MARCH 2013

Family

HONEY IS A SWEET TREAT FOR TIRED SKIN HEALTHY INDULGENCES

Top Stories

Joan Higginbotham
Women History Month: Honoring Astronaut

CAN I RESOLVE THINGS WITHOUT GOING TO COURT?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TURNING QR CODES INTO CASH

Dear Readers,

Mimi Zelman Publisher

This month we celebrate Womens History month. How Did Womens History Month Come into Existence? According to the federal website devoted to Womens History Month, the US Congress established Womens History Month albeit first as a week, not an entire month. Starting in 1981 and every year for the next five years, Congress continued to pass resolutions marking Womens History Week. Eventually it became an entire month. Each year it is given a theme. The 2013 theme for Womens history month is Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. We couldnt have obtained a more appropriate cover story celebrating this than Joan Higginbotham whose story is so amazing! Joan is a former astronaut and how she got there is very inspiring. I know when you read her story; youll be as inspired by her as I am. Dont forget to mark your calendars and celebrate women this month by attending our Making An Impact Conference For Women! Our three speakers will impact your life, business and world. Register at: www.womenwithknowhow.com Have a great month! Mimi

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Publisher/President Mimi L. Zelman mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Creative Director Juliana Lievano www.JulianaCreativeDesigns.com Contributing Writers Terri Bennett Elyshia Brook Robyn Crigger Cover Photography by Cover Photoghraphy by Benny Dawkins of New Day Productions For more advertising information call Mimi at 704-491-1207 or email her at: mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Copyright 2013

4 36 49

16 50

10for Your Soul-Filled 30Women Business Connecting The Dots Owners: Lets Take
Business To Attract Clients Control of Our Economic Future

20What You Need QR 54 Top 5 Things To Know About Turning To Never Put Down
Codes Into Cash The Drain

26CanGoing to Court? I Resolve Things Without

On the cover Joan Higginbotham

www.womanwithknowhow.com MARCH 2013

Contents
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professional spotlight

Cristina Cassidy
By

Mimi Zelman

How did you get started in this business? I moved to Charlotte from the Washington, D.C. area, in 2007 as a result of my husbands work. I had always wanted to start a video production company of my own, and the time was right. Plus, Charlotte seemed to be a great place to open a new business. So, in February 2008, I launched Cristina Cassidy Productions, LLC. What is your backgroundwhat were you doing before this business? I started out as a jack of all trades

and a master of none and for years I couldnt find my niche. I studied acting and singing in college, though I eventually became a writer. My father had been a writer and video specialist for the government, so I grew up around video and audio equipment my whole life. In 1987 to 1991, I moved from the Washington D.C. area where I had lived most of my life, and moved to New Delhi, India, with my husband and two sons, I taught music at the American Embassy School there and sang and performed in many plays and musicals.

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When we returned from India, I decided I wanted to be an actor, but found that it took me away from my family too much. In 1994, I landed a job as a scriptwriter at a small video production company in Northern Virginia. That led to an eventual job as a video producer. I worked there for eight years and thats where I learned what I know today about video production. In addition, I was given the opportunity to travel to nine countries as a video producer during my time there. When I left in 2007 to move to Charlotte, I was the companys head writer and senior video producer.

person. She asked me what kind of work I did, and I mentioned the recent volunteer job I had done for the other non-profit. It turned out that she knew everyone involved in the project I had done, called to get a reference from them about my work, and hired me soon after. Her non-profit has turned out to be my most loyal client.

What is unusual or unique about your business, in comparison to your competitors or similar businesses? I think my level of involvement with my clients is unique. Creating video for my clients is always a collaborative effort from beginning to end. I also What is a good early know how to put together the right story about your business? video team for the particular project. In my second year of business I did My video teams are made up of highly a job for a local non-profit on a volcreative and versatile professionals. We unteer basis. It turned out to be a lot can produce a wide range of video more work than I had expected and I formats, from fundraising pieces, to found myself a few times feeling like web videos, to instructional videos, to maybe I shouldnt have done the job broadcast commercials. The fact that for free. Soon after that, I filmed a I am fluent in Spanish also has been Zumba performance, also for free, at a very beneficial to several of my clients. Bobcats halftime show for members When a video producer friend of of the Zumba class I was attending. mine saw my website recently, she One day in class, I was talking to the exclaimed, You do ALL that? I was instructor about the Zumba video happy to answer with a definitive yes. when one of the class participants ran up to me and asked, Did I just hear Is there a customer experience you do video? The non-profit I work you are most proud of? for is desperate to find a good video I think my latest project, a promotional/
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fundraising video for The Sandbox Evening of Believing Prom is something I am very excited about. The prom is held once a year for kids with cancer and life-threatening illnesses. The promo video included sit down interviews, on-the-fly-interviews, two days of shooting a try-on event, and full coverage of the prom. I produced it, shot it myself with the help of my camera assistant, Rachel Foley, and my audio technician, Ben Cassidy, and then edited it. I just got word that at its first showing there wasnt a dry eye in the house. That was a humbling experience.

Do you do any charity or nonprofit work? The Sandbox Prom is my main charity event. Most of my time spent on it this year was on a volunteer basis. I also do a great deal of volunteer work for The Yonkofa Project, a non-profit in Atlanta, that is building a permanent medical clinic in a remote village of Ghana, West Africa. I traveled to Ghana in April 2011 to direct a promo video for the cause that can be viewed on my website. I was contracted for that job, but became a volunteer for the project soon afterwards, working closely with the nonprofit in the realm of social media.

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Who are some of your most notable clients? My client list includes: The Exceptional Childrens Assistance Center (ECAC), The Sandbox organization, The Yonkofa Project, The Tosco Music Party, Criss Cross Mangosauce, Shop.org, Hospitality House of Charlotte, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Education Institute, the Let Love Reign Project, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County and many more. You can view videos for all these organizations on my website. What is an interesting story about a client interaction you had? I think my time in Ghana was an amazing adventure. When the van met us at the airport in Accra, Ghanas capital, the vehicle was not big enough to accommodate our equipment. My director of photography on the project was a former mountain climber, so he was able to rig the van with our equipment strapped on top of it. We then experienced a 10-hour harrowing car ride on bumpy roads-some paved, some gravel, some dirt-to Bibani, Ghana, where we stayed at a local Catholic parish overnight.

the village elders and filming the Yonkofa project temporary clinic for several days was a life-changing experience. It was exciting to know that these people were some day going to have a permanent clinic to meet their serious health needs. While filming one day, I was surrounded by a group of kids in the village. I started showing them pictures of my dogs on my iPhone. As they laughed in excitement at looking at the photos, I realized that my dogs drank filtered water, had health care plans and even their own swimming pool to play in. My dogs were better off than these kids! That was when I determined to do what I could when I got back home to help these villagers get the health care they so desperately need.

What are some of your greatest challenges in your business? Some of the challenges have to do with learning how to pace myself. I have been called the Energizer Bunny on many occasions, but I tend to forget that everyone needs sleep and down time. Over the years of running my business, I have learned that there The next morning we headed out is a time to end the work day and for another five hour ride to the rethere is a time to turn off the phone. mote--and I mean remote--village of People can leave me messages that Yiwabra, Ghana. Meeting the children, I can check on a regular basis. I dont
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have to answer every single call that comes in, especially on off hours. Being well-rested and relaxed are important ingredients in maintaining an effective business. Another challenge is not to get into the habit of resting on ones laurels. When I finish a project, I let myself feel really good about it for a couple of days, and then immediately start working on generating new business. Being a self-employed business person is a lot like being a fisherman. You can sit around the home fires talking about all the great catches from the past, but you know that eventually you are going to have to get out and do the hard work to put food on the table.

against for my age or my sex by any of the many organizations and businesses that have hired me over the past five years. My rule of thumb has always been to break through stereotypes. I encourage all women business owners and entrepreneurs to do the same. Id also like readers to know about a feature-length documentary that I have been creating over the past five years. It is called Concerto for Two Brothers and it is truly a work of love. You can learn more about it at www.concertofortwobrothers. com or join the projects Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ groups/98484100347/?fref=ts

What would you most like the For more information about reader to know about your Cristinas business, please go to journey in business? cristinacassidyproductions.com You are never, I repeat, never too old to start a business. I was told years ago that the video world was only for Cristina Cassidy Productions open minds with compelling video young people and frankly, mostly www.cristinacassidyproductions.com young male people. I decided to ig- FB: Cristina Cassidy Productions nore what everyone was saying. I was email: docudramaqueen@mac.com also advised not to use a female name phone: 704-930-8503 for my business. Clearly, I ignored that idea, too, and decided to use my own name. I dont think I have ever been discriminated
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www.womanwithknowhow.com MARCH 2013

marketing

by Terri Bennett Elysha Brooks

Connecting The Dots for Your Soul-Filled Business To Attract Clients

ow many of you have started your business from a place deep inside your soul? What does that look and feel like for you? Starting and operating a business that speaks to your divine purpose and destiny is what a soul-filled, conscious-centered business owner desires. When you are living your dreams and having fun, you are creating a space in the world of your own and playing BIG!!! Your business is an extension of who you are and so what you do with it is totally up to you. The success that you dream of and desire is what will or will not happen based on your mindset. Yes! Your mindset has a lot to do with your success and how far you will go in and with your business. I say that for a couple of reasons because success includes your mindset, actions and your network of influence that you incorporate. Your mindset is what you control and how you think things through along

with how you make things happen. Your conscious and subconscious mind play a huge role in your business success. A conscious mind is a mind that is fully aware of your existence, thoughts and surroundings, which you will incorporate into your business on a daily. It a part of your mind that understands logic and reasoning, which controls your actions and intentions. Your subconscious mind is how you have a deeper connection with your soul or youre Higher Calling, whatever you call God and also as you operate on a daily basis without really thinking. It is where your breathing and heart beat are controlled which also includes your emotions, feelings, and beliefs that are stored. It is essentially your ultimate being as a human. Both your subconscious and conscious minds play a role in your business and how you connect and function in your business. As your mindset plays a huge role in the success, what separates you

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from the others in attracting your divine scious-centered business that attracts clients? There is a soul-full connection your divine clients in the following: with everyone you come to serve. A systematic, repeatable There are a few elements that you marketing process would need to consider as a conscious- You need to create a plan of authenticentered business owner and the way cally attacking your divine clients to you that your mindset attracts your divine in a systematic process and then repeat clients. When you start a business to that plan over and over again. The perserve others, you will obtain more joy sistence of repeating this plan over and out of your business and it would more over again is what is going to get you clithan likely have a more meaningful role ents. So, thats helpful information... now in how you think, operate and attract lets look in more detail at whats involved clients. Here are a few thoughts on be- in creating your Marketing Strategy. ing a soul-full business and how to be successful at attracting clients you need: Plan Your Time Accordingly You must schedule business developA marketing strategy AND solid aument into your workday. During those thentic action steps are key because business development hours, close you are not using push and pull tactics your email program, turn the ringer that are overbearing and too much. If off on your phone(s), and focus ONLY you start with those types of tactics, on your marketing. If you dont schedule your marketing strategy will be more time to market you, your brand and your of pulling and not authentically atbusiness, you wont find an opening in tracting those who you desire to serve. your schedule. Plus, the only way to build When you are using such tactics (send- a steady stream of clients is to dedicate ing out your newsletter, postcards, all time to business development. willy nilly), you wont have an end goal in mind, which means youre going Know What Your to waste your money and your time; Priorities Are Everyday along with not working with those Your business needs to be in line who are called to work with you. with your priorities and values. Spend some time thinking about WHO you Lets look at some ways to get you on are and what is important to you. You the right page with building a conwont be successful or happy if you at11

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tempt to create a business that is not in sync with your purpose, mission, passion, values and priorities. A Solid Business Model for Your Business What does your business DO? Not what you do, but what does your business do for your clients? What are the problems that you solve? What do your clients struggle with? Know this and the ultimate solutions that you can provide on a consistent basis and obtain successful results! A Clearly Defined Client Profile If you properly and clearly define

your divine client, you can attract clients to you, who are ready to buy what your selling, which of course takes a lot less effort than casting a wide net and trying to make a sale to a non targeted group. With your Divine Client Profile, it is clearly defined, you can actually target people who are DEMANDING information on products and services, that you specialize in and do what you do well. Knowing what words and phrases clients use to describe your business. If you know the words and phrases clients use to describe you and your competitors, you have a great leg up on the competition. You can use those words and phrases in your marketing copy, on your website, for search engine optimization, in your elevator pitch, etc. It allows you to mirror back to potential clients in a way that they are comfortable. Its no different than being a job hunter and creating a custom resume and cover letter tailored to a specific job opening. Packaging your Products and Services. Have offerings, products and services that provide a variety of price points. It allows your divine client to purchase something smaller and get to know you better, before they commit to something larger. Your goal is to build divine

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relationships that can see the value of consistently working with you and they are happy with the results and know who you are and what they can expect. When you build a soul-full and conscious-centered business you are building an enterprise that is based on a solid foundation that serves your purpose and attracts those divine clients that are willing to pay you what you are worth and who you enjoy waking up everyday excited to serve. It all belongs to you and how your mindset is designed to build your masterpiece. Dont allow the time to pass you

by because you dont have the tools, find the people, resources and those that can get you to where you need to be. Learn more in my new book Branding The Authentic You, just released in January 2013 on amazon.comamazon.com
Elyshia Brooks-Carr Consulting, coaching and training company that works with heart-felt, conscious entrepreneurs and service-based businesses. Elyshia@ElyshiaBrooks.com / 800.511.5410 www.ElyshiaBrooks.com www.KreativeGroupInc.com

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Since 1949, the survival rate for many blood cancer patients has tripled. In some cases quadrupled. Whats one more survivor?

Beautiful.

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non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor

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If you or a loved one needs help or you want to help save lives, contact us today at 704.705.1850 or visit www.lls.org/nc

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family
Buzzworthy Beauty
Honey is a Sweet Treat for Tired Skin
tional Honey Board notes, honey is used as an all-natural moisturizing ingredient in many skin and hair-care products. Honey also acts as an anti-irritant, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Here are some economical ways to make honey an essential part of your home beauty regimen.
Hair Conditioner
Ingredients: 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup olive oil - use 2 tablespoons for normal hair Directions: Mix honey and olive oil. Work a small amount at a time through hair until coated. Cover

W
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Winter is rough on skin. Theres the normal double whammy of freezing temperatures and drying winter winds that take a heavy toll on skins natural moisture content. This year, typically exhausted postholiday bank accounts likely will be under even closer scrutiny, placing a rejuvenating trip to the spa out of reach for many. Yet there are a few simple and affordable things you can do for your skin at home that mimic those costly spa treatments. The basis of these treatments is 100 percent pure and natural honey. Honey is so effective in beauty treatments because its a humectant, which means it helps to attract and retain moisture. As the Na-

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hair with shower cap; leave on 30 minutes. Remove shower cap; shampoo well and rinse. Dry as normal.

Hair Shine
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon honey 4 cups warm water Squeeze of lemon (for blondes) Directions: Stir honey into warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

water. Set aside to cool. In food processor or blender, combine cucumber, aloe vera and honey. Blend on low setting. Add chamomile tea. Blend until smooth. Apply gently under eyes using ring finger. Store in glass dish covered with plastic wrap in refrigerator for up to one week. Best applied chilled. Recipes courtesy of the The National Honey Board. Visit www.honey.com for more tips on how honey can sweeten your daily routine. Mandatory photo credit: The National Honey Board

Honey and Oat Exfoliant

Ingredients: 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup oatmeal Directions: Mix and smooth over face. Massage and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Moisture Mask
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons milk Directions: Mix honey with milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Cucumber Honey Eye Nourisher

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel 2 teaspoons cucumber, peeled with seeds removed 1/2 teaspoon chamomile tea 1/2 teaspoon honey Directions: Steep chamomile tea in boiling

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technology

by Mercedes Tabano

What You Need To Know About Turning QR Codes Into Cash

ave you seen one of these before? You probably have. After somewhat of a slow start, theyre one of the fastest-growing trends in the US right now. But what are they? Where did they come from? And most importantly, how can you use them to make money in your business? QR Codes 101 This type of interesting little box is called a QR code. QR stands for quick response. They originated in Japan over 10 years ago and they are quickly becoming one of the hottest trends in the United States. A QR code can be scanned by any smart phone with a free app. Since the app is free, just about every smart phone has it or will have it at some point in its lifecycle. Once the QR code is scanned, something happens. This something can vary, depending on the type of QR code it is. For example, the QR code can take the viewer to a

special site, bring up a coupon or special offer, or even put your contact information directly into the scanning phone. Also known as a 3-D barcode, the QR code will most likely replace the normal barcode that were familiar with. The reason for this is twofold. The best reason is because this code actually holds 10 times more information than a typical barcode with stripes. A QR code can also have a 30% margin of error and still function properly (this is in sharp contrast to a barcode which is under 10 %). In other words, a QR code can be slightly mistreated, missing information, or be manipulated for design purposes and still work. This is something you cant say about a normal stripe barcode. (Note: the QR code above has been broken on purpose. Its there for illustrative purposes only.) Now that you know a little bit about QR codes, were going to take a look at how some real businesses are using them to make more money.

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How Real Businesses Are Turning QR Codes Into Cash There are so many ways to use QR codes, that the list and potential is truly endless. Rather than just talking in the hypotheticals, here youre going to see how real businesses are using QR codes in their marketing campaigns.

Inside the hotel are table tents with a QR code on it. When a person scans the QR code, theyre taken to a site where they can leave a review online about their experience. In this way, the hotel hopes to boost its reputation.

As a virtual salesman-this idea originally debuted in an art gallery. AnyReputation management-reputation one whos ever been to an art gallery management is a problem for doctors, knows that knowing more about the lawyers, as well as restaurants and ho- artist or the artwork enhances the tels. One hotel is taking action. Actual- enjoyment of the piece. However you ly, this is fast becoming a trend in small dont want an art gallery salesperson following you around the whole galhotels as well as bed-and-breakfasts.

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lery. Thats where the QR code works so well. For every piece in the art gallery, the gallery had set up a small QR code. Once this QR code was scanned, the person was taken to a site that told them more about the piece or the artist. In some cases, it was the artist himself talking. In other cases, it was a virtual tour of the artists studio or a composite of their work. This strategy increased the enjoyment of the people viewing the art and they didnt have to feel uncomfortable about having someone follow them.

Virtual sommelier-this idea comes to us from a restaurant. The restaurant in question knew that most of their waitstaff did not know much about wine. So they put a QR code on the menu that would tell you all about the wine. When scanned, this QR code would tell you which wine goes best with beef, lamb, fish, cheese and vegetables. It also told you the difference between one year to the next and the different types of wine available. In this way, a person can learn everything they need to know about wine to make the best pairing, without having to ask the waitstaff anything. Virtual house tour-how many times have you passed a house for sale, and wanted to know what it looked like inside? Even when you are looking to buy the house right now, you dont always want to get the Realtor involved right away. What if this isnt the right house for you? When the Realtor sets up a sign with the QR code on it, it most often takes people to a virtual house tour. In this way, people can view the interior of the house on their smart phone and decide if they would like to see it in person. This ensures that the Realtor only gets the most serious of buyers.

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As a coupon distribution methodstores, salons, restaurants, and other businesses make use of this method. They use the QR codes to give discounts that potential customers can use in store. These businesses post these QR codes directly on their ads. By putting it on their out-of-store advertising, people are encouraged to scan it and visit the store. In store QR codes are most often used for getting people to join an emailing list.

does not take you directly to a website. Instead, it makes use of the QR codes other function, to transmit and store information. In particular, when this QR code is scanned instead of going to a website it puts the contact information from the business card directly into your smart phone. This is a huge time saving favorite at networking events. Simply scan the QR code, and you have the new persons information in your phone to be used later.

Now that youve seen the potential of QR codes, youre probably eager to get As a list builder-authors in particular started. Youre only limited by your own make great use of this type of QR code. creativity. However, before you launch a When the QR code is scanned, it takes massive campaign, be sure to read part them to a squeeze page, (a place ontwo of this article next month: line where they can opt into a list.) QR codes print beautifully in books and Common Mistakes With QR Codes are easy to scan. That Can Cost You Money Want to find out more about how Usually, the author will give out some- to market your offline business thing that complements their book online? Go to www.thisofferisgreat.com/ like an additional chapter, a checklist marketingguide for a how to book, or special report. In exchange, the author collects your Mercedes Tabano email address. They can use this in the mercedestabanoii.com/ future to let you know whenever they www.facebook.com/DynamicDimensionsMarketing \t _blank https://www.facebook.com/ have a new book out or will be doing DynamicDimensionsMarketing LinkedIn: Mercedes Tabano II an event in your area.
LION mt@mtddm.com

Business cards-this last one is a little bit more unusual in the sense that it
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family law

by Rebecca K. Watts

Can I Resolve Things Without Going to Court?

hen I meet with a potential new client, I am usually asked if there is a way to resolve issues of custody, child support, alimony, and property division without going to court. I tell them that any and all issues can be resolved between the parties if both parties are willing to do so.

a neutral party, usually another attorney, who attempts to help the parties come to an agreement. A mediator is a neutral party who had no stake in the outcome of the matter, so is able to help the parties look at things objectively and work together to come to an agreement that meets both partys needs.

This process is not always easy, but if Although many cases do end up being both parties are willing to work toward a litigated in court, a resolution that does resolution, many cases can be resolved not involve a Judge making a decision without court intervention. If you are involved in mediation, or want to try is usually the best resolution to the issues at hand because an out of court mediation, what to do you need to do? resolution is something that both par- Make sure your attorney knows that you would like to try mediation and talk with ties have input into. your attorney about what your goals and Whether you are contemplating separa- needs are. tion or are already separated, you can make the decision to work with the other Once the decision to mediate has been made, be prepared for both sides to party to reach an agreement on time with the children, cash flow, and division exchange a lot of documentation and information the more information that of assets and debts. Negotiation of the everyone has, the better chance there is terms of an agreement often involves to reach a resolution. Talk with your atmediation, which is a process by which the parties and their attorneys meet with torney about what your goals and needs
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are. Instead of focusing on what the law says you may be entitled to, focus on the result that you want and work with the attorney and the mediator to possibly get to the desired result in a way that may be different than how a court would handle it. On the day of mediation, be prepared for a long day. Most of the time, if mediation is productive, everyone will want to continue working to try to reach an agreement that day instead of leaving for the day and coming back another time. I always tell my clients to make sure they have breakfast before mediation and to bring snacks for the day so that they can avoid getting tired from not eating. I also tell my clients to be prepared for some down time in mediation the mediator will usually shuttle between the room that you and your attorney are in and the room that the other party and his attorney are in and the mediator may be in the other room for a while, so its a good idea to bring a book or magazine or iPad for something to do when you and your attorney run through everything you need to discuss and you are still waiting for the mediator to return. And, perhaps above all else, it is important to keep an open mind about how you get to the result you want. Creative

solutions are often found in mediation and if a creative solution achieves a result that both parties can live with, then that is a good thing.

Rebecca K Watts Krusch and Sellers, P.A./Two Fairview Center 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 105 Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-556-0707 Direct Line: 704-412-9103 Fax: 704-553-7824 www.kruschlaw.com

Lay in a course, Navigate the change,

Destination Success

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Women in Leadership Symposiums

Charlotte

Continental Breakfast: 8:45-9:15 Event: 9:15-12 Networking: 12-1

Foundation for the Carolinas 220 N Tryon St Charlotte, NC

March 20, 2013

e focus of a Women in Leadership Symposium is to bring together a diverse mix of successful women leaders who, through the discussion of topics relevant to todays issues will educate, inspire, and encourage women to re ect on their own goals and status as they strive to advance within their organizations. e symposiums are similar to conference sessions with 5-6 executive level, successful, diverse women, each with 8-10 minutes to speak about a selected topic, and then the panel responds before the next presenter. ere is a motivational component, but the purpose is to provide useful advice, knowledge, and strategies through presentations and discussions on relevant topics from diverse groups of leaders to empower our participants long a er the motivation has lessened.

Vice President of Public Relations and Communications Better Business Bureau of Southern Piedmont

Janet C. Hart, APR, CFEE

Mina Hunter, BSHS, RRT, NPS

Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Executive Sales Consultant Oncology Division, Nexavar

Human Resource Director CVS Caremark Corporation

Jeannene Allen

President and Publisher Women With Know How President Elect Business and Professional Women: North Carolina

Mimi Zelman

For more information about the event or to inquire about sponsorship please contact brian.richards@nationaldiversitycouncil.org

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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

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business

by Vilma Betancourt-ODay

Women Business Owners: Lets Take Control of Our Economic Future

Procurement Principles Federal law mandates that 5% of Federal government procurement contracts be awarded to women-owned small businesses (WOSB) in industries identified by four digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Increasingly our successes are being codes in which WOSBs are underrepused as role models for the developresented or substantially underreprement of women-owned businesses in sented. However, in 2011 only 3.98% of other parts of the world, which makes us tremendous goodwill ambassadors procurement contracts were awarded for the United States, states Women Im- to WOSBs a decrease from 2010. pacting Public Policys (WIPP) Economic On January 2, 2013, President Obama Blueprint Executive Summary (WIPP Economic Blueprint). This detailed plan signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 (NDAA), focuses on seven (7) issues: Procurewhich includes Section 1697 Conment, Access to Capital, Economic Principles, Healthcare, Energy & Environ- tracting with Small Business Concerns ment Principles, Telecommunications & Owned and Controlled By Women and Technology, and Export & Trade. removes the caps on set-aside contracts. This amendment offers a tremendous opportunity for growth to all It is available on WIPPs website at: qualified WOSBs whose industry codes c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.wipp.org/ resource/resmgr/Docs/EconomicBlue- (NAICs) have been identified by the print2013.pdf. Below is a summary (and Small Business Administration as underrepresented or substantially underrepmy interpretation) of these seven (7) resented. In addition, each competing areas, with emphasis on Procurement concern must be duly certified by a and Access to Capital. s women business owners, we are risk takers, influential and a powerful economic force in the United States and in the world.

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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

Federal agency, a State government, or a national certifying entity approved by SBA (i.e. National Women Business Owners Corporation - NWBOC), as an EDWOSB (economically disadvantaged women owned small business) or WOSB, or must certify to the contracting officer and provide adequate documentation that it is an EDWOSB or WOSB. The statute imposes penalties for a concerns misrepresentation of its status (Federal Register/Vol. 75, No. 194/Thursday, October 7, 2010/ Rules and Regulations). As outlined in WIPPs Economic Blue print, two focus areas of the Procurement Principles are: Improve the Women-Owned Small Business Procurement Program Award prime contracts to women-owned firms. Further improve the WOSB procurement program by granting sole source authority to contracting officers utilizing the WOSB program. Increase Goals for Small Business Contracting Increase goal from 23% to 25% - current goal of 23% has never been met! Increase subcontracting goal to 40% (NDAA 1651-1655 Transparency in Subcontracting, H.R. 3893, House Bill Sponsored by South Carolina Representative Mick Mulvaney: Improves

transparency and enforcement of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.) Access to Capital Principles Access to capital continually tops the list of concerns for small business owners. Whether it be capital to buy equipment, hire additional help or even just make payroll, Americas entrepreneurs have been suffering through one of the worst lending droughts in modern history, writes Cielo Villasenor of Madison Services Group, a woman-owned

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government relations and business development services company in Washington, D.C., whose expertise includes business development programs, government procurement, healthcare, export development, and tax issues affecting small businesses. madisonservicesgroup.com The Small Business Lending Enhancement Act (H.R. 1418/ S. 2231), if passed, increases the lending cap for Credit Unions to 25.7%, and would inject an extra $13 billion into the economy, giving small businesses the fuel they need to create 140,000 new jobs in the first year alone, giving small businesses the fuel they need to create 140,000 new jobs in the first year alone, and it would not cost taxpayers a single penny. Provide Incentives to Investors & Lenders to Small Businesses Encourage the Security and Exchange Commission to finalize the regulatory

requirements necessary to put crowd funding in place. Urge Congress to explore ways to incentivize lenders other than banks to invest in small businesses. WIPP believes Congress should lift restrictions on credit union lending to small businesses (mentioned above as The Small Business Lending Enhancement Act (H.R. 1418/ S. 2231). Increase Government Business Assistance for Loans Small businesses needing infusion of capital in order to grow would benefit from increased business assistance supported by the Federal Government. Economic Principles The current deficit is higher than any deficit between the years 1946 and 2008 and it affects small businesses through increased taxes and higher interest rates. Federal Spending Should be Significantly Reduced. Provide Small Businesses with Certainty in Economic Policy and Regulations Create a Tax Code that Fosters Growth. Healthcare Principles Small business owners face the very difficult challenge of providing their employees with affordable health insurance coverage; many small (or micro)

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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

businesses cannot afford to insure their employees and/or their families. Ensure Health Insurance Exchange Provide More Choices and Better Prices for Small Businesses Cost Containment Measures Should Address Increased Healthcare Costs Energy & Environment Principles The Department of Energy awarded $228 million in procurement contracts to Women Owned Small Businesses in 2011.

ting back to doing what America has always been known for doing what our workers and our businesses have always done best and thats making great products and selling them around the world, President Obama, December 9, 2010. The President set a very ambitious goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014; WIPP believes international business is an important component of its economic principles.

Simplify the Federal Requirements to Export Adopt a Comprehensive Energy Plan Develop an Annual Small Business Continue to Provide Research & Devel- National Strategy on Export opment Incentives In 2012, there were 8.3 million women Telecommunications owned businesses in the U.S. we must & Technology Principles take control of our economic future by The cost of telecommunications sergetting involved in the legislative provices is higher for small businesses; price cess. Our votes are powerful! and service discrepancies exist for small businesses in rural areas. Increase Women and Minority Media Ownership Expand Access to Broadband Service Nationwide Promote Wireless Affordability Export & Trade Principles Weve got to rebuild our economy on a new and stronger foundation for growth. And part of that means get33
Vilma Betancourt ODay Women Wrule womenwrule@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/vilmabetancourtodaywomenwrule

www.womanwithknowhow.com MARCH 2013

Women History Month: Honoring Astronaut

Higginbotham
By Vilma Betancourt-ODay

Joan

36

Her career with NASA began two weeks after graduating from Southern Illinois University and moved to Florida where she worked at the Kennedy Space Center as a Payload Electrical Engineer in the Electrical and Telecommunications Systems Division.
and William Higginbotham. They encouraged their four offspring to follow their passions and their expectation was that each one of them would do their best; in turn all four of the Higginbotham children have delivered excellence. Her Mother was the first in her family to graduate from college, and thus education was paramount for
www.womanwithknowhow.com MARCH 2013

She has traveled into space and made history as the third African American female Astronaut to achieve this distinguished honor; she placed third in a female bodybuilding competition after training in weightlifting for just one year. For Joan Higginbotham it all started by having a solid foundation built by loving, dedicated parents, Inez

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the four Higginbotham siblings. She believes that parents are the primary role models for their children, just as hers have been for her leading by example. Today, a strong bond with her siblings and family members is a testament to the extraordinary family values of the Higginbotham clan. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she has always been interested in Math and the Sciences. Growing up she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, outside activities included jumping rope, playing softball, tennis and shopping. She attended Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, where First Lady Michelle Obama also attended but graduated a year ahead of her. Her Undergraduate Degree and New Career with NASA While attending Southern Illinois University at Carbondale she interned for two years at IBM and envisioned herself working there after graduation. During her tenure at IBM she viewed the company as a good employer and they thought of her as a good employee. In 1987 she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. At the time she graduated from college, IBM had a hiring freeze of Engineers but offered her a position as a Sales Associate and planned to

transfer her to Engineering once the freeze was over. In the interim, she received a phone call from someone at NASA who had a copy of her resume; he thought she would be a good fit for two available positions in his directorate. Her career with NASA began two weeks after graduating from Southern Illinois University and moved to Florida where she worked at the Kennedy Space Center as a Payload Electrical Engineer in the Electrical and Telecommunications Systems Division. Two Masters Degrees, Training as an Astronaut, Travels into Space While working full time at NASA, she attended Florida Institute of Technology and received a Masters of Management degree in 1992. Two years later she applied for the astronaut corps for the 1995 class. Although she was one of 122 that were interviewed for the program, she was not one of the 15 selected. She spoke to some board members who suggested she pursue a more advanced technical degree,

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Ms. Higginbotham participated in 53 space shuttle launches during her 20 year tenure at Kennedy Space Center and retired from NASA in November 2007 to start a new career in the private sector.
which she did and in 1996 received her Masters in Space Systems from the Florida Institute of Technology, again through NASA and while working full time. Her hard work and personal sacrifices paid off as she reapplied for the corps and was selected for the 1996 class - Class number 16. After rigorous training, Ms. Higginbotham was assigned to be part of the crew of STS-116 Discovery which launched into space on December 9, 2006 with a seven member crew on a 12-day mission. One of the biggest tasks on this mission was to electrically
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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

reconfigure the space station. Her primary assignments were to act as robotics arm operator on the space station and as the load master, the person in charge of transfer and deploying small satellites. The shuttle returned on December 22, 2006. Ms. Higginbotham participated in 53 space shuttle launches during her 20 year tenure at Kennedy Space Center and retired from NASA in November 2007 to start a new career in the private sector. She Falls in LOVE, Gets Married, Relocates to Charlotte In September 2009 while attending a

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She believes that parents are the primary and best role models in their childrens lives. As parents, it is very important what they say and what they do as their children are watching and learning from them.

party held by the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C., she met Charlotte City Council member James Mitchell. After about two years of a long distance relationship, Ms. Higginbotham relocated to Charlotte and they were married last year.

by continuing to lift weights, work out and participate in other activities. As a member of the Crown Jewels Chapter of Charlotte (crownjewelslinksinc.org), she volunteers her time and focuses on Health and Human Wellness and in particular issues relating to childhood obesity, which has become a very serious matter in our country. The Links, Incorporated has a membership of over 12,000 professional women of color in 273 chapters located in 42 states and three countries.

Women and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) The STEM initiative began in NoHer Commitment to Staying Healthy vember of 2009 by the White House and Community Involvement because President Obama wants to Although she no longer competes in increase the number of women enbodybuilding competitions, she is ab- gaged in Science, Technology, Engisolutely committed to staying healthy neering and Math (STEM) as he feels it is critical to our Nations out-building, out-educating and out-innovating future competitors. President Obama believes that giving greater prominence to strong role models is not just the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do. She recommends to young ladies and women who are considering entering these fields that they find study partners or groups, as it can be challenging not difficult, but very challenging. By forming these
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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

partnerships or groups they can work through problems or issues that may arise. Once they are at the college level, it is important that they have a plan about what they want to do when they graduate and what kind of job they would like to have.

The strongest influences in her life are the people who had a role in her upbringing her parents and family members. They were instrumental in her development. Her parents instilled in her the notion that she had to do the best that she possibly could and they never let her get off track. Because A golden nugget she wants to share: they had high expectations of her, she always be willing to take advantage of has always expected great things from opportunities that come your way that herself. Her siblings have always been you did not necessarily plan for; a great very supportive of her and she is also example is her own experience where very supportive of their endeavors. she planned to be an Electrical Engineer, not an Astronaut. Because of her She believes that parents are the pribackground, education and training, mary and best role models in their there was a time when an opportunity childrens lives. As parents, it is very impresented itself and she took advanportant what they say and what they tage of it and had a very successful do as their children are watching and career at NASA. learning from them. Exceptional Leaders Create Other Exceptional Leaders At NASA, others saw something in her that she did not necessarily see herself, i.e. she never saw herself as an Astronaut. Ms. Higginbotham credits a series of Exceptional Leaders who helped develop her career as an Astronaut and exposed her to great opportunities. The many promotions and accolades that she received while at NASA and from other organizations demonstrates that she, too, is an Exceptional Leader. Influences and Role Models in Her Life Her parents expected the best from their children and she and her siblings have delivered excellence. Ms. Higginbotham, like her own parents, leads by example. Thank you to Astronaut Joan Higginbotham for your outstanding service to the United States and thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham for sharing your precious daughter with us. Some of the information and pictures of Astronaut Joan Higginbotham were gathered from www.nasa.gov
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www.womanwithknowhow.com MARCH 2013

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Choosing a weight loss plan

thats right for you

Losing weight and getting into shape is a goal many Americans aspire to achieve. Choosing a weight loss plan that fits your lifestyle is a crucial first step in developing the diet that works for you. The road to a sound weight loss plan should begin with the following steps:

Commit to your Plan Losing weight and keeping it off requires a long-term commitment. Once you have developed your weight loss plan it is important that you stick with it. You need to make healthy changes to both your diet and lifestyle.
Your diet should include foods you will enjoy eating for a long time, not just for a few weeks or months. Adopt a plan that gives you the ability to enjoy a variety of food options. For example, if you are a veggie lover, the Atkins Diet could be a good plan for you to follow. From day one, the low-carb diet allows you to consume more vegetables than are recommended by USDA Guidelines. In fact, you can even follow Atkins as a vegetarian or vegan. Finding a plan that works for your lifestyle and incorporates more of the foods you already love will help reinforce your new healthier eating habits.

Talk with your doctor First and foremost, speak with your doctor. Your healthcare provider can help you set attainable weight loss goals as well as discuss any medical conditions you have or medications you may take that could affect your ability to modify your diet. Talking with your doctor can help you find a plan thats tailored to your particular needs. Choose the right plan for you One size does not fit all when it comes to diets. In fact, several studies featured in the International Journal of Obesity Supplements (IJOS) reported that adults with greater insulin resistance are more successful with weight loss on a low-carbohydrate diet compared with a low-fat diet. In such cases, a low-carbohydrate diet such as the Atkins Diet has been proven to have positive results on insulin resistance. Dieters start with a focus on carbohydrates from vegetables and slowly add back fruit, nuts and whole grains as ones carb balance is established and weight loss goals are met. Opt for a diet backed by science over the latest fad.

Drink more water The Beverage Institute reports that the average adult in the US gets a significant portion of their calories from beverages, mostly in the form of carbohydrates. Avoid drinking sugary sodas, juices and alcohol, and replace these with more water.
Doing a little homework and smart planning can help you choose a weight loss plan that will help you be successful both now and for the rest of your life. For more tips, ideas and free tools, visit www.atkins.com
www.womanwithknowhow.com MARCH 2013

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Instead of cheating on your diet, start a love affair with foods that taste great and are packed with nutritional benefits. Eating healthy lets you look and feel your best, which is why I try to incorporate at least one of what I call Foods with Benefits, such as eggs, into every meal of the day, said Candice Kumai, chef and cookbook author. Egglands Best is my choice of eggs because they contain double the amount of omega-3s, twice the amount of vitamin D, 10 times more vitamin E, 35 percent more lutein and 25 percent less saturated fat when compared to ordinary eggs. Candices Favorite Foods with Benefits Eggs Better for you eggs, such as Egglands Best, are a lean protein source loaded with vital nutrients such as

vitamin D, vitamin E, lutein, omega-3s, which are beneficial for heart health and healthy eyes. Potatoes Filled with key nutrients such as fiber, iron and vitamins C and B6, which help regulate blood pressure and promote a healthy brain. Asparagus A great source of fiber, iron, folate and vitamins A and K, which support the digestive system and fight inflammation. Peaches Contain beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, fiber and antioxidants, which promote a healthy immune system and combat disease. For more recipes like these, which are packed with nutritional benefits, visit www.egglandsbest.com

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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

Healthy Indulgences

Tortilla Espaola
Makes 6 servings Recipe by Candice Kumai 1/4 cup Spanish extra virgin olive oil, divided 5 to 6 potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced 1 yellow onion, fine diced 8 Egglands Best large eggs 1 cup Spanish olives, pitted, chopped 3/4 cup roasted red pepper, thinly sliced Parsley, chopped 1/2 teaspoon sea salt In medium non-stick skillet, place 2 tablespoons olive oil in cold pan and add potato slices. Turn heat up to medium high. Saut, covered, until potatoes are soft but not crispy, approximately 15 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil in a second saut pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, without any color, 5 to 7 minutes. Once potatoes and onions are all golden and cooked through, set aside to cool. In large mixing bowl, crack Egglands Best eggs and whisk well. Gently stir in cooled potatoes and onions. Add in chopped olives, roasted red peppers and chopped parsley. Season with sea salt. Heat two tablespoons olive oil in a nonstick saut pan over medium heat. In hot pan, add potato and egg mixture. Reduce heat and cook until rim of eggs and center of tortilla is cooked through. Place large plate over top of saut pan and flip tortilla over. If needed, you can place tortilla back into pan with cooked side up and cook thru until yellow side cooks to a golden brown. Slice into pie pieces and serve warm.

Sunny-Side Up Eggs Over Asparagus

Makes 2 servings 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed 2 Egglands Best large eggs 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional) 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese (optional) 1 teaspoon breadcrumbs (optional) 1/4 cup chopped red peppers (optional) Fill medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Submerge asparagus and cook for approximately 2 minutes, maintaining a bright green color and slight crunch. Immediately remove asparagus and shock it in a bowl of ice water. Reserve. Coat medium size skillet with cooking spray. Crack two Egglands Best eggs into pan and cook over medium heat until the whites set and the edges of the eggs are cooked. Place asparagus on plate, making an even layer. Remove eggs from the pan using a slotted spatula and place on top of asparagus. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and garnish with Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs or red peppers, if desired. Can also be served on two pieces of whole wheat toast.

www.womanwithknowhow.com MARCH 2013

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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

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going green

by Terri Bennett

Top 5 Things To Never Put Down The Drain

t can be staggering to think that nearly half of all above ground water sources are contaminated by human activities including what we put down the drain. In fact, what we put down the drain inside our homes and let go down the storm drain outside all take their toll. Do Your Part to know what the biggest polluters are. Heres a list of five things that should never go down the drain.

2) Used Motor Oil Whatever you do, dont pour oil down a storm drain. Those drain directly to local waterways and just one gallon of motor oil can contaminate a million gallons of water. Used motor oil is another item youll need to drop off at a full service-recycling center. And, if you go somewhere to get your oil changed, make sure to support those businesses that recycle their used oil.

3) Fertilizers and Pesticides 1) Grease Excess nutrients are another major source It sure is tempting to pour used cookof contamination. When we use too ing grease down your sink drain. STOP! much fertilizer on our yard, the excess That grease not only backs up your is picked up by storm water runoff and drains but those in your neighborhood dumped right into our waterways. This too. Thats because when grease hardnutrient overload causes algae to bloom ens it can easily clog up sewage pipes which removes oxygen from the water. and can actually force raw sewage back That literally chokes the life from vital wainto your home or into the homes of ter creatures that help improve the waothers on your street. I keep a large con- ters quality. To avoid all that, use only the tainer under my sink to collect cooking amount of lawn chemicals you truly need grease and when its full, I take it to a full and only when and where you need it. service-recycling center. Sure, its a little more work but a whole lot more pleas- 4) Old or Unwanted Medicine ant than dealing with the alternative. If you have medication you are no
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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

longer taking or is past its expiration date, dont flush it unless it specifically says so on the bottle. Instead, throw the medicine in the trash in a sealed bag with coffee grounds or find a responsible medicine disposal company. Many pharmacies partner with companies that will take care of your old prescriptions properly and some of those companies allow you to return your medications to them directly. Go to DoYourPart.com/ Columns for more resources. 5) Pet Waste And finally, dont forget to Do Your Part

and scoop the poop. Pet waste is considered raw sewage because it contains parasites and harmful microorganisms that can be transmitted to humans. When it rains, these parasites and bacteria can be washed into nearby storm drains. Best to clean up after your pet and dispose of it in the trashcan.

Terri Bennett A veteran TV meteorologist, eco-expert and author of Do Your Part: A practical guide for everyday green living available at: DoYourPart.com. Send questions to terri@doyourpart.com

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Will your money last? With a retirement plan it can.

Having a plan and the right financial solutions can help you put a confident retirement within reach. As an Ameriprise financial advisor, Ill work with you to define your retirement dreams. Then, Ill apply our disciplined financial planning approach, considering all aspects of your finances. And together, well create a plan that works for you with the products and strategies that are right for your goals. Learn how you can put your confident retirement more within reach. Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH
Call me today at (704) 522.6565
Diane S. Davis, CFP, CLU Financial Advisor CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner 5200 Park Rd Ste 117 Charlotte, NC 28209 704-522-6565 diane.s.davis@ampf.com www.ameripriseadvisors.com/diane.s.davis

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.