Business News

Bill Baldwin has been named senior Realtor executive at Karen Derr and Associates. More than doubling his production over 1999, Baldwin was awarded the promotion for his consistently excellent client satisfaction rating, as well as his growth in residential sales. Besides continuing in sales, Baldwin will be a key person in the agency’s executive team and assist in strategic planning for the Heights office for the year 2001. When asked to what he attributes his success, Baldwin cited repeat and referral business, as well as his affiliation with several custom builders in the Heights. Baldwin specializes in residential sales in the Heights, Montrose, West U and other close-in neighborhoods. He can be reached on his direct line at 281/850-6862. Karen Derr & Associates Realty has offices in the Heights and Kingwood areas and can be reached at 713/862-1600.

Did you know that over 45 percent of all Americans who die from cardiovascular disease have normal cholesterol levels? While managing your cholesterol is important, several other independent factors cause close to 50 percent of all cardiovascular deaths in the United States. These factors can be easily screened for and treated if you know what to look for. Want to know more? Dr. Nellie Grose will present a free public lecture on March 6 from 12:15—1:30 p.m. at the Houston Title Company, 777 Post Oak Place, Suite 100. Registration begins at noon. For more information or reservations, call Linda at 713/660-6620.

G&L Connection (www.glconnection.com), a communications provider for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, announced that it has reached an agreement with EarthLink, the nation’s second-largest Internet service provider (ISP). The partnership will allow G&L Connection to provide EarthLink’s Internet service to their subscribers, while allocating 2.5 percent of their revenue to be donated to LGBT charities and causes. • Subscribing to EarthLink through G&L Connection provides gay and lesbian subscribers with all the benefits of EarthLink’s service, and the added value of knowing that their choice of Internet service providers will directly benefit causes deemed of importance to the LGBT community. As a bonus for signing up with EarthLink through G&L Connection, subscribers will not be required to pay the $25 setup fee and will receive their first month of EarthLink Internet access free of charge. • Charities slated for donations in 2001 include GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), HRC (Human Rights Campaign), GLSEN (The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), and the GSBA Scholarship Fund (managed by the Seattle Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce). Charities are chosen based on subscriber input. • Individuals interested in signing up for EarthLink through G&L Connection can do so by calling 1-888-EARTHLINK, ext. 60154, and mentioning registration number 400059983.

Ever thought of the perfect thing to say, hours after the discussion/argument passed? If you were smart enough to think of it later, what stopped you from saying it when you needed it? Probably lack of confidence, self-esteem, and good communications skills got in the way. Therapist Denise O’Doherty, LPC, LMFT, LCDC, RN, will present her workshop "Develop Confidence and Self-esteem Through Personal Boundaries and Effective Confrontation" on Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m.—noon. Learn step-by-step methods of how to confront someone effectively and identify ways to ovecome being manipulated, controlled, and intimidated due to differences in personality styles. Identify and discuss the importance of personal boundaries and how they are essential to healthy relationships, confidence, and personal integrity. To register for this class or for a schedule of other workshops, call Denise O’Doherty at 713/524-9525. Fee $25 per class.

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