Showing posts with label People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label People. Show all posts

Sunday, March 22, 2015

The World Youth Foundation, Personal Injury Lawyer Farrah Martinez, and Attorney Ben Hall are Featured on Page 11





By Aubrey R. Taylor
Publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper

Have You Heard?

The World Youth Foundation, Attorney Farrah Martinez, and Ben Hall are featured in the "Have You Heard?" section on (PAGE 11) of this edition of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. This edition is “PART 3” of our “People Who Value Us” series. The World Youth Foundation (WYF) offers a variety of youth programs in areas of entrepreneurship, advanced career skills, technology, financial literacy, arts enrichment, mentoring, tutoring, leadership training, as well as college prep, improved health, and much more! Attorney Farrah Matinez recently provided us with an informative article entitled, "It's All About DIY" to help keep us informed and empowered. And finally, Ben Hall, a 2015 candidate for mayor of Houston recently spent time talking with young people at the World Youth Foundation. Attorney Ben Hall is a candidate running for mayor of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election. Early voting for the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election will begin on Monday, October 19, 2015 and end on Friday, October 30, 2015. The page featuring these individuals is intended to inform our readers on a few recent happenings. Click here to check out the page featuring the World Youth Foundation, Attorney Farrah Martinez, and Ben Hall.



Attorney Ben Hall recently spent time speaking to students at the World Youth Foundation

As the skills gap continues to widen in today’s complex global economy, new approaches to out-of-school time learning & mentoring are needed now more than ever.

For 23 years, the World Youth Foundation (a Houston Texas non-profit organization) has delivered cost-free mentoring programs to communities across Greater Houston and surrounding areas.

Through the efforts of a dynamic volunteer team, business leaders, community advocates, and industry thought-leaders; the World Youth Foundation has designed & implemented the first of its kind Out-of School Time Youth Mentoring & Development Program focused on equipping young people with next-generation leadership and workforce skills.

Our unique mentoring program engages students from various schools across Houston and surrounding areas in intellectually stimulating hands-on project experiences that increase self-confidence, personal empowerment, self-efficacy, interpersonal development, and 21st Century workforce skills in areas of STEM, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and other sectors.

We also focus on health & wellness by starting each mentoring sessions with exercises and workouts for the body, mind, and inner-self.

MISSION

Our mission is to “Teach All Youth How to Win in Life against All Odds.”

We accomplish our mission by delivering free out-of-school time mentoring programs focused on increasing self-confidence and accelerating educational & professional skills for all youth belonging to groups that are under-represented in the field of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

Youth between the ages of 6-24 work closely with a breadth of business, education, community, and industry leaders in highly engaging and intellectually stimulating hands-on projects that foster innovation, improve health & wellness, affirm college as an expectation, and promote careers across STEM industry sectors.

The World Youth Foundation students come from diverse communities, educational, and cultural backgrounds. We mentor students as young as 6 years of age through college graduation (25 years of age). This diverse body of students assemble together monthly to participate in hands-on leadership, mentoring, & professional development activities

We are the first-of-its kind mentoring organization providing youth with real world project experiences that promote self-confidence, while accelerating career development & leadership skills.

BUSINESS CASE FOR WYF

Today’s youth continue to face new and complex challenges.

Social influences such as America’s shifting economy, increased usage of drugs and alcohol, lack of strong social infrastructure, health and obesity issues, and increased single parent households are changing the landscape of family and community life across this nation.

Programs delivered by the World Youth Foundation (WYF) are needed now more than ever, and our success can only be realized through the support of our WYF parents, volunteers, corporate sponsors and partners.

23 YEARS OF DELIVERING SUCCESS

WYF is a non-profit organization, celebrating 23 years of community involvement. Our focus is to create a positive "mentoring gateway" for diverse groups of youth, and delivering effective programs that positively impact their future.

WYF focuses on empowering our young leaders with knowledge in areas of better health, improved positive self-esteem, improved decision-making skills, and other important skills required for our youth to achieve significant success in their family, educational, personal, and community lives.

YOUTH PROGRAM DELIVERY EXCELLENCE

WYF offers a variety of youth programs in areas of entrepreneurship, advanced career skills, technology, financial literacy, arts enrichment, mentoring, tutoring, leadership training, as well as college prep, improved health, and much more!

Our programs reach a wide range of ages from Kindergarten to high school, all the way through college.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT US?

Call (713)523-8484 if you would like more information on the World Youth Foundation, Inc. located inside the Judson Robinson Community Center 2020 Hermann Drive Houston TX 77004.



Injury & Accident Lawyer: It's all about DIY

by Farrah Martinez, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyer

Do it Yourself? 

We live in the age of do it yourself (DIY). I am all for learning new things, cutting costs, and doing things for myself; however, there are some tasks that require a professional to achieve the best possible results. While I might watch a YouTube video to learn how to make a school craft project for my four year old or even learn to arch my own eyebrows, I would not watch a video or google to learn "how to repair my own roof" or "perform a root canal" in hopes that one day I might actually perform these tasks myself. 

In my mind, there are some tasks that are too important and there is too much at stake to go at it alone.

As a consumer, you must decide which tasks you are willing to learn to do and which task you determine require a professional. 

Should I Handle my own Personal Injury Claim?

Studies show that individuals involved in a car accident tend to recover more when they hire a lawyer than those claimants who did not hire a lawyer and handle the settlement alone. Insurance companies are for-profit companies and their goal is to make money and keep their stockholders happy. Most of us can appreciate that a company needs to make a profit or else they will go out of business. However, in the state of Texas, drivers are required to carry insurance. So the majority of drivers, just like you, purchase insurance with the expectation that if involved in an accident the insurance company will cover it. "Covered" is a broad term when you are dealing with accident or injury claims. Covered is often in the eyes of the beholder. 

Every month, quarterly or once a year, you pay your insurance with the promise that if something happens to you that your insurance company will pay your medical bills, that you will be paid for loss of wages, for you pain and suffering and for any other expense or loss you incur as a result of your injury. 

Is this a Level Playing Field?

The insurances companies are hoping you DIY since, studies confirm that the insurance companies win financially when you DIY. Take note, insurance companies do not go at it alone they have a team of lawyers that work on their behalf to get the best results for them--NOT you. 

If you have started your claim, it might not be too late to hire an attorney. At Farrah Martinez, Personal Injury and Accident Lawyer, we hold insurance companies accountable. Contact Farrah at (713) 853-9296 for a consultation and review of your claim.


    




"Our mission is to assist our readers with identifying "LEADERS" in Education, Corporate America, Business, Elected Public Offices, and Ministry who value our lives, support, patronage, and vote. Our publications are non-partisan and made possible by our advertisers, sponsors, and supporters." -- AUBREY R. TAYLOR, is the publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine and Newspaper - Call us at (832)212-8735 to discuss your inclusion.

THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY

On Saturday, May 9, 2015 the City of Missouri City will hold a General Election. A few of the key names you should find on your ballot are: Don Smith, Bobby Marshall, Yolanda Ford, George Maroulis, Floyd Emery, and JaPaula Kemp. Early voting for the 2015 General Election for Missouri City, Texas will be taking place from Monday, April 27, 2015 through Tuesday, May 5, 2015. The deadline to have your name placed on the ballot in Missouri City, Texas has passed.

THE CITY OF HOUSTON

On Tuesday, November 3, 2015 the City of Houston will hold a General Election. A few of the key names you should find on your ballot are: Ben Hall, Carroll G. Robinson, Victoria Lane, Stephen Costello, David Robinson, Michael Kubosh, Jack Christie, Brenda Stardig, Jerry Davis, Ellen Cohen, Dwight Boykins, Dave Martin, Richard Nguyen, Oliver Pennington, Ed Gonzalez, Robert Gallegos, Mike Laster, Larry Green, Janet “Jan” Clark, Chris Bell, Roland Chavez, Laurie Robinson, Tynia Colbert, Bill King, Brent Trebor Gordon, Marty McVey, Amanda Edwards, Christopher “Chris” Oliver, Lane Lewis, Philippe Nassif, Abel Davila, Tom McCasland, Larry Blackmond, Sandie Mullins Moger, Gregory Travis, Atlas Kerr, Jenifer Rene Pool, Sylvester Turner, Bill Frazer, and Chris Brown. The deadline to have your name placed on the ballot for the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election is Monday, August 24, 2015.



If you are a candidate running for office in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election and need assistance with getting your name before potential voters you should contact us today. Houston Business Connections Newspaper is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. Call (832)212-8735 to discuss your inclusion.

A FRIENDLY REMINDER

Don't forget to do all the research you can on the 2015 candidates running for City of Houston Mayor, City of Houston Controller, and Houston City Council in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election.

Best regards,

Aubrey R. Taylor
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
P: (832)212-8735
C: (832)894-1352


"According to an ABCNews/Beliefnet Poll 83 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians. So to this end, it makes perfect sense for us to get Christians engaged, empowered, informed, and excited about the process of choosing those who govern on the local, state, and federal levels in America. So don't forget about what Proverbs 29:2 teaches us: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." -- AUBREY

Tryon Dexter Lewis, Governor Greg Abbott, Tom Mechler, and 2015 Candidate for Houston Mayor Ben Hall featured on Page 10




By Aubrey R. Taylor
Publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper

Have You Heard?

Tryon Dexter Lewis, Governor Greg Abbott, and Ben Hall are featured in the "Have You Heard?" section on (PAGE 10) of this edition of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. This edition is “PART 3” of our “People Who Value Us” series. Gov. Greg Abbott recently accepted Site Selection Magazine's Governor's Cup on behalf of the state of Texas. He also recently appointed Tryon Dexter Lewis Chair of the Texas Transportation Commission. Tom Mechler was recently named Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. And finally, Ben Hall, a 2015 candidate for mayor of Houston recently spent time with two medical students – a young man, Saviour and a young woman, Uchechi, who stopped by KCOH to share their road to tomorrow’s MATCH DAY with the listeners of KCOH’s Starting Point. Attorney Ben Hall is a candidate running for mayor of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election. Early voting for the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election will begin on Monday, October 19, 2015 and end on Friday, October 30, 2015. The page featuring these individuals is intended to inform our readers on a few recent happenings. Click here to check out the page featuring Gov. Greg Abbott, Tom Mechler, Tryon Dexter Lewis, and Ben Hall.

Governor Greg Abbott Accepts Site Selection’s Governor’s Cup On Behalf Of State Of Texas

AUSTIN -- Governor Greg Abbott recently accepted the 2014 Governor’s Cup, an award given annually by Site Selection Magazine to recognize the top performing state for capital investment attraction in a season that lasts all year. 2014 was the third year in a row and sixth year since 2004 that Texas has been honored with the award.

“I’m honored to accept Site Selection Governor’s Cup on behalf of the people of Texas,” Governor Abbott said. “It’s no surprise Texas is again named the top state for the most new and expanded corporate facilities – this is the third year in a row Texas ranked #1 and the sixth time in the last 11 years. Unleashing the power of entrepreneurs and innovators and securing Texans’ freedom to aspire is the model of success for Texas, and I’m confident Texas will continue to lead the nation.” 

Governor Abbott Statement On Tom Mechler’s Election As State Party Chairman

AUSTIN -- Former Republican Party of Texas Treasurer Tom Mechler was today elected to serve as GOP Chairman following the resignation of former Chairman Steve Munisteri. Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement:

“Cecilia and I extend our sincerest congratulations to Tom Mechler on his election to serve the state of Texas and the Republican Party as the next Chairman. Having faithfully served as the Party’s Treasurer for many years, Tom will not only strengthen the Party, but he will help continue the momentum of our state’s Republican victories and preserve the very values that have made Texas the greatest state in the nation to live, work and raise a family. I look forward to working with Chairman Mechler and the rest of the Republican Party of Texas to ensure the future of our beloved state is even bigger, better and brighter than ever before.”

Governor Abbott Names Lewis Chair of Texas Transportation Commission

AUSTIN -- Governor Greg Abbott recently named Tryon Lewis chair of the Texas Transportation Commission for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor. The commission oversees the Texas Department of Transportation.

Tryon Dexter Lewis of Odessa is a former State Representative from Texas’ 81st District, serving from 2008-2015. Prior to serving in the Texas Legislature, Rep. Lewis practiced law in Odessa from 1973-1984 with a primary emphasis on civil litigation. In 1985, Rep. Lewis took office as a State District Judge of the 161st District and served in that capacity until February of 2006, after which he returned to practicing law. During Rep. Lewis’ legislative career, he served as the Chairman of the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee from 2013-2015 and was the Co-Chair of the Joint House Senate Committee on Judicial Selection in 2014. Rep. Lewis is currently a partner at Atkins, Hollman Jones, Peacock, Lewis & Lyon Law Firm.


BEN HALL: “Our city should be very proud of the legacy that these young people are creating”

HOUSTON -- Ben Hall recently spent time with two medical students – a young man, Saviour and a young woman, Uchechi, who came to share their road to tomorrow’s MATCH DAY with the listeners of KCOH’s Starting Point. MATCH DAY marks a pivotal point in a doctor’s career as this day dictates where he or she will begin to practice as a resident. “These amazing young people represent years of hard work and dedication. They as well reflect the diversity of Houston’s residents and the future of medicine…Our city should be very proud of the legacy that these young people are creating,” says Ben Hall.





"Our mission is to assist our readers with identifying "LEADERS" in Education, Corporate America, Business, Elected Public Offices, and Ministry who value our lives, support, patronage, and vote. Our publications are non-partisan and made possible by our advertisers, sponsors, and supporters." -- AUBREY R. TAYLOR, is the publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine and Newspaper - Call us at (832)212-8735 to discuss your inclusion.

THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY

On Saturday, May 9, 2015 the City of Missouri City will hold a General Election. A few of the key names you should find on your ballot are: Don Smith, Bobby Marshall, Yolanda Ford, George Maroulis, Floyd Emery, and JaPaula Kemp. Early voting for the 2015 General Election for Missouri City, Texas will be taking place from Monday, April 27, 2015 through Tuesday, May 5, 2015. The deadline to have your name placed on the ballot in Missouri City, Texas has passed.

THE CITY OF HOUSTON

On Tuesday, November 3, 2015 the City of Houston will hold a General Election. A few of the key names you should find on your ballot are: Ben Hall, Carroll G. Robinson, Victoria Lane, Stephen Costello, David Robinson, Michael Kubosh, Jack Christie, Brenda Stardig, Jerry Davis, Ellen Cohen, Dwight Boykins, Dave Martin, Richard Nguyen, Oliver Pennington, Ed Gonzalez, Robert Gallegos, Mike Laster, Larry Green, Janet “Jan” Clark, Chris Bell, Roland Chavez, Laurie Robinson, Tynia Colbert, Bill King, Brent Trebor Gordon, Marty McVey, Amanda Edwards, Christopher “Chris” Oliver, Lane Lewis, Philippe Nassif, Abel Davila, Tom McCasland, Larry Blackmond, Sandie Mullins Moger, Gregory Travis, Atlas Kerr, Jenifer Rene Pool, Sylvester Turner, Bill Frazer, and Chris Brown. The deadline to have your name placed on the ballot for the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election is Monday, August 24, 2015.



If you are a candidate running for office in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election and need assistance with getting your name before potential voters you should contact us today. Houston Business Connections Newspaper is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. Call (832)212-8735 to discuss your inclusion.

A FRIENDLY REMINDER

Don't forget to do all the research you can on the 2015 candidates running for City of Houston Mayor, City of Houston Controller, and Houston City Council in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election.

Best regards,

Aubrey R. Taylor
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
P: (832)212-8735
C: (832)894-1352


"According to an ABCNews/Beliefnet Poll 83 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians. So to this end, it makes perfect sense for us to get Christians engaged, empowered, informed, and excited about the process of choosing those who govern on the local, state, and federal levels in America. So don't forget about what Proverbs 29:2 teaches us: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." -- AUBREY

Saturday, December 27, 2014

INTERVIEW: Mayor Allen Owen takes a moment to discuss his Dream, Mission, and Outlook for 2015 with Aubrey R. Taylor


MAYOR ALLEN OWEN – Mayor Allen Owen is Missouri City's 10th mayor since the city's incorporation in 1956. He’s faithfully served as Missouri City’s mayor since 1994. He has a long-standing documented track record of placing the citizens of Missouri City first. His track record and dedication was part of the reason Missouri City was honored as one of the top 10 safest cities in Texas by real estate website Movoto back in August of 2014. Movoto combined crime data from the top 100 most populous municipalities in Texas, and used the FBI’s 2012 Uniform Crime Report to determine that Missouri City is the sixth safest city in Texas. 24/7 Wall St., a web-based corporation designed to report financial news and opinions, also recently ranked Missouri City 16th on their list of the top 50 places to live in the United States. Using data to rank municipalities based on factors such as employment, economy and infrastructure, 24/7 Wall St. celebrated Missouri City’s low crime rate, proximity to Houston and affordability. Missouri City was the only city in the Houston area to make the list; other Texas cities on the list include Richardson (#17) and Flower Mound (#9). The news organization’s profile of the “Show Me City” also reflected the following details: Median household income: $84,511; Median home value: $163,000; Average commuter travel time: 29.5 minutes. Missouri City is also one of the most diverse cities in America.

Mayor Owen and his family have lived in Missouri City more than 36 years. And he continues to dedicate much of his time and expertise towards the development of a community where he and his wife of 47 years, Jane, raised their three children.

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INTERVIEW: Mayor Allen Owen (Mayor of Missouri City, Texas) answers a few questions asked by Aubrey R. Taylor about his dream, mission in life, outlook for 2015, and advice to others striving to achieve their dream

QUESTION #1

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What was life like for you as a child growing up?

MAYOR ALLEN OWEN: My mother was an Elementary Teacher and my dad owned an Insurance Company. I was the middle child with an older and younger sister. I grew up in East Texas and graduated from college at Stephen F. Austin State University. I played sports like most kids and even played minor league baseball during my college days. I knew I would not be a big leaguer so I decided to coach and got my coaching/teaching certificate. During that time I began working in a bank and decided that I would like to do that instead. Job was much more secure and you didn't have to have a winning season to keep your job. I had just married and wanted a better future for us.

QUESTION #2

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What did you dream of becoming as you were a child growing up?

MAYOR ALLEN OWEN: I really wanted to be a doctor as a child but science courses in college changed my mind. They were too much of a struggle. 

QUESTION #3

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Did you achieve your childhood dream, or did it evolve into something different?

MAYOR ALLEN OWEN: I did play minor league baseball and that was not necessarily a dream, but something I enjoyed doing. 

QUESTION #4

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What is your mission in life?

MAYOR ALLEN OWEN: My mission was just to be successful in whatever I did with my life. I have always said that I thought God put me on this earth to serve others and I have strived to do that in the best way I could. Not only as Mayor but through the many non-profit organizations I serve on.

QUESTION #5

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Do you have a recent accomplishment you would like to share?

MAYOR ALLEN OWEN: I have always said that I hope to be remembered after leaving office for helping guide the City in the development of it being one of the best in the USA to call home. This has been done through the development of Sienna Plantation, Riverstone, Lake Colony, Colony Lakes, Brightwater, Lake Olympia, and the acquisition of Quail Valley Country Club and the preservation of the 400 acres of parkland. Being named one of the safest cities in the USA is another accomplishment I am proud of for our City. I did none of this alone. It took a good Council and dedicated staff to accomplish it all.

QUESTION #6

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What is your outlook for 2015?

MAYOR ALLEN OWEN: I see a very bright future for our City. Increased property values give our citizens equity in their largest investment-their homes. I see continued growth in our commercial and industrial segments. Placing more value on the ground and creating more jobs for our community means that we can continue to look at ways of taking the tax burden off of the roof tops and placing it on sales and commercial property taxes.

QUESTION #7

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What advice would you give to someone out there striving to achieve their dream?

MAYOR ALLEN OWEN: Never give up trying.

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"I would like to take this moment to thank Mayor Allen Owen for finding value in our vision to uplift, inspire, inform, and empower others in association with our "2014 Year-End Review" edition of Houston Business Connections Magazine." -- Aubrey

As President and CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, I encourage you to support the people, small business, organizations, corporations and ministries who support our mission and vision to uplift, inspire, inform, and empower others as we climb.

Best regards,


Aubrey R. Taylor
Publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
P: (832)212-8735
C: (832)894-1352
EMAIL: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
BLOG: www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

**** Please do not forget that your support can enable us to reach more people with our message of encouragement, hope, inspiration, and empowerment. So email me your request for a hard-copy of our “2014 Year-End Review” edition of Houston Business Connections Magazine today at: (aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com). And don’t forget that our ad prices start at a very low $40.00 dollars per issue. WE CAN ACHIEVE OUR INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE GOALS AND DREAMS BY FINDING CREATIVE WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER!!!

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PEOPLE FEATURED ON THE COVER: Businessman Craig Joseph (owner of Houston's This Is It Soul Food). FBISD Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre, TSU Program Director Dr. Michael O. Adams (Director of the eMPA and MPA programs at Texas Southern University), Judge Loyd Wright (District Probate Judge for Court #1 in Harris County), Businessman Bill Frazer (2015 Candidate for Controller of Houston), Controller Ronald C. Green (City of Houston Controller), Mayor Allen Owen (the mayor of Missouri City), Judge Christine Riddle Butts (District Probate Judge for Court #4 in Harris County), Grayle James (the FBISD President of the Board of Trustees), and Educator/Attorney Carroll G. Robinson (2015 Candidate for Controller of Houston). Email your request to (aubreyrtaylor@gmail.comif you would like to have a copy of our "2014 Year-End Review" edition of Houston Business Connections Magazine mailed directly to your home or business.

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Boasting accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), the master of public administration (MPA) program at TSU is a 48-credit-hour program that has produced key change agents in human resources, international development and policy. For more information about these programs, please contact Dr. Michael O. Adams, 713-313-7760. 

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Launched in Fall 2013, the emergency management and homeland security (EMHS) program is designed to create graduates with extensive theoretical and applied knowledge in emergency management and disaster research. The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security prepares students for careers in emergency management and public safety careers and will introduce students to the all-hazards approach, emergency disaster management phases, risk assessment, prevention and management, counter-terrorism, consequence management, mitigation, and recovery. For more information about these programs, please contact Dr. Michael O. Adams, 713-313-7760. 

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About Carroll G. Robinson

Carroll G. Robinson is an Associate Professor and a former Associate Dean of External Affairs at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston, Texas. Professor Robinson is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System (HCC) and a Citizen Member of the Board of Trustees of the Houston Firefighters’ Relief and Retirement Fund. He is a former member of the Board of Directors and Board of Advisors of K9s4COPs. He is also a past chairman of the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce.

Professor Robinson is a former At-Large (elected citywide) member of the Houston (Texas) City Council. As a member of the City Council, Professor Robinson chaired the city’s Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee. 

Professor Robinson represented the City of Houston on the Board of Directors of the Houston-Galveston Area Council, the local council of regional governments. He served as a member of the Board’s Budget Committee and was a Vice Chair of the Transportation Policy Council. He also represented the City of Houston on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for I-69 Texas and TEX-21, a statewide transportation coalition of elected officials, business leaders and transportation and infrastructure professionals.

Professor Robinson is a former member of the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities where he served as a member of the Board’s Finance Committee and was a member of the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Steering Committee. He is a former member of the Texas Municipal League’s Utilities and Environment Committee, and Transportation Task Force; Advisory Board of the Texas Environmental Defense Fund; a past President of the Texas Association of Black City Council Members where he was also a member of the Housing Committee; a former member of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO); a former member of the Texas Attorney General’s Municipal Advisory Committee (1998); Founding Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council’s Local Elected Officials Network; a former Chairman of the National League of Cities Democratic Municipal Officials; a former member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC); and a former General Counsel of the Texas Democratic Party. 

Prior to his election to the Houston City Council, Professor Robinson was an Associate Professor at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. He has also worked as an adjunct Professor at South Texas College of Law. 

Professor Robinson has worked in the Texas Legislature as Chief of Staff and General Counsel to Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis. He received his Bachelor of Arts (with Honors) in Political Science from Richard Stockton State College in Pomona, New Jersey (where he received a Certificate of Academic Accomplishment in African-American Studies) and his Juris Doctorate from the National Law Center at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. 

Professor Robinson is a Life Member of the NAACP and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is the author or co-author of numerous legal and public policy articles and commentaries. Robinson plans to put his vast experience and know-how to work for the people of Houston should voters choose him as the best candidate in the race for City of Houston Controller on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election ballot.

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Monday, November 24, 2014

PEOPLE: Drew Scudday, Marketing Manager for Ben E. Keith Company Profile in Houston Business Connections Magazine

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Drew joined Ben E. Keith Company in 2007. He has a BBA in Finance from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University. Beginning his career at the San Antonio Division, he has held positions as a District Sales Representative, VPT Analyst, and Business Development/Marketing Specialist. In 2012, Drew was named the Marketing Manager for the Houston Division.

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To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved. 

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PEOPLE: Mark Herzog, Director of Purchasing at Ben E. Keith Company Profile in Houston Business Connections Magazine

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Mark came to Ben E. Keith in 2007, with 20 years of food service experience, including Operations as well as extensive Purchasing duties. He has also served as a Senior Merchandiser and as a Director of Purchasing before joining Ben E. Keith. Mark began his tenure as the Director of Purchasing in our new Houston Division in 2008.

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To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved. 

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PEOPLE: Scott Davison, Assistant General Manager at Ben E. Keith Company Profile in Houston Business Connections Magazine

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Scott, a Sam Houston State University graduate with a BS in Agriculture Business, has been with Ben E. Keith since 1995. He has held positions such as District Sales Representative, District Sales Manager, and Branch Manager for the Conroe Sales Office. In 2008, Scott was named an Assistant General Manager.

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To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved. 

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PEOPLE: Mike Needham, General Manager at Ben E. Keith Company Profile in Houston Business Connections Magazine

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Mike began his career with Ben E. Keith in 1991, after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in History. He has served in many capacities during his tenure with the company including Warehouseman, District Sales Representative, Produce Specialist, Purchasing Manager, District Sales Manager, and Operations Manager. Since 1997, he has served as the Assistant General Manager and in 2008, was named the General Manager of the San Antonio Division. In July 2014, he was named the General Manager of the new Houston Division.

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To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved. 

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PEOPLE: Charles Dupre Receives Contract Extension Through April 2018 from Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees

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Contract extended through April of 2018, includes salary increase

Fort Bend ISD – At a Regular Board Meeting on November 17, members of the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to amend the employment contract of Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre, extending the agreement through April 30, 2018.

Dupre’s initial contract, signed in April of 2013, was due to expire in 2016. In addition to extending the duration of the contract, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees also agreed to a five percent increase in Dupre’s base salary of $285,000 to $299,000 annually and an additional 10 vacation days.

“Under Dr. Dupre’s leadership, the Board of Trustees feels the District has made great strides during the last year and a half,” said Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees President Grayle James. “Moving forward, our Board is committed to continuing to work as a team, with the community, and with Dr. Dupre in order to fulfill the District’s mission.”

Dupre was named the Superintendent of Fort Bend ISD in April of 2013, joining Fort Bend ISD from Pflugerville, where he served six years as the Pflugerville ISD Superintendent and was named the Region 13 Superintendent of the Year in 2012.

Before his time in Pflugerville, Dupre worked 11 years in Fort Bend ISD, serving as the District’s Associate Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer.

Under the agreement signed Monday, all other terms of Dupre’s previous contract remain in effect. In addition to his base salary, Dupre receives $700 a month for a vehicle and vehicle-related expenses and a $300 a month technology allowance. The contract, including the amendment, is available to view on the District’s website at www.fortbendisd.com.

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To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved. 

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Saturday, November 22, 2014

THOUGHTS: Wesley Ward, District Judge for the 234th District Court Shares Why He's A Proud American with Aubrey R. Taylor


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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American? 

JUDGE WESLEY WARD: "Why NOT?!? (That seems like a good place to start.). 

My pride in America has always been thorough and complete. It did not start at some point, and it will not end. For America is more than any single point in time or any single victory or misstep, it is the promise of continuing improvement, eternally striving to achieve the ideals of justice, equality and opportunity. 

America is the greatest land of opportunity ever conceived. And not by a little. By a LOT. It is the beacon of hope for the world, hope that the world can be better when we trust and love our fellow man, and when we give people the opportunity to succeed. Through our adherence to our Constitution, free enterprise, and equal protection under rule of law, America has raised the standard of living for the entire world. 

America is not perfect; never has been and probably never will be. But it is by far the greatest system ever devised, and it is still getting better (especially in Texas!). 

Harry Truman said that “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” Every Monday morning, we start our court session in Texas’ 234th District Court with the Pledge of Allegiance the flag of the United States of America, and then to the flag of the Great State of Texas. We then set in to the hard work of justice, raising up the rule of law, seeking fairness and rightness for all who bring their disputes. Everymonday morning, and every minute of that day and every other day, I am so proud to serve America. (And why NOT?)."

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To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved. 

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THOUGHTS: Stephanie Boutte, a Houston area Businesswoman Shares Why She's a Proud American with Aubrey R. Taylor


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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?

BUSINESSWOMAN STEPHANIE BOUTTE: "I am proud to be an American because even with all of the injustices found in our nation, we still stand proud. We still find a way to compete. We are a competitive nation. I am proud to be an American because I know the truth about how this nation was built. I know the truth about who the true inventors were. I know what MLK stood for. I understand what Malcom X was saying. I am proud to be an American because I come from a legacy of doers. I come from a legacy of people who did what it took to get the job done. For these reasons and more I am proud to be an American.

I am also proud to be an American because, although she has a deep, dark, storied history; it still provides some of the greatest opportunities in the world. It gives me great pride to know that my willingness to face adversity, challenge the systems and work diligently towards my goals can warrant me sweet success and a better life. Freedoms, which I take for granted and rights which are constitutionally protected are not easily guaranteed in other nations. I am proud to be an American because, it takes character, pride and dignity to accept the fact that I may always be seen as a third class citizen but I will never be deterred from achieving greatness. I am proud to be an American, because of the defiance that was shown and the blood that was shed by my ancestors to make this country great is the same blood that runs in my veins-today. I am proud to be an American, because I know that in this country you can actually have an idea that when nourished properly, planted in fertile soil, and watered meticulously can become a living legacy."

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To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved. 

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