Harrington, who has worked in various capacities with the Foundation since its inception 12 years ago, has worked on business development and building relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). For more than 20 years, she worked in marketing and education with  IBM Corp.

Thomas Joyner Jr., the Foundation’s president and CEO, is stepping down to take on a full-time role as President with Tom Joyner Online Education, L.L.C., an educational services company that provides access to accredited online degree programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“Barbara is deeply in tune with the mission of the Foundation and of HBCUs,” said Joyner, who directed the Foundation’s efforts to raise nearly $60 million to provide scholarships to students attending black colleges. “She is going to shepherd in a new era for the Foundation.”

Harrington said she is excited about the opportunity work with a Foundation that has always been rooted in helping HBCUs. “Black colleges have always been critical – and will remain – critical to this country, and providing a rich, valuable and nurturing experience unlike other colleges,” she said. “We’re developing a strategy that will continue to position the Foundation as a crucial ally and supporter of HBCUs.”

The Foundation was created by Tom Joyner, the nationally syndicated media personality, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose “Tom Joyner Morning Show” is aired on more than 100 markets, reaching nearly 8 million listeners every week.

The Tom Joyner Foundation Foundation (http://blackamericaweb.com/foundation) offers a wide range of scholarships that are issued during the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Founded in 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $55 million to help keep students enrolled in black colleges.  It has assisted more than 14,000 students and worked with more than 100 HBCUs.  To learn more about the Foundation, go to BlackAmericaWeb.com (http://blackamericaweb.com).

Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

(Dallas, TX – June 25, 2009)  A portion of the book sales of “Tom Joyner Presents How to Prepare for College” will benefit two black colleges: Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Princess Anne, Md.

The book, written by Thomas A. LaVeist, PhD, a graduate of UMES and Wil LaVeist, a graduate of Lincoln, has a foreword written by Thomas Joyner, the nationally syndicated media personality and philanthropist. Released earlier this year, the book is filled with easy to read, easy to understand lessons that can help make the path to college a little bit easier. 

“A book like this is essential to the prosperity of a student,” said Dr. Ivory N. Nelson, president of Lincoln University. “The best advice a young person can get is from individuals like the LaVeist brothers, who have navigated successfully through the academic arena and are not too far removed from the experience.  The results of these proceeds will be the testimonies of Lincoln students who will achieve greatness comparable to that of the LaVeist brothers and Tom Joyner, all HBCU graduates.  We are excited and grateful to have this partnership helping us to continue to produce leaders.”

Thelma Thompson, president of the UMES, said, “The collaboration between these two geniuses can only bring good to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. We are very proud to call these two of my favorite alumni – Thomas LaVeist and Tom Joyner [who receive an honorary doctorate].”

The LaVeist brothers said the book is a valuable resource that will help African-American families learn how to give their children a chance to compete.

The book, published by Joyner’s Foundation and Amber Books Inc., can be ordered now through  www.amberbooks.com  and www.ipgbook.com.  Chain stores (Barnes and Noble, Borders, Wal-Mart, Sam’s, etc.), can make special orders through Independent Publishers Group until September 2009, when the title will be officially released (published) nationwide.  

The book features useful advice on several subjects, including:

• A step-by-step guide for elementary school and beyond
• Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) v. non-HBCU: Which is the right for me?
• The Admission Process
• Paying for a college tuition
• The financial aid process
• Financial aid myths
• Staying in college
• Preparing for life after college
• Giving back
• A List of HBCUs
• Useful websites/organizations for scholarships/grants

Tony Rose, publisher/CEO, of Phoenix, AZ based Amber Communications Group, Inc. (ACGI), created Amber Books Publishing in 1998, which is the corporation’s first imprint, and has become the nation’s largest African-American publisher of self-help and career-guide book titles written by and for African Americans. Yvonne Rose, an Associate Publisher for Amber Books and director of Quality Press, said, “We are delighted with the opportunity and pleased that the Tom Joyner Foundation, Inc. has selected Quality Press, Amber Books  and  Independent Publishers Group to handle the production, manufacturing, publishing and distribution of their new literary venture Tom Joyner Presents How To Prepare For College.”

The Tom Joyner Foundation provides financial assistance to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. (HBCUs)  Since 1998, The Tom Joyner Foundation® has raised more than $55 million to help students attending HBCUs stay in school. The Tom Joyner Foundation also hosts an annual cruise named the Fantastic Voyage^TM  , which raises money for the (HBCUs).

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The partnership, which started last year, provides winners of the Tom Joyner Foundation® and Denny’s Single Parent Student Scholarship $1,500 grants toward their education at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).   A new grant winner is awarded every week in 2009. The students hail from cities large and small all around the country, including Richmond, VA, Talladega, AL, Winston, NC and Dover, DE.

“This partnership with Denny’s has been huge reason why single parents at our black colleges are completing their education,” said Tom Joyner, the nationally syndicated media personality and host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, who created the Foundation in 1998 to help keep students enrolled in HBCUs. “During a time when many companies have been cutting back, Denny’s has stepped it up, and it really making a difference.”

April Kelly-Drummond, Denny’s Director of Corporate Diversity, said, “The partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation® helps Denny’s further their commitment to building strong families, promoting community service and advancing educational opportunities. The scholarship program helps single-parent students further their education, providing greater opportunities for their own families and advancing the community as a whole.”

According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of single-parent families has steadily increased during the past five years.  In 2006, there were more than 2.9 million single-parent, African American families in the United States.  In 2004, the National Center for Education Statistics found that 30% of all students currently enrolled in a degree-granting institution were minorities, a 16% increase in the last 30 years.

The single parent scholarship is awarded each week to a single parent attending the Tom Joyner Foundation’s “School of the Month.” This joint partnership is a reflection of Denny’s and the Tom Joyner Foundation’s shared belief that a commitment to higher education is the key to a better workforce and improved conditions for all communities.  

Since January, Denny’s and the Foundation have provided scholarships to students from Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA; Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO; Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, NC;  Allen University, Columbia, SC;  Talladega College, Talladega, AL; and Delaware State University, Dover, DE.  For the remainder of the year, selected single parent students will receive scholarships from Langston University, Langston, OK;  University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD; Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, AL; Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA and Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA.

Here’s a list of the Denny’s Single Parent Student Scholars:

Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA

• Shatera Bradley, a freshman elementary education major from Chesapeake, VA., is a full-time student and single parent of a 7-month old daughter, Semajah.  A track and field enthusiast, Bradley is a member of the Virginia Union track team, and she is an active member of the NAACP. After pursing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher in the Richmond public school system. 
• SheNesia Hopkins, a senior biology major from Wilson, NC, is a full-time student and single parent of a 16-month old son, Xavier Nasim. She is a MARC U* Star trainee, a member of the MBR Rise Research program and president of the Young Democrats organization.  After graduation, she plans to pursue her doctorate in physical therapy.
•  Kelli Osborne, a senior accounting major from Sacramento, CA, is a full-time student and single parent of a 9 year old son, Robert. She is currently president of the Accounting Club, and is a student leader in the Student Leadership Development Academy on Virginia Union’s campus. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to obtain a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on accounting. Her goal is to pursue a career in accounting.  
• DeMario Light, a senior computer analysis major from Richmond, VA, is a full-time student and single father. He is a member of the collegiate chapter of 100 Black Men and was very involved in this year’s planning of the Community Awareness Day held in Richmond to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After graduation, he plans to obtain his master’s degree in computer information systems and pursue a career as a computer analyst. 

Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO

• James Curtis Dickens, a junior majoring in criminal justice from St. Louis, MO. He is a full-time student and single parent of five children, ages 4 through 14. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Lincoln University Marching Storm’s drum line. He also volunteers in the Jefferson City community, teaching young people to play drums and other musical instruments.  Upon graduation, Dickens plans to pursue a career as a truant officer and work with troubled inner city youth.
• Elizabeth Mosby, a junior business administration student from Kirkwood, MO. She is the single parent of a 19-month-old daughter. She also is a cheerleader and volunteer freshmen orientation group leader. Upon graduation, she wants to work for the U.S. Postal Service and eventually become Postmaster General.
• Iuesha Wright, a freshman accounting major from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. She is the single parent of a 2-year-old daughter. An avid tennis player, she is a member of the school’s tennis team and is secretary of the International Student Association. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Ms. Wright plans to become a Certified Public Accountant and open her own accounting firm.
• Leslie Ferguson, a freshman nursing student form Fulton, MO. Ferguson is a volunteer with the AmeriCorps program at Missouri Girls Town. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a career as a registered nurse.

Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, NC

• Keren Williams, a senior majoring in Rehabilitation Studies and ASL- Sign Language, is a full-time student and single parent of two children: a son, age 14 and a daughter, age 12. She is a member of the Winston Salem State University Rehabilitation Studies Club, the Winston Salem Carmel City Thrashers Roller Derby League for Women, and volunteers at the Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement facility. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a graduate degree at Winston Salem State University in Deaf Studies.
• Leala Carter, a sophomore, is a nursing student from Winston-Salem, NC.  She is full-time student and single parent of four children.  She volunteers with Just for Me Life Group Power Builders, working with four and five year olds at the Agape Faith Church. Upon graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and attend a nurse anesthesia program.
• Joann Hairston, a senior majoring business administration from Philadelphia, PA.  She is a full-time student and single mother of a 19-year old daughter.  She is a member of Union Baptist Church and volunteers at the Winston-Salem Soup Kitchen and Homeless Shelter. Upon graduation, she plans to obtain her master’s degree in business administration and work for her alma mater, Winston-Salem State University.
• Diana Barker, a junior, is a social work major from Winston-Salem, NC, is a full-time student and single mother of two children, ages 2 and 8. She is “team mom” for their football and baseball teams. Upon graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in social work as a case manager working with senior citizens.
• Carlette Potter, a freshman, is majoring in business administration student from Winston-Salem, NC. She is a full-time student and single mother of two daughters. She is a youth leader at Transformation Ministries. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue her master’s degree of business administration and become an entrepreneur.

Allen University, Columbia. SC

• Sharonda Alston, of Conway, South Carolina, is a senior biology/pre-med student.  She is full-time student and single parent of a 2-month old daughter, Anani. She is president of the collegiate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and serves as a student leader and ambassador for the university. Upon graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a general pediatrician.
• Sabrisha Jackson, of Winnsboro, South Carolina, is a freshman majoring in chemistry.  She is full-time student and single parent of an 18-month old daughter, Trinity. She is a math tutor and a member of the Allen University Cheerleader team. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a Forensic Science Technician and serve as a mentor to others interested in careers in forensic science.
• Shaniva Portee, of Columbia, South Carolina, is a freshman majoring in business administration.  She is full-time student and single parent of a 9-month old son, Kameron. She is a member of NAACP and works full-time at the Word of God Thrift Store, a non-profit organization in Columbia, SC that raises money to assist homeless women and children. Upon graduation, she plans to open a day care center.
• April Ford, of Georgetown, South Carolina,  is a freshman majoring in biology. She is full-time student and single parent of an 18-month old daughter, Zoey. She is a member of the YPD’er (Youth Program Development Board) and the student chapter of NAACP. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse.

Talladega College, Talladega, AL

• Joshua Clark, of Chicago, IL, is a senior Psychology student from Chicago, IL.  He is a full-time student and single parent of two children, Alicia, 4 and Kaleb, 1. He is an active member of the Talladega College Pre-Alumni Council, treasurer of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and senator for the Student Government Association.  In 2008, he was inducted into “Who’s Who among Black Colleges and Universities.”  Upon graduation, he plans to attend graduate school and obtain a Ph..D. in Career Counseling.
• Skekneko Garrett, of Talladega, AL, is a freshman majoring in education.  She is a full-time student and single parent of two children, a 23-month old daughter, Sommer and a 6-month old son, Desmond. In her spare time, Shekneko is a Crimson Ambassador and serves on the Talladega College Pre-Alumni Council. Upon graduation, she plans to obtain her master’s degree in business administration and enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Sharonda Witson, of Talladega, AL, is a senior business organizational management student from Talladega, Alabama.  She is a full-time student, works full-time at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama and is a single parent of two sons, Christian, 9 and Keyshawn, 7. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the National Honor’s Society.  She is also on the National Dean’s List.  Upon graduation, she plans to take additional courses in Spanish, Braille and sign language, pursue her master’s degree in business administration and start her own marketing firm.
• Tekla Fluker, of Talladega, AL, is a senior majoring in business management from Talladega, Alabama.  She is a full-time student and single parent of two children, Micah, 11 and Morgan, 4. Fluker serves as a Crimson Ambassador and is a member of the Talladega College Pre-Alumni Council. Upon graduation, she plans pursue her master’s degree in business administration and start a non-profit organization that assists the disabled and elderly.

About the Tom Joyner Foundation:

Founded in 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has focused on its primary mission of helping to keep students enrolled in Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). The Foundation has raised more than $55 million to help keep students enrolled in black colleges and has assisted more than 14,000 students and worked with more than 100 HBCUs.  Throughout the week, the Foundation announces scholarship winners on the nationally syndicated radio show hosted by its founder, Tom Joyner. Each week, separate financial awards are focused on students who are single parents and “The Herc”, which is for black male students at the foundation’s ‘Schools of the Month’. The organization’s largest annual fundraiser is its “Fantastic Voyage”^TM, which is a seven-day, six-night cruise that raises more than $1 million a year.

About Denny’s:

Denny’s is America’s largest full-service family restaurant chain, with more than 1,500 locations. For more than 50 years, Denny’s has been serving up real breakfast 24/7. Home of  the  famous Grand Slam® breakfast  Denny’s provides a variety of flavorful food and beverage choices.  For more information on Denny’s, please visit  www.dennys.com.

HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse Awareness at Six Black Colleges

(Dallas, TX – July 2, 2009) The Tom Joyner Foundation will help promote awareness on HIV/AIDS and substance abuse at six black colleges as part of a $510,000 federal grant.

Each historically black colleges and university (HBCUs) will receive $85,000 from the Substance Abuse Mental health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Prevention’s (SAMHSA/CSAP) Minority Education Institution (MEI) Initiative.  The agency will be responsible for conducting the HIV and substance abuse awareness projects.

The following campuses will be participating this year:  PrairieView A&M University, Prairie View, TX; Southern University of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, LA; Howard University, Washington, DC; VirginiaUnion University, Richmond, VA; Savannah State University, Savannah, GA.

“HIV/AIDS and substance abuse are issues that can not be ignored,” said Tom Joyner, who created the Foundation and whose four-hour drive-time show is heard in 115 markets and heard by more than eight million listeners. “We want to keep our students at black colleges fully informed about all aspects of life – not just what they learn in class.”

Beverly Watts Davis, senior advisor, Office of the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), said the partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation has been critical in helping to raise awareness among black college students. “Everyday is a day when you can get tested,” Davis said, “It’s not a once a year event. … It’s a message we need to get to all of our children. We want to help them to aware of their behavior and to be safer with their behavior.”

Since the partnership started in 2005, Davis said that more than 15,000 students have been tested, more than 970 students have become peer educators. “Getting tested for HIV/AIDS should be a part of everyone’s standard care,” Davis added.

The Tom Joyner Foundation, founded by Joyner in 1998, is responsible for raising more $55 million dollars and helping some 40 colleges and thousands of deserving students.  Each month, Joyner raises money for a specific historically black college and helps students currently attending that school.

Joyner, a graduate of Tuskegee Institute now, University, has been highly recognized by industry and community groups for the work he has done during the more than 25 years in radio. Joyner not only was inducted into the prestigious Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, but he also received the Marconi Award from the National Association of Broadcasters’ as the top nationally syndicated/network radio personality.  Joyner’s sons are also graduates of black colleges: Thomas Jr., Howard University and Oscar, Florida A&M University.

For more details about the foundation visit us at BlackAmericaWeb.com (http://blackamericaweb.com<http://blackamericaweb.com/>)  For additional information, contact, Neil Foote, media relations, Tom Joyner Foundation, 214.448.3765, neil@neilfoote.com.

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(Dallas TX – January 27) Nationally known fitness guru Donna Richardson Joyner is launching a national community tour targeting churches and black colleges. The tour will feature her new cleansing, weight loss, and fitness program to help eliminate the national obesity crisis.

 The “Sweating in the Spirit” Community Tour and the “Donnamite Cleansing, Weight  Loss, Fitness” program will kick off in Greensboro, NC at one of the nation’s oldest historically black colleges – Bennett College.The tour will follow the journey of 26 women who are setting out to become healthy and fit.

The tour will continue at the Dallas-based 30,000-member Potter’s House, led by the internationally renowned Bishop T.D. Jakes, and at the St. John Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. Additional communities will follow.“This program is about strengthening our mind, body and spirit to help America become Faithfully Fit and Fabulous!” said Richardson Joyner who created and produced the nation’s No. 1 “Sweating in the Spirit” DVD, which has sold more than a million copies.

“I have helped hundreds of thousands of people lose weight, become fit and change their lives to become healthier and happier.”According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 72 million U.S. adults and one out of every three children – are overweight/obese, which can lead to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

Richardson-Joyner’s cleansing program is not a diet, nor a colon-cleanse, but it is a nutritional and fitness program that cleanses the body and burns fat cells, which helps you lose unwanted pounds and improves your health. As Richardson Joyner has traveled the country, she has trained and coached churches, celebrities, executives and families.

“Since beginning the program I have lost 42 pounds,” said Roger Haley, a pastor at The Potter’s House. “I’ve gone from a size 54 to a size 48. I feel great! My energy level is at an all-time high!” Haley also said he has lost 5 ½ inches from his waist. Most importantly he reports that six months ago he was insulin-dependent, and now he no longer requires insulin.

“My turning point came as a result of me going to a meeting and not being able to fit in a chair,” Dawn Walton of Clearwater, Florida said. “It was at that point I started the Sweating in the Spirit program along with Donna’s coaching. I have lost 90 lbs!”

What sets this program apart from all the others is Joyner Richardson’s personal involvement by maintaining contact via Internet, phone calls and weekly appearances across America. Said Joyner Richardson: “This program is my purpose and passion in life, and I get joy from the opportunity to serve others and help them to be their best.”

About Donna Richardson Joyner

Richardson Joyner has starred in over 25 award winning videos, including the best selling”Buns of Steel”.  In February, Richardson Joyner will be named one of the 2009 American Express Women’s Golf Month Spokespersons. She is a member of the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports. Richardson Joyner was the former co-host for the “ESPN Fitness Pro’s Show” and fitness expert on the “NBC Weekend Today Show. She is the producer and host of the “Donna Richardson’s Mind, Body & Spirit Show”, which aired on TV One, and the “Sweating in the Spirit” show which airs on the Word Network. She was inducted into the Fitness Hall of Fame and was named by Essence Magazine for being “one of the twenty five most inspiring women in America.” Richardson Joyner broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest line dance with over 50,000 participants. She is an author and has lectured in over 40 countries educating and empowering women and children about a healthy lifestyle. She is the first African American woman selected for this position. She is the wife and soul mate of the #1 nationally syndicated morning radio talk show host, Tom Joyner, who reaches more than 8 million listeners weekly.

Marcos J. Perez, a former suburban Dallas high school football player, released his debut CD – MJP – on Sunday – his 18^th birthday.  The CD, released on an independent label, Toro Records, is available on iTunes. MJP showcases the future Grammy Award winner’s talent as a song writer, composer, musician and singer.

“I love listening to Prince, Earth Wind & Fire, Al Green – even The Beatles, Lenny Williams and Heat Wave,” he says. “I want to bring back that Old School feel.”  Last month, Perez released his first single on iTunes, “Don’t Test”, a soulful combination of Old School R & B and Hip Hop.

“Marcos’s music has a great pop/soul appeal, and he definitely has the superstar look,” says Big Bink, program director for 97.9 The Beat, one of the top hip-hop radio stations in the Dallas/

“Marcos has the talent and drive to be the next great pop superstar.”Kenny “FLAV” Dickerson, who is a multi-platinum producer who has worked with 50 Cents, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah and Snoop Dog, says Marcos has a bright future, particularly since he he plays multiple instruments.

 “The future is limitless,” Dickerson says.Dave Deberry also sees Marcos’ potential.  Deberry has worked as a producer with Dickerson on several projects that have gone multi-platinum, and he counts Russell Simmons as one of his mentors. Additionally, he’s worked with Run DMC, Vanilla Ice and Hi Five. “Marcos’ ability to perform in the capacity as a songwriter, instrumentalist, producer, performer and entrepreneur is a rarity – and I’ve worked with some of the greatest pop acts and rap acts to date,” Deberry says. “There are a whole bunch of recording artists, but only a few stars and in with Perez, you have a star.”

Popular New York deejay “DJ Rob E Rob”, known for his hot mixes, says, “Marcos has the potential to be the new standard of the hot pop soul movement.”

Marcos’ father, Tony, was a soul singer in the 1980s and 1990s who has appeared on “It’s Showtime at the Apollo!”   The elder Perez says he didn’t want to push his son too fast.  “You know, music has always been a part of our lives,” the father says. “And we’ve done everything – as a family – we could do to get to this point. We even worked as janitors in an office building every night for nearly two years to save enough money to buy Marcos instruments and to get studio time for him to practice.  We’re doing this the right way.”

Even older brother Nathan, who accompanies him on vocals, guitar and other instruments, is driven to make sure they’re successful. “Look, I’ve worked in steel factories and even worked as a porter cleaning rental cars,” he says. “I don’t want to do any of those jobs again … We’re going to make it.”            Perez is now being home schooled so that he can work fulltime on his music.  He’s practicing daily in his Dallas studios.

To interview Perez and learn more about his music or get a copy of his CD, contact Neil Foote, Foote Communications LLC,

Everyday during the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, BlaCon Media will produce, edit and distribute – and digitally encode, if needed – three feeds.  A feed schedule is also planned for the three presidential and one vice presidential debate. 

Clients and partners will have the ability to obtain two raw feeds and one branded feed daily.  There also will be satellite and broadband feeds.  If needed, BlaCon can overnight tapes to clients.  In addition to the video content, our seasoned journalists also are providing two written updates daily from the convention center. 

Our daily production schedule is rapidly filling up.  If your organization is interested in obtaining more information, we are requesting that you contact our representatives.  For pricing and scheduling please contact:

Steven M. Bacon                                                                   
770-498-9416
smbacon@blaconmedia.com
James Cool
404-702-5743
jcool@coolnewmedia.net

Zeron Turlington
678-576-5729
zman71@tmo.blackberry.net 

For news, features, analysis, commentary or blogging, please contact:
 
Neil Foote
214-448-3765
neil@neilfoote.com

Visit us at: www.BlaConMedia.com and www.PoliticsInColor.com

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor on the PoliticsInColor.com website, click here to learn more.

Political production dates to remember:

Democratic National Convention August 24 – 28, Denver, Colorado

Republican National Convention September 1 – 4, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Presidential debate September 26th, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi

Vice Presidential debate October 2nd, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri

Presidential debate October 7th, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee

Presidential debate October 15th, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York
**Commission and revenue opportunities available for sales persons at large

(Washington, DC – July 1st, 2008) Financial advisor Cinnamon McCann knows that rising
food and gas prices are making everyone think twice about their personal finances. 

The Washington, D.C.-based entrepreneur says this is a time for you to step back and review how you spend each and every dollar, particularly when it appears that your salary isn’t increasing. 

McCann, who is the owner of her own financial education firm, Financial Fashion House
(http://financialfashionhouse.com), hosts regular hosts seminars - in-person and online – on managing your finances, starting a business and how to invest in real estate.

McCann offers the following financial advice on how to make ends meet:

• Give yourself a financial wake up call.  
  During these tough economic times, you’re probably pulling money from everywhere, but don’t really don’t know what to cut and by how much.  More than ever, it’s very important to start tracking where your money is going.  Maybe others have told you about tracking your expenses, and your eyes have glazed over. Try doing this during a for two months period so that you can at least get an estimate.  It’s very simple: Until you’re conscious of what you’re spending, you won’t know what to eliminate. Tracking your expenses puts everything in clear view. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn.
• Check your credit card and debit card statements. 
  Are you getting automatically charged for items or membership that you’re not using?  Do you have subscriptions to magazines you never read? Are you a member of a health club that is taking a monthly fee? Many companies offer the automatic deduction because they know that  customers “tend to forget about them”.  Cutting monthly automatic charges from various vendors can add up to major savings.
• Cable TV can be a huge expense.
  If you find yourself paying $100 or more for cable, that’s $1,200 a year, you can save and put that money toward your child’s education, your retirement of even your savings account.  You can catch most TV series on DVD at your local library or now, even free online.  Honestly, how much time do you have to watch TV with work, kids, and that ‘oh so desired’ social life?
• Make that dollar stretch further at the supermarket.
  Plan meals and write a list before you go grocery shopping.  This can help you reduce impulse purchases. Cut back on the prepackaged, microwavable instant meals at the grocery store.  You may think there types of meals save you time, but they can be costing you a small fortune. Many times these types of items may be 30-75% more expensive when you examine the cost of the individual ingredients, and the amount of food provided.  Also, the prepackaged food is usually high in sodium, fat, and sugar. You can drop your grocery bill considerably – and eat healthier  which in the long run could help reduce your medical costs.  If you have any extra room in a pantry or closet to store items, you may want to consider shopping for regularly used items (paper towels, napkins, laundry detergent) at one of the discount grocery stores and buy those
  items in bulk.
• Check your phone plan.
  Maybe you need to change subscribers or reduce your home and cell phone plan.  Did you know that many home phone companies can offer you a basic plan for $7-18 a month?  Take time to review your bill over the past couple months and determine if you’re really using all those minutes you signed up for or if you need to upgrade your text message plan to a set monthly fee after you realize your child is “texting” you into debt!
• Check your insurance premiums.
  So many people go year-to-year never reviewing their plan. This is a good time for you to pull your car and homeowner’s insurance plans out of the bottom of that desk drawer and refresh your memory.  If you’re overwhelmed by trying to sift through the documents, set up an appointment with your agent to find out if you can reduce costs.  Here are some items to consider:

* For your car(s), you can save a substantial amount of money by raising your deductible. The deductible is the amount you have to pay before the insurance company will pay a claim.  Although a lower deductible may help you sleep at night, over the long run, it is not helping you much.  For example, increasing your deductible to $1,000 may be able save you up to 50% on your annual premium. If you can increase you deductible payment to an amount you feel comfortable with, you may be able to save yourself hundreds of dollars a year. Also, don’t forget to shop around for the best rates when you’re up for renewal. 

* For your homeowner’s insurance, the same rules apply as with your car insurance. The higher deductible you choose, the lower your annual premium.  By becoming responsible for a higher deductible, you shave hundreds of dollars off your annual payment.

To learn more about McCann or to book her for speaking engagements, contact Neil Foote, Foote Communications LLC, 214.448.3765, neil@neilfoote.com.

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(WASHINGTON, DC – May 8th, 2008) A Washington, D.C. business owner is using her passion for shoes to kick off a series of online financial seminars and workshops directed at helping women start businesses and gain control of their finances.Called “The Stiletto Series™”, the online personal and group coaching sessions, and seminars on various business development, investment and financial issues, is designed to empower and educate women to become more financially savvy.“The Stiletto Series™” is the latest unique and chic offering of the women’s financial education company started by D.C. native Cinnamon McCann called FinancialFashionHouse®. “Stilettos are stylish, yet a bit uncomfortable,” says McCann, who graduated from Washington, DC’s Roosevelt High School. “But when you wear them, you feel sexy and confident. And it’s through this symbol that I want women to feel confident about their ability to start businesses, manage their personal finances and invest.”McCann’s website, FinancialFashionhouse.com (http://financialfashionhouse.com), is a content-rich, easy-to-use website with thematic channels that play off fashion metaphors. She also has two weekly Internet radio shows – “Your Business in Stilettos™” and “Financial Fridays”. The “Stocks and Stilettos” part of her website is about, well, women and the stock market.