As the past chairman of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, it is not surprising that J. Bracken Burns favors consolidation of Allegheny County municipalities, but in some circumstances, he favors creating regional agencies that would exercise authority over several counties and perhaps into neighboring states.

Burns, a Washington County commissioner since 1996, told members at the Oct. 16 African American Chamber of Commerce power breakfast that while everyone likes the access to municipal mayors and council members, the sheer number of political subdivisions in the region are almost unmanageable.

WELCOME—African American Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Doris Carson Williams welcomes guest speaker Washington County Commissioner J. Bracken Burns at the Oct. 16 power breakfast.

The scripture says that a good name is more desirable than riches (Proverbs 22:1).
Apparently the “Forget the dog, beware of owner” sign, the surveillance cameras and the various alarm systems we purchased for our most prized possessions have forced thieves into a new direction.  The fastest growing crime in America is identity theft. Many criminals have discovered that it’s less risky and in many cases more profitable to steal your personal information than it is to commit strong-arm robbery, burglary or hijack you for your car. Capital One is not the only character wondering, “What’s in your wallet”?
As we continue to move closer and closer to a cash-less society—opting for credit cards and debit cards instead, protecting yourself from being a victim of identity theft should be a top priority.

Our House Development, Inc., operated by Dawn Webb Turner, will hold its annual Economic Awareness & Community Appreciation Benefit Oct. 30 and 31 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum.

The event will be comprised of two parts: The Community Appreciation Benefit on Oct. 30, at the August Wilson Center from 7-10:30 p.m.; VIP Social 5:30-7 p.m. and the Economic Awareness Day will be at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

DAWN WEBB TURNER

(NNPA)—Many novice entrepreneurs are led to believe that only prestigious educational degrees are necessary for success. However, it is this fear which surrounds launching a business venture that can be the most difficult barrier to realizing your financial dreams.

Although a formal education is one helpful element to success—the primary ingredients to obtaining wealth start with determined hard work and intelligent business decisions.
Don’t over complicate the step by step business development process—make it your own, innovate. Today’s successful CEOs captured their dreams by listening to proven mentors, staying focused, always willing to accept learning from failures. By listening to their gut instincts entrepreneurs cut through wasteful static that often drains energy.