---Religion and Medicine blend to give religious leaders tools to battle HIV/AIDS---More than 100 pastors, deacons and other church leaders gathered in Atlanta, Georgia on October 18th to attend a unique pilot program to help guide religious leaders in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS. The one-day workshop, "Successful Ministry in the Age of AIDS", medically certified participants in prevention and outreach techniques to more effectively address the continuing impact of HIV/AIDS on the African American Community. "The Church has the power, prestige and position to get the job done," said Former Surgeon General, Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders during the keynote address. Elders also urged the Church "to stop moralizing to the pulpit and preaching to the choir, but instead go out to the streets and act with mountain-moving faith to make significant headway in stopping the spread of this disease." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV/AIDS is striking African-American communities at such frightening proportions that HIV/AIDS may very well become the leading cause of death among persons of color within a generation. Although African Americans make up 12 percent of the population in the United States, African-American men account for 43 percent of HIV cases reported among men in 2001 and African-American women accounted for nearly 64 percent of HIV cases reported among women in 2001. The program, created by Minority Health Care Communications, Inc, and sponsored by Abbott Laboratories, is a response to the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS in the African American community. For more information, contact: Gina Screen (240) 606-7757.

---Health gap---
Costs to taxpayers, patients, and employers totaling $331 billion in medical expenditures and lost productivity could be incurred over the next seven years due to the health gap between whites and minorities in the United States in three critical chronic disease areas, says a study released by Standard & Poor's Corporate Value Consulting (CVC), a leading provider of independent and objective valuations and corporate finance analysis. The study can be found at www.standardandpoors.com. Closing the Health Gap: An Economic Analysis compares the broad economic costs of diabetes, hypertension and HIV/AIDS across White, African-American and Hispanic populations. Based upon assessments of existing literature and valuation analysis of the costs for direct medical attention and lost productivity due to disability and premature mortality, the Standard & Poor's CVC study determined the yearly cost of the health gap for these three conditions at $19.1 billion, $8.5 billion and $11 billion, respectively. Adjusting for the overlap between diabetes and hypertension, Standard & Poor's CVC estimates that the combined total economic benefit of closing the population health gap for these diseases is $35.8 billion in 2002, or $331 billion from 2004 through 2010.

---MultiCultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance Board of Directors---Norman J. Hill, senior vice president of human resources for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., and its parent company CBRL Group, Inc., has been elected to the board of directors of a national organization promoting multicultural diversity in the foodservice and hospitality industry. Hill will join the MultiCultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance Board of Directors in January 2004. He will serve on the board until 2006. In consideration of his appointment, Hill was asked to submit information on Cracker Barrel's outreach efforts to show how the company has demonstrated a commitment to diversity within the industry. Hill was one of 10 new board members chosen through a formal nomination process.

---NY Seminar: "Business Connections for Profitability" Early Registration Deadline (Nov.5)---On November 13, 2003 in New York City, corporations and businesses will gather to get the bottom line on recent diversity and business trends during a leadership seminar, "Business Connections for Profitability." The insights to be presented document the newest 'reality' for diversity and business success across markets, industries and geographies. Attend and learn how to achieve your business goals in a changing economy and diverse marketplace. The event will also feature a discussion and review of Fortune Magazine's 2003 diversity special section, Martha R.A. Fields and her new book, Love Your Work by Loving Yourself, and Mosaica, the newest diversity, business and public relations reference guide Don't miss it! To register, send an email to NYseminar@unityfirst.com or call 800-286-3659 by November 5th for early registration. Seating is limited. Ask for early registration discounts

---Raleigh, N.C.:Congrats to the O'Jays---
MBC Chairman & CEO Willie E. Gary and Shaw University President Dr. Clarence Newsome recognized the legendary musical group The O'Jays with honorary degrees for their tireless work raising money for scholarships on behalf of at-risk students who wish to receive a college education. The O'Jays -- Walter Williams, Eddie Levert and Eric Nolan Grant -- were honored during Shaw University's Fall Convocation. "It is an honor to recognize the accomplishments of these men," said Gary, who is president of Shaw University's Board of Trustees. "Eddie, Walter and Eric have always been about more than just making music. Every time I call on them, they are there, whether it be to perform at an event or to speak to students about staying in school and staying away from drugs. ... They are always so giving of their time and money when it comes to helping our young people, I cannot think of anyone more deserving for this recognition." Gary, born to sharecroppers, has overcome a lifetime of obstacles to become one of this nation's most successful trial attorneys. In addition, he is the chairman & CEO of the Major Broadcasting Cable Network (MBC), the nation's only African American owned and operated 24-hour cable television network, as well as MBC News, a cable news network devoted to African American news and issues.

---Cracker Barrel Old Country Store honors top performers---All year long, they have shown excellent leadership, built a positive team atmosphere among employees, and provided superior guest service with a smile. Who are they? They are the cream of the crop, and they were recently recognized for their hard work, dedication and contributions during Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.'s Manager's Conference held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Resort in Nashville, Tenn. Al Dozier, a Cracker Barrel restaurant regional vice president, and Beth Quinn, a retail regional vice president, received "RVP of the Year" awards. John Ravizee, general manager of the Cracker Barrel unit in Dublin, Ga., received the Uncle Herschel Award. This prestigious award, established in 1998, recognizes one general manager who best exemplifies the spirit of Uncle Herschel, Cracker Barrel's original goodwill ambassador. Mark Root, restaurant district manager, and Bobbie Dearwester, retail district manager, both received The President's Award for outstanding performance, leadership and staff development at the district level. Kelly Brenny, retail manager of the Cracker Barrel unit in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., received the Retail Manager of the Year President's Award, the highest company-wide honor awarded to a retail manager at the store level.

---Pittsburgh,PA: YWCA and Racial Justice Awards---The YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh Center for Race Relations has announced its 2003 Racial Justice Awards. Since 1992, the awards have been presented annually to recognize individuals, corporations and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to eliminate racism. Awards will be presented at the YWCA Annual Members Meeting and Racial Justice Awards on Thursday, November 13, 2003, at Pittsburgh's Grand Hall at the Priory, 614 Pressley Street, Pittsburgh, PA. The Honorary Chair of this year's event is William E. Strickland, Jr., President and CEO of the Manchester Bidwell Corporation.

---San Antonio, TX: National Hispanic Corporate Council---The National Hispanic Corporate Council (NHCC) will hold its Annual Member Meeting, titled Leadership and Winning Hispanic Initiatives: Crisis Management and Community Relations, at the Hyatt Regency, Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX, November 4-6, 2003. Experts in crisis management and community relations will present case studies and interactive workshops for the FORTUNE 1000 corporate representatives.

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