People You Need to Know

Dr. Tameka Hall is an orthodontist in Lithia Springs, Georgia, who specializes in providing superior care for adults and children.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from Binghamton University in New York in 1998, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2003 from Meharry Medical College. Dr. Hall was one of a few select students inducted into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon.

After graduation, she studied an additional two years and received her Certificate in Orthodontics from Columbia University in New York.

A National Dean’s List Scholar, Dr. Hall has received many awards, including the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Aptitude and Achievement Award and the United States Achievement Academy All-American Scholar Collegiate Award.

Dr. Hall is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association and the Georgia Dental Association.

The New York native now resides in Atlanta. She enjoys the theater, traveling and spending time with her family.

Look for Dr. Tameka Hall in the next edition of People You Need to Know. Her office can be reached 770.732.6008

Do you know how some people nag their spouse to get something done? It may seem like a good idea to the nagger since it gets results. However, this is a short-term solution can cause long-term problems in a marriage. Read on to discover seven ways nagging can damage your relationship.

The Nagger and the “Nagee”

We all know how nagging works. One person (the nagger) bugs the other person (the “naggee”) to do something. The “naggee” does not want to do this, but he/she eventually does it just to get the nagger off his/her back.

For the nagger, this seems like a good solution. After all, they got their way. However, the foundation of your marriage can be damaged if this happens frequently.

These Problems are Caused by “N.A.G.G.I.N.G.”

N: Nuisance

You are a nuisance whenever you nag your mate. It is like the pesky mosquito that keeps buzzing around and will not leave you alone. It is very annoying. Is that the type of relationship that you want to have with your mate?

A: Anger and Resentment

Frequent nagging can lead to anything from irritation to fury in your spouse. Over time, this leads to walls of resentment in your marriage.

G: Grow Apart from Each Other

You spouse may start avoiding you if you continue to nag them. This can create an emotional distance between the two of you.

G: Goes Where the Grass Looks Greener

If constant nagging drives a wedge between you, then your spouse may become discontent with your marriage. It could even drive him/her into the arms of someone else.

I: Is Inconsiderate

Nagging is a form of manipulation. You try to control your spouse’s behavior through constant complaining. It shows a lack of respect for their desires and feelings. Essentially you are demonstrating that your desires are more important than their desires.

N: Not Conducive to a Partnership

Nagging is one-sided. Your partner only complies with your demands out of frustration and not based on an agreement between both of you.

G: Gets You Short-Term Results, But Long-Term Problems

Is getting what you want in the short-term worth the problems caused by nagging? Before you start nagging, you might want to consider the long-term consequences. Nagging is just one common mistake that couples make.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurel_Barnet

Listen to the song below to hear Alabama Mike (The Blues Singer) break it all down!

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Founding member of her own law practice and legal research firm, Tracey Jean-Charles has found an outlet for her love of law, business and research.

A year out law school, Ms. Jean-Charles established Economic Legal Solutions to address the many questions of law and procedure for family and for those who would not ordinarily have access to an attorney. The business started with just performing basic legal research and grew from there. With Economic Legal Solutions, later renamed Lex Analytic Research Group in 2005, Ms. Jean-Charles, counsels small business owners in issues of corporate formation, intellectual property, taxation, and contracts.

In 2007, Ms. Jean-Charles founded Johnson Elliott Jean-Charles, LLC, named after her family, where she continued her extensive work in areas of real estate which is her family’s business, criminal and juvenile defense, juvenile deprivation proceedings and business litigation. She has served as lead counsel in state, superior and federal courts in Georgia. Ms. Jean-Charles is dedicated to pro bono work having recently been acknowledged in the Georgia Bar Journal for her pro bono efforts with the Gwinnett Pro Bono Project.

Ms. Jean-Charles received a Bachelor of Science degree from Morgan State University in 1998 and is a 2002 graduate of The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. She co-owns the law firm and research firm with her husband, Ben Jean-Charles. They have two children and reside in suburban Atlanta. Her office can be reached at (678) 343-9535.

Alabama Mike is a hard-driving Chicago style blues singer with the ability to make you feel as if you’ve revisited the early CHESS RECORDS days.

Many things come to mind upon hearing Alabama Mike sing for the first time, but mostly it’s where has this guy been? With a soulful voice that brings such greats as Elmore James, Buddy Guy, Little Johnny Taylor and yes, even BB King to mind, you will be asking yourself, “Why haven’t I seen or heard of him before.”

Alabama Mike is a very unique talent, not only a gifted singer but also a very talented song writer, having penned over half of the tunes on this impressive debut.

Born in Talladega, Alabama, in 1964, “Alabama” was influenced by the Gospel singing of his father at an early age, as well as his love for Chicago Blues. Alabama Mike is embarking upon a bright future. He is an artist that anybody that has any interest in the Blues will soon notice.

The CD features the talents of Steve Freund; RJ Misho, John Nemeth; Charles Wheal, Chris Burns as well as members of his band, Third Degree.

Listen to Day to Day from his debut CD.

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For over 20 years, Melana Plains has assisted many people, from all walks of life, in overcoming their fears, and has helped them learn how to love themselves ~ body, mind and spirit.

As a ‘voice’ for the organic evolution of our human expression, she has committed her life to sharing the powerful, healing truth of loving yourself with the world.

A lover of love, Melana is driven and destined to understand everything and all things related to this powerful and magnificent energy called love. Melana says, “I love human beings more than I can bear most times, and yet, it is that very love that touches my heart and moves my feet to continue on this path of healing and sharing love with the world.”

A spiritual leader and ‘keeper of the flame’ for The Path: A Journey Into the Light, a belief system and structure that teaches and supports the truth about love, from self-love to unconditional love for all human beings, Melana is dedicated to helping people understand how loving their body impacts their total health, mind, body and spirit.

Loving yourself will definitely give your entire life a brand new meaning and set your feet on a path which will open new doors and provide more opportunities for you to grow.

Tune in an be inspired by her insightful and heartfelt interview.

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Are you interested in making your small business look like a million dollar company? Renee Atkins Harris, President of Sound Impact Publicity can help. She has appeared in Vibe Magazine, Jet, Black Hair, BRE, USA Magazine and a multitude of print publications to spread the word about marketing and publicity. She is the first female to produce and publish an audio book titled, My Back Against The Wall “Working in the Music Industry”.

The audio book delivers motivation, inspiration and life skills to women working in the music industry. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Her mission is to concentrate on building strong communities by empowering women in the industry and networking to build sound partnerships while creating immeasurable concepts that will set the standard far above the competition.

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Attorney Donald P. Edwards, known as the “Community-Minded Attorney” in metro Atlanta, has renewed his contract with People You Need to Know (PYNTK) for the sixteenth straight year.

Thank you Attorney Edwards for your confidence in our ability to promote you and your brand. Above all else, thank you for your sincere dedication and service to the community.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Attorney Don Edwards’ professional accomplishments reflect a distinguished career. He has for the past three decades served his clients, his profession and the African American community in Atlanta. He has fashioned legal cases and landmark million dollar verdicts for his clients. As a civil litigation specialist, his professional focus is on personal injury cases. His work has earned him the Martindale-Hubbell “AV” rating, the highest rating offered by this nationally recognized law directory.

An agent for social change, Edwards has an array of board affiliations with several major community and professional organizations. His personal commitment has been recognized with many awards and citations for leadership and service including the 2004 Inductee to the Gate City Bar Association’s “Hall of Fame”, and NAACP’s Thurgood Marshall Award “For Dedicated Service To The NAACP In The Fight For Freedom And Justice.” Recently, the State Bar of Georgia recognized Attorney Edwards during its Annual Meeting with the “Chief Justice Robert Benham Community Service Award” for exemplary community service as a legal professional.

Edwards is currently involved with organizations that address issues affecting family, community, church, health care and world peace. He is currently Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Ethics; Immediate past Chair of the South Atlanta District for the Boy Scouts of America, where he has received the 2002 Silver Beaver Award, the highest award issued by the Atlanta Area Council for volunteer service; Founding President of Southwest Hospital Foundation and a Trustee of Southwest Hospital; Past Board President of the Christian Council of Metropolitan Atlanta; founding president of the Association of Metro Atlanta DFACS Boards, and the past chairman of the Board of the Fulton County Department of Family and Children Services, where a dormitory for boys in foster care was named after Attorney Edwards. Edwards is a member of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and Leadership Atlanta. Edwards is also a past president of the Gate City Bar Association, and is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and the National Bar Association, where he has served as a member of the Board of Governors.

An activist in pursuit of a more peaceful world, Don is the Southeast Coordinator of Every Church A Peace Church, and producer-host of the TV program, Every Church A Peace Church, which received the 2004 Allen Award presented by Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters for best continuous faith based program in 2004. Don’s peace work also earned him the World Council of Churches “Blessed Are The Peacemakers Award”, personally presented to him by the WCC General Secretary Samuel Kobia in October, 2004. Edwards is an active and long time member of Atlanta’s Hillside Chapel and Truth Center, where he had served as Chairman of the Trustee Board for several years.

“I am very much a beneficiary of the civil rights struggle of the 1950’s and 1960’s,” he says. “Not only did I learn the importance of people becoming active in social change, I also saw lawyers leading that change.” With that motivation, Edwards completed Boston University School of Law in 1973, after graduating with honors from Morehouse College to begin his legal career as a civil rights lawyer in the firm of well known former Atlanta attorney, Howard Moore, Jr.

A well-respected trial lawyer, Edwards’ firm specializes in serving clients involved in automobile accidents, medical negligence, wrongful death and personal injury claims. “Clients who are injured or killed because of someone else’s fault have the same civil rights to obtain full compensation for their losses as the civil right to vote and to work without being discriminated against. My three decades of experience tells me that it requires competent, ethical and aggressive legal representation to assert those rights on behalf of injured victims.”

Attorney Edwards resides in Southwest Atlanta with his wife, Jo Roberson Edwards, a businesswoman, and daughters, Nia and Domia. Edwards remarks: “My family is my most important accomplishment.”

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Lori A. Manns has been a marketing and sales professional for over 20 years. Prior to founding Quality Media Consultant Group, she was Senior Account Manager for CBS Radio-Atlanta for 13 years. Ms. Manns also has career sales and marketing experience with Cox Radio-Atlanta, WYHY Radio-Nashville, Superior Cable, The Women’s Yellow Pages and The Democratic National Convention.

Ms. Manns is an expert at developing multi-media marketing and advertising campaigns designed to produce a profitable return on investment. She is an accomplished and skilled sales professional known for building key strategic partnerships both locally and nationally.

Ms. Manns has extensive experience developing key strategic marketing and advertising campaigns for Fortune 100 Companies. Her experience in selling radio, print, events, internet and cable TV provides her a wealth of knowledge in various mediums. In addition, she also has freelance media buying experience for small and large businesses in the top 100 U.S. markets.

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I don’t know about you, but I sometimes hop on my little treadmill of life, wrap myself up in some of my miniature problems, and forget how big the world really is.

The beautiful thing about our BIG world is it’s never stagnant, but always flowing with power and unlimited possibilities.

Many times, in order for us to move forward, we’ve got to take a step back and reflect. I often find myself reflecting on my own posts and interestingly, this particular one was posted last June. I thought it was a good idea to freshen it up and re-post it. I hope you find a word or two that makes your day a little more pleasurable.

By the way, if you ever visit Niagara Falls, don’t leave without taking an unforgettable ride on the Maid of the Mist. It’s truly a breathtaking experience! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

~ Jacqueline

I will leave you with a wonderful quote by Susan Polis Shutz. “This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to make your life happy.”

Doug Bates is the owner of CMIT Solutions of Fayette and Coweta Counties. He spent the first 24 years of his career working with world-class organizations such as GE, TYCO International, and Lego Toys, identifying and providing solutions for customers on a domestic and global scale.

He spent most of his time traveling, which took quality time away from his wife and kids. He is now happy to be at the next phase of his career and gets great satisfaction out of preparing breakfast for his kids each morning.

Tune in to Doug’s interview as he shares his journey of being one of 1,100 people laid off from Lithonia Lighting, and now he’s building a new career as his own boss.

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Summer is coming!

If keeping your skin radiant and silky smooth is a priority, you’ve got to listen to this show! Dr. Gloria Campbell-D’Hue, affectionately known as Atlanta’s Dermatologist to the stars, is the founder of the Atlanta Center of Dermatology & MediSpa, P.C.

Dr. D’Hue has over 20 years of training and experience in the practice of Dermatology. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatologists. Tune in to hear SparK Plug interview this legendary Dermatologist as she shares secrets to beautiful, soft, healthy, and glowing skin.

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Most of my friends know that I’m still dealing with the loss of my only brother, Robert Lee Thomas, Jr., who made his transition last January.

When I received the news, I was determined not to believe it until I could see the evidence myself. This required my wife and me to fly all the way over to Dubai to see for ourselves. The minute I saw his passport and photo that listed him as a foreign national, a heaviness set in, which I’m still coping with today.

This has been one of the most difficult periods in my life because we were very close. I miss receiving my brother’s phone calls four or five times a day (sometimes more) from Savannah. Even when he was traveling around the world, I’d still hear from him whether he was in Greece, somewhere in Africa or the South of France.

Many years ago, my brother believed in my dream enough to loan me the money to start my publishing business and yes, I paid my brother back. For some reason, people always want to know the answer to the question regarding whether or not I gave him his money back. I dedicated my 2009 publication to him.

Anyway, on one of those days when I was feeling especially low, I came across my book, Grow Through It & Lead, which I’d written to encourage others and it became my own inspiration.

With the help of my beautiful and talented wife, I’m expanding my borders. Jacqueline, thanks so much! Now, I’ve started a new Podcast, I have a new Twitter page and a new Radio Show called, Grow Through It & Lead. I’m already lining up a couple of new guests who have some amazing stories to tell about their journey.

So. . . if you’re dealing with some issues that are weighing you down, try to figure out how to turn it inside out and look for the sunny side. There’s always a sunny side.

Challenges will come when you try to succeed, but just remember, (even though the situation may seem insurmountable) you can always Grow Through It & Lead!

~ Spark Plug

What is Kissable? Is it some irresistible charm, mysterious good looks, or charisma? It is all of these and also the toothpaste developed by Dr. Danielle Wilson, president of Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta. Dr. Wilson says, “With healthy teeth and fresh breath, everyone can ‘Be Kissable’.”

Kissable, a new toothpaste developed by Dr. Wilson, hit the marketplace in early 2009. It brings together natural ingredients and sensational taste for an experience that appeals to consumers’ growing desire to pair holistic health techniques with the best in beauty and cosmetic improvements.

Kissable contains the highest-quality of natural ingredients, chosen for their cleansing, restorative, and freshening properties. The most exciting of the natural ingredients used in Kissable is cranberry extract. Research has shown that cranberry acts like Teflon® for teeth, making it difficult for the bacteria that causes cavities to cling to tooth surfaces.

Aloe Vera, long known for its moisturizing effect on skin and its ability to help heal wounds, is also a key active ingredient in Kissable. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties combine with powerful antioxidant characteristics to boost health for gums and mouth tissues. Xylitol, a sweetener derived from fruits and vegetables, also offers an alternative to the artificial products often found in many toothpastes.

Dr. Wilson is the primary practitioner at Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta, based in Atlanta, GA. She distinguishes herself as one of the few private practitioners who provide personalized service and the level of expertise that comes from her education at Morgan State University, the University of Maryland Dental School, and the New Zealand University of Waikato, as a Fulbright Scholar.

Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta’s purpose is to educate the public about the importance of oral health and to provide cosmetic options that have an impact on general well-being and self-esteem. Dr. Danielle Wilson is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Georgia Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta is currently accepting new patients and is located at 1188 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd, Suite 101, Atlanta, 30310. Contact Dr. Wilson at 404-758-0770 or bekissable.com.

Entertainment Attorney, Leron Rogers spells out in detail what every new artist should know about the music business. From copyrighting music to finding a good manager — this show is for you.

If you know someone who is excited about being offered a contract, PLEASE tell them to “slow their roll” and call an attorney first! Listen to Attorney Leron Rogers’ interview below.

_________________

Leron E. Rogers, is a partner in the law firm of Hewitt & Rogers in Atlanta, Georgia.

At Hewitt & Rogers, practice areas include business transactions, entertainment law, and business litigation, among other services. Leron heads up the firm’s entertainment, technology and media law practice group and is known throughout the country for representing high profile entertainers and athletes in their professional and business ventures. Leron represents successful artists, producers, management companies, songwriters, record labels and publishing companies.

Some of his entertainment clients include Grammy-nominated writers/producers Jason Rome (Luther Vandross, Jagged Edge, Blu Cantrell, Cassidy, Patty Labelle), Prentice Spry (Jamie Foxx), Cedric “Ced Keyz” Williams (Chris Brown, Ciara, Young Joc, Young Buck, LLoyd); Jonathan “Baby Jay” Williams (50, Lloyd Banks, Tyrese); and Trools & Rask (Akon).

In addition to representing individual entertainers, Leron represents successful corporations that conduct significant business within the technology, media and entertainment industry as well as professional athletes in their off the field business ventures.

Leron is also a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS/Grammy Foundation) and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is a frequent speaker and featured panelist at conferences and workshops and has been featured in local and national publications. Leron, a former draft pick of the Atlanta Braves, was recently honored as one of the Top Counselors-at-Law in “Who’s Who in Black Atlanta”.

Attorney Rogers received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Southwest Texas State University and obtained his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University’s Law School.

For more information about Attorney Leron E. Rogers, please call 770-447-4700.

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Your hormones peak at age 20 years, then as you age, your natural hormones decline and you get old whether you want to or not. Some, depending on lifestyles, genetics and environment will decline quickly and thus age quickly, others slowly.

The Cosmedics Medical Spa in metro Atlanta offers a solution to your problem with natural hormones which are available to restore what time has taken away.

Natural hormones or bioidentical hormones are the exact identical hormones your body makes to work together in order for your organ systems to function, and enable you to do your daily activities.

Dr. Cathy can replace your hormones after testing your blood, saliva, urine, etc., using natural hormones, herbs, vitamins and minerals, depending on your test results.

Dr. Catherine Emeruwa, owner of Cosmedics Medical Spa, received her Medical Degree in 1989. She specializes in Family Medicine in Riverdale, Georgia; Fayetteville, Georgia, and New York. She has also practiced internationally in North America, Jamaica, Africa and Europe. Dr. Cathy is skilled in the treatment of restoring what time has taken away without the use of surgery. She understands that each person is unique both inside and out and combines Nobel Prize winning glyconutrients along with the latest in non-surgical technology for a more youthful and healthier you.

Tune in to her interview and get the facts!

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Marketing Cafe owner, Melanie Robinson, is a guiding light for small business owners, no matter their challenges, no matter their budget. With an MBA and a passion for entrepreneurship, this Atlanta Marketing guru, along with her team of professionals at Marketing Cafe bring over 40 years of experience from major corporations, ad agencies and marketing firms. Her team will put their years of corporate experience to work for your small business and help you move to the next level.

Ms. Robinson believes real marketing success requires that a company understand your company at its core; who you are, your core values, your company’s personality and your short and long-term goals and expectations. Her company does this through a unique set of activities that translate into a four-step approach:

1. Educate: arm entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge by constantly educating them on the many layers of marketing.

2. Strategize: plan for success by developing sound marketing strategies that meet the needs of the business and are flexible enough to accommodate marketplace shifts.

3. Systemize: develop a marketing system to support the strategic vision and goals that is easy to follow, understand and measure.

4. Support: provide needed support and guidance via coaching and mentoring along the way.

People You Need to Know proudly welcomes Ms. Melanie Robinson to the Network! Listen to her interview below.

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Genetically, a person who comes from a family where most have lived to old age is also likely to enjoy longevity. This genetic heritage can also determine the aspects of good health such as a healthy heart, healthy brain, good circulation, good eyesight and hearing.

Even people who do not come from a heritage of longevity can live to old age if they look after themselves and avoid the risk factors that cause poor physical and mental health, thus accelerating the aging process. Following a healthy diet, regular exercise, drinking in moderation, cutting out smoking, and following safe practices can all help to increase potential life span.

As we age, there are certain processes which cannot be avoided. This is particularly so of cell aging. As our body cells age, we are more likely to contract certain conditions because of the decline in strength and resistance to infection. Our bodies also begin to show signs of ‘wear and tear’. The skin loses its elasticity, thus resulting in the wrinkling we associate with old age.

As our body’s cells wear out, they are replaced by a process of cell division. The only cells which don’t replicate are those in the brain which cease to divide after birth.

It has been a philosophy that if you look after your body, particularly your body cells, then anti-aging should be smooth sailing. How? By nutrition - a balanced diet with associated exercise. The right and optimum balance of antioxidants and minerals daily is a great start.

Anti-aging health shouldn’t be something you decide is a good idea when it’s too late. Your body cells are constantly bombarded by those little attack armies called free radicals and if left unchecked, without the daily optimum replenishment of antioxidants and minerals, over time, they will kick-start a degeneration process that more often than not, can’t be reversed.

The good news is that this process usually occurs over an extended period of time. Antioxidants, like little body commandos, will seek out these free radicals and neutralize them. But, you need to keep them coming on a daily basis.

Healthy body cells means you are one step ahead of the anti-aging health game. So set the pace, and make sure you don’t slip back and become another aging statistic.

Contributing Writer: Dr. Nedra Dodds - a member of the People You Need to Know Network, top anti-aging physician in metro Atlanta, and president of Opulence Aesthetic Medicine. You can listen to Dr. Nedra Dodds’ Destined for Greatness interview below.

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Are you ready to find out how Attraction Marketing can help your business grow? Tune in to Attraction Marketing Expert, Shalonda Gordon.

Ms. Gordon, also known as The Online Marketing Angel, coaches and trains individuals on how to grow their businesses online. She aims to place a smile on the face of each person she helps and strives to leave her clients motivated, knowledgeable, and focused on reaching their true potential! Follow Ms. Gordon on Twitter!

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Are you decorating your home and have no idea what to do or how to do it, where to start or what direction you should go?

Have no fear. . .Ms. Danielle Coats, owner of Decor & You, helps residential and commercial clients alike love and brand the spaces they’re in by choosing designs that best fit their needs, lifestyles, environments and budgets. She received her certification through Certified Interior Decorators International.

As a United States Navy veteran with a B.S. in Technology, and M.S. in Business Management, Ms. Coats never knew she’d eventually venture into this wondrous world of creative expression. She has turned her passion for interior decorating into her own business and is happy with her line of work.

Ms. Coats says, “I am an entrepreneur at heart, and the key to my success is providing outstanding customer service by listening to my clients, and fulfilling their needs effectively and efficiently. Going above and beyond is the motto I live by.”

“I started my interior decorating career as a Realtor, understanding the value of a properly staged home and how that infused a sense of excitement for potential buyers, thereby expediting the sale of the home. When my buyers began to seek my advice on decorating their new homes, I realized I had a deep passion for creating art and beauty.

Tune in to Ms. Danielle Coats’ interview and discover how you can turn your decorating dreams into a beautiful reality! You can follow her on Twitter @ladydecor.

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Mr. Stanley B. Lemons, President of S.B. Lemons & Company is a graduate of Amherst College and the Anderson School at UCLA Graduate School of Business. He is a former Director of Global Marketing and Product Development at CitiCorp. Mr. Lemons has traveled extensively throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

S. B. Lemons & Company is a marketing and international business strategy firm. Their company of experts can provide consulting services in the fields of marketing and international business strategy, marketing communications, website development, and language services. They are dedicated to helping their clients grow domestically or globally.

Does your marketing strategy need a boost? Tune in to Mr. Lemons’ interview and find out how you can polish up YOUR marketing strategy.

View the S.B. Lemons & Company website for a detailed overview of their consulting services and strategy training programs to grow your revenue and brand.

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Charles E. Johnson is the Founder of the Spirit of Sweet Auburn and the Executive Producer of the Sweet Auburn Springfest - The Big Show Tour.

Mr. Johnson has a passion for Atlanta’s Auburn Avenue that began when he moved to the city in 1984 from Philadelphia. He didn’t know anything about Auburn Avenue or its “great history” at the time, he says, and walking the street was his introduction to the community.

“It’s been a love affair ever since,” says the founder of the Spirit of Sweet Auburn (formerly the Friends of Sweet Auburn). In the late 1980s, Johnson participated in the Sweet Auburn Festival as a vendor and in later years became involved in Sweet Auburn’s business association. In 1993, he spearheaded the production of the festival, he says, and has done it ever since.

Today his voice is vibrant while detailing Auburn’s expansions, developments and happenings on what he calls “the greatest street on the planet.” “We want to promote the spirit that makes Auburn Avenue great. It’s a universal spirit,” says the Stone Mountain resident. “The same spirit that the people of South Africa had to fight apartheid. . .that’s the spirit of Sweet Auburn. That’s what makes the spirit great. That’s why 350,000 to 500,000 people come to the Sweet Auburn Festival.”

“When I originally took over the festival, to some extent, it was a big flea market, says Johnson. What we’ve done over the years, we’ve developed various venues of the festival that include arts and literature, business and technology, a Dream Home Showcase, International Film Festival, Just For Women Expo, Car and Bike Show, the Fantastic Family Fun Zone, and last but not least, the Health and Fitness Fair. We want people to come to the festival to discover new stuff. We want them to see what folks are achieving. Those who come to the festival also have an opportunity to rediscover Auburn Avenue.”

“When I speak of Sweet Auburn, I’m not just speaking of Auburn Avenue, I’m speaking of Edgewood, JW Dobbs, Jesse Hill Jr., the community, Johnson says. And if you look on Edgewood, you’ll see there are a lot of new exciting businesses opening: young Black visionaries, entrepreneurs are opening businesses. And that is what we celebrate.”

“What’s great about the district is all of the major institutions have remained here, and they’re the ones who are supporting the resurgence of Sweet Auburn. Developments include the SCLC new National Headquarters; First Choice Credit Union Building; the restored Odd Fellows Buildings; Big Bethel AME, along with the Integral Group, an African American developer building Renaissance Walk; Wheat Street Baptist Church is planning major development; Butler CME; developing the Edge Lofts on Edgewood Avenue; First Congregational; the Historic District Development Corporation; Ebenezer Baptist Church; Butler Street Y; Prince Hall Masons also have projects in the works. These institutions are the ones that have maintained the street and are leading the redevelopment of the district. There is also great anticipation of the APEX Museum’s Phase 2, a $65 million plus Epcot type exhibit of the African American Panoramic Experience.”

“It’s wonderful when you can do something that you love to do and it’s successful. It’s a great satisfaction. It’s not a job,” he explains. “When you see people are pleased and people come out to the festival and the businesses on the street prosper, the vendors make money and the artists who entertain are discovered, that’s fantastic.”

“More important is that people rediscover Auburn Avenue and see it as a destination, a place to live, shop, dine, work, play and worship.” Johnson’s vision is to expand the festival to include Lucky Street (NW Auburn Avenue) and extend activities to Centennial Olympic Park, encompassing all of downtown, making the Sweet Auburn Springfest one of the largest street festivals in the world.

Complete information about the Sweet Auburn District may be found at www.sweetauburn.com.

People You Need to Know, Inc. (PYNTK), which publishes metro Atlanta’s premier business spotlight publication is teaming up with the Spirit of Sweet Auburn (SOSA) for their 25th Annual Springfest, which attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees during its three-day (May 8-10), yearly event.

The Spirit of Sweet Auburn is an organization that was founded in 2001 by Charles E. Johnson for the purpose of fostering the redevelopment, branding and quality of life of the Sweet Auburn District.

The vision of SOSA is to restore Auburn Avenue to its place of prominence as “the greatest street on the planet,” build the world’s greatest promenade linking the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and to transform the Sweet Auburn Viaduct into a world-class destination, attracting both tourists and residents.

SOSA promotes the idea that the Spirit that built Auburn Avenue is a universal spirit. It is the same spirit that ended apartheid in South Africa, bought down the Berlin Wall, was demonstrated in Tiananmen Square and resulted in the election of Barack Obama.

Anthony “Spark Plug” Thomas, publisher of People You Need to Know says, “We’re proud to partner with the Spirit of Sweet Auburn because the goal at PYNTK is to help business people make a BIG SPLASH in metro Atlanta by giving them world-class recognition, and I know of no other event where we have an opportunity to strengthen our brand on such a large scale. I believe any corporation or organization could benefit immensely from the exposure this event will generate. In addition, as a historian, I would love to see the restoration of Auburn Avenue to a place of prominence.”

He continues, “I’d like to commend Mr. Charles Johnson and his wonderful staff for doing another spectacular job in bringing people together on one of the most famous streets in America and I also want them to know that all of their hard work is greatly appreciated.”

PYNTK will be the Silver Sponsor of the Business & Technology Expo during this huge event.

I sent out my final newsletter last week. Wow!

I decided to start using Twitter to send out updates and breaking information about company news and events at People You Need to Know, Inc.

One of the things I love about blogging is that it creates an automatic historical timeline for a company’s business growth and development. Anyway, I’m posting my very last newsletter below…

______________

Greetings,

I just wanted to give everyone a brief update regarding what’s going on at PYNTK.

We’ve already participated in several events this year and we’ll be showcasing your business at the Synergy Business Expo on tomorrow sponsored by the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Tavis Smiley Group. If you happen to be there, please stop by our booth to say hello.

We’d like to give a special thanks to the new people who have joined the Network this year. We look forward to working with you to help you strengthen your brand in metro Atlanta.

In addition, we’d like to give a hearty thanks to Dr. Danielle Wilson, creator of Kissable toothpaste for renewing her partnership for the 10th straight year and Dr. Mark Walker, Medical Director of Surgical Health Collective for renewing 11 years in a row with People You Need to Know. Thanks for putting your trust in our services for all these years! We’ve enjoyed working with you.

Spark Plug Radio continues to be a huge success in terms of getting messages out, which help people become healthier, wealthier and wiser.

On May 8th - 10th we’ll have our People You Need to Know tent at the Auburn Avenue Springfest where crowds of 500,000 - 700,000 are expected to attend. We are the Silver Sponsor of the Business & Technology Expo.

In addition to our events, podcast, radio, audio introductions, and digital videos, we are now using Twitter as a means to further promote the people in our Network. We’ve only been using it for a few weeks and have found it to be much more useful than Facebook in terms of doing business. Feel free to Follow Us On Twitter.

Instead of sending out newsletters, we’ll be using Twitter as our primary method of sending out updates regarding news and events.

I would definitely like to thank all of you who sent emails, letters and made phone calls to let us know how much you appreciate the hard work we put into the publication this year and how well it’s been working for you. It was our pleasure and we’re happy that you’re getting a great response. If you haven’t seen the book online yet…here’s the link.

Once again, we’d like to thank the people who are helping to make our tour possible. This year’s PYNTK Celebrity Tour is presented by The Community-Minded Attorney, Donald P. Edwards; Kevin Turner, President of Peak Level Advisors (”Your Personal Wealth Navigator”) Dr. Dexter Page, CEO & Founder of the Institute of Medical Ultrasound, and Shirley Osborne Vanderbilt, President of The Osborne CPA Firm, PC.

All four of our headliners will have special signage at each event throughout the year.

Jacqueline Benjamin-Thomas, VP of ideas

Overflowing with enthusiasm, Dr. Tongie Scott has a strong passion to serve others and has succeeded in making her passion her life’s work. She attended Jackson State University and graduated from Grace University Medical School. Dr. Scott also serves on several advisory boards, including Open Campus for at-risk youths, and is the CEO & Founder of Me and My Nanna, LLC.

Dr. Tongie Scott’s company, Me and My Nanna, LLC, was first established in Columbus, Mississippi, in 1995 and continues to be deeply committed to quality in-home skilled nursing and the supreme well-being of your loved ones.

During its infancy, her company was borne out of a need to desperately find a qualified caregiver for her own children. At that time, acquiring a sitter was difficult and because there were no other agencies located in Columbus or the surrounding towns or cities, the task was seemingly next to impossible. In addition, after a bout with malignant papillary carcinoma, which at the time was most frightening for Dr. Scott, she realized that there had to be something established in her area. A dream was thus envisioned, and within a few months, the dream became a reality.

Over the years, Me and My Nanna, LLC, quickly became quite popular in the area. Services were rendered from Mississippi to Delaware to Minnesota and as far as Hawaii. Since her agency is governed and guided by the simple principles of H.O.S. (Honesty, Openness and Sincerity) at its very core, they have had many repeat clients over the years.

Me and My Nanna, LLC continues to strive for excellence when providing a family with what the company likes to term as “an extension of the family.” They believe that if an atmosphere is created which is most conducive for the loved one being cared for (the family and the nanny), then all of the parameters for what could easily be a “perfect” match will evolve.

In 2005, Me and My Nanna, LLC, was licensed through the Department of Human Resources - Office of Regulatory Services. With this particular kind of licensure, they are allowed to provide Skilled Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistants and Companion Sitters in the homes of individuals who may find themselves needing assistance and who desire to remain in their homes for as long as they possibly can.

Although Tongie Scott is a medical doctor, she firmly believes that her sole purpose is to provide a warm and caring atmosphere in the homes of those individuals who find themselves needing premiere skilled and/or non-skilled services.

People You Need to Know proudly welcomes Dr. Tongie Scott to the Network! Listen to her interview and find out what you should know when it comes to choosing in-home care for your loved one.

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Corvida Raven, the 21-year-old mastermind behind SheGeeks.net, a Consumer Web 2.0 Application Reviews & Social Web Conversations blog is taking the technology world by storm. Fast Company Magazine called her in their Jan. 09 issue, one of the most Influential Women in Technology for a reason. As a former writer and community manager for ReadWriteWeb & The Industry Standard, she’s now the new Blog Editor for Mr. Tweet, a Twitter User recommendation service, and co-manages projects such as EverythingTwitter.com and TheSocialGeeks Roundtable Podcast. You can follow her on Twitter @corvida or see what she’s sharing on FriendFeed (Corvida).

The world is now driven by technology! Hear what one of Atlanta’s most in-demand technology writers has to say about Twitter and how you can get the most out of it.

Ms. Corvida Raven is definitely one of the People You Need to Know.

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Every once in a while, I think our brand really needs a breath of fresh air.

For those who follow this blog, you probably remember this post from a while back. Anyway, I thought it was time to drag it out, polish it up and add a little more zest to it. Sooo, let’s move forward with giving our brand a boost…

The more we’re able to separate ourselves from the crowd, the more memorable our brand will become, thereby making us the only solution for the people who need our product or service. Our website, writing skills, blog, business cards, our overall presentation speaks a certain language to others; we must strive to make it a positive one that’s power-packed with pizzazz and punch!

Our verbal communication skills can be the key to our success because most people are AFRAID to stand up and speak to a crowd. Get out into your community and speak as much as possible. Tell people about what you have to offer, in a subtle way of course. Give them information they can use. If you need to step-up your confidence, join a club that can help you improve your speaking skills.

Put Six Degrees of Separation to use. It works. Dr. Ben Carson, Johns Hopkins’ world-renowned surgeon and author of Think Big, was gracious enough to endorse my book, Grow Through It And Lead. I didn’t have to know Dr. Carson’s home telephone number, meet him at a cocktail party or fly to his office in order to get him to read my book and write an endorsement. His secretary was willing to help me achieve my goal after she visited my website. (Once again, Women Make Things Happen!)

Get out and do something. Help other people. Take the focus off yourself by making a contribution and watch your network grow. Someone once said, the real purpose of networking is to have no agenda.

Ultimately, YOU are the brand. What you create is just a by-product. So crank it up, be creative, be bold, have fun and always, always look for ways to improve!

- “The Spark Plug”

Fans Rave About Verniesa:

Internet advertising is extremely important today, so I was impressed when Verniesa with Metro Brokers featured my home on more than a dozen major real estate websites. I was impressed with her level of professionalism and her enthusiasm. I will continue to recommend her services to everyone I know. Thanks Verniesa! You made selling my old home & purchasing my new dream home a stress-free experience. ~ Carolyn Blakely

Verniesa made the entire home buying process both easy and enjoyable from start to finish. I now understand what ‘Premier Service’ truly means! ~Timothy Gains

When it comes to holding fast to our true self-worth, most of us realize that it is a daily task to maintain a spirit of positiveness, moment by moment. Though challenges and obstacles will always be in our path, when we are confident in who we are, nothing can weaken the faith in our ability to weather the storm.

Listen as Dr. Lynette T. Dandridge shares encouragement for those who may need to be reminded that they already have what it takes to succeed and reach their destiny!

Dr. Lynette T. Dandridge is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. A graduate of Dillard University and Life Christian University, Dr. Dandridge is a former University Dean and school Principal. She is also an ordained church elder and was recognized by Channel 5 Fox News as one of Atlanta’s “Unsung Heroes”.

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People You Need to Know (PYNTK) proudly welcomes Atlanta City Employees Credit Union to the Network!

Atlanta City Employees Credit Union (ACECU) originated in 1928 to serve the employees of the City of Atlanta. As with many Credit Unions, ACECU is a not-for-profit, not-for-charity, but for service cooperative owned by all of its members. They offer a wide range of products and services to meet the financial needs of their members.

Your savings are federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. government agency. In addition, your IRA funds are separately insured to $250,000 by the NCUA. The NCUA administers the National Credit Unions Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), which is similar to the banks´ FDIC.

Rest assured that there is no safer place for your money than a federally insured credit union. Since 1928, Atlanta City Employees Credit Union has been a safe and sound financial institution helping members achieve their financial dreams. Give them a call today at 404-658-6465 or visit their website to find out just how beneficial a membership with the ACECU can be!

Bisa Batten Lewis is the Founder and CEO of Ideal Consultants, which is a service company devoted to providing quality technical assistance and professional development for early education practitioners.

With high adoration for children, Lewis dedicates much of her time to designing youth programs and writing children’s books. Her latest book, Let’s Potty, was released at the NAEYC Annual Conference in Atlanta in November 2006. She has published a number of articles, chapters in college-level textbooks, newsletters and more.

Lewis earned the Bachelor of Science and Master of Education Degrees in Early Childhood Education at Albany State University and is currently pursuing the Doctor of Education Degree in Adult Education at the University of Georgia in Athens. She serves on numerous state and local early learning boards, leadership councils, and committees.

Prior to becoming a full-time business owner, Lewis was the Director of Instruction at Albany Technical College where she supervised the Early Childhood Care and Education Division and Academic Programs. In addition to serving as an instructional dean, Bisa directed the child development demonstration centers leading the main campus program to Georgia Standards of Care Center of Distinction and national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Lewis’ classroom experience ranges from paraprofessional to university Instructor. In the Department of Teacher Education at Albany State University, she supervised student teachers and served as Project Director for its four professional development schools and two child development centers.

As a Get Ready to Read Training Manager for Smart Start Georgia and Ready to Learn Consultant for Georgia Public Broadcasting/PBS Kids, Lewis partners with community organizations in Southwest Georgia to offer complimentary workshops to parents, teachers and childcare providers on how to help children and their families get the most from appropriate use of educational tools and programming, while maximizing literacy-learning opportunities in preparation for school-readiness.

With high adoration for children, Lewis dedicates much of her time to presenting child development workshops to enlighten the minds of parents and educators in hopes that all children will have sufficient opportunities to learn.

Listen as she shares with us how you can help your child become a successful learner.

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People You Need to Know (PYNTK) proudly welcomes Dr. Lynette T. Dandridge to the Network!

Dr. Lynette T. Dandridge is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. A graduate of Dillard University and Life Christian University, Dr. Dandridge is a former University Dean and school Principal. She is also an ordained church elder and was recognized by Channel 5 Fox News as one of Atlanta’s “Unsung Heroes”.

Dr. Dandridge worked in corporate America for over 25 years. She is the President of Thompson Dandridge Solutions and has been married to Darrell for the past 18 years. They are the proud parents of two wonderful sons.

When it comes to investing your hard earned money, how knowledgeable are you?

As president of Peak Level Advisors, Kevin Turner, “Your Personal Wealth Navigator” uses the problem solving skills he learned in engineering to provide financial planning solutions for individuals and business owners across metro Atlanta. Tune in as he shares valuable information that can help you keep more of your money so you can have a wealthier and happier retirement.

All Securities through Money Concepts Capital Corp., Member FINRA/SIPC…World Headquarters: 11440 North Jog Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, Phone: 561-472-2000

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Expert advice from Bernadette Johnson Hairl, President of By The Book Accounting…

As our lives progress and things change, our taxes tend to become more complicated. Now you own a home, have rental property or even a part-time business. Not to mention all the recent changes in the tax laws. Who can keep up?

Whether you file your taxes yourself or pay someone else to file them, you are ultimately responsible for what’s in your tax return. So choosing a tax preparer is a task that you should not take lightly.

Here are some tips that will help:

1. Be knowledgeable. Although you are not (nor do you desire to be) an accountant, you should have some degree of knowledge when it comes to taxes. If you don’t know, you need to find someone who does and can explain it to you.

2. Word of Mouth. When searching for an accountant you want to find someone who is reliable and trustworthy. Word of mouth is the best mode of advertising so ask for referrals from family, friends and co-workers whom you respect and trust.

3. Availability. Having an accountant who’s readily available to you is invaluable. When you have questions after tax season or the IRS sends you a “love” letter, you want someone who will be there to meet your needs.

4. Simplicity. It is a known fact that the U.S. Tax Code is written in a language that we don’t speak. You want an accountant who can “translate” the code into plain English.

5. Qualified. This goes without saying but I thought I’d say it anyway: choose someone who is qualified. Check out their educational background and experience. Be sure the person is current on all of the tax law changes and has experience in your area of need. Be leery of someone who claims to know it all. You know how the old adage goes, “Jack of all trades, and master of NONE!”

6. Guarantees. Listen carefully to the guarantees an accountant gives. If they guarantee you a refund without assessing your financial situation, you should run the other way. A true tax professional knows that you cannot give that type of guarantee without knowing your situation.

Choosing a tax preparer can be a difficult task but these tips can make it a lot easier.

©Copyright 2006, By The Book Accounting, INC. All Rights Reserved.

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We all have a personal brand. Is your brand powerfully positive or does it leave much to be desired?

Lethia Owens is a successful professional speaker and also one of the leading authorities on personal branding in America and beyond. We’re delighted that she took some time out of her busy schedule to grant us an interview on Spark Plug Radio.

Lethia has lived a resilient life even in the face of adversity. Despite seemingly hopeless odds, she knows what it means to achieve success. She elevated herself from being a teenage mother and high school dropout to graduating among the top of her high school class. In addition, she was awarded a Presidential Scholarship to attend Albany State University.

Her tenacious drive for excellence and her unwavering commitment to life long learning empowered her to rise in triumph over poverty and the limited thinking of people who told her she would never succeed.

Lethia Owens is the founder and CEO of a successful personal and organizational development firm based out of the St. Louis Metropolitan area.

You can read more about Lethia Owens here, but more important, listen to her powerful and thought-provoking message below on Personal Branding. It can inspire you to re-evaluate the way you do business, and help you exponentially improve your life!

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If you have back pain, your feet just may be the culprit. Dr. Perry Little says, having flat feet can literally contribute to pain in your back! And if you’re active, it can really exacerbate the problem. Not to worry, there is a remedy for your situation. Tune in to hear Dr. Little’s interview, which he granted us on Spark Plug Radio. This information can help you ease your pain!

Dr. Perry P. Little, Jr. is the founder and Clinical Director of Natural First Chiropractic Clinic (NFCC), and is one of a few hundred extremity joint specialists in the United States. Patients are treated at N.F.C.C. for a multitude of aches and pains resulting from car accidents, slip & falls, ankle sprains, improper lifting, improper sleeping positions, and personal Injury.

At N.F.C.C., they believe their first responsibility is to GOD; their second is to their patients and their needs. At Natural First Chiropractic Clinic, they are committed to helping their patients live pain free! Call now…(404) 299-0039.

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It’s no secret that excellent communication skills are required to maintain good relationships. In addition, top-notch communication / presentation skills can also land you a better job! Ms. Catrina Brown was kind enough to grant us an interview on Spark Plug Radio to share some basics about improving our speech communications so that we can ultimately improve our lives.

Catrina Brown, MA, CCC-SLP, is the president of Speech Made Easy, Inc. She can help you enhance your communication skills by providing trainings to maximize speaking potential. Her specialty areas are articulation, language, accent reduction and oral presentations. Catrina received her Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree from Hampton University. Tune in and get some valuable information that can help you improve your skills “the easy way.”

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Nike, Coke, Dell, Microsoft and many other big name companies rely on their brand to keep them in the minds of buyers. But you don’t have to be a large company in order to benefit from the power of branding. Learn the basics about branding and why it’s so important for your business’ development, growth and longevity!

Designs In Motion, Inc. prides itself in delivering engaging brand identity, creative print media, commercial advertising, marketing, web development, web hosting and more. Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Michael McClellan’s professional career spans from commercial printing, interactive training and e-commerce development. Listen to the interview he granted on Spark Plug Radio and begin to take your business to the next level and beyond.

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