written by Andre Cisco II

Since filling the 11^th District Seat of Ohio vacated by the passing of her dear friend, Representative Stephanie Tubbs-Jones, she has been working twofold to ensure that the legacy of her close companion is recognized through her own hard work and dedication.

We recently sat down with Congresswoman Fudge to discuss her role in changing Cleveland for the better, the key issues on the upcoming November ballot and the future direction of our nation.

Can you tell us about yourself?
I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. In fact, I graduated from Shaker Heights High, earned a Business Administration degree from Ohio State University and a law degree from Cleveland State University.

Professionally, I was privileged to work with my friend Stephanie Tubbs Jones as chief administrator while she was Cuyahoga County Prosecutor. When she was elected to Congress I became her Chief of Staff.

After that experience, I served for 9 years as Mayor of Warrensville Heights.

Since November of 2008, I have served as a Member of the United States House of Representatives for the Eleventh Congressional District of Ohio.

What was your childhood like and how did your upbringing allow you to arrive at this point right now?
Throughout my childhood the adults in my life, particularly my mother and aunt, emphasized the importance of civic engagement and social responsibility. Growing up watching them volunteer on campaigns, and rally neighbors reinforced my belief that those actions were synonymous with being a good citizen. As a result, my professional career has been centered on service. I ran for public office to serve and fight for my neighbors.

Talk about some of the transitions you had to make when switching titles from Mayor to Congresswoman?
Adapting to life in Congress was a big transition. I now travel to D.C. weekly to vote and serve thirty times more constituents, who are extremely diverse and require more tailored services.

The Congressional decision making process is entirely different. While serving as city executive, I made decisions quickly and efficiently. Congress is a much larger deliberating body, so consensus building takes longer.

What did it mean to you when you were chosen to replace your close friend the late Stephanie Tubbs Jones as Representative for the 11^th District of Ohio?
I was truly honored when chosen to replace Stephanie because I know that she would have wanted me to do so. I want to ensure that her legacy is rightfully recognized as one that positively impacted the District and its young people.

What were some of your primary goals coming into your term last November and how would you rate your progress in achieving those goals over your first year in office?
I focus on supporting legislation that stimulates job growth, reduces foreclosures, and improves health care. Significant progress has been made during my eleven months in office.

I was proud to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which saved or created jobs in our District’s police forces, schools, weatherization firms and construction businesses. We must do more, but the Recovery Act is a good first step. To address unethical lending practices, I introduced legislation to curb predatory lending and my staff regularly hosts housing seminars.

Congress is currently debating health care reform. I am fighting for affordable insurance for all Americans. Please visit my Health Care Hub at www.fudge.house.gov/healthcarehub

What are some programs that you have implemented thus far that Northeast Ohioans can see in action right now?
My staff provides a number of resources to the community. We hosted small business seminars to connect owners with resources needed to survive the recession. Small businesses are the cornerstone of the Nation’s economy and we must assist them in maintaining fiscal viability.

In July, we held a two-day foreclosure prevention event that was attended by over thirty thousand people from the Great Lakes Region. Given the huge need for foreclosure assistance, my staff regularly coordinates housing seminars.

In August, we hosted a community health fair at John Hay High, which was attended by over 500 people. Our fair provided families with the knowledge and power necessary to maintain healthy lives by connecting them with health care experts, dedicated volunteers, and more than 70 area organizations.

What is the toughest obstacle that the City of Cleveland currently faces and what steps do we need to take to overcome that obstacle?
Undoubtedly, poverty, the lack of jobs, and rampant foreclosures are the largest obstacles facing Cleveland at this time. Economic development and job training within expanding industries will overcome these hurdles.

How do you feel about the progress that Cleveland has made in the last four years and which mayoral candidate would lead us in a positive direction for the future?
Over the past four years Cleveland has presented a balanced budget and encouraged development. While more city renewal is needed, Mayor Jackson laid a solid foundation for job creation. Mayor Jackson has my support.

Ohio’s Issue 3 has become one of the most debated subjects on this year’s ballot. Will Issue 3 do more good or bad to our already struggling economy in Ohio?
Issue 3, the Ohio Jobs and Growth Plan, will improve Ohio’s economy. It will create 34,000 jobs, many of which will be permanent positions. Many jobs will be available for a diverse group of minority and underrepresented contractors and workers.

Approximately $651 million will be generated in job growth tax revenues each year. Of that amount, public school districts will receive an estimated $221 million. As you may know, Dan Gilbert has provided significant resources for this project. He has committed to the progress of Cleveland through his ownership of the Cavaliers and through his firm, which employs over 300 area residents.

What changes can Cleveland residents see right now as a result of the recovery act and what changes can we expect to see in the future?
As a result of the Recovery Act, Cleveland residents have not experienced a disruption in state sponsored services due to budgetary constraints and many jobs have been saved.

Consider that 666,416 Ohioans received $25 per week increase in their unemployment insurance benefits. Many laid off workers are now able to afford COBRA health insurance since the federal government now pays a larger share of the cost.

Congress also provided additional revenue to area food banks and the free and reduced lunch program so that people will not have to do without food during these lean times.

The Recovery Act granted almost $14 million directly to the Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Workforce Investment Board to administer career and technical training. Training funds will be tied to jobs that are actually available as opposed to spending money in industries that are no longer hiring.

Our School Districts have received over $100 million in funding to keep teachers in the classroom and support staff on payroll.

Pell Grants were increased through the Act by $500, for a maximum of $5350 in 2009 and $5550 in 2010, which affects over 205,000 Ohioans. To further help students, Congress increased limits on unsubsidized Stafford loans by $2,000. This will affect over 450, 000 Ohio students.

As more Recovery dollars make their way into our community, we will see a greater economic resurgence.

What are some of the most important issues regarding the healthcare reform debate and how will President Obama’s healthcare plan affect Northeast Ohioans if it is adopted by congress?
The core issue is how to provide affordable and comprehensive health insurance for the 86,000 uninsured individuals in my Congressional district.  America’s Affordable Health Choices Act will provide affordable insurance for 97% of those individuals. The plan will have amazing effects.

Finally, people will not be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Also, if you develop a new illness or condition, you will not be dropped from your plan. Unfortunately, we have documented cases of Americans being denied health insurance for everything from being the victims of domestic violence to diabetes.

There will be no co-pay for preventive care, such as annual preventive care appointments, and physicals.

Your annual medical expenses will be capped. You will no longer worry about whether you can afford that necessary medical procedure.

Seniors will have a stronger, more efficient Medicare program. The House version shores up funding for the program and lowers drug costs by eliminating the Medicare Part D ‘doughnut hole.’

How would you rate the progress of our country as President Obama nears the conclusion of his first year in office and what will be the biggest hurdle that President Obama will have to surmount in the upcoming year?
President Obama has not yet served a year in office. He should be allowed to do so before we offer judgment on his record.

As of now, his largest accomplishment is that he stopped the major hemorrhaging of jobs we faced before passing the Recovery Act.

While I cannot predict what new challenges will confront the President and the Nation, certainly we must continue to address our lagging economy, and America’s missions in Afghanistan and Iraq deserve our full attention.

Should we not talk again for another 12 months – which I hope is not the case – what do you hope will have transpired over this next year for the City of Cleveland and for the State of Ohio?
At this point next year, I hope that all local, state and federal efforts have culminated into making Cleveland a better place to do business and live. Also, I hope 2010 elections return those to office who will work together on progressive agendas to enhance Northeast Ohio

by Andre Cisco II

The buzz in the streets surrounding the success of NuLife Personal Fitness has become too big not to acknowledge. With a rap sheet of numerous success stories that have knocked off over 40,000 pounds in only three years, 30 year old founder and personal fitness instructor, Miesha, continues to stress to her clients that accomplishments come in all shapes and sizes.

Tell us about yourself. Who are you? How do you pay the bills?
I am a 30 year old Fitness Entreprenuer (Fitness Trainer & Business Owner). I came up with that all by myself to best describe what it is I do.

What’s it like to be an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur is like being able to breathe life into your dreams and exhale your passion.

How did you make the jump from having a job to working for yourself?
At what point, did you decide to quit and not look back? The breaking point came when my clientele grew to about 100 clients, while working full-time and completing a Masters program. It was physically taxing on my body and letting go of my passion and my education were never an option. Then while having lunch with a close friend of mine, he asked me when was I going to stop acting like “Linus”? He said this job is like your security blanket for you just like Linus’ blanket on Charlie Brown & you have to let it go. Shortly after, I put in my 2 weeks notice.

Describe your typical workday at NuLife?
As a business owner I am never technically “off”. My day starts with teaching a 6am class most days, rushing back home to see my daughter off to school and going back to do a 9am class. Throughout the afternoon I complete my administrative duties, get my personal workout in, answer emails, complete client consultations, conduct business meetings and attend to staffing needs. Finally, I finish with teaching my evening classes, helping my husband with dinner and following up on emails/client concerns.

What are three tips you have for those that have an interest in your particular field/industry?
Education, Education, and Education. Often times, people enter this business thinking it’s a quick way to make money but quickly realize it takes true PASSION for health, fitness & saving lives! It is very important to be knowledgeable when going into this field because others put trust in you by putting their health in your hands.

Why should I work out at NuLife? Can’t I workout on my own? How affordable is it?
We provide a supportive & positive environment all while giving the best workouts in town! If everyone had the motivation to work out on his or her own, Nulife wouldn’t be in high demand. At Nulife, we do not compromise accountability because that is what people seek, someone to ensure they stay on track. If you compare personal training rates (which we do offer) you’ll find our program garners comparable results at a fraction of the cost.

How does NuLife give back to its community?
Every year we provide backpacks & school supplies to at-risk children in the community. We donate makeovers in conjunction with other business owners and sponsor a local Glenville community cheerleading team.

What’s your favorite quote?
“You’ll Love me Later,” because my clients despise me during the workouts but they love the results they get afterwards.

What should we have asked you and why?
You should have asked about my support system. My husband helps me stay sane, grounded and happy. He likes to stay behind the scenes but he plays a huge role in making these wheels turn on a daily basis. He helps me manage the high level of stress & frustration that I carry about my members getting results.

What’s next for NuLife?
We are now Proud Partners of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lake Erie Monsters Local Favorites”. We are expanding to Atlanta in November and we are bringing more results in 2010! Stay Tuned…

Party promotion and event planning is a skill that many usually undertake, but few are able to boast of having 10 years of experience. Arnold Hines, owner of Word of Mouth Promotions, has been a leader within Cleveland’s nightlife scene with a number of successful events at venues like the House of Blues, Sunset Lounge, Anatomy, and Touch. That’s not including former Cleveland clubs like Spy Bar and Cloud Nine.

FIVE TIPS TO HAVING A GREAT PARTY
1. Theme
2. DJ/Music
3. Venue
4. People
5. Promotions

His typical day includes a lot of communication such as returning emails, contacting venues, attending partnership meetings, and looking for the next event.

In addition to being his own boss and getting to set his own schedule, Arnold says that party promotion can have its disadvantages.

“Don’t expect success over night. A lot more goes into throwing a party than you might expect,” says Arnold. “This is not my hobby, this is my life. It’s my passion. My main advice is to learn from your mistakes and do not give up. If you don’t ever fail you can never grow.”

Beingg a small business owner is one of the most difficult jobs that a person can choose. Enterpreneurs exchange one supervisor for many supervisors (i.e. your clients) and take on the responsibility of not just one position but whatever position/hat/job is necessary to make their business a success.

Recently, we touched bases with local entrepreneur Demetria “Meechie” Francis of two location (4034 Mayfield Rd & 5160 Wilson Mills Rd) local salon Headlines by DeFranco to talk about the business of doing business in Cleveland.

How did you get your start?
D: I got my start as a salon owner, at the age of 22 after working in salons that didn’t fit my personality or growth as a stylist.

What do you believe are the keys to being a successful salon owner?
D: Location and advertising are key to a successful salon, but choosing a staff that supports and respects your business is equally as important.

What are some challenges you’ve faced in getting to current place?
D: Basically just staying focused and not letting negativity destroy my business. Rumors, gossip, and drama are inevitable in such a competitve business. However, you soon learn that if nobody is talking about you, than you’re nobody worth talking about.

What’s the good and bad of working in Cleveland’s hair industry?
D: The good thing is that there are very talented stylists here that do really great work. The bad thing is that they have allowed clients not to pay what the service is really worth. Stylists in Cleveland are being paid less than what stylists in other areas charge.

What words of advice do you have for upcoming stylists and salon owners? What’s the average income range?
D: Don’t be afraid to take chances. As long as you have faith in God, he’ll work everything out. A stylists income can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars a week to a few thousand. It all depends on the size of your clientele and cost of your services.

What are the top three local salons?
D: There are so many successful salons, that it’s hard to pick just three, but needless to say Headlines by De’Franco is one of them!

What’s next for Headlines?
D: I’m excited about our new barbershop coming soon, Barbers by DeFranco on 4034 Mayfield Rd. in South Euclid. Barbers Wanted! Shameless plug!

Thanks!