Miami, FL – (April 25, 2012) ICABA Media Holdings, LLC. Scores of professionals, business experts and a legion of the area’s burgeoning entrepreneurs recently attended the ICABA Business Forum.  Nova Southeastern University’s Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship provided the perfect environment for the half-day forum. Workshop topics ranged from “Raising, Managing and Protecting Capital” to “Using Technology to Gain a Competitive Edge” and concluded with a networking reception.

The April 18 event was the first in a continuing series of business forums planned by ICABA. Attendee Thomas Ramsey stated: “The ICABA Business Forum changed my life…I was inspired by the panelists on the Highly Successful Entrepreneurs: Lessons Learned workshop and gained valuable insights at other workshops and by seeing the video applications utilized by the Huizenga Sales Institute.”

Customized workshops helped entrepreneurs build on their successes with expert guidance. Workshop presenters included top experts and business leaders in the fields of expertise ranging from finance, private equity, technology, marketing, social media, and human resources professionals.

One of the participants, the owner of a ‘boutique’ business that has operated since 1983, said that he was surprised at how much useful information he gained after so many years of running his enterprise.

The workshop topics and speakers included:

RAISING-MANAGING-PROTECTING CAPITAL

Iwan Mohamed, Vice President, BB&T Bank

John Oxendine, CEO, Blackstar Management

Tunde Ogunlana, Co-Managing Partner, Diamond Wealth Management (an office of MetLife)

LESSONS LEARNED FROM HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS

Robert Beatty, CEO, Beatty Media

Steven Bettinger, CEO, Coastal Cars, Logan Equity

Dinah Stephenson, CAO, D. Stephenson Construction

MARKETING-SOCIAL MEDIA-SALES

Byron Dennis, Chief Sales Guy, Best Foot Forward

Marvin Dejean, CEO, Gilead Sanders

Jay Berkowitz, Social Media Expert, Author and Speaker

TALENT: RECRUITMENT-RETENTION-PRODUCTIVITY-LEGAL & REGULATION

Mason Jackson, CEO, Workforce One Employment Solutions

Mary Adams, JD, Principal Consultant, The Employee Relations Group

Frank Scruggs, Partner, Berger-Singerman (former Secretary, Florida Dept. of Labor);

BUSINESS NETWORKING & PERSONAL BRANDING

Dan Lindblade, CEO, Greater Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

Rueben Stokes, Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Ryder Systems

Burnadette Norris Weeks, Attorney & Entrepreneur

USING TECHNOLOGY TO GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE

Kevin Michael, CEO, INVIZIO

Daniel Rodriguez, CTO, United Data technology

Attorney Frank Scruggs, (Shareholder, Berger Singerman) a veteran of many public presentations, and former Secretary of the Florida Department of Labor said that this was one of the best workshops in which he had participated.

The ICABA Business Forum’s attracted participants from Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Additionally, several workshop participants came from as far as Orlando.

Jerome Hutchinson, Jr. CEO, ICABA Media Holdings, LLC, opened the Forum with remarks about the importance of making professional “connections.” He wanted everyone to have an excellent experience.

Director of the Huizenga Sales Institute, Charlie Pettyjohn, D.B.A.  spoke on behalf of Dr. J. Preston Jones, the business school’s Interim Dean, welcomed participants and gave an overview of the academic program at the Huizenga Sales Institute.

At the conclusion of the workshops, the participants were given their choice of one of two ICABA profile directories 1.) South Florida’s Most Accomplished Blacks in Healthcare and Law, or 2.) South Florida’s Most Accomplished Black Executives, Professionals and Academicians.

ICABA is a “green” company so each of the participants received a copy of the day’s presentations on a jump drive (provided by Nova Southeastern University) instead of paper.

The second Business Forum is scheduled June 20, 2012 and will be presented in conjunction with the University of Miami School Of Business.

About ICABA Media Holdings, LLC

ICABA Media Holdings, LLC is a South Florida based affinity marketing and media company. ICABA profiles accomplished black professionals and entrepreneurs in its publications and connects them through its social network- icabaworld.com, and at its signature events.  It’s most recent Profile Directory: “ICABA Honors South Florida’s Most Accomplished Black Executives, Professionals and Academicians” was published in October, 2011 and was presented at its signature Recognition Reception.  ICABA® is the registered trademark of ICABA Media Holdings, LLC. For more information regarding ICABA, please visit: www.icabaworld.com.

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Delivered courtesy of Tunde Ogunlana, CFS, Diamond Wealth Management, an office of MetLife.

Today’s small business owner faces a number of challenges including a slow economic recovery and volatile investment markets. In addition to those, according to MetLife’s 9^th Annual Study of Employee Benefit Trends, many may also be facing employee retention issues as employee loyalty has significantly declined in the last few years. Only 44% of employees reported a strong sense of loyalty to their current employer – a sharp contrast from 2008 where 62% of those surveyed felt a great sense of loyalty.

Though small businesses may be facing some hurdles, today’s environment may present opportunities for employers to help retain and recruit employees by improving benefit offerings while maintaining the line on costs.

Voluntary Benefits

Though benefits such as medical, prescription drugs, dental, life, disability, and vision coverage, are considered by many employees important to have, about one-third of small business do not offer one or all of these. Among employees, however, interest is still very strong. The study shows that approximately half of employees find it important to have benefits like life, dental, and disability insurance available to them through the workplace even if they have to pay all of the cost themselves.

Therefore, voluntary benefits are another option for small business employers seeking a cost-effective way to increase their benefits offerings while improving employee retention. When faced with a choice of either paying for some benefits or losing them entirely, many employees indicated that they would choose to pay for them.

Retirement Solutions

For individuals today, saving for retirement has become a daunting task. It is safe to say that a majority of individuals today feel that they have not saved enough for retirement, and the anemic economic recovery has not assuaged those fears and concerns.

One way small businesses may be able to help employees with their retirement savings goals is to offer educational programs. 75% of small business employees (those who work for employers with fewer than 500 workers) who report taking time off to deal with, or spend more time at work thinking about personal financial issues than they think they should, said they would be interested in receiving advice and guidance through their employer. Employers are somewhat reluctant to do so, understandable giving these challenging times. But there are clearly some productivity and loyalty implications for an employer’s decision not to address the financial worries of employees. Overall, many financial advice and guidance programs and tools can be implemented with minimal cost and effort.

Opportunities

To the small business owner, the question of whether or not to offer employee benefits is more a question of how to spend more effectively versus spending more. Many employee benefit solutions can be implemented by a small business owner at a minimal cost, and the  rewards can be quite substantial as these benefits foster a sense of loyalty among employees. Company loyalty, in turn, may lead to a more positive work environment, a place where employees feel they have a network of support and greater job satisfaction.

Therefore, to help prevent small businesses suffer employee productivity losses from losing talented staff or from having dissatisfied employees, they should be encouraged to work with their brokers to ensure that their benefits program is meeting the needs of employees and that the benefit offerings remain relevant and competitive. A well-designed, cost-effective benefits program can help small business employers attract, retain, reward and motivate those who make the business run effectively and efficiently.

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166.

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Tony Coley

Tony joined BB&T in 2009 through the Colonial merger. Prior to the merger, Tony served as President and CEO of Colonial Bank’s South Florida Banking Unit.

Tony started his banking career with SunTrust in 1997. He also worked at SouthTrust and Wachovia through the SouthTrust merger. Tony has been very active in the Fort Lauderdale community service on numerous boards that include the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Florida Business Alliance, Broward YMCA and Broward WorkForce One.

The Carol City native has been a go-getter and a practical thinker since early childhood. He began charting his professional course as a starting linebacker at the University of Miami. Although he was selected for the 1996 College Football Association’s Academic All-American Team and awarded the 1996 Burger King and Mariutto Family Scholar Athlete awards for College Football, he decided against a career in the NFL.

“Football has been very, very good to me,” said Coley, who also was inducted into UM’s Iron Arrow Honor Society, the university’s highest honor. “It paid for my education. It allowed me to go to a university that I probably would otherwise not have the opportunity to go to.”

Antonia Williams-Gary

If you want to see an accomplished Caribbean professional or entrepreneur recognized, click NOMINATIONS to do so.  Nominations are FAST, FREE & EASY and are open until April 15, 2012. More information follows in our e-newsletter….

ICABA continues to grow our reach into markets throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.  We owe our growth to you as you continue to help us build our social network connecting influential professionals, profitable opportunities and affluent lifestyle events.

As I like to say: “Membership is Free- but, the Benefits are Priceless.” Please take a moment and invite others to join our growing network of accomplished and influential professionals. Start by forwarding this newsletter and by inviting your colleagues to join ICABA and connect with those already in ICABA World!

Inside this issue, you will see ICABA and our members on the move.  Please be sure to read about the

We want to hear from you about how we’re doing in connecting you to influential professionals, profitable opportunities and affluent events.

Please send me a note to:

Antonia@icabaworld.com

Or call me at 786.871.0099, ext 516

Sincerely,

Antonia Williams-Gary

Publisher

ICABA South Florida

Press Conference Attendees

On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness joined Jamaican Consul General, The Honorable Sandra Grant-Griffiths, Haiti Consul General, The Honorable Francois Guillaume and Bahamas Consul General, The Honorable Rhoda Jackson in support of ICABA’s Salute to South Florida’s 100 Most Accomplished Caribbean Americans.  Over 100 business and civic leaders attended a kick off press conference and reception to announce ICABA’s plans. The Salute will be comprised of an ICABA signature full-color, coffee-table quality publication profiling selected honorees along with several events including a Recognition Reception at the Broward Center for the Arts on June 29, 2012.

BankAtlantic Senior Vice President and Steering Committee member Marcia Barry-Smith hosted the reception and stated: “ICABA has a sterling reputation for delivering quality and excellence and I am very pleased ICABA will produce this overdue recognition for South Florida’s Caribbean Americans.”   Additional event sponsors included MetLife, and Victor Harvey, CEO, Qualified Spirits, Inc.

Marlon A. Hill, Esq., prominent attorney and civic leader will write the Foreword for the publication. He states: “The Caribbean American community, a vibrant and emerging South Florida multicultural market, represents an important demographic.  Our languages, accents, culinary, musical, religious traditions and entrepreneurial spirit are undeniably present in every aspect of life in South Florida.  It is timely that we celebrate and share our community’s accomplishments, locally, and internationally.”

“The ICABA Salute represents a unified collaborative effort from people of color  throughout the African and Caribbean Diaspora and we are humbled with the honor and responsibility to profile and recognize South Florida’s Most Accomplished Caribbean Americans ,” said ICABA Media Holdings, LLC President/CEO, Jerome Hutchinson, Jr.

The following South Florida leaders have lent their support and endorsement to the ICABA Salute as Foreword Writer and County Co-Chairs:

Foreword Writer: Marlon A. Hill, (Jamaica), Attorney and Civic Leader

Co-Chair (Miami-Dade County): Miguel Southwell, (Antigua), Deputy Director of Business, Miami International Airport

Co-Chair (Broward County): Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, (Virgin Islands), President/CEO, Urban League of Broward County

Co-Chair (Palm Beach County): Carlton “Ricky” Wade, (Jamaica), Entrepreneur/Civic Leader

Click to see list of all members

“South Florida has long been a strong attraction to people from throughout the Caribbean, and their contributions have been a vital component to the growth and development of the area.  The ICABA Salute will recognize the rich heritage, culture and accomplishments of a broad cross-section of Caribbean Americans,” states Antonia Williams-Gary, ICABA South Florida Publisher.

The Salute, scheduled for June 29, 2012, will include a full color, coffee table quality publication, a series of signature events, and a diverse and inclusive gathering of South Florida and Caribbean residents.

About ICABA Media Holdings, LLC

ICABA Media Holdings, LLC is a South Florida based affinity marketing and media company. ICABA profiles accomplished black professionals and entrepreneurs in its publications and connects them through its social network- icabaworld.com, and at its signature events.  It’s most recent Profile Directory: “ICABA Honors South Florida’s Most Accomplished Black Executives, Professionals and Academicians” was published in October, 2011 and was presented at its signature Recognition Reception.  ICABA® is the registered trademark of ICABA Media Holdings, LLC. For more information regarding ICABA, please visit: www.icabaworld.com.

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE PDF

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In a matter of hours, Antonio Coley enlisted a new account, engaged a client, empowered a colleague and extinguished a dispute.

“I am a fireman and an arsonist. I put out fires and I start fires,” said Coley, a senior vice president of BB&T Bank, summing up his role. “Putting out fires is about dealing with issues that come up and making decisions.  Sometimes, to make something happen, you have to start a fire under someone’s butt and get them moving.  I have to keep bad things from happening and make good things happen all day long.”

The Carol City native has been a go-getter and a practical thinker since early childhood. He began charting his professional course as a starting linebacker at the University of Miami.  Although he was selected for the 1996 College Football Association’s Academic All-American Team and awarded the 1996 Burger King and Mariutto Family Scholar Athlete awards for College Football, he decided against a career in the NFL.

“Football has been very, very good to me,” said Coley, who also was inducted into UM’s Iron Arrow Honor Society, the university’s highest honor. “It paid for my education. It allowed me to go to a university that I probably would otherwise not have the opportunity to go to.”

But reality prevailed.

“At the end of the day, I was a good football player but I didn’t think I was good enough to play at the next level, and most importantly it wasn’t something I was passionate about anymore,” he said.

Upon earning a bachelor’s of science degree, Coley was offered jobs at several financial institutions. He however joined Barnett Bank’s management training program in 1996 and stayed one year. He began climbing the corporate ladder at SunTrust Bank and held leadership positions at Wachovia in Sarasota and Colonial Bank of South Florida.

He cracked a few glass ceilings along the way, becoming the first African American and the youngest person to become president of Colonial Bank in this region.

Coley’s career has thrived on variety and challenge.

“I like the fact that banking is very diverse,” he said. “Some may think that banking is boring but within banking there are so many careers that you can do: from marketing, human resources, you can do retail, commercial or investment.”

He credits many, especially his teachers and coaches in his formative years, for providing a solid foundation through mentoring and grooming.

“I make a lot of tough decisions on my own and I look back on the counsel that I have received from a ton of people and try to use that wisdom and knowledge to make what I believe to be, hopefully, sound decisions,” the husband and father said.

His community involvement record is just as impressive. Between work and his wife, and daughter, he carves time to actively serve on several local boards.

Hurricane Gerard Daphnis, who played tight end for UM from 1993 to 1996 and was Coley’s roommate, said Coley’s work ethic and character makes him unique.

“He is the type of guy you would want as your best man at your wedding,” said Daphnis, president of UM’s Football Alumni Association. “He will be there for you in the test of times and I would say that’s what makes him a little more unique than the average guy. He’s not going to be afraid to advise you when you’re wrong either. You may have a friend that wants to pacify you but he [Coley] will tell you when you’re wrong.”

I hope all of you have had a chance to pause, reflect and participate in one of many such celebrations, and to keep in mind that in South Florida, the definition of black, of necessity, embraces the peoples, culture and history of the Caribbean and parts of South and Central America.

ICABA embraces the ‘multiversity’ of South Florida, and to that end, we were joined by 100+ guests, including Consul Generals from Haiti, Jamaica and the Bahamas at a reception on February 15^th to announce plans to publish a Salute to the 100 Most Accomplished Caribbean Americans in June 2012 that will feature background information about 29+ Caribbean Islands/Nations.

The reception was hosted by Marcia Barry-Smith, Senor Vice Pres., BankAtlantic, at the corporate headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale.  Photos from the event are included inside.

The publication will be released at a signature ICABA event on June 29^th at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.  Mark your calendar now to save the date.

Also look for the ‘call for nominations’ in this newsletter.

ICABA is moving its brand throughout the South Florida community and represents a force for change and recognition.  We reflect the impact that blacks have on the economy, in art and culture, on institutional growth, and you need to become a member now.

Remember membership is free, but the benefits are priceless!

Also in this issue is the regular, ongoing advice feature about business technology from Invizio; a profile of Antonia Martinez, another one of our dynamic members; and so much more.

Again, I look for your comments.

Please contact me at: antonia@icabaworld.com, or call: 305.283.8293

Tech Guru Kevin Michael

Whether you’re replacing an existing software solution or starting from scratch, choosing a software provider is not a task to be taken lightly, and if you’re considering a SaaS (Software as a Service) solution, there are some additional considerations to be mindful of.

SaaS typically refers to a software application that is hosted by the software company and for which to use you pay a monthly fee.

Once you start your search and selection process for a SaaS solution here are the five most important aspects to consider:

Pricing Model

Most SaaS solutions are priced per user per month, but some are priced by groups of users (eg. $50/month for 1-10 users) or some are priced based on how much information you’ll be storing in the system. For example a SaaS CRM may price based on the number of contacts stored in the system (eg. $10/month for up to 250 contacts). Be sure to take into account future growth, and how it will affect your costs. This provider prices by number users & features but also limits the number of users you can have in each tier.

Reliability

Besides not having to make a large up-front investment in software, another big advantage of SaaS is that you don’t have to invest in maintenance. The SaaS provider has the responsibility of ensuring that the service is available 24/7/365 or as close to that as possible. Read the terms of service before you commit any time or money to a solution. Companies usually explain their policy regarding up-time, so ensure that their policies work for your business model. Larger providers may have a status page, where you can check the current status of the service (whether it’s available or not) and you can view the history so you can evaluate how well the service performs. Have a look at the Google Apps Status Dashboard for example.

Integration

Another advantage of hosted services is that they’re generally accessible from any web browser anywhere but you may need integration with other applications or devices you use in your business. Maybe your company makes a product for which you provide support but for a fee, if you were evaluating a hosted help desk solution it would be important that it integrates with your billing application. This will minimize or ideally eliminate double data entry, and streamline your business operations. Some applications also provide mobile apps for accessing you data on your mobile device (phone or tablet), have a look at the integration’s this SaaS application provides.

Data Import/Export

If you’re moving from an existing application it’s very important that you can import your data into your new SaaS solution. Evaluate the options the provider gives you to import your data so you or your employees don’t spend endless hours on data re-entry. Also keep in mind that a SaaS solution may not be the best solution forever and if you ever need to move your data out of the system it should be relatively easy. Remember, the harsh reality is that the company you’re using as your SaaS provider may fold or be acquired in which case you don’t want your data locked in. This time-tracking SaaS application provides import/export options.

Training/Support

As always you want to make sure that someone will be there to help if and when you run into any issues. Evaluate the training and support options available. Some providers have online training and phone support while other may only provide FAQ’s and e-mail support, or you may have to pay to a higher level of support. This application only provides e-mail support make sure whatever your SaaS vendor provides is enough for you before you sign up.

Be diligent when choosing a software solution for your business and always try it first before you commit. When selecting a SaaS provider keep these 5 key items in mind when making your decision and you’ll have a much better experience.

About the Author
Kevin V. Michael serves as co-founder and Managing Partner of Invizio, a South Florida IT services and consulting firm. Overseeing business development, strategic partnerships and client relations for the company this Antiguan-born entrepreneur and corporate alumnus of Motorola and Citigroup is one of South Florida’s brightest minds in the IT industry. Mr. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology & Software Engineering from the University of Miami College of Engineering with majors in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems and is a Microsoft Certified IT Professional. In 2011, Mr. Michael was named one of South Florida’s 40 Under 40 Professionals of Today and Tomorrow by Legacy Magazine in partnership with the Miami Herald.

Connect with Kevin V. Michael & Invizio

ICABA | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Web

Antonia Martinez

Antonia R. Martinez is the publisher of MMRD (Multicultural Media & Resource Directory) website and MMRD’s South Florida’s print edition.  Ms. Martinez is responsible for providing strategic direction for the company inclusive of all aspects as it relates to media relations, specialized outreach initiatives, and strengthening, developing, and maintaining ongoing relationships with community leaders, organizations and business groups.

Prior to publishing MMRDONLINE.COM, Ms. Martinez spent the last couple of years specializing in Community Disaster Education, Disaster Relief Fundraising and Volunteer Management with the South Florida Region American Red Cross and the past decade as President/CEO of a progressive public relations agency specializing in community relations and public affairs. Her latest work includes an appointment with FEMA as a Communication Outreach Specialist with their Long-Term Community Recovery Cadre.  In this role, she leads the strategic aspects of FEMA’S specialized outreach initiatives to multicultural communities and provides capacity building for community organizations and leaders.

Multicultural Media Resource Directory

Ms. Martinez holds a Master Degree in Marketing Management and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. Her affiliations in Professional Organizations include the Association of Women in Communication (AWC), Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Leadership Broward, and the South Florida Chapter of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA). She formerly and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for several South Florida non-profit organizations and committees.