Starting a new business can be one of the most rewarding yet most frightening ventures one will ever embark upon. Statistics show that twenty-four percent of all new businesses fail within the first two years. That number increases to fifty-two percent by the four year mark, and sixty-three percent by six years.

But more so than its birthday, the Milwaukee-based agency is particularly proud that it celebrates its birthday each year during Black History Month. "Every year as we would honor our ancestors and history makers, I would think about what legacy/ contribution we could make to Black history," says Jacqueline Moore, owner. "This month we're celebrating ten years in business leadership. This is an impressive feat in a world where most businesses fail within the first six years. Based on statistics, we're not supposed to be here. We are proud to share the month with our ancestral greats."

But the road has not been easy. The firm knows that small businesses play an important role in the lives of underrepresented voices in society. Firms with less than 100 people create the majority of new jobs in the US. Employment has and continues to be a big issue in the US economy, particularly for Blacks and minorities. Unfortunately the statistics are clearly weighted against business hopefuls, but are not impossible to overcome. Creative Marketing Resources is a proud statistical survivor.

"Most of the company's success is attributed to its core values which include keeping God first, loving what you do, striving for excellence in all areas, respecting each other, remembering from whence you came and never, never giving up" says Jacqueline. She frequently refers to the lyrics of the song "Never Give Up" as her inspiration. CMR first opened its doors in 1995 with a desire and a dream - with no big investments. They leased office space, invested in office equipment and never looked back. What they knew was that if they offered quality products and services they could serve a market that was long overdue. But finding someone who would believe in a start-up firm was challenge number one. CMR found someone - Dr. Pat McManus of the Black Health Coalition was the first contract on CMR's books. "Dr. McManus's expectations were high, and so were ours," says Jacqueline. "That's why I still have such high regard and respect for Dr. McManus."

Through it all, Jacqueline has not forgotten her roots. She comes from very humble beginnings. She is a product of Chicago's west side where she grew up in a single family home after her father was killed in a car accident. There were no Black business role models where she lived. There was no business discussion over the dinner table. No inherited wealth as start-up capital. Her mom taught her firsthand about perseverance as well as the importance of a college education and a stable job. She followed those rules until she completed her MBA and got the entrepreneurial bug. Despite the daily rigors of owning a small business she remains committed to her civic duties. She serves on several volunteer boards and is a member of The Links, Girl Friends and is the Regional Director of Jack and Jill of America, where she oversees 30 chapters across eight states. To further give back to the community, she requests that each employee serves on a volunteer board in the Milwaukee community. "We have to give back to a community who has given so much to us. I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected," says Jacque.

CMR is a full service public relations and advertising agency specializing in marketing to urban and ethnic audiences. The firm helps clients build their brands by showcasing the brand attributes that appeal to multicultural audiences. CMR was one of the first firms to introduce the local market to the buying power of urban markets. Equally impressive is its record of serving over 275 clients, placing over 95,000 ads nationally and internationally, and in the last decade has accomplished over 1.5 million hours of marketing experience.

They have served clients such as McDonald's Restaurants, Hewitt Associates, Rockwell, We Energies, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County and a long list of others. Their clients are primarily in the Midwest but they see the next ten years as an opportunity to expand into other geographic areas of the country, perhaps the Southeast. So what are the reasons for CMR's business success: 1. Education, 2. Core values, 3. Great employees, 4. A supportive family, and 5. People who believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. Later this month, CMR will host a celebration where they will present the "Believers" awards to 10 who believe in them-one for every year in business.