BETHESDA, MD—The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson recently announced five of its portfolio companies ranked high on the “2010 B.E. 100s List,” published annually by Black Enterprise magazine.

RLJ McLarty Landers Automotive Group ranked first in a category of 60 in this year’s auto dealership rankings. RLJ McLarty Landers was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Little Rock, Ark. The company consists of 35 automotive franchises and three Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealerships across the south central, southeast and midwest regions of the country.

In today’s time, according to author and financial expert Glinda Bridgforth, it is important for women to be aware of their financial situation and to be financially literate. Quoting her motto, that it is time for women of color to be “empowered, prepared, prudent and prosperous.” She pointed out that even in these uncertain economic times you should have power and the potential to achieve goals and dreams.

FINANCIAL AWARENESS—Glinda Bridgforth speaks to those at the Financial Literacy workshop.

After working with women of all colors and economic status, Bridgforth ascertains that the core reasons people have monetary trouble is low self-esteem, deprivation and fear. “Instead of dealing with what is going on on the inside we often use the retail theory and shop,” she said. “If you feel something is missing, you have to think about the motive, act on it, and deal with the fear of not having enough money,” Bridgforth said.

Law and business seminar

JUNE 16—Chatham University’s Center for Women’s Entre­preneurship will host their Law and Business Seminars from 8-9:30 a.m. at Woodland Rd., Shadyside. This business session will provide practical and effective steps that one can use to protect their business and the people that ensure its success. Some of the topics include proper business formation, indemnification agreements, insurance contracts and more. The guest speakers will be Beth A. Slagle, Esq. and Joshua M. Farber, Esq. Registration is required and the cost is $20. For more information, call Anne Flynn Schlicht at 412-365-1153.

Father’s Day is almost here, so remember—men love toys. Regardless of his age, you might consider getting your guy a new video game or gaming system, as they continue to be popular. But ladies, if you buy him this kind of toy, your guy may need to share with you—because more women are gaming, too.

According to The Nielsen Company, the world’s largest marketing research company (aka, my employer), women love Wii, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. Except perhaps for me. While I have spent hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars buying gaming components (the money invested in batteries alone could have netted me a hefty return by now if put into a Certificate of Deposit), I’ve actually spent less than 20 minutes playing a game. Clearly, I don’t buy them for myself. But am I the norm?