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Media MavenDeborah MaidenCelebrates AM1360’s 30th Year of Victory

First Coast African American

Virtual Chamber Connects Businesses in

Jacksonville & Around the World

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It is my pleasure to introduce to you the Praise Reporter News Maga-zine. The Praise Reporter News Magazine launched in Columbus, Ohio in July 2006 and in the past 3 years we have had the awesome opportunity to serve our readers and advertisers by bridging the gap and providing the collaboration model for church, com-munity and business. Our monthly publication and online features include Pas-tors From Coast to Coast, Beauty/Fashion, Arts and Entertainment, Education, Family, Business and Employ-ment, Home/Lifestyle and much more.

We are excited about the pre-launch of the Jacksonville edition of The Praise Reporter and look forward to the addi-

tion of the Georgia market beginning in Savannah very soon.

We invite you to part-ner with us as we give the monthly praise report to the Jacksonville commu-nity through your adver-tisements, sponsorships, church directories, event listings and community editorial submissions.

We would like to thank Debra Maiden and the staff of AM1360 WCGL, Apostle Rod and Prophetess Taketa Wil-

liams of United Ministries Church of Jacksonville and the Faith Community of Jacksonville, Florida.

Ivory D. PaynePublisher

places to worshippublisher’s messageSTaffIvory D. Payne ivory@emailpraise.comPublisher

Celeste M. Payne celeste@emailpraise.comOperations ManagerDirector of Sales & Marketing

Letecia Cunningham letecia@emailpraise.com

CONTrIbUTINg WrITErSJesse Toddbishop andy C. Lewtera. Christine DunlapDoreen gentry-DavisEssie JohnsonJennifer Twitty

The Praise Reporter is published 12 times per year by Dynamic Creative Solutions LLC. . Copyright 2009.

904.410.2379 JacksonvilleOffice 1225 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 866.961.7191 NationalOffice

1100 Morse Road, Suite 103, Columbus, Ohio 43229 614.455.1771 fax www.praisereporter.com

The Praise Reporter reserves the right to edit, reject or cancel any advertisement or editorial at anytime. We will not be responsible for checking accuracy of items submit-ted for publication or for more than one wrong insertion of advertising copy. All contents of this publication are copyrighted by The Praise Reporter 2009.

United Ministries Church

Apostle Rod & Prophetess Taketa Williams

106 Delray Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43207 614.424.WORD

Thirsty Thursdays Bible Study 7-8pmSunday Worship 11am

www.unitedministrieschurch.org

“ A Deliverance Center, A Dream Center, A Destiny Center”

Ivory D. PaynePublisher

praise news clips...Downtown Jacksonvilee seeks volun-teers for Arts Events ... First Wednesday

Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour of Downtown Jackson-

ville’s galleries and museums, as well as cultural venues, restaurants and businesses. The event is held each month on the first Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. - rain or shine. Art in the Park 2009 is a unique, interactive art festival for all ages. Get your hands dirty on the pottery wheel, color your day with paint on paper, engineer a special craft, or shimmy and swing with local dance celebrities and much, much more. Contact Cheryl@down-townjacksonville.org to volunteer.

Principal and Athletic Director cleared in Florida prayer case... September 17th

after an all-day hearing, Santa Rosa County, Florida, Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman were cleared of criminal contempt charges that arose from the simple blessing of

a meal. When they heard the decision, tears of joy and cheers swept through the throngs of people who had waited outside in the rain for over ten hours.

Americans are Splitting Their Church commitments as They Search for Something Deeper... A recent Barna sur-vey finds that 10% of adults surveyed attend a worship service in a home at least once a month. Ken Eastburn, founding pastor of The Well, a church birthed in a building that tran-sitioned to network of home-based churches in Orange County, CA, says that statistic in-validates the idea that some Christians are house church Christians while other Chris-tians are conventional church Christians. “Christians sitting in a traditional bricks and mortar church on Sunday morning are often the same ones strumming guitars in some-one’s living room Sunday afternoon.”

Read more

Read moreBaptist Convention picks new president... What started as a contro-

versial week at the National Baptist Convention has ended with the election of favored Dr. Julius Scruggs as the board presi-dent.

Scruggs, of Huntsville, AL.,

ran opposed by Rev. Henry Lyons who garnered national attention several years ago when he was convicted of stealing millions of dollars from the NBC. After five years in prison, Lyons returned to mount an ill-fated campaign to recapture the presidency. A lawsuit filed by Lyons delayed the convention vote by one day.

Scruggs has served the convention as its Vice President at Large for the last eight years and came to the campaign for convention president with the full support and endorsement of Dr. William

Bishop T.D. Jakes and BeBe Winans Amongst 2009 Inductees to the In-ternational Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum...

Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bill (The Mailman) Mar-tin, Willie Mae Ford Smith, Myrna Sum-mers, Wyatt T. Walker, and BeBe Winans are this year’s inductees to the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum® (IGMHFM).

The 2009 inductees, nominated from around the world and selected by the IGMHFM board, were announced by founder David Gough. This year marks the thirteenth anniversary of the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum Induction Celebration and Fund Raiser.

This year’s induction and awards cel-ebration will be held at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, Michigan on Sat-urday, October 31. The program will be

Shaw, his predecessor. A little more than 5000 votes were cast with Dr. Scruggs officially receiving 4086 ballots. Rev. Lyons acquired 924 ballots in his failed bid to capture the presidency.

preceded by a Red Carpet Extravaganza with live entertainment and photo opportu-nities with gospel greats. visit www.igmhf.org for more information.

Read this issue and previous issues online at praisereporter.com

HELLo JACkSonVILLE

Place your church in our Church Directory1.866.961.7191

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Dear Church Lady,A member of my family is living an

ungodly life and participates in behaviors that are dangerous not only to them, but to me also. How do I protect myself and get them saved? If I report them to the authorities and they are put in jail my heart will be broken. However, I can’t let them do what they are doing, especially when its harmful to me? What should I do?

Sincerely, Queen R.

Dear Queen R,You protect yourself with Prayer and

the Word of God, but understand a person has to want to be saved to get saved as the old saying goes “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink it.” You can show and tell them about God’s grace, mercy, and love, but until they are ready to accept Him, you just have to keep praying. Your family member may have to fall to a very low place so that the only

place to look is up to God. No matter how much we love our families and them saved, God wants them saved more than we do. Sometimes we have to “let go and let God.” If they are hurting you physically or you are in a situation that YOU need help to remove yourself, then you have the right to leave Family or not. You are a valuable to God and no one has the right to hurt you. May God keep you in His Perfect Peace.

Signed

Church LadyDear Church Lady,I find myself pulling away from

church, people smile at you on Sunday but don’t even speak to you on Monday, I can’t help but feel like church is becom-ing a waste of my time. If being a Chris-tian means being fake then the Church can keep it.

Sincerely, Not a good Actress

Dear Actress,And the Emmy goes too ?????? A lot of

people....Church lady is seeing and hear-ing the same sentiments exactly from a lot of people about “our“church body, but let me ask you this, if you leave, who will be the example? We have to start being accountable for our actions and not worry-ing about what the next Christian is doing or not doing, I’m not saying don’t care. I am saying if you see your Brother or Sister doing it wrong step up and show them the right way. Remember, correction only comes after someone corrects.So Lights....Camera.....Action....Your On!!!!!!

Loving through Christ,

Church Lady

Ask the Church Lady

View Church Lady Replies online atPraisereporter.com

Have questions that you need an answer to?

“Ask the Church Lady”Visit praisereporter.com to submit your questions.

The Praise Reporters’ Ask The Church Lady column offers Humorously Practical Biblical Answers to your most pressing questions.

praisereporter.com | Preview Edition 2009 5

“Black Pearls” by Psalmist Doris Stokes

Have you ever wondered why it appears your prayers aren’t being answered or if God really ever hears you when you pray? Is He paying attention to you? I’m pretty sure all of us have experienced that from time to

time; however I’d like to share a few “Black Pearls” of wisdom with you if you think this is happening. Sometimes, you need to do a private “check” to make sure you aren’t doing anything to hinder your own prayers from being heard.

When you “praise” are you doing it to be seen, heard or noticed?...or are you doing it from your inner-most being out of the deep desire to give Him praise He is more than worthy of, for how good He’s personally been irregardless of your personal circumstance and most impor-tantly just because He’s WORTHY of your praise?

See, all too often I’m afraid people have two extremely wrong perceptions about who the Father really is: He’s either viewed as the “Big Bad Man up there” with a hammer waiting to crack us against the head every time we do something wrong, or He’s the God that’s the “Sugar

Daddy” just waiting to give us anything our hearts desire and whatever we want at our every whim. Actually Father God is neither. According to the Word, it is His good pleasure to bless us (Luke 12:32), He enjoys blessing our lives, even when we don’t deserve it, but He’s no fool! He continually blesses us for others to see in plain view when He sees that our lives are dedicated to Him, His purposes for our lives are being lived out and how we CHOOSE to live our lives in order for Him to gain glory from us in the earth. If He can trust the fact that He can use you, you can’t help but to continually be blessed! Obedi-ence to Him and His Word also plays a big part in this as well. But if you are doing whatever you’re doing (supposedly for Him) to be seen, heard, to have your name called or recognized, for titles or position, etc. then your MOTIVE for giving God praise needs to be examined.

Pure praise or LEGITIMATE praise truly comes from the heart; down on the inside; not whether you do everything right in life or not. King David was heralded by God Himself as “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22) and we all should know King David made many, MANY mistakes in his life; everything from getting another man’s wife pregnant, then having her hus-band killed in order for him to cover up his sin, then lying to the prophet about what he had done. But have you ever wondered WHAT was it that God was so attracted to that kept Him going back time and

time again to David?...because it certainly wasn’t David’s obedience to do everything God instructed Him to do.

The secret to God’s relationship with David was the sweet smell of David’s worship; the honesty of David’s praise! When David screwed up, God placed his sin right in his face and DAVID would “check himself” and REPENT unto God for his wrongdoing! King David wrote in one of my favorite Psalms “create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me!” (Psalm 51:10). Whew…now that’s pure…that’s sincere! David under-stood the precious relationship that kept him CONNECTED to God wasn’t worth losing by NOT repenting. His praise was always received by God because He would take ownership for his wrongs and then give God praise for allowing Him to see his error so that he could move beyond it! That’s so awesome to me, because all of us at some time in our lives should’ve experi-enced this already. How many times have we done something that wasn’t the best thing to do, realized our wrong, apologized SINCERELY for it and felt freed enough to move on in spite of it?

See, God isn’t looking for PERFECT people without error; He knows He’d never find that anyway! He’s looking for a people who is hungry to carry His Spirit, His praise into the earth and spread His personality to those that don’t have it. Just as the enemy is “seeking whom he may devour?...” (1 Peter 5:8) …the Lord is look-

ing for somebody He can use that will give Him LEGITIMATE praise without their hand out, without wondering if they’ll get the next title or position in church. LEGITI-MATE praise grabs God’s attention! Begin to praise Him by yourself or to others without looking for anything. Share the goodness of God (your personal testimony) with someone who doesn’t know Him the way you do or may have a secret desire TO get to know Him. God does hear AND answer prayer, but wouldn’t you want to be ASSURED He’s listening to you? When you build your personal relationship with Him through giving Him the praise and the worship that He is due, BLESSINGS are automatic; Him hearing you is guaranteed; Him answering is bonafide! If you want Him to pay attention to you, purchase the “hottest” new fragrance of PRAISE and see what happens…He loves that “scent” and I HIGHLY recommend it!

Psalmist Doris Stokes is:President & CEO of Black Pearl Enter-

prises & 1 Voice Music MinistriesA Psalmist, Worship Leader, Record-

ing Artist, Songwriter & Gospel Stage Play Actress Email: bpe1voicemusic@gmail.com Websites: www.dorisastokes.com (the Official Website) www.facebook.com/dorisastokes (On Facebook)

© Copyright Protected: Black Pearl Enterprises. No part of this article may be copied or used without express written permission from its owner.

Are You Sending Up Legitimate Praise?encouragement & inspiration

praisereporter.com |Preview Edition 20096

Deborah L. Maiden is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. She received her educational studies through the City of Birmingham Public Schools and the Uni-versity of Alabama.

In fall of 1989, Jacksonville, Florida became her home. As President of JBD Communications, Inc. and General Man-ager of AM1360 WCGL Radio she has worked hard to stay focused on her goals to be a beacon and service to the commu-nity, as well as to stimulate the growth of WCGL.

A few of the most mentionable accomplishments of her leadership are purchasing WCGL’s new 4,564 sq. ft. facil-ity; earning a nomination for the “2007 Stellar Award Radio Station of the Year”; receiving the Florida Gospel Announcer’s Guild

2007 Radio Station of the Year Award and; being inducted into the Florida Gos-pel Announcer’s Guild Hall of Fame.

Ms. Maiden is a Trustee Member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, member of the National Association of Broadcasters, and The Florida Gospel Announcer’s Guild. She holds many cer-tificates and awards of excellence for her outstanding role in the community and her service to others.

She receives her spiritual enrichment at West Jacksonville Church of God in Christ. She is a “PK” (Pastor’s Kid), proud mother of three, Marquisha, Timothy and Christopher and grandmother of seven. She loves God, has a passion for helping people and enjoys travel and music.

Ms. Maiden accredits her success to her CEO, GOD. She shared the following with the Praise Reporter:

“When I first became general manager of WCGL my only vision was to sell and run. However after realizing that this was the will of God for my life, I submitted myself to His authority.

My vision and primary focus now is that Christ is lifted through His word and songs and to inspire, inform, encourage and edify our listeners.

I want WCGL to have a dramatic and positive impact because of who we represent. I want to represent Christ to the best of our ability. I want to see and hear about lives being changed through a message or song heard on WCGL just as everyone who came in contact with Christ was never the same after their encounter with Him.

On November 7th, 2009, WCGL will cel-ebrate 30 years as Jacksonville’s first full-time Gospel station. We are anticipating a highly anointed “Praise & Worship Experience.” We have some of the greatest artists in the country. We are excited!!!

To God be the Glory for the things He has done in and through us.”

GospeLToP TEn

Souled OutHezekiah Walker

1

View Top 10 Online and purchase these favorites at praisereporter.com

32

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Peace and favor rest on Us

Kurt Carr & Kurt Carr Singers

Praise Him Now

Kierra Sheard

The Law of Confession

Donald Lawrence & Co.

I Trust YouJames Fortune &

FIYA

god Did That ThingBishop Bobby Hilton

& Word of Deliver-ance Mass Choir

already Here Brian

Courtney Wilson

10

Clap Your HandsThe Nevelle Sisters

god in MeMary Mary

Lead Me JesusGreg O’Quinn

and iPraize

arts & entertainmentkingdom Minded Media Maven takes AM 1360 WCGL into its 30th year of VictoryIf you have ever had a chance to talk to Deborah Maiden or her staff you will quickly come to the knowledge that radio business is kingdom business – a way to share the good news and inpiration with hundereds of thousands of listeners each day,

W GLW GLAM 1360AM 1360

praisereporter.com | Preview Edition 2009 7

encouragement & inspiration

GoSPEL SIGHTS-n-SoUnDS ARTIST AnD AUTHoR SPoTLIGHT

Rev. Will HagansNext Dimension

of Praise“Next Dimension of Praise. Vol.One” which has received much success and local ac-claim. The new project is filled with tracks that will take the listener on a melodic paradise! When you come to a

Rev.Will Hagans Jr featuring 1STLUV concert you will experience worship that is uplifting, anointed and exciting. “It’s my prayer that everyone that comes to hear my ministry will experience God in a whole new way and dimension” states Hagans. Lives are changed, minds transformed and spirits uplifted. Get ready for the NEXT DIMENSION OF PRAISE...Listen to “Lead Me” at praiserepooter.com

The beauty of a true worshipper can-not be fathomed with the natural eye. The aroma from that worship-per transcends this realm and

sweetly arises to a pleased God who receives the worship gladly. Tana Glover is such a worshipper. This loving wife and mother of 4 children was born into a musical family who continues in the legacy even today. Beginning with her Grammy Award winning mother, a sister who is a singer, writer & arranger, her husband, who plays the drums, and her brother-in-law on lead guitar-music is her pas-sion.Tana, a successful hairstylist, who simply loves Jesus, chooses to worship with her life and not just a song. This singer, song writer and worship leader of United Ministries Church, firmly believes the words of Psalm 91: “ He that dwelleth in the secret Place of the Most High God shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. The true worshipper worships in spirit and in truth, in life and in song. Please join her in a worship experience like none other and lose yourself in His presence as we welcome The True Worshipper, Tana. Her new sampler entitled Tana has 3 of her latest songs, He Will, Recessiona and Adoration. Visit Tana online at http://www.myspace.com/tanaglover

“GOD’S GIRL DAWN” RELEASES A BOOK OF WIS-DOM FOR YOUNG WOMEN

The age-old ques-tion as to whether mother knows best is adamantly answered with a resounding “yes, she does!” With a catalogue of life lessons designed to guide young woman into discovering the importance of self-respect, forgiveness, individuality, honesty and a host of other morality essentials, From Mothers to Daughters encour-

ages the reader to plant their own seeds of wisdom into another’s life. “Mothers know that in order for their daughters to maximize their potential, they have to be armed with the wisdom to make good decisions,” says Mosby. “From Mothers to Daughters gives the insight necessary to plant those seeds.” (ISBN: 978-0-615-26679-4) $14.95US. The book may be purchased at In the Beginning Bookstore (6111 E. Main St.) in Columbus and online at: www.godsgirldawn.com.

From Mothers A Book of Wisdom

Dawn F. Mosby“God’s Girl Dawn”

to Daughters

*One of Gospel music’s favorite artists has a new CD. Singer-songwriter Tarralyn Ramsey’s new release, Beyond the Dark-ness, also is included in Wal-Mart’s Gospel Music Heritage Month 2009 promotion. Beyond the Darkness is billed as Ramsey’s most self-reflective project to date.

Her self-titled debut CD was released in 2000. The first single, “Faultless,” is cur-rently in rotation at gospel radio stations nation wide.

“I have moved into a new phase of my career,” Ramsey said in a recent interview. “I’m now focusing on every aspect of the music business and the role it plays in my career. I had to make a lot of changes but I’m ready to move forward.”

For Ramsey moving forward includes the launch of her own full-service enter-tainment company, Tarprincel Entertain-ment Group (TEG). The company includes management, publishing and production

*Eight-time Grammy nominated jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum will release the long-awaited third installment in his popular genre-bridging gospel jazz series this fall with a special package and unique online marketing cam-paign.

The Gospel According To Jazz: Chapter III will be avail-able November 17, 2009, in both a two-disc CD package and a special DVD. The project will be released by Whalum’s label Top Drawer Records and distributor Mack Avenue Records.

Unique to the concept of The Gospel According To Jazz is the fact that it brings jazz fans, gospel fans, and R&B fans together with those who are dedicated to Christ, and meets the listeners where they are spiritu-ally.

In addition to Whalum, the celebra-tion features jazz keyboardist George Duke, vocalist Lalah Hathaway, guitarist Doc Pow-ell, vocalist Kevin Whalum, keyboardist/vocalist John Stoddart, percussionist Lenny Castro, and others.

Further, Whalum celebrates family as well as faith by engaging some other highly talented relatives. In addition to his brother Kevin, the set features his uncle, singer and

saxophonist Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum; his nephew, saxophonist Kenneth Whalum III; his son, bassist Kyle Whalum; his nephew, vocalist Kortland Whalum; and his cousin, hip-hop artist Caleb Tha Bridge.

Recorded live in 2007 at the Reid Temple AME church in Glenn Dale, Maryland – GATJ3 is a joyous concert of praise and worship, where Whalum takes listeners on a journey from spirituals through New

Orleans jazz through modern jazz, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, blues, and gospel.

“It’s kind of a mini journey through the evolution of jazz to an extent,” Whalum said in an interview with JL Media Group, add-ing that “It documents the fact that gospel is not a recent collaborator with jazz. They started out together.”

In addition, the CD package includes a bonus track version of “You Are Every-thing” featuring Bishop T.D. Jakes and his wife Serita Jakes.

FUSIon GoSPEL: kIRk WHALUM GoSPEL-JAzz MIx CD.

divisions and a record label. Ramsey also has launched a Beyond the Dark-ness perfume line.

She will promote all of her new ventures starting with an in-store perfor-mance at Wal-Mart in Orlando, on Kirk-man Road on Saturday, September 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. On Sunday, September 20, she will perform at New Birth Cathedral’s

Sunday morning service in Lithonia, Ga. Go to http://www.tarralynramsey.com for more scheduled performances.

Tarralyn Ramsey Is Back: Artist Returns With new Cd, Record Label And Perfume.

Promote your cd or book project with Praise. We can highlight your project online and in print for one low fee.866.961.7191 ext 1

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Praise Reporter Advertisers understand the value and of the faith-based market. As a matter of fact, the church market is one of the most loyal consumer bases. The Barna Group reports that African Ameri-cans attend atleast one church service per week, not including attending a wedding or funeral.

These are industries that have advertised in our Ohio market:

Healthcare & Social ServicesIndustry African Americans are among one of the most sought after markets in the healthcare industry. With health disparities among African Americans at an all time high, health care facilities, educators and services find Praise a key component of their marketing strategy. Whether a community health fair, clinical trial or health awareness campaign, Praise reaches the mark.• The OSU Medical Center - James Cancer Hospital- Ohio State University East Community Day• Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association –Sickle

Cell Month Awareness Campaign and Sickle Cell Sabbath (a Saturday and Sunday designated to faith organizations sharing information about Sickle Cell disease with their congregants.)

• Franklin County Health Department

• Franklin County Children’s Services - Foster care, adoption and mentoring

•Lifeline of Ohio – Organ and tissue donation program

• Central Ohio Diabetes Association & Kidney Foundation of Ohio – Campaign to heighten kidney health and diabetes awareness.

PoliticsThough we have heard the saying that there is a separation of church and state, in the past decade, we have seen the “values voters” are a key and pivotal target market in politics and help shape the face of government locally and nationally. The Praise Reporter reaches “Values Voters.”• Franklin County and Ohio Democratic Parties• Republican Party• Occasional levies and special issue ads

Restaurants & Grocers• Golden Corral, Meat Packers Outlet, Save-A-Lot

Banking & Financial Services• AllState Insurance, Priority Insurance• Nationwide Insurane, Dehan Enterprises

Personal CareSalons and Spa’s love Praise. • Angelique Day Spa• KiEssence Hair & Nails

EducationThe Praise Reporter has been an affordable market-ing Resource for educational institutions. Whether a public school, private school, charter school, college, seminary, community organization or church, the praise reporter reaches potential• Focus Academy, CM Grant Leadership Academy, Granville T. Woods Schule, South Scioto Academy

Funeral Services• Marlan Gary Chapel of Peace• Gary Memorial Chapel

Churches and Community OrganizationsOver 50 churches and several community groups advertise their ministry and/or events each month.

Entertainment & Conferences• Tyler Perry Studios, CAPA Performing Arts, The King Arts C

Doing Business In Florida Virtually...The First Coast African American Chamber of Commerce

What is the business climate in Jacksonville?

The business climate in Jacksonville is filled with opportunity. The key for entrepreneurs and small businesses is to adapt to the changing business cli-mate. Some of our top industries such as medical, financial services, and tour-ism to name a few need to be supported and complimented by innovation and intellectual capital. According to census data we have over 100,00 small busi-nesses in Northeast Florida but those numbers should be much higher based on our population, especially in terms of the number of African American owned businesses. Therefore, a shortage of businesses means more opportunity for those engaged in entrepreneurship.

Tell us a little about the chamber?The mission of the First Coast Afri-

can American Chamber of Commerce is to create and promote programs and ser-vices which stimulate economic growth and development in the African Ameri-can business community in Jacksonville and throughout the First Coast region. Everyone is invited to contribute to this effort. Our purpose is to gain access to information and concerns specific to the subgroup that is ignored, unknown, unaddressed, or difficult to obtain by the general public and at-large resources. In

Recent signing between the First Coast African American Chamber of Commerce and Benin, Nigeria to promote international trade.

our Advertisers…

turn, our organization must report this critical information to the general public or those who find value in the African American community.

Why was the virtual created?The virtual chamber was inspired

by changes/trends I recognized in late 2007 regarding non-profit and member-ship organizations. I believe that we can impact some of our social issues through entrepreneurship. The virtual chamber offered a medium for networking and information gathering. Initially it was intended as a forum for 30 or so mem-bers to share ideas locally without hav-ing to travel to a central location. Many of the members of the virtual chamber have combined to bid on contracts, start their own networks, post blogs, guide others through small business develop-ment using the tool bar tabs, and most importantly become more comfortable with technology before moving on other platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Traditionally, these are activities that some have said are lacking in minority commu-nities. Obviously the impact has spread well beyond the First Coast.

Small Business Benefits There are many benefits to the virtual

chamber. Firstly, it contributes to innova-tive thinking and creativity. Users must create a profile that is going to be invit-ing and speak to who and what they are. This medium gives them a voice via blogs and discussion. I would also add that it allows them to experiment with different forms of technology as well as review how others are presenting themselves to the world.

Secondly, the tabs have been designed to provide a wide range of tools for users. For example, we have links to census data, key business statistics, access to cap-ital, minority business development sites, business economy information, value links for creating events/free conference calling, business templates, international trade, and private online workspaces.

While there is the Facebook element of social networking the site is primarily geared towards entrepreneurial support.

What are your goals for the virtual Chamber in 2010?

My goals for the virtual chamber in 2010 is to create a bridge for global trading

and continue contributing to the growth of social entreprneurship. This idea of the virtual chamber of commerce has gar-nered support from some larger agen-cies outside of the First Coast region so there is opportunity to promote fellow-ship, networking, training, research, com-merce, and tourism on an invented level. A critical initiative for us is First Coast Black Business Month 2010 which is in August. I will be using all of my resources to heighten the awareness of supporting black businesses. While we should do this everyday, by joining a national initia-tive such Black Business Month creates a larger sense of belonging and the entire community benefits. We will be asking for support from the entire community leading up to this initiative. The global trade initiative is equally important since the chamber has signed a memorandum of understanding with Benin, Nigeria.

For more information about the First Coast African American Chamber of Com-merce, please visit www.fcaacc.org.

To advertise, call 866.961.7191 or visit praisereporter.com

business

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During a fast at the beginning of this year, Prophetess Taketa Williams, Co-Pastor of United Ministries Church, shared seven Keys to Opening the Door of Opportunity. She sensed that God was preparing doors preparing a people to be ready to walk through them. The seven keys were:

Key #1 – Don’t Waste No Time; Key #2 – Remain Obedient; Key #3 – Keep A Negativity Free Environment; Key #4 – Don’t Concentrate On Haters and Adversaries, Key #5 – Keep An Open Mind and Remain Optimistic, Key #6 – Sow Where You Want To Go and Key #7 ... Approach Your Opportunity With A Sense of Readiness

When you are standing before oppor-tunity, you don’t have time to get ready – you must be ready. We were training last year, but the opportunity to reign is this year! Esther consecrated herself for 12 months long and when she approached her new year, she was ready. How do you know when you’re ready? Because you will look and smell like where you’re going. She no longer looked like where she came from, but she looked like where she was going. She was radiant and ready. When you approach opportunity,

you can’t smell like your old pain and you can’t look anything like your past! You must be saturated with the fragrance of your future and be permeated with the scent of success. The King saw a complete readiness on Esther and gave her the opportunity to become Queen. Because she was ready, she was granted half of the kingdom. Out of Key #7 was the fragrance line Successations propheti-cally birthed. The line contains body oil, Body balm, Body Butter, Body Scrubs and Candles. The line currently has the follow-ing scents: Success, Destiny, Zoe, Shaba, and Divine Acceleration each with a spe-cific purpose:

Success: To accomplish my purpose and win in life after overcoming test and trials. Destiny: To victoriously reach a prosperous and successful end. Zoe: A prosperous, abundant, wealthy and healthy life. Shaba: The Lord hides me and protects me from all danger and destructions. Divine Acceleration: To supernaturally cause a thing to happen faster than normal.

For more information or to purchase Successations visit booth 226 at the Jack-sonvile Black Expo or visit sucessations.com.

Success Smells Good on You

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FEATURED EVEnTS...

Many people, especially mar-ried couples, say heavy use of inter-net social networks is a doorway to emotional and physical infidel-ity. So they urge full disclosure to strengthen their matrimonial bond. That means married couples should share email accounts and or pass-words to safeguard against the ever-expanding temptations of the inter-net.

“It’s what we believe as Chris-tians: We are our brothers’ keepers. It’s about biblical accountability,” Lance Maggiacomo told the USA Today.

Maggiacomo said it’s a safe way to check natural temptations that could arise during bored and lonely moments online.

“It’s not a matter of distrust,” said Ronda Hodge, 53, of Massa-chusetts, an ice-cream maker who shares an e-mail address with her husband Tom, 60, a landscaper. “We

really don’t have anything to hide from one another. We were friends first before we even dated so we’ve got that level of openness there.”

It’s impossible to know how widespread the practice has become. Couples with a joint account said they never heard preaching about it and didn’t read it in an advice book. Some said they initially created their account for bills and other house-hold business then later realized the personal benefits.

A 2003 article published by the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family urged husbands and wives to share one e-mail address, but it was one of many suggestions on preventing infidelity. Still, the phenomenon has become common enough to merit a post on “Stuff Christians Like,” a popular blog.

Married Couples Urged to Share Email Accounts

Couples with a joint account said they never heard

preaching about it and didn’t read it in an advice book.

Some said they initially created their account for bills and other household

business then later realized the personal benefits.

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