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Cassius Butts with U.S. Small Business Administration, Terri Denison with SBA, Dr. Robert Yancy with SCORE Atlanta, Sandy Headley with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, Inc – Buckhead Business Radio

May 5, 2015 by angishields

Buckhead Business Radio

Cassius Butts with U.S. Small Business Administration, Terri Denison with SBA, Dr. Robert Yancy with SCORE Atlanta, Sandy Headley with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, Inc - Buckhead Business Radio

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Robert Yancy, Terri Denison, Sandy Headley, Cassius Butts

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Cassius F. Butts/U.S. Small Business Administration

Regional Administrator

Cassius F. Butts was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2011. He is responsible for the delivery of SBA programs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. During his appointment, Cassius has managed oversight of three record breaking years for SBA lending in Region IV. Nearly $15 billion in SBA-backed loans were awarded to small businesses within the aforementioned eight states.

Cassius Butts has over 20 years of experience in government, business, and public administration endeavors. Prior to joining SBA, Cassius was employed as one of three Chiefs of the Real Estate Owned Division with the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development where he began his career as a Presidential Management Fellow in 2002.

Prior to his 10 year tenure within the federal government, Cassius Butts worked in senior leadership positions for city government agencies, national lending institutions and higher education. Since 2006, he has also been a Visiting Professor with DeVry Universitys Keller Graduate School of Management.

As co-founder of CB Consultants, LLC, Cassius Butts has advised many elected officials, local governments and many small businesses over the years. His community-engagement knowledge and appreciation of small business is extensive.

Cassius Butts is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Edgewood High School in Orlando, Florida. Cassius graduated from Morehouse College and received his graduate degree from Clark Atlanta Universitys School of Public Administration. He is a graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commissions Regional Leadership Institute and is a 2012 Leadership Atlanta graduate.

www.sba.gov | Linkedin | @SBAsoutheast | @CassiusButts | Facebook

Terri Denison/U.S. Small Business Administration

Georgia District Director

Terri Denison is the Georgia District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In this role since May 2002, she is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the SBA’s programs and resources throughout Georgia. In 1987, Terri began her SBA career as a Presidential Management Fellow at the Agency’s Washington, D. C. District and Headquarter Offices. Other positions included working with the Agency’s 8(a) Business Development and One Stop Capital Shop programs and Office of Field Operations. In 1994, she served as the SBA representative on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community Interagency Task Force. From 1996 to 2002, Terri was the SBA Indiana Deputy Director.

As Georgia District Director, Terri has received honors from the Atlanta Business League, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Microenterprise Network, Greater Atlanta Economic Alliance, Atlanta Business Chronicle, and Who’s Who in Black Atlanta.

A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Ms. Denison holds a B.A. Degree in American Government from Cornell University and an M.A. Degree in Urban Studies from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Personal interests include travel and ballroom dancing. She serves as the Vice President of the Cornell Alumni Association of Atlanta.

www.sba.gov/ga | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook

Dr. Robert Yancy/SCORE Atlanta

Chairman of the Atlanta chapter

Dr. Yancy is Chairman of the Atlanta chapter of SCORE, a national small business assistance, volunteer organization. He was founding Dean of the School of Management at Southern Polytechnic State University and partner in several small business startups. He was recently named Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year (2015) by SBA.

www.Atlanta.Score.org | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook

Sandy Headley/Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, Inc.

Chief Lending Officer

Sandy has been with ACE since 2007. While at ACE, Sandy grew its portfolio from $2 million to $28 million thus creating or saving nearly 4,000 jobs. She helped develop multiple ACE financial products, implemented credit reporting for loans, and expanded ACEs service area into Atlanta.

www.ACEloans.org | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook

Small Business Administration

February 10, 2015 by angishields

Midtown Business Radio

Small Business Administration

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Small Business Administration

This week I hosted Small Business Administration’s Southeast Regional Administrator, Cassius Butts and Sherry Kinard, Vice President and Manager of Government Guaranteed Lending of Brand Bank. They came by the studio to talk about their State of the Region event held the previous week where they shared information about the variety of indicators that show the economy of the Southeast is on the rise.

As the SBA’s media announcement of the State of the Region Address announcement quoted Cassius, “I am honored to present the SBA Inaugural State of the Region Address. This regional event is timely and encouraging to our economy as we have backed $4.5 billion in loans in the Southeast Region this past fiscal year. Our financial economic forecast looks promising and I am excited to portray where we are now and how we plan to influence our small businesses and lending institutions looking forward,” says Regional Administrator Butts. The regional address will present successes and new data from Region IV of the SBA: Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Sherry talked about how Brand Bank partners with Small Business Administration to help small businesses gain access to capital needed to make their businesses run. We talked about the variety of mentoring services available for entrepreneurs that will link them up with experienced, successful business executives who can help them craft an effective business plan and insure they have their proposal in order before seeking a small business loan.

We’re pleased to support the business community by giving them a voice in the media through which they can tell their stories and move their businesses forward. And we are happy to collaborate with the Small Business Administration to help them share information that can help entrepreneurs gain access to resources (many of which are free of charge) that can help them have a greater chance of succeeding.

Special Guests:

Cassius Butts, Regional Administrator, Small Business Administration’s Southeastern Region

Masters, Public Administration, Urban Administration, Clark Atlanta University
Fellowship, Presidential Management Fellow, US Office of Personnel Management
Advisor, South Cobb Redevelopment Council
Former Branch Chief, Real Estate Division, US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Sherry Kinard, VP and Manager of Government Guaranteed Lending, Brand Bank

BA, History, Clark Atlanta University
Former AVP, Small Business Lending, One Georgia Bank
Board Member, DEBCO
Recipient, 2008 SBA Pace Setter Award

ION Loyalty Rewards and Small Business Saturday

November 19, 2014 by angishields

Midtown Business Radio

ION Loyalty Rewards and Small Business Saturday

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ION Loyalty Rewards and Small Business Saturday

This week I got to sit down with another pair of movers and shakers in the technology and payment processing/ merchant services space in Atlanta. William Mills of William Mills Agency introduced us to Ronald Herman, founder of Sionic Mobile. We talked about the cool app the company has developed that gives merchants an elegant way to incentivize their customers to keep coming back to patronize their business. The Loyalty app is designed in such a way that as customers spend money they earn “ions” they can then redeem at any participating merchant. I also spoke with Terri Dennison, Georgia District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) about the upcoming Small Business Saturday and Small Business Saturday Night this coming November 29th.

The William Mills Agency has been in the Atlanta area for over 35 years, providing a suite of PR services, with a heavy focus on the financial services/payment processing technology sector. The company provides public relations, crisis management, brand awareness/marketing strategy, and content marketing. The William Mills Agency leadership team is heavily involved in the TAG FinTech Society. FinTech is a group of professionals representing a broad range of financial technologies as well as a variety of roles within the industry, including executive management, solution specialists, sales and marketing, industry entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. William has worked with 500-600+ innovative technology companies. Even so, he was particularly intrigued by the model put forth by Ron Herman and his team at Sionic Mobile; so much so he became a member of the advisory board for the company.

Midtown Atlanta-based Sionic Mobile markets to smartphone consumers and rewards them for every mobile checkout. The mCommerce company utilizes mobile devices, Bluetooth^® beacons and the cloud to connect merchants with nearby, ready-to-spend consumers. The company is the maker and provider of ION — the first, fully digital mobile promotions, gift cards, payments and rewards apps for phones and tablets. Merchants use ION Loyalty^® to increase traffic, sales & margins, reduce credit card fees and get good customers back more often. Users of the ION Consumers use ION Rewards^® to earn IONs at every checkout, then spend them like cash on anything at any time at nearly 40,000 retail locations nationwide. The free apps support iOS and most Android devices.

The Small Business Administration provides a host of services designed to enhance the likelihood of success for small businesses in the US. Their overarching goal is to increase available jobs through helping small businesses (who make up >50% of US business commerce) grow. I got to speak with Terri Dennison of the Small Business Administration about their initiative to support small businesses through the Small Business Saturday campaign, aimed at encouraging US consumers to include local small business retailers in their holiday shopping. SBA encourages America to support local economies shopping small on November 29^th. At the SBA, they know small businesses are vital to the growth and prosperity of the American economy. Since the recession, small businesses have created two out of three new private sector jobs… these firms are largely responsible for America’s 10.3 million new jobs that have led to 56 straight months of job growth. Accelerating our recovery means creating the right environment and implementing the best policies for small businesses to thrive. The entrepreneurs the SBA works with face many challenges, but among the greatest is getting new customers in the door. That’s why the SBA is proud to be part of Small Business Saturday – it’s a perfect time to promote your business and find new customers. On November 29^th, millions of consumers across the country will participate in Small Business Saturday. More than 70 percent of Americans are now aware that two days after Thanksgiving is a day devoted to shopping small. Last year, nearly half of all consumers who knew about Small Business Saturday…. acted on it … spending an estimated $5.7 billion dollars at local merchants across the nation. So we want to continue this momentum… And we’re asking you to help us promote the message that Small Business Saturday is day when buying gifts for the people we love … supports jobs and prosperity in the communities we call home.

We all have a stake in seeing foot traffic increase on Main Street. We want to encourage shoppers to seek out unique, handmade gifts they won’t find at a big-box retailer. And we want to see Internet traffic spike, too, with purchases of “gifts to ship” – and gift certificates from restaurants and service providers. Everyone can spread the word about Small Business Saturday by recommending their favorite local shops and restaurants via Facebook and Twitter. The SBA is helping to spearhead an effort this Nov. 29 to extend the hours, so to speak, by promoting Small Business Saturday Night. We know many of our small businesses are local restaurants and food purveyors…After a busy day of shopping, we want to encourage consumers to patronize their local small business restaurants and favorite watering holes. The SBA is partnering this year with the National Restaurant Association to encourage families who are shopping small to “dine small” at local restaurants Saturday night. Additionally, we’re encouraging small business merchants to extend their hours so they can take advantage increased nighttime foot traffic on Small Business Saturday Night. So I hope we can create some synergy in this effort to keep Small Business Saturday going when the sun goes down. To help in your preparations, I want to direct you to sba.gov/SmallBusinessSaturday where we have holiday marketing tips, ideas and materials … even for entrepreneurs on a limited budget. And use our hashtags on Twitter: #SmallBizSaturday for Small Business Saturday and #DineSmall for Small Business Saturday Night.

Special Guests:

William Mills, Owner of William Mills Agency

BA Communications, Florida State University
Member, Executive Committee of Florida State University College of Communications & Information’s Advisory board
Has been quoted as an expert for Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Entrepreneur
Contributor for numerous publications

Ron Herman, CEO of SionicMobile

Founder and Former CEO, Urban Informatics Corporation
>19 years of Executive Leadership roles in Technology Start-up to Fortune 500 Companies
Former CEO, Intellione Technologies

Terri Dennsion, District Director, US Small Business Administration Georgia District Office

Former Deputy District Director, US Small Business Administration Indiana District Office
MA Urban Studies, Trinity University
Recipient: Atlanta Business League 100 Most Influential Black Women, 2006-2008
Atlanta Business Chronicle 100 Top Professionals in Banking and Finance, 2007-2011

Special Episode! U.S. Small Business Administration Eugene Cornelius, Jr. with U.S. SBA, Tasha Reid with Visionary Construction Inc., Terri Denison with U.S. SBA Georgia District Office, Mark D. Gibson with SBA Georgia District Public Affairs – Buckhead Business Radio

July 8, 2014 by angishields

Buckhead Business Radio

Special Episode! U.S. Small Business Administration Eugene Cornelius, Jr. with U.S. SBA, Tasha Reid with Visionary Construction Inc., Terri Denison with U.S. SBA Georgia District Office, Mark D. Gibson with SBA Georgia District Public Affairs - Buckhead Business Radio

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Terri Denison, Tasha Reid, Mark Gibson, Eugene Cornelius

Eugene Cornelius, Jr./U.S. Small Business Administration

Deputy Associate Administrator For Field Operations

Mr. Cornelius is the Deputy Associate Administrator for Field Operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). He was appointed after serving as the Acting Regional Administrator for Region III that covers Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. As Deputy Associate Administrator, Mr. Cornelius is responsible for management and oversight of over 90 offices covering all 50 States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and U.S. Territories. Mr. Cornelius has served the SBA in numerous capacities prior to this appointment beginning in 1999 as the District Director for the Michigan District Office. After graduating from the Senior Executive Service (SES) Training Program in 2002, he served as the agency’s Chief Procurement Officer and as the Associate Administrator for 8(a) Business Development in SBA’s national headquarters. In 2004, he was appointed as SBA’s Louisiana District Director where he served as the Agency’s point of contact during the Katrina hurricane disaster and recovery. In 2008 he served as the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office Director overseeing the largest Government Contracting Portfolio in the country. Before joining SBA, Mr. Cornelius was the Director of Business Services for the Los Angeles Community College District in California, the largest community college system in the United States, the Senior Administrative Officer for the City of Redondo Beach, California, and the Risk Manager for the Compton Unified School District in Compton, California. Mr. Cornelius is a trained Federal Acquisition (Level 3) Senior Project Manager and is nationally certified as an Associate in Risk Management (ARM). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. In addition, he has professional designations in Economic Development and Urban Planning. A Chicago native, Mr. Cornelius is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc.

www.SBA.gov Linkedin Twitter

Tasha Reid/Visionary Construction Inc.

Since its founding in Georgia in March 2010, Visionary Management Services is working toward becoming the leading professional supplier of cost effective facility management solutions. Ms. Tasha Reid holds a Master Degree in Business Administration with extensive experience as a project manager. She has been active in the field of pro-development, project development, construction, and information technology for ten years. Ms. Reid has managed national construction projects for one of the top fortune 100 companies Ms. Reid greatest strengths are her perseverance, drive and leadership. She has successfully directed Visionary Management Services strategic planning, business development, resources, quality assurance and customer satisfaction. She thrives on challenges, particularly those that expand the company’s reach. She has also done several volunteer projects for her church, community and abroad. Ms. Reid destiny fulfilled philosophy is very simple “Inspire before you expire.” Since childhood, Tasha Reid always knew she was an entrepreneur. Her first business venture was selling candy bars to her fellow classmates. She was so successful that she was able to earn twice as much as she spent buying the candy from the store! She used her passion for selling, along with the discipline she gained from playing basketball, to earn a Master’s in Business Administration. Using her education, natural talents and innovative ideas, she was able to earn her first real estate license at 25 and begin a successful career in the housing market. Unfortunately, the 2008 housing crash impacted her business along with the financial stability of millions of Americans. While it was a difficult decision, Tasha eventually had to close her real estate business. In December of that year she relocated to Atlanta, GA, to help out a family member. It was then that she became a member of The Vision Church of Atlanta. According to Tasha, the lessons she learned from her church are what gave her the faith and determination to continue to strive toward success. While building her faith, Tasha was also building her skills. She began booking speaking engagements and mentoring others while hosting her own internet show. However, she was reluctant to start another business because she was afraid it would fail as her real estate business had. However, she took a leap of faith and founded Visionary Management Services. Visionary Management Services (VMS) is a company that offers facilities support through contracting services to businesses. Some of the services that are contracted include construction, janitorial service, and landscaping and facility maintenance. One of the highlights of the company is that it provides small business owners with contracted work that they otherwise would not have been able to obtain on their own. Since its founding in 2010, VMS has completed numerous public and private projects throughout the southeastern United States. Tasha first applied for the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program. However, she faced the risk of her application being denied because of limited past performance with her business. Taking the advice of an SBA official, she withdrew her application. But she didn’t stop there. Instead, she took a class provided by the SBA that focused on doing business with the government, which allowed her to gain the past performance she needed to submit a successful 8(a) application in 2013. Thanks to her faith and perseverance, she was accepted into the 8(a) program on October 31, 2013, and is currently a thriving participant. Currently, Tasha Reid is looking forward to being part of SBA’s Mentor-Protégé program. Through this program, she will be mentored by Artesian Contracting so that her business will be better equipped for future success. It is because of her unwavering determination and that she has come this far and it is her unyielding desire for success that will propel her and Visionary Management Services even further. That focused on doing business with the government, which allowed her to gain the past performance she needed to submit a successful 8(a) application in 2013. Thanks to her faith and perseverance, she was accepted into the 8(a) program on October 31, 2013, and is currently a thriving participant. Currently, Tasha Reid is looking forward to being part of SBA’s Mentor-Protégé program. Through this program, she will be mentored by US &S Inc. so that her business will be better equipped for future success. It is because of her unwavering determination and that she has come this far and it is her unyielding desire for success that will propel her and Visionary Management Services even further.

www.VisionaryMgmtServ.com

Terri Denison/U.S. SBA Georgia District Office

District Director

Responsible for overseeing the implementation and operation of the SBA’s financial, counseling/training and procurement/business development programs for small businesses throughout Georgia.

U.S. SBA Georgia District Office Linkedin Twitter

Mark D. Gibson/SBA Georgia District Public Affairs

Public Information Specialist

U.S. SBA Georgia District Office Twitter

Elizabeth Gordon interviews Marlene Waldock – Founder of the Because We are Women Annual Symposium on the Chic Perspectives Show

February 17, 2010 by angishields

Chic Perspectives

Elizabeth Gordon interviews Marlene Waldock - Founder of the Because We are Women Annual Symposium on the Chic Perspectives Show

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Marlene Waldock – Founder of the Because We are Women Annual Symposium

Marlene is a seasoned business owner, award winning entrepreneur and the former host of New Jersey Business on News 12 New Jersey.

Her accolades include 2007 WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT – NJAWBO, WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE – SOROPTIMISTS, PRESIDENT, North Essex Chamber of Commerce, 2006 NJBIZ 50 BEST WOMEN IN BUSINESS, 2005 SBA Women Business Champion, 2005 Women Business Center Patron of the Year, SBA SMALL BUSINESS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR 2003, and NJAWBO BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2003.

Marlene talks about how to re-invent yourself and create a new life experience leveraging what you have learned in your past.

She reveals the powerful process used with a high degree of success at the Because We are Women conference, that enables women to tap into what they really want, clear their path of obstacles and create a plan for moving forward.