnett County Fairgrounds 2405 Sugarloaf shops and is also the location of a 20,000 sq. Atlanta, GA 30305-3689 Peachtree and 10th Sts. 404-872-1115 Pkwy., Lawrenceville foot conference center with accommodation for Phone: (404) 261-8191 Usually held the first weekend in May. Tickets (770) 963-6522 the running of 15 meetings simultaneously. are available through TicketMaster; Baptist: Grant Park Tour of Homes Various homes Amtrak: Brookwood Station, 1688 call (404) 249-6400 Antioch Baptist Church (404) 522-7131 Peachtree Street NW, (404) 881-3060. Service 6045 Riverdale Rd Atlanta Jazz Festival daily to and from NY Penn Station and New Atlanta, GA 30349-6205 Grant Park, Georgia and Cherokee Aves. Sweet Auburn Heritage Festival, Auburn Ave. Orleans (404) 525-0205 Phone: (770) 996-1955 (404) 817-6815 Greyhound Bus Lines: 232 Forsyth St., SW (404) 584-1728 Atlanta Peach Caribbean Festival October: Atlanta Bible Baptist Church Driving in Atlanta: Atlanta is served by three Various Locations (404) 220-0158 Georgia Renaissance Festival 1663 Bouldercrest Rd Se I-85 at Exit 12, Fairburn (770) 964-8575 Atlanta, GA 30316-4023 major highways: Interstate 85N (the Northeast Decatur Arts Festival Phone: (404) 241-1176 Expressway) and its counterpart I85S Decatur Town Square and Other Locations AIDS Walk Atlanta (the Southwest Expressway); Interstate 75 (404) 371-9583 Piedmont Park and various streets Atlanta Primitive Baptist Church Northe and South; and Interstate 20East and (404) 876-WALK 1367 S Ponce De Leon Ave Ne West. In Atlanta, the rush hour never seems to Taste of the South Atlanta, GA 30306-4623 end. The public transportation is excellent, and Georgia's Stone Mountain Park Tour of Southern Ghosts, Georgia's Stone Phone: (404) 377-7351 most visitors find that it is easy to manage U.S. Hwy. 78 east to Stone Mountain Park exit Mountain Park, U.S. Hwy. 78 east to without a car, or by renting one for excursions Bankhead Baptist Church (770) 498-5590 Stone Mountain Park exit. (770) 498-5702 way beyond the city. 2498 Bankhead Hwy Nw June: Japan Fest Atlanta, GA 30318-8341 Atlanta, Georgia Attractions / Virginia-Highland Summerfest, John Howell Georgia's Stone Mountain Park Phone: (404) 794-4828 Things to do Park, Virginia Ave. at Ponce de Leon Pl. U.S. Hwy. 78 east to Stone Mountain Park exit Atlanta Area Codes: 678, 404, 770 (404) 222-8244 (770) 498-5702 Atlanta History Center, National Holidays: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd., 404-814-4000 Atlanta Zoo, 800 Cherokee Ave. Oktoberfest, Helen (800) 858-8027 Jan 1 New Year's Day Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am to 5:30 pm, Sun (404) 624-5600 Hidden in the mountains just 70 miles 3rd Monday in January Martin Luther King Jr 12:00pm to 5:30 pm northeast from Atlanta is an Alpine village look- Day/Robert E Lee's Birthday, 3rd Monday in Prices: Adults $7, Seniors and Students $5, alike. February Presidents' Day/Washington's Georgia Shakespeare Festival Children 6-17 $4 Birthday, Last Monday in April Confederate A contemporary atmosphere marks this Oglethorpe University 4484 Peachtree Rd. Scottish Festival and Highland Games Memorial Day historical center, which holds the largest, most Call 770-823-7231 For All your Advertise Need 17 comprehensive Civil War exhibits in the South, figures like the Muppets. Guests often picnic here and enjoy views of cabins, coach houses, and barns. The Park's and touches on aspects of Southern and Atlanta and even Chattanooga, Tennessee. 3,200 acres contain numerous lakes, hiking Atlanta history, including the civil-rights Over 1million people enjoy this park each year. trails, paved recreational paths, and a 1.3 mile struggle. Two historic homes on the 23-acre CNN Center, 1 CNN Center 404-827-2491 climb to the top of Stone Mountain. From the grounds of the center are open for touring: an Hours: Daily The global headquarters of the top one can see Atlanta's modern skyline and authentic 1840s-working farm (The Tullie Smith CNN News Group and Turner Broadcasting the nearby Appalachians. There are also a Lake Lanier Islands House), and a 1928 grand Italianate mansion and also an entertainment-shopping-dining- wildlife preserve and petting zoo operates year 6950 Holiday Rd., 770-932-7255 (The Swan House) hotel round. Finally, there is a nightly laser show that Hours: Fri-Sat 10:00am to 7:00pm, recreates historical events. Sun-Thu 10:00am to 6:00pm Prices: Adults $20.99, seniors of kids $13.99, World Of Coca-Cola kids under 2: free, Parking/entrance fee: $6 55 Martin Luther King Jr Dr 404-676-5151 Lake Lanier Islands is a resort and waterpark Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00am to 5:00pm, Sun spread across 1,200 acres There are 12:00pm to 6:00pm numerous hotels, golf courses, boat rentals. Prices: Adults $6, seniors, students, But the biggest attraction is the Waterpark, and kids 12 and up $4, kids 6-11 $3 featuring water-slide rides, a king-size wave This museum is dedicated entirely to the pool, a mile and a half of white sandy beach, history of the world's most recognizable brand: volleyball, and live music and DJs. Coca-Cola. Thousands of Coke objects, commercials, radio jingles, and billboards from Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site Coke's 114 year history can be found within. 450 Auburn NE, 404-331-6922 Visitors learn how Coke is bottled, and see Hours: Daily 9:00am to 5:00pm Coke's international side. A Coke tasting Prices: Free session caps off the tour, where visitors can A half-mile stretch of Auburn Avenue east of sample downtown is marked by its association with Dr. Coke from around the world. Martin Luther King Jr. These sites include the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, Queen Anne-style house where he was born, 441 Freedom Parkway Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, The Only presidential library in the southeast and the memorial tomb at the King Center United States honors the early life, political where he is buried. career, and presidency of Jimmy Carter. The Visitor Center offers outstanding Museum open to the public 7 days; designed for a relaxed, leisurely visit. Enjoy a 30 minute extravaganza. The crown jewel of the Center is exhibits on the life and times of King. Atlanta Botanical Garden, historical film on the Presidency, visit the Oval the CNN Studios tour, a must-see for an 1345 Piedmont Ave NE., 404-876-5859 Piedmont Park Office and enjoy an exact replica of the impressive behind-the-scenes look at global Hours: Tue-Sun 9:00am to 6:00pm Piedmont Ave NE at 14th Street beautiful Crown of St. Stephen, a gift from the news in the making. Prices: Adults $6, Seniors $5, Students and Hours: Daily 6:00am to 11:00pm people of Hungary. Ongoing temporary exhibits Kids $3, Free on Thursdays Fabulous Fox Theatre, Prices: Free are offered. September thru April 1999, visitors The Garden features several distinct exhibit 660 Peachtree Street NE 404-881-2100 Piedmont Park is now the center of outdoor will enjoy a realistic recreation of Camp David areas. The Fuqua Conservatory is a giant Box office open all day on day of show and recreational activities in Atlanta, where and participate in the 20th Anniversary of the greenhouse enclosing different climate- This beautiful 1920s structure was built as an virtually any game or activity imaginable can be signing of the Camp David Accords. Free controlled ecosystems. The steamy Tropical Yaarab Temple Shrine Mosque and features found here. Piedmont also hosts various cultural/educational programs featured Rotunda features colossal-leaved plant life and Moorish designs inside and out, including statuary and memorials that bear witness to throughout the year. The public is encouraged towering rubber trees. Visitors feels like they onion domes, minarets, and arches. An open- the city's history. to picnic at concerts on the lawn, attend book are in a real rainforest. Outdoors, there are signings of best-selling authors, or lunch on the air Arabian courtyard serves as the auditorium. SciTrek Science & Tech Museum numerous paths to guide guests through The Fox showcases a colossal theater organ terrace at the Copenhill Café. Stroll through the 395 Piedmont Ave NE., 404-522-5500 planned nature walks. The influence of with four keyboards, 3,622 pipes, 376 stops, lovely gardens, sit by the pond, and take Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am to 5:00pm, Sun Japanese architecture is evident throughout, and 42 ranks. This attraction is one of Atlanta's photos of Atlanta's skyline. 12:00pm to 5:00pm and quiet spots to sit and absorb the beauty of most beloved landmarks. the landscape are abundant. Children are Prices: Adults $7.50, students, seniors, Underground Atlanta special guests at the Botanical Gardens. An Grant Park kids 3-17 $5 Six city blocks in the heart of Atlanta have interactive "kid's space" is scheduled to be Corner of Berne Street and Boulevard Atlanta SciTrek, Atlanta's museum of science and been transformed into a spirited urban completed in 1999. In 1883, Colonel Lemuel P. Grant bequeathed technology, prides itself on its hands-on marketplace featuring 12 spectacular 85 acres of his private estate to Atlanta for use exhibits. More than 150 permanent exhibits restaurants, over 100 specialty shops, and Centennial Olympic Park as a public park. The city won 44 more acres explain science through doing, touching, and entertainment emporiums, as well as street- Centennial Park is clean and well-maintained of land before opening the park in 1891. The playing. The many activities and regularly cart merchants. space, featuring a decorative mosaic of grass- park has cozy glens, abundant small hills, scheduled science shows are educational and green patches and various geometric shapes gazebos and open pavilions. Grant Park also fun for kids of all ages. Business Web composed in red brick. The Quilt of SCORE: www.scoreatlanta.org contains the Atlanta Zoo. Six Flags Over Georgia Remembrance, a memorial to those killed by Small Busines Administration: www.sba.gov 7561 Six Flags Way., 770-948-9290 the bomb planted here during the 1996 Kennesaw Mountain National Park Atlanta Business League: www.theabl.org Hours: Seasonal Hours. During the week Olympics, is the most notable of the park's 900 Kennesaw Mountain DR NW Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce: 10:00am to 9:00pm Weekends 10am to 10pm many artistic adornments. Every day at noon 770-427-4686 www.metroatlantachamber.com A 331-acre, state-of-the-art theme park, Six sharp jets of water suddenly burst from the six Hours: Daily 8:30am to 5:00pm Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce: Flags has over 100 rides, attractions, and rings of an Olympic logo in a beautiful water Prices: Free www.gablackchamberofcommerce.org shows. Water Flumes, roller coasters, stage display that includes programmed music. Kennesaw Mountain National Park Women’s Economic Development Agency: shows, musicals, carnival food, restaurants, commemorates the 1864 Civil War battle for www.weda-atlanta.org Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring and more greet millions of visitors to this Atlanta. Union forces under General Sherman Georgia Office of Small and Minority Business: Street 404-873-3391 regional attraction each year. assaulted the heavily fortified Confederate www.2.state.ga.us/departments/doas/osmb/overview.html Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00am to 5:00pm Check it out for a wild and fun time! positions on Kennesaw, losing more than 5,000 Atlanta Development Authority: www.atlantada.com Prices: Adults $5, kids $4, or $2 with a men. Eventually, Confederate forces retreated Stone Mountain Park, 770-498-5690 Atlanta Minority Business Development Center: performance ticket for the same day amidst the horror of hand-to-hand combat. Hours: Daily 6:00am to 12:00am www.atlmbdc.com Located in a former elementary school, the Today, the park encloses 2,882 acres of Prices: $6 per car Small Business Development Center at GSU: 22-year-old center prides itself on being the protected land and boasts 16 miles of hiking Stone Mountain is located 20 minutes outside www.gsu.edu/~wwwsbp largest organization in the U.S. devoted to trails. Over 11 miles of Confederate trenches of Atlanta, and features a three-acre sculpture Small Business Development Center at KSU: puppetry. The center offers puppetry classes, form visible rings on the mountainside. Historic of Confederate leaders etched into the coles.kennesaw.edu/pages/sbdc/sbdc.htm daily performances by center puppeteers and markers and memorials provide information mountainside. Stone Mountain also has a Working Capital Atlanta: www.workingcapitalatlanta.com various companies, along with a great about significant battle sites and events. A restored Antebellum Plantation, featuring 18th Atlanta Metro Black Chamber of Commerce: www. interactive museum that includes small museum displays Civil War-era artifacts. and 19th century colonial mansions, slave atlantablackchamber.com Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ But Wait, There’s More! More Than 800,000 U.S. African American -- Buying Power Businesses Owned by power in 1999 will surpass that of 1990 by $14.6 billion, an increase of 93.3 percent. Year-to-year increases in black buying power are estimated at 6.7 percent in 1991, 8.7 percent in 1992, 6.7 percent in 1993, 9.6 percent in 1994, 10.3 percent in 1995, 8.5 percent in 1996, and 6.9 in 1997, 5.4 in 1998, and 5.8 percent in 1999. The compound annual rate of growth for the period will be 7.6 percent. In Georgia, African-Americans control African (Black) approximately 18 cents of each dollar in spending power; that is, black purchases account for more than one out of every six dollars spent. Clearly, for many of Georgiaís businesses, capturing black spending can make the difference between success and failure. GEORGIA’S MSAs Apportioning black buying power by metropolitan character shows that, from 1990-1999, black buying power AfricanAmericans American-owned businesses in the United will post slightly stronger growth in nonmetropolitan areas of Georgia (94.8 percent) than in the state’s urban States totaled 823,500, employed 718,300 people areas (92.9 percent). Black buying power is increasing slowly in many of the counties that contain the central and generated $71.2 billion in revenues in 1997, business districts of Georgia’s major cities, primarily because the populations of these areas are growing according to a report released today by the Commerce slowly. In contrast, many metropolitan counties adjacent to heavily-developed city centers will see relatively rapid gains in black buying power. More prosperous blacks apparently also are moving to the suburbs. By Department's Census Bureau. Businesses owned by 1999, black buying power in Georgia’s 42 metropolitan counties will total $23.2 billion, or 18.1 percent of African Americans made up 4 percent of the 20.8 total buying power in these areas, up from 16.3 percent in 1990. Black buying power also will make up 17 million nonfarm businesses in the nation and 0.4 percent of total buying power in Georgia’s 117 nonmetropolitan counties, up from 14.5 percent in 1990. percent of the $18.6 trillion in receipts for all Nonmetropolitan black buying power, which will total $7.2 billion in 1999, will account for 23.7 percent of businesses. The vast majority of African American- overall black buying power; metropolitan counties will have 76.3 percent. (It should be noted that black owned firms, 90 percent or 737,100, were sole buying power estimates for Georgia’s MSAs include the out-of-state counties that are part of several areas.) proprietorships -- unincorporated businesses owned Atlanta. Unquestionably the state’s largest black metropolitan market, the twenty-county Atlanta MSA boasted by individuals. C corporations (all legally black buying power of just over $8.3 billion in 1990. By 1999, the area’s black buying power will double to incorporated businesses except for Subchapter S $16.6 billion, a jump of $8.3 billion or 99.7 percent. Atlanta remains Georgia’s fastest growing metropolitan corporations, whose shareholders elect to be taxed as market, and black consumers account for a large and growing share of the consumer market. By 1999, 16.9 individuals rather than as corporations) numbered percent of the area’s total buying power will be controlled by black consumers. Individually, Fulton, DeKalb, 42,700. But C corporations ranked first in receipts and Clayton counties are the Atlanta MSA’s largest and most concentrated county-level markets. The among all African American-owned firms, reporting relatively slow growth of black buying power in DeKalb County significantly reduces the 20-county metropolitan area’s overall rate of growth, however, even though the buying power of DeKalb County’s black $28.5 billion. The 1997 Survey of Minority-Owned residents is growing much faster than that of its non-black residents. Fulton County’s black consumer market Business Enterprises was the first to include C is the most dynamic of Atlanta’s three core counties, and its black buying power should expand by 108.4 Continued to page 20

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Reuben Lewis President/Agent Nationwide Insurance & Financial Services 404-477-7100404-477-7100 5405 Memorial Dr Bldg G-1 2918 Evans Mill Road Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Lithonia, GA 30058 404-477-7100 404-781-5417 [email protected]

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Immediate Notification: and other free consumer resources. The Bureau contacts you quickly concerning any complaints 6. YOUR MEMBERSHIP REPORT about your company so they can be resolved and avoided in Reliability Reports are available 24 hours a day, seven days BEING A MEMBER the future. Satisfied customers often become repeat a week. When a prospective customer seeks more information Being a member of the Better Business Bureau may be one customers and often refer friends and family to your before purchasing your service or product, your report is of the best decisions you'll ever make for your business. business. accessible from any touch-tone telephone on our 24-hour Your annual membership dues are cost effective and 100% Voice Response System and via our web site. The BBB tax deductible as a necessary business expense. Security Account: A trust (escrow) account established by the Better Business Bureau gives you and your customers receives over 6,500 requests for information each day. extra protection. Funds related to the transaction are held in 7. PRIORITY SERVICE the BBB's security account until goods or services are Our direct, unlisted telephone number is available for delivered. You can use this service personally or when your members only. During normal business hours you will customers want extra assurance before doing business with Call 770-823-7231 For All your Advertise Need 21 What is SBA? Small Business Administration (SBA) SBA - Services provided by the US Small Business Administration Offices and Partners. Definitions of Small Business Administration on the Web: • A federal agency authorized to make loans to small businesses, including loans for land purchase and construction. To be eligible, the borrower must have been refused the loan by a private lender. www.census.gov/ hhes/www/rfs/glossary.html • A governmental agency that aids, counsels, assists, and protects the interests of small business concerns, and advocates on their behalf within the Government. www.banknorth.com/bank/glossary_sb_p_t.html

• Established by Congress, the SBA provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. www.businesstown.com/finance/money-glossary.asp

• A federal agency created to foster and protect the interests of small business concerns. www.washington.edu/admin/purchstores/glossary/glossary.cgi

• Independent federal agency in the executive branch. Created in 1953, it provides aid, advice, assistance and support to small businesses in the United States. In addition, the agency makes loans to small businesses, state and local developers and victims of floods and other disasters. www.multied.com/Civics/S.html

• The federal governmental agency that guarantees loans made by banks to small businesses. print.smallbusiness.findlaw.com/starting-business/starting-business- overview/starting-business-overview-glossary.html

• Federal agency, created in 1953 to provide management and financial assistance to small businesses. Mainly, the SBA guarantees loans through financial institutions. The loans may be used for working capital, machinery and equipment acquisition of real estate, and expansion. www.hrsbdc.org/financing/glossary.html

• The SBA is a US federal government department whose director is appointed by the President. The SBA provides several programs for small business (see definition of small business) such as the "Microbusiness Intermediary Loan Program," the SBA Guaranty program and a new program called a "revolving line of credit" which allows program lenders to provide short term financing of inventory, while businesses are awaiting the collection of accounts receivable among other programs. The SBA funds demonstration projects, research, provides many business resources such as video training tapes, and many other activities. www.delawarecountybrc.com/glossaryterms.htm

• An independent agency of the United States government that protects the interests of small businesses and ensures that they receive a fair share of government contracts www.cogsci.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/webwn2.1

• The United States Small Business Administration is a United States Government agency that provides support to small businesses. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Business_Administration Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/

cold calling target companies and searching experience has taught you. energy into your search. Take care of your online job listings. Q: How can I keep my spirits up? physical and emotional health by exercising, Q: How should I respond to those who ask A: Recognize that you will likely experience eating well and surrounding yourself with why I left my last position? the five steps of dealing with loss: denial, positive and supportive people. And make anger, bargaining, depression and, finally, sure you start each day with a plan. A sense A: Keep it brief. Be calm and objective; acceptance. Don't be too hard on yourself of purpose and accomplishment will go a never assign blame. End your explanation if you get down now and then. long way in making you feel better and on a positive note by emphasizing your On the other hand, try not to dwell on landing you that new job. main accomplishments and what the anger or bitterness; instead channel that Stock Market Today SEC rules and regulations not only pertain to companies on the Exchange, but to the brokers that trade, and to you, the investor. As an investor, you too, cannot buy stocks knowing information about a company that know one else knows. Brokers get the heaviest burden of rules and regulations from the SEC. Most of these rules are to protect you, the investor. An example of one of these rules is that when a floor broker goes to buy a stock on your behalf , he must buy from the lowest priced bidder, and when he is selling, he must sell it to the highest price bidder. Sounds like common sense, but in fact it is not. Floor brokers, could easily sell your stock really low to another broker, in exchange for them selling you a different stock really cheap, to give a better customer a better price. This would not be fair to you, being sacrificed to give another person a better price. Call 770-823-7231 For All your Advertise Need 23 The Jazz Loft MASSAGE REMAX OF ATLANTA 201 Courtland St., Atlanta, Ga. 30303 VIDEO SERVICES Heavenly Hands Massage 404-526-9130, www.thejazzloft.com Jonathan S. Young Cherida Thompson Alicia Isaac 678-289-1590, [email protected] 678-409-3942 REALTOR® SEAFOOD MARKETS S&H Fish Market MORTGAGES Let me put you in The Home of 5370 Highway 78, Suite 30 your Dreams Today Stone Mountain, Ga. 30087 ConvergenexWEBSITE Interactive DESIGN Approved Financial Group, Inc. 770-413-4105, [email protected] 3050 Presidential Parkway, Suite 113 Robert Baptiste Office: 770-938-1400 ex 6062 Fresh Healthy Seafood Atlanta, Ga. 30340 4001 Presidential Parkway, Suite 102 Mobile: 678-457-0236 770-458-6651, www.convergenex.com Atlanta, Ga. 30340 Voice Mail: 770-724-6062 SALON & SPA 678-530-9778, www.afgimortgage.com Alre's Salon & Spa Southlake Mortgage Corporation 3650 Market Place Blvd., Suite 940 Oliver Williford 404-227-7762, [email protected] East Point, Ga. 30344 3000 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 180 Keller Williams Realty 404-346-9996, www.alressalonandspa.com Morrow, Ga. 30260 Gloria L. Moss Divine Perfections Hair Salon 678-479-6500 www.southlakemortgage.com 404-376-6767 Mobile, 678-808-1300 Office 571 Garden Walk Blvd. [email protected] College Park, Ga. 30274 OFFICE SPACE Robinson Realty Group 770-997-7540, www.divineperfections.com The Virtual Office Group Jenea Smith & Danica Peoples EnPointe Spa and Salon Jakil Hill 2727 West Paces Ferry 4166 Snapfinger Woods Drive 925 Main Street, Suite 100 Atlanta, Ga. 30339 Decatur, Ga. 30035 Stone Mountain, Ga. 30083 Jenea 404-304-8964 - Danica 404-456-7851 404-288-7733, www.enpointespasalon.com 678-476-3700, www.thevirtualofficegroup.com www.peopleschoiceteam.com REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS Travis Dowdy Salon OPTOMETRIST Travis Dowdy The Eye Care Studio, LLC 4450 Hugh Howell Road, Suite 12 2375 Wesley Chapel Road, Suite 6 Century 21 Dynamic Realty & Gold Medal Realty Tucker, Ga. 30086 Decatur, Ga. 30035 770-938-5923 770-987-3937, www.eyefinity.com/ 6808 Main St. & 402 W. Ponce De Leon Av eyecarestudio Lithonia, Ga. 30058 770-482-2100, 404-377-0116 SECURITY SYSTEMS ORGANIZATIONS RESTAURANTS System 5 Electronics, Inc. 1761 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd.

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Call 1-800-829-1954 for information about your Refund form Federal Income Taxs Call 404-656-6286 for information about your Refund form your State GA Income Taxs Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ Continued form page 16 owned firms averaged $86,500 in African American-owned firms in U.S. 0.0 55,300 0.2 corporations, from which the current receipts compared with $410,600 for all All firms African American- Ohio 27,000 3 . 3 tabulations are derived. U.S. firms (excluding publicly held owned firms as a percent of all firms 781,300 3.5 Four states, New York (86,500), corporations and firms whose owners' U.S. Total 823,500 Oklahoma 5,300 0 . 6 California (79,100), Texas (60,400) and race or ethnicity were indeterminate, 20,821,900 4.0 280,700 1.9 Florida (59,700) accounted for 35 e.g., mutual companies whose Alabama 19,100 2 . 3 Oregon 2,200 0 . 3 percent of the firms owned by African ownership is shared by its members). 285,200 6.7 291,600 0.8 Americans. Three out of 10 African Alaska 900 0 . 1 Pennsylvania 19,800 2.4 The survey data also show that 11 Americans reside in these four states. 64,100 1.4 837,800 2.4 percent, or 93,200, of African American- States With Largest Number of African Arizona 3,600 0 . 4 Rhode Island 1,300 0.2 owned firms had paid employees. These American-Owned Firms: 1997 329,000 1.1 80,900 1.6 accounted for 79 percent ($56.4 billion) Geographic Area A f r i c a n Arkansas 6,700 0 . 8 South Carolina 23,200 2.8 of the gross receipts of African American-owned firms 193,400 3.5 260,300 8.9 American-owned businesses. There (number) Percent of total African California 79,100 9 . 6 South Dakota 200 0.0 were 900 firms with 100 or more American-owned firms in U.S. 2,565,700 3.1 65,800 0.3 employees and total receipts of $12.3 U.S. Total 823,500 Colorado 4,900 0 . 6 Tennessee 20,200 2 . 5 billion. More than half of African New York 86,500 10.5 410,200 1.2 415,900 4.9 American-owned firms were in the California 79,100 9.6 Connecticut 7,300 0.9 Texas 60,400 7 . 3 service industry and accounted for 36 Texas 60,400 7.3 284,000 2.6 1,526,000 4.0 percent of the gross receipts of African Florida 59,700 7.2 Delaware 2,700 0 . 3 Utah 400 0 . 0 American-owned businesses. Retail Georgia 55,800 6.8 56,600 4.8 169,200 0.2 trade firms, on the other hand, accounted Maryland 47,600 5.8 District of Columbia 10,900 1.3 Vermont 200 0 . 0 for 11 percent of total African American- Illinois 41,200 5.0 45,300 24.1 67,500 0.3 owned firms but 19 percent of their North Carolina 39,900 4.8 Florida 59,700 7 . 2 Virginia 33,500 4 . 1 gross receipts. The number of African Virginia 33,500 4.1 1,301,900 4.6 480,100 7.0 American-owned firms, excluding C Ohio 27,000 3.3 Georgia 55,800 6 . 8 Washington 5,600 0.7 corporations for which prior comparable While New York had the largest number 568,600 9.8 447,400 1.3 data are not available, increased 26 of African American-owned businesses, Hawaii 600 0 . 1 West Virginia 1,100 0.1 percent from 1992 to 1997, compared the District of Columbia had the highest 94,000 0.6 111,700 1.0 with a 7 percent increase in this category percentage, with 24 percent of its firms Idaho 200 0 . 0 Wisconsin 4,800 0 . 6 for all U.S. firms. being African American-owned but 109,800 0.2 366,400 1.3 only 2.5 percent of its overall business Receipts of African American-owned Illinois 41,200 5 . 0 Wyoming 200 0 . 0 receipts coming from African American- firms rose 33 percent, from $32 billion 882,100 4.7 49,400 0.4 owned firms. Maryland ranked second, in 1992 to $43 billion in 1997, compared Indiana 11,100 1 . 3 Note: Detail may not add to the total with 12 percent of the state's firms with a 40 percent increase for all U.S. 413,400 2.7 because a firm may be counted in more owned by African Americans. They firms over the same period. Iowa 1,400 0 . 2 than one state. accounted for 1.4 percent of Maryland's 227,600 0.6 Source: U.S. Census Bureau The data in the report were collected as receipts. Mississippi was third, with 11 Kansas 3,400 0 . 4 Public Information Office part of the 1997 Economic Census from percent of its firms African American- 213,400 1.6 (301) 763-3030 a large sample of nonfarm businesses owned and 0.7 percent of its receipts Kentucky 5,600 0 . 7 filing tax forms as sole proprietorships, from African American-owned firms; 281,600 2.0 partnerships or any type of corporation and Georgia was fourth, with 10 percent Louisiana 25,800 3.1 with receipts of $1,000 or more in of its firms owned by African Americans 295,700 8.7 1997. and 0.7 percent of its receipts generated Maine 300 0.0 127,500 0.2 by African American businesses. The report, 1997 Survey of Minority- Maryland 47,600 5.8 States With the Largest Percentage of Owned Business Enterprises: Black, 400,200 11.9 African American-Owned Firms: 1997 presents data for African American- Massachusetts 11,800 State African American-owned owned businesses by size, type of 1.4 537,200 2.2 firms All firms A f r i c a n business and geographic areas (states, Michigan 25,000 3.0 American-owned firms as a percent of counties, metropolitan areas and 677,500 3.7 all firms places). U.S. Total 823,500 20,821,900 Minnesota 4,000 0.5 4.0 The data were collected in a sample 410,600 1.0 District of Columbia 1 0 , 9 0 0 survey and are subject to sampling Mississippi 17,600 45,300 24.1 variability, as well as nonsampling 2.1 167,900 10.5 Maryland 47,600 400,200 11.9 errors. Sources of nonsampling error Missouri 13,700 1.7 Mississippi 1 7 , 6 0 0 include errors of response, nonreporting 411,400 3.3 167,900 10.5 and coverage. Further details concerning Montana 100 0.0 Georgia 55,800 568,600 9.8 survey design, methodology and data 93,700 0.1 South Carolina 2 3 , 2 0 0 limitation are contained in the full Nebraska 1,600 0.2 260,300 8.9 report. Comparisons to 1992 should be 138,800 1.2 Louisiana 25,800 295,700 8.7 conducted with extreme caution due to Nevada 2,800 0.3 Virginia 33,500 480,100 7.0 changes in tax laws that result in 129,800 2.2 North Carolina 3 9 , 9 0 0 inconsistencies between 1992 and 1997 New Hampshire 300 570,500 7.0 data. Changes in survey methodology 0.0 115,700 0.3 Alabama 19,100 285,200 6.7 also may contribute to differences. New Jersey 26,500 New York 86,500 1,509,800 5.7 3.2 654,200 4.1 Percentage of Total Black-Owned Firms About one-half (49 percent), or 403,800, New Mexico 1,100 by State Compared With Percentage of of African American-owned businesses 0.1 131,700 0.8 Black-Owned Firms to All Businesses had receipts of under $10,000; 23 New York 86,500 10.5 by State: 1997 percent, or 188,800, had receipts of 1,509,800 5.7 Geographic area A f r i c a n between $10,000 and $25,000; and North Carolina 39,900 American- about 1 percent, or 8,700, had sales of 4.8 570,500 7.0 owned firms Percent of total North Dakota 100 $1 million or more. African American- MODELS ALL USED PURPOSES FOR ONLY. ILLUSTRATIVE Call 770-823-7231 For All your Advertise Need 25 Electric Cars at Detroit Show Smaller, electric cars reign at Detroit auto show glitter. GM will have an elevated floor for appearance. The four-door Aveo, along new cars, a change from 2009’s carpet- with Ford Motor Co.’s new Focus and over-concrete that was just about Chevrolet Spark minicar, will be part of a everywhere. small-car blitz. All three will get near 40 mpg on the highway. One big display is a 37,000-square-foot “Electric Avenue” on the main floor, “The new paradigm of the American featuring 20 vehicles that run on kilowatts passenger car is no longer great, big rear- instead of gasoline. Electrics were shown wheel-drive luxobarges,” says Aaron last year, but shared the spotlight with cars Bragman, an auto analyst for the consulting powered by conventional engines. firm IHS Global Insight in Troy, Mich. “It’s small, efficient and upscale.” “Last year we had that ‘sky-is-falling’ mentality, and everybody was running for ELECTRIC BUZZ GETS LOUDER cover,” says Doug Fox, an Ann Arbor, Much of the show’s buzz is expected to Mich., car dealer and chairman of this come from electric vehicles, which have year’s show, officially called the North jumped off the drawing board and onto the American International Auto Show. “We convention floor. Several big automakers are seeing a little more investment made in plan to sell them in late 2010, giving the the actual exhibits than last year.” broader public its first chance to buy cars that rely more on electrical outlets than gas Although auto sales improved at the end of pumps. 2009, the 41 new vehicles to be unveiled at this year’s show will be down from last The big draw is the chance to stop burning year’s 50, Fox says. gas and drive a more environmentally DETROIT – Electric, hybrid and small cars certain that the trend toward higher fuel friendly car, but the cars are expensive. will grab center stage at the Detroit auto prices remains a threat. It’s a change U.S. That’s because Chrysler LLC, which show this week, as the industry adapts to a automakers were slow to embrace — and it normally shows five or six new vehicles, Nissan Motor Co.’s rechargeable Leaf, due world reshaped by the Great Recession and cost them the last two years as gas prices has no debuts, and GM has fewer new in showrooms late this year, will make its environmental worries. The event will surged and consumers stopped spending. vehicles because it is shedding the Pontiac, first appearance inside a U.S. auto show. demonstrate just how automakers are Most Japanese and European car makers Hummer, Saturn and Saab brands, Fox The Leaf is purely electric, using just a responding to this new reality. Ford wants were also caught in the sales downdraft, says. rechargeable battery for power. But its to build on its success in midsize sedans even though they depended less on pickup expected cost is about $30,000. Chevrolet’s and re-ignite its small car sales, while trucks. Volt, unveiled three years ago and for sale Hyundai aims to extend last year’s triumph Here are some key trends to watch at this year’s Detroit auto show: this fall, will make a reappearance at the in budget-conscious models. GM and In 2010, with frugality embedded in show. It costs about $40,000, although Chrysler will start fresh with electric drivers’ minds, automakers want to show there are up to $7,500 in tax credits SMALL IS BIG vehicles but also try to boost their small- off new versions of smaller, less expensive available. car credibility. Toyota hopes to solidify its cars, many of which get 40 mpg on Small cars and smaller SUVs — called dominance in hybrids. crossovers — made up only 21 percent of highways. That also appeals to motorists China’s BYD Co. LTD, which has the concerned about climate change. U.S. sales in 2003. But last year, they rose to 32 percent and are expected to grow to backing of billionaire investor Warren The new crop of models must be successful Buffett, plans to show the F3DM plug-in if automakers are to reverse last year’s 21 36 percent in 2013. Buyers will see that The show isn’t exclusively about small trend reflected at the show. hybrid compact sedan and the new e6 that percent sales plunge. Mounting job losses, cars. Detroit automakers also will try to could come to the U.S. late this year. GM and Chrysler’s bankruptcy filings and revive 1960s-style car passion with muscle the death of several iconic brands sent sales cars, a niche that’s doing well. General Motors Co. will show off the new skidding to their lowest level since 1982. Chevrolet Aveo subcompact. The Aveo has Among the Europeans, BMW AG will been given a more powerful engine, and a unveil an electric concept car. Compared with last year’s stripped-down Americans feel less wealthy — and more lower grille and 19-inch tires for a tougher down affair, the show will offer more How to Make More Money Your Lifetime Income Potential commitment to and help with your career growth and development. You want to be in the succession plan. Every company has a superior employee list - trust me - and you want to be on it to maximize your income potential. Use these ideas to ensure that you earn the amount of money you want over your lifetime of working. You can maximize your lifetime earning potential. You need to choose to do so; these ideas will help.

Please don’t mistake this article for social commentary about how the world “ought to” value jobs and money; this specific article is about the money. Go get yours. Remember, you're worth it. Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ 10 Tips for Successful Business Networking

Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.

Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.

Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.

Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them. Call 770-823-7231 For All your Advertise Need 27 African American Buying Power… county level will be Fulton, DeKalb, Chatham, Cobb, Richmond, Muscogee, Bibb, Clayton, Dougherty, and Gwinnett. With the exception of Dougherty County, these counties also rank among the top ten in terms of total buying power. (Dougherty ranks fifteenth.) Georgia’s black buying power is much more concentrated than its total buying power. For example, in 1999, Fulton and DeKalb counties will contribute 40.1 percent of the state’s black buying power, but only 24.7 percent of its total buying power. Similarly, the ten largest county-level markets account for 65.9 percent of Georgia’s black buying power and 55.6 percent of the state’s total buying power. As its black residents migrate to outlying percent. Clayton County, like DeKalb County, will suburban counties, however, the concentration of see relatively slow growth in black buying power. Columbus. Black spending power in the state’s fourth black buying power should drop slowly. Many of the largest African-American market—Columbus—will Increasingly, African-Americans will live, shop, and counties with the smallest black markets and black total $1.4 billion by 1999, a gain of 77.6 percent or work on the periphery of the metropolitan area. With populations are located in the north Georgia $601 million. In 1999, black consumers will control the exception of Spaulding County, black buying mountains. In 1999, Towns, Union, Fannin, Murray, 26 percent of total buying power, more than one power will more than double in each of metropolitan Gilmer, Forsyth, and Dawson counties each will have dollar in four. Most of the MSA’s black buying power Atlanta counties lying outside the area’s core. less than $1 million in black buying power. is in Muscogee County, but the market share is Forsyth, Cherokee, Henry, Coweta, Pickens, and highest in Chattahoochee County and it will grow The extremes in percentage gains and market Gwinnett counties will see the highest percentage most rapidly in Harris County. The rate of growth of concentration are most clearly visible at the county gains. Even though the buying power estimates black buying power in Chattahoochee County, level. From 1990 to 1999, every county with an recognize the emergence of these counties as however, will be considerably below the national established black population will experience gains in suburban centers of residence for black consumers, average. Savannah. In 1999, Savannah’s black black buying power that exceed the rate of inflation. the market share held by black consumers in most of consumers will control 22.6 percent of the area’s total Of Georgia’s 159 counties, 153 will have rates of these counties remains relatively small. Coweta is an spending power, or more than one dollar in five. growth in black buying power that exceed the exception; there, black buying power is rising quickly Black spending power will total $1.4 billion in 1999, national rate of increase in black buying power. and the share of the market controlled by African- a nine-year increase of $732 million or 86.3 percent. Moreover, 163 counties will see black buying power American is high, which makes that county a potential Black buying power will grow by 174.1 percent in grow faster than the national rate of increase in total magnet for businesses catering to the needs of black Bryan County, but despite this rapid advancement, buying power. consumers. the county will account for only a small percentage of In order, the ten fastest growing counties will be Augusta. As Georgia’s second largest black the total for the MSA. Effingham County will see a Forsyth, Dawson, Cherokee, Henry, Bryan, Paulding, metropolitan market, extending across the state line 146 percent gain in black buying power, but Chatham Lee, Coweta, Pickens, and Gwinnett. Eight of the ten into South Carolina, Augusta’s black buying power County, where the majority of the MSA’s black are metropolitan counties. No county is projected to will increase from $1.2 billion in 1990 to almost $2 residents live, will see an increase of only 82.4 experience a drop in black spending power, but no billion in 1999, or by 63.3 percent. Although the rate percent. market exists in Towns County, where the resident of growth of black buying power for Augusta is well Chattanooga. This MSA’s black buying power will African-American population is too small to create a below those predicted for both the state and for the equal $871 million in 1999. The $354 million gain measurable economic impact. nation, it does exceed those areas’ predicted growth represents a 68.6 percent increase over nine years, the rates in total buying power. Georgia’s most concentrated county-level black second smallest percentage gain of any MSA. market is Hancock County, where almost seven Augusta’s relatively concentrated black consumer Moreover, the MSA will remain Georgia’s least dollars in ten are in the hands of black consumers. market is mustly centered in adjacent Edgefield concentrated black market—blacks control only 8.8 African-Americans control almost one dollar in two County, South Carolina. In 1999, black buying power percent of total buying power. Residents living in in Talbot, Taliaferro, Macon, and Warren counties. will comprise 21.4 percent of the areaís total buying Tennessee, where the area’s central city and Between 1990 and 1999, African-Americans’ share of power, up from 19.3 percent in 1990. Columbia concentrated population lie, earn most of the MSA’s total buying power will expand by 5 percent or more County will post higher percentage gains in black spending power. The MSA’s only fast-growing in nineteen counties. Finally, the share of total buying power than the state as a whole, but it is the market, Catoosa County, is in Georgia. buying power held by black consumers will not drop area’s least concentrated African-American market. Albany. Albany is the MSA in which black buying in any of Georgia’s counties. Even here, however, the share of total buying power power is most concentrated, with 28.9 percent of total controlled by black consumer should rise from 6.4 spending power controlled by African-Americans. percent in 1990 to 7.8 percent in 1999. McDuffie Black buying power will increase from $365 million County will see moderate growth in black buying in 1990 to $675 million in 1999, a gain of 84.9 power, while black buying power will increase percent. Almost all of this economic strength is relatively slowly in Richmond County (Georgia) and concentrated in Dougherty County, where nearly one in Edgefield and Aiken counties in South Carolina. dollar in three is in the hands of black consumers. Development of the African Macon. In 1999, Macon’s black buying power will Black buying power will increase by the MSA’s American Black Community total $1.5 billion, a 74.2 percent increase from the highest rate, 167 percent, in Lee County. 1990 total of $860 million. The fastest growth will be SM Athens. This continues to be the state’s smallest, but Directory Magazine in Houston and Jones counties. About 24.4 percent of second-fastest growing, African-American market. the MSA’s total buying power will be controlled by Black buying power will increase from $192 million black consumers, whose shares will be 40 percent in in 1990 to $383 million in 1999, a 98.8 percent gain Twiggs County and 32.5 percent in Peach County. Call Today For All Your in nine years. The MSA’s black buying power The MSA remains the stateís third largest pool of primarily is centered in Clarke County, but it is Advertising Needs black spending power, but none of the counties will zooming in Oconee County. gain buying power faster than the statewide average. All but Peach will grow more quickly than the GEORGIA’S COUNTIES 770-823-7231 national average. In 1999, the state’s ten largest black markets at the Today In Small Business Winter 2010, http://sites.google.com/site/blackexperienceorg/ Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them. Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, "How may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to mind. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow. Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, Call 770-823-7231 For All your Advertise Need 29 Niche electric car makers challenge majors partly because it’s the only one already on used to think electric cars are heavy and sale, as the electric car showroom is still clumsy, but we wanted to revamp that im- mainly about prototypes. The Girasole, age and make our customers realise that which means sunflower in Italian, retails electric cars are actually cool,” Makoto for about $22,000 and drivers can claim Kurimoto, spokesman for Zero Sports told a $6,600 environmental subsidy from the me. The big guys have their own plans, of Japanese government. The highway-wor- course, including the Chevy Volt, which is thy two-seater reaches speeds of 65 km per the centrepiece of GM’s efforts to reinvent hour (41 mph) and can travel up to 120 km its product line to focus on fuel-efficient on a full battery, for a plug-in charge of vehicles. Japan top automakers, such as only about $1. Manufacturers say the cost Toyota, are also spending great resources performance of electric vehicles is almost to build their own electric vehicles and 10 times better than ordinary vehicles. “An Mitsubishi Motors is due to have such a increasing number of people now appear car in production soon, yet small firms to think they cannot really depend on fos- like Auto EV Japan say they still have an sil fuel and electric cars are the way to go edge. The big guys cannot make a quick — not just from an environmental point of transfer from fossil-powered vehicles and view but from an economic point of view,” electric vehicles because they cannot get Kiyoshi Ito, senior managing director of rid of people making conventional auto Auto EV Japan, a Tokyo-based company parts, said Ito, whose company employs Toyota founded by Takaoka, told me. only 10 staff. Besides, we can still make a Former Subaru rally driver Yoshio Taka- profit even if we sell 100 cars a year, while oka readily admits his business was a they always have to mass produce. In that polluter and now wants to make up for Most importantly, Ito sense, we are ahead of the game. his behind the wheel. Takaoka is promot- ing the zero-emission Girasole Elettrica in says, the vehicle emits no So, can the little guys carve out a niche be- Japan, one of a number of electric cars on CO2 gas while driving. fore the big auto firms get past their many display this week at a Tokyo expo. Oth- problems and start coming after them? er electric vehicles, mostly small, also Particularly cool looking was the Zero EV, Photo credit: An exhibitor sits inside a grabbed floor space, but none were from a creation of Zero Sports, in central Japan. Zero EV Elexceed Rs, an electic vehicle industry majors, who want to take electric The former used car dealership showed off displayed at International Automotive cars from eco-concepts to the roads in the a sleek, futuristic sports-car, attempting to Electronics Technology Expo in Tokyo, next few years and previewed some at last shake off the image of function-driven January 28, 2009. REUTERS/Yuriko year’s G8 Summit in Hokkaido. Girasole electric cars often light on design. “People is attracting the most visitor attention, Nakao Electric Cars at Detroit Show Smaller, electric cars reign at Detroit auto show Toyota, whose Prius has dominated gas- SWING BACK TO 60s MUSCLE electric hybrid sales across the globe, plans Muscle cars, while a small part of the to show a new hybrid car. market, sold relatively well last year with the Mustang outdueling the Camaro for the Unlike the last few years, Chinese top sales spot. Each automaker sold more automakers largely will skip the show, than 60,000 of the cars. perhaps because they’re focusing on their own country’s explosive sales growth. Ford will put a bigger, more powerful V-8 Still, any car maker that wants to grow into the Mustang, while GM plans to show must focus on the U.S., where Asian a Chevrolet Camaro convertible muscle car manufacturers collectively grabbed a and a sporty GS version of the Buick Regal bigger chunk of the market than Detroit midsize sedan. manufacturers for the first time last year. New designs for both small and One floor below the main level, people can performance cars generally are following ride with a professional driver in electric trends toward smaller windows and higher cars on a tree-lined course, another sign of door lines that rise from the hood to rear. the dramatic transition from internal Side and hood creases in the sheet metal combustion engines to electric. are designed to make cars appear as they are moving even while still.