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The Multi-Cultural Franchise Expo will be on Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16, 2015. All are invited out to participate in this year’s expo where a dynamic list of industry speakers, plus practical Franchise-related education, finance and real estate sessions for franchisees and business owners seeking to learn more about franchise opportunities come together.

Your participation as a sponsor, an exhibitor with a booth and or a keynote speaker, will help bring together franchisers, investors, trainers and the public at this premier event with the largest pool of culturally diversified franchise buyers in Southern California.

The expo starts at 9 a.m. on Thursday, October 15 with workshops, bank interviews, business plan training, and seminars. Friday October 16, 2015 starts with workshops from the IRS, the board of equalization, SBDC centers, tax assistance professionals and EDD training. There will be hundreds of exhibitor’s through-out the two day event.

This Multi-Cultural Franchise Expo will be the leading franchise event of the year in the Southern California region. We have teamed up with several chambers of commerce including the Hispanic chamber of commerce, The Asian business association, The Black Chambers of Commerce, The Veterans business association, and many city and government officials. Join us at the Ontario Airport Hotel & Conference Center, as we bring together all of Southern California, for your opportunity to present your offer to many potential franchisees.

For a detail schedule of event and sponsorship information contact 951-250-3999 or visit www.MultiCulturalFranchiseExpo.com

Cora Jackson-Fossett

LOS ANGELES, CA- LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS, an integrated marketing communications agency, recently announced Cora Jackson-Fossett as a senior advisor. Fossett will be the liaison between key decision makers in the City of Los Angeles and LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS.  Her work for the City of Los Angeles has earned her five L.A. Area Emmy nominations for producing videos/DVDs about public works activities and operations.

“I’ve known Cora for close to 30 years, as a friend and former client,” says LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS CEO Mr. Kim L. Hunter. “We have a long standing history based off trust and I look forward to having her as senior advisor for the agency.”

Prior to joining the agency, Fossett worked for the City of Los Angeles for more than 25 years, bringing significant expertise in community and media relations. She served as the public director for the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, in which she planned, developed and executed media relations, community outreach, employee communications, marketing communications and much more.

Fossett is an active member in her community where she serves as the director of the public relations commission at Brookins Community AME Church as well as the religion editor and staff writer for the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper. Cora has also been  commended for her work through various awards, including 3^rd place for best church page by the National Newspaper Publisher’s Association in 2014, Fire and Ice Fashions Outstanding Orator Award in 2014, National Association of University Women Hall of Fame Award in 2011, and Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2008 Women Who Make A Difference award among many others.

“I’m excited to join Kim and his team.  I look forward to the contributions I will help make to the multicultural communities and the city of Los Angeles,” said Fossett, former public information director II for the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation.

Cora earned a bachelor’s degree at Indiana University, completed graduate courses at Columbia College, and received an honorary doctorate in Philosophy from California University of Theology.

Featured in picture from L/R: Mrs. Eydie Tillie-Wade and Samuel Baker

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Social Lites, Incorporated recently hosted an informational meeting at New Hope Family Life Center in San Bernardino. This meeting was well attended by young men who desire to take part in the 49th Beautillion Season.  Mrs. Eydie Tillie-Wade is the 49^th Beautillion Chairman who provided a meaningful and motivational message to the young men present in addition to members of the Social Lites, including President, Mrs. Bettye Brewster.

In attendance was Mr. Samuel Baker, a senior at San Gorgonio High School who embraced the words exchanged from Mrs. Tillie-Wade.  Mr. Baker indicated he looks forward in participating in the upcoming Beautillion season and stated he was happy he had attended the meeting.

The next meeting will be held on Saturday, October 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at New Hope Family Life Center located at 1505 W. Highland Avenue in San Bernardino.  Young men who desire to take part in this life changing experience are encouraged to attend.

For more information, please contact Eydie Tillie-Wade at eytillie@gmail.com or (951) 203-2096 or Bettye Brewster at bettybrewster@yahoo.com or (951) 204-0022 or Twillea Evans-Carthen, Publicity and Beautillion Committee Member at (909) 234-4989 or tevanscarthen@yahoo.com

Men Of Faith In Action at the ‘Heal The Ville’ event last month.

Edited By Naomi K. Bonman

After losing his mother, National Best Selling Author Linda Hudson Smith, and his wife of 7 years and music partner, Neccola “Justilady” Smith, eleven months apart from Lupus and Cancer, Justified was left to fend for himself while raising his two young daughters, Synia and Scotlyn. Facing the many challenges that piggy back single parenthood, Justified tapped into his Faith and relationship with God to climb the mountains placed in front of him. In a situation where most young men would buckle under pressure, Justified rose to the occasion and stayed in the game and excelled.

During one of the most difficult times in his life, Mr. Smith penned and recorded his single “Blessed” which speaks on the everyday blessings that most humans lose sight of while enduring trials and tribulations. Lines such as, “Even though My Whip Aint Brand New Off The Lot, I Thank God That I’m Dipping And I Aint Gotta Walk,” not only engages listeners, but also reminds them to count their blessings and focus on the brighter side of their struggles.

Justified has rounded up an army of men who refer to themselves as the M.O.F.I.A, better known Men Of Faith In Action. These men have come together to bring a blessing to the city of Victorville where Justified currently resides by launching an operation called “Heal the Ville”. Under ‘Heal the Ville’, M.O.F.I.A. recently blessed the city last month with a distribution of free diapers, baby wipes, toilet paper, paper towels, maxi pads, back to school supplies and clothing to those who stood in need of a blessing. Over 300 people were present at the event.

The next event that Justified will be at is the “Daughter’s Lives Matter Awards” held at Fiesta Village on Saturday, September 19 at 10 a.m. Mr. Smith will be performing his singles “Promise to My Young Ones” and “Blessed” alongside his daughters. “Daughters Lives Matter” is led by Terry Boykins, CEO and Founder of Street Positive. Boykins has taken Justified under his wings and has been a mentor in showing him the ropes and leading him in the direction of his true calling which is to be a voice of truth for the streets. For those who would love to attend the event this Saturday, Fiesta Village is located at 1405 E. Washington Avenue in Colton. Please visit www.streetpositive.com for more information.

RIVERSIDE, CA- Riverside County will observe the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States with a memorial ceremony on Friday (9/11) at the county government center in downtown Riverside.

The memorial will begin at 9:30 a.m. outside the County Administrative Center. Scheduled speakers include Supervisors Marion Ashley and Chuck Washington, Sheriff Stan Sniff and Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Chief John Hawkins. There also will be a Ringing of the Bell ceremony, conducted by a Fire Department honor guard to recognize those who died, including first responders who perished while trying to rescue other victims. Members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony at 4080 Lemon St. in Riverside.

Vickie Baumbach, DBH Alcohol and Drug Services Program Manager II, and Veronica Kelley, DBH Assistant Director, at 2014 Recovery Happens Event.

ONTARIO, CA- The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and its community partners invite the public to help celebrate National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month by attending the 12^th Annual Recovery Happens event on Saturday, Sept.19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, 800 N. Archibald Avenue in Ontario.  This no-cost event is made possible through the support of local community partners, agencies and businesses.

Recovery Happens will feature children’s activities, family games, entertainment, free refreshments (while supplies last) and agency booths providing educational resources. A special tribute will take place for individuals in recovery, their families and friends, and those working in the field of prevention, substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services.

This collaborative event between DBH’s Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS) and community partners is designed to increase awareness and understanding of substance use issues while celebrating recovery. Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and was adopted by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors in 2011. This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Visible, Vocal, Valuable!” emphasizes the value of peer support in educating, mentoring, and helping others.

“Recovery happens every day. In September, we celebrate the journey taken by community members, family and friends, towards wellness, prevention, treatment and recovery,” said DBH Assistant Director, Veronica Kelley. “DBH is honored to host this annual event to support those we serve.”

DBH’s ADS provides a full range of substance use disorder prevention, treatment and education for communities and residents of San Bernardino County through a network of community based organizations and County-operated clinics with the goal of promoting prevention, intervention, recovery and resiliency for individuals and families. Through ADS, DBH is supporting the Countywide Vision by working to create a county in which those who reside and invest can prosper and achieve well-being.

For additional information regarding this event or DBH ADS services, contact Lois Mergener at (909) 386-8262 (711 for TTY users) or lois.mergener@dbh.sbcounty.gov or visit www.sbcounty.gov/dbh/News/.

Madrid Martin (center) and women

RIVERSIDE, CA-The 2015 The CARE Project, Inc.’s, Woman of Excellence Award to be presented to Dr. Angela D. Martin – Physician In Charge at Kaiser Permanente, Meridian Clinic at the third annual Pink and White Celebration.  The event honors Inland Empire breast cancer survivors and celebrates life on Sunday, October 4 at 5 p.m.

“It’s the non-profit’s biggest fundraiser of the year,” said founder Carrie Madrid.  “We are proud to have the event sponsored by D and D’s Dance Center and held in their beautiful ballroom at 1445 Spruce Street in Riverside,” she added.

Tickets are $30 each, $240 table of eight. Admission includes:  Pink carpet photo, dinner, DJ, dancing, raffles and live performances.  Reserved seating tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite.com

“This is the 3rd Annual Pink and White Celebration. The first two years were a huge success honoring many breast cancer survivors and raising breast cancer awareness throughout our community.  Last year’s event was standing room only with more than 250 people in attendance. This year, reserved seating has been put in place and tickets will not be sold at the door,” said Madrid.

Riverside’s Police and Fire department’s personnel and breast cancer awareness vehicles will be on site to welcome the honored survivors as they arrive.

Entertainment for The 3rd Annual Pink and White Celebration includes: Special performance by jazz saxophonist and Riverside native, J. Anton Boykin; Special guest speaker, Evelyn Erives – 99.1 KGGI/iHeart Radio and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2010 Woman of the Year.

Stage III breast cancer survivor, Carrie Madrid, founded The CARE Project to help support local patients, undergoing and recovering from Cancer treatment.

The CARE Project provides gas cards, grocery gift cards, prepaid Visa cards for copays, utility bill assistance, Chemo “CARE” Packages, counseling and mentoring.

The first 30 registered survivors receive free admission.  Each guest must be accompanied by at least one paying guest.  Contact Carrie at (951) 707-7965 to register.

For more information including sponsorships opportunities please contact Carrie Madrid at tcpfounder@gmail.com or call (951) 707-7965.  All donations are tax deductible.

Edited by Naomi K. Bonman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is happy to announce the winners of the 26th Annual Humanitarian of the Year, Commitment to Community Service and Black Rose Awards, which will be held on Friday, September 11 at The National Orange Show, Valencia Ballroom located at 689 South “E” Street in San Bernardino. There will be a social hour at 6 p.m. with the dinner and awards starting at 7 p.m. Honorees for this year’s celebration include: Kim Evette Anthony, Humanitarian of the Year; David Clark, Community Service; Chief Joseph Paulino, Charles Chuck Burns Award; Officer Marcus Pesquera, Black Rose; and the Chino Valley Fire Foundation, Black Rose.

Kim has given tirelessly of herself, using her skills and abilities to help others.  Much of her work is on a pro bono basis because of her unrelenting commitment to serving her community.  She has provided countless number of volunteer hours providing services to nonprofit and community based organizations including Stop the Violence Foundation and the establishment of the Regional Violence Prevention Coalition.  She volunteered with the Red Cross in Houston, TX serving and supporting displaced Hurricane Katrina survivors. A product of the foster care system, Kim spent fourteen months during her reign as Ms. California delivering motivational speaking and raising funds and awareness for the plight of foster children and at-risk youth.

David, a retired military person, volunteers his time at March Air Force Base assisting retirees with their retirement and other benefits.  He also assist the families of the deceased, making sure they get the paperwork needed for proper burial.  In addition, he mentors students at San Gorgonio High School as well as the youth and young adults at his church.

Chief Joseph Paulino makes sure that over 50,000 students are safe each day and has implemented an explorer program for the middle and high school students in the district.  He still finds time to provide service to his community.  He is a member of 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire and recently, he hosted a Searching of Mentors Summit at California State University, San Bernardino.  He volunteers his time with the annual Christmas toy giveaway, safety fairs, and positive tickets program.

The Chino Fire Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the safety and welfare of the public through educational programs, direct assistance, and financial support of charitable organizations, victims of tragic events and injured firefighters.  Their Adopt a Family program makes funds available to families that have suffered personal tragedy such as an un-expected death or a fire-related loss.

Officer Pesquera was in training when early one morning, he and his fellow officer approach a few individuals who appeared to have suspicious behavior.  OfficerPesquera’s quick thinking saved the lives of both men.  Unfortunately, his fellow officer was critically wounded but Officer Pesquera was able to save both lives.  He volunteers in his community at the firing range and his skills enabled him to protect the citizens of San Bernardino.

For more information or for last minute tickets, please visit www.sbbcfoundation.com or call (909) 210-6373.

SAN BERNARDINO –More than 500 backpacks were gathered for distribution at Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown’s (D-San Bernardino) 3rd Annual Tools for Success Day on Saturday, August 22, at the Inland Empire Job Corps Center in San Bernardino.

To date, Assemblymember Brown and a number of her local partners have donated over 1,200 backpacks to students in the 47th Assembly District.

“I am proud to host this annual event to ensure that students have what they need for the start of school,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “I was very pleased with this year’s turnout and I want to thank all our donors for their continued support.”

During this year’s program, Assemblymember Brown focused her remarks on the greatest issue affecting student success, chronic absenteeism.

According to the California Department of Education, chronic absenteeism impacts one out of every four children in San Bernardino. Research shows that children who were chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade were significantly behind in reading skills by third grade.

Assemblymember Brown concluded her remarks by announcing that she would join parents and school district leaders in eliminated chronic absenteeism by emphasizing the importance of regular, on-time attendance in school.

“By coming together and working cooperatively, we can accomplish this goal and improve student success,” she said.

Additional program speakers included San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis; Supervisor Josie Gonzales, 5th District; Deputy Superintendent Harold Vollkommer, San Bernardino City Unified School District; Kit Alvarez, representing the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools; Suzanne Schaeffer, IE Job Corps; and Linda Jackson, NID Housing.

“It was a pleasure to be a part of this OUTSTANDING community event coordinated by Assembly Member Brown,” stated Deputy Superintendent Vollkommer. “The backpacks and other information available at the 3rd Annual Tools for Success event will go a long way toward helping us Make Hope Happen for our students. Additionally, the district wholeheartedly supports Assembly Member Brown’s emphasis on reducing truancy.  We have staff dedicated to this effort.  Several times per year our district office staff and community members participate in Operation Student Recovery.  This program is designed to bring missing students back to school and keep them there via alternative programs and/or academic support.”

Following the backpack distribution, nearly 30 organizations provided educational resources and free health screenings including:  Alinea Medical, Loma Linda University, Vernon Dental, San Bernardino County Library, Center for Employment Training (CET), San Bernardino County Fire, Consulado de Mexico, and Susan G. Komen.

The event also featured free lunch sponsored by Stater Bros and Rio Ranch Market, live music by Coyote Radio, a Pillowcase Project presentation by the American Red Cross, games, face painting, and interactive performances.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to help low-income children with much-needed back to school supplies.  Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) is proud of the tradition of supporting kids to do their best in school.  We are grateful to Kaiser Permanente Fontana and Ontario Medical Center staff for donating to CAPSBC school supplies and 31 back packs valued at $2,700.  Together with another 100 backpacks and supplies from our Food Bank, CAPSBC was able to help the kids who showed up seeking support at Assemblymember Brown’s Tools for Success event,”  stated Patricia L. Nickols-Butler, CEO of CAPSBC.

The Tools for Success Day is held annually in August to benefit children and their families in the 47th Assembly District.

This year’s donors included: Inland Empire Job Corps, Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, Farmdale Creamery, NID Housing, IEHP, San Bernardino County Library, San Bernardino City Parks, Recreation, & Community Services Department, Rio Ranch Market, Stater Bros., Coyote Radio at Cal State San Bernardino, Consulado de Guatemala, SEIU-ULTCW, San Bernardino County Fire, Alinea Medical, Loma Linda University, Incredible Edible Community Gardens, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, American Red Cross, Devry University, CAPE Consultants, Al-Shifa Clinic, Time Warner Cable, West Valley Water District, San Bernardino Valley Links, Arrowhead United Way, and First 5 San Bernardino.

For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.

LOS ANGELES, CA- LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS (LC), a multicultural integrated marketing communications firm, will celebrate 25 years in business on September 1, 2015. Since its opening in 1990, LC’s expertise and services have supported clients in developing culturally relevant and sensitive advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns that target the African American, Hispanic and LGBT Consumer Markets.

LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS was founded by President and CEO Mr. Kim L. Hunter. With more than three decades of experience in communications, Hunter realized there was a need to develop strategies and campaigns targeting multicultural markets. Hunter is also the Chairman and CEO of The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF), a nonprofit that provides scholarships, internships/entry-level jobs, career and professional development workshops, and mentors to African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian American/ Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students; and Managing Partner of KLH & Associates, a multicultural executive search firm.

“There are many factors that can attest to the firm’s sustainability, however the overarching theme is the unwavering commitment to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations,” said Hunter. “For the past 25 years, staying client focused has been the underlying thread that positively affects our clients and agency.”

The firm has had the pleasure of representing a variety of clients including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and non-profit. Establishing itself as a pioneer in multicultural marketing, LC has received numerous awards from organizations including PRWeek, SABRE Awards, Hermes Creative Awards, among others.

Since inception, LC has expanded from its foundation of developing award winning campaigns to raise awareness on social marketing and healthcare issues, such as HIV/AIDS, infant mortality, tobacco control and teen pregnancy, to include an overall six industries of focus: healthcare, social marketing, utilities, financial services, automotive and travel and tourism industries.  The Hispanic Practice also now targets the Brazilian Consumer Market and provides in-language Portuguese services. This led to the launch of Afro-Brazilian.com, a website owned by the firm devoted to educating African Americans on the diversity of the Afro-Brazilian culture.

The firm also recently introduced POLISH (Political, Opportunity, Leverage, Integrity, Strategy and Honest), the firm’s public affairs division that promotes and supports women seeking elected office at the local, regional and national levels, with a strong emphasis on women of color. Through POLISH, the firm has coordinated Senator Holly J. Mitchell’s community swearing in ceremony and fifth annual Christmas in July program along with providing support for California State Controller Betty Yee, 26^th State Senatorial candidate Betsy Butler and Carolyn Ramsay, candidate for Los Angeles City Council for District 4.

“LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS has been a key part of my communications efforts over the past 15 years,” said Roger Frizzell, senior vice president and chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation. “We are fortunate to have such great partners for our business.”

To celebrate LC’s milestone, the firm will host a series of cultural and educational events, both internally and externally, with past, current and potential clients and employees. The first event was on Tuesday, September 1, where staff visited Universal Studios Hollywood. Other activities include, but are not limited to, the LC team going on California Resources Corporation’s refinery tour, creating masterpieces at a private Paint Nite, touring USC Pacific Asia Museum and Japanese American National Museum, cruising the Pacific shoreline with Carnival Cruise Line,  attending The Pasadena Playhouse’s ‘Casa Valentina’ and ‘Real Women Have Curves’  productions. For the holidays, the firm will host its annual holiday celebration at entertainment complex L.A. Live, to include a reception and activities. Be sure to follow LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS’ Facebook and Twitter page for the firm’s latest news and upcoming events.

ABOUT LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS? 

LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS (LC) is an award-winning, full-service integrated marketing communications firm that specializes in African American, Hispanic and LGBT consumer markets.  Celebrating 25 years in business, the firm provides culturally relevant and sensitive counsel to corporate, government, and not-for-profit organizations that strive to reach ethnically diverse populations.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, LC offers clients a vast array of communication services, including advertising, marketing and public relations. The firm’s current client roster includes: California African American Museum (CAAM), Carnival Corporation, Covered California, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, L.A. Care Health Plan, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, The California Wellness Foundation, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and Verizon.  For more information on LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS, visit www.lagrantcommunications.com.