phxsoul.com

Sharpe Wins 2009 Arizona Media Diversity Award

Editor's Note: PhxSoul.com congratulates Ed Sharpe for receiving this honor. He has been a great friend and supporter of this Website and the Valley's black community. His coverage of the 2008 Arizona Black Expo was top-notch! 

The Arizona Association of Black Journalists is pleased to announce Ed Sharpe of the Glendale Daily Planet as winner of the third-annual Arizona Media Diversity Awards Contest.

AABJ honors Sharpe for a collection of stories including a visit to Glendale by acclaimed poet Nikki Giovanni, coverage of the city’s first Arab American Festival and the 2008 Arizona Black Expo. Sharpe entered his work in the online/new media category.
  
“We’d like to salute Ed Sharpe and the Daily Planet for not only the quality but volume of his submissions,” AABJ President Weldon Johnson said. “Ed has demonstrated a commitment to showcasing the diversity of experiences of Glendale’s residents. He has also exhibited a great enthusiasm for concept of community journalism and telling the stories of all of the people of Glendale.”

This is Sharpe’s second Arizona Media Diversity Award.

Entries were judged on displaying the fundamental elements of journalism while reflecting the spirit of diversity in content and subject matter.

About AABJ: The Arizona Association of Black Journalists - www.azblackjournalists.org - is an affiliate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. Founded in 1995, AABJ is dedicated to fostering opportunities for professional and aspiring journalists through various programs and scholarships.

Michael Jackson, A True Icon, Dead at the Age of 50

Nooooooooo! Say it aint so!

The King of Pop! PhxSoul.com's favorite artist of all-time is dead?

Nooooooooo!

It appears that all of the media reports are true ... Michael Jackson, 50, died of a heart attack on June 25, 2009. The same day that Farrah Fawcett passed away.

I'm in a "State of Shock" (please forgive the pun).

Michael Jackson was my all-time favorite recording artist!

I can't tell you how many hours I stood in front of a mirror as a kid and practiced his dance moves! I had the "Thriller" jacket, I had the glove, I even tried to get my mom to buy me a monkey ... needless to say, that didn't happen!

Despite all of the craziness that occurred in Michael Jackson's life before and after he hit it BIG with his "Thriller" album, no one can ever say that he wasn't one of the greatest performers ever!

His list of hits goes on and on and on!

Don't tell me that "Rock With You" wasn't one of the smoothest songs you ever heard!

I still break out with a huge smile when I hear "Billie Jean." Many of my friends beg me to do my Michael Jackson dance routine whenever "Billie Jean" is played at a party! One of my boys even made sure that I was videotaped imitating the King of Pop at his wedding reception! Yes ... I "Remember the Time!"

R.I.P. Michael Jackson ... I hope you truly are at peace! You were the best!

PhxSoul.com family! You are welcome to share your memories about Michael Jackson! Click here to post your Comments!

Consumers Nationwide Complain to BBB About Free Gas Gift Card Program

Businesses, consumers and brokers said to have been misled by Mesa company

Submitted by Felicia N. Thompson, Director of Marketing & Communications, Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau is alerting businesses and consumers about Mesa company BBZ Resource Management after receiving complaints from 40 states about its gas/grocery gift card voucher program.

BBZ Resource Management claims to help businesses increase sales and retain customers by offering them the opportunity to advertise free gas and grocery gift cards. BBZ hires brokers from the United States and Canada to approach businesses and sell the program in which the companies purchase gift card vouchers to offer to their customers. Complaints filed with Better Business Bureau stem from consumers’ failed attempts to turn the vouchers into redeemable gas and grocery gift cards.

“We have received over 225 complaints about this company from consumers nationwide who have not received their cards or have other issues with the company,” BBB Operations Director Carrie Ann Lorimer said. “More than 100 of those complaints are in still in the dispute resolution process.”

In addition, some BBZ brokers have contacted Better Business Bureau with liability concerns as they also have received complaints from businesses and consumers about delays and non-receipt of the cards.

“After doing some research on the company, we have reason to believe BBZ Resource Management is run by Troy Warren who has been linked to questionable business dealings in the past,” Lorimer said.

Over the past 30 days, BBB has received thousands of requests by phone and web from individuals wanting to read the company’s report. BBZ Resource Management has responded to some complaints, yet the company has an F rating with Better Business Bureau due to the serious nature of some complaints and failure to correct the underlying reason for the complaints. The majority of complaints concern:

• Non-receipt of gift cards after following the company’s instructions
• Delay of up to 20 weeks before receiving gift cards
• Received gift card not activated
• Received gift card is for a gas station outside of consumer’s area

Free Gas/Grocery Offer
Retailers who have signed up to participate in BBZ’s voucher program are advertising anywhere from a $100 to $500 free gas or grocery gift card with purchase. Consumers who make a purchase from a participating retailer receive a voucher that instructs them to register online to receive the free gift card(s).

After registering, consumers must then purchase $100 dollars worth of gas a month and send in receipts to BBZ before the end of that month. Once the consumer follows those instructions they are suppose to receive their first $25 gift card. Thereafter they are supposed to receive $25 gas cards each month with a $100 gas purchase until they have received the original advertised amount.

“Essentially there are three groups being misled in this scenario, the business, consumer and the broker,” BBB President/CEO Matthew Fehling said. “It’s unfortunate that honest businesses have gotten caught up in this situation and in turn are losing the trust of their customers. It’s equally as frustrating for the consumers who thought they were making a purchase to redeem gas or groceries and end up empty-handed.”

Better Business Bureau has connected BBZ Resource Management to the following websites:

http://www.freefuelcenter.com

http://www.fuelpaycheck.com

http://www.freegrocerycenter.com

http://www.freegas4business.com

http://www.gasandgrocerydepot.com

http://www.petroleumpromotions.com

http://www.gaspromo500.com

http://www.freefuelmary.com

http://www.saveonhealthcare.org

http://www.claimyourgas.com

http://www.theworldsoneperfectbusiness.com

http://www.publicatlarge.us

http://www.bbzrm.com

http://www.claimyourmerchandise.com

http://www.claimyourgroceries.com

http://freefuelnationwide.com/

http://fuelpromos.com/main/request

Although the company denies affiliation, the duplicate privacy policy on each site connects back to BBZ. On top of that, the company’s letterhead has changed to read Incentive International.

Consumers who wish to file a complaint are encouraged to do so online with Better Business Bureau at www.arizonabbb.org and the Arizona Attorney General’s office at www.agaz.gov. Better Business Bureau advises strong caution to any business considering participation in BBZ Resource Management’s incentive program.

About BBB Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona

BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in Central, Northern and Western Arizona, supported by over 10,000 BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.

Green Compliance Needed to Win Federal Contracts

Submitted by Angela Brooks, Life Strategies Consulting

According to Small Business Administration Arizona District Office Associate Director Shivani Desai, Green Compliance will be increasing as a requirement to win Federal contracts.

"It is no longer an issue of it's nice to be green," said Desai. "It is now a compliance issue."

Her comments were made at the the recent AzBizGreen 2009 Minority Green Business conference and are posted as a podcast (audio) at Southwest Green.

"Writing Green into job specs as a requirement (call it "Green in the Job") instead of as a priority or preference, changes the dynamic significantly," said Dr. George Brooks, sustainability specialist and owner of Southwest Green. "The implications of this are great. If to win an award the prime must "Know Green" then all of their subs/suppliers must know and be able to supply green as well."

"The Federal Government is not alone in this," continued Dr. Brooks. "According to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, a growing number of Fortune 500 corporations including Wal-Mart and Arizona's APS, have also discovered that Sustainability works for them. As a result, many are now requiring green services from their vendors. Quite frankly and in my opinion, this is huge."

To hear Desai's full comments, the mp3 formatted podcast is found at http://sw-green.com on the home page under "Featured Podcasts." 

For more information contact Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr. at info@sw-green.com or go to www.sw-green.com.

Rev. Al Sharpton Says He Supports Immigration Reform, But What Else Is He Fighting For?

You may not like the fact that I'm saying this but I have to admit that I haven't been the biggest fan of Rev. Al Sharpton over the years!

Yes, I understand he has been a pivotal figure in the fight for civil rights for the last four or five decades. Without his contributions, I probably wouldn't have the freedom to own PhxSoul.com and say what's on my mind. I completely respect him for his bravery and his willingness to stand up for our rights.

However, I haven't been a fan of the manner in which he serves as one of America's black leaders. He's been loud, boisterous, overbearing and in some cases, he's stood up for people who made him look bad in the end (Tawana Brawley)!

But today, Rev. Al Sharpton made me realize something - he is a smart businessman! You should have seen all of the media that converged on the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Gymnasium this morning in Phoenix (June 19)! He is a polarizing personality and he knows how to capitalize on his "brand!"

As he spoke to the crowd, I paid attention to the reaction of the crowd and the messages he was conveying. He really got people riled up!

The majority of the attendees were Latino because Rev. Sharpton came to Phoenix to help local politicans and organizations "lobby" for immigration reform. During his speech, Sharpton talked about Section 287(g) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) which basically allows law enforcement to get away with racial profiling! 

Section 287(g) has allowed Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio to make life miserable for Latinos here! Section 287(g) gives his deputies the authority to detain people based on their color! His deputies have raided entire neighborhoods! Remember Arpaio's raids on Guadalupe and Mesa?

That kind of racial profiling is completely unfair and reminds me of the Jim Crow era and all the injustices that our forefathers endured! Rev. Sharpton is absolutely right ... African Americans and Latinos should be working together to stop racial profiling and enact immigration reform.

Rev. Sharpton said all the right things today but I had to wonder ... why is he REALLY here?!

Is he REALLY here to fight for Latinos or is REALLY here to stay relevant? 

No doubt, Rev. Sharpton is a civil rights crusader! He earns his living off divisiveness and racism! And Arizona is a hotbed of divisiveness and racism!

Illegal immigration is a major issue in America that won't see a resolution anytime soon!

If Rev. Sharpton can become of the major faces in the fight for immigration reform, he'll have a job for the rest of his life!

You can't tell me that Rev. Sharpton doesn't have a business interest here! And the fact that he's going to have a "showdown" on television with Arpaio makes me even more curious about his motives!

PhxSoul.com readers - what do you think about Rev. Sharpton's visit to Phoenix area? Is he here for the right reasons? Do you feel that more African Americans should help Latinos fight for their civil rights? Click on the Comments link below to share your thoughts!

Donate to PhxSoul.com -- Support Our Growth!

PhxSoul.com has BIG DREAMS!

When I originally launched this Website, I only wanted to provide information that would help African Americans grow to love the Phoenix area as much as I do.

I am a native and I wanted to share information about great places to go, fun events and tips for survival in a metropolis with a small black population!

I never could have imagined that I'd have more than 9,500 visitors every month. I never would have foreseen that I'd receive dozens of e-mails per week from people who wanted to spread the word about the events, businesses and organizations through my Website.

I never could have imagined that I'd have a small team of dedicated people to help me grow this Website into the great resource that it is today!

Now it's time for PhxSoul.com to grow into a Website that can provide so much more for the community!

PhxSoul.com wants to offer video, message boards, chat rooms, personal profiles for visitors and more effective advertising opportunities for businesses and corporations.

In order to offer these features, PhxSoul.com needs your help!

PhxSoul.com only asks for a one-time donation (whatever you can give) from readers to help us take this Website to the next level. You can make your donation online with your credit card - your gift will be safely and securely processed by PayPal.com.

Unfortunately, your donation is not tax-deductible but you can take heart in knowing that an investment in PhxSoul.com is an investment in your community.

Your contribution will only be used for the purpose of enhancing PhxSoul.com.

We will use the funds to reconstruct PhxSoul.com into one of the most dynamic Websites you've ever seen! 

Click on the DONATE button above to make your financial gift today!

Thank You to the Following Individuals for Your Support!

Rhoshawndra "Scoop" Carnes
Jasmine Crowe - Myst/Jazz Public Relations
Ed Sharpe and Crew - www.glendaledailyplanet.com
Mimi Ahmed - Mimi Ahmed Photography
Denise J. Matthews
William and Cynthia Smitherman - Emagé Fine Properties
Shereka Jackson - Future Stars, Inc.
Full Circle Help
and those who wish to remain Anonymous

Visit CelebrityTheatre.com for Upcoming R&B, Soul, Jazz, Hip Hop and Comedy Shows in Phoenix

Visit CelebrityTheatre.com to find out about R&B, jazz and hip-hop concerts in the Phoenix area.

2/3 - "Young, Rich and Famous Tour" Brings the A-Town Experience to Phoenix

2/9 - Grown & Sexy Concert #5 Starring: Joe

4/27 - Wanda Sykes

The Celebrity Theatre is a legendary venue for R&B, soul, hip-hop, jazz artists and comedians. I saw my first-ever concert there - New Edition - when I was just 10 years old!

The Celebrity Theatre is located at 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix.

All shows and artists are subject to change without notice.

Are Phoenix's African American Networking Events Working for You?

Within the last two or three years, I've noticed a dramatic increase in the number of networking events geared toward African Americans and business owners who  wish to appeal to African Americans in the Phoenix area.

I think it's great to see professionals here trying to utilize these events to establish new contacts and promote their products/services. These networking socials are actually a lot of fun!

However, I wonder how effective these networking happy hours and socials have been for people here.

From an awareness standpoint, these gatherings have been great for PhxSoul.com! They've allowed me to spread the word to thousands of people who may have never heard about my Website! From a monetary standpoint, I haven't seen the "full fruits" of my labor but things are improving. I get positive feedback about PhxSoul.com from almost everyone I meet and that makes everything I do worthwhile.  

But I want PhxSoul.com readers to chime in ...

• What benefits have you experienced as a result of your participation at networking events in Phoenix?
• How do often do you attend networking events in Phoenix?
• What is your main goal when you attend networking socials?
• What are the general reactions that you receive from others when you are making your "sales pitch?"
• Do we have too many networking gatherings in the Phoenix area?
• Do you prefer to just network with African Americans or are you trying to connect with potential clients/customers of all races?
• If you have suggestions to improve the networking events, what are they?
• Have you shared your suggestions with the organizers of the networking events?
• Other feedback?

Please feel free to share your answers by clicking on the Comments link below!