How small businesses are mastering the art of selling online

How small businesses are mastering the art of selling online

Consumer buying habits have changed dramatically over the years. With the rise of online shopping, many small and medium-sized businesses find it difficult to reach customers in the vast ocean of the internet. To succeed online, businesses need a partner to help them reach a national – or even global – customer base, and to…

Don’t Let Predatory Tax Loans Take Your Refunds

Don’t Let Predatory Tax Loans Take Your Refunds

By Charlene Crowell, NNPA Newswire Contributor For many consumers, the New Year brings an annual effort to file taxes early enough to help pay off big bills, replace major appliances or tuck away a few bucks for the proverbial ‘rainy day’. With a continuing federal shutdown, this year there are also an estimated 800,000 federal…

Tips to Tackle 2019 with Greater Financial Confidence

Tips to Tackle 2019 with Greater Financial Confidence

Many Americans will start the New Year with specific goals or resolutions in mind. While resolutions are often broken where your finances are concerned, they don’t have to be. Use these tips to tackle 2019 with greater financial confidence. • Set a specific goal. Setting goals for the year may actually boost your confidence about…

Three Proven Tips for Businesses to Strategically Network for Success in the new year

Three Proven Tips for Businesses to Strategically Network for Success in the new year

A few weeks ago, I attended a couple of networking events – one was the City of Houston’s Meet the Buyers and the other was a Contractors Association’s holiday party.  During the City’s event, a business participant says to me, “Helen, I see you everywhere.  You really get around.  Can you introduce me to the…

One industry’s efforts to employ veterans
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One industry’s efforts to employ veterans

Following military service, many veterans feel overwhelmed by the transition to civilian life and the decision about what’s next. While veterans may feel that it’s challenging to identify civilian jobs that match their skills, there are job opportunities across the country and in their own backyard – they just need help finding them. One industry…

The $44 Million Dollar Man

The $44 Million Dollar Man

Byron Alfred’s life was dedicated to sports. He played football throughout college as a starting offensive lineman for the University of Houston and even had NFL aspirations. But when knee and shoulder injuries derailed that dream, Alfred was faced with the daunting question of “what am I going to do now?” Being from the refinery…

Simple ways to get your budget on track this holiday season

Simple ways to get your budget on track this holiday season

Americans will have lots to celebrate this holiday season, with unemployment rates at an all-time low and consumer confidence on the rise. According to The Annual Retail Sales Forecast for the Holiday Season from Deloitte, retailers have their sights on sales of more than $1.1 trillion. We all get caught up in the spirit of…

From a Digital Desert to an Entrepreneurial Hub

From a Digital Desert to an Entrepreneurial Hub

By Harry C. Alford & Kay DeBow The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has launched a prototype project that, if successful, will transform minority, low-income and rural communities from forgotten places into entrepreneurial hubs of economic innovation. Our goal is to create communities with access to 5G technology, integrated into low-income housing, job training…

Open for business but also open for hackers?

Open for business but also open for hackers?

Protection against cyber attacks is crucial for any small business. A surprising report says that the average small business website is attacked by bots 44 times a day; however, many small businesses can’t picture themselves as a target. It’s easy to think that only large companies are subject to cyber threats, and therefore, overlook developing…

Study on Blacks and Tech Reveals Digital Users Becoming Owners

Study on Blacks and Tech Reveals Digital Users Becoming Owners

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor No one doubts that Black Twitter has had an impact on real world and policy change. But now, according to a new study by Nielsen, African American consumers, influencers and digital entrepreneurs are leveraging digital power to not only influence events but to own content. The new study…

Job opportunities in manufacturing benefit America’s veterans

Job opportunities in manufacturing benefit America’s veterans

Following their military service, many veterans feel overwhelmed by the transition to civilian life and the decision about what’s next. While veterans may feel that it’s challenging to identify civilian jobs that match their skills, there are job opportunities across the country and in their own backyard – they just need help finding them. One…

The changing face of the American student: The growth of online learning

The changing face of the American student: The growth of online learning

The changing face of the American student: The growth of online learning (BPT) – Today’s college students are just as likely to be moms and dads themselves, full-time and part-time employees or members of the U.S. armed forces. Many students juggle work and family, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, which found that…

What does the shortfall of truck drivers mean for the economy?

What does the shortfall of truck drivers mean for the economy?

The open road, independence and the flexibility to work how and when you want. Reasons why trucking is a great job To truly understand the impact the trucking industry has on our economy, walk into any business, retail shop or grocery store and take a look around. Nearly everything you see was delivered there by…

Judge Accordingly

Judge Accordingly

It is nearly impossible for the passion Judge Maria Jackson pours in her work to go unnoticed. She has successfully established a reputation as someone that displays fairness and compassion time after time. Jackson began her professional career as the program director of a charter school where she helped guide economically disadvantaged children. This is…

Premiere Black Women’s Organization Spearheads International Change

Premiere Black Women’s Organization Spearheads International Change

By Lauren Poteat, NNPA Washington Correspondent During the height of the 48th Annual Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), members of the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI), gave way to their 10th Annual Gala and Policy Forum, centered around ‘Leadership in a Global Black Women’s Movement.’ Focused on the need for women to support other women, the…

For HISD’s Interim Superintendent, a Culture of Strong Leadership is the Foundation for Achievement
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For HISD’s Interim Superintendent, a Culture of Strong Leadership is the Foundation for Achievement

Leading one of the largest school districts in the nation – one that encompasses over 300 square miles and 214,000 students – is a huge task, and Houston Independent School District Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan is utilizing a leadership standard that encourages a free exchange of ideas. Lathan, a 26-year veteran educator, previously served as…