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Haunted House: A Real Phenomenon Says Wesley Upchurch

In Business on May 25, 2013 at 12:32 am
Wesley Upchurch

Wesley Upchurch

Residual energy, ghost, spirits, specters, poltergeist – Wesley Upchurch says hauntings are as varied as the people who report them. Here, paranormal phenomenon enthusiast Wesley Upchurch remarks on a few of the nation’s most compelling cases of ghostly activity.

The Myrtles Plantation

According to Wesley Upchurch, St. Francisville, Louisiana is home to one of America’s most haunted houses. Built in 1796, the Myrtles Plantation is thought to be inhabited by the ghost of a young slave girl who was hung on the grounds. Chloe, reports Wesley Upchurch, can still be seen wandering the courtyards searching for the children she accidentally poisoned. According to Wesley Upchurch, Chloe was a mistress of the home’s master. Fearing that as her beauty faded so did her worth as a domestic slave, Wesley Upchurch notes that Chloe poisoned a birthday cake, resulting in the death of the owners’ only two children. Her intent was to cause stomach ache and nurse the family back to health thereby cementing her position as an irreplaceable asset to the family.

Wesley Upchurch notes that many visitors to the plantation have seen a shy African-American woman aimlessly strolling the property. Overnight guest report covers being pulled off and hearing the echoing laughter of children gone for nearly two centuries. According to Wesley Upchurch, the mirror in the main foyer is still marred by the handprints of two little girls.

The Winchester Mystery House

Sarah Winchester, reveals Wesley Upchurch, was an eccentric woman with boatloads of cash. Coupled by the unbearable loss of her husband and only child in the late 1800s, Ms. Winchester (who married into the Winchester gun fortune) did the only thing that made any sense to her: she built a house. According to Wesley Upchurch, the Winchester House is no ordinary house, however. This sprawling mansion is complete with doors to nowhere, the unusual Switchback Staircase, and the maze of passageways that only Sarah herself could navigate without a map.

Wesley Upchurch notes that the home was built after a medium told Sarah Winchester that the never ending construction of a shrine to Winchester gun victims was the only thing that would appease the ghost of the dead and damned. And, Wesley Upchurch notes that poor Sarah took those words to her grave by investing every penny she had up until her death on its resurrection.

Savannah, Georgia

No notation of America’s most haunted locations would be complete without least mention of the Hostess City of South. Wesley Upchurch says that Savannah, with its beautifully manicured public parks and historic cemeteries, is regarded as a haven for “haints”.  Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, a movie based on a book about voodoo and murder, was filmed throughout the city and founded in part on supernatural stories emanating from the city’s history. Buildings such as the historic Whitaker-Huntington Inn and the Marshall House are favorite attractions for those seeking more than Southern hospitality.

Wesley Upchurch isn’t a typical businessman. He has dedicated his entire life to helping others have fun. As the founder of some of Columbia, Missouri’s most famous family-friendly attractions, Wesley Upchurch knows a thing or two about how to have a good time. He is a thrill-seeker at heart who genuinely believes that life isn’t worth living if you can’t keep having fun when it’s over.

Senior Entrepreneurship Numbers Continue to Increase

In Business, Finance on May 22, 2013 at 3:36 pm

As economic advisers continue to forecast an uncertain future, more seniors are considering entrepreneurship as an opportunity to pursue their passions while taking financial matters into their own hands.

Although entrepreneurship has consistently proven to be a daunting task for professionals both young and old, the benefits of staying with a large company are now fewer and farther between. The potential decrease in Social Security benefits causes deep insecurity with many seniors. Other factors such as dwindling 401(k) accounts, unfair labor practices and job layoffs also account for this anxiety. The personal freedoms associated with entrepreneurship seem attractive. However, senior entrepreneurs who seek to own a business must fully examine their situations before making a big leap.

Entrepreneurship is not quite as simple as just selling a product or service to the public. Responsibilities such as leasing a building, presiding over human resource duties, and preparing payroll are all part of entrepreneurship. Overall, an entrepreneur must meet a need in the community by using a set of resources and talents that no one else offers.

The best strategy for senior entrepreneurs is to start the process gradually. Although no two entrepreneurs are alike, a measured approach ensures that the odds of success are much greater.

Seeking guidance from fellow entrepreneurs and other business professionals will instill a sense of confidence. Potential business builders should identify individuals in their chosen field who have already experienced success and then interview them to glean useful tips and techniques. Family members and friends might provide a wealth of love and support, but only a business colleague with ample experience has the additional knowledge necessary to inspire confident decisions. This trusted collaborator might not always be available for face-to-face meetings, however. Job Shadow, a popular entrepreneurial website, provides a forum where individuals can conduct interviews with industry professionals. Even when beginning a solo venture, the entrepreneur doesn’t have to go it alone.

Motivation and energy are crucial tools in this time-consuming pursuit. However, selecting the proper field is also important to prepare for the journey. Entrepreneurial groups like the Small Business Development Centers and the Service Corps of Retired Executives, as well as other nonprofit groups, give easy access to business consultants and educational courses with little or no fees. Individuals can peruse the Internet for online tools and white papers that possess financial and technological information relevant to their particular field.

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Margaret Suanne Bone Takes Advantage of Tennessee Travel

In Legal on May 21, 2013 at 1:21 am
Margaret Suanne Bone

Margaret Suanne Bone

A particular highlight in the career of Margaret Suanne Bone is her stint with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, where she served as the legislative liaison from 2007-2010. Joined by Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Margaret Suanne Bone had the ability to travel throughout the state of Tennessee and enjoy its scenic environment. From popular tourist attractions to hidden treasures, she appreciates all the state has to offer.

Margaret Suanne Bone was introduced to a number of urban and rural communities during this time, and interacted with governmental, civic and chamber leaders in each region of Tennessee. As an assistant for the annual Governors Conference on Tourism, Margaret Suanne Bone had the distinct pleasure of visiting Kingsport, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro and Gatlinburg.

In addition to these travels, Margaret Suanne Bone also felt grateful to spend time in other regions of the state including East Tennessee, West Tennessee, the Tri-Cities and the Upper Cumberland. She notes that car transportation is often the chosen option for Tennessee travelers, but they can also move across the state by plane, train or bus.

After completing her tenure with the Department of Tourist Development in 2010, Margaret Suanne Bone began working with the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDL) in 2011. In her spare time, Margaret Suanne Bone takes the occasional weekend trip to the less populated areas of Tennessee.

According to Margaret Suanne Bone, the possibilities are endless in Tennessee. One of the most beloved locations in Tennessee is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which boasts millions of guests each year. Featuring more than 1,000 square miles, the park is home to rare, unique plant life and beautiful rainforests.

Margaret Suanne Bone also enjoys all the entertainment venues—especially the Grand Ole Opry—which showcase world-class pickers and singers from bluegrass, Americana, country and roots music. Among the various museums, battlefields and historic parks in the state, her favorites include the Tennessee State Museum and Point Park of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, which is located on Lookout Mountain.

During her regular trips throughout Tennessee, Margaret Suanne Bone appreciates the opportunity to dine on some of the authentic Southern cuisine. Homestyle cooking, with dishes like barbecued ribs, fried chicken and country vegetables, is served in nearly every town or village. Both the White Bluff Apple Butter Festival and the Grainger County Tomato Festival draw large crowds annually for their food vendors as well as their arts and crafts exhibits.

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Get Styled for Wedding Season at JustFab.com

In Business, Lifestyle on May 17, 2013 at 3:31 pm
JustFab.com

JustFab.com

With summer comes choruses of wedding bells and a mailbox full of invites to accompany them.  Whether you’re headed to a black tie affair at a fancy hotel, a tropical destination wedding, a garden party nuptials – or all three – JustFab.com has everything you need to get ready for the big day. Pick the perfect pair of JustFab.com heels, a pretty handbag and show-stopping statement jewelry to round out your look, and while you may or may not catch the bouquet, you’ll most certainly be the most stylish…just don’t tell the bride!

For a black-tie wedding, JustFab.com’s Selena is the perfect shoe. This mile-high peep toe pump will flatter your legs and pair seamlessly with a floor length gown. The feminine double bow adds a special touch, and metal studs down the middle give this JustFab.com shoe a bold extra detail. Bourbon, a boxy clutch from JustFab.com, is just the right size to stow your lipstick and phone. It features a metallic striped pattern, snap closure and hidden chain strap and is great for punching up a classic black dress.  Finish off the look with Fine Champagne. These black large rhinestone dome studs exude elegance and charm and are only $9.95 at JustFab.com.

If you’re headed to an outdoor or garden party wedding, JustFab.com’s Barb is the perfect fit. In glossy nude, these leg lengthening platform peep toes are a beautiful match for a sundress, cocktail frock or pantsuit, and you can find them for $39.95 at JustFab.com. Add the Highball from JustFab.com over your shoulder. This shimmery shoulder bag available in frothy pastel colors – natural, green and rose – features gold chain accenting, a metallic sheen and can be transformed into an oversized clutch by removing the strap. Add just a touch of edge with Gilt to Last. This polished bangle with pyramid studs and rhinestone embellishment from the geniuses of JustFab.com will add depth to a romantic look.

As the guest at a sunset beach wedding, JustFab.com’s Mykonos will allow you to comfortably walk on the sand while looking effortlessly fabulous. This JustFab.com studded faux leather flat multi-strap sandal is available in white, black and nude. Fresca is a super luxe woven clutch, from JustFab.com that transforms to an oversized wristlet. Available in pewter and bronze, it’s a versatile JustFab.com neutral. Finally, for an understated touch of sparkle, put on JustFab.com’s Go Solo, a sparkling solitaire cubic zirconia set on a delicate cable chain.

JustFab.com is the web’s top fashion- subscription service, offering members the hottest styles of shoes, bags, jewelry and denim at the affordable price of $39.95 or less.

 

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Scott Safadi Explains How Technology Makes Property Management Better

In Real Estate on May 16, 2013 at 9:39 pm
Scott Safadi

Scott Safadi

Scott Safadi is a young professional in the property management business in Palo Alto, California. Living and working in the heart of Silicon Valley, Scott Safadi knows his clients and their tenants are tech savvy and demand the same from service providers. Scott Safadi and his company, CBPM, employ technology tools to provide high-quality services to apartment owners and tenants alike. As Scott Safadi explains, gone are the days of the property manager running around collecting rent checks or renters waiting days for the plumber to arrive.

In this interview, Scott Safadi describes how technology improves property management.

Presentation Solutions: First, please tell our readers about CBPM.

Scott Safadi: CBPM is the property management company I started several years ago that is solely focused on apartment owners and tenants in Silicon Valley.

Presentation Solutions: Why is the use of technology so important in property management?

Scott Safadi: In today’s world, owners and tenants expect most services to be available 24/7; property management services are no different.

Presentation Solutions: How has the use of technology changed how property management operates?

Scott Safadi: Technology allows efficiencies that get property managers and their engineers out of the office and out solving problems.

Presentation Solutions: Has technology improved building maintenance?

Scott Safadi: The time saved from entering data, making phone calls, and traveling allows me to plan for future improvements and upgrades to properties. And engineers are able to solve tenants’ problems more quickly.

Presentation Solutions: This service must satisfy renters, right?

Scott Safadi: Certainly. When I can get a drain unclogged within three hours, tenants are extremely grateful.

Presentation Solutions: What are some of the other advantages technology provides?

Scott Safadi: Renters can now pay rent and submit work orders online, saving them time, hassle and money.

Presentation Solutions: How does this system work?

Scott Safadi: Essentially, tenants have their own login portals that they can access from any computer with Internet access at any time.

Presentation Solutions: Do owners have this same setup?

Scott Safadi: While their information is a bit different, yes, owners also have their own login portals with access to their personal information at any time.

Presentation Solutions: Has this benefited property owners?

Scott Safadi: Owners are particularly interested in using technology to keep up with the status of their properties. With up-to-date, 24/7 reporting capabilities, owners can be well-informed and make strategic decisions based on the data provided.

Presentation Solutions: Is this reporting more accurate than in the past?

Scott Safadi: Yes, the technology system CBPM uses is very detailed and accurate, providing owners much better information about their properties than ever before.

Presentation Solutions: Is technology the key to happy customers?

Scott Safadi: Technology definitely helps, but the personal interaction is still very important.

About Scott Safadi:

Scott Safadi graduated from Dartmouth College in 2003 and began his career in property management. Scott Safadi and his family live in Saratoga, California, where he owns and operates CBPM. In his free time, Scott Safadi enjoys outdoor hobbies, including mountain biking, hiking and backpacking.

Temp to Hire – Why Small Business Can Benefit From Temporary Labor

In Business on May 6, 2013 at 4:27 pm

 

Small businesses often believe that direct hire situations are ideal. However, that might not always be the case.

Temporary employees have many names… temps, contingent labor, consultants, and contractors. These employees have already proven proficiency in their respective fields and can usually assume a role with little to no training. Aside from this, there are many other reasons a small business should consider relying on the expertise of a reputable staffing firm.

Temporary Replacement

One reason that businesses elect to hire temporary employees is to assume positions of permanent employees who are out for extended periods. This may be vacation, maternity leave, personal issues, temporary disability, or illness. A skilled, pre-screened employee can help to ensure productivity is not lost during the original employee’s absent.

Fluctuating Needs

Temporary workers are often utilized in positions that require staffing flexibility. This may be the case for special projects, seasonally fluctuating businesses, unforeseen economic cycles, or a temporary increase in workload. The major advantage in this situation is that temp workers can be deployed quickly to assist in a number of unforeseen situations.

Evaluation

Many companies, especially those that rely heavily on information technology personnel, use specialized staffing agencies. This offers them the opportunity to choose from a number of potential full-time employees that have already proven that they possess the skills needed to fit the position. These temp-to-hire positions allow the firm the opportunity to evaluate the potential employee’s fit with the company.

Cost savings

A good staffing firm will have a pool of qualified candidates. This helps to eliminate the business’ long search for employees with the right skills. And, since the agency handles all aspects of payroll and taxes, the small business enjoys both time and financial savings. Additionally, the staffing agency will provide and administer benefits and offer training in areas the candidate may need assistance.

Access to experience

A quality staffing firm will have connections to individuals who may otherwise not be in the market for a new position. And, many will offer a finder’s fee to encourage recommendations by peers. An industry-specific staffing firm will also have a complete database of pre-screened resumes and can match employers to candidates quickly.

Overall, the decision to hire directly or utilize the services of a staffing firm is up to each small business owner. Some claim that the high initial expense negates any possible cost savings but in the long run, most businesses do see the advantage of outsourcing their hiring practices. In many cases, this eliminates the need for human resources department and can also mean the business can avoid negative confrontation in the event of termination.

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Foreclosure Expert Travis Jones of Rush Properties Has Encouraging News for Homeowners

In Real Estate on May 4, 2013 at 12:05 am
Travis Jones Rush Properties

Travis Jones Rush Properties

Travis Jones, Rush Properties former president, points out that foreclosure is a confusing matter for many homeowners. After all, the Kansas-based real estate expert has been assisting homeowners with their foreclosure needs for more than 15 years. Today, Travis Jones of Rush Properties talks about property redemption, something he says everyone who carries a mortgage needs to understand.

According to Travis Jones of Rush Properties, RealtyTrac recently found that the number of new foreclosures is steadily decreasing. The foreclosure listing firm stated the country has seen an 11 percent reduction from the previous year. The decline in foreclosures is the result of several factors, says Travis Jones, Rush Properties’ former president.

Q: What factors contribute to the steady foreclosure decline?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: The economy seems to be improving. New jobs combined with low mortgage rates means that the worst of the recession is over and the real estate market is on its way to recovery.

Q: Were any states hit harder than others?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Yes, indeed. Florida and Nevada have the most foreclosures in the country. One of every 300 homes in Florida is in foreclosure. Nevada is second, Illinois is third.

Q: How are rising home values helping with foreclosures?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Rising home values help homeowners establish more equity in their house, which can lower foreclosure rates by helping them refinance their mortgage or help them sell their house at a higher price. Fewer foreclosed homes and higher prices are great news for all homeowners since the foreclosed homes won’t keep dragging down the value of nearby properties.

Q: Are we still in a buyer’s market?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: We are, but we’re slowly transitioning into a moderate seller’s market. Since the property supply is tight, many properties are starting to attract multiple offers, which ultimately creates a sellers’ market. A good indication is that bank-owned homes are now selling for higher prices, motivating banks to authorize more short sales that help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Q: What about the homeowner who is still facing foreclosure? Does he or she have any rights?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Yes, he or she needs to understand about their redemption rights.

Q: What are redemption rights?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: In Kansas, the sale of a foreclosed process can move fast. But since a homeowner has redemption rights, a Sheriff’s Deed cannot be issues unless the property is not redeemed. That can be anywhere from 3 to 12 months after the sheriff sale. After the sheriff sale, the homeowner can stay in the home during the redemption period.

Q: What can the homeowner do during the redemption period to avoid losing his or her property?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Well, the homeowner can keep the house by paying the full amount of the successful bid at the sale in cash which is referred to as redeeming. If amount is not paid into the courts by the end of the redemption period, the property will go to the winner also known as the holder of the certificate of purchase from the sheriff sale.

Q: Do they have a responsibility to maintain the property in any way?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Actually, yes. They should also maintain the property to prevent waste, keep utilities’ active, and keep the yard mowed. If the homeowner does not, the redemption rights could be extinguished.

Q: What happens if the homeowner refuses to vacate the home?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: The homeowner will become subject to eviction, which would lead to additional costs and fees.  The holder of the certificate of purchase will need to file a court action to have the sheriff assist in removing the previous owner.

Q: You mentioned that the redemption period varies from 3 to 12 months. What is the length of the period based on?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: It all comes down to how much the homeowner pays toward the original mortgage debt. If he or she pays more than one-third of the loan’s principal balance, he or she has 12 months to redeem the property. But if he or she pays less, there are only three months to redeem.

Travis Jones of Rush Properties is recognized in Kansas and Missouri as a leader in the real estate industry. Through his two companies, Travis Jones, Rush Properties founder and a partner in Cherry Park Properties, has served clients by providing assistance with various mortgage issues. Travis Jones of Rush Properties and Cherry Park Properties assists individuals seeking to purchase and improve distressed properties for resale.

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Charles Brennan Explains Signature Loans and the Dollar Loan Center Way

In Finance on May 3, 2013 at 1:37 pm
Charles Brennan

Charles Brennan

Charles Brennan is the majority owner, Founder and CEO of Dollar Loan Center, a Las Vegas, Nevada based company offering signature loans to customers in Nevada, Utah, South Dakota, and California.  Charles Brennan explains signature loans in the following Q&A.

Q:  What is a signature loan?

Charles Brennan:  It is a short-term loan used, mostly, in financial emergencies.

Q:  What are some of the ways folks in Las Vegas, Nevada and elsewhere have used signature loans from Dollar Loan Center?

Charles Brennan:  The loans are used mostly to bridge the gap between having a bill due and the timing of a paycheck.  People have used loans for medical bills, rent, and home maintenance emergencies, for example.

Q:  How do people apply for Dollar Loan Center signature loans?

Charles Brennan: They can come in for face to face service at one of our 80 locations. As well, anyone can apply online at any time at dontbebroke.com.

Q:  How does one qualify for a signature loan?

Charles Brennan:  To qualify, recipients go through an application process and must have steady employment.

Q:  What about bad credit?

Charles Brennan:  Dollar Loan Center has a loan product for everyone, even those without stellar credit.

Q:  Does it cost anything to get a signature loan from Dollar Loan Center?

Charles Brennan:  There are no upfront or processing fees; the recipient only pays interest charges for how long they have the loan out.

Q:  How much interest does the loan recipient pay?

Charles Brennan:  The amount of interest varies by the individual and the size of the loan, but it is accrued daily and is never compounded.

Q:  What if a borrower repays the loan early; do they still pay interest charges?

Charles Brennan:  Absolutely not.  Interest payments end the day the loan is repaid.  Dollar Loan Center wants to help people avoid the debt treadmill.

Q:  Does a borrower go through the same application process for additional loans?

Charles Brennan:  If the borrower’s information in the Las Vegas, Nevada based Dollar Loan Center system is current within the last 12 months, they do not have to go through the application process again to get approval for additional loans.

Q:  How does the signature loan at Dollar Loan Center differ from typical payday loans?

Charles Brennan:  The Dollar Loan Center signature or short-term loans rely only on a borrower’s promise to pay; Dollar Loan Center does not require any other collateral and does not hold post-dated checks.

Q:  How does Dollar Loan Center mitigate that risk?

Charles Brennan:  Dollar Loan Center is diligent in reviewing potential borrowers and collects interest that is higher than a secured, bank loan.

Q:  Is this type of signature loan popular with customers?

Charles Brennan:  Certainly!  We have had over 2,000,000 people apply for loans at Dollar Loan Center and most of them by referral from other customers.  Last year in 2012 we processed an average of 721 loans per DAY!  Our customers love Dollar Loan Center as much as I do.

Charles Brennan is a Las Vegas, Nevada based entrepreneur, finance expert and philanthropist.  Along with his wife, Charles Brennan co-founded Clark County Collection Service, one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., according to Entrepreneur Magazine. The couple resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Rick Dover on How Restoring Buildings Revitalizes Neighborhoods

In Lifestyle, Professionals on May 2, 2013 at 5:04 pm
Rick Dover

Rick Dover

Rick Dover is the general manager of Family Pride Corporation, a family owned and operated company in Knoxville, Tenn. Rick Dover and Family Pride Corporation have been rehabilitating neighborhoods since 1993.

Presentation Solutions: Rick Dover has agreed to speak with us today about his passion for rehabilitating buildings and revitalizing communities. Thank you for joining us, Rick.

Rick Dover: My pleasure. I believe what we are doing is important and I enjoy talking about it.

Presentation Solutions: So why preserve these old buildings?

Rick Dover: First of all, it’s advantageous for the neighborhood. Restoration reduces vacant housing and increases property value. It also encourages community involvement.

Presentation Solutions: How does it encourage community involvement?

Rick Dover: When citizens are proud of their neighborhood, they feel more connected to their neighbors. They become interested in making more improvements to the community, and to do that, they become more active in local government.

Presentation Solutions: Isn’t it a gamble—restoring property that others have abandoned?

Rick Dover: Sometimes all it takes is to bring one property back to life. Neighbors see what can be done and start making improvements to their property, which attracts others to the area and encourages more restorations.

Presentation Solutions: Are you saying it’s good for the economy?

Rick Dover: Restoration of a structure is more labor-intensive than new construction so it brings more jobs to the area. The materials, labor and services are purchased locally, which adds more dollars to the local economy.

Presentation Solutions: That’s interesting. I would never have thought of those added benefits to the economy.

Rick Dover: Improving a neighborhood also increases property value. Plus it’s less expensive to restore a structure than to rebuild.

Presentation Solutions: It sounds like a virtuous cycle that is potentially far-reaching.

Rick Dover: You don’t know how right you are. Historical buildings set a community apart from cookie-cutter neighborhoods. Heritage and cultural tourism is gaining ground in the travel industry as nostalgia nudges people who long for safer and simpler times.

Presentation Solutions: I suppose in mentioning a safer and simpler time, you’re referring to a world before urban sprawl and global warming?

Rick Dover: Exactly. I believe in leaving as small an ecological footprint as possible on our world, and rehabilitating buildings instead of adding new construction is one of my contributions. Preserving a building is the ultimate in recycling in so many ways.

Presentation Solutions: But aren’t you contributing to the environmental problems, too?

Rick Dover: On a much lesser degree than if we were constructing new buildings. Preservation of a building not only saves on materials, but also on the energy used to build a new structure. A lot of energy is required to demolish old buildings, excavate the land, manufacture and assemble building products, and transport them to the building site.

Presentation Solutions: I wouldn’t have thought of what you do as a form of recycling and saving energy.

Rick Dover: Did you know that 20 percent of solid waste in our landfills is construction waste?

Presentation Solutions: No, I didn’t know that.

Rick Dover: Any amount of waste we can eliminate helps the environment.

Presentation Solutions: What should a community do?

Rick Dover: Citizens should safeguard their community’s history and heritage by opposing demolition of historically or architecturally important properties.

Presentation Solutions: How can they do that?

Rick Dover: There are many ways. One enticement for business owners would be to encourage the rehabilitation of any historic buildings in the neighborhood. Owners of historic commercial and rental properties may qualify for a federal 20 percent tax credit for extensive rehabilitation of income-producing historic properties. That should make a businessperson pause and take notice.

Presentation Solutions: How do you determine what projects you choose?

Rick Dover: Historic projects are our major concentration. Unused and underused properties drag neighborhoods down quickly. Family Pride Corporation likes to target these types of situations for redevelopment.

Rick Dover and Family Pride Corporation gain satisfaction from the development and redevelopment of properties for senior housing and commercial and residential use. Rick Dover knows that improving communities through restoration is the best way to rejuvenate a neighborhood. For more information about Rick Dover and Family Pride Corporation, visit familypridecorp.com.

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Matt Schilit Discusses Career and Technology Education Initiative

In Professionals on May 1, 2013 at 1:00 pm
Matt Schilit

Matt Schilit

Matt Schilit is a longtime school administrator, having served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.  In his current position with the Allendale County School District in South Carolina, Matt Schilit supervises all data, evaluation and testing. Since testing is an integral part of a school’s funding, it is important for school systems to find leaders such at Matt Schilit with extensive experience in the classroom environment. Here Matt Schilit discusses CATE, the Career and Technology Education initiative mandated by the South Carolina Department of Education.

Presentation Solutions: Matt Schilit, what is CATE?

Matt Schilit:  According to the Department of Education website, “the mission of the Office of Career and Technology Education is to provide leadership and services to districts and schools supporting grade-level, standards-based curricula through the integration of academic and career and technical instruction for students in grades seven through twelve.”  It is grounded in a desire to prepare students for 21st century technology careers as well as give them a broad-based education.

Presentation Solutions: Matt Schilit, what changes does this bring to a school district?

Matt Schilit:  In addition to traditional academic subjects, schools must offer courses in engineering, auto mechanics, graphic design, cosmetology, horticulture, health science, welding, culinary arts and more.

Presentation Solutions: Matt Schilit, how does this affect an average high school?

Matt Schilit:  In times past, many school districts had vocational/technical high schools where some students would choose to leave the main school and pursue career-oriented education.  Now, all high schools should be integrating this kind of practical instruction into their programs.  Every district truly needs to meet the needs of all of their students by offering opportunities for students to have first-hand experiences in a variety of career-related courses and programs.

Presentation Solutions: Matt Schilit, is there any help for students in choosing which path to take?

Matt Schilit:  Yes.  State-approved career and technology assessments measure a student’s technical skill achievement once they complete four or more units in a CATE program. The identified assessments meet federal accountability statutory requirements and are designed to provide instructional and career guidance.

Matt Schilit holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina.  Matt Schilit is also an amateur competitive bodybuilder.