Letters.

A GRACIOUS HOST

Since January, my husband and I had planned to vacation this year in Las Vegas. We decided to stay at the MGM Grand Hotel; the trip was planned for July. A month before our departure, we received the July 1999 issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE, and to our surprise, you had an article on twin brothers [and MGM Grand Inc. casino executives] Dan and Dana Napier. (See "They Got Game.") We read the article and were so impressed by it that I told my husband that I had to meet these brothers.

Upon our arrival at the MGM Grand, my mission was to maybe run into Dan Napier, as his brother Dana was in Detroit. On our final day at the MGM Grand, the opportunity presented itself and we got to meet Mr. Napier. He was the nicest person my husband and I had ever met. We are just average, middle-class citizens and he treated us as if he knew us.

Our visit with Mr. Napier meant so very much, knowing that he took time away from his busy schedule to talk to us. We thank God for people like him and are glad that he can still relate to everyday people. Thank you, BE for keeping us informed of the accomplishments of African Americans.

Willie Greene Addie Greene Miami

DEBT OF GRATITUDE

Thank you for the beautiful article on D&B Recovery Inc. and its president and CEO Alvin D. Rice, in your June 1999 issue ("Recovering Losses," Enterprise).

It's been a long time since I've seen a positive article on the subject of debt collections. Although I have owned my own agency for 25 years, it's very demanding and a difficult area of legitimate financial services. African American participation is even more challenging because of the difficulty of attracting corporate clients. However, it's a very financially and personally rewarding enterprise.

You have certainly covered a first-class operation in D&B Recovery Inc. As an African American in the field of debt collections, I feel very proud of this young man's achievements.

Harvey L. Cooper Owner and General Manager Mercantile Collection Agency Atlanta

DRIVING DIVERSITY

As an African American employee of Mercedes-Benz of North America, I would note that your article [on African American access to opportunities to own import car dealerships] was dead on. (See "The Loaded Sticker Price," June 1999.)

But I must say that Mercedes-Benz has taken steps to move beyond a simple diversity initiative. We are putting in place methods that make diversity a part of our culture at both the retail and corporate levels.

Ron Ward Manager, Marketing Academy Mercedes-Benz of North America [e-mail]

GETTING STARTED

Your article "There's No Place Like Home," the first installment of your Business Startup Series in the Enterprise section (June 1999), was outstanding. It brought me one step closer to starting a home-based business offering international and national alumni development, relationship management and information services to clients including historically black colleges and universities.

The business start-up tips covered what you need to know to start a home-based business. You covered some areas I have already researched and other areas I have yet to. I'm interested in information and organizations targeting home-based businesses, how to make the transition to working in an outside office and whether there is a need to expand the business beyond its home base. I'm inspired by BE, and I look forward to upcoming articles in this series.

Johnnie B. Pope Jr. International Associate University of Pennsylvania Development and Alumni Relations Fundraising Management Certification Program Philadelphia [e-mail]