Business

NAACP Releases Report Card: Florida Failing in Key Categories

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The NAACP Florida State Conference releases a statewide Economic Development Report Card upon examining the records of cities, counties, school districts and private sector organizations.

FORT LAUDERDALE— Adora Obi Nweze, President of NAACP Florida State Conference and Torey Alston, State Economic Development Chair released a statewide Economic Development Report Card after examining the records of leading public and private organizations over the last several months.

“I am excited to release this year’s Diversity Matters Report Card the records of public agencies from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys,” says Adora Obi Nweze, who also serves as a member of the National Board of the NAACP. “Diversity and inclusion continue to be a challenge in Florida and the NAACP will continue to sound the alarm for equality and fairness for all Floridians.”

The Diversity Matters Initiative examined the records of targeted cities, counties, school districts and private corporations statewide.  The NAACP Florida State Conference examined their records on employment, advertising and spending with minority, women and veteran-owned businesses.  The NAACP Florida State Conference conducts this review annually, proposes recommendations and releases its findings to the public. 

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“Our Diversity Matters Report Card is an annual investigation reviewing workforce diversity, local contracting expenditures and advertising budgets in urban, rural and suburban areas,” says Torey Alston, who led this statewide effort on diversity and serves as 3rd Vice-President of the NAACP Florida State Conference. “This year’s report card continues to show cities, counties, school districts, and private companies have diversity and inclusion as the last priority.  While there are some bright spots, there is still much work to be done ensuring diversity and inclusion is reflected in all aspects of government and the private sector.”

Here is the grading scale and methodology used for the report card:

Diversity Metric /Overall Total = Grade

  • A – Excellent (25% and higher): Meets and exceeds diversity and inclusion standards
  • B – Above Average (20% to 24%): Above average performance on diversity and inclusion standards 
  • C – Average (15% to 19%): Average performance on diversity and inclusion standards
  • D – Below Average (14% to 18%): Below average performance on diversity and inclusion standards
  • F – Failing (13% and below): Does not meet diversity and inclusion standards
  • *F – Not Reported

TOTAL

GRADE

#

PERCENTAGE

A

0

0.0%

B

5

12.5%   

C

1

2.5%

D

12

30.0%

F

22

55.0%

Total

40

 

Looking closer at the report card, none of the 40 entities evaluated received a total grade of “A.” Only five entities received a total grade of “B” --- Duval County School District, Hendry County School District, Miami-Dade County School District, City of Fort Walton Beach, and Manatee County Board of Commissioners. One entity, Osceola County Board of Commissioners, received a total grade of “C.” Thirty-four, or 85% of the entities evaluated, received a total grade of “D” or “F.”

There is significant room for improvement in the categories dealing with spending and advertising & marketing. No surprise, is the abysmal failing grade in those areas as several local individuals and organizations have complained of this disparity in contracting with black businesses for many years. All the entities received an “F” in the “Small, Veteran & Minority Business Spending” category except one. Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners received a “D.”

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The NAACP releases report cards every year. Now that this report card has been released, it is crucial that organizations and individuals throughout Florida are relentless in demanding transparency and diversity in how the tax dollars in their respective communities are allocated and spent.

 


ICARE on TONIGHT's Chief Jimmy Brown Show to discuss disparity in contracting with Black businesses in Miami

 

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Tonight at 9pm EST, Eric Pettus will guest host The Chief Jimmy Brown Show on 1490 WMBM. To listen, go to the web or download the app. 

Special invited guests are Darryl Holsendolph, Larry Williams and DC Clark who will discuss diversity issues related to government contracting particularly Miami Dade County Public Schools. You don't want to miss this one!!! 

Again, tune into www.WMBM.com or download the app. Call in to ask a question or make a comment by dialing any of the following numbers 305-953-9626 or 954-525-1490 or 888-599-WMBM. 


I've Been Nominated for a BOMA Award!

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For several years I've been sharing news, information and commentary through Blogging Black Miami via several social media platforms. It is a labor of love. My mind is so blown that I have been nominated for a #BOMAAward - for Best Communicator of the Year- Digital!

Join me on Wednesday, April 26 for the 2017 BOMA Awards Luncheon! Tickets are available at https://2017bomaawards.eventbrite.com. Thank you to the Black-Owned Media Alliance for this awesome honor. Thank you to all of the readers, subscribers, contributors and supporters of Blogging Black Miami. 

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 @vanessawbyers

 

#BOMA#BlackOwnedMediaAlliance #2017BOMAAwards #BOMAAwards #VaVaNewMedia#socialmedia #digitalinfluencer #socialinfluencer #citizenjournalist #blogger#communicator


Gallon to Keynote North Miami Chamber Luncheon in March

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Miami-Dade County District 1 School Board Member Dr. Steve Gallon III, will be the guest speaker at the upcoming Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce Business Networking Luncheon, Noon, March 22, 2017, at the Miami Shores Country Club, 10000 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores, FL. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.

 

 


Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Symposium and Business Leaders Luncheon

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Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce Executive Director G. Eric Knowles, left, and panelists at Chamber's Annual Symposium and Business Leaders Luncheon held on March 3, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Miami.

 

Miami, FL- How to Engage Elected Officials and Navigate the Legislative Process, was the premise for this year’s Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce Annual Symposium and Business Leaders Luncheon which was held on Friday, March 3, at the Hyatt Regency Miami. Former State Senator Dwight Bullard and Yolanda Cash-Jackson served as moderators. The symposium was comprised of two panels, one of local elected officials and the other of state elected officials.  

Panelists included State Rep. Barbara Watson; State Rep. Shevrin D. Jones; City of Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert; North Miami City Manager Larry Spring; City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam; Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness; Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief; Miami-Dade County Director of Small Business Development Gary T. Hartfield; and Broward County Director of Economic and Small Business Development Sandy-Michael McDonald

Several topics were addressed including the need for cities and counties to be better conduits for smaller businesses. Officials emphasized the importance of equity procurement studies in various municipalities and how small and black-owned businesses are not currently benefitting from the results of said studies. Many elected officials understand the value of the studies. However, one the obstacles of a successful disparity study is administering the studies seamlessly thus producing accurate results.  

Master of Ceremonies, Marlon Hill, introduced the keynote speaker, Florida Senate Minority Leader, Oscar Braynon, II. In his address, Senator Branyon provided a verbal guide on how to build a relationship and engage with your local officials.

The Annual Symposium & Business Leaders Luncheon is also an opportunity for the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the community.  The following awards were presented: The Miami Dolphins - Corporate Business of the YearAlpha 1 Staffing Search Firm - Dexter Foster Small Business Organization of the YearSEOPW CRA  - Non-Profit Organization of the Year; Kareem T. Brantley of Bravis Advisors, LLC - Rising Star of the Year and Christie Grays, Director of Community Relations, Baptist Health South - Board Member of the Year.

“It is imperative that our community continues to seek information in order to navigate the legislative process, especially when it comes to benefitting small, women and black-owned businesses. My sincere thank you to all of the elected officials, sponsors and guests who participated in this year’s Symposium and Business Leaders Luncheon. We are already looking forward to next year’s event” said Gordon Eric Knowles, President/CEO, Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce.

 


Comcast Cable Accepting Proposals for Two New African American Owned Independent Networks 

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(Black PR Wire) PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Comcast Cable announced the company is now accepting proposals for two substantially African American owned, independent networks that it will launch in select Comcast markets by January 2019.

The announcement is part of the company’s commitment to launch independently owned and operated networks as part of a series of public interest commitments made by Comcast in connection with the NBCUniversal transaction completed in 2011. Since the NBCUniversal transaction, Comcast has successfully launched over 20 independent networks, doubling the number of independent networks launches that it committed to as part of the transaction. Four of those networks were launched as a result of a public request for channels that satisfied the criteria established in several agreements between Comcast and leading diversity organizations: two African American majority owned networks (ASPiRE and REVOLT) and two Hispanic American operated networks (Baby First Americas and El Rey). Additionally, two substantially Hispanic American owned networks, Kids Central and Primo TV, will launch on Comcast Cable systems beginning in January 2017.

“We are looking forward to receiving another round of great proposals as we begin the process to launch two more African American majority owned networks,” said Justin Smith, Senior Vice President of Content Acquisition for Comcast Cable.

Criteria for selecting the next two substantially African American owned networks that Comcast will launch include: the content of the network; whether the network is fully financed; whether the network’s ownership and/or management group(s) are well established, have relevant experience, and are substantially owned by African Americans; whether the network is already launched and has existing or potential multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) distribution; price; and whether the network and its potential carriage provide value to Comcast and its customers. Comcast will accept proposals for every major genre, including general entertainment, movies, music, kids, news, and sports.

Applicants may visit http://corporate.comcast.com/diverseprogramming to submit a proposal and learn about the terms and conditions. Proposals are due by March 15, 2017, and the two networks will be selected in the coming months.

 


Are you BeefNMiami? Join the #WeBeefN Movement!

 

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A sense of community is missing in our neighborhoods and positive circulating economics is at the core. Be a part of the solution by changing behaviors. One Dollar, One person, One purchase at a time. B.E.E.F. (“Black Each and Every Friday”) addresses a needed change in behavior in the Black community. Starting with just one day a week support, build and invest in your community. There are quality products and services that exist in the black community that need and want your support. Visionaries in Jacksonville, Atlanta and Chicago have already started shifting the paradigm their communities. Join the #BeefN movement Miami. Make every Friday, Black Friday! 

Each and Every Friday - patronize a black business or service, then share the experience with friends, family and on social media. Use the following hashtags #BEEF #WeBeefN  #WeBeefNMiami #WeBeefNMIA or add to it the city you are reppin'.

 

#buyblack #blackeconomics #blackowned #blackunity #blacklove #changethegame #capitalism #blackpower #blacklivesmatter #blackdollarsmatter #Miami #MIA #Jax #ATL #CHI #shopblack #TGIF #motivation #inspiration #changetheworld #blackbusinessmatters 

 


Nuekie, Cosmetic Startup by FAMU Alum Eunice Cofie, Wins $20,000 at Miller Lite Tap The Future Live Pitch Tour Miami Tour Stop – Headed to Final Round for a Shot at $200K Grand Prize

 

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Nuekie, a health and beauty company, came out on top as the regional winner for Tap The Future in Miami. The cosmetic line combines traditional African medicine and modern science to develop products and services to meet the unique needs of problem skin for people of color. The business is now one step closer to winning the grand prize of $200K. Tap The Future is a business competition that offers real entrepreneurs a chance to grow their businesses. Find out more and RSVP for upcoming tour stops at www.MLTapTheFuture.com. (Photo provided courtesy of MillerCoors)

Daymond John from ABC’s Shark Tank and host of Miller Lite Tap The Future returned for the fourth annual Live Pitch Tour event in Miami on Tuesday at the Colony Theatre. The third stop on the national tour offered entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their businesses for $20K and gain advancement to the final round for a shot at an additional $200K. Four business teams pitched live to the “shark” himself as well as a panel of business experts.

At the end of the night, Nuekie, a health and beauty company founded by Eunice Cofie, came out on top as the regional winner for Tap The Future in Miami. Cofie is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry/molecular biology. Cofie will now move on to compete against other regional winners for Tap The Future grand title.

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Daymond John from ABC’s Shark Tank joined Miller Lite Tap The Future as a lead judge for the national Live Pitch Tour event in Miami. The top contestant, Nuekie, a health and beauty company for people of color, walked away with $20K and is now a step closer to winning the grand prize of $200K. Tap The Future is a business competition that offers real entrepreneurs a chance to grow their businesses. Find out more and RSVP for upcoming tour stops at www.MLTapTheFuture.com. (Photo provided courtesy of MillerCoors)

 

 

 

 


Networking event brings Miami’s brightest business minds together

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Pictured from L to R: EZ VIP Founder and CEO Al Nelson, Managing Director of Milestones Marketing, LLC Stephanie Clark, CEO and President of Tudor Ice Nestor Villalobos, and Founder and CEO of Rolling Out Munson Steed at the Miller Lite Tap the Future Business and Beer networking event in Miami. (Photo provided courtesy of Sachiel Asencio/MillerCoors)

Miller Lite Tap the Future, the business plan competition that offers entrepreneurs a chance to win over $200,000, hosted its first Business and Beer networking event in Miami. Hosted by Founder and CEO of Rolling Out, Munson Steed, the event featured a panel discussion with industry leaders including prior Miller Lite Tap the Future winner Nestor Villalobos, business coach and entrepreneur Stephanie Clark, and ABC’s Shark Tank participant and winner Al Nelson

 

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Entrepreneur and past Miller Lite Tap the Future regional winner, Nestor Villalobos, shared winning tips and practices at the Miller Lite Business and Beer networking event in Miami. (Photo provided courtesy of Sachiel Asencio/MillerCoors)

 

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A capacity crowd of entrepreneurs and business people attended the Miller Lite Tap the Future Business and Beer networking event to talk business and learn from the best and brightest in the industry. (Photo provided courtesy of Sachiel Asencio/MillerCoors)


 

 


CHI Becomes First Federally Qualified Health Center Nationwide to Receive Governor's Sterling Award

 

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Miami- Community Health of South Florida Inc. (CHI) is the first Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in the nation to be awarded the coveted Governor’s Sterling Award. The South Florida not for profit comprehensive health care company has been serving the community for 45 years.  The award marks a milestone for the agency as the Sterling Award is a difficult accomplishment that only a few companies can obtain.

Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Sterling Council announced today, CHI is among just three winners including the Big Bend Community Based Care, and Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County. Also, the Pinellas County Tax Collector will receive the Governor’s Sterling Sustained Excellence Award.

“The Governor’s Sterling Award winners reflect our focus on making Florida the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family,” said Governor Scott. “I am pleased that Florida is leading the nation and I congratulate this year’s top-performing Sterling Award recipients. This award is the highest recognition an organization in Florida can receive for performance excellence. The Governor’s Sterling Award process is an efficient tool for all organizations that saves Florida businesses millions of dollars annually.”

Community Health of South Florida Inc. has utilized data based driven tools and methodology to grow its organization. With 11 health centers and 31 school-based centers, CHI offers a wide variety of services including primary care, pediatrics, urgent care, dental, OB/GYN, radiology, behavioral health, laboratory services, pharmacy, free medication delivery and patient transportation to the residents of Monroe and Dade Counties. 

“Community Health of South Florida Inc. has been a trailblazing organization since its inception in 1971, paving the way for innovation, ensuring access for all to comprehensive healthcare and also as a teaching health center, training the next generation of medical professionals,” said Brodes H. Hartley Jr. CHI President/CEO.  “The Florida Governor’s Sterling Award confirms decades of hard work and dedication as CHI becomes the first Federally Qualified Health Center to receive this prestigious award. We are so proud of the CHI team for their hard work and commitment to earning the Sterling award.”

In 2014, CHI made headlines when it became the first Health Resources Services Administration designated teaching health center at a Community Health Center in the state of Florida. This is a critical area where doctors are needed to better serve this vulnerable population. CHI is also a Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home, the highest level attainable, and its electronic health record is certified to meet meaningful use requirements.

Community Health of South Florida Inc. was created as a resource for the community serving both the insured and uninsured populations. By providing comprehensive services at each of its health centers, patients receive a holistic approach to healthcare in which they can have medical teams from different specialties working toward improving their total health. The organization also has outreach and enrollment specialists that help enroll people in the Affordable Care Act and other insurance plans. Also, there are a number of programs that help the disadvantaged afford life-saving treatments and connect them to points of care.

With more than 800 employees CHI is one of the largest FQHCs in the state. Its mission is to deliver safe, accessible, compassionate and culturally competent quality health care services to the residents of South Florida while training the next generation of health care professionals.