WWW.PEOPLEDOINGBUSINESS.COM: This video will give you an inside look at our March 2009 newspaper. The theme for this month is “Don't Quit!” On (Page 1) of this issue, we focus on the remarks of President Barack Obama in his address to joint session of congress. Also on this page, in her editorial for this month, Gina Parker Ford says: “Big Brother has lost his mind; and the government has gone wild.” McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP announces that Thomas Jones Jr., one of its founding partners has been named chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership's Minority Task Force. At the bottom of the page is an article from Zogby International entitled: We Media/Zogby Poll: Most Americans Believe Small Business, Science, and Tech Leaders Will Lead the U.S. to a Better Future. (On Page 2) Unemployed Texans Granted additional $25 Per Week in UI Benefits. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett Reveals His Vision for The County in 2009. Gov. Perry says: We Should Reduce the Weight of Government on Texas Business. On (Page 3) is a John Zogby Poll that claims, just 27% believe they will benefit from the economic stimulus bill. The UH Bauer College of Business Alumni Association is looking to score another hole in one with its 2009 Ted Bauer Golf Classic, which will be held on May 18 at Champions Golf Club in Houston. On (Page 4) is a New Poll: Annise Parker Opens Early Lead in Houston Mayor's Race, Name ID and positive image give Parker a “$1 million - $2 million advantage” over opponents according to a recently released poll by Parker's Polling Firm, Lake Research Partners. Other top candidates in the race to become the next mayor of Houston are: Houston City Councilman Peter Brown, and former Houston City Attorney Gene Locke. On (Page 6) In harmony with President Obama's stimulus package. The Women's Debt Help Center (WDHC) - an organization in the Detroit area -has launched an exclusive “Bailout For Women” program that helps women reduce or eliminate their financial debt through debt settlement. On (Page 8) Congressman Al Green recently applauded President Obama's first-ever address to a joint session of Congress. On (Page 9) Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., says 'We Can No Longer Afford to Put Health Care Reform on Hold” in her article for this month. Gina Parker Ford - CEO of Dental Creations, Ltd., a dental manufacturing company, and a successful attorney says the governoment has gone wild. On (Page 10) Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of this newspaper and founder of “PeopleDoingBusiness” series talks to Mary Turner, RN - the president and CEO of Therapeutic Professionals. On (Page 11) Oswald J. Scott, Jr. an attorney and municipal court judge who specializes in wills & probate has written an on handling a loved one's estate. On (Page 13) The VH-71 helicopter being developed as the next-generation presidential helicopter could get the ax before it ever takes flight. On (Page 14) you can get to know a little about each United States governor. To have your business or organization featured in our products please call us today at 832.212.8735 or 832.738.1113. Thank You In Advance For Supporting Our Supporters! Also, please visit our March 2009, February 2009, January 2009, December 2008, and our November 2008 Bulletin Board "People Doing Business" series pages.
WWW.PEOPLEDOINGBUSINESS.COM: In this video President Barack Obama addresses the nation before a joint session of Congress in his speech focusing on the economy and the promotion of his economic agenda. THE PRESIDENT: “I know that for many Americans watching right now, the state of our economy is a concern that rises above all others. And rightly so. If you haven't been personally affected by this recession, you probably know someone who has - a friend; a neighbor; a member of your family. You don't need to hear another list of statistics to know that our economy is in crisis, because you live it every day. It's the worry you wake up with and the source of sleepless nights. It's the job you thought you'd retire from but now have lost; the business you built your dreams upon that's now hanging by a thread; the college acceptance letter your child had to put back in the envelope. The impact of this recession is real, and it is everywhere.” THE PUBLISHER: Our next promotional newspaper and quarterly magazine will have this message included in them. So, if you would like to capture this piece of this historic moment in American history, don't miss the March issue of our promotional newspaper and magazine. Call 832.738.1113 or 832.212.8735 to get your copy today! Would You Like To Be Promoted In Our Upcoming Video? Do you know of an event you would like to see us cover? Are you launching a marketing campaign and would like us to help you develope your strategy? Call Aubrey R. Taylor Communications today at 832.212.8735 or 832.738.1113 ...And Let's Do Business!
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PUBLISHER'S MESSAGE - Sure, the name on our publication says Houston, but our vision is global. Just download a copy of our (download) publication and you will see! When we first started publishing (in 1998) our vision was to bring Houstonians information primarily about small minority-owned businesses in Houston. Today, we've expanded our vision to include you - wherever you are! And you can help us accomplish our goal to provide local, national, and international people on the move with information about other people on the move by subscribing to our (printed-version) published monthly by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications.Call us today at 832.212.8735 or 832.738.1113 to have a copy mailed to your home or business. To see the printed version (click here) to download the online version. To view the information on the states listed below, simply click on the name of your state and it should take you to the information we have posted for this month. You may download the full-version of this month's newspaper by (clicking here). And we thank you for visiting ourweb site and urge you to join our growing list of sponsors and supporters. Call 832.212.8735 for more information!
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Alabama is Gov. Bob Riley. He was born and raised in the small Clay County town of Ashland, where his family has lived on ranches and farms for six generations. After graduating from the University of Alabama at age 20 with a degree in business administration, he returned to his hometown, married his high school sweetheart, Patsy Adams, and began a 30-year career in the private sector in which he ran several successful businesses and a cattle farm.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Alaska
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Governor Sarah Palin — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Alaska is Gov. Sarah Palin. She made history on Dec. 4, 2006, when she took office as the youngest governor in Alaska history at 42 years of age, and the first woman. During the 2008 presidential campaign, she became the first Alaskan and the first woman to be nominated for vice president by the Republican Party.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Arizona
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Governor Jan Brewer — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Arizona is Gov. Jan Brewer. She has lived in Arizona for 38 years, and she has spent many of them serving the people and upholding the public trust. There are few, if any, elected officials in Arizona with a broader range of productive experience in public service. Prior to her succession to Governor, she served as Arizona Secretary of State, as Maricopa County Supervisor, and as a highly respected member of both houses of the Arizona Legislature, where she rose to leadership of the State Senate. She is an active member of Life in Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria. She has lived in Arizona since 1970.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Arkansas
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Governor Mike Beebe — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Arkansas is Gov. Mike Beebe. He was born in Amagon, Arkansas (Jackson County), in 1946, the Governor earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in 1968, and completed law school at the University of Arkansas in 1972, while serving his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. As Governor, he spends his days working with people of every background and every political persuasion to implement the positive vision he has for Arkansans. He believes in more and better-paying jobs, affordable and accessible health care, and providing all children with a first-class education.
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"People Doing Business Series" - California
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Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of California is Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. A little about the Governor: The world knows Arnold Schwarzenegger as a famous bodybuilder and a Hollywood action hero, but he is also a successful businessman, generous philanthropist and California's 38th Governor. As Governor, he has been California's most effective marketing tool, traveling across the country and around the world promoting California-grown products, cutting-edge technologies and the state's diverse travel destinations.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Colorado
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Governor Bill Ritter — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Colorado is Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. He wants to harness Colorado’s abundant supplies of traditional and renewable energy, as well as the intellectual capital of its workforce, to provide a catalyst for change towards a more sustainable national energy portfolio that can produce thousands of homegrown jobs. He has quickly established the state as a national and international leader on energy innovation, business development, and building a New Energy Economy for Colorado and the nation's future. CNBC recently named Colorado one of the top five states in the country for business, and Money Magazine named Fort Collins the second-best place to live in America.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Connecticut
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Governor M. Jodi Rell — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Connecticut is Gov. M. Jodi Rell. She has held elected office in Connecticut for more than two decades. She holds the state's highest office after serving as the 105th Lieutenant Governor for over nine years. Governor Rell also represented the 107th House District of Brookfield in the state House of Representatives where she held key leadership posts, including Deputy House Minority Leader and Assistant House Minority Leader.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Delaware
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Governor Jack Markell — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Delaware is Gov. Jack Markell. He was born and raised in Newark, Delaware and graduated from Newark High School along with his wife, Carla. He went on to receive an undergraduate degree in economics and development studies from Brown University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Governor Markell has been recognized in Delaware and across the country as a leader in promoting policies to help all people achieve their economic potential.
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"People Doing Business Series" - District of Columbia
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Mayor Adrian M. Fenty — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — Washington DC is not considered a state. It has one delegate to provide non-voting representation in Congress. However, Adrian M. Fenty is the current Mayor of the District of Columbia. He has made quality public education for all and efficient and accountable government hallmarks of his administration. Mayor Fenty is a national leader in the area of urban education reform, after changing the city's public schools governance structure in his first months in office. The new structure, which placed the city’s school chief as a direct report to the mayor allowed him to make swift changes in the system’s central office, improve teacher qualification requirements and implement a dramatic school consolidation process and focus resources on stronger academic programs.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Florida
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Governor Charlie Crist — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Florida is Gov. Charlie Crist. He is committed to ensuring the children of Florida have the resources and opportunities to realize their full potential. The Governor established the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness to educate and encourage Florida students about leading a healthy and active lifestyle. He also created the Children and Youth Cabinet and appointed a Chief Child Advocate to streamline the adoption process in Florida. Governor Crist signed the Anti-Murder Act as the first law of the 2007 legislative session in order to ensure the safety of all Floridians. The Governor, the Florida fundraising campaign chair for the United Negro College Fund, introduced a change in the Rules of Executive Clemency that allows automatic restoration of human rights.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Georgia
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Governor Sonny Purdue — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Georgia is Gov. Sonny Purdue. As Georgia’s Governor, Perdue has led his state based on his own personal life experiences. Gov. Perdue was born on December 20, 1946, in Perry, Georgia, to a lifelong farmer and a classroom teacher. He graduated from Warner Robins High School and earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1971 from the University of Georgia. Following his service as a Captain in the United States Air Force, Perdue became a successful small business owner, concentrating in agribusiness and transportation. Today, those businesses have grown to include several locations across the Southeast.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Hawaii
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Governor Linda Lingle — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Hawaii is Gov. Linda Lingle. As Hawaii's chief executive, Governor Linda Lingle is leading the direction and effort to meet the challenges of the 21st century and capitalize on new opportunities during a pivotal and exciting time of change in the history of Hawaii and the world. Governor Lingle was born on June 4, 1953 and is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. When she was 12, her family moved to Southern California, where she attended public schools and graduated from Birmingham High School. She relocated to Hawaii in 1975 after graduating cum laude with a journalism degree from California State University, Northridge. In 1976, she founded and began serving as publisher of the Moloka’i Free Press.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Idaho
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Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Idaho is Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter. Governor Butch Otter was born in Caldwell on May 3, 1942. He graduated from St. Teresa's Academy (now Bishop Kelly High School) in Boise, attended Boise Junior College (now Boise State University), and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the College of Idaho in 1967. Governor Otter's 30-year career in business included membership on the Board of Directors of the J.R. Simplot Company.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Illinois
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Governor Pat Quinn — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Illinois is Gov. Pat Quinn. Former Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn became the 41st Governor of the State of Illinois, having taken the Oath of Office on January 29, 2009. The Oath of Office was administered by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke in a brief ceremony in the Chamber of the Illinois House of Representatives.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Indiana
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Governor Mitch Daniels — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Indian is Gov. Mitch Daniels. He came from a successful career in business and government, holding numerous top management positions in both the private and public sectors. His work as CEO of the Hudson Institute and President of Eli Lilly and Company's North American Pharmaceutical Operations taught him the business skills he brought to state government. He also has served as Chief of Staff to Senator Richard Lugar, Senior Advisor to President Ronald Reagan and Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Iowa
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Governor Chet Culver — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Iowa is Gov. Chet Culver. He began his career as an environmental and consumer advocate in the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. After receiving his Master of Arts in Teaching at Drake University in 1994, he taught government and history at Roosevelt High School and Hoover High School in Des Moines, where he also coached both football and basketball. As a teacher and a coach, Governor Culver drew on his experiences playing both sports in high school and playing football on scholarship at Virginia Tech.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Kansas
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Governor Kathleen Sebelius — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Kansas is Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. At the heart of Governor Sebelius’ administration is a commitment to growing the Kansas economy and creating jobs; ensuring every Kansas child receives a quality education; protecting Kansas families and communities; improving access to quality, affordable health care; and taking advantage of the state’s renewable energy assets. Through a commitment to making the state’s business climate more attractive - and by balancing the state budget without raising taxes - the Kansas economy has rebounded resulting in low unemployment and the creation of thousands of new jobs.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Kentucky
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Governor Steve Beshear — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Kentucky is Gov. Steve Beshear. An attorney by profession, Gov. Beshear has a long background in public service, having served as a state representative in the Kentucky General Assembly, attorney general and lieutenant governor prior to being elected governor. To each of these positions he has brought a foundation of integrity and ethics, as well as a deeply felt commitment to improving the lives of fellow Kentuckians.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Louisiana
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Governor Bobby Jindal — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Louisiana is Gov. Bobby Jindal. He was elected Governor of Louisiana on October 20, 2007, with 54 percent of the vote in the primary, winning 60 of 64 parishes. Shortly after taking office, Governor Jindal called a Special Session to address comprehensive ethics reform, the cornerstone of his election platform. Since the conclusion of the session, the Better Government Association and the Center for Public Integrity announced that Louisiana’s new ethics laws are among the best in the nation.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Maine
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Governor John Elias Baldacci — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Maine is Gov. John Elias Baldacci. He was born and raised in Bangor, Maine. One of eight children, Baldacci learned the value of communication and cooperation at a young age. As he grew up in his family’s Bangor restaurant, Momma Baldacci’s, Baldacci was surrounded by civic-minded family and community members who instilled in him an intense work ethic and an equally intense desire to serve the people of his state. While working at the family restaurant, Baldacci earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Maine, where he continued to learn about the opportunities and challenges that faced the people in his communities.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Maryland
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Governor Martin O'Malley — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Maryland is Gov. Martin O’Malley. He is a fearless, intelligent public servant who puts people before politics. During his six years as mayor of Baltimore City, he worked tirelessly with the citizens and public servants to make it a more beautiful, cleaner city where people want to live and businesses want to invest. As Governor, he is applying that knowledge, experience and energy to the State of Maryland to make it stronger and more prepared for any challenges that lie ahead. Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown have made steady progress for the working families living in Maryland.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Massachusetts
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Governor Deval Patrick — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Massachusetts is Gov. Deval Patrick. He was elected in November of 2006 and brings to the Governor’s office a broad range of leadership experience at the top levels of business, government, and non-profits. From an early age, he has built his life on hope, and traced a trajectory from the South Side of Chicago to the U.S. Justice Department, Fortune 500 boardrooms, and now the Massachusetts Statehouse. He came to the Commonwealth at the age of 14. An excellent student despite the difficult circumstances of under-funded and often violent Chicago schools. After graduating from Milton, Patrick went on to Harvard, the first in his family to attend college. He received his degree, with honors, in 1978 and spent a post-graduate year working on a United Nations youth training project in the Darfur region of Sudan.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Michigan
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Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Michigan is Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm. This Governor has set in motion an aggressive economic agenda for Michigan. She has accelerated infrastructure projects to create thousands of jobs for Michigan workers, introduced new job training to prepare unemployed workers for high-demand jobs, reduced cumbersome business permitting time, and signed into law the new Michigan Business Tax (MBT) - the most significant reform of Michigan business taxes in three decades.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Minnesota
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Governor Tim Pawlenty — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Minnesota is Gov. Tim Pawlenty. He is regarded as one of the nation’s most innovative, energetic, reform-minded and accomplished governors. Since taking office he’s increased accountability to state government, held the line on taxes, improved K-12 education standards and made Minnesota a leader in energy reform. Governor Pawlenty’s most notable accomplishments include proposing and signing into law significant new benefits for veterans and members of the military; enacting a property tax cap, eliminating the marriage penalty and cutting taxes; toughening the state’s education standards; reforming the way teachers are paid through a nation-leading performance pay plan; instituting free-market health care reforms that increase accountability and provide tax credits to encourage the use of health savings accounts; and implementing a plan to Americanize our energy sources by generating 25% of the state's electricity from renewable sources by 2025.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Mississippi
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Gov. Haley Reeves Barbour — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Mississippi is Gov. Haley Reeves Barbour. In his administration Gov. Barbour has offered Mississippi a new path in terms of job creation, education, health care, energy, safer communities and stronger families. His message has resonated with voters: His election in 2003 marked the largest voter turnout in Mississippi gubernatorial history, and he was reelected in 2007 with 58.2 percent of the vote. He is only the second governor since Reconstruction to be elected to a second consecutive term as Mississippi’s chief executive.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Missouri
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Gov. Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Missouri is Gov. Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon. A native of the small town of DeSoto, Mo., Gov. Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon was raised in a family of public servants. His mother, the late Betty Wilson Nixon, was a teacher and served as president of the local school board. His father, Jerry Nixon, was elected Mayor of DeSoto and was a police judge for the community. Growing up in a home with these strong examples, Gov. Nixon learned at a young age that faith and family come first - and giving back to the community comes next. That's the simple philosophy that has guided Gov. Nixon throughout his career in public service.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Montana
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Governor Brian Schweitzer — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Montana is Gov. Brian Schweitzer. He’s a farmer and rancher who held no elected office prior to being elected as the first Democratic Governor to serve Montana in 20 years. The grandson of Montana homesteaders, he grew up on his folks' cattle ranch in the Judith Basin. Gov. Schweitzer went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in international agronomy from Colorado State University, and later earned a Master of Science degree in soil science from Montana State University. With his unique global perspective, Gov. Schweitzer is a leading national voice to end our addiction to foreign oil by developing clean and green American energy with Montana leading the way.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Nebraska
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Governor Dave Heineman — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Nebraska is Gov. Dave Heineman. Since becoming Governor, he has worked with the Nebraska Legislature to pass the largest tax relief package in the history of the state and the most comprehensive jobs creation, economic incentive legislation since the 1980s. Governor Heineman has also signed into law a bill making the Department of Health and Human Services more efficient, more effective and more accountable. A strong proponent of local control of schools and a quality education for all children, he supports high academic standards and increased parental involvement in education.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Nevada
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Governor Jim Gibbons — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Nevada is Gov. Jim Gibbons. He was born and raised in Sparks and attended Nevada public schools and universities. He earned a B.S. in Geology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Master's degree in Mining/Geology from the University of Nevada’s Mackay School of Mines. Gov. Gibbons earned his J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law and completed his post-graduate work at the University of Southern California. He is a former combat pilot and decorated veteran of both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars and served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1971 and graduated from the USAF Air Command and Staff College, as well as the Air War College. He also joined the Air Guard in 1975, attaining the rank of Colonel, and served as the group's Vice Commander from 1990 through 1996.
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"People Doing Business Series" - New Hampshire
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Governor John Lynch — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of New Hampshire is Gov. John Lynch. He is currently working on initiatives to increase New Hampshire’s graduation rate to direct more state education aid to the communities that need it most; to expand the number of children with access to health insurance; to make health care more affordable and accessible; to protect children from sexual predators; to preserve New Hampshire's environment; and to strengthen New Hampshire's economy. His commitment to putting the interests of people first is an extension of his work as a business and community leader.
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"People Doing Business Series" - New Jersey
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Governor Jon S. Corzine — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of New Jersey is Gov. Jon S. Corzine. As New Jersey’s 54th governor, he has applied his experience as a Wall Street executive and as a consensus builder in the United States Senate to advance an agenda of socially conscious initiatives, while maintaining a focus on financial responsibility. Governor Corzine began his Wall Street career in 1975, when he was recruited by the New York investment firm Goldman Sachs. After taking a job with the firm as a bond trader, he and his family settled in New Jersey. Corzine's financial acumen propelled him through the ranks at Goldman Sachs, where he was named a partner in 1980, became a key player in crucial strategic decisions, and was eventually named chairman and chief executive officer in 1994.
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"People Doing Business Series" - New Mexico
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Governor Bill Richardson — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of New Mexico is Gov. Bill Richardson. He’s serving his second term as Governor of New Mexico. Gov. Richardson was re-elected in 2006 with the support of 69 percent of voters, representing the largest margin of victory for any Governor in New Mexico’s history. He was supported by Democrats, Republicans and Independents, winning in both urban and rural counties New Mexicans overwhelmingly endorsed Governor Richardson's aggressive efforts to improve education, cut taxes, build a high-wage economy, expand health care access, invest in renewable energy and make New Mexico safer.
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"People Doing Business Series" - New York
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Governor David A. Paterson — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of New York is Gov. David A. Paterson. He became New York’s 55th Governor on March 17, 2008. In his first address as Governor, Paterson spoke about the challenges New York faces and his plan for New York’s future. He’s served the people of New York for over 23 years. An agent of change: Governor Paterson has worked towards change by reaching across party lines and bringing people together. His thoughtful, inclusive approach to governing has won him the respect of colleagues and a reputation for uniting disparate forces towards consensus that benefits all New Yorkers.
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"People Doing Business Series" - North Carolina
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Governor Beverly "Bev" Eaves — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of North Carolina is Gov. Beverly “Bev” Eaves Perdue. Her inauguration as the 73rd Governor of North Carolina - and the state’s first woman governor - followed a distinguished tenure in public service focused on creating 21st century jobs, fighting for world-class public schools, and improving the health of the people of North Carolina. Before entering public service, Gov. Perdue worked as a public school teacher, as director of geriatric services at a community hospital in her hometown of New Bern, and earned a Ph.D. in Education Administration. Prior to her election as Governor, Perdue established herself one of the most active and accomplished Lieutenant Governors in North Carolina history.
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"People Doing Business Series" - North Dakota
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Governor John Hoeven — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of North Dakota is Gov. John Hoeven. Under his leadership, North Dakota has expanded and diversified its economy, adding thousands of new jobs and growing its targeted industry sectors, including value-added agriculture, advanced manufacturing, energy development, technology-based business and tourism. During his term, North Dakota’s personal income growth has outpaced the national average. Today, North Dakota continues to grow its economy. As a direct result of Hoeven’s stewardship, the state ended the last fiscal biennium with a strong reserve for North Dakota’s future, and no new taxes. His current budget focuses on investments that will continue to stimulate the state’s economy, including property and income tax relief, as well as enhanced funding for education, economic development and helping North Dakota families.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Ohio
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Governor Ted Strickland — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current Governor of Ohio is Gov. Ted Strickland. As Governor, he believes that Ohio government must live within its means while investing in what matters. Brought together by a sense of common purpose, legislators from both parties in Ohio have worked closely with the Governor to strengthen Ohio. After Ted Strickland was first reelected to Congress, he placed a plaque in his office with the following quote from Scripture: “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” - Micah 6:8. Throughout his service as a minister, a psychologist, a professor and a Member of Congress, Gov. Ted worked to exemplify those simple, powerful words. That same plaque is now in the Governor’s Office, where those same words guide Ted each day.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Oklahoma
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Governor Brad Henry — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Oklahoma is Gov. Brad Henry. He’s a third generation Oklahoman, Governor Henry was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he attended public schools and graduated from Shawnee High School. The governor attended the University of Oklahoma as a President’s Leadership Scholar and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1985. In 1988, he was awarded his law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he served as managing editor of the Law Review. Governor Henry has placed his greatest emphasis on the improvement of public education, raising teacher salaries and benefits, putting more resources into the classroom and setting higher academic standards for students. The governor has also expanded Oklahoma’s early childhood education programs, which have earned national recognition, and increased funding for college scholarship programs.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Oregon
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Gov. Theodore "Ted" Kulongoski — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Oregon is Gov. Theodore “Ted” Kulongoski. He was born in rural Missouri in 1940 and grew up in St. Louis in a Catholic boys’ home. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and, on returning from duty in Southeast Asia, spent a few years as a truck driver and a bricklayer in a steel mill in Alton, Illinois. Those experiences and the availability of the GI Bill gave him the impetus and the financial opportunity to put himself through the University of Missouri. When Kulongoski was sworn in as governor in January 2003, Oregon faced the largest budget deficit since the Great Depression. The governor responded by changing the way Oregon budgets, building a principle-based budget designed to establish fiscal stability while delivering measurable returns. He made priority investments in economic development, workforce training, transportation infrastructure, and arts and culture that helped turned Oregon’s economy around. In his first term, he helped create over 150,000 jobs, attracted over a dozen new major employers to Oregon and substantially reduced the state's hunger rate.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Pennsylvania
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Governor Edward G. Rendell — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Pennsylvania is Gov. Edward G. Rendell. Rendell’s unprecedented strategic investments have energized Pennsylvania’s economy, revitalized communities, improved education, protected the environment and expanded access to health care to all children and affordable prescription drugs for older adults. He championed and signed into law Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive measure to substantially reform the local tax system by providing urgently needed property tax relief to homeowners. In 2008-09 taxpayers will save nearly $800 million in the first year of statewide property tax relief from gaming revenues. Gov. Rendell is continuing to work on building on his efforts to make government more responsible to the public, and more responsive to the public's needs. He has annually cut wasteful spending and improved efficiency to save more than $1 billion and is pursuing a legislative agenda that includes common sense political reforms to put progress ahead of partisanship.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Rhode Island
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Governor Don Carcieri — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Rhode Island is Gov. Don Carcieri. In April 2002, Don Carcieri took the podium at the historic and flag draped Varnum Armory in his hometown of East Greenwich to formally announce his grass roots candidacy for Governor on the Republican ticket. As 250 people in the packed hall cheered, he told them: “My name is Don Carcieri and I want to be your next Governor!” He had never run for any elected office except his town’s home rule charter commission. Focusing his campaign on the need to rein in state spending and balance the budget, demand integrity in government, and create a coordinated plan for statewide economic redevelopment, Don Carcieri came from behind to defeat the endorsed candidate in a highly contested primary. Hammering home his call for a Clean Start in state government, he defeated the Democrat candidate in the November election. The man from East Greenwich had bested a candidate who had over 15 years of political experience and had mounted two campaigns for Governor.
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"People Doing Business Series" - South Carolina
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Governor Mark Sanford — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of South Carolina is Gov. Mark Sanford. His administration has been marked by a focus on improving the lives of the people of South Carolina. By creating more economic opportunity, by watching out for the taxpayer, by working to reform government structure, by opening up South Carolina's political system, and by bettering quality of life in the state, change of long-antiquated systems is beginning and South Carolina is becoming more competitive in the global economy. Further restructuring of South Carolina's antiquated system of government continues to be one of his top priorities in his efforts to bring more accountability and cost-effectiveness to the state.
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"People Doing Business Series" - South Dakota
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Governor Mike Rounds — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of South Dakota is Gov. Mike Rounds. Governor Rounds is encouraging South Dakotans to make healthy choices that lead to longer, healthier lives, and he has initiated an effort in state government to help state employees make healthy choices. He is encouraging every South Dakotan to follow this lead. Mike, the oldest of 11 children, was born in Huron, S.D., and is a lifelong resident of Pierre. He earned a Bachelors of Science degree in political science from South Dakota State University in Brookings and met his wife, Jean, of Lake Preston, while attending the university.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Tennessee
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Governor Phil Bredesen — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Tennessee is Gov. Phil Bredesen. Before serving as Tennessee’s governor, Bredesen served as mayor of Nashville from 1991 to 1999, working with community leaders to chart a course that made Music City U.S.A. one of the best places in America to live, work and raise a family. Under his leadership, Nashville invested nearly $500 million to build new schools and hire new teachers. The city developed a state-of-the-art library system, redeveloped downtown, expanded its park system and drove down the crime rate. Also during Bredesen’s tenure, Nashville enjoyed record economic growth by recruiting high-quality jobs and companies such as Dell Computer Corp. and HCA Inc. He led the city’s efforts to recruit two professional sports teams: the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and the NHL's Nashville Predators. Phil Bredesen was born on November 21,1943. He grew up in rural Shortsville, N.Y., and earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Harvard University.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Texas
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Governor Rick Perry — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — A fifth generation Texan, Governor Rick Perry has taken an extraordinary Texas journey, from a tenant farm in the rolling West Texas plains to the governor’s office of our nation’s second largest state. Governor Perry’s administration has focused on creating a Texas of unlimited opportunity and prosperity by improving education, securing the border and increasing economic development through classical conservative values. Starting with his election as lieutenant governor in 1999, Rick Perry has worked to build a stronger safety net for the poorest of the poor. The number of children with health insurance under Medicaid and CHIP has more than doubled since 1999. He is also working to expand opportunities for the private sector to offer health insurance, and signed legislation allowing small businesses to pool together to offer affordable health insurance policies.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Utah
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Governor Jon M. Huntsman — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Utah is Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. During Governor Huntsman’s tenure, Utah has been repeatedly recognized by many prestigious organizations for its dynamism, business climate and quality of life. Perhaps most importantly, Utah has been named by the Pew Center as the Best Managed State in America. Even in times of economic hardship, Governor Huntsman has worked collaboratively with legislators and his cabinet to minimize impacts to critical human services while maintaining job-stimulating construction projects and keeping the State’s Rainy Day Fund in tact as a tool for any future fiscal distress. Governor Jon Huntsman was elected to a second term in last November with a record percent of the voters, including the majority in all 29 of Utah’s counties. As he begins his last four years, Governor Huntsman continues his commitment bolstering Utah's competitive economic development climate. He believes maintaining Utah’s unparalleled quality of life is key to increasing the state's economic competitiveness which is essential to continue funding Utah's critical public education system.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Vermont
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Governor Jim Douglas — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — Governor Jim Douglas has been serving the people of Vermont for more than thirty years. Elected to the Vermont House of Representatives in 1972-the same year he graduated from Middlebury College - his influence as a legislator increased quickly, becoming assistant majority leader in his second term and majority leader in his third term at the age of twenty-five. Governor Douglas retired from the state legislature in 1979 to become a top aide to Governor Richard Snelling. Outside of government and politics, Governor Douglas has been active in many community organizations. He’s a past President of the Addison County Chamber of Commerce and Porter Medical Center. He was master of his Masonic Lodge, Treasurer of the State 4-H Foundation and President of the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ. He has served on the boards of the Mary Johnson Day Care Center, the Counseling Service of Addison County, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and the United Ways of both Addison County and Vermont. He continues to served as Town Moderator for Middlebury, a post he has held for more than twenty years.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Virginia
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Governor Tim Kaine— Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Virginia is Gov. Tim Kaine. Under Governor Kaine’s leadership, Virginia boasts one of the highest median incomes and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. While he has kept Virginia a business-friendly state, Governor Kaine has also worked for consumers, strengthening consumer privacy protections and identifying theft protections by requiring companies to notify customers if their records are accessed by an unauthorized person and allowing consumers to freeze access to their credit report to protect it. Governor Kaine entered political life in 1994 and was elected to four terms on the City Council, including two terms as Richmond's mayor, where he worked to build Richmond’s first new schools in a generation, cut taxes and slash the city’s crime rate. Richmond’s success in reducing violent crime won national recognition from Presidents Clinton and Bush and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The improvements in Richmond’s economy during Kaine’s tenure earned the city its first-ever listing in Forbes Magazine’s annual ranking of the top 10 cities in America for doing business.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Washington
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Governor Chris Gregoire — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Washington is Gov. Chris Gregoire. Facing a $2.2 billion budget shortfall when she took office in 2005, Governor Gregoire balanced the state’s budget as she expanded health care coverage to low-income children, led an effort to make government more efficient and accountable, introduced a plan to create a world class education system, and launched a bold plan to save Puget Sound. In 2007, she proposed and the voters passed a constitutionally protected rainy day fund to help the state prepare for economic downturns like we face today. Governor Gregoire is committed to promoting and expanding business and creating family-wage jobs in the state of Washington. The governor's “Next Washington” plan lays out strategies and initiatives to encourage business development and growth, and has helped lead to the creation of more than 200,000 jobs in Washington since she took office. Forbes magazine recently ranked Washington as the 3rd best state to do business. Fortune magazine recently ranked Washington in the top five to start a small business.
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"People Doing Business Series" - West Virginia
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Governor Joe Manchin — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current Governor of West Virginia is Gov. Joe Manchin, III. This Governor inherited a head for business from his grandfather, who was an Italian immigrant and the town grocer. His grandmother was a virtual one-woman social services agency, who helped him discover his heart for people. After attending West Virginia University on a football scholarship, he became a successful businessman. He was a state legislator from 1982-1996, where he earned a reputation for standing up for West Virginians. As governor, Joe Manchin has improved West Virginia’s economic climate, while reducing the state's long-term debt and lowering taxes for citizens and businesses. He is committed to making health care affordable and accessible, creating a seamless education system for the children of West Virginia, ensuring prescription drug assistance for seniors and providing more support for our veterans.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Wisconsin
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Governor Jim Doyle — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Wisconsin is Gov. Jim Doyle. When he took office in 2003, Governor Doyle inherited the largest budget deficit in Wisconsin history - a $3.2 billion hole. By making deep and often difficult cuts in state government, he was able to balance the budget without hurting priorities like education and without raising taxes. Now Governor Doyle is working to move Wisconsin forward - creating jobs, expanding access to health care, and most importantly, investing in Wisconsin's future: our kids. Governor Doyle is working to make health care more affordable and available to all Wisconsin citizens. As a first step, Governor Doyle is working to make all health care premiums tax free. He has fought to save and expand SeniorCare - Wisconsin’s model prescription drug program - and is a leading national advocate for allowing citizens to buy safe, affordable prescription drugs from Canada. He is also expanding Family Care statewide, so that seniors and people with disabilities can get care in their own homes and communities instead of being forced into nursing homes. Governor Doyle’s parents were founding members of the modern Democratic Party in Wisconsin and he credits them for instilling in him the belief that politics and government are honorable professions, and that public service is a way to improve people's lives.
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"People Doing Business Series" - Wyoming
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Governor Dave Freudenthal — Chief Executive
SPOTLIGHT — The current governor of Wyoming is Gov. Dave Freudenthal. Gov. Frudenthal was born in Thermopolis in 1950, the seventh of eight children, and grew up on the family farm north of town. To help pay for college, he earned money by working construction during the summer. His jobs included working rigs and building tanks as a member of the National Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Blacksmiths Union. After graduating from Amherst College in 1973, he returned to Wyoming to take a position as an economist for the Wyoming Department of Economic Planning and Development. Governor Ed Herschler appointed him State Planning Coordinator in 1975. While working for the state, Freudenthal simultaneously earned a law degree from the University of Wyoming. After graduating from law school, he opened his own law office in Cheyenne in 1980; this office grew into a general practice firm that represented individuals and businesses. In 1994, he was appointed United States Attorney for Wyoming, a position that he held until May 2001. Away from his job as governor, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and restoring sheepwagons, airstream trailers, and antique furniture.
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Visit Our Bipartisan Political Index - Do It Today!
Click Here: This page displays a bipartisan list of selected (Texas/Harris County) candidates by first name from the 2008 November Presidential General Election; the 2006 November Mid-term General Election; and the 2005 November Citywide General Election who answered the request of the Houston Business Connections, publisher (Aubrey R. Taylor), to tell Harris County area voters why they should choose them on Election Day.
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Would You Like To Be Featured? - Contact Us!
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If you would like to have your business featured inside the upcoming "People Doing Business" series, please call (832)212-8735. You may also e-mail your request for more information or inclusion to the publisher at the e-mail address below.
n this video Aubrey R. Taylor the president and CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications and the creator of the People Doing Business Series, interviews Thomas Jones Jr., the Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership Minority Task Force. Jones is a founding partner in Texas' largest African-American owned accounting and consulting practice, and has first hand experience in growing a minority-owned business in Houston. McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP is headquartered in Houston's Galleria-area at The Lakes On Post Oak located at 3040 Post Oak, Suite #1600. For more information, please call 713.968.1600 today!
VIDEO RESPONSE
ere is the GOP response to Pres. Obama's address to Congress. In this response Gov. Bobby Jindal, R-La., stressed that raising taxes and allowing more control in Washington is not the way to empower the American people.
HEROES
50-year-old man saved a stranger's life on a New York subway. The man was having a seizure, and Wesley Autrey saved him from being run over by covering him with his body. Steve Hartman reports. This segment is designed to highlight heroes. If you or someone you know is a hero and would like to have your act of heroism featured on our website or in our products, please call us at 832.212.8735 or 832.738.1113 to get connected!
INDUSTRY
glimpse into the future with a new, more powerful HMI that hints at how Ford's future interior environments could function one day. It takes SYNC to the next level through the use of configurable controls and the use of an electronic personal assistant, or "avatar," named Eva (for Electronic Voice Activation).
edesigned and right on time! The redesigned 2010 Mustang GT powered by a 315HP 4.6L V8. EPA rated 16/23 city/highway for the GT and 17/23 for the V6. These vehicles should be available in late Spring 2009. Later in the year the twin turbo eco boost V6 should hit the market, offering better fuel economy and GT power.
ECO-FRIENDLY
heck out what The Ford Motor Company is doing to support a clean environment. Ford Educate to Escape contest winners, Kelly Creek Elementary, take us through their green makeover-- high-efficiency water fixtures and light bulbs, eco-friendly white boards, flooring, even playground equipment and matting!
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n this video Aubrey R. Taylor the president and CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications and the creator of the People Doing Business Series, interviews Thomas Jones Jr., the Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership Minority Task Force. Jones is a founding partner in Texas' largest African-American owned accounting and consulting practice, and has first hand experience in growing a minority-owned business in Houston. McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP is headquartered in Houston's Galleria-area at The Lakes On Post Oak located at 3040 Post Oak, Suite #1600. For more information, please call 713.968.1600 today!
ere is the GOP response to Pres. Obama's address to Congress. In this response Gov. Bobby Jindal, R-La., stressed that raising taxes and allowing more control in Washington is not the way to empower the American people.
50-year-old man saved a stranger's life on a New York subway. The man was having a seizure, and Wesley Autrey saved him from being run over by covering him with his body. Steve Hartman reports. This segment is designed to highlight heroes. If you or someone you know is a hero and would like to have your act of heroism featured on our website or in our products, please call us at 832.212.8735 or 832.738.1113 to get connected!
edesigned and right on time! The redesigned 2010 Mustang GT powered by a 315HP 4.6L V8. EPA rated 16/23 city/highway for the GT and 17/23 for the V6. These vehicles should be available in late Spring 2009. Later in the year the twin turbo eco boost V6 should hit the market, offering better fuel economy and GT power.
heck out what The Ford Motor Company is doing to support a clean environment. Ford Educate to Escape contest winners, Kelly Creek Elementary, take us through their green makeover-- high-efficiency water fixtures and light bulbs, eco-friendly white boards, flooring, even playground equipment and matting!
