The Claw

Yes, Ma'am! Mammograms Are A Must® is a social enterprise that raises awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and helps to fund annual screenings for uninsured women. The sassy and southern pink T-shirt is drawing attention, and increasing numbers of mammography advocates — called Ma’ambassadors — are helping to move the momentum nationally. Sales of the tee donate 25% to nonprofit healthcare organizations or funds that provide mammograms for women who don’t have insurance.

Lee McCracken is a writer, editor, social entrepreneur and three-year breast cancer survivor. At 50, Lee says God turned her mess into a message, and she created and trademarked Yes, Ma'am! Mammograms Are A Must®. The social enterprise makes a sassy and southern statement about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The pink T-shirt (www.YesMaamTee.com) helps to fund annual screenings for uninsured women. The message is clear: “Get your squeeze on!” and be breast-aware to put a stop to late-stage cancer diagnosis. Lee welcomes advocates of early breast cancer detection, known as Ma’ambassadors, to join the campaign at www.Facebook.com/YesMaamMammograms and on Twitter at @YesMaamMammos.

Lee lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband of 29 years and also is a veteran writer and editor. Her book, “A Prayer and a Pink Pedicure,” which tells the story of self-discovery and spiritual preservation following loss, a cancer diagnosis and a crisis of faith, will be published in 2013. For more information on "A Prayer and a Pink Pedicure", check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxyZ__E-5Zo

Direct download: 9-23-2013_The_Better_You_Project_Lee_McCracken.mp3
Category:Business -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Deb Krier, “The SociaLight,” is passionate about working with professionals to show them how to use social media to promote themselves and their businesses.

Deb Krier is a Social Media adviser, professional speaker, and trainer. With nearly 20 years as a marketing and PR professional, she likes to help people learn how to use social networking in a way that helps expand their professional networks, create business, and get new clients. She hosts a weekly radio program on Mile Hi Radio that focuses on social media and is the founder of Wise Women Communications, a marketing and public relations firm.

Direct download: 9-16-2013_The_Better_You_Project_Deb_Krier_podcast.mp3
Category:Business -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Raymond L. Jackson was born in the small southern town of Valdosta, Ga. in 1961.

A vast amount of the core values, such as respect, religion, love and compassion to name a few were all provided through his eyes and learned as he watched his parents. But most of his characteristics and attributes that he is bringing to the ongoing development of First Image come directly from the 20 years of experience obtained while serving his country as an enlisted serviceman within the United States Army. Some of which has been entwined within the fabric of his everyday life.  Raymond likes to be the one that sets the example for maintaining a proficiency level that is above the standard. Throughout his encounters with others, he has established a reputation as an unusually dependable individual that has that natural drive to commit to quality.

Team cohesion and reliability is a key ingredient, for no company can accomplish their goals or any task without this concept being implemented from the top to the bottom. Being assertive and applying diplomacy have provided Raymond with being accustomed to interfacing daily with a variety of backgrounds and solving a wide range of customer problems. Raymond brings with him a keen sense of always paying attention to details and noticing those little things that others do not seem to think are important. And, of course, there is that little thing call pride. Because when you can lift your head up at the end of a hard day’s work, look back over your shoulder and can say that you are proud of your accomplishment for that day, it’s not such a little thing anymore and it makes getting up tomorrow to start all over again that much easier.

Since 2001, First Image Inc. has provided premier commercial cleaning services throughout Metro Atlanta. The goal and passion of the founder of First Image, Raymond Jackson, is to provide their clients a level of service unequaled in the cleaning industry. Through its fundamental shift from traditional janitorial services to providing 100% Green Cleaning services, First Image prides itself on the focus and commitment they employ at the unseen level, from the sparkling floors to the sanitized public spaces. First Image leverages the most advanced cleaning methods and equipment designed and proven, and uses the highest efficacy technology on the market today. When it comes to quality, attention to detail, value, and customer satisfaction, First Image knows it is what leads to loyal and sustaining clients, referrals, and repeat business.
First Image is committed to delivering a vast range of services that are both effective and environmentally unsurpassed, as well as uses materials and products that saves times and improves efficiency.

Direct download: 8-19-2013_The_Better_You_Project_Raymond_Jackson_podcast.mp3
Category:Business -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Natasha Davis-Bowen is a baccalaureate prepared Registered Nurse certified in Emergency and Trauma nursing for over 10 years. She emerged as a Business & Marketing Strategist in 2007, with the launch of her 2nd company Visionary People, LLC. Natasha shifted her career focus and pursued her Masters in Business & Marketing in the Fall of 2009. Her specialty is taking Visions for Success, and Creatively Transforming them into Reality using Strategic Planning and Execution. As a member of the AMA, NAPW, CWW, NAWOSB, WAC, RCC and certified expert in email & social media marketing, she thrives on fixing problems and eliminating frustrations for businesses and their owners.

In 2009, Natasha, authored and published her first book “Get Grounded; Stay Grounded” as a way to help people find their purpose. Currently she is working on the launch of her 2nd book “Unleash The Entrepreneur”. By 2011, Natasha gained recognition as the Executive Professional & Entrepreneur of the Year and noted as one of the 40 under 40 Movers and Shakers in Business by Career Magazine. Natasha was also welcomed to The World Chamber of Commerce as the Director of Membership in 2011. In 2012 she entered her newest roles as New Business Ambassador for the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and Chair of Marketing for the Atlanta World Affairs Council – Young Leaders. On April 30th 2013, Natasha was selected for & presented with recognition as a “Woman of Outstanding Leadership in Business” by the International Women’s Leadership Association – Leadership Category.

You can find Natasha pouring knowledge into the community while hosting her popular Radio Show, “Coaching For Success” and TV Show “A Day In The Life Of Business”. This young woman is passionate about being productive and progressive; humbly earning the title “The Chief Visionary” in 2010, her commitment & passion is to shift people into human beings of absolute success. When she’s not in the media empowering & educating the business community or directing the operations of the Target 1000 Campaign initiative, she’s working hard to take her clients and their business from Good to Great.
Find full details about Natasha on www.NatashaDavisBowen.com

Direct download: 7-1-2013_The_Better_You_Project_Natasha_Davis_Bowen_podcast.mp3
Category:Business -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Bryant Bateman is President of Exaserv, Inc. and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems from the University of Georgia. With over 15 years of implementation and support experience in the SAP HCM arena, Bryant is considered a thought leader in both implementation and building support organizations.

Prior to joining Exaserv in June of 2007, Bryant served as the manager of global HCM and Payroll support for a Fortune 150 company. In this role, Bryant was responsible for rolling our SAP HCM globally and putting in place a global support organization encompassing North America and Europe, while continuously supporting new company initiatives.

Bryant’s main focus at Exaserv includes the development and management of multiple business lines encompassing both consulting services and the application maintenance service organization across the full suite of SAP and SuccessFactors solution offering.

Headquartered in the US with global offices in Europe and Asia-Pacific, Exaserv is a SAP and SuccessFactors certified Partner specializing in the implementation of SAP ERP HCM for global companies. Exaserv has combined deep functional knowledge and technical expertise to develop their proprietary Exalerate SaaS HCM Solution which includes Exalerate Ci, Exalerate Onboarding, Exalerate Admin Tool, Bodhi Portal and Open TextTM Services, progressive offerings and customized solutions for SAP HCM. For more information about Exaserv visit: www.exaserv.com

Direct download: 6-17-2013_The_Better_You_Project_Wim__Bryant_Exaserv_podcast.mp3
Category:Business -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

After being in the Hotel industry for 22+ years, Tisha Rosamond was ready for a change! She always told my teams that when they quit loving what they were doing it was time to find something else to do and it was time for her to find another passion. Tisha fell in love with the cakes in Dallas and knew that was her passion! Who wouldn’t love having yummy cake every day?!?

From the first bite, sweet memories of your mom's cake, fresh from the oven, gently tug at your heart. At Nothing Bundt Cakes, we have combined the warmth of nostalgia with a fresh, modern approach. Our luscious cakes are made with the finest premium ingredients, including fresh eggs, real butter and cream cheese. Each bite slowly melts in your mouth, calling you back to a day when life was a little sweeter and time passed more slowly.

We have 5 unique sizes, 10 Yummy flavors with over 40 designs that are perfect for meetings, birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers, wedding receptions, our handcrafted recipes and inspired decorations celebrate special moments with a delightful charm and wit. And with a taste this yummy, we can almost guarantee your cake won't be around for long. So, 'Gather Round' and enjoy!

Direct download: 6-10-2013_The_Better_You_Network_Tisha_Rosamond_podcast.mp3
Category:Food -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Ball of Fire Consulting is a general business management consulting, training and coaching firm, working with small to corporate size businesses to implement the leadership, processes, strategies and people that will create a thriving business and company culture. With a special focus on women in leadership, Ball of Fire Consulting trains, educates, inspires and influences change for women in the workplace.

Bernadette Boas is known as a ‘ball of fire’ change agent, speaker, author, and radio host who inspires, motivates and equips women around the world, with the mindset, skills and talents they need to obtain success and prosperity in their life and business.

With what she called her ‘pink slip to freedom’, Bernadette authored her first in a series of books, Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Shifting from Bitch to Rich in Life and Business, which propelled her to the position of Leader of the Shedding the Bitch® Movement.

Bernadette has called Atlanta, Georgia her home for eighteen years, along with her four legged best friend, Charlie.

Direct download: 6-3-2013_The_Better_You_Project_Bernadette_Boas_podcast.mp3
Category:Business -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Fairywood Thicket is a Family owned business created from one jelly, Elderberry, and has expanded to an ever changing variety of flavors.

Fairywood Thicket is a small farm located in Fairburn, GA. Their specialties have grown from one spectacular Jelly, Elderberry (Mother Elder), to a unique group of hand-made Jams, Jellies and Chutneys, using an ever expanding selection of special fruits, hot peppers, and flowers. Their fruits come from a variety of sources, including their farm, other local farmers that they barter with, local folks that have fruit trees growing on their land, and wild harvest.

The Fairywood Thicket products are produced using a restored Vulcan gas oven, in traditional Copper Jam and Polenta Pots. Their commercial kitchen is licensed through the Georgia Department of Agriculture.  Each batch is created and designed around the fruits  available. Artificial ingredients, corn syrup, or food coloring is never used in their jams.  Products are made primarily from only four types of ingredients:  Fruit, Sugar, Spices, and Pectin.

Direct download: 5-13-2013_The_Better_You_Project_Kim_Conner_Quinetha_podcast.mp3
Category:Food -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Renaissance EXECUTIVE FORUMS brings together the top executives from non-competing companies of similar size, into a peer advisory board process, where these leaders gain fresh ideas and new insights that produce tangible solutions and improvements in any/all aspects of their businesses. We believe “you don’t have to go it alone”.

As President and owner of Renaissance EXECUTIVE FORUMS – ATLANTA EAST, Dennis Daniels builds and facilitates Top Executive Peer Advisory Boards, comprised of business owners, CEOs and Presidents in the Atlanta area.

Dennis has more than 30 years of global executive management experience from companies such as Tenneco Oil Co., PepsiCo, Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corp., Solectron, StatsChipPAC Ltd. and Silicon Graphics.

With particular expertise in human resources, marketing, business development, strategic planning and corporate governance, Dennis has traveled and worked extensively throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America. Prior to his corporate career, he was a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Read more about his background on LinkedIn, on www.executiveforums.com

 

Direct download: 6-3-2013_The_Better_You_Network_Dennis_Daniels_podcast.mp3
Category:Business -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Kim Conner is the founder of Fairywood Thicket Farm, a program specifically designed to help active duty, returned veterans, and civilian contractors deal with their rehabilitation from injuries and disabilities, including physical, psychological, and emotional. It is not only beneficial for the veteran, but also for spouses, parents, children, and extended family members.

The program uses the healing powers of a horses to help with emotional and physical development. It seems like a simple statement, but the back of a horse is the best place for the heart of a person.

Kim is currently looking at adding an Intern House to assist 1 – 2 homeless vets make a transition and get on their feet. The plan is to teach them the basics of equine care as well as how to help other vets with horses; such as a Mentor program to become PATH certified and be able to continue the work, as well as have a little rest and a chance to get on their feet. Instead of a hand out they will be helping the facility help others and be a major part of every day operation.This part of their program is in the planning stage and will require a lot of support from sponsors and benefactors.

Fairywood Thicket Farm is a brand new facility with 2 Registered PATH International Instructors and a Crisis Counselor.  They also have 22 amazing horses ready and able to assist vets and their families in any way possible. They will also offer  Team building and their same assistance to Police, Fire and Medical.

Direct download: 6-3-2013_The_Better_You_Network_Kim_Connor_.mp3
Category:Non-Profit -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT