An organization is an entity comprised of a defined structure and operational systems that flow logically and smoothly throughout the structure, creating activities within the organization that leads to positive organizational results.

Business corporations are organizational entities. They are comprised of organizational structures, which comprise the framework on which the operations of the business are built. This organizational structure becomes meaningful when the human element is fitted to that structure. It is this human element, through its human leadership (owner, founder, president), that gives the organization a mission. This in turn encourages that leadership to attract other humans (managers and staff) to allow the business to function towards meeting its defined mission.

The business leader has to be careful, and wise, in selecting other leaders (managers), as it is the role of these managers to assist the leader in molding together a collaborative team of workers, whom can be adequately motivated to give the organization a special performance culture expressed both internally and externally.

It has been months since Hurricane Wilma paralyzed South Florida and left many residents frustrated. But, now, the electricity is restored, the tree limbs are removed and there is a sense of normalcy, until the affected have to deal with folks that are insuring their homes or businesses.

All Floridians want is for their insurance companies to assess the hurricane damage and reimburse them for the full amount claims. All insurance companies want to do is avert paying the full amount Floridians are entitled to, outlined in their insurance contracts. 

Ask yourself, how is it that U.S. property and casualty insurers earnings rose 4.4 percent during the first 9 months of 2005, according to the Insurance Services Offices (ISO)? Why are the largest property-casualty insurance companies facing huge penalties for fraud, and thousands of lawsuits for underpayment of claims?

For any Caribbean-American attempting to operate a small business, it is known how difficult it is to get funding from a bank. This difficulty also exists for jost Caribbean-Americans and other black Americans who try to get a mortgage or a personal loan from a bank. Criticism by black folk, from whatever origin, against banks in this country has been loud and widespread for years,

However, a group of black churches Florida are taking steps to make banks more sensitive and more cooperative to the needs of their black customers. About 30 South Florida ministers, known as the Collective Banking Group (CBG) are inviting banks in the community to join the ministers in a “Community Covenant for Economic Development.” Under the covenant participating banks would be more accessible to assist church members in black communities with their personal and business financial requirements.

Is debt management or credit counseling the answer to bankruptcy?

  What is the alternative to bankruptcy?

 Changes in the bankruptcy laws, which became effective in October 2005, have removed the easiest alternative that many consumers had turned to in the past for debt relief. This was to file chapter 7 bankruptcies. So how can you keep your wits, pay those bills and still maintain a reasonable standard of living?

 Is debt management/ credit counseling, debt negotiation or credit repair the answer?

 There are several names that are touted as debt resolution agencies. For example, debt management, debt negotiation, credit repair and others. Many of these agencies operate as non-profit. However, there are vast differences among them.

Homeowners to benefit from Florida tax-cuts

Included in the massive tax-cuts proposed by Florida governor, Jeb Bush is a $100 rebate to Florida homeowners who have Homestead exemptions or own their own mobile home. The governor proposed tax cuts earlier this week amounting to $1.5 billion.

 Also proposed is nine percent reduction in the school taxes paid by all property owners. This $570 million tax cut would be another major benefit to homeowners. 

In proposing the cuts Bush said, “In times of growth, tax dollars should be returned to working families, and small businesses in Florida.” 

The tax-cut package calls for spending more than $1 billion on the tax rebate and tax cut for homeowners. The governor also proposed other significant cuts including completely eliminating the state’s tangible tax on stocks and bonds, and a tax on alcoholic beverages consumed at restaurants and bars. 

Florida’s current strong economy has prompted economists to predict that state legislators will have billions more than was expected to spend in the coming year.