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Domino’s Makes Dreams Come True for Minority Franchisees

Domino’s Pizza (NYSE: DPZ) is delivering a lot more than pizza for aspiring minority franchise candidates. Through Domino’s new “Delivering the Dream” program, the recognized world leader in pizza delivery is lending financial assistance in the form of loan guarantees and incentives to help existing minority team members open their own stores.

The Delivering the Dream program is an internal program designed to help turn current minority Domino’s team members into independent business owners by offering financial support to build new stores. In partnership with GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation, Domino’s first introduced the program in January 2006. Since the program began, three participants have successfully opened their own Domino’s stores in Baker City, Ore.; Horizon City, Texas; and Philadelphia, Pa. As the Delivering the Dream program continues to roll-out, Domino’s is looking to add five new participants in 2007.

“Some of the most successful Domino’s stores are those that are owned and operated by franchisees living in the communities we serve,” said Mike Mettler, director of Domino’s Franchise Recruitment and Sales. “The foundation of this great company is built on helping pizza makers and delivery experts become independent business owners. Now, through the Delivering the Dream program, we’re helping to eliminate the financial roadblocks that may exist for motivated future minority franchisees.”

Delivering the Dream Program by the Numbers
Through the Delivering the Dream program, each candidate is granted a scholarship based, in part, on individual need. GE is Domino’s lending partner for the Delivering the Dream program. Financial support from the program can include:

– Monetary awards/financial incentives
– Domino’s Pizza guarantee of GE financing loans
– Loans up to $250,000 per store

With the approval of Domino’s Pizza, GE offers a new financing program to fit the needs of approved Domino’s minority franchising scholarship recipients. The program includes:

– New locations, acquisitions and equipment
– Competitive fixed and floating rates
– Up to 10 years amortizing for existing locations
– Up to seven years amortizing for new locations Delivering the Dream candidates must meet Domino’s eligibility criteria, which includes:
– Meeting the EEOC definition of a minority (African American, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American/Alaskan).
– Currently be a general manager of a Domino’s Pizza store or have general manager experience, or equivalent levels of experience within the company.
– Maintain high scores on most recent internal store evaluations.
– Have reasonable credit worthiness.

“The Delivering the Dream program allowed me to build the store a lot easier than I could have otherwise,” said Jessy Watson, the owner of the Baker City, Ore., Domino’s store. Watson, an African-American, previously owned one Domino’s store and opened his second store with the help of the Delivering the Dream program. “There are opportunities out there for African-American males, but there aren’t as many entrepreneurial opportunities out there. Domino’s is unique.”

Muse Targets Urban Consumers with Viral Campaign

Muse Communications has launched a viral campaign on behalf of client American Honda Motor, Co. that connects the Honda Civic with urban consumers. The agency’s “Swagger” campaign features trendsetting directors and African American comedians in both commercial and web-based content. Muse Communications is Honda’s 17-year African American agency of record.

“We understand that the best way to create a successful campaign is to develop creative that resonates with consumers at a cultural level,” said Jo Muse, chairman and Chief Creative Director of Muse Communications. “The 30-second TV spot and webisodes produced by Muse Communications tap into authentic cultural experiences our urban audience recognizes as ‘swagger.’ They are fun and worth sharing with their friends.”

To engage urban consumers, Muse developed a concept that provides a platform for consumers to connect naturally with the Civic. The target is confident and likes to do things differently, therefore, Muse Communications focused on “swagger,” a self confidence that defines who the consumer is and how they present themselves. Topics addressed include rules to be cool in your Civic (“Etiquette” TV spot), how to meet women after a night at the clubs in the parking lot (“Parking Lot” webisode) and how to lean and look cool in your Civic (“Lean” webisode). The underlying message in the campaign is “The Civic doesn’t give you swagger, it puts it in motion.”

Muse Communications enlisted well-known urban directors Benny Boom and Coodie & Chike to direct the campaign. The agency also worked with youth culture expert Bee Nguyen to bring in relevant popular music and fashion pieces to the project. Well-known African American comedians Jackie Long (“ATL,” “Idelwild”) and DeRay Davis (“Scary Movie 4,” “Reno 911!”) were featured in the content.

The television spot, “Etiquette,” airs on national cable, local spot in select markets and national radio, as well as targeted print media. The webisodes are available on BET.com/Honda beginning March 19, 2007.

Jay-Z Pay His Dues On Friendly Bet

The hip-hop mogul offered Rob Tannenbaum, editor of Playboy Magazine, 50-1 odds that he would never, ever, come out of his self-imposed retirement, and snatched a $20 from the editor of the iconic adult magazine when the wager was made four years ago.

When Jay-Z released ‘Kingdom Come’ last year it marked his official return to the music scene and the editor called the rapper’s assistant to remind him of their ber. Tannenbaum revealed to the New York Post newspaper: ‘Jay-Z is a man of his word. Last week, a messenger delivered ten crisp $100 bills from Jay-Z’s office.

“I just bought a plasma TV with the money, and the first thing I’m going to watch on it is a Jay-Z video.’

via pr-inside.com

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New Album From Kelly Rowland Announced

Music World/Columbia Records will release Ms. Kelly, the avidly-awaited sophomore album from the Grammy-winning pop-urban musical superstar Kelly Rowland, on Tuesday, June 26.

“Like This,” the first single from Ms. Kelly, is an infectious pulsating hip-hop groove featuring the Grammy-winning rap artist Eve. After a mere week at radio, “Like This” is already lighting up America’s radio airwaves with a nationwide listening audience of over 5 million. The single is slated to impact Urban/Rhythm radio on March 27 and Top 40 on April 17.

A “Like This” ringtone was made available on March 6 with a digital download and 12 inch single being offered on March 13. The CD single will be in stores on April 17. “Like This” is currently being promoted on AOL Music’s New Songs page while fans may hear a streaming version of the tune on Kelly’s MySpace page
(http://www.myspace.com/kellyrowland).

“Ghetto,” the second single from Ms. Kelly, provides a showcase for the combined talents of Kelly Rowland and guest artist Snoop Dogg. Ms. Kelly is the long-awaited successor to Rowland’s best-selling 2002 gold-certified solo debut album, Simply Deep, which has sold more than two million copies worldwide. Peaking at #1 in the UK, #3 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart, and #12 on the Billboard Top 200, Simply Deep included the smash hit, “Dilemma,” Kelly’s duet with the rapper Nelly, which earned the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2003 and spent 10 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100.

“I have put my heart and soul into this record,” said Kelly about her decision to make this record very personal. “I am excited that everyone will hear it. I am completely exposed. It’s the real me.”

One of the vocal superstars in Destiny’s Child, the biggest selling girl group of all time, Kelly Rowland’s talents proved a major contributing force as the group racked up sales of more than 60 million records worldwide while earning two Grammy Awards in the Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals category (2000: “Say My Name”; 2001: “Survivor”).

Kelly’s natural charm and charisma have opened up the doors to roles in movies and on television. Her big screen acting credits include starring roles in the 2003 horror blockbuster, “Freddy vs. Jason,” and 2004′s comedy-romance, “The Seat Filler,” executive produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Among her television appearances, she has appeared as “Carly” in three episodes of “The Hughleys” and as “Martha Reeves” (of Martha & the Vandellas) on “American Dreams.” She has performed on “Saturday Night Live” and as a guest host on “The View.”

Star Jones Reynolds Joins Court TV as Executive Editor and Host of New Daytime Talk Show

Television personality and former district attorney Star Jones Reynolds, who began her television career at Court TV in 1991 as a legal commentator, has joined Court TV as executive editor and host of a new daytime talk show.

Marlene Dann, executive vice president of Court TV, announced that Reynolds will host a one-hour, live, daily show. The program will offer a fresh perspective to the day’s most talked-about crime and justice stories from the news and pop culture arenas. The national program, which is yet to be named, is scheduled to premiere later this year.

“Star Jones Reynolds is an extraordinary TV talent,” said Dann. “Her personality, experience as a successful prosecuting attorney and her ability as a talk show host make her a perfect choice for this new program. We are confident that her exceptional ability to both inform and entertain will make her a great addition to the Court TV family.”

“The public is fascinated by the intersection of the legal world and the pop-culture world, and we hope to tap into that fascination as part of our overall strategy to broaden the appeal of the network’s daytime line-up,” added Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks. “Star Jones Reynolds provides an ideal blend of legal brilliance and pop-culture savvy to help us achieve that goal. We are proud to have her on board.”

Using her skills as a talk show host and an officer of the court, Reynolds will probe the most compelling angles and daily headlines. She will interview some of the most influential newsmakers involved in high-profile cases while offering a multi-dimensional look at each story. Reynolds will empower viewers by asking the questions everyone wants to ask and get the answers everyone wants to know.

“I am very excited to join the Court TV and Turner Broadcasting family,” said Reynolds. “My goal is to inform, empower, educate and entertain viewers. And Court TV is the perfect place to accomplish that mission.”

Star Jones Reynolds earned her law degree from the University of Houston. After three years in general trials with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, she moved to the Homicide Bureau, where her work earned her a promotion to senior assistant district attorney in 1991, paving the way for 31 out of 33 felony trial convictions. It was at this time that she caught the attention of Court TV and was chosen to serve as a studio commentator during the William Kennedy Smith rape trial.

Spelman College Students Buck Traditional Spring Break Trends

For 125 years, Spelman College has maintained ties with the continent of Africa through missionary programs, internships and various academic programs. Current students are building on this legacy through their support of the 10,000 Girls program in Senegal, West Africa. Instead of heading to sun-filled, sandy beaches or the comforts of home for spring break, 13 students will make the journey to Senegal to teach and encourage a community of young girls to become successful entrepreneurs, employees and active citizens.

Launched by the Women’s Health Education and Prevention Strategic Alliance, or WHEPSA, in 2001, the mission of 10,000 Girls is to offer education and employment opportunities to girls in rural Senegal. This self- sustaining program, run by the girls themselves, is designed to enable young girls to develop as self-reliant and capable women.

“The 10,000 Girls mission coincides with Spelman’s mission to focus on developing the total person through academic excellence and leadership,” said Ouleye Ndoye, C’07, president of Spelman’s Student Government Association.

Through the leadership of SSGA, Spelmanites have raised awareness about 10,000 Girls across the Atlanta University Center. The organization also partnered with the Morehouse College Student Government Association to raise funds for the program. To date, more than $3,100 has been generated in support of the program. Spelman and Morehouse students will continue to raise money upon their return from Senegal to meet their goal of contributing $10,000 to the program.

Ndoye believes that support of the program stimulates growth in heritage and awareness. “This project encompassed all three of my goals as SGA president for this year which were: international awareness, [Atlanta University Center] collaboration and community service,” explained the international studies major. After participating in a summit in Uganda in January, she realized that African-Americans needed to do more to help Africans in their struggles.

Philip Morris USA Contributes $200,000 to the United States National Slavery Museum

The United States National Slavery Museum (USNSM) (http://www.usnsm.org) announced that Philip Morris USA joins other corporations by contributing $200,000 to the museum. The funding will bolster USNSM’s staffing and overall fundraising efforts.

“The U.S. National Slavery Museum will be an important educational asset to both the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation,” said Tina A. Walls, senior vice president, External Affairs, Philip Morris USA. “We are proud to support the museum’s efforts to establish itself as a national destination for learning and reconciliation.”

UNSM will use the funds to further enhance its infrastructure and program efforts. As such, the museum will increase its professional staff, as well as invest the funds in its capital campaign that targets significant corporate donors.

“The funding from Philip Morris USA reinforces the viability of this museum, which will offer a thorough picture of slavery in our country and will not cast blame or guilt,” said L. Douglas Wilder, former Virginia Governor, current Mayor of the City of Richmond, Va., and founder of USNSM. “The topic of slavery has not been deeply explored in our schools, as well as cultural and historical institutions. This museum aims to bridge this gap with educational and civic initiatives that will promote the topic of slavery in a non-threatening manner.”

Former Meharry Instructor Inducted Into National Inventors Hall of Fame

Emmett Chappelle, retired research scientist from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., has been named one of 16 inductees for 2007 into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. The honorees will be inducted during ceremonies May 4-5, in Akron, Ohio.

The National Inventors Hall of Fame was founded in 1973. The recognition honors innovators who have changed society and improved the way we live.

Chappelle was chosen for his work with Lyophilized Reaction Mixtures. His work revealed that a specific combination of chemicals causes all living organisms to omit light. Through his discovery, Chappelle facilitated important findings within the fields of biology and chemistry. His research efforts led to the development of remote sensing of vegetation health through laser-induced fluorescence. He also developed techniques used to detect bacteria in urine, blood, spinal fluids, drinking water and foods.

“I really enjoyed my time at Goddard,” Chappelle stated just after the official inductees list was announced. “The people made it a great place for me to do my research, and I really appreciate that NASA allowed me to conduct such important research there.” When asked what he misses the most about working at Goddard he simply responded, “The people.”

Chappelle first began work for NASA in 1963 while a senior biochemist at the Hazelton Laboratories, Falls Church, Va. In 1966, he began working at the Goddard Space Flight Center as an exobiologist and, later, as an astrochemist. Chappelle retired from Goddard in January 2001.

Born in Phoenix, Chappelle received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California at Berkley in 1950. Until 1952, he was an instructor in biochemistry at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn. Chappelle then earned a master’s degree in biochemistry at the University of Washington in Seattle, graduating in 1954.

During his 34-year Goddard career, Chappelle’s innovative research led to 14 United States patents and many awards for his work, including the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Award. Chappelle produced more than 35 peer-reviewed scientific or technical publications, nearly 50 conference papers, and co-authored or edited numerous publications. He also has been recognized as one of the top one hundred African Americans scientists and engineers of the 20th century, as documented in the Museum of Black Innovations and Inventions.

National Association of Black Realtors Presents Check To MLK Foundation

The National Association of Realtors(R), underscoring its mission to make home ownership viable for all Americans, made a $1 million contribution to the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation. The presentation, made at the U.S. Capitol today, emphasized the conclusion of Black History Month. Pat Vredevoogd Combs, NAR president, was joined at the check presentation ceremony on Capitol Hill by Congressmen James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and John Lewis (D-Ga.), as well as Harry E. Johnson, Sr., president of the MLK National Memorial Foundation.

“NAR is an outspoken advocate for fair housing, an ally in the fight against predatory lending practices, and an organization that prides itself on building communities,” said Combs. “We are proud to be a part of the effort to build a permanent home to honor Dr. King on our National Mall.” NAR led industry efforts in 1988 to get important amendments made to enhance fair housing laws in the Fair Housing Act. In addition, NAR expanded and implemented fair housing education requirements for its members and has continued to educate Realtors(R) on the importance of inclusive housing practices and the promotion of minority homeownership through a unique training program, At Home with Diversity.

To further remove barriers to minority homeownership and focus public attention on this vital issue, NAR, along with a group of minority real estate organizations, implemented the HOPE (Home Ownership Participation for Everyone) Awards to recognize outstanding projects and programs that increase minority homeownership, revitalize communities and expand affordable housing opportunities. “We see our contribution to Dr. King’s memorial as a natural extension of our ongoing efforts and commitment,” said Combs.

CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE WINNER SHELLY THOMAS

Queen Latifah, left, congratulates Shelly Thomas, of South Euclid, Ohio, the winner of the second annual CURVATION(SM) PROJECT CONFIDENCE(SM) Awards on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 in New York. This is the culmination of a nationwide search to recognize women who project the power of confidence and encourage it in others, ultimately helping them live more fulfilling lives. Thomas was presented with a $10,000 grant for her non-profit InnerBeauty Foundation. (PRNewsFoto/CURVATION, Diane Bondareff)

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