Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 January 2004 — Page 25

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Classified • Memoriams • Sports Business

D SECTION FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2004

Business underwent highs and lows last year

By ERICKA C. WHEELER Staff Writer The year 2003 was a year for highs and lows in business. For those who are old enough to remember - you can recall when downtown Indianapolis was nothing but just downtown. Earlier this year, Indianapolis downtown celebrated 10 years of revitalization. Not only do Hoosiers go downtown now to just watch a Pacers or Colts game, all generations visit downtown more frequently to shop at Circle Centre mall or even a walk on the canal. Younger generations find themselves often visiting nightclubs and movie theaters that have been added to the . list of retailers flocking down-

town.

But that’s not the only high for the city. More recently, Indianapolis was honored with being the sixth most cost effective meeting space in the country'. Making it a win-win for both the city and those companies who work hard to ensure that downtown Indianapolis is a top city to visit. Speakingof recognition, Hyatt Regency Indianapolis was recognized for its continuous hiring of African Americans. The Recorder spoke with the Hyatt’s general manager in the middle of the year, as he explained his reason for keeping a diverse workforce. The Coca-Cola Circle City Classic received the highest amount of promotional dollars in its 20 years of Classic games. Receiving 8850,000 in cash sponsorships that amount was up from last year by $165,000 and Circle City Classic organizers expect to receive an even bigger amount next year. . With theT?)^ of longtime Urban League Present Sam JonesJoseph Slash was elected as the second president of the Indianapolis Urban League. The city as a whole also lost a veteran investigative reporter, Sandra Chapman left WISH and has not spoken on her new loca-

tion.

Let’s talk national highs. Famed attorney Johnn ie Cochran conquered his largest case ever and the largest environmental case ever filed by settling a $700 million lawsuit for Anniston, Ala., ► See BUSINESS, Page D2

NATIONAL

■p

Cochran makes history with * environmental

case victory

Pop star Michael Jackson presented Hyatt Regency Indianapolis feceiv»44he Partners in James Brown with an award during the Diversity Award. Glenda WilsoftrCsenior sales manager third annual BET Awards. About 5.5 and General Manager Dave Jacob^accepted the award,

million people watched the premier. (Photo/E. Wheeler)

. i'.V.

mML i' . ! ■

Joe Slash became the second president of the

Indianapolis Urban League after the death of long time President Sam Jones. Slash was elected during

the summer of 2003. (Photo/J. Hurst)

Members of the Florida A&M band performed during the 20th annual Circle City Classic game. Last year's Classic generated its highest revenue in history. (Photo/J. Hurst)

2003 most memorable Black Business Profiles

NO. I COLLEGE FOR BLACK STUDENTS Morehouse conHnues

James Campbell, owner of Cambei Supreme Natural Mineral Water, stands in front of his delivery truck as he speaks with a potential buyer. (Photo/J. Hurst)

(1) Cambei Supreme (3) Bud’s Dug 1 louse Natural Mineral Water Owner: Nicko Bryant Owner: James Campbell Service: Pet grooming Service: Natural Mineral Phone: (317).‘>'20-8270 Water (4) Moe’s Functional Fitness Phone: (317) 539-5332 Owner: Mosi Barnes (2) Adult Primary Service: Fitness Care Medicine Phone: (317) 847-3603 Owner: Louis Wright M.I). (5) liidy A’s Service: Adult medical Personal ClicfService treatment Owner: James Bryant . Phone:(317)355-2700 Service: Healthy food Phone:(317) 811-8581

By ERICKA C. WHEELER Staff Writer It s time again, to frank-out the list of top colleges anti universities for African Americans. Usually the top 10 colleges stay in the top 10 - they tend to shift positions but never fall too far below. But 2003 ranks shifted a little pushing some of the most prominent colleges down to the lower end of the totem pole. “While many Black schools are thriv ing, sev eral are in crisis and need more support from the Black community," said Black Enterprise publisher Earl Graves who recently released their top 50 colleges for Blacks. Let’s start with No. 10

hotlanta’s own Clark University. Dropping down two spots from 200l’s ranking. With 3,923 students attending, these students are averaging $12,862 in tuition. Known for its popular sports program Georgetown University came in the No. 9 place. If you have a child that is considering attending Georgetown be sure to take into consideration the $25,152 cost of tuition. An Ivy League school tops the charts for Black college students. Columbia University jumped up to the No. 8 spot from No. 10 in 2001. Based in New York, this university has only 681 Black students out of the 6,867 total population. Yes this school talks dol- ► See COLLEGE, Page D2

Black Business Profile

Full name of business: Access Realty Group Inc. Address: 7140 E. 46"’ St., Ste. 100 Indianapolis, IN 46226 Phone: (317)547-8514 Fax: (317) 547-8513 Year opened: 2002 Owner: Frederick S. Hyche Number of paid employees: 4 (Commission sales)

Frederick S. Hyche

Product/sen ices: Licensed real estate brokerage - specializing in residential and commercial real estate service. We also have expertise in new residential construction and church real estate.

Significant business advances/achievements: Recently relocated to a new office location. Strong “client focused" and commitment to every client we serve. Future goals: Our mission is not to be the largest, but the best real estate company in the city of Indianapolis. In addition, we would like to increase our staff by two additional real estate professionals over the next six to nine months.

Why did you start the business and how 7 has it grown? After spending a 16-year career in the banking/finance industry, I always had a passion for the real estate business. I have always worked with the public and have a reputation for providing the expertise, knowledge and level of client service that has earned numerous awards. The company has had steady growth since its inception. The current staff consists of two realtors, a client specialist and officer manager. What are some of the obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them? Since our company is not a nationally recognized real estate franchise we must distinguish ourselves from the competition by rendering unsurpassed client service. I preach to our staff that the only thing that separates us from the competition is them. We are basically a referral-based company and therefore guard our relationships carefully. Who does your business best serve and why? Our business does not try to serve the masses but those clients that want a company that will represent their best interests and will genuinely treat them in a way we would want to be treated. We work with many first time homebuyers who need someone to go the extra mile from start to finish. How has your experience helped to meet the needs of your clients? My past experience has well equipped me to understand and meet the needs of my clients. Each and every client has a different set of needs and expectations. My job is to understand their needs and objectives and exceed their expectations. The realtors and associates in our office also have worked in various high-level customer service positions and this professional experience flows over to our clients. Where did you get the name of your company and does it have any significant meaning? The name of our company actually has a biblical underlying meaning. In the story of Noah’s Ark God instructs Noah how to build an ark with a window on the upper deck. This window, which I refer to as the “Access Point” will be used by Noah to release a dove upon the earth to see if the flood waters have receded. The significance of this is that the window represents “access.” The olive leaf represents the dry land or “real estate” and the dove represents the “group” realtor of messengers of good news.

(Left to right) Vera Hyche, office manager, conducts a meeting with staffers Johnnie Lewis and Joyce Rogers. (Photos/E. Wheeler) If you would like to be featured in the Recorder's Black Business Profile, call 924*5143.