LOCAL MUSIC STORE BRINGS THE BEATS BACK TO THE HEART OF BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham, AL

–After a fresh start and with a fresh face, local music store Muzik & More emerges with new music, a new mission and a new man at the helm. Muzik & More, founded and operated by Aquil Abdur-Rasheed, Jr. in July of 2009, builds on the foundation of the legacy of the former Music-N-More which was successfully founded in the early 1990’s by his parents Aquil Sr. and Hafeeza Abdur-Rasheed.

“I’ve learned so much about the industry since my family began in the early 90’s at the Bessemer Flea Market. The launch of this new business is an avenue to bring music back to the city. I also hope the opening of this store is used to help others dream big and accomplish even bigger” said Aquil Abdur-Rasheed, Jr., Muzik & More Owner.

Aquil Abdur-Rasheed, Jr. says one of his main motives is to serve the African-American community of Birmingham with the kind of local and national music and attention people deserve. He notes that some of the unfortunate changes in the music industry have certainly been felt in Birmingham, but Muzik & More is determined to overcome them through the joy of music, the support of local artists and the impact of caring relationships with his customers. “Long-running chain stores have come and gone. That, combined with the digital age, and the economy have all affected people’s access to music. Music is the soundtrack of our lives. We want people to know that Muzik & More is now here and plans to be here serving the community for a very long time,” he said.

Muzik & More is located at 2247 Bessemer Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35208 in Five Points West, across from the Alabama State Fairgrounds. Operational hours are: Monday through Saturday from 10 am -8 pm. For more information on Muzik & More please contact Aquil Abdur-Rasheed, Jr. at: 205.786.7700, by email at: muziknmore@gmail.com or connect at: facebook.com/muziknmore or twitter.com/muziknmore.

ALABAMA’S TOP CORPORATIONS AND ENTREPRENEURS COME TOGETHER FOR THE STATE’S LARGEST MINORITY BUSINESS CONFERENCE

The South Region Minority Supplier Development Council Gears Up for its 27TH Annual Business Connections Conference

Birmingham, AL – Now that the economy is showing signs of growth, the climate for entrepreneurs is improving.  Despite  growth indications, the economic recovery is still fragile underscoring the need for entrepreneurs to place a high priority on  meeting new customers and enhancing relationships with existing ones. On August 18 and August 19, more than 300 minority entrepreneurs and corporate executives will attend the 27th Annual Business Connections Conference & Expo to strengthen relationships, build alliances and learn strategies that will help them compete more effectively and grow their businesses.

Held annually by the South Region Minority Supplier Development Council (SRMSDC), Business Connections is the largest minority procurement conference in the state of Alabama. The theme of this year’s conference is “Growing Together” and it is designed to provide the state’s top corporations and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) with an opportunity to “grow together” through entrepreneurship and supply chain excellence. The conference features several elements that cater to high caliber minority business owners and corporate executives including:

Tradeshow - a business to business tradeshow with more than 50 corporate, government and MBE exhibitors.

MatchMaker - a session offering up to eight brief one-on-one meetings with corporate buyers seeking to do business with minority entrepreneurs.

Industry Forums - four sessions providing a focused look at current trends impacting specific industries as well as models of successful minority business engagement. Featured industries include automotive, defense, construction and healthcare.

Crystal Awards - an annual awards program recognizing minority business executives and corporations for business excellence and supplier diversity performance. Awards include MBE Suppliers of the Year, Corporation of the Year, CEO of the Year, Buyer of the Year, Minority Business Advocate of the Year, and more.

Corporate Best Practices Workshop - experts from America’s leading corporations will discuss best practices and proven strategies for building strong business relationships with diverse suppliers.

“Attending Business Connections is a great way to meet potential customers while renewing relationships with existing customers,” said Dan Anderson of Diversified Supply. “We always meet interesting vendors who may be able to partner or help our business.”

The event boasts an impressive lineup of nationally recognized global and supplier diversity thought leaders including:

Dr. Johnnetta Cole, Founder, Global Diversity and Inclusion Institute

Dr. Cole’s institute leads the way in exploring the growing complexity of diversity and inclusion. Cole speaks on both a national and international level on issues pertaining to justice, diversity, the health and safety of women, children, and underserved populations around the globe.

Luis J. Diaz, Gibbons

Diaz, of Gibbons, a New Jersey-based law firm, provides legal and business counsel to business units in the U.S., Spain, Central America, South America and India. His provocative and timely article, “The Union of David and Goliath: Strategic Joint Ventures and Alliances for Competitive Advantage” addresses how joint ventures and strategic alliances provide a competitive advantage to both minority and majority partners in sourcing work.

Ralph G. Moore, RGMA

Nationally recognized supplier diversity thought leader, Ralph G. Moore has more than 35 years of experience in business and public policy issues. He is recognized as an expert in the area of minority and women business development. Moore’s Chicago-based management consulting firm, RGMA, is one of the nation’s premier change management firms specializing in integrating supplier diversity into corporate strategy and the formation of diverse strategic alliances.

In addition, Business Connections will feature a host of speakers representing a diverse range of local, state and national corporations and governmental entities including the City of Birmingham, Alabama Power, Regions Bank, HealthSouth, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Walgreen’s, Wells Fargo, Honda and more.

“Business Connections is the only event of its kind in the state that brings together high-caliber minority business owners and corporate leaders for the purpose of building strategic relationships,” said Carol Clarke, Supplier Diversity Director for Regions Bank and co-chair of the conference. “The South Region Minority Supplier Development Council is focused on supplier development, and this is our signature event for bringing buyers, sellers, and potential partners together. This movement definitely represents significant economic development potential for the state of Alabama and beyond.”

The conclusion of the event will be marked by a reception with elected officials and candidates for elected office.  Sponsors of the event include Alabama Power, AT&T, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, BBVA Compass, Regions Bank, Verizon, Mitchell Industrial Contractors, 02 ideas, the Small Business Administration, Toyota, Trinity Design Group, ARD Logistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Action Resources, Motions Industries, Mobile Water Works Board and First United Bank.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Wednesday, August 18

Tradeshow Set Up

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Crystal Awards

Reception: 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Dinner: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Thursday, August 19

Onsite Registration/Networking

7:00 am – 2:00 pm

Opening Plenary Session: “Growing Together Through Strategic Alliances”

8:00 am – 9:30 am

Workshops

9:45 am – 11:15 am

Track 1: Best Practices in Corporate Supplier Diversity

Track 2: MBE Industry Forums:

Automotive

Defense

Construction

Healthcare

MBE Showcase Luncheon

11:30 am – 12:45 pm

Tradeshow

1:00 pm – 5:30 pm

MatchMaker (One-on-One Meetings with Corporate Buyers)

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Closing Reception

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Information regarding registration and pricing can be found at www.srmsdc.org.

ABOUT SRMSDC

Established in 1983, the South Region Minority Supplier Development Council (SRMSDC) is an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).  The SRMSDC’s mission is to facilitate relationships between corporations, educational, governmental and health care entities and certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs).

Job Opportunities with CSX

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE A DEGREE! PASS-ON TO SOMEONE WHO CAN USE THIS!

Great jobs for young men who aren’t in college, and strong young women also! This is Obama money for “infrastructure” the jobs are located all over, paid training in Atlanta . This is an awesome opportunity, please pass this on. These jobs pay good wages.

Training: You will attend two or three weeks of training at the Railroad Education & Development Institute in Atlanta , GA. CSX will pay for travel, lodging and meals as required by collective bargaining agreement.

Track Worker-030702

Job Summary: Work as a member of a crew to install new railroad track, maintain existing track and right of-way. Replace or repair track switches with specific components. Slide and align tie plates. Drill holes through rails for insertion of bolts and tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends or rails together. Correct deviations in track surface, alignment and gauge Cut rails to specific lengths etc.

Pay Rate

Entry Rate $19.36/hour

Full Rate $21.52/hour

Promotional/ Advancement Opportunities: Under Maintenance of Way Collective Bargaining Agreement, Track Workers may be considered for advancement or promotion to other positions within the Engineering Department if qualified.

Machine Operator $23.25 - $24.81/hour
Welder Helper $21.93/hour
Bridge Tender $21.93/hour
Bridge Mechanic $22.65/hour
Foreman $22.71 - $25.53/hour
Track Inspector $23.98 - $25.14/hour

Qualifications: High School diploma/GED; 18 years of age or older; Valid Driver’s License

At CSX, two of the company’s core values are People Make The Difference and Safety Is A Way of Life. We are committed to offering our team members the most competitive compensation and benefits package available, unlimited opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible. CSX is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer that supports diversity in the workplace.

Apply online to this and other positions: http://www.csx.com/?fuseaction=careers.main

Catrena Norris Carter Appointed Associate Publisher for Who’s Who Publishing Alabama Market

Birmingham, Alabama – Who’s Who Publishing Company, the nation’s largest annual directory publisher focusing on the African-American market, proudly announces Catrena Norris Carter as the associate publisher for its Alabama market. Carter, president and chief executive officer of Women of Will, brings more than 15 years of hospitality experience to Birmingham, Alabama.

Her 10 years in management at the Tutwiler Hotel and former role as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Historic Redmont Hotel provided her with invaluable customer service skills supported by her numerous awards; including The Restaurant & Hospitality Association’s prestigious Hospitality Professional of the Year for the state of Alabama in 2003.

In addition to starting her own event planning company, C&C Events, she founded Women of Will (WOW) a statewide organization aiming to advance women into leadership positions at work, in the community and in politics through training workshops and forums. Carter has done radio in Birmingham and Selma, Alabama. Her show, Trena’s Truth, addresses the challenges of male/female relationships.

Carter graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, following two years on a performing arts scholarship at Loretto Heights College in Denver, Colorado. She is also connected to several professional affiliations, including Birmingham Event and Meeting Professionals, Birmingham Lodging Association, the African American Business Council – Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Exchange, the League of Women’s Voters, and the 21st Century Youth Leadership Training Program.

Honored in the second edition and featured in the third edition of Who’s Who In Black BirminghamTM as an Interesting Personality, Carter understands the Who’s Who mission of highlighting African-American achievement in the Birmingham area. “It brings me great honor and pride to be joining such a wonderful mission,” shares Carter. “To be able to spotlight the accomplishments of the excellence and perseverance of the African-American people in the great state of Alabama is long overdue. Through this publication we will have a living history book for our children and our communities.”

Real Times Media CEO Hiram E. Jackson shares, “We are truly happy to have Ms. Carter join the Who’s Who family.
We are confident that she will take the Alabama market to new heights and continue the strong reputation of Who’s

Whothroughout Birmingham and cities throughout the state.”  A subsidiary of Real Times Media, Who’s Who Publishing Company was founded in 1989 and highlights the achievements of African Americans while providing a valuable resource and networking guide for the entire community. Real Times Inc. is dedicated to sustaining its presence as the leading source of African-American-related news, entertainment, and lifestyle information.

Dnext Artist Musicians and Vocalists Auditions

If you are a musician or vocalist looking for an opportunity to perform in front of a live audience on a regular basis, promote your talent and sell your music make sure you mark your calendar to attend the Dnext Artist Auditions.  Selected performers will be given an opportunity to perform regularly in front of a live audience, showcase their talent and sell their music.

We hope that you will join us as we work together to create economic opportunities and promotional outlets for the areas creative community.

Dnext Artist Auditions
Wednesday, July 20, 2010
The Highland Conference Center Lounge
2012 Magnolia Avenue
Five Points South (Below Cosmos Pizza)
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

For additional information please call (205) 965-6532.

Five Points South is good for Birmingham

Five Points South has always been a great place for entertainment and late night social activities.  Be it the club scene, dining, live music or simply people watching Five Points South has continued to deliver a unique social atmosphere with plenty of diversity.  Even with the development of other entertainment districts throughout the Greater Birmingham area Five Points South continues to draw people in simply because it has been a pillar in Birmingham’s entertainment and night life scene for years.

Mayor William Bell has suggested that the city of Birmingham is interested in re-investing in Five Points South.  Later this month Mayor Bell will speak with Five Points South Merchants and Residents on ways to improve the area as entertainment seekers find their way back.  Parking and police presence are two of the main issues that merchants will push as ways to keep Five Points South booming each and every night.

In addition to city involvement, merchants have taken action to continue to add value to Five Points South. The Hotel Highland has made upgrades and continues to win over the patronage of travelers due to its unique decor and active Five Points South location.  Once people visit the hotel and notice all of the activity taking place in the area they immediately fall in love with the overall atmosphere.  The H Martini Bar, which many say reminds them of a New York City or Miami establishment, has also stepped up it’s game.  The bar delivers live jazz six nights a week which has become a rare find in the city.   Despite the cost of the high entertainment budget the H Bar is doing all if can to deliver quality entertainment to its patrons and hotel guest.  Performers such as Shaun Pezant, Elnora Spencer, Cleve Eaton, Norris Jones, Foxxy Fatts, Mike Ham, Keith Williams and Glen & Libba can be found performing at the H Bar on a regular basis.

James Little who serves as both the Merchant and Neighborhood President has done an excellent job in looking for ways to re-energize the district.  Currently the disapproval of a Chick-Fil-A Restaurant moving to the area has been the hot topic.  Merchants and residents feel Chick-Fil-A may not be the best fit for the area and that a drive through restaurant would take away from the specialty shops and foot traffic that are unique to the area.  In addition to these issues Little has sought out ways to reach diverse audiences through a series of special events and having merchant meetings in the various Five Points South establishments.   Restaurant Week, which will highlight the great dinning experiences found in Five Points South will take place this fall.  In addition to Restaurant week there are plans for an Art & Music Festival, Movies in the Park, the PapaJohns.com Bowl Street Festival and much more.

All is not peachy-king in the district which like many areas has its share of vacant buildings and office space.  Homelessness continues to be an issue as beggars approach pedestrians seeking out spare change. Although there seems to be less begging as a faithful few continue to ask for hand outs.   There are still many people in the area that believe Five Points South is not a safe place to visit due to past activities.  Many of these patrons have found solitude in locations on Highway 280 and Hoover despite living in the Loft District of Downtown Birmingham.  Officer Butch and his crew have done a great job in being present around the entertainment district since those days and crime activity has been reduced. Additional officers walking or riding bikes in the area, especially at night would be a quick fix for remaining issues.  Perhaps adding an additional fee to the Merchant dues to hire a private security company to patrol the area during peak times is an option.

Despite fears of crime and an occasional beggar the most challenging thing to Five Points South continued growth is the issue of parking.  Many people don’t realize that the city runs a parking deck in the Pickwick Plaza.  It’s only $4.00 to park in this deck Thursday - Saturday night and only $2.00 Monday - Wednesday.  Now this is a really, really good deal considering it cost around $25.00 to park in Atlanta and $40.00 for parking in Chicago.  For some reason we would rather circle the block for 30 minutes looking for a spot only to realize we have to park 4 blocks away from where we are going.  I suggest you pay the $4.00 and get on with the fun!

The bottom line is Five Points South is still good for Birmingham.  Opinions will be shared but it is a fact that people still love the atmosphere that defines Five Points South.  A little attention to the area will give Birmingham a re-energized and very inexpensive entertainment district that continues to deliver a great experience for anyone that visits.

To find out more about Five Points South and upcoming events in the area visit fivepoints.supportlocalflavor.com.

10 Cities. 10 Months. 10 Millionaires.

Atlanta, GA (PitchEngine.com) April, 2010-  An emerging multi-generational group of uber- successful African-Americans, redefine wealth and counteract today’s economy by truly embodying the entrepreneur spirit. Having earned their money in a relatively short period of time and at relatively vibrant ages– a group of millionaires have assembled across the nation known to the network marketing industry as Platinum Presidents and to the general population as the Amateur Millionaire’s Club. This self- made, financially successful assembly of individuals are joining together for an unprecedented tour across the country and launching a contest to find the next Platinum President. AMC (Amateur Millionaire’s Club) & Ardyss International have taken the Multi-Level Marketing industry to an entirely new level,of advancement, producing the highest number of African-American twelve month millionaires to date. Join the Amateur Millionaire’s Club as they travel across the nation for ten months, searching for the next Platinum President to mold and shape and help establish a ground breaking wealth generating empire of their own. The tour officially titled, “10 Cities, 10 Months, 10 Millionaires” will continue with its second stop in Birmingham, Alabama.  The Platinum Presidents (will be in Jackson) ready to share their dynamic stories with the masses, welcome new entrepreneurs into the business and search for Birmingham’s Contest Winner who will receive an all expense paid membership package which includes products, marketing tools, coaching by the AMC, a local on air radio and newspaper interview, and an appearance on the reality based TV TV Show, Amateur Millionaire’s Club (currently in production for a major television network). The prize is valued at $10,000. Join them on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at The Sheraton Birmingham (2101 Richard Arrington Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203) from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM CST.

The Amateur Millionaire’s Club consists of a group of individuals who were faced with life’s hardships and financial shortcomings and emerged successful, using the recession to their benefit and realizing that now more than ever, being an entrepreneur was the only way to take back control over their lives.  “I was praying for a Plan B - consistently working long hours and neglecting my family, I wanted more in my life.  I wanted to work smarter, not harder.  I knew there had to be more promised to me in my life time. I could never imagine that network marketing would be the plan B that would change my life or my belief in my own dreams, my SEE IT, BELIEVE IT, ACHIEVE IT mantra that I live by”,  states Helen Dela Houssaye (Platinum President/ AMC member). The item of success that all AMC members have in common is the network marketing platform of Ardyss International. Having made national headlines across the country with their flagship garment, “The Body Magic”, Ardyss International specializes in health and wellness products, reshaping lines and financial freedom for thousands of men and women across the United States. “There was a point in my life when I understood that I was the creator of my own destiny and I knew that I had to get myself out of the (debt increasing) situation that I was headed towards” ,states Stormy Wellington (Platinum President under 30 yrs of age bracket/ AMC member). Referred to in Success Magazine as a group that spreads wealth, reaches new heights, and createa purpose driven opportunities; the Amateur Millionaire’s Club is vastly redefining wealth in the African American community as the world knows it.
Experience the 10 Cities 10 Months 10 Millionaires Tour in Birmingham, Alabama at The Sheraton Birmingham (2101 Richard Arrington Boulevard North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203) on Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM.  “If you have stopped dreaming then you have stopped living. The “10 Cities, 10 Months, 10 Millionaires” contest is about average people doing things that are not so average and changing their lives in ways they never thought possible”, states Deborah Huff (Platinum President/ AMC member).To register for the contest or to find out more details visit www.10millionairescontest.com and to join in on the twitter viral conversation use hashtag #10CityTour

The 10-city tour will include the following cities:
May 8 - Jackson, MS
May 22- Birmingham, AL
June 5- Memphis, TN
June 19- Jacksonville, FL
July 10- Charlotte, NC
July 24- Baltimore, MD
August 7- New Jersey
August 21- Cleveland, OH
September 4- Chicago, IL
September 18- Los Angeles, CA

The Esteemed Members of the AMC (Amateur Millionaire’s Club):
Chyna Bethley
Dorothy Cook
Helen Dela Houssaye
Bryant & Deborah Huff
Robert & Nicola Jackson
Kenny & Chante Lloyd
Lidia McKinney
Erika McQueen
Erwin & Twiler Portis
Stormy Wellington

Details and Rules:
Contestants must pay a $20 entry fee and submit a one page essay detailing the following:
1. Career path to date
2. Future goals
3. Background
4. Why you deserve to be a millionaire in 10 months

The selected winners in each city will receive an all expense paid membership package which includes products, marketing tools, coaching by the AMC, A local on air radio and newspaper interview, and an appearance on the reality based TV Show, Amateur Millionaire’s Club (currently in production for a major television network) Prize valued at over ten thousand dollars.

All essays must be submitted 1 week prior to the event date.To register to enter the contest visit http://www.10millionairescontest.com/contest.htm.

 

Agency of Record | Media Contact:
P: Nicole Garner
O: 866-984-5854
C: 770-256-1800
E: pr@thegarnercircle.com

Christine D. Collier
E: Christine@thegarnercircle.com

Free Facebook iPad beta-test offer is a scam

Sometimes things can be too good to be true. For instance, you may be desperate to get your paws on the latest desirable gadget - the Apple iPad.

Scammers have created pages on Facebook claiming that you can be the lucky recipient of an Apple iPad if you simply register to be a beta-tester. Not only will they supply you with an iPad for free, but they’ll also let you keep the iPad at the end of the beta-test. What could go wrong with that?

Hmm, well, as the following YouTube video explains, this is a scam which is using the lure of a free Apple iPad as bait for you to hand over your cellphone details: {read more}

MBI launches new website

Media.Broadcast.Internet (MBI) has launched a new website designed to better share the capabilities and work of the creative firm.  Chief Technology Officer Darren McLaurin spearheaded the redesign effort and says it has taken several years for the company to focus on it’s own website.  “We are always busy working on projects for our clients but we felt it was time to refocus the MBI brand and spend some time on our own website.” says McLaurin.   CEO, Russ McClinton says the new website brings much needed synergy to the company as it continues to build it’s client base.  “Many people are only familiar with our Urbanham.com brand and don’t realize that we are also a top notch web design firm.  We felt with a new website we could give our clients more insight into what we actually do and better showcase some of the great projects we have had a chance to work on.”

MBI offers consulting services to the City of Birmingham, The Florida Lottery, McWane Inc., The Birmingham Jefferson Transportation Authority and a host of small and mid-sized businesses throughout the southeast and Chicago.

MBI is a subsidiary of Digital Arts Inc.  which currently offers creative services, online products and apparel.  You can check out the new website at www.mbi-llc.com.

BDPA Mixer Every Third Tuesday @ The H Bar

Black Data Processing Association Information Exchange (I/X) Meeting

Join the Birmingham Chapter of the Black Data Processing Association (BDPA) for it’s monthly meeting in the H Bar Back Lounge.   The BDPA offers a great opportunity for minorities in the field of technology and business to network and share industry information about business development, jobs, career contacts, education and information technology.

Next Mixer: Tuesday, April 20, 2010
6:00PM - 7:30PM

Featured speaker and Topic: TBA

6:00 - Networking
6:15 - Speaker Presentation
7:30 - Networking continues

Location: The H Bar inside of the Hotel Highland
1023 20th Street South, Birmingham 352o5
Website: http://www.thehbar.com

Don’t hesitate to join us after the meeting for live jazz, great food and more networking.

About the BDPA

BDPA (Black Data Processing Associates) was founded in 1975 by Earl A. Pace, Jr. and the late David Wimberly after the two met in Philadelphia to discuss their concerns about minorities in the data processing field. There was a lack of minorities in middle and upper management, low recruitment and poor preparation of minorities for these positions, and an overall lack of career mobility.

Through ceaseless drive and personal networking, the founders built an organization of 35 members, hosted presentations to improve data processing skills and launched a job opportunities announcement service. This nucleus has grown to over 55 chapters throughout the United States and thousands of members.

Today, BDPA is a global member focused organization that serves the professional well-being of its stakeholders. BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the community. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the Information Technology and Business industry.

Birmingham Chapter Website: http://bdpanet.ning.com
National BDPA Website: http://www.bdpa.org

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