May 2009
June 2009
In This Issue‌
On the
Road to Recovery
5 Cover Story: Roadmap to Recovery 7 Civil Rights History Project 15 BBA Awards Dinner Honoree Profiles 39 Do you have a Strong Business Home Page 29 SBA to Award Auto Business Loans
Pres. Obama Has His... You Get Yours! Black Business News
SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE LIMITED EDITION
Now On Sale! A commemorative limited-edition magazine, unlike any other special tribute issued to recognize the election of Barack H. Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America, has been published by the Black Business Association.
To order your copy, call the BBA office at (323) 291-9334 or email to: mail@bbala.org
Hurry! Buy Your Copy Today - Quantities are limited!
President’s Message Earl “Skip” Cooper, II President/Chief Executive Officer
In Recognition of Black Music Month
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he Black Business Association’s 35th Annual Awards Dinner was a sumptuous and stirring event indeed for all who attended. A warm June evening brought together hundreds of friends and supporters of the BBA with the common purpose of recognizing corporations, agencies, and individuals that have been most supportive of the growth and development of the Black Business Association, and the African American business community as a whole. Oh, yes, we also had a really good time, too. For this event we chose to focus the spotlight upon a vital facet of African American life and commerce that touches everyone within the community: Black Music. It would not be an
exaggeration to say that the rhythms and rhymes of Black music go well beyond the boundaries of our community and can be said to in fact touch everybody on the planet Earth. How many of us have travelled the world, finding ourselves in some distant outpost, only to encounter a man or woman in a Michael Jackson Thriller t-shirt? I even have it on good authority that hip hop sounds can be heard floating from living room windows on the crowded streets of Beijing. Music, as the saying goes, is universal and there is no more common thread than the business of music around the world. If you don’t believe me, ask Smokey Robinson how many languages Being With You has been translated into or what it’s like to keep
Save the Date!!
up with the royalties due from far flung countries in Asia. The BBA wants to thank all of our corporate partners in this Annual Awards Dinner, but we are especially appreciative for the participation of Dinner Chairman Donald T. Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and President of The Donald T. Sterling Corporation. I congratulate the awardees for their stellar entrepreneurial accomplishments in the field of entertainment, and hope that we will all take inspiration from their achievements. Lifetime Achievement honoree Smokey Robinson, Business Pioneer awardee Miller London Jr., Rising Star winner James DuBose, Community Service honoree KJLH 102.3 FM, Supplier Diversity champion Linda Wright, Majority Corporation Verizon, Small Business Lender star Well Fargo, Special
California Construction Expo 2009
see President’s Message page 24
The Premiere Gathering for Construction, Designers, Construction Professional, Suppliers and Construction Workers August 13, 2009 • Los Angeles Convention Center • 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Full Access Pass $55:
Access to all events activities, workshops and lunch program. Price increases after July 31, to $70.
Exhibitor Early Registration:
Standard Exhibit: $700 • Corner Exhibit: $1,000 Double Exhibit: $1,200 • Double Corner Exhibit: $1,500 Prices increases after July 31. For more information regarding the Expo, please visit CalCon’s website - www.calcon.com.
2009 Events
TBD •Trade Mission to Washington, DC September •Black Busines Day Conference & Luncheon October •Utilities Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon • Call for information •
Metropolitan’s Registration & Certification is needed for contracting success!!
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
3 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
323-291-9334
Over 35 years of service Founded 1970 Starlett Quarles, urban X marketing
Black Business Association P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 323-291-9334 Fax: 323-291-9234 mail@bbala.org www.bbala.org
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Earl “Skip” Cooper, II
PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS W. Gladney ▪ C. Collins
PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • N. Osei
LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications Copyright © 2009 by Black Business Association. All Rights Reserved.
BBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ted Davis, Chairman IsComp Systems, Inc. Nathan Freeman, Vice Chairman Figueroa Media Group, Inc. Eugene Jones, Secretary NVA Financial Group, Inc. Kevin M. Caliup, Treasurer AIA/E-World Strategy Narishimah Osei, Parliamentarian Osei & Associates Gwen Moore, Director GEM Communications Candida Mobely-Wright, Director Voices, Inc. Angela Walton, Director Melador Technologies, Inc. Angela Reddock, Esq., Legal Counsel
STAFF Earl “Skip” Cooper, II, President/CEO Kesha Vontreese, Administrator Brett Byers, Special Projects Manager
COMMITTEE COORDINATOR
CORPORATE PARTNERS AEG American Honda Motor Company AT&T Bank of America The Boeing Company California Lottery Citibank Coca-Cola Enterprises Comerica Bank Department of Water & Power Donald Sterling Corporation Fannie Mae IBM Kaiser Permanente LAEDC Los Angeles World Airports Northrop Grumman Corporation Raytheon Company S.C.R.P.C. Sempra Energy Southern California Edison Swinerton Builders Toyota Motor Sales, Inc. Turner Construction Company Union Bank of California USBank Verizon Walt Disney Company WellPoint Wells Fargo Bank Lyceum Management Services, Ex Officio Hollis Smith, Ex Officio Paulette Williams, Ex Officio
AFFILIATES African American Unity Caucus Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs Black Women’s Network California Black Chamber of Commerce California Council of Black Chambers The Greenlining Institute Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense & Education Fund National Black Business Council The National Association of African American Chambers of Commerce The National Black Chamber of Commerce Pan African Film & Arts Festival Recycling Black Dollars
Join the BBA! 323-291-9334 4 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
In This Issue… 3 President’s Message Headline Here.
5 Cover Story: •Roadmap to Recovery •Praise for Rep, Waters 6 Middle Class Taskforce 7 Civil Rights History Project 10 Gov. Schwarzenegger Speaks to Assembly 15 BBA Awards Dinner Awardee Profiles 18 Consumer Confidence Increasing 28 Africa Focus •Julius Coles Retires from Africare •A Few Notes on Africa
39 Test the Power of Your Business Home Page 43 SBA News Auto Industry Loans
52 Calendar Executive Promotions •John Comissiong Pg 12 •Ursula M. Burns Pg 12 •Brenda Wright Pg 12 •Rex Ramsey Pg 22
Columns
40 - Books to Consider... 42 - Wendy’s World Wendy Gladney
Cover image - White House Photo
Roadmap to Recovery: Vice President Biden Reports to the President President Barack Obama listens as Vice President Joe Biden (left) presents the report on the Roadmap to Recovery as he meets with his Cabinet in the State Dining Room of the White House, Monday, June 8, 2009. Looking on at right are Attorney General Eric Holder and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.
ur “Roadmap to Recovery” initiative is an ambitious effort to reflect the commitments of your Cabinet members for a stepped up level of activity in implementing the Recovery Act in the next 100 days. We intend to deliver this increased pace at virtually every agency, and in countless programs. In this report, we have highlighted ten of these commitments and provid-
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ed a graphic representation of where Americans can expect to see the Recovery Act in action across the country this summer. These ten spotlighted commitments include: •Enable 1,129 Health Centers in 50 States and Eight Territories to Provide Expanded Service to Approximately 300,000 Patients. •Begin Work on Rehabilitation and Improvement Projects at 98 Airports
see Recovery Roadmap page 21
President Obama Praises Congresswoman Waters Waters Works Diligently to Help Families Save Their Homes
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resident Barack Obama gave praise to Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) for her role in shaping and passing the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act (S.896), legislation that will prevent many home foreclosures and strengthen the housing market. Congresswoman Waters was one of a select few House and Senate leaders invited to attend the signing ceremony for the legislation at the White House. In expressing his thanks to those who have played key roles on this issue, President Obama said that Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank and Congresswoman Waters “have done a great job”. Congresswoman Waters, who chairs the Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee, introduced a pro-
and Over 1,500 Highway Locations Throughout the Country. •Fund 135,000 Education Jobs Including Teachers, Principals and Support Staff. •Begin Improvements at 90 Veterans Medical Centers Across 38 States. •Hire or Keep on the Job Approximately 5,000 Law Enforcement Officers. •Start 200 New Waste and Water Systems in Rural America. •Begin Work on 107 National Parks. •Begin or Accelerate Cleanup Work at 20 Superfund Sites from the National Priority List. •Create 125,000 Summer Youth Jobs. •Initiate 2,300 Construction and Rehabilitation Projects at 359 Military Facilities Across the Nation. When you signed the Recovery Act, you promised that, “Once the money starts to go out you’ll be able to see how, when and where it is spent.” The information included here is only a down payment on that promise. We are working with the Recovery Ac-
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vision included in the bill to prevent the worst subprime lenders who have
preyed on prospective homebuyers from participating in Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan programs – which help families refinance into safer mortgages. She was also instrumental in the reauthorization of the McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act, which was included in S. 896. Congresswoman Waters also worked with Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to improve the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) to allow states that have received the minimum NSP funding to shift resources to target areas most at risk of foreclosure. Congresswoman Waters said, “I am pleased that we were able to pass this important legislation to help families save their homes. I will continue to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress to prevent foreclosures and strengthen the housing market.” Visit www.whitehouse.gov to learn more about S.896 and www.makinghomeaffordable.gov for information on the Home Affordable Refinance Program.
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Vice President Biden Challenge: Help Retrofit America
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o rebuild and strengthen the middle class, Vice President Joe Biden wants Americans earning more money in enterprises that upgrade America’s buildings, increase their efficiency, save money, and at the same time, help to improve our environment. A smart plan will ultimately save Americans billions of dollars in energy costs, while creating jobs and reducing the strain on our nation’s power grid. Reducing the load on our coalfired power plants would, in turn, cut air pollution - letting our kids and seniors breathe a little easier. At the same time, retrofitting American homes will also enhance their value - since energy efficient homes are more valuable than drafty ones. In other words, an aggressive program to retrofit America will create more work, more wealth, and better health for middle class Americans. That is why today Vice President Biden asked the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to help the administration develop long-term, innovative proposals to begin weatherizing and retrofitting our nation’s building stock. Fortunately, the Obama-Biden administration is already off to a great start! Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the administration made a significant investment in making America’s homes more energy efficient, dramatically increasing previous funding levels for weatherization and retrofit of buildings. For example, the Weatherization Assistance Program was funded at only around $250 million in 2008. The Recovery Act boosted funding to $5 billion. That translates to jobs for professionally trained crews using computerized
energy audits and advanced equipment to determine the most cost-effective measures. To meet this demand for workers, there will have to be a huge ramp-up in training workers. That’s why the Recovery Act also includes $500 million for green job training through the Department of Labor. Moving beyond those who are presently benefiting, the Obama-Biden administration wants to find ways to extend energy efficiency to the entire middle class. On average, a complete weatherization reduces a household’s annual gas heating consumption by 32 percent; that translates to an average of $350/ year, at current prices. Retrofitting and upgrading buildings so they waste less energy benefits the middle class in numerous ways: job creation; entrepreneurial and business opportunities; a healthier environment; and reduced home energy costs. We don’t want the national drive to cut America’s home energy bills to come to an end when the Recovery Act funding is spent. So, over the next 90 days, we will review proposals that build on the foundation laid in ARRA to expand green opportunity and energy savings for the middle class. We at CEQ are happy to accept the challenge!.
Middle Class Task Force Announces Agency Partnerships to Build a Strong Middle Class through a Green Economy Department of Labor Announces $500 Million in Recovery Act Funds for Green Job Training www.AStrongMiddleClass.gov
As part of their commitment to developing new policies, proposals and ideas to help America’s middle class, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced new agency partnerships to foster job growth for a new green economy at the Middle Class Task Force in Denver. “It was clear at our first meeting in Philadelphia that partnerships – on the federal, state and local level – are critical to creating green opportunity for middle class Americans. This insight was an instructive one for our taskforce and we’ve been hard at work turning this advice into action,” said Vice President Biden. “Over the past three months, members of the Task Force and their staffs have come together to work on ways in which we can leverage programs at different agencies to ensure that green jobs are accessible to middle-class workers, as well as lower-income workers trying to gain a foothold into the middle class.” The U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are partnering to bring training and employment to public housing residents. In a joint letter, Secretaries Solis and Donovan encouraged local Workforce Investment Boards and Public Housing Agencies to work together to bolster pathways to training and employment for residents of HUD housing. Through this new partnership, residents of public housing will be able to more easily find training programs and sustainable employment in the green job sectors created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Additionally, the Secretaries of Energy, Education and Labor announced a collaboration to make it a major priority to institutionalize cross-agency com-
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see MCT Partnerships on page 9
Oral History Project Initiated: Civil Rights History
Project Act of 2009
“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that individuals should stand up for their rights and beliefs and fight for justice.” ~ Civil Rights History Project Act of 2009.
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resident Barack Obama signed the Civil Rights History Project Act of 2009 bill into law in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Shown above with President Obama at the signing were, from left: Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL); Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY); Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA); Rep. Lacy Clay (D-MO); Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) and Rep. John Lewis (D-GA). The Act funds a 5-year initiative to record oral and video histories of those who lived during the African American Civil Rights movement between 1954 and 1968. The Act - requires the Librarian of Congress and the Secretary
of the Smithsonian Institution (acting through the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture) to establish an oral history project to: (1) collect video and audio recordings of, and visual and written materials relevant to the personal histories of, participants in the Civil Rights movement; and (2) make the collection available for public use through the Library of Congress and the Museum. “While the Civil Rights movement had many visible leaders, including Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks, there were many others whose impact and experience were just as important to the cause but who are not as well known,” reads the Civil Rights History Project Act of 2009. Now a half a century later, there is a need to collect these personal histories before these voices are lost. “There is
a generation of Americans who experienced the Civil Rights movement firsthand, and we must not let their stories about the fight for equality be forgotten,” said U.S. Senator Lamarr Alexander. “The lives of real people caught up in this monumental chapter in American history must be preserved so future generations can fully understand the struggles others undertook to transform our nation.” The bill permits the Librarian and Secretary to solicit and accept donations of funds and in-kind contributions. In addition, H.R. 586 authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 2010 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2011 through 2014. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that enacting H.R. 586 would cost $4 million over the 2010-2014 period. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.
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You are proud. You are committed. You are a leader. You are an ethnically diverse business owner, and you deserve a bank that can help you fulfill your dreams. Union Bank of California’s Business Diversity Lending program recognizes this and offers a variety of smart financing options and flexible, less restrictive lending requirements.Whether you need short-term financing to help run your day-to-day operations, or long-term financing for new equipment or building improvements, your dream of running a successful business is well within your reach. Invest in you ®
To see if you qualify, stop by your local branch, call 1-888-818-6060, or visit unionbank.com/diversebizloans Crenshaw Branch: Karen Smith, Branch Manager, 3501 W. Jefferson Boulevard, (323) 737-3483 Ladera Heights Branch: Renee Givhan, Branch Manager, 6719 La Tijera Boulevard, (310) 342-1779 This is not a commitment to lend. Financing subject to credit and any applicable collateral approval. Other restrictions may apply. Eligible borrowers must meet all criteria for the Business Diversity Lending program. Financing available to businesses located in California, Oregon or Washington.Terms and conditions subject to change. ©2008 Union Bank of California, N.A. Member FDIC
MCT Partnerships munication about private sector jobs created as the result of federal action. Through these efforts, jobs created will be connected to training programs and career pathways that can provide transitions for adults between employment and for students from high school to postsecondary education and into careers. Through this partnership, the Department of Energy will identify ways to
The competition for grant money is anticipated to begin in June 2009, with application closing dates starting during the late summer. “Our workers are our nation’s greatest asset and investing in our nation’s workforce is critical during these tough economic times,” said Secretary Hilda L. Solis. “The $500 million grant competition being announced here is another way the Department of Labor is committed to helping workers from all backgrounds through difficult restructuring times and pave pathways to re-
strengthening our economy and putting more Americans back to work, we are cutting our dependence on foreign oil and combating climate change.” “Schools must prepare students for college and careers, and adults must have affordable opportunities to continue learning if our country is to drive the global economy recovery,” Secretary Duncan said. “Partnerships such as this one demonstrate how government can be a catalyst for renewal as workers reinvent themselves and learn new skills. At the same time, the cre-
notify the Department of Labor as funding commitments are made and jobs are created. The Department of Labor will in turn provide the information to local One Stop Employment Centers that will connect unemployed workers with jobs, training and education opportunities. The Department of Education will help identify the educational resources for training so we ensure that educational opportunities linked to job creation are comprehensive. The Labor Department also officially announced plans to release $500 million from the Recovery Act for grants to prepare workers for careers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors. These funds are targeted to help underserved communities and $50 million will assist communities affected by auto industry restructuring.
build a stronger middle class.” “In these challenging economic times, it is crucial for government agencies to collaborate to find innovative ways to create jobs and get Americans working again,” said HUD Secretary Donovan. “I am proud of this new partnership, which will allow public housing residents to gain easier access to job training programs, build skills and participate in the new green jobs economy.” “Working together to foster more jobs, particularly in the renewable energies sector, means more bang for our buck and more help for middle class families. That’s what this Task Force is about – developing policies, coming up with ideas across the spectrum of agencies and working together to put them into action,” Energy Secretary Steven Chu said. “While we make progress in
ative minds of America’s students will develop the emerging industries that feed a green economy if we support their growth.” Through these partnerships, HUD, the Labor Department, the Energy Department and the Education Department are: leveraging resources to connect workers to green career pathways and sustainable employment; advancing existing and future training and education programs; and helping to ensure employers have access to a qualified workforce for the green economy of the 21st century.
from Middle Class Task Force on page 6
References: •Memorandum of Understanding www.dol.gov/recovery/green-jobs-mou.pdf •www.AStrongMiddleClass.gov •www.whitehouse.gov
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Governor Schwarzenegger’s Address to CA Legistors
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hank you very much, Speaker Bass, Senate Leader Steinberg, Assemblyman Blakeslee, Senator Hollingsworth, my fellow constitutional officers and my fellow servants of the people. First of all, I want to thank you for the gracious invitation to address you here today and to address the people of California. Today I want to talk about financial crisis. Three months ago the members of this body came together to set aside their ideological differences and did what they believed was best for California. We solved $36 billion of a $42 billion deficit. But as you know, part of our budget agreement required us, by law, to go back to the people for approval, right at a time when the people wanted to send Sacramento a powerful message. And that message was clear: Do your job. Don’t come to us with those complex
issues. Live within your means. Get rid of the waste and inefficiencies and don’t raise taxes. Now, as I stand here today, we are in the midst of the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. in the past 18 months one-third of the world’s wealth has vanished. And because of that and because of California’s outdated and volatile tax system, our revenues have dropped 27 percent from last year. And you can see this right here on the charts next to me; it’s very clear. We are now back to the same level of revenues we had in 2003 and when you adjust for inflation and population, we are back to the level of the late ‘90s. Today, just three months after our February budget, we once again face a $24 billion deficit.
“Small Business Administration 8A Procurement How-To”
Small Business Procurement Success Workshop
9 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. June 18, 2009 U.S. Bank Branch Community Room Slauson and Crenshaw Boulevards, Los Angeles Advanced registration preferred because space is limited: Call 323-291-9334 or send an e-mail message to mail@bbala.org. Provide your name, the number of people attending, company, telephone number, e-mail address, and industry category.
California’s day of reckoning is here. In order to deal with our limited amount of money I have proposed some dramatic
changes in our May Revision. Those spending cuts represent much more than the hard decisions necessary to balance our budget. They represent the transformation of what services Sacramento can provide and how those services are delivered. The immediate task before us is to cut spending to the money that is available to us. We have no time to waste. The controller has told us that we have 14 days to act or California is at risk of running out of cash. I’ve already used my executive authority to reduce the state payroll and I’ve proposed the necessary cuts to the three largest areas of our budget, which is education, health care and prisons. I know the consequences of those cuts are not just dollars. I see the faces behind those dollars. I see the children whose teachers will be laid off. I see the Alzheimer’s patients losing some of their in-home support services. I see the firefighters and the police officers who will lose their jobs. People come up to me all the time, pleading, “Governor, please don’t cut my program.” They tell me about how those cuts affect them and their loved ones. I see the pain in their eyes and I hear the fear in their voices and I hear the demonstrations outside of our Capitol. It’s an awful feeling but we have no choice. Our wallet is empty, our bank is closed and our credit is dried up. I know for many of you these will be the hardest votes that you will ever make. But see Govenor’s Address page 18
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Harley-Davidson Names John Burns New Comissiong Director of Market CEO of Xerox Outreach Corporation
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arley-Davidson Motor Company has announced that John Comissiong will oversee the development of strategic marketing opportunities for the African American customer segment as the director of Market Outreach. John has been with the Motor Company for more than five years and has served in the positions of Material Ve-
locity Center Project Lead, Financial Analyst, Strategic Planning Manager, E-product Marketing Manager and Sales Operations Director. Before joining Harley-Davidson, John was at Canon USA in his hometown of New York. He holds multiple degrees including a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Cornell University, a Master of Science in engineering from Stony Brook University and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University. A licensed rider, John’s VRSCDX Night Rod® Special is his favorite motorcycle. Never having ridden a V-Rod model before, it was a perfect fit from the moment he got on. In addition to getting out and riding every chance he gets, John enjoys attending motorcycle events and becoming further immersed in the world of motorcycling and bonding with fellow riders.
Wright to Head Wells Fargo’s California Regional Community Development
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ells Fargo has announced that Brenda Wright, a 24-year company veteran, will lead the California Regional Community Development team at Wells Fargo. As part of the company’s Social Responsibility Group, the Community Development team manages the company’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) performance, leads community outreach, manages relationships with key internal and external partners, and contributes to the company’s reputation. In addition to her new duties overseeing the California team, Wright will continue her role as regional director of
Community Development for the San Francisco Bay Area region. Wright reports to Mike Rizer, head of Community Developsee Wright page 24
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rsula M. Burns is Chief Executive Officer of Xerox Corporation effective July 1, 2009. She is also a member of the Xerox Board of Directors. Burns joined Xerox in 1980 as a mechanical engineering summer intern and later assumed roles in product development and planning. From 1992 through 2000, Burns led several business teams including the office color and fax business and office network printing business. In 2000, she was named senior vice president, Corporate Strategic Services, heading up manufacturing and supply chain operations. She then took on the broader role of leading Xerox’s global research as well as product development, marketing and delivery. In April 2007, Burns was named president of Xerox. Ursula M. Burns earned a bachelor of science degree from Polytechnic Institute of NYU and a master of science degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University. She serves on professional and community boards, including American Express Corp., Boston Scientific Corp., FIRST - (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), National Academy Foundation, MIT, the U.S. Olympic Committee and the University of Rochester.
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THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary June 2, 2009
AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH, 2009 -------
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION The legacy of African-American composers, singers, songwriters, and musicians is an indelible piece of our Nation’s culture. Generations of African Americans have carried forward the musical traditions of their forebears, blending old styles with innovative rhythms and sounds. They have enriched American music and captured the diversity of our Nation. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we honor this rich heritage. This legacy tells a story of ingenuity and faith. Amidst the injustice of slavery, African Americans lifted their voices to the heavens through spirituals. This religious music united African Americans and helped sustain them through one of the darkest periods in our Nation’s history. Years later, spirituals contributed to the advent of a new form of music: gospel. Both styles incorporated elements of African music and were rooted in faith. The African-American music tradition also reflects creativity and individualism. Blues, jazz, soul, and rock and roll synthesize various musical traditions to create altogether new sounds. Their novel chord progressions, improvisation, and mood showcase individual musicians while also creating a cohesive musical unit. In addition, African-American composers have thrived in traditional genres such as musical theater, opera, classical symphony, and choral music, providing their unique imprint and creatively growing these forms of music. All of these contributions are treasured across America and the world. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we recall the known and unknown musicians who helped create this musical history. Their contributions help illuminate the human experience and spirit, and they help us reflect on our Nation’s ongoing narrative. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as AfricanAmerican Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and foster appreciation of music which is composed, arranged, and performed by African Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtythird.
Barack Obama
M YO U R L I N K T O B L A C K B U S I N E S S E N T E R P R I S E IN SOUTHERN C ALIFORNIA ~ OV E R 3 9 Y E A R S O F S E RV I C E ~
35th Annual Awards Dinner
IN RECOGNITION OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH
The Black Business Association Annual Awards Dinner
held Thursday, June 4, 2009 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles honored an exceptional array of corporations, government agencies and individuals that have been most supportive of the growth and development of the Black Business Association (BBA) and the African American business community as a whole. The gala also recognized outstanding entrepreneurs, professional executives and corporations who serve as examples of the great results possible when “Best Practices” are applied to operating a business or corporation, or to achieving professional excellence.
Several of the awards for the 2009 dinner were focused on leaders in the music industry in recognition of Black Music Month. June is designated as African American (or Black) Music Month by Presdential procalmation each year. President Obama’s proclamation is show on page 14.
35th Annual Awards Dinner Honorees
Lifetime Achievement:
Smokey Robinson. Legendary Recording Artist and Producer anaging a successful career in the entertainment industry that spans over 4 decades, Smokey is a performer, song writer, producer, corporate executive, and philanthropist. He is known and adored by young and old around the world. His success and popularity have resulted in his receiving awards, honorary degrees and induction into several Halls of Fame.
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Business Pioneer:
Miller Longdon, Jr. Publisher/CEO, Urban Network, Inc.
aintaining leadership positions in the music industry for over 40 years. Continuting leadeership as the head of Urban Networks.
Rising Star:
James DuBose, CEO, DuBose Productions udicious application of management and creative skills has lead to the establishment and growth of an entertainment company for the modern day viewer and listener. Poised to explore and deliver quality product well into the the future.
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Community Service:
102.3 FM, KJLH perating in the Los Angeles area for more than 40 years, the station has become an integral component of the entertainment and information resource system for the people. The delivery of music, news, and socially conscious events has been coupled with audience response opportunities to create and maintain a lively and informed community of wellserved listeners.
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President’s Recognition:
Jim Brown, Founder, AmerI-Can Program for Social Change ot content will achieving Hall of Fame success in the sports and entertainment arenas, Jim Brown has extended his life’s work to include service to young people. Embracing those with troubled experiences and facing difficult challenges by offering a loving and guiding culture of possibility, growth and achievement. The application of the Amer-I-Can Program for Social Change in schools, community groups and correctional facilities across the USA and around the world has resulted in positively changed lives. www. amer-i-can.org.
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Supplier Diversity:
Linda B. Wright, Deputy Executive Officer, Diversity & Economic Opportunity, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
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ecognized for a professional career of service and leadership in ensuring that the best interests of African American and other minority workers and entrepreneurs are met by corporate and government entities. By combining personal skills sets and the drive for success, Ms. Wright has achieved a high level of success as a career executive and a a business person. Her efforts have opened doors for fair and equitable treatment and application of opportunities for the underserved communities of the Greater Los Angeles area.
Special Recognition:
Beverly A. King, Director, Community Affairs, Turner Construction er professional career in developing and administering public and private sector projects addressing community outreach and job development has resulted in Ms. King being recognized as a consumate executive in her field. She serves on many boards as a representative of Turner Construction and as an individual professional. She has been nominated and awarded several “Advocate of the Year” awards along with many honors and recognition presentations.
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Major Corporation of the Year:
Verizon Communications erizon Communications, Inc. is a leader in delivering broadbank and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to the mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Through the Verizon Foundation the corporation supports a vision of advancing technology that touches people’s life. The foundation provides support for the technology services of the African American Supplier Engagement Collaboration - www.TheArtofBidding.com and www.BlackSuppliers.com.
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Small Business Lender:
Wells Fargo Bank, NA his corporation earned status as the top Small Business Administration lender in the State of California for 2008 by lending more that $172 million in SBA financing to California businesses. Wells Fargo is the nation’s number one lender to small businesses in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods with $4.4 billion in 2007 loans (under $100,000). Overall, Wells Fargo has loaned more than $38 billion to women, African American, Latino and Asian business owners since 1995.
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16 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Break The Cycle and MaryAnn Mitchell Scholarship Awards Thursday, June 11, 2009 Marriott Los Angeles Airport PRESENTED BY NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS COUNCIL, INC. (NBBC) 501 (c) 6 INSTITUTE OF THE NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS COUNCIL, INC. (INBBC) 501 (c) 3
Dinner Chair:
Donald T. Sterling, Owner, Los Angeles Clippers, President, The Donald T. Sterling Corporation n addition to growing two successful corporate entities Donald Sterling lends a portion of his time and profit to aiding organziations and programs that work for and contribute to the betterment of the local and national society.
I
California Black Chamber of Commerce/Chamber Foundation
2009 Annual Events and Activities Calendar www.calbcc.org June 19th Juneteenth Community Educational Fundraiser Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento, CA A program dedicated to our young adults to celebrate the history of the African American contribution to the United States and California.
August 19th-21st Ron Brown Business Economic Summit & Youth Scholarship Awards Wyndham Hotel, San Jose, CA This is our main event and major fundraiser for the Chamber & Chamber Foundation. The Summit addresses supplier diversity issues, corporate matching efforts, state and federal contracting & procurement opportunities. Our Youth Entrepreneur Summit & Scholarship Awards will climax the Ron Brown Memorial event topped off with exceptional world renowned entertainment.
17 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Economic Recovery:
Consumer Confidence Increasing
Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index™ at Highest Level in Eight Months Lynn Franco (212) 339-0344
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he Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index™, which had improved considerably in April, posted another large gain in May 2009. The Index now stands at 54.9 (1985=100), up from 40.8 in April. The Present Situation Index increased to 28.9 from 25.5 last month. The Expectations Index rose to 72.3 from 51.0 in April. The Consumer Confidence Survey™ is based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households. The monthly survey is conducted for The Conference Board by TNS. TNS is the world’s largest custom research company. The cutoff date for May’s preliminary results was May 19th. Says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center: “After two months of significant
improvements, the Consumer Confidence Index is now at its highest level in eight months (Sept. 2008, 61.4). Continued gains in the Present Situation Index indicate that current conditions have moderately improved, and growth in the second quarter is likely to be less negative than in the first. Looking ahead, consumers are considerably less pessimistic than they were earlier this year, and expectations are that business conditions, the labor market and incomes will improve in the coming months. While confidence is still weak by historical standards, as far as consumers are concerned, the worst is now behind us.” Consumers’ overall assessment of current-day conditions improved again.
Governor’s Address
way to provide those services at a lower cost? For example, I’ve asked our State Board of Education to make textbooks available in digital formats. Now, we expect the first science and math books to be digital by this fall. If we expand this to more textbooks schools could save hundreds of millions of dollars a year and that’s hundreds of millions of dollars that could be used to hire more teachers and to reduce class sizes. In so many areas of government there are opportunities like this for reform. All we have to do is go out and seize them. Spending on prisons has nearly doubled in the last five years. We spend $49,000 per inmate per year; the national average is only $32,000. Now, other states have privately run correctional facilities that operate at half of the cost. Why can’t we? We must also restructure the relationship between state and local government. We all hear from the local officials about the heavy hand of Sacramento. If we are providing fewer resources we have an obligation to cut
from Governor’s Address page 10
the people sent us here to lead not only in times of prosperity but also in times of crisis. We must make these cuts and live within in our means, because what is the alternative? If we don’t act, the state will simply run out of money and go insolvent. You see, we are not Washington. We cannot print our own money, we cannot run trillion dollar deficits and we can only spend the money that we have. That is the harsh but simple reality. Now, at the same time, we cannot take this budget and make it just about cuts. There are also some great opportunities here for structural reform. Like Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity but an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” So let’s use this crisis as an opportunity to make government more efficient and to find innovative ways to stretch the taxpayer dollar. Can we not find a
Those claiming business conditions are “good” increased to 8.7 percent from 7.9 percent. However, those claiming conditions are “bad” increased to 45.3 percent from 44.9 percent. Consumers’ appraisal of the job market was also more favorable. Those claiming jobs are “hard to get” decreased to 44.7 percent from 46.6 percent in April. Those saying jobs are “plentiful” edged up to 5.7 percent from 4.9 percent. Consumers’ short-term outlook improved significantly in May. Those expecting business conditions will improve over the next six months increased to 23.1 percent from 15.7 percent, while those anticipating conditions will worsen declined to 17.8 percent from 24.4 percent in April. The employment outlook was also less pessimistic. The percentage of consumers expecting more jobs in the months ahead increased to 20.0 percent from 14.2 percent, while those anticipating fewer jobs decreased to 25.2 percent from 32.5 percent. The proportion of consumers anticipating an increase in their incomes edged up to 10.2 percent from 8.3 percent. most of the strings and mandates and to get out of the way. Right now we are cutting billions of dollars from our schools, so shouldn’t we give districts more freedom and flexibility and not tie their hands with strict rules like who is allowed to mow the lawn or fix the roof, or do the plumbing? I’m also proposing once again to eliminate and consolidate more than a dozen state departments, boards and commissions. These include the Waste Management Board, the Court Reporters Board, the Department of Boating and Waterways and the Inspection and Maintenance Review Committee and so on. There is absolutely no reason to hold onto those redundant boards in the crisis. We should not and I will not, cut a dollar from education or a dollar from health care or a dollar from public safety or a dollar from our state parks without first cutting the Waste Management Board and other boards like it. (Applause) Every dollar that we save
18 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
see Governor’s Address page 22
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary June 2, 2009
NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2009 -------
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION Caribbean Americans have made lasting contributions to our Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture and history, and the month of June has been set aside to honor their cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and social diversity. Generations of immigrants have preserved the traditions of their homelands, and these traditions have defined our Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity. Caribbean Americans bring a unique and vibrant culture. This multilingual and multiethnic tradition has strengthened our social fabric and enriched the diversity of our Nation. Millions of individuals in the United States have Caribbean roots. Unfortunately some Caribbean Americans were forced to our country as slaves; others arrived of their own volition. All have sought the promise of a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their children. In their pursuit of success, Caribbean Americans exhibit the traits all Americans prize: determination, a devotion to community, and patriotism. They have made their mark in every facet of our society, from art to athletics and science to service. Caribbean Americans have also safeguarded our Nation in the United States Armed Forces. This month we also recognize the critical relationship the United States maintains with Caribbean nations. In a world of increasing communication and connectivity, this friendship has become even more important. We are neighbors, partners, and friends; we share the same aspirations for our children; and we strive for the very same freedoms. Together, we can meet the common challenges we face. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I urge all Americans to commemorate this month by learning more about the history and culture of Caribbean Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtythird.
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21 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
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nion Bank, N.A., has named Rex Ramsey a vice president and senior wealth advisor for The Private Bank, which provides comprehensive wealth management solutions for individuals, families and businesses. Based in the Inland Empire, Ramsey will be responsible for helping clients with banking, investment, estate planning and trust services. In addition to the Inland Empire, Ramsey will serve clients in the surrounding desert and mountain communities, including Barstow, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear Lake, Blue Jay and the Coachella Valley cities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Rancho Mirage. “We are excited to have Rex join our Southern California Private Bank team,” says Union Bank Executive Vice President Mary Curran, head of The Private Bank. “He brings great experience working one-on-one with clients to develop customized financial solutions.” Ramsey was previously a senior financial advisor for the bank’s subsidiary, Union Banc Investment Services (UBIS). Prior to joining Union Bank, he served as a financial consultant for Fidelity Investments, where he was responsible for providing financial solutions to affluent clients with managed accounts, mutual funds, life insurance, and fixed income and annuities. He also worked for Washington Mutual Financial Services as a financial consultant, specializing in 401(k) rollovers. Ramsey attended the University of California, Riverside and is also pursuing a degree in business administration at California Coast University. He is a member of Kiwanis International and is president elect for the San Bernardino chapter. Ramsey holds a Certified Fi-
nancial Planning distinction and is also a member of the Financial Advisors Council for the Community Foundation. Ramsey resides in Southern California with his wife Candace and son Anthony. Headquartered in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a financial holding company with assets of $68.7 billion at March 31, 2009. UnionBanCal Corporation is the 16th largest commercial bank holding company in the U.S. based on assets at March 31, 2009. Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank, N.A., is a full-service commercial bank providing an array of financial services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. Union Bank is California’s fifth-largest bank by deposits. The bank has 335 banking offices in California, Oregon, and Washington and two international offices. UnionBanCal Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Mitsubi-
Governor’s Address from page 18
from those boards and commissions is a dollar that can help vulnerable citizens. I’m also proposing to sell off state property, because Sacramento should not be in the real estate business, especially when we are in a fiscal crisis like this. Now, I know that the money that we receive from this property won’t go directly to the general fund; it will pay off debt. But that lowers our debt payment, which then does help the general fund. Everywhere I go I hear stories about families selling off their boats and motorcycles to make ends meet. They have garage sales, they have yard sales. They know that you don’t have or keep a boat at the dock when you can’t put food on the table. All of these proposals I have talked about for years and yet they never got done. I remember in 2004 I talked about blowing up the boxes and consolidating agencies. But now we are here in a crisis. Then we had the revenues go up and we had the economy come back in a big way, so we couldn’t get it done. Now we’re in a crisis and we are running out of excuses and we have run out of time. And the people have run out of patience. Early this year we began consolidating all of our IT departments. My proposal to consolidate all of our energy functions is in the legislation before you right now. So is a proposal to consolidate the departments that oversee financial institutions and I will soon send you legislation to merge our tax collection operations. These are all actions that we here can take, on our own, to save money and to make government more efficient and we don’t have to bother the people with those things and we don’t need permission from the federal government. Now, I know that Senator Steinberg is talking about reforming and restructuring the relationships between the state shi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: MTU). Visit www.unionbank.com for more information.
22 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Governor’s Address and local government and Senator Hollingsworth and the Republicans have some great ideas about performancebased budgeting. And in July, we should receive the bipartisan recommendation from our tax modernization commission. This will be a tremendous opportunity to make our revenues more reliable and less volatile and to help the state avoid the boom and the bust budgets that have brought us here today. Let’s all work together on all of those issues and make it happen. I don’t expect every single one of those reforms to happen within the next 14 days but we can certainly get them done before this party adjourns for summer recess on July 17th. Now, there are other big reforms that I continue to believe in very strongly like a spending cap and the rainy day fund in order to further stabilize our revenues but I’m not going to talk to you today about that because those reforms require voter approval. As we all have learned just a few weeks ago, the voters will never trust us on those big
issues until we show that we can do our job in this Capitol and make the tough decisions. There is no doubt that the challenges before us are enormous. They will test our will. They will test our resolve. They will test our leadership. Many of those things that I’m proposing are despised by the special interests that rely on the status quo and we are all too familiar with the interest groups and their army of lobbyists. But let’s not forget, it is our job. We have been sent here to Sacramento to lobby on behalf of the people and on behalf of the great state of California. So in the coming days and weeks, the entire nation will be watching how we react and respond to this crisis. Last week Paul Krugman from the New York Times wrote that California is at a state of paralysis and that our political system has failed to rise to the occasion. People are writing California off. They are talking about the end of California dream. They don’t believe that we in this room have the courage and the determination to do what needs to be done, or that the state is even manage-
able. Let’s prove all the pundits wrong. Let us use this crisis as an opportunity, as an opportunity for great changes, lasting changes. Let’s not think just in short term; let’s think big; let’s think outside the box. Let’s think long-term and lay a new foundation for California’s future. Let’s meet those challenges head-on without gimmicks. I don’t want to hand these problems to the next Governor and I know that you don’t want to hand them to the next Legislature. So I have faith in all of you. I have faith in our ability to once again come together for the good of our state. So I say let’s move forward and put California back on the path to prosperity.
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23 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Presents
2009 BUSINESS EDGE WORKSHOP SERIES
Essential Business Tools for Small Business Owners in Financial Crisis Survival Strategies, Business Owners’ Edge, Time Management and Internet Marketing Presenters: The Optimize Group, Inc. y Beeson Terhorst LLP y Time Strategies y SCORE
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A high-impact workshop series designed to empower small business owners with knowledge and strategic tools to stay competitive and on course to achieve business success! To register, call Sally Virgen at 626-302-8883 or via email at sally.virgen@sce.com
President’s Message from President’s Message page 3
Recognition winner Beverly King, and President’s Awardee Jim Brown all received the accolades and respect well deserved and due to each one, as they were lifted up in high esteem by everyone in the room. The mood, music and memories shared made for a nostalgic yet uplifting night not to soon be forgotten. Our sincere appreciation goes to the event co-sponsors, whose support is accepted with respect and gratitude: AT&T, Southern California Edison, Verizon, American Honda Motor Company, Comerica Bank, U.S. Bank, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Wells Fargo,
Dickerson Employee Benefits, AEG Worldwide, Metro, Southern California Gas Company, Pacific Coast Regional, and Western States Petroleum Association, Bank of the West, and Patten Energy, Inc. I again want to personally congratulate all of the award winners, as they have provided and will continue to supply the soundtrack of our lives. They are our esteemed business partners in progress and we couldn’t ask to be in better company. Be sure to check out FoxxMedia.Smugmug.com for photos from the Dinner. And remember, the Black Business Association looks forward to your continued support, as we advocate for African American enterprise development.
Brenda Wright from Wright page 12
ment for Wells Fargo. “Brenda is an outstanding leader and I’m thrilled to have her serve as the head of Community Development in California,” said California Regional Banking President Lisa Stevens. “She embodies the culture of Wells Fargo with her never-ending dedication to the community, including her passion for creating opportunities for our team members to become active leaders in their communities across our state.” A 24-year Wells Fargo veteran, Wright joined the company in 1985 as
24 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
See Wright page 54
State Wide News! California Council of Black Chambers ▲▲▲
AACC Networking Mixer
June 5, 2009 6-8 pm African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) of San Joaquin Health Plan San Joaquin 7751 S. Manthey Road French Camp. Appetizers. No-Host Beverages. Door Prizes ▲▲▲
TSA Secure Flight Information Secure Flight is a program to provide uniform watch list matching by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to enhance the security of domestic and international commercial air travel through the use of improved watch list matching. Under the Secure Flight program, airlines will be required to collect Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) including a passenger’s full name (as it appears on the passenger’s non-expired government issued ID), date of birth, gender, and TSA issued Redress Number (if available). TSA is implementing Secure Flight in phases. Airlines working closely with the TSA will begin collecting SFPD from customers at the time of ticket purchase in the Fall of 2009. For more information, visit www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight.
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26 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
International:
Julius E. Coles to Retire from Africare By Tina Musoke, Media Relations, tmusoke@africare.org
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rue to his promise to himself and his family, Julius E. Coles has announced his retirement as President of Africare effective December 31, 2009. Taking the reins in 2002, Coles is only the third president of the oldest AfricanAmerican led organization working ex-
clusively on development assistance to Africa. He is fond of saying that “the best time to leave an organization is at the pinnacle of its success, and I believe that is where Africare is today.” Speaking of his predecessor, Coles stated, “It has been a privilege to build on the legacy of C. Payne Lucas, one of the founders and second president of Africare, who took Africare in 1971 from its modest beginnings in the basement of his home and a budget of $39,500 to becoming a well-known, highly respected and successful organization.” Between 1970 and 2002, Africare provided almost $450 million through de-
velopment projects across the continent of Africa. Coles has taken Africare to a new level, bringing in more than $400 million in new commitments in just seven years, almost doubling the total amount of development dollars generated by Africare over its 39-year history. As many of the original members of the Africare staff retired, Coles brought in experienced and highly-trained professionals to update management practices and systems. Financial stability has been achieved through introducing new controls and financial software, instituting and standardizing an innovative accounting system across headquarters and 25 Africa field offices, and streamlining budgeting and reporting systems. As a result, Africare today spends a full 93 cents of every dollar on programs, with only 7 cents spent on administrative and fund raising costs, earning top ratings from Charity Navigator, the American Institute of Philanthropy, and the Better Business Bureau. Coles has opened new doors for private donors, foundations and corporations. In addition to expanding the Africare funds development horizon, Coles has spearheaded the opening of Africare offices in Paris and Ottawa. The current Africare Board of Directors was strengthened with the election to the chairmanship of W. Frank Fountain, Chairman, Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation and Advisor to Chrysler LLC; and the elections of Ambassador Howard Jeter, former President and CEO of the Leon H. Sullivan Founda-
tion; Barbara McKinzie, National President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; former Senator William H. Frist, M.D.; Alexander B. Cummings, Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President, The Coca Cola Company; and Gail Koff, Esq., Founding and Managing Partner, Jacoby & Meyers, LLC. On the program side, Coles added water and sanitation as one of the key program areas, along with food security and agriculture, health and HIV/ AIDS, and emergency and humanitarian response. With steadfast commitment to Africare’s mission “to improve the quality of life for the people of Africa,” Coles has opened new programs across the continent, partnering with the U.S. Government, African national governments, private foundations, and non-governmental organizations. Coles’ initiatives have strengthened Africare’s reputation as a trustworthy grassroots organization that works hand in hand with local communities, using integrated strategies and innovative techniques. Africare Board Chairman W. Frank Fountain says Coles has “performed tremendously.” “When Julius Coles took over the reins of Africare, he had very big shoes to fill. C. Payne Lucas had led Africare for over 30 years and was a legend in his time. Julius has taken the organization to new heights in terms of management efficiency and expansion of resources devoted to Africa that few other private organizations have achieved in the U.S. and around the world. Millions of people across Africa are far better off today than they were when Julius came on board. Julius’ contribution to Africare will be remembered as one of the most successful in Africare’s history. He and the Africare team have developed the organization to a point where it is now poised to move into a new era of more growth. After a long career in public service, most of it devoted to Africa, Julius has earned the right to retire, rest, relax and enjoy some of the hard-earned fruits of his labor on behalf of the betterment of humankind. Julius will be truly missed.” Looking back over his tenure at Africare Coles observed, “The past seven
28 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
“A FEW NOTES ON AFRICA” U.S. Presidential Delegation Attends South African Inauguration President Obama dispatched Ambassador Ron Kirk, the U.S. Trade Representative, and senior members of the President’s administration to represent the United States at the inauguration of the President of South Africa on May 9th in Pretoria. The President congratulates the people of South Africa on another successful election – the fourth in the post-apartheid period – and looks forward to a close working relationship with the incoming administration in South Africa.
if not the greatest popular musician the country has ever produced. Tilahun Gessesse - known to some simply as ‘The Voice’ - died on 31 May 2009 at the age of sixtyeight. He was in the music business for half a century performing in the distinctive Ethiopian jazz style.
invest in Africa’s health sector; and promising US$ 18 million to help Green Resources plant 8,000 hectares of forest in Tanzania. www. ifc.org.
Recent IFC Actions in Africa
The US President will visit Ghana following the G8 meeting in Italy in July. 2009. The president has recently visited Egypt. www.g8italia2009.it
Ethiopia is mourning what many describe as one of the greatest -
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has been very busy on the African front opening an office in Sierra Leone; investing up to US$ 50 million in Creative Energy Resources in the Middle East and North Africa; creating the “Health in Africa Fund” a new private equity fund that will
years have been some of the most challenging of my professional career. Not only have I gained experience and exposure as the head of one of the premier NGOs working on the continent of
Africa, but I have learned a great deal managing a complex organization with 25 field offices and over 1,000 employees. My belief in the people of Africa and my respect for their cultures has
Great Musician Dies
President Barack Obama meets with Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete in the Oval Office Thursday, May 21, 2009. This was the President’s first meeting with an African Head of State. A bust of Martin Luther King is at far left. (Official White House photo by Pete Souza)
West Africa’s Submarine Cable Projects Get Funding A numbers of banks have backed the US$ 240 million West Africa submarine cable initiative. The African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a US$ 66 million facility for a submarine fibre optic cable.
President Barack Obana to Visit Ghana
SEE YOU ON THE CONTINENT.
only grown since my first experience as an Operation Crossroads Volunteer in Senegal, West Africa, after my junior year at Morehouse College 46 years ago. It is time for new leadership at Africare and a new generation of committed and energetic professionals who will carry on the important mission of the organization. For my part, I look forward to helping in any way I can to further the values and goals of Africare and the Africare family.” A graduate of Morehouse College, Coles also earned a Masters of Public Affairs from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He then spent 28 years in the Foreign Service, retiring with the rank of Career Minister, and later served as Director of Howard University’s Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center and Morehouse College’s Andrew Young Center for International Affairs. The recipient of several prestigious awards including the James Madison Medal from Princeton University and the Morehouse College
29 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
see Julius Coles on page 46
30 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Financial Services Constortium Presents...
Let’s Do Business 2
Thursday, July 30, 2009 • 7:30am - 5:30pm Westin Bonaventure Hotel - Downtown Los Angeles 404 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
www.ldb2.com
Economic Recovery Websites
T
he websites shown here provide information on the American Economic Recovery Process. Monitor the nation’s economic life cycle for yourself. The President www.whitehouse.gov
Supplier Diversity Contract Bid Opportunities The Financial Services Consortium with their “prime” financial services suppliers, in partnership with a coalition of community based organizations, such as the BBA, will host a one day business development forum to review contract opporunities for qualified diverse suppliers. Let’s Do Business Minority Technical Assistance Scholarship Program The Let’s Do Business (LBD) grant funds various pre-approved techinical assistance and educational programs to qualified diverse business owners. All scholarships will be awarded by the Small Business Technology Development Center. Follow this link to download the Scholarship Application form - www. ldb2.com/scholarship-application.pdf. The scholarship deadline is July 1, 2009. BBA Members are highly encouraged to apply.
National Economic Recovery www.recovery.gov Track Health Reform www.healthreform.gov U.S. Department of Education www.ed.gov/index.jhtml U.S. Department of Energy www.energy.gov U.S. Department of Commerce www.commerce.gov
BBA Members are encouraged to register for the event and apply for the scholarships ASAP!!!! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your foot in the door with the Financial Services Industry.
U.S. Treasury www.ustreas.gov Grants.gov www.grants.gov California’s Economic Recovery
www.recovery.ca.gov Caltrans
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Leon H. Sullivan Summit Awards Celebration August 27, 2009
The gala event formally announces the date and location for the upcoming Leon H. Sullivan Summit and celebrates and honors leaders in the global community who have made a significant difference in our world - particularly as it relates to uplifting the lives of the poor. Our Invited Honorees Include: Winston Duncan, Mia Farrow, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Herbie Hancock, Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Quincy Jones, Tyler Perry
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - Eisenhower Theater, Washington, DC Tickets are: VIP $125 and $100 To purchase tickets or for more information contact The Summit Office • 202-736-2239 • www.thesullivansummit.org
31 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Technology:
Take a Look! by LaSandra Stratton Check out what these firms and organizations have to offer for your personal interests, personal wealth building, and business expansion opportunities.
www.nationalservice.gov The Corporation for National and Community Service plays a vital role in supporting the American culture of citizenship, service and responsibility. We champion the ideal that every American has skills and talents to give. The Corporation is the nation’s largest grantmaker supporting service and volunteering. Through our Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, we provide opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to express their patriotism while addressing critical community needs.
www.mlkday.gov/
California Black Chamber Foundation
Annual Juneteenth Community Recognition Luncheon Friday, June 19, 2009 • 11:30 am-2:00 pm Sheraton Grand Hotel • Sacramento, California Celebrate the contributions that African Americans have made not only in the state of California, but the United States of America. CBCF, 2951 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 175, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 Tel: 1-916-463-0177 • E-mail: cbcc@calbcc.org • Website: www.calbcc.org
The King Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings into community service that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, such as fixing up a school or senior center, or it may meet a need of the spirit, such as building a sense of community or mutual responsibility. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects. Visit the website to get ready now for 2010. Submitted by LaSandra Stratton BBA member, Chair of the BBA International Trade Committee.
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35 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
If you’re having trouble making your house payment, you’re not alone. Call us. We may be able to help. If you’re a Countrywide mortgage customer having a difficult time making your house payments, call one of our specially trained Home Retention Specialists. Countrywide wants to help you to keep your home. The sooner we can talk, the sooner we can try to help.
Call Countrywide Mortgage Help: 1-888-200-5872 Reference number: 222 5 AM – 9 PM PT, Monday – Thursday 5 AM – 7 PM PT, Friday
Equal Housing Lender. © 2008 Countrywide Bank, FSB. Member FDIC. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Bank, FSB, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries.
FAME ASSISTANCE CORPORATION FREE CREDIT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS
OERP!
HELD EACH MONTH AT
1968 W. ADAMS BLVD., LOS ANGELES
Shop with BBA Advertisers & Members
CALL FOR INFORMATION OR RSVP 323-730-7720
SPONSORED BY
36 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
African Marketplace Boutique
Crenshaw-Baldwin Hills Mall, Crenshaw & King Blvd. Los Angeles, California USA
Queen Aminah’s Clothing
Joseph Business School PRESENTS AN
ECONOMIC
EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT
New Location! BALDWIN HILLSCRENSHAW MALL African Marketplace Boutique, Suite #285 323-293-3277
A Royal Blend of all natural West African herbs and fiery spices
Specializing in quality products for the whole family imported directly from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Mali including: •Cultural Clothing for men women and children •Arts, Sculpture, Masks from the African Diaspora •Authentic Jewelry from African Designers Queen Aminah’s Clothing also offers Community Outreach Services: •Fashion Shows for Churches, Organizations and Civic Associations •Black History Presentations for Schools, Churches, Corporations and Government Agencies •Rites of Passage Programs for AtRisk Teen Girls, Teen Mothers, and Adult Women
www.kingspepper.com 323.291.4267 Before you grill, before you bake,
Buy King’s Pepper
and Shake, Shake, Shake!
JUNE 24–26, 2009 AT ZOE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF WHITTIER 10252 MILLS AVENUE.
For information, please contact Personal Services Plus Event Management Company at (626) 791-3847 or email courtney@ personalserivcesplus.com.
Buy King’s Pepper African Marketplace Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw Mall Los Angeles
Shop with BBA Advertisers
37 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
38 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
15 Questions to Measure the Strength of Your Home Page By Tom Now for StartupNation www.startupnation.com
T
he home page is typically where most site visitors will enter your website. It can determine whether a prospective customer is intrigued and eager to learn more, or is instead confused, frustrated and turned-off. Let’s face it – your home page is one of the “Money” pages on your website, so it better be effective. Therefore, it would behoove you to spend time revisiting your home page and making sure that it answers these fifteen fundamental questions to drive your business results.
1. Who are you? Does the home page make it explicitly clear who you are, including your company name, your logo and your tagline? Is it clear if you are a services firm, retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer, B2B firm, or B2C firm, etc.?
2. What are your products or services? You would be shocked at how many websites do not make this clear on their home page, but instead assume that of course the site visitor knows exactly who they are and what they sell. Big mistake. Don’t assume anything.
3. What can I do here? Assuming you make it clear what you sell, is it just as clear what the site visitor can do on your site, whether it be a purchase, a download of a free trial, or engagement in a community?
4. What’s your identity? Are you professional and reliable? Are you cool and cutting-edge? Are you fun and silly? Make it clear on the home page, and then be consistent with your identity throughout the site.
5. Is your design helping you? Too many small business owners think that just having a website is good enough regardless of what it looks like,
and they sacrifice design. Remember, though, that site visitors are real people, and they get it when a site is amateurish.
6. What’s your differentiation? Clarify how you are different, and the unique value you offer the site visitor. Do you offer the highest quality? Are your prices the cheapest? Do you have the broadest selection? Is your customer service absolutely amazing?
7. What does the website include? The home page needs to ground the new site visitor. Does your home page provide a clear view as to what’s included in the site from a high level? Does it answer the visitor’s question of “What can I find here?”
8. Are you being a “tease”? Like the cover of a magazine, your home page should entice new site visitors to want to check out additional pages. This can be anything from special promotions to free eBooks to announcements of upcoming events.
9. You don’t force me to scroll, do you? Is your home page succinct and to the point? Or are you expecting your site visitors to scroll and scroll and scroll to read everything you have to tell them? Remember, many people do not scroll.
10. Is your home page scanable? Most website visitors do not read through an entire page, but instead scan the page. To that end, it’s important that you are providing them with visual cues, such as headers, subheads, images, movies, links, etc. And remember to leave sufficient white space on the page – clutter can be a major obstacle to website usability.
11. Do you provide timely content? If you are a publisher, do you make the latest and freshest content clear
and easy to find? If you are offering a special promotion, is it prominently displayed?
12. Do you weight your home page elements according to importance? Is every element on your home page the same size and treatment? If so, are you sure you are not paralyzing your site visitors? Are you sure that your home page is scan-able (see above)? Allocate different weights to the different elements on your home page to ensure the page is guiding visitors in line with your business priorities.
13. Why should I trust you? Many site visitors have no clue who you are, yet they always have options for going elsewhere on the web. Therefore, it’s critical to convey a sense of trust. This can include trustmarks such as from the Better Business Bureau, association membership logos, associated charity logos, a link to your privacy policy, etc.
14. Do you include clear Calls to Action? Does your home page clarify what the site visitor is supposed to do next, whether learn more, download, view a comparison table, purchase or otherwise?
15. Where’s the pizazz? Your site visitors are real people. Don’t bore them to tears. Add pizazz to your home page, but realize that this does not mean bells and whistles. Focus on delivering a deeply satisfying experience. This could mean an insightful solution to their biggest problem, an amazing client testimonial, a free widget, a free book, a community or a resource center. These are just a few tips to help you create a great website that drives your business success. If you need additional help, let me know at www.startupnation.com or at www.WebsiteMarketingNOW.com. Thanks!
39 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
3rd Annual Leimert Park Village Book Festival www.leimertparkbookfair.com
Saturday, June 6th • 10 am – 6 pm Leimert Park Village Theatre Parking Lot (43rd Street & Degnan Blvd.)
Writers, storytellers, spoken word performers, poets, publishers, artists, illustrators, booksellers & literary vendors Special Highlights: •Four Presentation Stages •Meet the Authors •Children’s Village & Reading Corner •Music, Entertainment •Food Pavilion Court FREE & FUN For the Whole Family! Eso Won Books • 4331 Degnan Avenue Leimert Park Village • Los Angeles
For Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities call: 323.730.0628
Books to Consider... The Baron Son by William R. Patterson. William R. Patterson reveals the new mindset and strategies needed to create millions in today’s economy. Learn how to accelerate your path to financial independence and save years of wasted time. Discover ways to protect your finances, generate multiple streams of income, and quickly build wealth in any economic environment. Mr. Patterson provides an ethical road map to wealth, power, and success. Visit the website (www.baronseries.com) for information and wealth building products and services.
Dred Scott’s Revenge by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano. The Declaration of
Malik’s Books
M
a l i k ’ s Books offers a variety of collectible Obama memorabilia. We carry everything from Obama Watches to elegant 100% crystal Obama plaques. Our inventory includes all of President Obama’s bestselling novels, commemorative plates and mugs, large hand woven Obama throws, Crystal Obama plaques, Obama pins, the ever so popular Obama watches, posters, inaugural speeches, and much much more. Malik’s Books, located in the Baldwin Hills Mall in the African Marketplace on the second floor, gives you direct access to all your Obama memorabilia needs. The privately owned Malik’s Books offers a prime selection of African American books and conscious literature. Come by your community bookstore and take a look at what we have to offer.
Malik’s Books Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall 2nd Level 323-292-2212 • www.Malikbooks.com • malikbooks@att.net Independence proclaimed America’s belief in legal equality and inalienable rights. But American governments legally suspended the free will of blacks for 150 years and then denied blacks equal protection under the law for another 150 years. How did this happen in America? How were the Constitution and laws of the land twisted so as to institutionalize racism? How did it—or will it—end? In his new book Judge Andrew P. Napolitano takes a no-holds-barred look at the role of the government in the denial
of freedoms on the basis of race. Juan Williams of NPR, author of Eyes on the Prize and of a biography of Thurgood Marshall, calls it “the best history of the law and race I’ve ever read.”
The Buffalo Saga by James H. Daugherty. Mr. Daugherty was the first African American to serve on the Montgomery County Maryland S c h o o l Board, and later served for many years in a governorappointed position at the Maryland School
40 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Eso Won Books
African American Books 4331 Degnan Ave., Leimert Park, Los Angeles
“Give Books as Gifts to Friends & Family” Check out our unsurpassed collection of books, music, video, children’s books, and games!
323-294-0324 • www.esowonbooks.com //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events Wednesday, June 10th - 7:00pm Attica Locke will sign and discuss “Black Water Rising”. The novel I’ve been talking about, will be this summer’s hit. Join us to celebrate a great new writer. Friday, June 12th - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Julian Bond will be at The California African American Museum 600 State Drive (Exposition Park), Los Angeles, CA 90037. Mr. Bond will be interviewed by Denise Nicholas and he will be signing “NAACP: Celebrating a Century 100 Years in Pictures”. Thursday, June 25th - 7:00pm Gary Phillips will sign and discuss “Freedom’s Flight” and “High Rollers”. “Freedom’s Flight” is the new novel and “High Rollers” is a Graphic Novel. Don’t miss this event.
Books to Consider... for the Deaf. He retired from an administrative position in the United States Public Health Service. In WWII he served the nation as a soldier in the US Army’s 92nd Infantry Division. Those soldiers were known as the Buffalo Soldiers in a unit made up of African Americans. They were assigned to northern Italy, where they fought against German and Italian troops. They served with great distinction from late 1944 until the end of the war. Many were killed and wounded, but those that survived the devastation of war were made stronger when they came back to a still segregated USA. Mr. Daugherty was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement and a Combat Infantryman Badge for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy. http://buffalosaga. com.
Bernahu Asfaw or Getahun Asfaw
1041 S. Fairfax Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90019
323-938-8827 or 323-938-8806 Fax: 323-932-6047 messob@gmail.com • www.messob.com
Open 7 days a week 11am - 11pm
41 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Meeting Management:
Wendy’s World by Wendy Gladney
J
une is the month we kick-off family vacations and reunions, as well as celebrate Father’s Day, graduations, and weddings! So no matter what occasion you may be celebrating it’s an opportunity for you to showcase your business while honoring someone else! As I sit and write this article, we just finished the Black Business Association’s Gala Awards honoring a host of
dignitaries while paying tribute to “Black Music Month.” Also before us this month is the National Black Business Council’s “Break The Cycle Reception & MaryAnn Mitchell Scholarship.” Paying honor to such a wonderful business woman by way of giving scholarships to deserving students is a fantastic legacy that will be celebrated for years to come! If you desire to contribute, it’s never to late. Contact Rosalind Pennington at (310) 568-5000 or visit www. nbbc.org. Many businesses slow down over the summer months! Don’t make that mistake. Keep your name alive by sending out Newsletters, set up a Blog, or create a Facebook Page…no matter what, keep your “branding” before your clients! To keep up with what’s happening with Wendy & PSP visit us on Facebook or check out our blog www.personalservicesplus.blogspot.com. PSP’s Calendar of Events… • NBBC/Break the Cycle Reception – June 11th www.nbbc.org • Crystal Stairs “Community Health Fair – Preventing Childhood Obesity & Caregiver Wellness – June 13th www. crystalstairs.org • Joseph Business School Summit – June 24 – 26th •Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino Gala – September 17th www.capsbc.org • 100 Black Men of Los Angeles Gala Dinner – October 16, 2009 www.100bmla.org • U.S. Green Building Council Gala – October 29, 2009 www.usgbc.org • LeRoy Haynes Center, LaVerne, CA – November 14th www.leroyhaynes. org Give your all in all that you do. Then the PLUS won’t just be more, it will be the difference!
Sincerely,
and
Comedy Night Join the Fun! Share the Laughs!
Wendy Wendy, a BBA member, is the founder and president of Personal Services Plus, Inc., an Event Management Company. Visit www.personalservicesplus.com . You can also hear Wendy on Dominique DiPrima’s “KJLH Radio Front Page” Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.
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Government:
SBA Will Offer Floor Plan Financing to Auto, RV, Other Dealerships Beginning July 1
T
h e
U . S . Small Business Administration will offer g o v e r n ment g u a r - (l-r) President Barack Obama with anteed Dr. Ed Montgoery, Director of Recovery for Auto Communities & loans Workers to finance inventory for eligible auto, recreational vehicle, boat and other dealerships under a new pilot program announced today by SBA Administrator Karen Mills. Dealer Floor Plan (DFP) financing will be available beginning July 1, according to Mills. She announced the new program during a visit to Kokomo, Ind., with Dr. Ed Montgomery, President Barack Obama’s Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers. “Countless small businesses, including dealerships, across the country are facing significant challenges as a result of the uncertainty in the auto industry,” Mills said. “Floor plan financing can offer some dealerships the opportunity to get through these tough economic times by allowing them to keep their inventory and cash flow in tact, as well as save the jobs these small businesses provide.” Mills and Montgomery discussed the new DFP pilot program, as well as other resources offered by SBA and the federal government to help small businesses in communities impacted by the troubles facing the auto industry. “Small businesses are the engine of our economic growth,” Dr. Montgom-
ery said. “We are committed to finding ways the federal government can cut through red tape and get resources to these companies quickly during these tough economic times. From supporting nearly $4 billion in lending to small businesses across the country since February to the Dealer Floor Plan fi-
nancing announced today, the SBA is making the resources provided in the Recovery Act accessible and working to provided needed credit. The President is committed to continuing to work with federal officials to identify resources see Floor Plan Financing on page 45
$20 Billion in Infrastructure Building Bonds Can Mean Money for You!
Sign Up Now for the California Construction Contracting Program If your business provides services, from asphalt to porta-potties; from backhoes to fencing; from catering to architectural and engineering services, now’s the time to prepare for the upcoming reconstruction projects from Caltrans and other municipal agencies. FREE construction-related business management advising and training is available through the California Construction Contracting Program. Contact the El Camino College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for more information or visit www.buildcalifornia.org.
El Camino College SBDC
43 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
13430 Hawthorne Blvd. Hawthorne, CA 90250 310.973.3177 www.southbaysbdc.org
Zizini Safaris, Inc. Zizini Safaris provides the traveller with an unsurpassed and memorable experience of a lifetime in Tanzania. We share with you the beauty of Tanzania; its rich natural resources, warm, friendly people, and a wealth of cultural experiences; offer the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the flora and fauna of these beautiful lands, which will evoke the need to protect and enhance these experiences for today and future generations.
Zizini Safaris, Inc. 466 Old Craigville Road Centerville,MA 02632 (866) 948 ZIZI (9494) info@zizinisafaris.com www.zizinisafaris.com
Tuesday, July 14th “For everyone interested in doing business with Metro”
Listen to
KDEE 97.7FM Watch & Support the Africa Channel! Time Warner • Channel 176
Don’t have the Africa Channel in your area? Call Time Warner at: 1-888-8922253 and ask that the Africa Channel be broadcast to ALL regions of California. For information on the Africa Channel visit www.theafricachannel.com or send an e-mail inquiry to info@theafricachannel.com.
The California Black Chamber Foundation’s Radio Station
LIVE on Your Computer
www.kdeefm.org
44 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
SBA Offers Floor Plan Financing
Alberto G. Alvarado, Director Los Angeles SBA District Office from Floor Plan Financing on page 43
like these that make a real difference in the lives of our auto communities and workers.” Floor plan financing is a line of credit that allows dealers to borrow against their inventory, and then repay that debt as they sell their inventory or borrow against the line of credit again to add new inventory. Under the DFP pilot program, the SBA will provide loan guarantees for lines of credit through its 7(a) program. DFP loans will be made through SBA lenders only for titleable inventory, including autos, RVs, manufactured homes, boats and motorcycles. The pilot program will begin July 1 and will be available through Sept. 30, 2010, at which time the SBA will make the determination of whether or not to extend the program. DFP loans will be available for a minimum of $500,000 up to the $2 million allowable under the 7(a) program. With a maximum repayment term of five years, the loans will come with a 75 percent government guarantee. Borrowers will also benefit from the temporary elimination of fees on 7(a) loans made possible by the America’s Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
During a roundtable discussion later in the afternoon with local small business owners Mills provided information on other SBA loan programs and benefits provided by the Recovery Act. Specifically, small business owners can take advantage of higher government guarantees on some 7(a) loans, as well as reduced fees on both 7(a) and 504 loans. The agency is also providing more tools to help small businesses compete for federal government contracts, along with technical assistance and counseling for business owners and entrepreneurs to help them deal with the economic challenges they face. ““We are committed to being the real partner small businesses need at this critical time,” Mills said. “Floor plan financing is just the latest tool in our toolbox to help small businesses in communities like Kokomo weather this recession and drive our nation’s economic recovery.”
Monitor the Recovery A private sector tool developed for monitoring the progress of the nation toward economic recovery is the Fortune Recovery Index. Found at www.fortune.com/recoveryindex, you may use the software tool to check out the strength of the economy via seven different metrics and chart the path to date of each one. Checking the recovery index periodically might help you be the one who in the know regarding early signs of the economic rebound. The early bird makes the most profit, maybe.
www.themarathonclub.org
45 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Thursday Blues at
Uncle Darrow‛s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday
Come by for lunch and relax to blues and jazz from our house band! 2560 S. Lincoln Blvd. Marina del Rey North East corner of Washington & Lincoln
“LA Times Magazine favorite cajun food”
Africare from page 29
National Alumnus of the Year, Coles has also been a member or served on the board of numerous well-known organizations including the National Academy of Public Administration, the Council of Foreign Relations, and the UNESCO International Commission on the Gorée Memorial (Senegal). Mr. Coles looks forward to retiring to his home town of Atlanta, Georgia, where he will remain active in international affairs through his local Rotary Club, the university community, and through the
completion of his term on the Board of the African Development Foundation, to which he was appointed by former President George W. Bush. The Africare Board of Directors has retained the international search firm Heidrick & Struggles to fill the upcoming vacancy. Heidrick & Struggles has been in operation for more than 50 years, providing senior-level executive search and leadership consulting services, including talent management, board building, executive on-boarding and M&A effectiveness. Heidrick & Struggles leadership experts operate from principal business centers in
310-306-4862
www.uncledarrows.com North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific. A new Africare president is expected to be named in the fall. Africare is a leading non-profit organization specializing in African development aid. It is also the oldest and largest African-American led organization in that field. Since its founding in 1970, Africare has delivered more than $760 million in assistance and support — over 2,500 projects and millions of beneficiaries — to 36 countries Africawide. Africare has its international headquarters in Washington, DC, with field offices currently in some 23 African countries.
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Shop with BBA Advertisers & Members
2009 Events
TBD •Trade Mission to Washington, DC September •Black Busines Day Conference & Luncheon October •Utilities Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon • Call for information •
323-291-9334 47 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Leimert Park Village An African American Cultural, Retail, Foods & Entertainment Center. Degnan Boulevard between
Crenshaw & Leimert Blvds. 43rd Street-43rd Place, Los Angeles
SPECIALTY CAKES AND CATERING 820 N. La Brea Ave., #D • Inglewood, CA 90302
(310) 677-9979 gwensspecialtycakes.com
“You’ll Love That Homemade Taste” • Cakes & Catering for All Occasions • Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m - 6 p.m Sunday and Monday by Appointment
Shop, Eat, Relax in
Little Ethiopia
Experience Africa in America
Culture, Retail, Entertainment Fairfax Boulevard
between Pico & Olympic in Los Angeles
48 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Black Business News International Edition Four issues a year Winter • Spring • Summer • Fall
Call for advertising rates and information. Call to be added to the International Edition mailing list.
323-291-9334 or e-mail:
mail@bbala.org
Lucy Florence Culture Center 3351 W. 43rd St. Leimert Park Village Los Angeles, CA 90008 Shop our boutiques Enjoy our Cuisine Exquisite Venue for your Special Event ……
Down Home Pot Roast Seafood Gumbo Chicken/Chicken Sausage Gumbo Smokey's Rice & Beans www.smokeyrobinsonfoods.com • weloveourcustomers@sfglfoods.com
Tinashe @ the Boardroom inside Lucy Florence
We are open daily! 1-6pm
Tote & Satchel HANDBAGS, beautifully restored, one-of-a-kind vintage HANDBAGS, the hottest DESIGNER SHOES, Cuff links, sterling silver jewelry, and Italian handmade Murano glass JEWELRY.
49 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
OERP starts with ME.
Shop with BBA Advertisers & Members
Hong Kong Book Fair Catalog Show July 22-28, 2009
The CS Global Publishing Team invites you to showcase your titles at the Hong Kong Book Fair! With a stable rule-of-law, English fluency and the world’s freest economy, the Hong Kong market is an important one for U.S. publishers. For the first time ever, CS Global Publishing Team is coordinating a U.S. Pavilion at the Hong Kong Book Fair to showcase American titles. The Hong Kong Book Fair takes place July 22-28, 2009. Last year’s event boasted 485 exhibitors and over 829,000 retail visitors. Put your titles in front of these exhibitors and attendees by participating in our U.S. Pavilion. For $100, you can showcase your titles at our U.S. Pavilion and enjoy the following: • Internet promotion: An introduction of the U.S. publishers and titles on CS Hong Kong website • Media exposure for U.S. participants • Help matching titles to interested Hong Kong and Chinese publishers • Post event de-brief webinar session The deadline to sign up is July 8, 2009. Publishers will need to send sample books to our Hong Kong office no later than July 10, 2009. Each publisher can showcase a maximum of 5 titles. Once you register, we will provide shipping details. There is a space limit, so we will be accepting participation on a first come, first serve basis. We are limiting participation to 30 publishers, and will assess titles beforehand to ensure that the Hong Kong market is a good fit for these books before approving participation. We are also planning a post-fair webinar to provide participants with information about the show. To register, please contact Publishing Team Leader Dawn Bruno at Dawn.Bruno@mail.doc.gov or 212-809-2647. For more information about CS Publishing Team activities, visit www.buyusa.gov/publishing. Dawn Bruno, Global Publishing Team Leader dawn.bruno@mail.doc.gov • www.buyusa.gov/nyc
http://hkbookfair.hktdc.com
NATIONAL YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAM COMES TO LOS ANGELES The Los Angeles Clippers is offering a unique youth program to area boys and girls ages 4 to 18. The National Basketball Academy will run a specially developed youth basketball program including camps, clinics, tournaments, leagues and youth basketball training beginning in the summer of 2009. The academy will work with local schools and recreation programs to bring camps into communities throughout the area. The program, the Los Angeles Clippers Youth Hoops Program, will begin this year with clinics, skill and performance training programs and 5 summer camps and will have programming available every month throughout the year. Every participant will receive tickets for Clippers games as well as great basketball instruction. To learn more about the National Basketball Academy, visit www.thebasketballacademy.com. 2009 CLIPPERS BASKETBALL CAMP LOCATIONS California Lutheran University 60 West Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 June 29-July 03, 2009 9:00 am-2:30 pm Cabrillo High School 2001 Santa Fe Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90810 July 13-17, 2009 9:00 am-2:30 pm Morningside High School 10500 Yukon Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90303 July 20-24, 2009 9:00 am-2:30 pm Citrus College 1000 West Foothill Boulevard, Glendora, CA 91741 July 27-July 31, 2009 9:00 am-2:30 pm American Sports Center 1500 S. Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92805 Aug 3-Aug 7, 2009 9:00 am-2:30 pm
51 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Calendar June…
4th 35th Annual Black Business Association Awards Dinner Millennium Biltmore Hotel 6-10 pm
Call: 773-323-2934 4th “Meet The Buyers” Meet Metro’s Strategic Business Unit leaders to discuss contract opportunities from 8:30 am to Noon. Metro Headquarters Building, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles. R.S.V.P.s preferred. Contact Lizette Garcia at garcial@metro.net or 213-922-2416.
9th LADWP Business Development Expo and Workshops The annual event begins with Registration at 4:00- 5:00 p.m. and the expos, networking and workshops from 5:00-9:00 p.m. LADWP Headquarters, Auditorium & A-level Lobby, 111 North Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
24th-26th Economic Empowerment Summit The The Joseph Business School (JBS) 3-day summit theme is “Strategies for Building Wealth and Kingdom Influence”. Guest speakers include Dr. Bill Winston, Founder of JBS, Pastor Ed Smith, Pastor of Zoe Christian Fellowship, and Dr. Isaac Horton III, prolific inventor and national figure. The summit will be heldd at Zoe Christian Fellowship of Whittier located at 10252 Mills Avenue. For further information on the summit, please contact Personal Services Plus Event Management Company at (626) 7913847 or email courtney@personalserivcesplus. com.
26th 2nd Annual India Trade Conference Devoted to those trading with or interested in trade with India will be held at the SCE/CTAC Conference Center, 6090 N Irwindale Ave, Irwindale, 91702 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Lunch and a reception provided. Registration
information is at www.QuantaCo.com/itc or call 949.480.9466 x888.
27th-July 1st 2009 Annual Conference - Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund The conference will take place at the Hyatt McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. Get information or register at www.rainbowpush.org or call 773-373-3366.
29th-30th G8 Corporate Africa Infrastructure Investment Conference The conference will take place at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington in London. Get information at www.corporate-africa.com/nepad2008.
July… 18th Black Sports Agents Association (BSAA) Awards Gala Gala fundraiser will be held at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California. BSAA hosts sports camps and concerts for kids along with mentoring programs. Contact Tyler Turner for sponsorship and participation information Email: tyler. turner77@gmail.com Phone: (310) 936-9354.
22nd-24th NBCC 17th Annual Conference National Black Chamber of Commerce conference information is available at www.nationalbcc.org. Send e-mail to info@nationalbcc.org.
Morte 2009 Experience the culture of Afro-Brazil on this exciting tour. See details on page 49. For information send an e-mail query to info@ctoinc. com.
26th-28th MBDA MED WEEK Minority Enterprise Deveopment (MED) Week will be celebrated in Washington, DC. MED Week is the largest federally sponsored conference held on behalf of minority entrepreneurs and business enterprises. For information www. MEDWeek.gov.
27th Leon H. Sullivan Summit Awards Celebration - Africa Rising The gala awards dinner will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. For information visit www.thesullivansummit.org.
September… 3rd-7th BlackEnterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge 2009 JW Marriott Grande Lakes, Orlando, FL. Go to www.blackenterprise.com/begt.
For a complete listings of events around Southern California visit SAVETHEDATECENTRAL.com
Send your event notice to:
22nd-25th 13th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership / MultiCultural Tourism Summit & Trade Show The 4-day summit will take place at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa. Topics include means of becoming a hotel owner or investor and participating in the tourism industry. Register at www. nabhood.com or call 323-291-9334 for detailed information.
August… 7th-11th
Calendar at mail@bbala.org.
ww.bbala.org
•Contracting Information •Employment Opportunities •Links to Sponsor Websites •Event Announcements •Resources:
2009 Leadership Institute The Tavis Smiley Foundation Youth 2 Leaders program for high school and middle school students will be held on the campus of UCLA. Participation application deadline is May 31st. See details at www.youthtoleaders.org.
9th-16th Bahia, Brazil - Festival of the Boa
52 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
• President’s Message • Financial Management • Meeting Management • International News • BBA Publications • Other Information
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Please complete then submit this form with your payment. Please type or print. Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Telephone: E-mail: URL: Type of Business: W/MBE Certified by:
Fax:
Year Established:
NAICS Codes: Briefly describe your products and/or services
New membership Renewal Membership
Select Type of Membership Regular Member-$200 annual dues 51% African-American owned, Voting membership
Corporate Member-$2,500 annual dues Major corporation, Non-voting membership Associate Member-$100 annual dues Non-business owner, Non-voting membership Student Member-$25 annual dues Full-time registered student, Non-voting membership Amount enclosed $ Payment type: credit card Visa MasterCard Card #: Signature Fax Payment to: 323-291-9234
Exp. Date
/
Payment type: check/money order—make payable to: Black Business Association Mail to: P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA For information Call: 323-291-9334 Email: mail@bbala.org Website: www.bbala.org
VERACITY REALTY, INC. “Dedicated to Truthfulness” Let us see what we can do for you in both Commercial & Residential finance!
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Rhonda Thompson, Residential Loan Officer Phone 800-455-2142 Cell: 323-387-9439 CA Dept. of Real Estate, Real Estate Broker: 01781216 *APR: Includes appraisal, title insurance, escrow, points & other loan cost is 6.487%
Brenda Wright from Wright page 24
a store manager. She has held various retail banking positions including both regional director and division manager for Premier Banking, and district manager in the San Francisco region. Wright created the Ambassadors Program for Wells Fargo team members, a certification and training program that gives team members the opportunity to serve on community boards. She is an active leader in numerous community organizations in the San Francisco Bay area including the Museum of the African Diaspora and Asian Inc. She currently serves as a board member for the San Francisco Employee’s Retirement System. Wright was named one of
the 10 most influential African Americans in the Bay Area and received the 2007 Woman of the Year Award given by California State Senator Carole Migden. She was most recently recognized for the sixth consecutive year as one of the “100 Most Influential Women in Business” by the San Francisco Business Times. Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 10,400 stores, over 12,000 ATMs and the internet across North America and internationally.
Open Supplier Certification Process The Verizon Communications Corporation is seeking to identify a greater share of African American-owned and operated businesses to match to potential operating contracts. The data base that Verizon procurement management personnel are instructed to review is the California Public Utilities Commission Clearinghouse. BBA members wanting to expand market opportunities with a telecommunication company should consider completing a supplier certification application. To obtain an application go to the Internet web address www.cpuc.gov and visit the supplier diversity page for an online application. The BBA encourages all members to participate in this process that works to create greater opportunities for all African-American owned and operated firms. Last year the California Verizon Company reported an annual spend with African American owned suppliers in excess of $40 million.
54 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
Reach Thousands Leaders in Business and Government YOUR LINK TO BLACK BUSINESS ENTERPRISE and the AFRICAN GLOBAL ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (GAEC) The Black Business Association, SBA 2007 Journalist of the Year, is pleased to invite you to be an integral part of our publication. Black Business News - International. The Black Business News is the official voice through which public and private entities advertise business and investment opportunities, gain access to a highly affluent target market via outreach and advertising opportunities.
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55 T June 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org
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