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BLACK ENTERPRISE Profiles Model Moguls in September Exclusive

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Tyra and Iman Share Success Stories; B.E. Announces Corporate Executive of the Year

NEW YORK, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- "So many girls think that modeling is a party. It's not," says supermodel Tyra Banks, who stayed one step ahead of the cutthroat modeling industry by positioning herself to be finished with modeling before it was finished with her. In the BLACK ENTERPRISE (BE) September issue exclusive, "Models Inc.," writer Alisa Gumbs profiles former African American models who transitioned from runway divas to savvy businesswomen-from the legendary Barbara Smith of B. Smith Enterprises to the flamboyant Kimora Lee Simmons, president and creative director of Baby Phat.

The most well-known examples of models turned mogul are September issue cover subjects Iman and Tyra Banks. Iman sits atop a cosmetics empire that sells millions of dollars of products annually through mass-market retailers such as Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and Target. Banks is the creator, host and executive producer of the hit reality show America's Next Top Model and The Tyra Banks Show, a talk show that has scored high ratings with young female audiences, earning it a second season. "Few models ever make it big, and the majority of new businesses fail. But these women have managed to conquer two very difficult arenas-despite their double minority status and the perception that they are nothing more than pretty faces," says Gumbs. "BE celebrates their achievements and, at the same time, highlights some of the often overlooked pioneers of the trend." (Pg. 112)

Also in the September 2006 issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE:

BE names Aetna President and CEO Ronald A. Williams, 57, Corporate Executive of the Year. In "The Turnaround King," Careers and Lifestyle Editor Sonia Alleyne gets up-close-and-personal with the intensely private executive for an exclusive look at the strategies he employed to resurrect the nation's largest insurance company and oversee its 600% increase in share price. (Pg. 97)

BE names the "30 Hottest Franchises for 2006," which include Liberty Tax Service, Meineke Car Care Centers, and Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell). Many African American entrepreneurs are succeeding in the franchising arena by collaborating with franchisors who understand the need for diversity and have developed effective minority outreach programs. Franchising, which accounts for nearly 10 million jobs and a payroll of about $230 billion, has long been considered an attainable method for black entrepreneurs to build and maintain wealth. (Pg. 110)

The September 2006 issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE is available on newsstands now.

BLACK ENTERPRISE, your ultimate guide to financial empowerment, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, be has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine provides 3.9 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, BE also produces radio and television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content, and digital media. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, and the authority on black business news and trends.